Batman

I have to confess to having had a soft spot for Batman from the first time I saw the campy television portrayal starring Adam West in the 1960s. But I'm not alone. Earlier this year, Batman finished second on IGN's Top 100 comic book heroes of all time. And why not? Not only is the Caped Crusader super cool--as Bruce Wayne he's a wealthy industrialist, philanthropist, and playboy--but he's also got the kind of combat chops that allowed him to qualify as the only human without super powers to belong to the Justice League. No small notch in his bat belt.

Recent movie incarnations paint a darker, more complex figure of Batman, but those portrayals make him all the more compelling to a modern viewership that can identify with a less-than perfect and conflicted personality in an unforgiving world.

Strong consideration for the No. 1 spot, but alas, he is only human.

Credit: Warner Bros.