Get Ready to Assemble: Marvel's Top 10 Leaders

We'd follow (almost all) of these team leaders into battle!

10 of Marvel's Greatest Leaders | Marvel Top 10

When it comes to super teams, it can be like herding cats. A group of super-powered heroes may find it hard to work together when they each have so much to offer. But a great leader can solve that problem and line up a solid, successful mission that will benefit the team, the bystanders, and the world -- even the universe!

Marvel Top 10 has chosen 10 of the Marvel Universe's best leaders. Maybe you won't agree with all of their positions, but you know you can count on them to stand up for what they believe in!

The long-time foe of the Fantastic Four is one of the Marvel Universe’s most feared antagonists! While he may be beloved in his homeland of Latveria, his name strikes fear far and wide – and for good reason. His armor not only protects him from his enemies, but its force field and concussive energy blasts turn it into an offensive weapon against those who try to strike against him. And if that wasn’t enough, he can always call on his Doombots to do his bidding.

With his genius-level intelligence, seemingly endless financial resources and an ego to carry it all, Tony Stark has all the makings of a powerful leader whether he’s directing S.H.I.E.L.D., his own company, or rounding up the Avengers. Okay, maybe he isn’t the most stable of leaders, but he certainly can take charge when called upon. And if something isn’t going according to plan, you can count on Tony to step in with some new tech.

A woman who can control the weather probably has a good idea of how to lead a team. Storm has led her fellow mutants in the X-Men as well as the Morlocks, whom she convinced to stop their attacks on humans. With so much to offer as a leader, Storm proved to be a formidable queen of Wakanda alongside her former husband T’Challa aka the Black Panther. You may not be able to count on the weather cooperating, but you can certainly count on Storm.

First a deputy of the Uncanny X-Men and later its leader, Scott Summers’ approach to leadership could be described as X-treme at times. Taking on the Phoenix Force convinced him that he could create the perfect world for his fellow mutants, which led him to abuse his own super powers. But Cyclops also rallied the decreased population of mutants following HOUSE OF M, and led the X-Men against the Avengers. Maybe things get a little out of control for Cyclops, but between his powers and his ability to lead, he’s a major force to be reckoned with.

After proving his mettle in his homeland of Wakanda, T’Challa earned his right to become the country’s king and hold the title of Black Panther. His Super Hero abilities brought him beyond Wakanda and he teamed up with several other heroes around the world (and other worlds). In due time, Black Panther became the leader of the Avengers and now, he’s reformed S.H.I.E.L.D. into the Agents of Wakanda. With his level-headed, regal approach to leadership, Black Panther is not afraid of making the changes that need to be made to make a team the best it can be.

Janet Van Dyne aka the Wasp didn’t just name the Avengers, she was also a major player in leading them. As a founding member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, the Wasp was the daughter of a scientist, but a businesswoman in her own right as well as the group’s official chairwoman. And as the Wasp, she had a lot of super powers to hold her own in a fight. The Wasp is practically synonymous with the Avengers, as one of its most long-standing members and leaders.

Nick Fury had a military legacy to live up to as the son of a WWI pilot. But even a traditional track to leadership roles doesn’t guarantee a straight-and-narrow career, especially not in the Marvel Universe. A born leader, Nick Fury served during WWII alongside the men who would become known as the Howling Commandos, the nickname of the U.S. Rangers First Attack Squad which Sgt. Fury led. After meeting Captain America and losing an eye, things took a more fantastical turn. Fury joined the OSS and was later elected the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., which set the course for this life-long leader to fight on the side of good – no matter where he had to hide.

As the founder of the X-Men, Charles Xavier has always been seen as a thoughtful leader – not just because he can use his telepathic powers to read other people’s thoughts. Very early on, he embarked on a mission to protect humans from evil mutants while stopping oppression against good mutants. Xavier has led the X-Men through numerous conflicts and battles, always with the intent to provide help to those who needed it.

Every team needs a good quarterback, and Steve Rogers is the Star-Spangled Man with a Plan. As Captain America, he has served as a leader of the Avengers but isn’t shy about expressing his disagreements if he sees a mission taking a wrong turn. Throughout his decades in Marvel Comics, Cap has never been afraid to stand up to even the most cosmically dangerous enemies. And if Steve Rogers can’t be the Captain, Sam Wilson or Bucky Barnes will take up the mantle themselves, with the same mission. If you need a leader, get the one with a strong moral compass.

Carol Danvers always had her sights set really high – but she probably never imagined reaching the cosmic heights that she has since making her Marvel debut. Since serving in the military, she has developed the focus and discipline that are characteristic of a strong leader. And as one of the most powerful Marvel Super Heroes, she’s also nearly fearless when it comes to standing up for what’s right. Not only can she form her own team like she did with Alpha Flight, but she can lead established super teams like the Avengers. Whether it’s serving as Earth’s first line of defense or standing up to an ally like Tony Stark, Captain Marvel has proven to be a practically unshakable leader in the Marvel Universe.

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