Some comic book vehicles are incredibly cool and that goes without saying. I mean, look at the Batmobile in all its glory. It makes total sense for Batman to use. It effectively serves a purpose, and it looks amazing while doing it. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to drive the Batmobile?
But there are some superhero vehicles that satisfy neither of these criteria. They are completely redundant, and they look ridiculously stupid. Granted, some of the entries on this list are just a product of their time but even so they have no excuse for being so bad.
Here’s a list of the 15 most ridiculous comic book vehicles of all time.
1. Superman – [The Supermobile]
Starting off with probably the most pointless vehicle on this list we have the Supermobile. First appearing in Action Comics #481 (March 1978), the name alone should warrant it a spot on this list. Supermobile? Really? Not exactly the most original or catchiest sounding of superhero car names, is it?
The Supermobile was capable of mimicking all of Superman’s abilities. Which would be really cool… for literally anyone but Superman! What does he need with something that does everything he can already do? He’s one of the fastest beings on the planet and he can already go anywhere he wants.
The reason stated within the comics for the introduction of the Supermobile was that waves of red solar radiation had reached earth rendering Superman powerless. In reality, this was all just a poor excuse to sell superhero vehicle toys for a deal DC Comics had with Corgi Toys back then.
2. Wonder Woman – [The Invisible Jet]
Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet is one of the most famous superhero vehicles on this list, but not for the right reasons. In pop culture, it’s been ridiculed to the point where it’s pretty much a parody of itself now. One of the most famous instances being its appearance Family Guy.
First appearing in Sensation Comics #1 (January 1942), the invisible jet is a product of its time that’s done pretty well to still be a part of Wonder Woman’s lore. I mean, she can fly on her own! Granted, an argument could be made that she needs it for stealth…
However, that doesn’t take away from how stupid it looks to the reader/viewer seeing the hilarious image of Wonder Woman stuck in a seated position floating across the sky. Practical or not, the way it’s been used in the past has more than earned it a place on this list.
3. Spider-Man – [The Spider-Mobile]
We haven’t seen the creation of many Marvel superhero vehicles over the years, let alone many that can be deemed ridiculous. However, when this little monstrosity made its first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #130 (March, 1974), even Spider-Man himself initially rejected the idea because of how painfully stupid it was.
The story starts as Corona Motors hires an advertising firm to approach Spider-Man with the aim of building a Spider-Mobile to promote their new non-polluting car engine. At first, Spider-Man rejects this ridiculous idea, but he later changes his mind because he’s broke and needs the money for his rent.
I mean, seriously Marvel? What is this a Spider-Man story or an episode of Nathan For You? Dumb stories aside, he’s a wall-crawling, web-slinger that spends most of his time atop of skyscrapers. Why would he need a car…that shoots webs?! The Spider-Mobile just doesn’t make any sense at all.
4. Green Arrow – [Arrowplane]
There are quite a few parallels that can be drawn between Batman and Green Arrow. They’re both billionaire non-superpowered vigilantes, and they both use their fortunes to create themed gadgets that help them in their efforts. In Batman’s case its Bat-themed tech, and in Green Arrow’s case its arrow-themed tech.
Everyone knows the Batmobile as one of the most famous superhero vehicles, but a vehicle most fans aren’t familiar with is Green Arrow’s equivalent, the Arrowcar (or the Arrowplane as it was first called despite definitely being a car!) and to be honest, it’s not hard to see why either.
First debuting in More Fun Comics #73 (1941), the Arrowcar is a complete dud. It’s literally just a car shaped like an Arrow, it has no special gadgets (apart from catapult seats), and it looks hideous. That being said, not all of Batman’s vehicle are as cool as the Batmobile…
5. Batman – [Batman’s Jet Skates]
As mentioned before, the Batmobile is easily one of the best superhero vehicles of all time. Sadly, the same can’t be said for all of Batman’s vehicles. In fact, as you’ll see from this list, his track record is actually pretty bad, and Batman’s Jet Skates are a prime example.
Batman’s Jet Skates first appeared in Batman Vol 1 #117 (1958), and they really haven’t aged well at all. Casting the silver age comic campiness aside, what would somebody that has both the Batmobile and the Batcycle at his disposal need with a pair of rocket powered strap-on roller skates?
