Marvel has a long history of characters standing against the forces of tyranny, and some of the most legendary battles in comics involve heroes and villains setting aside their differences to take on the Nazis. While many iconic characters have fought them, some Marvel figures known for their rivalries—whether with their own allies or frequent enemies—have also taken a stand against fascism.
Here’s a breakdown of five such rival characters, their motivations for fighting the Nazis, and the exact comic issues where they took part in these battles.
Namor the Sub-Mariner
Issue: Marvel Mystery Comics #4 (1940)
Namor the Sub-Mariner, often depicted as a rival to the surface world and a frequent antagonist to heroes like Captain America and the Fantastic Four, took a firm stance against the Nazis even before the United States officially entered World War II. As the ruler of Atlantis, Namor had no love for surface-dwellers, but he despised fascism and tyranny even more.
In Marvel Mystery Comics #4, Namor discovers Nazi U-boats invading the Atlantic Ocean. Outraged by their aggression and destruction of marine life, he wages a one-man war against them. Using his superhuman strength, flight, and ability to breathe underwater, Namor sinks Nazi vessels and declares his opposition to Hitler’s forces.
Despite often being at odds with surface heroes, Namor’s hatred for the Nazis aligned him with the Allies. He would go on to fight alongside Captain America and the Human Torch as a member of The Invaders, continuing his crusade against Nazi forces.
Magneto
Issue: X-Men: Magneto Testament #1-5 (2008-2009)
Though primarily known as an X-Men villain and rival to Charles Xavier, Magneto (Max Eisenhardt) has one of the most personal reasons for fighting the Nazis—he is a Holocaust survivor. His tragic backstory, deeply rooted in real historical events, is extensively detailed in X-Men: Magneto Testament, a five-issue miniseries that chronicles his early years.
During his youth, Max Eisenhardt is taken to Auschwitz, where he experiences firsthand the horrors of the Nazi regime. Throughout the series, he struggles to protect his family but ultimately watches them perish. His powers begin to manifest during his time in the concentration camp, and though he is not yet the powerful Magneto we know, he fights back in small yet significant ways.
This storyline is crucial in understanding Magneto’s motivations as an adult. His experiences during the Holocaust fuel his militant approach to mutant rights, as he vows never to let another group suffer as he did under the Nazis.
Ben Grimm (The Thing)
Issue: Marvel Two-in-One #20 (1976)
Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, is a cornerstone of the Fantastic Four, renowned for his immense strength and resilience. Beyond his physical prowess, Ben’s character is deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage, which fuels his personal vendetta against Nazi ideology.
In Marvel Two-in-One #20, Ben teams up with the Liberty Legion to thwart a Nazi plot during World War II. This issue showcases Ben’s unwavering commitment to combating hatred and oppression, reflecting his creators’—Jack Kirby and Joe Simon—own experiences and convictions during a tumultuous period in history.
Bucky Barnes
Issue: Captain America Comics #1 (1941)
Before he became the Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes was Captain America’s loyal sidekick, fighting on the front lines against the Axis Powers. From his very first appearance in Captain America Comics #1, Bucky was portrayed as a fearless young soldier willing to take on Nazi forces.
As a member of the Invaders during World War II, Bucky fought alongside Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch against Nazi villains like Baron Zemo and Red Skull. His acrobatics, stealth skills, and expertise with firearms made him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
Even after his transformation into the Winter Soldier, Bucky’s past experiences in World War II continue to shape his character. Despite his dark past, his origins as a hero who fought Nazis solidify his place as one of Marvel’s most significant wartime figures.
Captain America
Issue: Captain America Comics #1 (1941)
No discussion about Marvel heroes fighting Nazis would be complete without Captain America. Created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Steve Rogers was designed to be the ultimate Nazi fighter, famously debuting with a cover where he punches Adolf Hitler in Captain America Comics #1.
Throughout World War II, Captain America fought on the front lines, battling Nazi forces, Red Skull, and various Axis-aligned villains. His shield became a symbol of hope and resistance, both in the Marvel Universe and in the real world.
As a super-soldier and a symbol of American ideals, Cap’s fight against the Nazis wasn’t just about physical battles—it was about standing against oppression, racism, and dictatorship. His character remains a beacon of justice, and his early stories continue to resonate with readers as powerful allegories of standing up against tyranny.
Marvel’s history is filled with complex characters whose rivalries often define them. However, when faced with the evils of the Nazi regime, even the most infamous antiheroes and rivals put aside their differences to take a stand.
From Namor’s relentless oceanic battles to The Thing’s deeply personal opposition to fascism, these characters each played a role in combating Nazism in their unique ways. Whether out of personal vendettas, survival, or sheer heroism, these stories serve as reminders that fighting against oppression is a universal cause—one that even rivals can agree upon.
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