5) Blade
Introduced in the pages of horror comic The Tomb of Dracula, Blade is the Marvel universe’s resident vampire hunter. He hasn’t been a prominent member of the comics for a while, but his success across the mediums ensures that he’s one of the most well-known on this list.
Englishman Eric Brooks was born half-vampire because his mother was feasted on by a bloodsucker while giving birth. In revenge for what happened to her, Brooks committed himself to become the vampire hunter Blade. Fortunately for him, being only half-vampire means he has all the cool superpowers of vampirism – rapid healing factor, super strength and keen senses – but without the pesky drawbacks like aversion to sunlight. However, he does suffer from bloodlust, which he continually has to battle.
In terms of adaptations, Blade is actually notable for starring in the first modern Marvel blockbuster; 1999’s Blade, which spawned two sequels. There’s been a lot of talk about the character being reintroduced as part of the MCU though, perhaps even with Wesley Snipes reprising the role.