18 Most Badass Comic Book Assassins
"No more work for hire. From today, I'll decide who needs to die."
There is nothing in the comic book universe that is cooler or more ruthless than the assassins that lurk in its darkest corners. They may not be necessarily the most publicised or widely-recognised figures in the history of graphic novels, but true connoisseurs of comics know that they are pretty much the most badass creations out there. Whether they are cut-throat mercenaries, suicidal gunmen, acrobatic martial arts experts, psychotic alien bounty hunters or honed military fighters, their actions and their designs are always among the most terrifying and popular amongst comic fans. There are many assassins out there, but this list focuses primarily on those that strike fear into the hearts of the ever-popular Marvel and DC universes. Nine are included from each, with the Marvel contract killers first and the DC mercenaries second. Some have floated around their respective universes for decades, while others have been added far more recently. There is also a notable trend towards names that include the word "Dead" or "Death", which is perhaps unsurprising given the job that these characters are renowned for doing. Who is the toughest fighter? Who is the most deliciously evil? Who has the best costume and the coolest design? Who has the most impressive kill-rate and victim list? Oh, and the ultimate comic book assassin question is pondered: who would win in a fight between Deadpool and Deathstroke?