Five Superhero Characters That Started Off As Nerdy Scientists

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Some superheros get their abilities by choice, others by accident.  Now, guest writer April Labarron discusses her list of the top five superheroes that started off as nerdy scientists.

If there is one thing that a lot of superheroes have in common, it is the fact that many of them started off as nerdy scientists or just nerds in general. One reason for this is to help the reader relate. No, this does not mean that only “nerds” read comics.

However, by giving characters in comics some flaws, in this case being nerdy, the reader is able to relate to them more as a person and not just as a superhero. That being said, let's kick off our list of the top five superheroes that started off as nerdy scientists.

Spider-Man

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The only reason why Spider-Man, also known as Peter Parker, is not higher on this list is the fact that he wasn't really a scientist. He wasn't a scientist because he was still in school. However, he was into low power digital microscopes just as much as any other nerdy scientist.

He had a crush on the hot girl in school, Mary Jane, and he was your classic bookworm. In the comics, he was even called Puny Parker by all of the “cool” kids. He is your classic nerd turned superhero.

Hulk

When people think of the Hulk, they think of a hard-hitting, ill-tempered superhero. Behind that muscular green body however, is a nerdy little scientist named Bruce Banner, who is as intelligent as they come. Not only does he perform amazing experiments, but you won't like him when he is angry!

Beast

Beast, from X-men, is a extremely large and very powerful creature. However, behind his mutant powers is a super genius! When he is not fighting crime with the X-men you can find him reading a good book or doing scientific research. He is as nerdy as they come, but I bet most people would not have the courage to say that to his face.

Doctor Manhattan

Doctor Manhattan, from the Watchmen comics, is your classic case of a super genius who got caught up in one of his own experiments gone wrong. Before being Doctor Manhattan, he was simply Dr. Jonathan Osterman. He was accidentally turned into his superhero form after getting trapped in his Intrinsic Field Subtractor. Just because he is a superhero, however, he still finds time to invent new technologies.

Mister Fantastic

If Reed Richards does not belong on this list, I don't know who does. He is your classic nerdy scientist who had no plans of ever becoming a superhero. However, after traveling to space and getting caught in a cosmic radiation blast, he soon found out that he had the power to stretch his body and form it into different shapes. As seen in the comics, he also has the ability stretch his mind, making himself even more intelligent.

By April Labarron

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Author Bio - April Labarron is a native of Southern California. She has her BA in English/Literature from MSJC in Menifee, Ca. She views her freelance writing, not only as a career, but as her passion. Other areas of interest include; movies, food, singing, soccer, traveling, shopping and a continuous desire for learning.   She lives on her own and is accompanied by her Pomeranian named, Elvis. She currently resides in Temecula, CA.