The Tick. A character created by a by young Ben Edlund, a fan of superhero comics during the 1980s, which was one of the most influential decades for superhero comics.
The 80s gave us creators like Frank Miller and Allan Moore, who pushed the envelope of what was and wasn't acceptable to depict in comics. These individuals thumbed their noses at the Comics Code Authority and all the regulations that made sure comics stayed squeaky clean and kid friendly. So much of what is going on in comics and superhero movies now is a result of the 80s.
Early issues of Ben Edlund's original run of 'The Tick' walk a line between affectionate parody that outright mockery of the darker and edgier comics of the time. At one point the Tick declares: "I'm a SUPERHERO! I don't want to STOP crime! I just want to FIGHT it!" These were funny and relevant when they were written, and in a post Christopher Nolan society where people are still throwing around buzzwords like 'Grounded' and 'Gritty' in relation to superheroes 'The Tick' is still as funny and relevant as ever.
The increase of violence and the brooding nature of heroes in superhero comics is parodied. The Tick spends a lot of time standing on rooftops and narrating his own adventures in third person Film Noir dialog.
"He stands...like some sort of pagan god or deposed tyrant. Staring out over over the city he's sworn to...to stare out over..."
"Blood covers the city like a big red afghan..."
As a Daredevil fan I particularly enjoy issues #3 through #5: 'Night of a Million Zillion Ninja,' 'A Big Fight' and 'Early Morning of a Million Zillion Ninjas'. This story arc introduces Oedipus, a thinly veiled Elektra parody. The Tick joins Oedipus, her old guy mentor Shing, and Paul the Samurai in their battle against the incompetent Ninja forces of darkness. "Ninjas aren't dangerous. They're more afraid of you than you are of them..." This story arc also introduces the Tick's sidekick Arthur.
Superman and transparent Superhero disguises are also mocked. The Tick dons a hypnotic tie over his costume in order to convince the general public that he to is an ordinary citizen rather than a nigh-invincible superhero.
One thing about The Tick, the original issues do have a bit of salty language, so it's not as kid friendly as it may seem. I picked up a reprint of the first issue on Free Comic Book Day a few years back, and they altered a lot of the dialog to make it appropriate for all ages. It must have been a little shocking for parents who went out and bought the comic for their kids afterwords. It's mostly just PG-13 language though, no F-words or anything, but I do feel like it's something you should be warned about.
Probably my favorite thing about The Tick is how quotable it is. "Speak up Amigo, I can barely hear you over the roar of this yawning abyss!" It's a bit like 'The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra' or 'Galaxy Quest' for me that way. There is no wrong time to quote The Tick.
"Spooooooon!"
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