Coolest trademark weapon

[Lord Liaden]

Yes, I have contracted the polling bug!

This one I've wondered about for a long time: Which superhero do you think has the best weapon, the one that most often makes you go, "Wow, cool," when you see it in action?

Because of the vast number of super gizmos in comics, I decided on a few criteria to narrow the choices down (because it's my poll ):

The weapon should essentially be a single "thing". This excluded Batman's utility belt for example, which is really just a holder for lots of different gadgets.

The weapon should be unique and identified with its user. I fudged this a little for Green Lantern, because while there have always been other power ring users, there has usually been one "official" earthly Green Lantern.

The weapon should be used primarily for combat, although it can have other uses. That leaves out things like the Silver Surfer's board, which he rarely employs as a weapon.

The weapon should have remained essentially the same in form and function from the character's inception. Iron Man's armor has gone through a host of design changes and upgrades over the years, which was the main reason I left it off.

However, cases could be made for any of the above, so feel free to make one if you feel that something should be included.

[Monolith]

I do not think there is much which can stand up to a GL Power Ring in sheer ability. The only thing which might come close is a Mother Box.

My second choice would have been Cap's shield though.

[Chaosliege]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
Yes, I have contracted the polling bug!

This one I've wondered about for a long time: Which superhero do you think has the best weapon, the one that most often makes you go, "Wow, cool," when you see it in action?

Because of the vast number of super gizmos in comics, I decided on a few criteria to narrow the choices down (because it's my poll ):

The weapon should essentially be a single "thing". This excluded Batman's utility belt for example, which is really just a holder for lots of different gadgets.

The weapon should be unique and identified with its user. I fudged this a little for Green Lantern, because while there have always been other power ring users, there has usually been one "official" earthly Green Lantern.

The weapon should be used primarily for combat, although it can have other uses. That leaves out things like the Silver Surfer's board, which he rarely employs as a weapon.

The weapon should have remained essentially the same in form and function from the character's inception. Iron Man's armor has gone through a host of design changes and upgrades over the years, which was the main reason I left it off.

However, cases could be made for any of the above, so feel free to make one if you feel that something should be included.

This was tough. Imean GLs ring is sooo powerful, And Caps shield is practicly a simbol of american freedom. But in the end I had to give it to Spidy. His web shooters are not only inovative and versitile, but he made them himself. Peter Parker is incredibly smart, a fact that seems to be down-played a lot.

[Gary]

Foxbat's Mighty Ping Pong Gun! How could you possibly forget the ultimate in cool weapons??!!

[winterhawk]

Cap's shield by far. When handled by a good writer (Mark Waid comes to mind), it is just about the coolest thing in comics.

President Clinton: "You have a name for it (the shield)?"

Cap: "Do you have a name for your right arm?"

[Kevin Scrivner]

The Green Hornet's gas gun. Sure, it's low tech, but he had it first and it practically defines the character. We've seen Spidey win without his webs, Captain American triumph without his shield, Thor crush opposition even when he's lost his hammer. But the Hornet without his gun is just a nosey reporter in a trenchcoat.

[ZootSoot]

How could you relegate the batarang simply to "other"? That really sucks . . .

[Hermit]

Wow, tough choices.
I know it may not seem that 'unique', and yes, it's tinkered with, but what of Hawkeye's and Green Arrow's bows and arrows? They are so darn central to their characters. It's almost like the best of violins. They're special as is, but put one in the hands of a master... wow.

Still, nice list. Who wouldn't want a power ring? Cap's shield is almost worthy of enshrining (I still chuckle that Vance shares that sentiment). All of them good mentions.

I'll have to think on it.

[Lord Liaden]

Originally posted by ZootSoot
How could you relegate the batarang simply to "other"? That really sucks . . .

That's a fair question, and one I pondered for a while before I decided. The Batarang is certainly a venerable weapon that's closely identified with the Batman, but it's only a part of Batman's arsenal, and each one is essentially a single-use projectile. Like I said, though, a case could be made.

[Lord Liaden]

Originally posted by Hermit
Wow, tough choices.
I know it may not seem that 'unique', and yes, it's tinkered with, but what of Hawkeye's and Green Arrow's bows and arrows? They are so darn central to their characters. It's almost like the best of violins. They're special as is, but put one in the hands of a master... wow.

Again, a close call as to inclusion, but you picked up on my deciding factors: not only are those bows not really unique weapons, but there are two major characters who use essentially the same gimmick

[MisterVimes]

Though I am a HUGE GL fan, I went with Cap's Shield because at one point the Oans were handing out GL Rings like they were toy surprises.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by Lord Liaden
Again, a close call as to inclusion, but you picked up on my deciding factors: not only are those bows not really unique weapons, but there are two major characters who use essentially the same gimmick

Well, yeah, and Quasar has bands that are like GL's power ring. Still, good points.

I'm surprised Daredevil's club as of this post hasn't gotten a vote. Especially after the movie just came out Maybe folks just can't get thrilled by a stick.
"Congratulations Klinger, you have invented 'the stick'"-M*A*S*H*

[MisterVimes]

Originally posted by Hermit
Well, yeah, and Quasar has bands that are like GL's power ring. Still, good points.

I'm surprised Daredevil's club as of this post hasn't gotten a vote. Especially after the movie just came out Maybe folks just can't get thrilled by a stick.
"Congratulations Klinger, you have invented 'the stick'"-M*A*S*H*

Though DD's 'stick' was original when he debuted, there are few more folks with fancy sticks now and it's really not much of a trademark. I think of DD and I think of "RADAR senses" not "billyclub", even though it's a great item (and well represented in the movie)

[Supreme]

What the HECK! No props for the Batarang??? When I saw the topic title, I didn't even think of any of the others. I'm not basing this on power-level, of course. Just on coolness. I've been trying to think up a similar character concept with the same coolness for years to no avail.

[Klytus]

The thread title is the "coolest" weapon, but the poll asks for the *best*. Make up your mind!

If you want cool, the web-shooters, hands down.

If you want the best, nothing comes close to a GL power ring.