# Superhero headquarters **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 24, 2017, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532 "2017-08-24T07:55:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TYphoonSignal8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e99b99/32.png) [@TYphoonSignal8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TYphoonSignal8)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/1 "2017-08-24T07:55:04Z")
Here is an intriguing list of superhero-related buildings in a size comparison chart: [http://www.worldcomicbookreview.com/index.php/2015/12/21/urban-architecture-in-comic-books/](http://www.worldcomicbookreview.com/index.php/2015/12/21/urban-architecture-in-comic-books/) There are some notable omissions, though: a. Fortress of Solitude (Superman) b. Avengers Mansion (Avengers) c. Stately Wayne Manor (Batman) d. The upside down rocket, followed by its more modern replacement (Legion of Superheroes). But I’m struggling to think of any others. (Satellites and spaceships don’t count in this scenario - they’re not buildings.) I suppose Aquaman and Namor each have some sort of unidentified throne room in unidentified palaces. Hawkeye, written by Matt Fraction, has his anonymous Brooklyn brownstone. Any others? ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/2 "2017-08-24T08:16:05Z")
Aquaman’s palace has shown up a lot in his recent series, though he doesn’t spend much time there, any more. I’d also include the Themysciran embassy from Wonder Woman. The Gotham Clock Tower (which the Birds of Prey operate out of) is also a notable lack. Several other Wayne owned buildings, aside from his house would also be appropriate, mostly Wayne Tower. Like Wayne Manor, Arkham Asylum might be a little small on that chart, but still seems iconic enough to warrant inclusion. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/3 "2017-08-24T08:19:57Z")
Off the top of my head: Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters (X-Men) Tony Stark’s Malibu house (from the Iron Man movies) Stark Tower / Avengers Tower (from the Avengers movies) ---
**Author:** ![Renz\_Medicinal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Renz\_Medicinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renz_Medicinal)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/4 "2017-08-24T08:22:32Z")
Namor has his seat in Atlantis Super President stays in the White House Iron Man in Stark Industries Thor in Asgaard ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/5 "2017-08-24T12:16:13Z")
Arthur’s apartment building in _The Tick_. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/6 "2017-08-24T13:01:19Z")
The original Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic (yes, Superman stole not only the location, but the name, too. Not the only things Superman took from him) was Doc Savage’s. > [@](#): > > The concept and name “Fortress of Solitude” first appeared in the Doc Savage pulps in the 1930s and 1940s. Doc Savage built his Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic and retreated to it alone in order to make new scientific or medical breakthroughs, and to store dangerous technology and other secrets. The Golden Age Superman did not have an arctic fortress, but instead a “mountain sanctuary” which was located in a mountain range on the outskirts of Metropolis. Here, Superman kept a diary, oversized tools for various projects, and other equipment and trophies. > > Superman’s Silver Age Fortress, which debuted in 1958, was also located in the Arctic and served similar purposes. Built into the side of a steep cliff, the Fortress was accessible through a large gold-colored door with a giant keyhole, which required an enormous key to open it. The arrow-shaped key was so large that only Superman (or another Kryptonian such as Supergirl) could lift it; when not in use, the key sat on a perch outside of the Fortress, where it appeared to be an aircraft path marker. This was until a helicopter pilot followed the direction of the arrow straight to the entrance of the Fortress, forcing Superman to develop a cloak to camouflage the entrance and key (which now hung on brackets on its side beside the door) and to ensure the Fortress’s secrecy. > **[Fortress of Solitude](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_of_Solitude)** > > The Fortress of Solitude is a fictional fortress appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Superman. It is the place where Superman first learned about his true identity, heritage, and purpose on Earth. The fortress functions as a place of solace/occasional headquarters for Superman and is typically depicted as being in frozen tundra, away from civilization. