History Main / SuperheroPackingHeat

This doesn't have to be just projectile firearms. Lasers will do as long as they are used more like firearms than {{Ray Gun}}s. Heck, even flamethrowers and bazookas can count. Bonus points if the character is also wearing a BadassBandolier. Typically, a hero with SuperStrength might take advantage of this to pack the [[BFG kind of heat]] a normal human couldn't even ''dream'' of wielding and firing by themselves, at least not without attaching it to a vehicle or stationary mount first. Or they might just use their powers to wield [[MoreDakka a whole lot of guns at once]].

This doesn't have to be just projectile firearms. Lasers will do as long as they are used more like firearms than {{Ray Gun}}s. Heck, even flamethrowers and bazookas can count. Bonus points if the character is also wearing a BadassBandolier.

** ''ComicBook/{{Bloodlines}}'': Ballistic, one of the "New Bloods" from DC's ''Bloodlines'' event. Another one, Gunfire, had the power to turn any handheld object into a gun.

** Arsenal from ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'' used a pair of handguns and other weapons. He stopped using guns for a little while (but kept using things like crossbows) but returned to using them in ''ComicBook/{{Outsiders|2003}}''. Then [[SidekickGraduationsStick he became Red Arrow]], and ditched every weapon he had other than his trusty bow and [[TrickArrow arrow]].

*** The {{Elseworld}} story ''ComicBook/SupermanAtEarthsEnd'' has Superman use a ludicrously large gun [[ItMakesSenseInContext to take down Twin Clones of Hitler]]. [[BrokenAesop And then he gives us an anti-gun aesop]].
** All versions of The Vigilante.
** Also Comicbook/WildDog, who looks like he ''should'' be a parody of the trope, but sadly isn't. Max Allan Collins noted in ''Amazing Heroes'' #119 that he created Wild Dog as a sort of modern update of Franchise/{{Zorro}}, Radio/TheGreenHornet, and Radio/TheShadow, who all predated Superman and Zatara, and Collins carefully distinguished between a costumed hero and a metahuman hero. Collins did not intend Wild Dog as "super".
** Ballistic, one of the "New Bloods" from DC's ''Bloodlines'' event. Another one, Gunfire, had the power to turn any handheld object into a gun.
** Several of the characters in ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'', notably The Comedian.
** ComicBook/{{Hitman|1993}}. His powers are telepathy, X-ray vision, and lots of guns -- not necessarily in that order.
** The Crimson Avenger. Both the original in his CoatHatMask phase and the NinetiesAntiHero successor. The legacy character takes this further, claiming that the original CA's chest emblem during his superhero days wasn't a sun - it was a bullet hole.
** Grifter of the ComicBook/WildCATsWildStorm and Creator/{{Wildstorm}} Universe, although sometimes possessing psychic powers, usually favored GunsAkimbo, switching between his [[RayGun VADs]] and a variety of mundane pistols. His brother Condition Red, AKA "Grifter, Jr." doesn't have ''any'' powers, but his firearms expertise was enough to get him recruited to Savant and Majestic's ComicBook/WildCATsWildStorm team.
** ''ComicBook/{{Stormwatch}}'':
*** Smoke of the Changers can turn into smoke. He also uses a pair of pistols.
*** Jackson King in his pre-Weatherman identity as Battalion used to focus his telekinesis through dual wielded guns.
** ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'':
*** Simon Baz wields a handgun in addition to his power ring.
*** Before him Jack T. Chance used a gun. Because GL rings couldn't kill back then, he carried a weapon to finish off his opponents after beating them with the ring.
*** It should be noted that both Baz and Chance use their guns as backup/secondary weapons, rather than as main components of their power set (Chance because his planet is full of murdering psychopaths, so lethal force is almost always required, and Baz because his ring was on the fritz and he's got it as a matter of practicality in case his ring gives out on him). Didn't stop a lot of people from getting worked up thinking this trope was in full effect with Baz, when they first saw that [[UnfortunateImplications the first middle-eastern Green Lantern used a gun for no (apparent) reason]], before it got explained in-comic.
*** It ends up getting deconstructed in ''ComicBook/GreenLanterns'' #17. He's hit with the Scarecrow's Fear Gas and he's faced with his greatest fear - being unable to protect his parents from such a hateful world and that his ring will keep giving out on him. He ultimately realizes that the ring keeps giving out on him ''because'' he uses the gun and he decides to give up the gun.
** Characters/{{Deathstroke}} who in this case is a supervillain packing heat. He frequently uses firearms both to make a living as an assassin for hire and in various battles against other Superheroes and villains. Though in some comics and adaptations this particular set of skills is downplayed (and in the case of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Teen Titans|2003}}'' cartoon omitted altogether) by focusing on his [[McNinja Ninjaesque]] and Sword using qualities.
** Black Condor originally carried a ray gun of unclear origin that could immobilize people and cut through inorganic material. This was dropped after DC Comics acquired the character from Quality Comics.

