So a new feature around these here parts, one that I’m spearheading, is a weekly top 10 list by our staffers. Every week we’re going to pick a topic, and every weekend we’re going to post our various lists for all to see! So, without further ado, here’s the first one…top ten celebrities in comics!
10. Mary Jane Watson
Actress, model, no-longer-the-wife-of-a-superhero. MJ is a well known face across the Marvel universe, whether it be from her photoshoots (both swimsuit and otherwise), her soap opera spots, or her movie roles. She’s the hot red head that women want to be, and men want to be in, and Peter let her go to save his aunt? Boy must not like having a hot wife.
9. Wonder Man
As fame whores go, Simon is a pretty classic example. He used his standing as an Avengers to help market his face, eventually becoming an actor in some B and C list productions, as well as being a public face of the Avengers. During Registration he was one of the faces of the pro-registration movement, as his image was well known and responded to by the public.
8. Lila Cheney
She’s a rock star that teleports all over the galaxy putting on giant shows. So she’s an intergalactic rockstar. I think that qualifies.
7. Tony Stark
The movies set this up pretty nicely, but Tony loves the sound of his own voice. He loves the spotlight and the public eye, and he’s a household name for his antics just as much as for the fact that he’s Iron Man. He’s the public face of the entire tech industry for Marvel, I’d wager he has better name and face recognition than the President.
6. Dazzler
The Dynamic Disco Diva definitely earns her spot near the top of the list. I mean, she’s a recording artist, an actress, a mutant superstar. Sure, some might think of her as a joke, but she’s still an accomplished celebrity in the Marvel Universe.
5. Johnny Storm
Mark Millar said it best when he called Johnny the Paris Hilton of the Marvel Universe. He’s famous for being famous, and he uses the fact to go out and party. No matter how many writers have tried to shake the imagery from him, it’s inescapable.
4. Lex Luthor
Before Superman came along, Lex was the King of Metropolis. The most famous man in the city, the savior of everyone. He was the man of tomorrow, leading the city of the future into the future of which it was titled. He’s the CEO of one of the most well known businesses in the world, he was also President of the United States, and on quite a few occasions, an A list supervillain. Find me someone in the DCU that hasn’t heard of Lex, I dare you.
3. Zatanna
What some people somehow manage to forget about Z is that she’s a stage magician who just happens to have real magic. The top hat, the fishnets, the flash and substance, she’s all about putting on the act. Even when she’s being all business, she’s still Zatanna Zatara, and she was a stage magician long before she was a super hero. She’s well earned her stage title, The World’s Greatest Magician, even if her most of the crowd has no clue that the show they’re seeing isn’t an act.
2. Booster Gold
Let me run us down the checklist; did he use superheroics as a way to get endorsement deals? Check. Did he sell his likeness to be put on anything that he could? Check. Did he sell off ad space on his own costume? Check. Did he have a company named after himself? Check. Did he create a gaming resort on a living island? Check. Did he form a corporate sponsored superhero team? Check.
Ladies and gentlemen, Booster Gold.
1. X-Statix
They did press confrences before and after missions. Press confrences. Their entire existence was built around public opinion, and Q Ratings, and media interest. Vivisector and Phat pretended to be a gay couple to get more public interest. The first issue ended with the entire team dying because they were trying to boost ratings with shock value. A Princess Diana analogue came on and ran the team for a few issues. Let’s face it, the team was created to be media superheroes, taking aim at pop stars and reality TV, and superimposing the way our culture was moving on to the superhero genre, not unlike how New Warriors did several years later. Only in this case, it was remarkably well done and a must read.
