Both DC and Marvel Comics have been known to use robots, mechs, and powered-up suits to make their heroes stronger and their villains more fearsome. However, not all mechs are created equal, and some of these giant, robotic suits deserve to be picked out of the crowd and celebrated.
Within this article, a mech is defined as a large, weaponized suit that increases a hero or villain’s regular abilities in a major way. This does not include armor, warsuits or powersuits that are routinely used, such as in the cases of Iron Man, Doctor Doom, Steel, and Lex Luthor. Additionally, a mech must be in some way dependent on a pilot or pilots to work. It is not simply a robot or an AI-powered machine like Marvel’s Vision or DC’s Skeets.
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Honorable Mentions
There have been quite a few mechs in both DC and Marvel comics, but not all have been used to their full potential. These are mechs that are interesting yet weren’t used very much – if at all. Harley Quinn is one of DC’s most popular and chaotic characters. It isn’t surprising that she has at least two mechs, though neither was used in active combat. They were simply used as gags and while they looked cool, it’s unknown how well they would do in an actual fight. Harley Quinn (2013) #0 and Harley Quinn (2016) #67 both featured different versions of mechs for the titular character, each appearing in only a single panel. Meanwhile, Dark Nights: Death Metal Legends of the Dark Knights #1 featured a story focused on Batmobeast – the cybernetic car. It revealed that Batman transferred his intelligence to multiple constructs, including a large mech complete with missile launcher shoulders and other heavy duty weaponry. Unfortunately, it was barely shown.
Captain America has had two mechs: in Mega Morphs and Avengers Mech Strike. Both mechs are visually impressive, though they share a lot of visual similarities with Transformers’ Optimus Prime. Additionally, while the Mega Morphs iteration can transform into a helicopter, neither has enjoyed enough focus to warrant being a top Marvel Comics mech. Mega Morphs also featured a mech created by classic Spider-Man villain Doctor Octopus. This mech imitates the villain’s usual look, having multiple arms, but it doesn’t last very long, lacking the firepower of the best mechs.
DC Mechs
Mecha Manta appeared in Aquaman #51 and #54 for the Year of the Villain event. The mech was a present to Aquaman’s arch-nemesis Black Manta from Lex Luthor. While the mech has an AI incorporated, Black Manta’s still inside calling all the shots. This mech’s large, powerful, and Black Manta uses it without any kind of remorse. It makes him a scarier villain, particularly due to complicated familial dynamics affecting him throughout these issues.
DC’s Dark Nights: Metal and Dark Nights: Death Metal events also featured a few mechs. Death Metal #5 introduced a mech-form of Castle Bat. It contains the consciousness of an alternate-universe Batman, though it’s controlled by the Batman Who Laughs. It’s a moving fortress capable of repelling attacks from each of the major DC heroes while targeting them. Dark Nights: Metal #1 introduced several mechs designed to attack each member of the Justice League on Mongol’s Warworld. Designed by Toyman, these mechs were also capable of having their controls switched over – making them usable by the Justice League. They also had the ability to combine to form one larger mech, causing this to be one of the coolest and best used mechs in DC history.
Marvel Mechs
Mega Morphs featured several of Marvel’s heroes in mechs, but the best mechs in this series belong to Wolverine, Spider-Man, and the Hulk. Each of these mechs has the ability to transform, which is part of what makes them worthy inclusions among Marvel’s best. They are able to fight like standard piloted mechs, but they can also be used as vehicles with extra weaponry. Hulk’s becomes a tank, adding extra destructive firepower befitting the destructive hero. Spider-Man’s mech transforms into an all-terrain spider-vehicle, but Wolverine’s has the best ability of them all – it’s able to heal itself while in flight, mimicking Wolverine’s own powers. It can not only attack, but also self-repair – making it one of the most versatile mechs Marvel has created.
Avengers Mech Strike has numerous heroes suited up in mechs, but Thor’s is the one that stands out. Most of the mechs have standard firepower and offensive capabilities. They are large, they can fly, and they pack a punch. However, Thor’s actually has a hammer worthy of his godly abilities. The hammer is large, replacing Thor’s right hand, and it is capable of being combined with his ability to summon lightning. This mech, like Wolverine’s in Mega Morphs, takes a hero’s abilities and replicates it on a larger scale. Even Thanos gets a mech in this series – teaming up with the Avengers to take down Kang – with a giant version of his Infinity Gauntlet on one hand and a cannon for the other.
Red Ronin is the original Marvel mech, first appearing in 1978, long before the mechs mentioned previously. Red Ronin was built in a partnership between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Stark International, as a means of fighting Godzilla. It has been both hero and villain in different series. Armed with a laser sword, energy cannon, and a missile-firing shield, Red Ronin is the ultimate Marvel mech and is easily one of the best equipped and consistently used mechs in either comic universe.
Mecha-Mania
DC and Marvel have a long history of giving their heroes and villains mech suits, as well as many exoskeletons, robots, and AI-infused machinery, with more to come in the near future. But the best DC and Marvel mechs reflect their users, taking the unique powers that make superheroes so much fun and realizing them on an even larger canvas. The key is finding the balance between showing enough of a mech to make an impression on readers, and not over-using it to the point where it begins to outshine the hero in the driving seat. The entries above strike that balance perfectly, and hopefully the Marvel and DC mechs of the future will too.
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