The Most X-TREME ‘90s Comic Book Characters

First Introduced In: Spawn#1, 1992

His EXTREME Origin: CIA mercenaryAl SimmonsHis directory betrayed him. He died viciously on a mission. Arriving in hell for his evil acts, he struck a deal with Malebolgia to return to life and see his wife one last time. Making the deal with the devil went wrong. He returned horribly disfigured, gaining Hellspawn powers. Five years passed. His wife married his best friend and had a child. Simmons then pretended to be the new husband and had non-consensual sex with his ex-wife. This proved another word for antihero is often villain.

His EXTREME Powers: Spawn's body comes from necroplasm. He wears a living suit filled with destructive tools. His magic gives him teleportation, regeneration, and energy blast powers. He can even bring the fallen back to life.

His EXTREME Accessories: Spawn's living suit has chains, blades, and spikes. It also has skulls and a huge cape. As a former CIA operative and '90s comic character, he prefers using his collection of pieces to attack enemies.

First Introduced In: Amazing Spider-Man#344, 1991 (as Cletus Kasady); Amazing Spider-Man#361, 1992 (as Carnage)

His EXTREME Origin: Cletus KasadyCletus Kasady started his comic book life as a monstrous serial slayer, killing people since childhood. That wasn't enough. His origin later changed to show him dying as a child, only to be resurrected by an ancient god. While in prison, he met Eddie Brock, who recently lost the Venom Symbiote. After disgusting Brock and getting beaten by him, he planned to stab the former journalist. But the Symbiote stopped him. As Venom, Brock led a jailbreak, but he left behind the child the Symbiote was carrying. When the entity entered Kasady's blood, it gave him more extreme powers, and the two became Carnage.

His EXTREME Powers: Carnage has the usual powers: strength, durability, speed, and regeneration. But his Symbiote lets him do much more than Venom can (though Venom's powers also grow over time).

His EXTREME Accessories: The Carnage Symbiote is the ultimate super-suit, so Carnage needs no accessories. Instead, Kasady's Symbiote can change into blades, claws, and spikes to let Carnage cause destruction.

First Introduced In: The Uncanny X-Men#201, 1986 (as Nathan Summers); The New Mutants#87, 1990 (as Cable)

His EXTREME Origin: Cable exists in time travel and alternate realities, making him the living symbol of '90s comic book tropes. Mr. Sinister plans to beat Apocalypse. He clones Jean Grey, who is the Phoenix, and arranges the marriage of her clone, Madelyne Pryor, to Scott Summers. They have a son named Nathan. Nathan grows up fighting under Apocalypse's rule. He also fights a techno-organic virus that turns him into a cyborg.

His EXTREME Powers: He is the child of two of the most powerful mutants.Cable reaches the Omega level. He is one of Earth's most powerful psychics. He uses his powers constantly to keep his virus away. He has nearly every mental superpower from the book, but Cable prefers giant energy cannons to fight evil.Cable is at the Omega level. He is one of the most powerful psychics on Earth. He uses his powers to fight the virus constantly. He prefers using gigantic energy cannons instead of every mental superpower available.

His EXTREME Accessories: Cable uses cybernetic parts, energy cannons, and more tactical pouches than Deadpool. Cable is almost the poster child for '90s comic book character design.

First Introduced In: Ghost Rider#1, 1990

His EXTREME Origin: Johnny Blaze had a '70s origin for Ghost Rider. Marvel made a new host for the Spirit of Vengeance at the start of the '90s. When young Danny Ketch and his sister go to a graveyard on Halloween night to photograph Harry Houdini's tombstone, they meet a clash between Deathwatch and Kingpin's men. When Danny's sister screams, Deathwatch shoots her with an arrow. Danny runs to a junkyard with his sister, sees a motorcycle with a glowing gas cap. Touching it turns him into the new Ghost Rider, and he seeks revenge on villains.Danny KetchDanny Ketch and his sister visit a graveyard on Halloween night to photograph Harry Houdini's tombstone. They encounter Deathwatch and Kingpin's men. Deathwatch fires an arrow at Danny's sister. Danny runs to a junkyard with his sister, finds a motorcycle with a glowing gas cap. Touching the bike transforms him into the Ghost Rider, and he exacts revenge on wrongdoers.

