19. Loki

Appearances: The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2011–)

Creators: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Larry Lieber

Performer: Tom Hiddleston

Defining moment: As fun as the tyrannical posturing is in Avengers, the first Thor reveals the troubled core which makes the character so compelling – and sympathetic. After discovering his frost-giant lineage, Loki stutters at his foster-father Odin, “I am the monster parents tell their children about at night?”

Fascinating fact: Among those who auditioned for the role of Loki was Charlie Cox… who four years later would enter the MCU as Daredevil.

Buy Thor 1-3 now on Amazon