10 Forgotten Superhero Teams That Need to Make a Comeback

The world of comics is full of superhero teams, which means some occasionally fall to the wayside. These forgotten teams are still a delight to read and deserve more attention, perhaps even a comeback. More importantly, many of these crews have played a role in iconic moments in Marvel and DC Comics superhero history.

Admittedly, some forgotten superhero teams have plenty of quirks, but one could argue that’s part of their charm. They can be made up of eclectic heroes with tragic backstories, or they can consist of young heroes looking for a foothold in superhero life. One thing is certain: there’s a team out there for every kind of reader.

10 The Bizarro Justice League

A Bizarre and Odd Team That Always Entertain

First appeared in Superman #379 and Action Comics #856 (2007 – New Earth version) They’re the Bizarro World version of the Justice League Current Members: Bizarro Batman, Bizarro Flash, Bizarro Green Lantern, Bizarro Hawkgirl, Bizarro Wonder Woman

There’s no denying the oddity of Bizarro World. Likewise, one cannot deny how entertaining the Bizarro Justice League is. Bizarro World is one of many DC Universes where everything is different—in this case, everything is backward. Bizarro versions of many iconic characters live there, including the heroes who make up the Justice League. As with the Justice League, the team members change over time; for example, Bizarro Superman is not currently a member.

In this world of opposites, the Bizarro Justice League operates very differently than the real Justice League. Bizarro Green Lantern fears everything; Bizarro Batman is a killer with living parents, and so on. In other words, they’re not great at being heroes, but at least they’re willing to try! The team is more comedic than effective, but that’s what makes them so entertaining.

9 Starjammers

The Team of Alien Mercenaries and Pirates

First appeared in X-Men #104 (1977) as a partial team, full team in X-Men #107 (1977) Met in the slave pits of the Shi’ar Empire Original Team: Ch’od, Hepzibah, Raza, Corsair

Readers seeking an eclectic group of heroes with a space pirate vibe should check out the Starjammers. Their story begins in the fighting pits of the Shi’ar Empire, where these heroes have been captured and forced to fight for their lives. However, like many characters in the Marvel Universe, they were not inclined to take this sitting down. Thus, the Starjammers were born. Corsair and Ch’od were the team’s first members, but the rest weren’t far behind.

From the moment this team earned their freedom, they became renegade space pirates. Like the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Starjammers’ space adventures were mainly for the benefit of others, though sometimes money was a concern. Their adventures provided hope for many lost souls during this time, making them a perfect team to bring back to the forefront. Perhaps they could fill the void in the MCU?

8 League of Losers

An Alliance Created Out of Desperation

First appeared in Marvel Team-Up #16 (2006) Headquartered in Earth-2992’s future dimension Members: Darkhawk, Speedball, Dagger, Terror, X-23, Gravity, Sleepwalker

The League of Losers has one of the most depressing backstories for any Marvel team, and that’s saying something. It all started when a supervillain known as Chronok traveled back in time (from the future) to destroy Marvel heroes. He utilized his knowledge from the future to hunt down the heroes, knowing their aliases and locations. It was a bad time for the heroes of Earth-6215.

Only seven heroes survived, most of whom were so obscure they didn’t even make it into Chronok’s records. These heroes include Darkhawk, Dagger, Speedball, Terror, X-23, Gravity, and Sleepwalker. Together, they manage to travel through time and stop Chronok, but in doing so, they create a new timeline. These unlikely heroes managed to save the day against all odds, changing the definition of success as they went.

7 The Guild of Detection

A Crime Busting Team With Murder Mystery Vibes

First appeared in Detective Comics #1000 (2019) Technically no real name. The Guild of Detection is a working title Current Members: Detective Chimp, Elongated Man, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, The Question, Sue Dibny, Batman, Martian Manhunter

The Guild of Detection is a secret society in DC Comics. Technically, the organization doesn’t even have a name—that’s how secret it is. However, the members frequently refer to it as the Guild of Detection, so fans have adopted the name too. The organization is made up of some of the greatest minds and detectives in the DC Universe, who come together to solve otherwise impossible mysteries.

This organization meets in a library, where they work together to solve mysteries and puzzles. One interesting fact about The Guild is that nobody knows how long the organization has been around, though it’s implied that it’s been around far longer than the current members. Guild of Detection stories are perfect for murder mysteries or more in-depth investigations, something many readers eagerly crave. It’s a shame these heroes don’t meet too often, as their adventures would be captivating.

6 Power Pack

Siblings With Superpowers

First appeared in Power Pack #1 (1984) Consists of four siblings; Alex, Julie, Jack, and Katie Power. Superhero names: Zero-G, Lightspeed, Mass Master, and Energizer

The Power Pack is a superhero team of four siblings who all get their superpowers from the same source. It didn’t take long for this family to decide they wanted to dedicate themselves to a life of heroic work, ideally while keeping their mom and dad in the dark. The Power Pack has been around since the ’80s and has worked with several heroes, including Wolverine, Moon Girl, and Gwenpool.

These kids are a dynamic force, and not just because of their superpowers. The Power Pack has the power of positivity, always finding a way to see the brighter side. Their fun stories are great for all ages, and given their frequent crossovers with The Fantastic Four and major events in Marvel Comics, it would be easy to keep them relevant for years to come.