His EXTREME Powers: Danny has the standardGhost Rider powers, which debuted ahead of their time. Super-strength and common powers are one thing. The flaming skull and the Penance Stare, which makes the receiver feel all the pain they caused, fit the '90s.

His EXTREME Accessories: He uses a motorcycle, a leather jacket, many spikes, and a magical chain. These are the most '90s accessories.

First Introduced In: The New Mutants #98, 1991

His EXTREME Origin: Wade Wilson was a disfigured mercenary. He possessed the superhuman ability of an accelerated healing factor and agility. Tolliver hired him to attack Cable and the New Mutants. Wade Wilson then appeared in various X and Marvel titles until his own miniseries in 1994.X and Marvel titles until his own miniseries in 1994.

His EXTREME Powers: Besides accelerated healing and agility, Deadpool is one of the few characters in the Marvel Universe.that breaks the fourth wall for both story and fighting reasons.Deadpool breaks the fourth wall for both story and fighting reasons.

His EXTREME Accessories: Deadpool has many katanas, guns, and an alter ego referencing DC Comics' villain Deathstroke, Slade Wilson.

First Introduced In: WildC.A.T.s#1, 1992

His EXTREME Origin: He is part of DC's Wildstorm imprint.GrifterGrifter belongs to a whole universe of extreme '90s characters. Cole Cash, a skilled marksman and lawbreaker, gets a second chance. He joins a covert group featuring members named Slaphammer, Topkick, and Deathblow. An experimental substance exposes him and his teammates to psionic powers while also damaging their morals and minds.

His EXTREME Powers:Grifter has combat skills. He also possesses telepathic and telekinetic powers. These let him make force fields, fly, and create illusions, among other things.

His EXTREME Accessories:Grifter wears a wild mask, a long cloak, bandoliers, and many pouches. Grifter appears like one of the heroes you picture from '90s comic books.

First Introduced In:The Maxx#1, 1993

His EXTREME Origin:If the name was a hint, the story of the MaxxThe Maxx story is extreme. The tale starts with a homeless man who thinks he is a superhero named the Maxx and has a strange pull toward a woman named Julia. Later, we learn Julia was beaten and assaulted trying to help a stranger. She then enters a dream world called the Outback. There, she is the hero Leopard Queen, and reality mixes with the dream world. Years later, she hits a homeless man with her car, forming a link between them. The man becomes the Maxx in his Outback. The Outback concept and psychic links continue in the series, along with the harsh city drama.

His EXTREME Powers:The Maxx hasenhanced strength, senses, and speed, linking him to the animalistic themes in the series.

His EXTREME Accessories:He wears a skintight suit in a questionable color mix and a mask with a permanent grimace and over-the-top teeth. Giant claws end his hands.

First Introduced In:Batman: Sword of Azrael#1, 1992

His EXTREME Origin:Being a test-tube baby genetically modified with animal DNA is one thing. Learning the Order of Dumas, an ancient cult, trained generations of warriors named Azrael to do it is another. Jean-Paul Valley eventually takes over as Batman after Bane breaks the Dark Knight. However, his training makes him unstable and aggressive. This causes various Robins to fight for his job and eventually take him down.AzraelJean-Paul Valley eventually takes over for Batman after Bane breaks the Dark Knight. However, his conditioning makes him unstable and aggressive. This causes various Robins to fight for his job and eventually take him down.

His EXTREME Powers:Imagine Batman's mental and combat skills. Add the usual superhero powers: strength, speed, healing, and durability.

His EXTREME Accessories:Azrael fights using an armorized spin on Batman's costume. For the extreme '90s look, it is covered with blades.

First Introduced In:Witchblade#1, 1995

Her EXTREME Origin:Homicide detectiveSara PezziniWitchblade gets mortally harmed in her job. Luckily, the ancient Witchblade is near. She meets her end and bonds with it. The Witchblade heals Pezzini and gives her new powers. But it has a vicious side; she must fight it, plus many monsters and villains.

Her EXTREME Powers:The Witchblade gives its host powers like pyrokinesis, damage healing, and super-strength. It also morphs into different tools for destruction.

