An "antihero" is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as "a main character in a book, play, movie, etc., who does not have the usual good qualities that are expected in a hero." That is, these are characters with good qualities like compassion, respect for the law and placing justice above revenge. Antiheroes are often amoral, or are guided by a personal sense of honor unique to themselves.
Antiheroes can serve the greater good, of course -- protecting innocents, thwarting criminal plots, stopping terrorists, even saving the world -- but many often do so by being just as dirty as the bad guys, if not worse. Some don't care to help anyone other than themselves, or won't without the promise of a payoff. Then again, many are just as murderous as any nogoodnik, with body counts to match. With all of that in mind, CBR proudly presents our favorite antiheroes in comics.
From Kelvin Childs article at CBR.com.
