The best “legacy” characters (heirs who take up a mantle) in comics are, at the top,Miles Morales,Wally West,Dick GraysonetKamala Khan. This tier list ranks emerging heroes according to their success and importance. Facts (publisher, creation) verified, no invented ratings; each character refers to its file when it exists.

The “legacy” is a strength of the comic: a new character takes the name of a hero and gives it a new lease of life, often more diverse and modern. This tier list ranks these heirs according to their success – some have far exceeded their model. Criterion: successful recovery of the coat.

Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each character refers to its file when it exists.

Tier list — legacy & heirs
A
Sam WilsonCaptain America, 2014 Jane Foster (Thor)Marvel, 2014 Kate Bishop (Hawkeye)Marvel, 2005 Riri Williams (Ironheart)Marvel, 2016
B
Miguel O'HaraSpider-Man 2099, 1992 Cassandra Cain (Batgirl)DC, 1999 Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle)DC, 2006 Kyle Rayner (GL)DC, 1994
D
PatriotMarvel, 2005 ProdigyMarvel, 2004 BatwingD.C., 2011

Tier S: the heirs who have surpassed the model

Miles Moralesis the biggest recent legacy success: an Afro-Latino Spider-Man who became a movie star.Wally Westwent from Kid Flash to Flash, often favored over Barry.Dick Graysonleft the mantle of Robin to become Nightwing, andKamala Khan(Ms. Marvel) created an immediately cult heroine.

Tier A: successful successions

Sam Wilsontook back Captain America's shield,Jane Fosterraised Mjolnir in Thor,Kate Bishopshares the name Hawkeye, andRiri Williams(Ironheart) continues the legacy of Iron Man.

Tier B: coats passed down

Miguel O'Hara(Spider-Man 2099),Cassandra Cain(Batgirl),Jaime Reyes(Blue Beetle) andKyle Rayner(Green Lantern) have each reinvented their legend.

Tier C: the notable heirs

X-23(who takes up the mantle of Wolverine),Bucky(briefly Captain America),Connor HawkeetDamian Waynecomplete the selection.

Tier D: the curiosities

Patriot,ProdigyetBatwingclose this tier list: more discreet but very real heirs.

To remember

Frequently asked questions

It's a new character who takes the name and mantle of an existing hero (Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man, Wally West becomes Flash), often to bring diversity and renewal.

Miles Moralesis the biggest recent success, which has become an icon in its own right.Wally WestetKamala Khanalso appear at the top.

Yes: Dick Grayson as Nightwing and Wally West as Flash are often considered as important, or even more appreciated, than the characters whose mantle they took over.

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