Usually, when we think of superheroes, we think of strong men and women as bastions of everything good. And then there’s the anti-hero: troubled champions who fight for justice in their own way. With Deadpool hitting the theatres today, the film opens up new horizons of superheroes. Wade Wilson’s mercenary side is laden heavy with sarcasm and sass, meaning cheeky, not mother-in-law in Hindi. Let’s take a look at the smart-mouthed heroes who break conventions.
Deadpool Known as the ‘Merc with a Mouth’ Deadpool is one of the most unique superheroes out there. Played by none other than Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool is sarcastic, funny and generally breaks the fourth wall, speaking to audiences about his plans. With his super strength and invincibility, thanks to his regeneration, he is actually able to pull off slapstick like no other superhero.
“Now, gimme your milk money.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Spiderman The movies have missed the mark in portraying Spiderman ’s incredible cheekiness. Instead, he’s portrayed as an emo sap. Albeit, the reboot with Andrew Garfield did try to be a little cocky. Despite all his losses, Peter Parker manages to always look at the lighter side of life, bringing incredible sass in the Spiderman costume. He’ll leave your sides hurting as he jabbers one liners at his opponents, wearing them down with wisecrack after another.
“Your mother’s so stupid, she thinks cheerios are donut seeds.”
Iron Man What the movie got right was Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man . A character that’s brilliant and charming as a ladies’ man with an ego the size of a planet. This results in some hilarious condescension and well-placed quips that made Iron Man one of the most popular comic books and movie character on the planet.
“You know, the question I get asked most often is, Tony, how do you go to the bathroom in the suit?”
[pauses with eyes closed] “Just like that.”
Ninja Turtles Sass is even better if you have a superhero team with well-written banter. No one does it better than the team of brothers Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles . Even the movie had nailed the cheeky banter right, with the brothers squabbling and handing out jibes and taunting enemies in equal hilarious parts.
“Please keep your hands and feet inside the shell at all times!”
John Constantine Hellblazer as he’s also known, briefly blazed up the TV Screens played by Matt Ryan and then by Keanu Reeves in the feature film. John Constantine is a snarky detective dealing in the occult. Known for his deadpan humour and wit, he infuses every situation with sharp cynical hilarity. Despite the odds stacked up against him, he will manage to see the joke in that half empty glass.
“That says ‘Master’, does it? I should really change that to ‘Petty Dabbler’, I hate to put on airs.”
Rocket Raccoon Played to perfection by Bradley Cooper in Guardians of the Galaxy , Rocket Raccoon is a deadly strategist, proficient with weaponry and a penchant for big guns. Also, he does not know what a raccoon is. While Rocket is not sassy, he’s different as a superhero because of his all-out chaotic personality, which you don’t expect from a furry woodland animal.
“Ain’t nothing like me, except me”
Hit Girl The best part of the movie Kick-Ass was Hit Girl, who was the only one in the movie and the sequel that actually did what the title suggested. A true definition of the word sassy, Hit Girl decimated opponents with her kung fu moves and bad attitude. Making one of movies most memorable superheroes and launching Chloe Moritz, the actress, to fame.
“Oh, take your tampon out... Dave!”
The author is a full-time geek and freelance writer