** ''ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk'':
*** Red She-Hulk was seen brandishing an automatic weapon. She holds her Uzi confidently, proving that she has had plenty of training & experience. Her bold confidence may affect the effectiveness of her marksmanship.
** The [[ComicBook/UltimateMarvel Ultimate]] version of [[Characters/CaptainAmericaHeroes The Falcon]] uses firearms in addition to his wings.
** ''ComicBook/XMen'':
*** During a period where he lost/repressed his [[EyeBeams primary powers]], [[Characters/MarvelComicsCyclops Cyclops]] carried a pair of pistols for offensive purposes in the field. It complimented his {{Required Secondary Power|s}} of innately understanding angles and trajectories, letting him pull off incredibly accurate and tricky shots.
*** Bishop, as a cop from a future not unlike that of ComicBook/JudgeDredd, used guns when he first arrived in the main timeline, and an ongoing CharacterDevelopment plotline for him was learning to tone it down and not use lethal force. He also had the power to shoot energy rays but used guns frequently as his power depended on external sources of energy to redirect. One version of his guns actually channeled his own powers.
*** Although not a power ''per se'', [[Characters/MarvelComicsLauraKinney X-23]]'s background as an assassin included extensive firearms training, and she readily uses guns in concert with her innate abilities and other skills (though {{Flanderization}} has led many writers to forget this aspect of her character).
*** [[Characters/MarvelComicsCable Cable]] of ''ComicBook/XForce.'' His guns have a tremendous variety of size and improbability of design. One example from the Phalanx Covenant arc: one barrel the size of his head, and ''several smaller barrels beneath?'' He routinely uses guns [[{{BFG}} larger than his own body]], and Cable is a large man. Though he has immense [[MindOverMatter telekinetic powers]], Cable long relied on guns because the bulk of his power is spent simply keeping an incurable virus from killing him.
** [[Characters/MarvelComicsSteveRogers Captain America]]'s original incarnation had him using guns in addition to his famous shield, since he was a SuperSoldier fighting the Nazis during UsefulNotes/WorldWarII. [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger His movie]] also aims in this direction (Justified, since it's DuringTheWar). As you can well imagine, fan reactions are... somewhat mixed. In ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'' movie, he mostly sticks with his shield, though he still picks up guns a couple times.

*** Steve started packing heat again as Commander Steve Rogers, Head of S.H.I.E.L.D.
*** In-universe, Rogers explains that he used a gun when he was fighting a war, but what he does now is law enforcement and he considers himself capable of stopping crooks without resorting to killing them.