They don’t offer the protection of the Batmobile or the agility of the Batcyle. They did only appear in one issue, and I think it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing them ever again, but one appearance is definitely enough to land them a spot on this list.
6. Batman – [The Whirly Bat]
For our second Batman entry on this list, we have The Whirly Bat. In its defence it’s not quite as bad as Batman’s Jet Skates but it’s still one of the weirdest superhero vehicles of all time. Especially, if we’re talking about its first incarnation that’s so gracefully pictured above.
The Whirly Bat made its first appearance in Detective Comics #257 (1958) and the name alone is enough to make any self-respecting supervillain erupt into tears of laughter. It was introduced when Karko (a 26th century criminal) disabled the Batmobile. Surprisingly, since then it’s actually made quite a few appearances.
We’ve seen The Whirly Bat in various forms of media (including Justice League Unlimited) with slight improvements to the design but ultimately its overall goofiness remains. Most recently, we saw it appear in Batman: Black and White #1 (2020), in a story where Batman took on the League of Assassins.
7. The Joker – [Jokermobile]
Batman and Joker are two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one without the other, as we’ve seen in many stories such as The Batman Who Laughs and Batman: Going Sane. So, if Batman has the Batmobile, why doesn’t Joker have a signature vehicle too? Well, he does…
The Jokermobile first appeared in Batman #37 (1946), however unlike the Batmobile, it has all the style and grace of a giant rubber duck! And to be honest, depending on which incarnation of Joker we’re talking about isn’t this exactly what we should expect? His philosophy is mockery after all.
That being said, this list is about the most ridiculous comic book vehicles and The Jokermobile has earned its place. Although, it’s definitely worth mentioning that there has been some pretty cool versions in various media over the years. Especially, the one that featured in the movie Suicide Squad (2016).
8. Catwoman – [The Kitty Car/Catmobile]
Catwoman is another iconic DC Comics character closely related to Batman. So naturally, at some point they “had” to give her, her own Batmobile knock off. This point was actually pretty early on in her career and thankfully it didn’t last very long (is it really hard to see why?).
The Catmobile or Kitty Car as it was first known, was first seen in Detective Comics #122 (1947) … and boy, where to start with this one? The Catmobile just doesn’t reflect Catwoman as a character at all! She’s a stealthy seductress and this is an attention-grabbing eyesore at best.
I don’t care if it was created to outrace the Batmobile (which it was), you’re not evading Batman in this thing! It’s literally a giant cat, not exactly inconspicuous, is it? It makes way more sense for her to ride a motorcycle. Luckily, this is something that writers also noticed.
9. Squirrel Girl – [Squirrel-A-Gig]
Squirrel Girl has become somewhat of a meme over the years. One of the running jokes surrounding her is that she can absolutely destroy major level threats with little effort (including “spanking” Ultron). Being the humorous character that she is it makes sense that her superhero vehicle would reflect this.
Cue the Squirrel-A-Gig, a one man/woman helicopter that looks like it was made from a giant squirrel’s carcass. Let’s not even talk about the name, Squirrel-A-Gig? What does that even mean? I do like Squirrel Girl, but this just tips her goofiness over the edge. We’ve already got one Deadpool!
First appearing in GLX-Mas Special #1 (2006), the Squirrel-A-Gig was given to Squirrel Girl by secret Santa and fellow Great Lakes Avengers teammate, Big Bertha, in GLX-Mas Special #1 (2006). It was later upgraded to a much less goofy version, but the image of the original is hard to shake.
10. Batman – [Bat-Train]
This is the last Batman entry on the list, I promise! Over the years, we’ve seen every type of bat-themed vehicle created by Batman. The Batmobile, Batplane, Batcycle… even a Batsubmarine but as far as conventional superhero transportation goes, the last thing anyone would expect to see is the Bat-Train.
We first saw the Bat-Train in Batman #95 (1955) and the reason for its first appearance it’s ludicrously stupid. The police ask Batman to travel across the country and give lectures about his crime fighting career and the Bat-Train was created to serve as a mobile Batcave for the exhibitions.