5 Defiance

What Happens When a Villain Tries to Be Better?

First appeared in Deathstroke #20 (2017) Also known as Project Defiance, Dark Titans Known Members: Deathstroke, Adeline Kane Wilson, Jericho, Rose Wilson, Terra, Tanya Spears, Wally West, Wintergreen

Occasionally, people wonder what it would look like if a known villain turned over a new leaf and became the good guy, even if it was only temporary. This thought process led to Defiance, with Deathstroke at the helm. It all started when Slade Wilson decided he wanted to turn to the brighter side of the fight, though understandably, heroes in this universe were less than inclined to believe him.

Since Slade wasn’t allowed to join in on any of those hero teams, he made his own, the Defiance. Most of Defiance consists of reformed villains turned heroes. If this sounds familiar, it should, since Marvel also has a team like this called the Thunderbolts. The team members of Defiance change rapidly, with even the leader occasionally changing. As for their enemies, those include Doctor Ikon, Doctor Light, and the Secret Society.

4 A-Force

A Strong and Woman-Led Team in the Marvel Universe

First appeared in A-Force #1 (2015) Original Members: Captain Marvel, Medusa, She-Hulk, Singularity, Dazzler, Nico Minoru Honorary Members: Elsa Bloodstone, Loki (young Loki)

The A-Force first hit the comic book scene in 2015, starting strong with a solo series. Their team consisted of some of the strongest female characters in the Marvel Universe, such as Captain Marvel, Medusa, and She-Hulk. It was only natural for readers to wonder who would lead the team. Other team members include Dazzler, Nico Minoru, Singularity, Elsa Bloodstone, and, oddly enough, Kid Loki.

There’s endless potential for the woman-led A-Force, even without considering new members. Each hero on this list has her own agenda and list of antagonists, which could add to the complexity of any adventure. The best part about this team is that they aren’t locked to any one location, allowing them to travel the multiverse and kick all sorts of villains to the ground. All while providing an exciting adventure for readers.

3 Midnight Sons

A Supernaturally Charged Team Backed By Heavy Hitters

First appeared in Ghost Rider #31 (1992) Also known as Midnight Suns, Children of Midnight, Order of the Midnight Sons Current Members: Blade, Doctor Strange, Elsa Bloodstone, Doctor Voodoo, Wong, Moon Knight, Man-Thing, Ghost Rider, Iron Fist, Scarlet Spider

When it comes to power, the Midnight Sons have it in spades. The Midnight Sons consists of multiple heroes with powers ranging from the supernatural to sheer stubbornness. Over the years, the cast of heroes has changed, usually sticking to heroes with more mystical powers. These heroes deal with mystical threats to humanity and often the whole of the universe.

Doctor Strange founded this team with the sole purpose of defeating Lilith, Goddess of the Underworld. The task proves quite the challenge, putting each hero through a series of trials and tribulations. Now, the team regroups whenever a threat is large enough. Other enemies of the Midnight Sons include Zarathos and Mephisto. The Midnight Sons deserve a comeback, as they always deliver on superpowered battles and iconic moments, usually while dealing with incredibly high stakes.

2 The Legion of Substitute Heroes

A Team of Heroes with a Great Sense of Humor

First appeared in Adventure Comics #306 (1963) Also known as “The Subs” Original Team: Polar Boy, Night Girl, Stone Boy, Fire Lad, Chlorophyll Kid

The Legion of Substitute Heroes should win an award for such a humorous name. This team of heroes knows what’s up, as most of them have been rejected from the Legion of Super-Heroes at one point or another. However, when times get tough, nobody can afford to be too picky, and that’s where the Legion of Substitute Heroes comes into play.

Commonly known as The Subs, this team consists of heroes with either no abilities or very specific powers. While that may have been the reason for their rejection in the first place, they didn’t let it hold them back. Instead, the Legion of Substitute Heroes formed a new team and even saved Earth on at least one occasion. Heroes like Polar Boy and Night Girl didn’t let rejection or their limitations hold them back, proving that a significant part of being a hero is mentality.

1 New Warriors

A Hero Team That Just Can’t Seem to Get Off the Ground

First appeared in The Mighty Thor #411 (1989) as a cameo Also known as New New Warriors, N.W.A. (New Warriors With An Attitude), The Warriors, and Warriors Original Members: Marvel Boy, Night Thrasher, Namorita Prentiss, Speedball/Penance, Firestar, Kid Nova/Nova

The New Warriors is a Marvel superhero team with a long and complicated history. They’ve gone through many names and team members over the years, though Dwayne Taylor, aka Night Thrasher, ran the original team. Night Thrasher’s backstory will sound familiar enough to most readers – he swore to a life of crime fighting and vengeance following the death of his parents. Thus, he formed The New Warriors.

The New Warriors have faced countless battles, defeating villains like Juggernaut, Star Thief, Bengal, and numerous others. Unfortunately, these misfit heroes are very familiar with loss. One of their most memorable and heartbreaking moments happened during the first Marvel Civil War, when a villain named Nitro exploded, killing many civilians alongside most of the team. Additionally, The New Warriors has been left in limbo for a long time, especially as their anticipated television adaptation was canceled despite the trailer screening well.