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was s Tr... They even showed it at the opening of George Pal’s disastrous (and unintentionally hilarious) 1975 film: [![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XCECCGgqLw/VxC4Z_rl8uI/AAAAAAAAr_c/5zUjm7SspjYro-up92LHEx4F-I0Hyb27wCKgB/s1600/444.jpg) ](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2XCECCGgqLw/VxC4Z_rl8uI/AAAAAAAAr_c/5zUjm7SspjYro-up92LHEx4F-I0Hyb27wCKgB/s1600/444.jpg) So you also have the original (non-Fortress of Solitude) Secret Citadel of Superman: [http://comiccoverage.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/29/01\_citadel.jpg](http://comiccoverage.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/29/01_citadel.jpg) And don’t forget the Fantastic Four’s HQ at The Baxter Building: > **[Baxter Building](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baxter_Building)** > > The Baxter Building is a fictional 35-story office building appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the building first appeared in Fantastic Four #3 (March 1962). The construction is depicted in Manhattan, and its five upper floors house the Fantastic Four's headquarters. > The Baxter Building first appeared in Fantastic Four #3 (March 1962) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Baxter Building was the first comic-book superhero l... [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Baxterbuilding.jpeg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5d/Baxterbuilding.jpeg) [![](http://dccomicsartists.com/superwhoswho/secretcitadel-Superman17.JPG) ](http://dccomicsartists.com/superwhoswho/secretcitadel-Superman17.JPG) ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/7 "2017-08-24T13:04:31Z")
[Hong Kong Phooey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_Phooey)has his dumpster. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/8 "2017-08-24T13:05:29Z")
And how can you forget the Hall of Justice, HQ of the Justice League of America: > **[Hall of Justice (comics)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Justice_%28comics%29)** > > The Hall of Justice, or simply the Hall, is a fictional headquarters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The Hall of Justice serves as a headquarters for the Justice League. > It was first introduced in the Super Friends animated series on September 8, 1973, and it eventually appeared in comic book titles related to the Justice League, as well as video games and other media. The show was produced by Hanna-Barbera, a division of Cincinnati-based Taft Broadcasting. One of the a... ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/9 "2017-08-24T13:07:52Z")
There’s also the Hal of Heroes (sometimes called the Batmen of All Nations) club in Gotham City > **[Club of Heroes](https://crusadapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Club_of_Heroes)** > > The Club of Heroes, also, but incorrectly known as the Batmen of All Nations, was a pairing of vigilantes led by the famous Batman. Millionaire John Mayhew took together a team of vigilantes led by the Batman, with the majority appearing to have... > **[Batmen of All Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batmen_of_All_Nations)** > > Batmen of All Nations are a group of fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The characters were inspired by the superhero Batman to fight crime in their respective countries. The group first appeared in Detective Comics #215. Later the Batmen of All Nations were renamed the International Club of Heroes, often known as just the Club of Heroes. Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths, they were named the Dome (see Global Guardians) and were not inspired by Batman but... in their first appearance, they had a physical clubhouse. I haven’t kept up with them since then. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/10 "2017-08-24T13:31:03Z")
Superman’s Silver Age fortress used the giant key, but the keyhole was big enough to crawl through. Great design. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/11 "2017-08-24T14:29:12Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > And how can you forget the Hall of Justice, HQ of the Justice League of America: > > [Hall of Justice (comics) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Justice_%28comics%29) Not forgotten. It’s one of the buildings on the list linked to in the OP (the smallest of them by approximately 10m). The Baxter Building is also included. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/12 "2017-08-24T15:04:57Z")
[Titans Tower](https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/marvel_dc/images/5/52/Titans_Tower.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20060116201335) ETA: Should’ve clicked the link in the OP. Oops. ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/13 "2017-08-24T15:28:07Z")
Remember Shazam! He had a special RV. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/14 "2017-08-24T15:37:50Z")
