The Marvel Universe is packed with villains and antiheroes who take the form of mutants, aliens, monsters, cosmic entities, or ordinary humans. Additionally, there are tons of thieves in Marvel Comics, but they’re not necessarily evil. Some steal out of desperation while others thieve for the greater good.
Whatever the reason, the numerous thieves in Marvel Comics have always impressed readers. Among them, some can be labeled as more successful than the rest. This is because they have either gained plenty of wealth, performed more difficult heists, or simply avoided getting caught as frequently as their peers.
10/10 Gambit Has Been Stealing His Entire Life
Debuts In The Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 By Chris Claremont, Pencils By Arthur Adams, Inks By Dan Green, Colors By Brad Vancata, & Letters By Kevin Cunningham
The greatest skills are typically forged early in life. Given that Remy LeBeau, aka Gambit, has been stealing since he was a child, it’s no surprise that he is so good. The mutant got into crime during his childhood in Louisiana before joining Xavier’s team as an adult.
As an X-Men member, Gambit has continued to demonstrate just how good his thieving skills are. A perfect example of that comes when a woman threatens to release private footage of him to his new girlfriend, Rogue. Not willing to risk the outcome, Gambit sneaks into the highly guarded X-Mansion and gets the tape back.
9/10 For Black Cat, Crime Runs In The Family
Debuts In The Amazing Spider-Man #194 By Marv Wolfman, Pencils By Keith Pollard, Inks By Frank Giacoia, Colors By Ben Sean, & Letters By John Costanza
Felicia Hardy/Black Cat wanted to get into the world of crime because of her family. Her father was a renowned cat burglar, so she felt the need to follow in his footsteps. Impressively, she has become way better than he ever was.
Though she is often compared to Catwoman, Black Cat has pulled off more spectacular heists than her DC counterpart. She even manages to steal Manhattan’s original deed from Doctor Strange. This is an outstanding achievement, especially because a Sorcerer Supreme would be able to foresee and anticipate such a move.
8/10 No Heist Is Too Difficult For Storm
Debuts In Giant-Size X-Men #1 By Len Wein, Pencils By Dave Cockrum, Inks By Dave Cockrum, Colors By Glynis Wein, & Letters By John Costanza
Ororo Munroe, aka Storm, is known more for being one of the most powerful X-Men. She’s also great at taking what’s not hers, thanks to her history as a street urchin in Cairo. She has shown her expertise in lock-picking and infiltration.
Having made so much career growth and personal progress over the years, stealing makes little sense to Storm nowadays, but she can still do it if need be. For example, when the Wakandans refuse to hand over one of the Swords of Legend, she simply steals it. This is an incredible feat given how well Wakanda is guarded.
7/10 Shela Sexton Seeks To Change The World
Debuts In Marvel’s Voices: Pride (Vol. 2) #1, Story And Art By Alex Phillips
Among Marvel’s band of thieves is one of the best LGBTQ+ superheroes, Shela Sexton. The character likes using Robin Hood’s modus operandi by stealing from corrupt organizations and channeling the proceeds to charity activities.
Since top companies tend to have the strongest security systems, Shela deserves to be lauded for stealing for so long without getting caught. Her ability to switch places and possessions works to her advantage as she can easily take what someone else is holding and then disappear.
6/10 Chameleon Is A Master Of Disguise
Debuts In Amazing Spider-Man #1 By Stan Lee & Steve Ditko, Pencils, Inks, & Colors By Steve Ditko, & Letters By Jon D’Agostino
It’s easier for someone to steal when their identity can’t be easily proven. This definitely works to the advantage of Dimitri Smerdyakov, aka Chameleon. Having had his skin mutagenically altered by a serum, Dimitri can take on the identity of anyone he wishes.
Proof of Chameleon’s brilliance lies in the fact that he gets employed by Hydra at some point. Moreover, he is more than just a thief. He has proven to be a solid villain by destroying his foes and becoming one of the few people to unmask Spider-Man.
5/10 Prowler’s Act Of Crime Leads To The Rise Of Miles Morales
Debuts In Ultimate Spider-Man (Vol. 3) #1, By Brian Michael Bendis, Pencils & Inks By Sara Pichelli, Colors By Justin Ponsor, & Letters By Cory Petit
Miles Morales is undoubtedly one of the best versions of Spider-Man, and he has his uncle Aaron Davis, aka Prowler, to thank for his powers. While conducting a heist for Roxxon at Osborn Industries, an OZ-enhanced spider creeps into Prowler’s bag and later bites Miles.
Prowler’s ability to get in and out of Osborn Industries is remarkable, but that’s not the only major organization he has brought losses to. Prowler has gone as far as stealing a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. More importantly, he is an escape artist, an essential skill for any thief who’s keen on longevity.
4/10 Batroc The Leaper Has Faced Off Against The Greatest Heroes
Debuts In Tales Of Suspense #75 By Stan Lee, Pencils By Adam Austin, Inks By Gary Michaels, & Letters By Sam Rosen
Batroc has been part of groups such as THEM, Hydra, and Batroc’s Brigade. He has also worked for some of the greatest Marvel villains, notably Baron Zemo and Kingpin. Additionally, he has fought Captain America, Black Panther, and even Batman during a crossover event.
Batroc is capable of incredible thieving, which places him above his peers. For example, he is hired to steal the Inferno 42, one of the most destructive weapons of all time. He also doubles as a mercenary, which makes him an attractive hire for anyone who wants a multi-skilled henchman.
3/10 Dark Ock Draws Inspiration From Doctor Octopus
Debuts In Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (Vol. 2) #21 By Ryan North, Pencils By Erica Henderson, Inks By Erica Henderson, Colors By Rico Renzi, & Letters By Travis Lanham
Dark Ock might be a Doc Ock imitator, but he is still good in his own right. His penchant for impersonation has worked well for him because Doc Ock is always singled out as the suspect for the crimes that Dark Ock committed.
Dark Ock is a great team player, which has enabled him to commit numerous crimes within a short span of time. With his other Doc Ock imitators, he even managed to steal a shipment of gold. Whenever he is not alone, he is often seen hanging out with members of the Octopals as they plan their next heist.
2/10 Black Fox Is A Mentor
Debuts In Amazing Spider-Man #255 By Tom DeFalco, Pencils By Ron Frenz, Colors By Glynis Wein, & Letters By Joe Rosen
True masters are able to easily pass on their skills to others. Black Fox fits into this category because he trains both Black Cat and Walter. The jewel thief is so talented that he has always been able to avoid capture, much to the dismay of the authorities.
However, part of Black Fox’s success has to do with Spider-Man’s empathy. The web-slinger has a soft spot for old men because of his relationship with Uncle Ben, so he always lets Black Fox go. Even so, this doesn’t put a dent in Black Fox’s legacy because he has outfoxed everyone else.
1/10 Absalom Has Been Around For Centuries
Debuts In X-Force #10 By Fabian Nicieza, Pencils, Inks, & Colors By Mark Pacella, & Letters By Chris Eliopoulos
Lately, Corey Flynn, aka Absalom, has been more concerned with shaping world events. Nevertheless, much of the Externals member’s reputation is built around his career as a thief. The character’s history in crime stretches back to the 19th century when he was one of the best-known outlaws.
In the X-Force comics, it’s stated that Absalom was wanted in six different states, a confirmation of just how good he is at his craft. As an External, he can also boast of greater longevity than his counterparts. He has avoided the death sentence because he cannot die.
