People worldwide are familiar with superheroes that were popularized by Marvel's DC comics. Most of the stories were also adapted into films and they have always been box office hits around the world. But do you know that Latin America also has its own set of superheroes that can rival the likes of Batman, Superman and Spiderman?

Yes, there are amazing Latino characters that ordinary people can ask for help in times of distress too. Similar to how Spiderman will save someone who is being mauled in the streets, the El Gato Negro of Latin America can equally protect folks from such bad guys. Now, these types of superheroes are all over Latam but not many may know about them. Get a glimpse of Latin superheroes and villains through the round-up of most well-known (and well-loved) characters:

El Gato Negro

El Gato Negro first appeared in 1993. Texan social worker Francisco Guerrero is originally a wrestler. When his friend was murdered, he became a masked vigilante and decided to fight off criminals.

El Zorro

This superhero is probably the most well-known Latino hero in the world. He is one of the first superheroes in modern Latin American culture.

Don Diego de la Vega hides behind his El Zorro costume to defend people from oppression and injustices. His horse Tornado brings him wherever the crime scene is and he uses a whip and sword to fight.

Kaliman

Kaliman has been listed as Latin America and Mexico's bestselling comic book since 1965. He is a member of a group that works to preserve justice in the planet. He fights using martial arts, a dagger and blowpipe with tranquilizer darts. He has self-healing and mental power abilities.

Victor Mancha

He is a Mexican-American cyborg who appeared in Marvel Comics. He has great speed and superhuman strength. He possesses photographic memory and can control electronics with mind power.

El Dorado

He was in "Super Friends" animated series and blended well with All-American heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman. He can teleport and has super strength.

Rictor

He is Julio Esteban, a Mexican mutant who fights with seismic energy which he can release through his fingertips.

Firebird

Her name is Bonita Juarez. This Mexican-American superhero got her power after coming in contact with a meteorite fragment. She can fly and can produce heat and fire from her body.

Lastly, there is a character called Pantha. This DC Comic character first appeared in 1991. She is Rosabelle Mendez who has ultrasonic vision and cat-like agility. Since she is a half panther, half human being, she has sharp claws and a tail.