12 Marvel and DC superheroes inspired by exotic animals

Many of our favorite superheroes draw inspiration from the animal kingdom. From Batman, modeled after bats, to Spider-Man, based on spiders, and Ant-Man, inspired by ants, the Marvel and DC universes are teeming with quirky heroes inspired by real animals. Here, we explore 12 iconic comic book characters whose traits are derived from the animal world.

12) Squirrel Girl

Created in 1992 by Steve Ditko, Squirrel Girl quickly gained popularity over the years. Doreen Green, a mutant with squirrel-related powers, made her debut alongside the Great Lakes Avengers before later becoming the nanny for Danielle Cage, the daughter of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. Despite being a mutant, she rarely collaborates with the X-Men, as Marvel aimed to give her a more light-hearted persona compared to her mutant peers. Her abilities surpass those of a typical human, granting her enhanced strength, reflexes, agility, a squirrel tail, formidable incisors, claws, and the ability to communicate with squirrels. With her amusing powers, she is a formidable opponent, having even defeated Logan in a one-on-one battle.

11) Catwoman

Is there really a need to introduce Selina Kyle? Catwoman first appeared in 1940, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. This notorious cat burglar has been adapted numerous times for the screen, with portrayals by Michelle Pfeiffer, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, and Zoë Kravitz. Although lacking superpowers, she is often associated with feline traits like agility, stealth, and a captivating allure. Marvel also gave us a version of Catwoman in Black Cat, a character from the Spider-Man universe.

10) Ant-Man

Whether it’s Hank Pym or Scott Lang, Ant-Man is the superhero inspired by ants. Created in 1962 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Ant-Man is now a widely recognized character, a member of the Avengers and the MCU. In addition to his size-altering abilities through Pym particles, Ant-Man can communicate with ants.

9) Rocket Raccoon

Introduced in 1976, Rocket Raccoon is a space raccoon whose character initially played a minor role for years. His significance grew in the mid-2000s during the crossover Annihilation: Conquest and later when he joined the Guardians of the Galaxy. His popularity soared thanks to James Gunn’s films, characterized by his heartfelt bond with Groot, sharp wit, and iconic design, making Rocket a central figure in the Marvel universe.

8) Wasp

Janet Van Dyne, created in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is another significant character inspired by insects, specifically the yellow and black wasp. A member of the Avengers and wife to Hank Pym, Janet has endured a troubled life, enduring Hank’s gradual descent into madness which ultimately estranged her from the team. Despite the hardships, she remains a powerful superhero, though her demise in 2008 during Secret Invasion was only temporary.

7) Detective Chimp

Detective Chimp made his debut in 1952 in The Adventures of Rex the Wonder Dog from DC Comics. Initially a circus chimpanzee, he evolved into a detective, taking on the mantle of his mentor, Fred Thorpe, after the latter’s death.

6) Tigra

Unlike DC’s Cheetah, Tigra is a Marvel heroine created in 1972 by Roy Thomas. The character, Greer Grant Nelson, initially suffered injuries from the HYDRA and was transformed into a human-tiger hybrid by the Cat People. A member of the Avengers, Tigra possesses all the feline abilities inspired by an ancient Cat People’s deity.

5) Blue Beetle

Established in 1939, Blue Beetle is a character from DC Comics. The recent film adaptation helped bring attention to this superhero who draws his powers from an ancient Egyptian artifact resembling a beetle. The latest incarnation, Jaime Reyes, gains superhuman abilities influenced by the insect, including a powerful techno-biological armor and the ability to fly.

4) Howard the Duck

Created in 1973, Howard the Duck is a famous character from The House of Ideas. He is a duck from Duckworld, a parallel universe inhabited by intelligent ducks. Torn from his home, Howard stems as a cynical figure commenting on human society while navigating a world he doesn’t understand. A capable fighter, he uses his skills for good and even starred in a controversial 1986 film produced by George Lucas.

3) Spider-Ham

Introducing a quirky mix of spider and pig, Spider-Ham comes from an alternate universe different from Earth-616. Popularized in Sony’s Spider-Verse saga, his origins are utterly absurd: originally a spider, named Peter Porker, he is bitten by May Porker, a pig scientist testing a nuclear hairdryer, mutating him into a pig with spider-like qualities. First appearing in 1983, Spider-Ham lives in Earth-8311.

2) Captain Carrot

Imagine Roger Rabbit with Superman‘s powers. That’s the premise behind Captain Carrot, conceived in 1980. A playful parody of Kryptonians, Captain Carrot is a giant rabbit in a superhero costume. His real name is Roger Rabbit (yes, eight years before the film by Robert Zemeckis). Created by the illustrious Roy Thomas, he lives in Earth-C, a parallel universe populated by anthropomorphic animals. Following a cosmic event linked to Superman, Roger eats an irradiated carrot, transforming him into Captain Carrot—leaving one to ponder what comic book writers consume for inspiration.

1) The Tick

Breaking the mold, The Tick is neither a DC nor Marvel character but deserves mention for its unique take. Created in 1986 by Ben Edlund, The Tick became the mascot for the New England Comics store in Boston. Dressed as a blue tick, the character satirizes classic superheroes and first starred in his own comic series in 1987. Gaining prominence through a 1994 animated series that ran for three seasons, he even made appearances in a toy race film and in two live-action series in 2001 and 2016.