With a $155.34 million opening weekend, the newest installment of the Batman franchise, The Dark Knight established itself as a forced to be reckoned with. PETA decided to use the opportunity to share their picks for the Top 10 Animal-Friendly Superheroes ever. Sure these guys may kick, punch, stare and speed there way out of sticky situations, but they do their best to protect earth's creatures along the way.

Some of the list's highlights include:

Superman - The blue tights and red cape may make Superman the most easily recognizable hero of them all. However a public service announcement comic called "Superman: For the Animals" in which the Man of Steel teaches some bullies not to pick on animals, also sets him apart.

Captain Planet - Who could forget the rallying lyrics of opening credits song? "Captain Planet/He's our hero/Gonna take pollution down to zero." The guy just wanted to preserve the earth and all who lived there - animals included.

Batman - Of course we couldn't leave out the Caped Crusader, especially since he and his posse of pals (and enemies!) blazed through theaters this past weekend. Batman wears a cape made from pleather instead of real leather.

Aquaman - The guy counts sea creatures as his friends and works to protect them from "surface-dwellers" (aka humans).

Animal Man - In all fairness, it's right there in his name. Animal Man isn't as famous as some of his other DC comic buddies, however his talents shine nonetheless. He can mimic the abilities of animals and fights for their rights. He's also a vegetarian (you can't eat the ones you're trying to save, right?) and in one comic, rescues a group of dolphins from would-be fishers.

There are five other superheroes that round out this top 10. Find out who the remaining five are after the jump!

» PETA