Great feedback everyone! Really appreciate the contribution to this thread.
1. In retrospect, I agree that my list is WAY too long, and that 5-10 is about the most it should be for just the "iconic" superheroes. I guess I got on a roll and couldn't stop myself...my bad.
2. A list like this is definitely subjective for the most part, and the person who made the point about people from different generations having a different take on which heroes will be recognized immediately is valid one. Spidey, Hulk, Thing and perhaps Cap and Human Torch (since they've been around for so long) are probably the safest bets. Of course, now with the success of the Marvel movie franchises you can probably add Iron Man and Thor to the list.
3. I don't know if I agree about Wolverine, again, keep in mind the pic that would be flashed up on the screen is the traditional COMIC BOOK version. Logan doesn't were his traditional yellow/blue/black costume in the movies, so that's where I think there would be a disconnect.
4. I also think Black Widow could be confused with other 'secret agent' type of characters (Neon Flux, Lara Croft, Katana, etc) when shown to a mixed group from around the world. I think it's because her costume isn't distinctive enough to stand out as "Oh, yeah, that's definitely Black Widow".
5. I notice many of you left Daredevil off your lists?? I think he is still a pretty iconic comic book superhero, but he definitely needs a movie reboot. It would be great to have him team up with Cap in one of his future solos movies to test the water. The key would be having a great director like Russo or Whedon, a compelling story, and, of course, a more dynamic actor than the 'last guy' to play him.
👆