Many horror fans grew up reading comics. In fact, a lot of comic books and graphic novels are rooted in strong horror overtones, so there's a lot of opportunity for crossover between the two worlds. This is highly evident in many of the more adult-oriented comics, but even the ones lacking frightful themes were still a great deal of fun to read in the past, and continue to be a part of our lives today.
Since everyone who grew up reading comics has probably wondered what it would be like to hang out with their favorite superhero or supervillain, we've compiled a list of fourteen of those iconic characters whom we'd really love to be BFFs with. This is by no means a definitive list; this is just a collection of our top choices. Feel free to suggest your own top picks in the comment box below!
The Punisher
Who wouldn’t want to spend some quality time with The Punisher? He's the ultimate vengeance-seeking badass. He believes in his own form of vigilante justice, whether it's within the confines of the law or not; it doesn't really matter to him either way. If you got in tight with The Punisher, perhaps you could get him to "punish" people you didn’t like... like people who text message during movies, or people that chew their gum too loudly. The possibilities are limitless.
Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider belongs to the same brand of darker justice that The Punisher does: he isn’t afraid to color outside the lines, and he really shouldn’t be, seeing as how he made himself a deal with the Devil. He would be a good guy to have in your corner in the event that you need someone's legs broken, or some questionable justice carried out. You can never have enough allies with slightly questionable morals.
The Joker
The Joker would be great to have around at parties; he’s always quick with a punchline and usually sports a boutonnière that dispenses toxic chemicals to silence party guests who had too much to drink, or like the sound of their own voice too much.
The Flash
Missed your train to the airport? No problem. If you've got Flash on speed-dial, he can get you there before you can say TSA. He also sports a sharp looking red jumpsuit, so you will never lose him in a crowd.
Scott Pilgrim
If nothing else, Scott has a great sense of humor, and if you're out in public with him, you are absolutely guaranteed not to be the most awkward person in the room. Though he isn’t exactly a superhero in the sense that he doesn’t really possess any super powers, he has some sense of right and wrong... and has major nerd credentials to boot.
Hellboy
Hellboy is an ultimate badass. He's a demon, but thanks to a wholesome upbringing, he's chosen to harness his powers for good, and the big oaf even sawed off his horns in an attempt to leave his demonic roots in the past. He has a right arm made of stone, which will undoubtedly come in handy for opening pickle jars, or any number of other things. He also works with an organization devoted to combatting the dark forces of the occult, so if you need a paranormal investigator, you can always call in a favor to the big red guy.
The Tick
The Tick and his trusty Moth sidekick Arthur would be a blast to hang out with, if only for the comic relief: he's a bumbling meathead with a heart of gold, and the situations he and Arthur wind up in are seldom without a hefty dose of humor. The other heroes that exist in The Tick’s world are a great deal of fun as well: for example, The American Maid (from the cartoon series) throws her stiletto heels and tiara as a primary line of defense.
Wonder Woman
Anyone want to take a ride in her invisible jet? I do! Not only is Wonder Woman absolutely the epitome of physical and mental perfection: she has awesome bangle bracelets that she uses to deflect bullets... and she’s also a nice lady. Don’t even get me started on her magic lasso or her headpiece that doubles as a boomerang!
Wolverine
With an adamantium skeleton, the heightened senses of an actual animal, and the ability to heal in mere seconds, Wolverine would be perfect to have around for opening that annoying super-thick plastic that almost everything comes packaged in these days... or he could help you practice fencing, and he would have no need for that ugly protective suit, because if you stab him he'll heal in a matter of moments.
Judge Dredd
Judge Joseph Dredd, along with his Lawgiver Pistol, has near-absolute power when it comes to futuristic justice. In the comics, the man is currently in his seventies, and he canstill kick ass. Whether you need a traffic citation expunged or an underworld crime lord sentenced to death on the spot, Dredd is the man for the job.
Deadpool
Deadpool has enjoyed a recent spike in popularity lately, and countless cosplayers have taken to appropriating his likeness. Like Wolverine, he has the ability to heal almost instantaneously, and is immune to sickness or disease of any kind; he's come back from literally being decapitated due to his ability to heal almost instantaneously. This is definitely the kind of guy I'd like to have in my corner and take out for a drink, so I could ask him a million different questions about his super awesome skill-set.
Batman
Need to host a party for a large group of people? Just say the word and Batman's alter-ego Bruce Wayne can hook you up with his sweet pad, Wayne Manor. Need financing for… well, anything? Batman’s got your back. He’s also a man of few words, so you don’t have to worry about him talking your ear off like other more long-winded purveyors of justice.
Spider-Man
The Web-Slinger could effortlessly give you a bird’s eye tour of the big city that would rival any attraction Six Flags has to offer. Also, he has a thing for redheads, so you won’t have to fight him for the attention of any blondes or brunettes, should you ever find yourself in a social situation together.
Superman
The Man of Steel's really got it going on: superhuman strength, X-ray vision, the ability to fly, and the affection of Lois Lane. The only drawback to spending time with Superman is that he will totally upstage you in every situation. Sure, it will probably be unintentional, but it’s hard to top a man that can lift a freight train or literally kick someone’s ass into outer space, so the benefits would far outweigh the drawbacks in that relationship.
Kiss Me, Satan No. 1
The Strain: The Fall No. 3
The X-Files: Season 10 No. 4
It's only because the phrase "the horror version of Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia" popped into my head three or four times during the excellent new horror film Proxy that I feel comfortable bringing it up here. That certainly sounds like a glib and lofty piece of praise for a bizarre indie thriller that starts out darkly compelling and slowly grows more unpredictable every fifteen minutes, but the surface-level comparison seems to fit. Much like the strange and challenging Magnolia, Proxy starts with one offbeat story -- and then branches off into a variety of darkly fascinating directions.
Few film genres can take steady aim at "organized religion" like the horror genre does. In the hands of clever filmmakers, our collective fixation on the power of religion can result in films as varied as The Exorcist, 
