It's all in the super-gear

Superheroes love their toys. Just because you can bench-press a submarine and heat up a kettle with your face doesn't mean you can ignore the need to accessorize.

Swords, guns, suits of armour, belts, hats, a good cape - the right gear can turn a superzero into a superhero.

Take Iron Man, for example. Without the highly sophisticated technological marvel that is his armoured suit, he's just some drunk billionaire with an artificial heart and a cool moustache.

In honour of Iron Man's big-screen debut this week, we take a look at some cool (and not so cool) superhero accessories.

Professor X's Wheelchair

What it does: He might be one of the most powerful telepaths in the X-Men universe, but he's still a paraplegic. That's where his wheelchair comes in.

Why it's awesome: He gets to spend every day in a really comfortable chair that has two awesome Xs on the wheels.

Spider-Man's Web Shooters

What they do: Peter Parker is a smart kid (read: science nerd) who uses his chemistry genius to create this device. The web shooters eject an advanced adhesive web-fluid that Parker (as Spidey) uses to swing from objects, ensnare crooks, hoist or throw objects, among other web-related shenanigans. Spider-Man has also been known to use the web shooters to create shields, clubs, hang-gliders and other ridiculous and impossible things. We don't like to talk about those.

Why they're awesome: As embedded as it is in our pop-cultural subconscious, the web shooter is a pretty out-there idea. Dude shoots sticky gobs out of his wrists and swings from buildings on them. Gross. But think of Spidey without them. He sticks to walls, is fast and super strong. The webs are what give Spider-Man his Spideyness.

Captain America's Shield

What it does: Captain America's shield is nearly indestructible and made of a vibranium alloy. The alloy has never been duplicated, making the shield one of a kind. Cap uses the shield to deflect bullets and other projectiles; he can also throw the discus-shaped object at opponents and ricochet it off objects.

Why it's awesome: With his costume, name and origins as a "super soldier," the Captain is a big ol' throbbing portion of U.S. patriotism. The shield only adds to that. Plus, outside of Guardian, what superhero carries a shield around? (And who the heck knows who Guardian is anyway?) Captain America's shield defines him and symbolizes his battle to defend the U.S.A. from evil.

Wolverine's Claws

What they do: A violent and angry (though misunderstood) X-Man, Wolverine has two sets of indestructible steel claws he can retract from his knuckles. Used to shred, stab, slash, eviscerate, poke, prod, open beer cans (seriously!), and basically for any sort of destruction and mayhem knife-like objects grafted to a fist might do.

Why they're awesome: He has indestructible claws he can retract from his hands. How amazing is that? They're the only reason anyone cares about Wolverine (and the X-Men, one could argue) in the first place.

Wonder Woman's Golden Lasso

What is does: Any dastardly villains snared in Wonder Woman's magical lasso find themselves incapable of telling a lie.

Why it's awesome: While some people may be partial to Wonder Woman's indestructible bracelets or her invisible jet, we prefer the lasso because it combined two of our favourite things: a scantily clad hot chick and cattle wrangling. The only unbelievable part is that the golden lasso never compelled anyone to admit to having a big ol' crush on Wonder Woman. Don't they have eyes?