Best Superhero Catchphrases

Superhero catchphrases say a lot about a character. They represent the character’s origin and who they are as a person. Depending on the character, their catchphrase could give them their powers or just small doses of comic relief. The most feared and powerful superheroes in Marvel and DC history also have some of the most popular superhero catchphrases.

Batman

"I am the vengeance, I am the night, I am BATMAN!"

Batman is a fictional superhero in the DC Comic Universe. His real identity is Bruce Wayne, a billionaire whose parents were shot dead when he was only a child. Due to this injustice, he planned to exact revenge on the criminals who ruined his childhood by training himself in many different forms of self-defense and martial arts. Using his superior intellect and physique he wears a black bat costume and patrols the streets of Gotham City. His most popular catchphrase, “I am the vengeance, I am the night, I am BATMAN,” is usually used to incite fear in criminals when questioning them.

Robin

“Holy ____ Batman!”

Robin is more than just a fictional superhero. He is a vigilante that helps protect Gotham City under the leadership of Batman. The long line of Robins includes Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne. Mostly younger boys who take on the mantle, they aim to hone their superhero skills under Batman’s training to hopefully take up their own superhero alias or take over as Batman once Bruce Wayne has retired. The actual name Robin came from the name Robin Hood, and the costume was designed after Robin Hood as well. “Holy ____ Batman,” is a proclamation made by each Robin when something amazing or interesting happens.

Hulk

"HULK SMASH!"

Hulk was born out of the concept of the Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex. One side took the form of a brilliant scientist, Bruce Banner, while the other side took the form of a giant mean green fighting machine known as the Hulk. Banner was turned into Hulk after a laboratory experiment dabbling in gamma radiation. However, he can switch this persona off and on depending on how calm or angry he gets. The angrier he becomes, the stronger the Hulk gets and when his heart rate drops down to a calmer beat, he swiftly changes back into Bruce Banner. He managed to find peace in joining the Avengers to protect the world from any dangerous threats. Surely, you’ve heard of Hulk yell “Hulk Smash,” whenever he performs a strong punch towards a threatening enemy.

The Thing

"It's clobberin' time!"

The Thing, also known as Ben Grimm, is one of the main members of Marvel’s The Fantastic Four. He is known for his rock-like orange body and his trademark sense of humor. He gained his superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. This caused him to develop his rock-like hide, as well as his super strength, resistance, and stamina. His superhero catchphrase is used as a battle cry. He often shouts, “It’s clobberin’ time” right before starting (and mostly winning) a fight.

The Human Torch

"Flame on!"

The Human Torch, otherwise known as Jonathan “Johnny” Storm, was hit by cosmic rays in his spacecraft which gifted him with amazing powers. Along with engulfing himself in fire, he can also absorb fire into his body and control it with ease. He fights alongside his sister, Susan, her husband Reed Richards, and their friend Ben Grimm. With the catchphrase, “Flame on,” he can immediately engulf his boy in flames for battle.

Spiderman

“My spidey senses are tingling.”

Peter Parker was just a regular, nerdy teenager growing up in New York City. One day, he was bitten by a radioactive spider and gained superpowers. He now has super strength, agility, and the ability to cling to most surfaces like a spider. He uses his powers to fight the forces of evil that roam his city. He utters his superhero catchphrase, “my spidey senses are tingling,” when he senses there is danger around.

Thor

"Odin’s beard!"

Based on the Norse god of thunder, Thor is a Marvel superhero and a founding member of the superhero team, the Avengers. Thor is from the planet Asgard where he lives with his family and his father, Odin. He and his enchanted hammer manipulate weather and defend Earth against the bad guys. In moments of shock, awe, and enlightenment, you can hear Thor exclaim his famous catchphrase, “Odin’s beard!” This is clearly in reference to his father and his magnificent facial hair.

Doctor Strange

“By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth!”

Another favorite Marvel superhero is Doctor Strange. Stephen Strange lived his life as a world-renowned neurosurgeon, until he met the Sorcerer Supreme. Now, he protects the Earth against the evil forces of the magical and mystical. Doctor Strange has a number of other, well strange superhero catchphrases including “By the Eye of Agamotto!”, “By the Mystic Moons of Munnopor!”, and “By the Wondrous Wands of Watoomb!”. I could not tell you the specifics of what any of these mean, but Doctor Strange often uses them as terms of exclamation.

He-Man

"I have the power!"

He-Man is immortalized in various comic books and cartoon television series. Sometimes referred to as the Most Powerful Man in the Universe, He-Man is a barbarian from a tribe on the planet of Eternia. Using his superhuman strength and the help of his friends, he must protect his planet and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the forces of evil. His true identity is Prince Adam of Eternia, but he transforms into He-Man by reciting his catchphrase, “I have the power!”

Green Lantern

“In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power, GREEN LANTERN’S LIGHT!”

Powered by will power, the Green Lantern Core is one of the most powerful superhero organizations in the DC Universe. With hundreds and thousands of members, Green Lanterns reside on OA under the leadership of the ancients who created the Green Lantern rings themselves. “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight. Let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power, Green Lantern’s light,” is their superhero catchphrases and an oath needed to be spoken every time a Lantern needs to recharge their rings, either with their portable lanterns or on OA.