Superheroes need gadgets. Sure, some can get by on their powers alone (here’s looking at you Superman), but even they often need to turn to technology for help when it comes to fighting crime.
While the movies haven’t brought to life all the most outlandish devices used by some of Marvel and DC’s most recognisable characters, it’s still not hard to single out the ten best superheroes based on their gadget hauls! Here, we present to you our favourites, including a few you may not be expecting!
Have we missed any of your favourite gadget wielding superheroes? Do you agree with your top choices? Either way, be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
10. Spider-Man
He may have the proportionate strength, speed and agility of a spider, but Peter Parker still relies on gadgets to help him protect New York City against the likes of the Green Goblin and The Lizard.
Outside of the suit, Peter Parker is a very smart guy, and while Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man was lucky enough to have organic webbing, Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man created his own web-shooters just like in the comics! These allow Spider-Man to easily swing from skyscraper to skyscraper, and Peter’s scientific know how was also highlighted in the recent sequel as he looked to protect himself from Electro by modifying his web-shooters and webbing in a bid to take the villain down.
Here’s hoping we see even more of Spidey’s gadgets in the third movie dated for 2018…
9. Captain America
For the most part, Steve Rogers relies on himself when it comes to battling it out with a rogues gallery which includes the Red Skull and Crossbones, but where would Captain America be without his shield?
Created for him by Howard Stark (the father of Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man) during World War II, Cap’s shield is made from near indestructible Vibranium. It’s so far protected him from Hydra, the Chitauri and an angry Peggy Carter, and is used expertly by the star spangled superhero to both defend himself and as a weapon.
For now, this is really the only “gadget” used by Captain America, but as he spends more time in the present day and becomes acclimated to current day technology, don’t be surprised if we see him taking advantage of a few more in the near future.
8. Mister Fantastic
We can all agree that the Fantastic Four movies weren’t great, but for the most part, they did succeed in showing Mister Fantastic’s genius level intellect and his ability to create some incredible gadgets. Like his comic book counterpart, Reed tries and fails to create a device which will cure the team – specifically The Thing – of their new powers, but had it worked, then their story would have ended pretty quickly!
Luckily, they decide to embrace their new role as a team of superheroes and Reed later has no trouble with building a Fantasticar to transport himself and his family. Next year will see the release of a reboot starring Miles Teller as Mister Fantastic, so it will be interesting to see how director Josh Trank portrays the inventor and leader of the Fantastic Four!
7. X-Men
The X-Men use their mutant powers more than they do a range of gadgets, and while we considered highlighting Wolverine’s adamantium claws as an example, this team of superheroes have in fact turned to a number of other devices over the years.
Perhaps the most obvious example is the Blackbird, the jet that they use to transport themselves from adventure to adventure. Another is Cerebro, the machine which Charles Xavier uses to track mutants down. We actually got to see how it was created in X-Men: First Class, and it has played a pivotal role in each of the X-Men movies over the past 15 years or so. Of course, the X-Men’s villains are no stranger to gadgets either, and the creation of the Sentinels in X-Men: Days of Future Past is proof enough of that.
6. Star-Lord
His awesome dancing skills aside, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt) has a lot of great gadgets. His guns – which can be used for lethal and non-lethal purposes – are great, as is the mask which allows him to breathe in outer space.
As if that wasn’t enough, he’s equipped with small jetpack like devices attached to his boots giving him the ability to propel himself through space as well (and to quickly take out his enemies as Gamora learns early on).
Our personal favourite? His cassette player full of great songs by the likes of Blue Swede, The Runaways and Jackson 5.As a result, the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack is easily one of the best ever and shows that space weaponry aside, you really can’t top a good ol’ fashioned Sony Walkman.