** ComicBook/{{Deathlok}} (aka Michael Collins) has a plasma gun, [[ExaggeratedTrope plasma rifle]], and [[SerialEscalation plasma grenade launcher]]. This is in addition to his [[BadassBookworm intelligence, hacking skills]], and [[LightningBruiser other]] [[NighInvulnerability super powers]]. His main challenge is usually to overcome his adversaries while preserving his ThouShaltNotKill ideology.
** This is one of the most obvious ways ''ComicBook/TheTwelve'', a random group of FishOutOfTemporalWater from the last days of World War II, illustrate the ValuesDissonance between their time and ours. A full half of them carry guns, from the {{Badass Normal}}s like Mr. E, the Witness, the Laughing Mask, and the Phantom Reporter, to FlyingBrick Captain Wonder and powerful psychic Mastermind Excello.
** [[Characters/MarvelComicsMoonKnight Moon Knight]] has on occasion used weapons. But then again, he is a former mercenary and soldier (And in the Ultimate Universe, a former Navy Seal), and is known to be a dark subversion of ThouShaltNotKill, so it's not exactly out of place. It's also one of the characteristics that separate him from [[AlternateCompanyEquivalent that other]] [[ComicBook/{{Batman}} Knight.]] His general aversion of this trope has less to do with morality than with pride, i.e. not wanting his opponents to think they intimidate him.
** Orson Randall, the former Characters/IronFist, uses a pair of handguns, for which Danny Rand, the incumbent, gives him grief. "So you learned your kung-fu from Lei Kung and ''Smith & Wesson''?"
** One of the ComicBook/IronMan armors, the Variable Threat Response Battle Suit (A.K.A. [[Characters/IronManHeroes War Machine]]), used a minigun and a chain gun as main weapons. Jim Rhodes is the main user of this armor, with successive iterations including [[MoreDakka increasingly heavy gun-based firepower]]. This carries over into [[Film/IronMan the movies]]: during the final fight when they're being attacked by drones in PoweredArmor, Iron Man punches them or uses his repulsors while War Machine just unloads with the cannons.
** [[Characters/MarvelComicsFrankCastle The Punisher]] is based on this, since he's essentially an answer to the question: "what would a vigilante with a Batman-like tragic past, no massive amount of wealth and no interest in ThouShaltNotKill be like?", and his creator has cited Mack Bolan (majorly) and the Shadow (minorly) as inspirations. It's been inverted on occasion- giving the trained soldier actual superpowers- but these never seem to last and he always goes back to guns to take out criminals.
** ComicBook/NightRaven, as apt for an homage to the Shadow and the Spider.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsDeadpool Deadpool]]: [[BreakingTheFourthWall Hey guys, I also like using guns, too!]] Especially cause they make me look TwentyPercentMoreAwesome! Not that I need them cause I got some mad skills with by katana blades and can shrug off it off with my HealingFactor, but it certainly makes my fights with baddies [[CombatPragmatist a whole lot less unnecessarily frustrating]].
** The fourth incarnation of ComicBook/{{Venom}}, Flash Thompson, being former military, uses various firearms, along with the powers provided by the alien symbiote suit. He continues this after losing the Venom Symbiote and becoming the next Anti-Venom.
** Monster hunter [[ComicBook/{{Bloodstone}} Elsa Bloodstone]] is happy to bring all sorts of firearms to a fight if they'll raise her chances of success and survival.
* In one episode of [[Magazine/{{Mad}} Don Martin's]] parody ''ComicBook/CaptainKlutz'', the eponymous hero is confronted by an evil old-lady villain who attempts to escape using the fact that Klutz's superhero code prevents him from [[WouldntHitAGirl hitting her]]. Klutz shoots her instead.
* ''ComicBook/{{Spawn}}'', who prior to dying and becoming a demonic anti-hero, was the [[MilitarySuperhero highly skilled commando]] Al Simmons. He still makes uses of his skills with firearms as Spawn since using them is familiar to him and it helps him conserve his Hellspawn powers, which will send him back to Hell (and effectively kill him) if he exhausts them. [[Film/Spawn1997 The movie]] has him first using firearms, but eventually dropping them prior to the final third, where he only uses his powers.
* Big Daddy and Hit Girl from ''Comicbook/KickAss''.
* Big Shot from ''ComicBook/TheTick'' is a parody of this. He would lug around {{BFG}}s and unload into harmless inanimate objects while [[ParentalIssues crying about his mother.]]

* ComicBook/SavageDragon has superhuman aim that allows him to [[BlastingItOutOfTheirHands shoot without killing]], although he has done so when pressed. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], since the Dragon is actually a uniformed police officer in addition to a superhero.
* Colt from ''ComicBook/{{Femforce}}'' was a weapons expert sometimes known as "Weapons Mistress". Firearms were a major part of her arsenal.
* In ''ComicBook/BlackSummer'', the group of cybernetically-enhanced supers call their gifts "gun enhancements" and they do indeed wield powerful, dangerously high-tech pistols in addition to their suite of powers
* ''ComicBook/AstroCity'':
** Early heroes who used firearms include Air Ace and the Cloak of Night.
** From "The Dark Ages", Hollowpoint and the Blue Knight[[note]]As well as his successors, the Blue Knight'''s'''[[/note]] predominantly use firearms.
* ''ComicBook/MarshalLaw'' just has low-level superstrength and speed, plus the power to shut down his pain centers. So he carries guns to give him an edge against bog-standard ''bricks'', and they help act as an equalizer whenever he fights enemies that can fly or shoot energy beams out of their hands.
* ''Comicbook/{{Planetary}}'':
** Ambrose Chase combined his "physics-distortion" field with dual-wielded pistols to deadly effect.
** Elijah Snow himself uses a really big pistol against a giant cyborg snake in #17. Right before he [[AnIcePerson freezes]] the river it's attacking from.
* In the ComicBook/DisneyDucksComicUniverse, it's well known that Donald Duck has a superhero identity, Paperinik the [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Devilish Avenger]]-and in pretty much any incarnation, he carries some, and a bit less known that he's actually an UnscrupulousHero that started hunting criminals because they pissed him off before softening up. Almost forgotten is that in his first stories he carried a Colt 1911. He eventually stopped carrying it-and exchanged it for ray guns made by Gyro (most famously the paralizer, the DisintegratorRay and the multi-purpose gun combining both).
** The trope makes an unexpected return in ''ComicBook/PaperinikNewAdventures'': there Paperinik's main weapon is the [[MorphWeapon Extransformer shield]], but he's been shown to carry a (very letal) ray gun as a back-up, and has used alien guns when necessary.
* Cliff's weapon as ComicBook/TheRocketeer is a Mauser C96 Broomhandle Pistol.
* ''ComicBook/{{Hellboy}}'' has Hellboy with his demon powers such as healing factor and his guns such as "The Good Samaritan'' a revolver made of church bells that can kill demons.

