7. Captain America - Captain America: The First Avenger
I'm still in debate over Chris Evans as Captain America. The first time I saw him was the release of The Avengers cast at Comic Con, and everyone paused for just a second. What is the Human Torch doing in Captain America's spot? What is boytoy Evans doing as Captain America? And why did it all turn out right? Captain America was a very hard sell. He's iconic, constrained to the 40s, and lost in the modern age. Director Joe Johnston decided to make Captain America how a war superhero should act. The cardinal rule of superheroes - no killing - was suspended, showing war as a reality. Captain America is a more realistic superhero, making the hard decisions, and finally armed with a gun. What is most intriguing about Captain America is the potential left within the character. He's finally out of the 40s, working for S.H.I.E.L.D., and has a wealth of possibilities. Let's see how WWII ethics meet the 21st century problems. Terrorism, the drug wars, government overreach, Captain America could become representative of where the country is going, using the ethics of where it's been.
6. Hit-Girl - Kick-Ass
Wait a second...why isn't Kick-Ass on the list? He was the first hero in Millar's 'verse, starting a trend of vigilantism that defined realistic heroism. So why is this punky ten-year-old girl on the list, and not the original hero? Because Kick-Ass has never been more than the spark in the series, while Hit-Girl is a shining bloody star...with katanas, automatic weapons and a mouth more foul than the entire Boondock Saints franchise. Hit-Girl is a true hero, with a brutal training regimen and a code of hardened ethics. Does she fight for the good of the city? Kind of. Does she give mercy? Of course not. And does she enjoy slicing little pieces off drug dealers and waving it in their faces? Duh. Forget anything you read in your nice clean comic books, or have seen on Saturday morning cartoons. She's sniping any of those idiots in places too painful to mention. Best part about this ten year old super-girl is the continuity remaining. If anyone has read Kick-Ass 2, Hit-Girl, or seen the trailer, they'll understand that Hit-Girl is about to deal with her greatest threat ever...middle school. Give her a drug dealing scumbag, no problem. But staring into the distance while considering the deep creamy eyes of Justin Bieber? Somebody give me a gun.