Her EXTREME Accessories:The Witchblade is the ultimate '90s extreme accessory. It grants powers, shapeshifts into other items, and covers (or almost covers) its wearer in techno-organic blades.

First Introduced In:Witchblade#10, 1996

Its EXTREME Origin:The DarknessThe Darkness is an ancient cosmic entity that existed before the universe began. It hates God and passes down from host to host, giving the person nearly limitless mystical power. The story starts with mafia hitman Jackie Estacado becoming the host of the Darkness (mob ties and hitmen were big in the '90s).

Its EXTREME Powers:Listing the powers the Darkness does not grant its host is easier. It grants control over Darklings, armor that gives shapeshifting and strength that can make Superman bleed (this actually happened), zombie creation, darkness tendrils, and teleportation. The list continues. The Darkness weakens against strong light. If the host impregnates someone, the Darkness passes on, and the host dies when the child is born.

Its EXTREME Accessories:The Darkness takes armor form. This '90s look includes a mouth mask, metal tendons, random metal pieces, and clawed hands.

First Introduced In:Ghost Rider#21, 1992 (as Michael Badilino);Ghost Rider/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance#9, 1993 (as Vengeance)

His EXTREME Origin:Marvel wanted a more extreme character for the '90s, so they made a new Spirit of Vengeance. Michael Badilino's father burns alive from hellfire after Mephisto manipulates Johnny Blaze. Badilino snaps, becomes a slayer, kills his family, and blames Ghost Rider for everything. When he goes to hell, Mephisto offers him powers to fight Ghost Rider, and he becomes Vengeance. Eventually, he teams up with the heroes (apparently, all the family slaying is forgiven).

His EXTREME Powers:Besides normal powers, Vengeance uses the Penance Stare and controls hellfire.

His EXTREME Accessories:As a Ghost Rider, he has a mystical motorcycle and chain. The chain is made of bones, and the bike looks like a demon. His costume has many spikes, chains, and skulls, showing how spooky he was.

First Introduced In:Darkhawk#1, 1991

His EXTREME Origin:The son of a DA and a cop,Chris PowellChris visits an abandoned amusement park with his brothers. He sees his father taking money from the mob. He finds a magical amulet. The amulet turns him into Darkhawk. His father's disappearance makes him a vigilante.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Powers:He has force fields, armament conjuration, energy blasts, regeneration, super-strength, flight, and more. Basically, every '90s superpower.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Accessories:As Darkhawk, Chris pilots a suit of mystical armor. This armor gives him all his powers. It lacks pouches and a cape, but it has blades instead. This makes up for the missing gear.

First Introduced In:The Adventures of Superman#500, 1993

Darkhawk's EXTREME Origin:After Superman died fighting Doomsday, Project Cadmus made a replacement. Cadmus used Kryptonian DNA. The teen clone escaped before Cadmus controlled him. His heritage gave him intense anger issues early on.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Powers:At first,Superboy's powers were telekinetic copies of Superman's abilities. Eventually, he gained the same powers as the Man of Steel. These powers are arguably the most extreme in comics continuity.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Accessories:Superboy lacks pouches. He wears random belts around his body, so too many accessories are a problem. He also wears a leather jacket over his costume; this is a classic '90s look.

First Introduced In:WildC.A.T.s#1, 1992

Darkhawk's EXTREME Origin:After aliens killed his parents, Reno Brycemasters martial arts seeking revenge. An evil group called Cyberdata captures him. They experiment on him, turning him into a deranged warrior. Tragedy follows, so he takes the name Warblade to show he is '90s.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Powers:Like other WildC.A.T.s members, Warblade has alien DNA. This lets him shapeshift using liquid metal, which is more '90s than plasma. He uses these skills to block sensory attacks and become super durable.

Darkhawk's EXTREME Accessories:Warblade has a long flowing topknot, metal claws, and a head mask that does not cover his face. Warblade embodies '90s comic tropes in one character.

First Introduced In:Savage Dragon Savage Dragon#1, 1992

Savage Dragon's EXTREME Origin:The Dragon's origin remains a mystery. It starts with him waking in a burning field. That is extreme. The Dragon then becomes a Chicago police officer, fighting 'superfreaks' like the Vicious Circle. Readers learn he is the Chosen One of the Krylan royal line over time.