For various reasons, DoesntLikeGuns is a common thing with comic book style superheroes and supervillains (whether it's ethics, style, or something else). While ProtoSuperhero vigilantes like Radio/TheShadow or Radio/TheLoneRanger often went armed, the Golden Age supers who came after them typically relied upon their extraordinary abilities over firearms. Even before UsefulNotes/TheComicsCode was written, it was rare to see ''superpowered'' heroes with guns. Then some heroes who broke this rule caught on, and soon more and more heroes and villains began using guns. This soon became closely associated with the NinetiesAntiHero, and therefore also [[DiscreditedTrope fell out of favor]] when that trope did.

%%* In ''VideoGame/BatmanSunsoft'' for the UsefulNotes/GameBoy, Batman's gun is prominent on his sprite.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddParents'': One of the various versions of the Crimson Chin is the [[NinetiesAntiHero 80s overly muscular weapon toting Crimson Chin]], who is an obvious nod to UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks.

*** Although not a power ''per se'', [[Characters/X23LauraKinney X-23]]'s background as an assassin included extensive firearms training, and she readily uses guns in concert with her innate abilities and other skills (though {{Flanderization}} has led many writers to forget this aspect of her character).
*** Characters/{{Cable|NathanSummers}} of ''ComicBook/XForce.'' His guns have a tremendous variety of size and improbability of design. One example from the Phalanx Covenant arc: one barrel the size of his head, and ''several smaller barrels beneath?'' He routinely uses guns [[{{BFG}} larger than his own body]], and Cable is a large man. Though he has immense [[MindOverMatter telekinetic powers]], Cable long relied on guns because the bulk of his power is spent simply keeping an incurable virus from killing him.

** ''Comicbook/MoonKnight'' has on occasion used weapons. But then again, he is a former mercenary and soldier (And in the Ultimate Universe, a former Navy Seal), and is known to be a dark subversion of ThouShaltNotKill, so it's not exactly out of place. It's also one of the characteristics that separate him from [[AlternateCompanyEquivalent that other]] [[ComicBook/{{Batman}} Knight.]] His general aversion of this trope has less to do with morality than with pride, i.e. not wanting his opponents to think they intimidate him.

** ''ComicBook/ThePunisher'' is based on this, since he's essentially an answer to the question: "what would a vigilante with a Batman-like tragic past, no massive amount of wealth and no interest in ThouShaltNotKill be like?", and his creator has cited Mack Bolan (majorly) and the Shadow (minorly) as inspirations. It's been inverted on occasion- giving the trained soldier actual superpowers- but these never seem to last and he always goes back to guns to take out criminals.
** Night Raven, as apt for an homage to the Shadow and the Spider.

** Characters/{{Deadpool|WadeWilson}}: [[BreakingTheFourthWall Hey guys, I also like using guns, too!]] Especially cause they make me look TwentyPercentMoreAwesome! Not that I need them cause I got some mad skills with by katana blades and can shrug off it off with my HealingFactor, but it certainly makes my fights with baddies [[CombatPragmatist a whole lot less unnecessarily frustrating]].

** Arsenal from ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'' used a pair of handguns and other weapons. He stopped using guns for a little while (but kept using things like crossbows) but returned to using them in ''[[ComicBook/BatmanAndTheOutsiders The Outsiders]]''. Then [[SidekickGraduationsStick he became Red Arrow]], and ditched every weapon he had other than his trusty bow and [[TrickArrow arrow]].

** ComicBook/{{Deathlok}} (aka Michael Collins) has a [[CoolGun plasma gun]], [[ExaggeratedTrope plasma rifle]], and [[SerialEscalation plasma grenade launcher]]. This is in addition to his [[BadassBookworm intelligence, hacking skills]], and [[LightningBruiser other]] [[NighInvulnerability super powers]]. His main challenge is usually to overcome his adversaries while preserving his ThouShaltNotKill ideology.