> [@Kamino\_Neko](#): > > Not forgotten. It’s one of the buildings on the list linked to in the OP (the smallest of them by approximately 10m). The Baxter Building is also included. Ah – sorry. I read the OP, but didn’t click the link. I assumed they were all in the OP. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/15 "2017-08-24T15:43:02Z")
This image from the cover of Adventure Comics 322 certainly suggests that the **Legion of Super-Pets** had a fixed physical headquarters (possibly within the Legion Clubhouse Building itself), but I don’t recall anyone ever definitely pinning it down [![](http://www.strangearts.ru/sites/default/files/styles/heroes_main_picture/public/superpets_3.jpg?itok=txFGK4jm) ](http://www.strangearts.ru/sites/default/files/styles/heroes_main_picture/public/superpets_3.jpg?itok=txFGK4jm) > **[Legion of Super-Pets. Adventure Comics #322 (1964), cover by Curt Swan and...](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434315957800019451)** > > Dec 8, 2016 - Legion of Super-Pets. Adventure Comics #322 (1964), cover by Curt Swan and George Klein ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/16 "2017-08-24T15:47:55Z")
the absence of the Legion HQ could be explained by the fact that it hasn’t been built yet!:rolleyes: Also, it did seem to change size and shape depending on who the artist was at any given time. I recently built a model of the structure, so I’ve done some research on the topic. Finally settled on the design as shown in the iconic Adventure 300 cover. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/17 "2017-08-24T16:02:46Z")
Didn’t the House of Secrets serve as a superhero HQ at one point? For the Secret Six a decade ago? Avengers Mansion and Avengers Compound are missing. Attilan, too. The Defenders briefly met at the Richmond Riding Academy on Long Island, when Dr. Strange kicked them out of his Sanctum. Starhawk (Guardians of the Galaxy) had, at one point, a suburban tract house and yard encased in a glass dome in space, to give his three children a normal upbringing. It was destroyed and they died as soon as a new writer got hold of the series. The Wasp had a fully-equipped mansion shrunk down to the size of a birdhouse installed in the backyard of Avengers Mansion, which was kind of cool. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2017, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/18 "2017-08-24T16:21:00Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Superman’s Silver Age Fortress, which debuted in 1958, was also located in the Arctic and served similar purposes. Built into the side of a steep cliff, the Fortress was accessible through a large gold-colored door with a giant keyhole, which required an enormous key to open it. The arrow-shaped key was so large that only Superman (or another Kryptonian such as Supergirl) could lift it; when not in use, the key sat on a perch outside of the Fortress, where it appeared to be an aircraft path marker. This was until a helicopter pilot followed the direction of the arrow straight to the entrance of the Fortress, forcing Superman to develop a cloak to camouflage the entrance and key (which now hung on brackets on its side beside the door) and to ensure the Fortress’s secrecy. > [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > Superman’s Silver Age fortress used the giant key, but the keyhole was big enough to crawl through. Great design. Apparently the idea was to restrict access to Kryptonians by locking the door and making a really heavy key that only a Kryptonian could move. Not sure why he didn’t just forget the key and make a really heavy door. ---
**Author:** ![TYphoonSignal8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e99b99/32.png) [@TYphoonSignal8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TYphoonSignal8)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/19 "2017-08-28T07:46:21Z")
Because the key was also used as an aircraft guidance arrow. Pre-GPS! I did read somewhere - Atlas Obscura? - that these things actually existed. Superman not only locked his door with it, he also helped out aircraft flying over the Arctic. Unending altruism. The JSA had a brownstone building in the 1970s. In Keystone City? I forget where. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2017, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532/20 "2017-08-28T11:46:22Z")
> [@TYphoonSignal8](#): > > There are some notable omissions, though: > … > c. Stately Wayne Manor (Batman) > … > But I’m struggling to think of any others. (Satellites and spaceships don’t count in this scenario - they’re not buildings.) THat should be the Batcave. Does a cave count as a building? > [@](#): > > Any others? Tracy Island, home of International Rescue. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superhero-headquarters/794532.md?page=2)