Savage Dragon's EXTREME Powers:He has the usual strength, durability, and regeneration. He resists telepathy and speaks many languages. His extremity comes from his name and look.

Savage Dragon's EXTREME Accessories:Dragon's large head fin acts like an organic mohawk; it is not a true accessory.

Savage Dragon's First Introduced In:Deathlok#1, 1990

Deathlok's EXTREME Origin:Deathlok is a '70s character getting a '90s reboot. In 1990, Ghost Rider appeared.Michael CollinsMichael Collins became the new Deathlok. Following '90s origin themes, he unknowingly works for an evil company, Roxxon Oil. He joins the Deathlok program after finding out his work.

EXTREME Powers: He has the usual superpowers and the computer-like skills of his predecessor. The new Deathlok model interfaces with technology and shows genius-level intelligence.

EXTREME Accessories: Pouches and cybernetic parts equip him. He uses pistols and grenades powered by the '90s energy source: plasma.

First Introduced In: Youngblood#2, 1992

EXTREME Origin: Paul Johnstone aimed for lawbreaking. A mentor redirected him toward law. Johnstone became a lawyer, but he turned down a mob offer. HIV infection hit him. His life fell apart. He ended up in the hospital. There, he met a woman whose husband had an exo-suit. Johnstone took the name ShadowHawk. He decided to fight those who harm the innocent. He also has a racist rival named Hawk's Shadow.

EXTREME Powers: His armor gives ShadowHawk strength, agility, and durability. He also becomes bulletproof.

EXTREME Accessories: ShadowHawk's suit is a large chrome accessory. It gives him his powers and an extreme look all in one.

First Introduced In: WildC.A.T.s#1, 1992

EXTREME Origin: Jeremy StoneJeremy Stone thought he was just a genius biochemist. He learned he was half alien. Discovering his alien heritage, he learned he could greatly increase his size and strength. His skin changed to a Hulkish purple-and-green.

EXTREME Powers: When bigger, Maul has huge strength. His intelligence drops. He could also shrink and boost his mental power for a time. This effect was not lasting.

EXTREME Accessories: Does an eight-pack count as gear? Maul has no '90s equipment. His massive size was a decade trope. Also, he grows horns from his back.

First Introduced In: Wonder Woman#90, 1994

Her EXTREME Origin: As a child, Artemis left Amazonian society. She entered the mortal world. There, she hustled to survive. She used her fighting skills for money. She returned to her people for a new Wonder Woman contest. She won, taking the title temporarily. She later went to the underworld and became Requiem, a more extreme hero.

Her EXTREME Powers: As an Amazonian, Artemis is one of the strongest beings. She possesses many other enhanced abilities and fighting powers.

Her EXTREME Accessories: Artemis of Bana-Mighdall wields a bow and arrow, a Lasso of Truth, and Amazonian relics. She sports an impossibly long top knot, something '90s heroes really liked.

First Introduced In: Razor Annual#1, 1993

Her EXTREME Origin: Ana IshikawaShi watches her father and brother die from a Yakuza hitman. This drives her to seek revenge and learn to become the world's greatest warrior. Her grandfather trained her in ancient warrior monk ways. She takes the name Shi, which means "death."

Her EXTREME Powers: Shi instantly reads and reacts to others' fighting styles, besides her martial arts skills.

Her EXTREME Accessories: Shi uses feudal Japanese culture elements in her outfit. She mostly fights evil with a naginata or katana.

First Introduced In: Ravage 2099#1, 1992

His EXTREME Origin: Created by Stan Lee, RavageRavage is one of few "2099" characters not based on an established hero's future self. He is a CEO framed for a killing and flees. He lands in Hellrock, an irradiated wasteland. Surgery and radiation exposure give him energy manipulation powers. His story features extreme elements like the Pollution Wars, Dethstryk, and MegaCorps.

His EXTREME Powers: Ravage first fired energy blasts from his hands. Later, he mutated into a "man-beast," gaining superhuman strength and durability.

His EXTREME Accessories: He wears pouches, pads, pieces, and a dystopian future cape. He also has a sweet dagger earring and a mullet for extra '90s extreme style.