Comics have spawned countless unforgettable characters who serve as inspiration for new icons in the world of gaming. While some game characters are direct adaptations, like Batman in the Arkham series, many draw upon the spirit, aesthetics, or core concepts of existing comic book heroes and villains. These influences can be obvious, like Jinx from League of Legends echoing the chaotic energy of Harley Quinn. Other times, the inspiration is more subtle.
Top 10 Characters
Be it heroes like the stoic soldier archetype Soldier: 76 or the energetic speedster Tracer embody common comic book tropes. Even games outside the superhero genre draw from comics; the rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat mirrors the classic ninja rivalries popularized in comics. With bold visual styles and larger-than-life personalities, comic books offer a rich wellspring of inspiration for the dynamic world of video game characters.
1. Jinx (League of Legends) and Harley Quinn (DC Comics)
Hear me out.
Jinx is the better Harley Quinn than the Harley Quinn show herself and the Arcane is the better rated R female lead show. pic.twitter.com/yxmBmBG31O— Darth Spidey (@spidey_zilla) October 11, 2023
Jinx, the manic and destructive marksman from League of Legends, shares many similarities with the Batman villain Harley Quinn. Their chaotic personalities, penchant for explosive weaponry, and unpredictable actions make them mirror images of each other in different universes.
2. Overwatch Heroes and Classic Comic Book Archetypes
sweaty old man#soldier76 pic.twitter.com/LpbkhGaLqX
— PIGGMEAT (@PIGGMEATU) March 5, 2024
Many heroes in Blizzard’s Overwatch draw inspiration from archetypes established in comic books. Soldier 76 evokes the no-nonsense super-soldier, Tracer feels like a speedster ripped from the pages of The Flash, and characters like Zarya and Reinhardt embody themes of immense strength and unwavering protection.
3. Scorpion and Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat) and Marvel Ninjas
#Elektra🍴 VS #Kitana🌏
(Marvel VS Mortal Kombat)Who wins, and why?#whowouldwin #deathbattle #SHPOLL21 pic.twitter.com/i33iJxLXNt
— Who Would Win? (@WhoWouldWin13) July 10, 2021
The rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat echoes the classic comic book trope of ninja rivalries. The inspiration from characters like Elektra and Daredevil is clear, especially in their visual designs and shadowy backstories.
4. Reaper (Overwatch) and Ghost Rider (Marvel Comics)
Just came across a couple of Overwatch x Marvel mashups including Cyclops 76, iron Man Genji, but this is absolutely my favourite 😍
#Overwatch #Marvel #Reaper #GhostRider pic.twitter.com/CQyTxCd7Y4— Nick Taylor (@N_Tail) January 16, 2018
Reaper’s wraith-like form, fiery shotguns, and edgy demeanor in Overwatch bring to mind Marvel’s Ghost Rider. While their origins might differ, the skeletal aesthetic and supernatural powers they wield align with the spirit of the Spirit of Vengeance.
5. Dante (Devil May Cry) and Spawn (Image Comics)
Despite their demonic heritage and abilities, these two gun-slinging anti-heroes have confronted and killed various evils, including other demonic entities.
Dante vs Spawn
(Devil May Cry vs Image Comics)Who would win, and why?
TN:@FlamingKitty250 pic.twitter.com/icLG2255gx
— Rogue (@Rogue19896971) November 17, 2020
Dante’s demonic heritage, wise-cracking attitude, and dual pistols give him a similar vibe to Todd McFarlane’s Spawn. While Dante’s origins are different, their roles as stylish anti-heroes battling dark forces feel distinctly inspired by the tortured and badass character of Spawn.
6. Raiden (Metal Gear) and Cyborg Ninjas
Which one of those cyborg ninjas you prefer ??
.
.#raiden or #yaiba pic.twitter.com/IolDpHOQHy— Abdullah (@Mr__Hayabusa) September 24, 2016
Raiden’s transformation into a cyborg ninja in the Metal Gear series draws heavily from comic book aesthetics. Gray Fox was a clear forerunner to this trope, but Raiden’s increased use of blades and superhuman abilities make him a prime example of the cyborg-ninja archetype often explored in comics.
7. The Champions of Runeterra (League of Legends) and Fantasy Comic Book Heroes
League of Legends offers a vast roster inspired by fantasy heroes and tropes often seen in comics. Garen, Darius, and others feel like classic warriors ripped from the pages of Conan the Barbarian, while mages like Lux and Syndra embody powerful sorceresses common in high-fantasy comics.
8. Sylvanas Windrunner (World of Warcraft) and DC’s Dark Archer
You're suddenly transported in a dimension fighting with a character from your most recent game, against the hero of your most recently watched show. Who won?
Fighting with Sylvanas against Green Arrow.. we'd lose. #OTSSCommunity #Lurkforce #FridayThoughts @GlobGeekNetwork
— neil (@owzen_) September 28, 2018
Sylvanas, the Banshee Queen from World of Warcraft, shares similarities with darker comic book archers like Green Arrow turned evil. Her tragic backstory, mastery of the bow, and her undead form make her actions and motivations echo archer-villains common in comic books.
9. Link (The Legend of Zelda) and Heroic Fantasy Archetypes
While Link has a distinct video game legacy, his core design as a sword-and-shield-wielding hero battling fantastical creatures is a direct descendant of characters and settings common in comics like Elfquest and other classic fantasy tales.
10. A Variety of MOBA Characters
MOBA games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Heroes of the Storm feature numerous characters who, while not direct adaptations, play into well-established comic book tropes. Assassins, hulking tanks, mystical mages, and animalistic warriors are all common MOBA archetypes that feel at home on the pages of comic books.
Conclusion
Beyond the specific examples listed, comic books leave a broader influence on character creation in games. The bold visual styles, exaggerated personalities, and heightened conflicts common in comics provide fertile ground for game designers. While some characters might overtly draw from existing comic heroes and villains, many others subtly incorporate the dynamic energy and storytelling tropes that make comic books such a captivating medium.
