10 Most Iconic Animal Characters in Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics has given us some of the most memorable characters in pop culture history, from Spider-Man to the X-Men to the Avengers. However, it’s not just humans who have captured our hearts and imaginations in the Marvel Universe. Animals have also played a significant role, with many of them becoming iconic characters in their own right. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 most iconic animal characters in Marvel Comics, from a wise-cracking raccoon to a loyal pets, and explore what makes these creatures so beloved by fans.

Rocket Raccoon

Since his introduction in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket Raccoon has emerged as one of the most beloved animal characters in comic book history. Despite his diminutive size and cute appearance, Rocket is armed with a formidable arsenal of weapons that he has designed himself. Rocket’s ingenuity and firepower make him one of the most powerful creatures in the Marvel universe. His self-made guns are among the largest he carries, contributing to his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Hit Monkey

Upon reviewing the assassin’s credentials, one might assume that he is similar to characters such as Deadpool or the Winter Soldier, given his proficiency in marksmanship and martial arts. However, upon meeting him, one would be astonished to discover that this lethal individual is actually a tiny primate known as Hit-Monkey. Through prolonged observation and study of a enigmatic assassin, Hit-Monkey has acquired all of the killer’s techniques and tendencies, ultimately achieving an impressive level of skill as an assassin in his own right.

Throg

While on an adventure, Thor encountered a fellow human-turned-frog named Puddlegulp, who had undergone the same transformation through the power of a Romani. Despite being forced to live as a frog, Puddlegulp befriended Thor. After Thor’s departure, he accidentally left behind a piece of his hammer, which Puddlegulp picked up. Surprisingly, the frog was deemed worthy and the shard transformed into a miniature hammer, granting Puddlegulp the powers of a hero. Thus, he became known as Throg, the tiny hero.

Spider-Ham

Due to the success of Sony Picture’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Spider-Man’s various alter egos in alternate realities have gained significant popularity. One of the film’s main characters is Spider-Ham, who has a lengthy and notable history in the comics.

Spider-Ham originated from a spider that was bitten by a radioactive pig, transforming it into a committed superhero named Spider-Ham. Despite being a smaller and porcine version of Spider-Man, Spider-Ham possesses all of the same powers as Marvel’s beloved hero, rendering him remarkably potent.

Devil Dinosaur

Devil Dinosaur is among the most fascinating animals in the Marvel universe and an incredibly distinctive character. His origin story takes place in Dinosaur World, but he later finds himself in the Savage Land, where he develops a close friendship with Moon Boy. Following Moon Boy’s death, Devil Dinosaur wanders through a portal and ends up in New York City, where he surprisingly manages to avoid detection by the authorities and befriends Moon Girl. The two quickly become close friends and allies.

Bast

Undoubtedly, Bast stands as the mightiest animal in the Marvel universe. This is due to her being not just a Panther, but also an ancient African goddess, akin to Ghekre. Bast holds a revered position in Wakanda, where the people worship her as their protector. King T’Challa, aka the Black Panther, assumes the panther form in homage to Bast. Although the full extent of Bast’s powers remains untested, it is evident that she is an entity not to be trifled with. Among all the creatures in Marvel’s extensive history, Bast reigns supreme as the one to have by your side in the heat of battle.

Chewie

Despite not appearing to be very close in the Captain Marvel movie, Carol Danvers and Chewie (known as Goose in the movie) are actually the best of friends. Chewie, who is an alien known as a flerken and not a Wookie, offers Carol a sense of normalcy and a break from her battles in space. However, it’s important to note that Chewie is also an alien. Although Chewie resembles a regular cat, it is actually a flerken – a creature that lays eggs and can shoot terrifying tentacles from its mouth. Despite its peculiarities, Carol has a strong attachment to Chewie and refused to give it up, even when Rocket the Racoon attempted to kill her.

Zabu

Zabu, the last surviving sabretooth tiger, has achieved iconic status as a marvel animal character in his own right, but it’s worth noting that he’s also the loyal companion of Ka-Zar of the Savage Land. After his family was slaughtered by evil Man-Apes, Zabu became the mentor of young Kevin Plunder, teaching him how to survive in the prehistoric wilderness. The two have remained inseparable ever since. In addition to being a beloved member of the Pet Avengers, Zabu’s heroic deeds have cemented his place in the hearts of fans everywhere.

Ghekre

In Wakanda, the majority of the population venerates an age-old deity in the form of a panther, but there exists a smaller faction who adores Ghekre, the god of gorillas. What makes Ghekre unique among the animal deities is not only his immense size but also his divine status. Due to their devotion to the white gorilla god, the followers of the White Gorilla Cult were exiled from the mainland of Wakanda. Although not as mighty as the panther god, Ghekre is a force to be reckoned with.

Dogpool

Deadpool leads a group of allies who come from different dimensions called the Deadpool Corps, consisting of Deadpools with diverse appearances and characteristics. Notably, the team includes a remarkable member named Dogpool, a canine possessing the same regenerative powers as Deadpool and impressive skills in wielding weapons. In the Marvel universe, Dogpool stands out as one of the most formidable animal companions.

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