So You Wanna Be Neighbors With Spider-Man? How Many Marvel Heroes Actually Live in NYC?
Let's face it, living in New York City is already pretty darn heroic. You gotta dodge rogue pigeons, navigate rush hour crowds like a ninja, and pretend you don't see that guy playing the kazoo on the subway. But what if you crave a little extra excitement in your daily commute? Maybe you fancy swinging through the skyscrapers alongside Spidey, or grabbing a bagel with Captain America?
Well, buckle up, because New York City just might be the superhero capital of the world. Here's the lowdown on how many crime-fighting comrades you might have in the Big Apple.
The Official Count (or lack thereof)
Truth be told, there's no official tally of NYC's superpowered population. Maybe they're too busy saving the day to fill out a census form. However, in the comics, Spider-Man once threw around a wild guess of 7,000 superheroes living in the city. Now, that number seems a tad high, even for a metropolis that practically runs on coffee and chaos.
A More Realistic Estimate (with a dash of sarcasm)
Let's be honest, not every guy with a bedazzled costume and a can-do attitude qualifies as a full-fledged hero. We're looking at you, Squirrel Girl (though we appreciate the enthusiasm). So, taking into account the occasional retired vigilante and the superhero-wannabes who haven't quite mastered their powers (yet!), a more realistic estimate might be in the hundreds to low thousands range.
Still Pretty Crowded: Perks of a Packed Superhero Playhouse
Even with a more scaled-back number, there's no denying that New York City boasts a superhero superstore. Here's the upside:
- Never a dull moment: With all this heroism buzzing around, you're guaranteed an action-packed life. Just, you know, try not to get caught in the crossfire.
- Sidewalk justice served daily: Petty crime? Not so much. With a superhero on practically every corner, you can rest assured your morning bagel is safe from snatchers.
- Potential for awesome friendships: Imagine grabbing brunch with Iron Man or borrowing sugar from Doctor Strange! The neighborly possibilities are endless (just avoid asking to borrow Captain America's shield... trust us).
Of course, there are also some downsides...
- Real estate prices are probably insane: Living next to Avengers Tower can't be cheap.
- Casual alien invasions might disrupt your Netflix plans.
- There's a good chance your therapist will specialize in superhero-related anxieties.
Thinking of Moving to NYC for the Superheroes?
Hold on there, tiger! Before you pack your bags and dream of high-fiving Wolverine, here are some FAQs to consider:
How to become a superhero in NYC?
There's no guaranteed path, but getting bitten by a radioactive spider or being exposed to gamma radiation seems to be a popular origin story.
How to avoid getting caught in a superhero battle?
Invest in a good pair of running shoes and a healthy dose of situational awareness.
How to be a good neighbor to a superhero?
Keep their secret identity a secret, offer moral support (and maybe a post-battle smoothie), and try not to be the reason they need to save the day.
How to tell if your neighbor is secretly a superhero?
They always seem tired, have a suspicious amount of spandex in their laundry, and their apartment always smells faintly of burnt alien tech.
How to survive a casual alien invasion in NYC?
Honestly, wing it. But maybe stay off the streets and hope Doctor Strange handles it.