* In the ComicBook/DisneyDucksComicUniverse, it's well known that Donald Duck has a superhero identity, Paperinik the [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Devilish Avenger]]-and in pretty much any incarnation, he carries some, and a bit less known that he's actually an UnscrupulousHero that started hunting criminals because they pissed him off before softening up. Almost forgotten is that in his first stories he carried a [[CoolGuns Colt 1911]]. He eventually stopped carrying it-and exchanged it for ray guns made by Gyro (most famously the paralizer, the DisintegratorRay and the multi-purpose gun combining both).

** Neon Ridwr fights crime, carries a high-tech pistol, and is implied to have the ability to give engines superhuman abilities.

* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Hollowpoint and the Blue Knight[[note]]As well as his successors, the Blue Knight'''s'''[[/note]] predominantly use firearms.

* The Blue Knight is ''ComicBook/AstroCity'''s take on the NinetiesAntiHero, and totes plenty of firepower.

* ''Literature/PleaseDontTellMyParentsImASupervillain:'' VigilanteMan Judgment is described as being on the "murderous psychopaths super-powered list" but generally uses a pistol in combat.

** ''ComicBook/ThePunisher'' is based on this, since he's essentially an answer to the question: "what would a vigilante with a Batman-like tragic past, no massive amount of wealth and no interest in ThouShaltNotKill be like?", and his creator has cited Mack Bolan (majorly) and the Shadow (minorly) as inspirations. It's been inverted on occasion- giving the trained soldier actual superpowers- but these never seem to last and he always goes but to guns and sharp objects to take out criminals.

* ''WesternAnimation/FairlyOddParents'': One of the various versions of the Crimson Chin is the 80s overly muscular weapon toting Crimson Chin, who is an obvious nod to UsefulNotes/TheDarkAgeOfComicBooks.

** The fourth incarnation of ComicBook/{{Venom}}, Flash Thompson, being former military, uses various firearms, along with the powers provided by the alien symbiote suit.

* In ''Webcomic/GlitterAndGuilt'', [[MagicalGirlWarrior Sweetheart]]'s weapon is a magical sidearm, and WordOfGod says that she can transform it into a variety of other firearms.

* [[TheNineties 90s Kid]] of ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'' parodies this, saying the coolest superhero ever would be named "Bloodgun", and he'd be a man made out of guns, even his head.

%% [[folder:Web Comics]]
%% * Why [[BadassNormal Jessica]] from ''Webcomic/StrawberryDeathCake'' is so badass.
%% [[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* [[TheNineties 90s Kid]] of ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'' parodies this, saying the coolest superhero ever would be named "Bloodgun", and he'd be a man made out of guns, even his head.

*** Simon Baz wields a handgun in addition to his [[GreenLanternRing power ring]].

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* Why [[BadassNormal Jessica]] from ''Webcomic/StrawberryDeathCake'' is so badass.

[[folder:Web Original]]
* [[TheNineties 90s Kid]] of ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'' parodies this, saying the coolest superhero ever would be named "Bloodgun", and he'd be a man made out of guns, even his head.
[[/folder]]

* Cliff's WeaponOfChoice as ComicBook/TheRocketeer is a Mauser C96 Broomhandle Pistol.

** [[Characters/MarvelComicsGammaMutates Red She-Hulk]] was seen brandishing an automatic weapon. She holds her Uzi confidently, proving that she has had plenty of training & experience. Her bold confidence may affect the effectiveness of her marksmanship.

*** In ''ComicBook/TheChildrensCrusade'', the new Captain America and Bucky seen in the future timeline use handguns.
** Marvel's Deathlok (aka Michael Collins) has a [[CoolGun plasma gun]], [[ExaggeratedTrope plasma rifle]], and [[SerialEscalation plasma grenade launcher]]. This is in addition to his [[BadassBookworm intelligence, hacking skills]], and [[LightningBruiser other]] [[NighInvulnerability super powers]]. His main challenge is usually to overcome his adversaries while preserving his ThouShaltNotKill ideology.

** [[Characters/BatmanDeathstroke Deathstroke]] who in this case is a supervillain packing heat. He frequently uses firearms both to make a living as an assassin for hire and in various battles against other Superheroes and villains. Though in some comics and adaptations this particular set of skills is downplayed (and in the case of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Teen Titans|2003}}'' cartoon omitted altogether) by focusing on his [[McNinja Ninjaesque]] and Sword using qualities.

*** [[Characters/XMen90sMembers Bishop]], as a cop from a future not unlike that of ComicBook/JudgeDredd, used guns when he first arrived in the main timeline, and an ongoing CharacterDevelopment plotline for him was learning to tone it down and not use lethal force. He also had the power to shoot energy rays but used guns frequently as his power depended on external sources of energy to redirect. One version of his guns actually channeled his own powers.

[[HavingAGayOldTime No, not that kind of heat.]]