The classic interpretation of a comic book superhero has always seen them have a sidekick by their side. Whether it’s DC Comics or Marvel, there have been plenty of characters that have taken up this role, although only a few have excelled so magnificently that they’ve ticked all the right boxes.
The Winter Soldier is largely lauded for being the perfect sidekick due to his eventual transition into a superhero role himself, something that some other characters have also done. Sidekicks don't need to be heroes either, as there are villainous examples who have bolstered the supervillains' agendas as well. At their heart, these characters have shown the kind of loyalty, determination, and spirit that make them so great in their role.
10 The Winter Soldier — Despite retaining the Winter Soldier moniker, his support of Captain America hasn’t dwindled
The Winter Soldier is widely considered among the best anti-heroes out there. Before this turn, though, he was Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, known usually as Bucky. His loyalty towards Captain America remained absolute, remaining this way until he was presumed deceased.
Even after his return as a brainwashed assassin, the Winter Soldier retained his brotherly love for Steve Rogers, eventually turning back to the side of the good guys due to this.
9 Kid Flash — no matter which person is using the identity, Kid Flash remains a steadfast companion to The Flash
The Wally West version is considered the fastest speedster out there. And no matter which person is using the identity, Kid Flash remains a steadfast companion to The Flash. His storylines usually involve learning the ropes, during which he backs up the main hero.
His effectiveness is doubled due to Kid Flash being a powerful superhero in his own right, making him as much of a threat to the villain as The Flash is. The Scarlet Speedster also learns about leadership and being a mentor himself through his association with Kid Flash, which means the sidekick provides a multifaceted advantage.
8 Falcon — he is always portrayed as Captain America’s closest sidekick
One of the key details the MCU incorporated from the comic books is Falcon’s loyalty. Unlike the Winter Soldier, Falcon has always had a great relationship with Captain America, to the point where he’s willingly put his life on the line simply because he was asked to.
The MCU ended up turning the Falcon into the next Captain America, owing to the qualities he had portrayed which made him worthy of the shield. Whatever media it might be, the Falcon is always portrayed as Captain America’s closest sidekick.
7 Harley Quinn — Harley’s been more than useful, having caught Batman herself just to please the Joker
She’s as troublesome as she sounds, but Harley Quinn has usurped most superheroes in this department. Her love for “Mr. J” has seen her endure all kinds of ill-treatment yet remain on his side. Harley’s been more than useful too, having caught Batman herself just to please the Joker.
She’s been the Joker’s most effective sidekick in all forms of adaptations, be it the Batman: Arkham series, the DC Extended Universe, or the comic books. While some interpretations show her going off on her own, that’s always because Joker’s booted her and not due to any disloyalty.
6 Jimmy Olsen — he brings a level of calmness that Superman greatly appreciates
Only Jimmy could complement Superman in ideals as he does, being a happy-go-lucky character who basks in the good nature that Superman seeks to promote. Some adaptations have even handed superpowers to him, which don’t diminish his support toward Superman in any way.
Despite being powerless for the most part, Superman has always been able to count on Jimmy, whether it’s to do any kind of recon or be there for him emotionally. He’s one of Superman’s best friends, bringing a level of calmness that Superman greatly appreciates.
5 Rick Jones — he is a stand up guy whom any superhero would love to have by their side
Rick might be the ultimate sidekick in comics, having provided these services to the likes of The Hulk, Captain America, and Captain Marvel, among others. He hasn’t shown fear of the incredibly dangerous situations these superheroes land in, with the heroes themselves requesting him to step back for his own safety.
Rick is also a person who looks out for the hero he’s supporting, even asking Captain America to call him Bucky so as to make Steve feel as if he still had his best friend as his sidekick. All in all, Rick’s a stand up guy whom any superhero would love to have by their side.
4 Batgirl — she gives Batman all the intel he needs & the layout of his surroundings
Barbara Gordon has been a vital cog in the Batman machine in several adaptations. Her skills as Batgirl are around the same level as the Caped Crusader, providing solid support that is bolstered by her agility and quick wit.
As the Oracle, Barbara has shown the ability to be Batman’s eyes and ears, as she gives Batman all the intel he needs and the layout of his surroundings. This kind of support can’t be duplicated, something Batman is well aware of.
3 Aqualad — he's proven that being a sidekick can also be empowering
The Garth identity of Aqualad differs from the Young Justice version, as he’s a sidekick by nature who loves catering to Aquaman’s needs. This by no means entails him being Aquaman’s servant or anything, instead, Garth became a source of comfort for the superhero.
Due to his effectiveness as a sidekick, Aqualad ended up becoming a founding member of the Teen Titans, mainly due to what he’d learned while supporting Aquaman in his quests. This took him a long way from how he was initially perceived to be weak by the Atlanteans, proving that being a sidekick can also be empowering.
2 Speedy — on occasion, he's bested Green Arrow's quickness with the bow & arrow
There have been two people with the Speedy identity, both of whom tried their best to appeal to Green Arrow to let them be his sidekick. The first one is better known, having essentially been Green Arrow’s ward and understudy during their partnership.
Speedy has shown the capabilities of Green Arrow himself, as their association allowed him to emulate the superhero. Due to his idolization of the Green Arrow, Speedy has been quick to meet his demands, even besting his quickness with the bow and arrow on occasion.
1 Robin — he is the ultimate sidekick due to how closely he follows Batman's ideology
There have been too many versions of the Boy Wonder to judge them individually, but the core aspect of being Robin has been shared among all the characters. When it comes to the topic of a sidekick, Robin is the first name that pops up.
His role as the sidekick is supplemented by him being either the son-like figure for Bruce or be his actual son in the case of Damien. Robin is the ultimate sidekick due to how closely he follows Batman's ideology, right down to becoming a leader in his own right.
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