Begging the question… why? He’s a crimefighting vigilante not a politician! The Bat-Train has appeared twice since, both on occasions when Batman had to travel long distances. This again makes no sense at all for Batman as a character. Surely, he’d take a stealthier approach than a giant bat-themed train?
11. The Flash – [Time Travelling Cosmic Treadmill]
This one may get a bit of hate from some of the hardcore fans and on some level, it does make sense but at the same time it’s still pretty ridiculous. So, for those that don’t know what this, you’re probably wondering what a treadmill’s doing on this list, right?
Most fans know that The Flash is so fast that he has the ability travel through time, but what some may not know is that he doesn’t much control over the time period he lands in. So, the Cosmic Treadmill was created to give The Flash control over this ability.
The Cosmic Treadmill first appeared in The Flash #125 (1961) and despite it getting some points for being kind of cool (it is a time machine after all), but it’s still a treadmill! Surely, this silver age concept could’ve been updated with something a little less lame than a treadmill.
12. Batgirl (Stephanie Brown) – [Ricochet]
If it’s possible for a vehicle to be both, one of the coolest and most ridiculous superhero vehicles at the same time, then this vehicle is that! However, despite the fact it is pretty cool, this vehicle is still a complete death trap, effectively earning its place on this list.
Ricochet first appeared in Batgirl Vol 3 #7 (2010), and it was actually created by Barbara Gordon – the former Batgirl who was paralyzed by Joker – as a way of escaping dangerous situations, but it was later given to the new Batgirl, Stephanie Brown. Who probably should’ve just give it back…
Just take one look at this thing and tell me you’d drive it … the user lies on their stomach (bearing in mind it was actually designed for a paraplegic user) in a vehicle that reaches 300 km/h in a matter of seconds? Let’s see you do that without barfing!
13. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – [Turtle Blimp]
How can anyone dislike the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? In the original comics they were a gritty superhero group, tackling street level threats. However, in the 1987 kids cartoon series (where most of us were introduced to the turtles), they lightened things up and added more fun to the mix.
Created by the group’s inventor, Donatello, the Turtle Blimp first appeared in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 Cartoon) Ep. 5 “Shredder & Splintered”. Since then, it has frequently appeared throughout various forms of TMNT media and it’s still as dumb now as it was back then, when it first appeared.
The Turtle Blimp serves no real purpose whatsoever other than to sell toys and merchandise. It’s incredibly slow, and all of their enemies can see them coming from a mile off. Even Michelangelo himself has said that the Turtle Blimp is “the lamest vehicle in the history of lame vehicles.”
14. The Flash – [The Flash Van]
The Flash is the “Fastest Man Alive” in the DC Multiverse, what need could he possibly have for this bog-standard van. Granted, it’s probably one of the most real superhero vehicles on this list, but we don’t want real! First and foremost, what we need is something cool and exciting!
And sadly, this superhero van (and we’re using the term superhero very lightly here), isn’t that! We first saw The Flash Van in the Justice League (2003) TV Series Episode “Eclipsed”, as he boastfully showed off its sunroof, hydraulic lifts, lava lamp, TV, and couch to an irritated Green Lantern.
The Flash humorously offered to take Green Lantern cross country in his Flashmobile and it was mainly just used as comic relief in some of the more light-hearted moments of the DC Animated Universe. As pleasant as this is, we’re still including it on this list for its sheer silliness.
15. Thanos – [Thanoscopter]
It’s safe to say everyone knew this one was coming. We couldn’t make a ridiculous comic book vehicles list without including the Thanoscopter, could we? It’s pretty much infamous for its stupidity at this point. It even found its way onto our list of the top WTF moments in comics.
The Thanoscopter first appeared in Spidey Super Stories #39 (1979), and it manages to turn one of the scariest, most powerful villains of all time and turn him into a complete laughingstock. In its defence, it did appear in a comic directed towards the younger crowd but it’s still ridiculous.
In fact, it may just be the most ridiculous comic book vehicle of all time. Thanos can already fly on his own! It doesn’t have and weapons or special abilities! It’s literally just a normal helicopter! It recently made an appearance in the Loki Disney+ Show as an easter egg.
