Every Marvel hero in existence has an ever-evolving character development, and as years pass writers continue to add depth to already well-rounded characters. Many real world issues have been reflected in the conceptualization of these Marvel superheroes. Even current pop culture staples have also made their way to comic storylines. Poker, in particular, has crept into the comic pages more than once. Here are just a few superheroes that have had poker integrated into their stories.
The Thing from Fantastic 4
Formerly known as Benjamin Grimm, he along with the Avengers butler Edwin Jarvis have hosted a string of floating superhero poker games. Other than the Avengers, the characters that made appearances include Wolverine, Human Torch, Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Beast, and many others as dictated by the Marvel Universe. According to Comic Vine, Marvel fans debated over who would be the best poker player, The Thing or Gambit, which is the next superhero on the list.
Gambit from X-Men
The superhero is equipped with a Bo staff and explosive playing cards, so it’s safe to say that he know s a thing or two about card games such as Texas Hold ‘Em. In that same forum about Marvel’s best poker player, those who said Gambit reasoned with the fact his kinetic energy allows him to be resistant to telepaths. Others wouldn’t stand a chance in trying to call his bluff.
Tony Stark or Iron Man
When Iron Man isn’t soaring in the air in his amazingly advanced robotic suit, he is the pretentious and alarmingly wealthy Tony Stark that lives by an extravagant lifestyle. It’s really no surprise that he, out of all Marvel superheroes, could be caught sitting with the high rollers in a Las Vegas Casino or being dealt in alongside, Daniel Negreanu or the seasoned partypoker.com blogger and queen of poker, Kara Scott. Also, being the playboy that he is, he’ll probably be more interested in winning Kara over, than actually winning the pot.
Wolverine from X-Men
Out of all the Marvel superheroes, Wolverine is the only one that actually played alongside a real poker professional, Daniel Negreanu. Granted, it was a cameo in the X-Men: Origins movie, but that could still count as Wolverine’s ability to play at a professional level, right?
Can you think of any more potential great poker players from the Marvel franchise?