Superheroes who started out late(r) in life

[Riv86672]

Who are they?

As an example, growing up it always seemed Green Arrow was 8-10 years older than the other Leaguers (maybe owing to the bears). His origin seemed to line up w. that, as it seemed he was already in his thirties when he came back from the island where he acquired his archery skills, and then decided to play hero.

I know immortal/long lived characters would all prob. be correct answers (and if there’s a really good example one that’s great) but I was thinking more of folks who age normally.

[Witchfan]

Doctor Strange was at least in his 40s when he learned magic.
Hank Pym was at least in his late 30s when he became Ant-Man.
Mister Fantastic and The Thing were both around 40 when they got their powers.

[K7P5V]

I don't know if this counts, but how about Martin Stein (the other half of the Raymond/Stein combo version of Firestorm):

[foxley]

Not explicit, but Jim Corrigan seems to have been in his 30s when he became the Spectre.

[From The Shadows]

I dont know... Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Prof. X, Wolverine and Dr. Strange? Maybe Psylocke who was in her 30's when she started super-heroing, I think.

[Riv86672]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

This one though, is pretty cool and I never even would have thought of it.

I don't know if this counts, but how about Martin Stein (the other half of the Raymond/Stein combo version of Firestorm):

[DrNewGod]

I could see all the prominent Green Lanterns (except Kyle) being early 30s at least. Alan Scott was lead engineer on a railroad tressel construction. They don't let people become test pilots right after getting their licenses. Stewart was a practicing architect (as originally created).

[Kirby101]

Bruce Banner had to be in his 30s to be lead scientist of a big government project.

[Witchfan]

Daredevil is 32 years old and has never aged.

[MyriVerse]

I could see all the prominent Green Lanterns (except Kyle) being early 30s at least. Alan Scott was lead engineer on a railroad tressel construction. They don't let people become test pilots right after getting their licenses. Stewart was a practicing architect (as originally created).

Yeah. He was a captain in the USAF. Youngest was 22. Average is 27. Average major is 33. Hal was also on the very immature side, so he might have been below average.

Apply that, perhaps, to Carol Danvers.

[foxley]

Marvel's worst ever incarnation of Alpha Flight included a character called Centennial who became a superhero at the age of 96.

[DrNewGod]

Marvel's worst ever incarnation of Alpha Flight included a character called Centennial who became a superhero at the age of 96.

Also on the list of Alpha Flight's bad ideas: Puck was already a mature and experienced adventurer before caging a bad guy in his own body shrank him down to an immortal little person. Even if you go with what Byrne originally presented, you got the sense that Puck had been having decades of adventures before Department H came across him.

I don't think it's ever been explicitly said, but Stark was well established defense contractor, with a large footprint on the international social scene before becoming Iron Man. I can see it being debatable, but that doesn't lend itself to Boy Wonder interpretations.

More concrete would be War Machine. Rhodey had a military career, which as an Army chopper pilot (as originally created) would mean he was in for at least six years. Then he was in Stark's employ for several years before first taking on a suit of armor. If you want to get into the movie interpretations, Air Force officers don't get to Lieutenant Colonel before their upper-30s.

[Scott Taylor]

Pretty sure T'Challa was in his early 30s when he first met the Fantastic Four. Seems to be a theme here.

[Riv86672]

Marvel's worst ever incarnation of Alpha Flight included a character called Centennial who became a superhero at the age of 96.

^^^ I remember thinking that was the one cool idea in that whole book...

Also on the list of Alpha Flight's bad ideas: Puck was already a mature and experienced adventurer before caging a bad guy in his own body shrank him down to an immortal little person. Even if you go with what Byrne originally presented, you got the sense that Puck had been having decades of adventures before Department H came across him.

^^^Man Byrne was pissed at that Mantlo retcon!
But that’s another good pick ty.

[DrNewGod]

...Man Byrne was pissed at that Mantlo retcon!.

and rightly so