15 Best Marvel Characters Who Debuted In the 2020s, So Far

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Every year, Marvel Comics adds dozens of new characters, from villains to heroes. These new characters help to flesh out the world, create new stories, and sometimes even attract new readers. Even since 2020, Marvel has already added countless memorable characters with limitless potential. These characters already look like they may stand the test of time as they create stories that will linger in the reader’s minds and hearts.

Some of the best new characters find new and different ways to surprise readers. Sometimes, it’s a different take on a familiar trope; other times, it’s something entirely new and unexpected. Either way, the adventure results in lifelong memories for readers.

15

Sarah Gaunt, aka Hag

Hag Is a Witch Determined to Hunt Down Mutant Children

First appeared in Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024)

She has Somber Steel claws

Sarah Gaunt is technically an older Marvel character, but in 2024, she returned to the pages—with major changes. She has a long history with Charles Xavier, which has been explored more in the recent Uncanny X-Men series. More importantly, Sarah Gaunt is also a witch, now more commonly known as the Hag.

Sarah Gaunt, aka the Hag, is a witch working for Graymalkin Prison who has been tasked with retrieving mutants and bringing them to Dr. Corina Ellis’ “care.” Unfortunately, the Hag takes a lot of joy in this and particularly relishes hunting down child mutants. In addition to her ghastly appearance, the Hag is a powerful force to be reckoned with. She even won a battle with Wolverine, though he wasn’t in the right mindset at the time.

14

Takemoto Tatsuya, aka Venom

Also known as Samurai Venom

First appeared in Extreme Venomverse #1 (2023)

A Member of Agent Venom’s Symbiote Squad

Since its introduction, Venom has bonded with countless Marvel heroes and villains. The Venomverse recently revealed the latest addition to the team, Takemoto Tatsuya, or as he’s more commonly called by readers, Samurai Venom. Tatsuya lives in a dystopian future where everything has gone wrong, and people like him have to work for corporations like Oscorp to survive.

Takemoto Tatsuya’s version of Venom is famous for his katana. During a job, he encountered a katana imbued with the Venom symbiote, and the two were bonded almost instantly. Like many hosts, Tatsuya struggles to control Venom, especially when he’s battling enemies.

13

Miranda Monteiro, aka Liberty

Liberty Is a New Champion with Cybernetic Wings

First full appearance in Spider-Woman #7 (2024)

She’s a member of the New Champions, previously a member of the Assembly

Miranda Monteiro was only introduced in 2024, so it’s clear that her story has a long way to go. During her early life, she was involuntarily recruited into Hydra’s organization, with Gremlin at the helm. Because of this new experimental program, Miranda received cybernetic wings and other advanced technology.

The good news is that Miranda, aka Liberty, has embraced her life as a hero.She joined the New Champions and has already had interactions with heroes such as Spider-Woman. Miranda Monteiro’s first appearance was on a comic book cover, as she was part of the New Champion’s variant cover program and was pitched to be one of the forgotten sidekicks of Marvel.

12

Bailey Briggs, aka Spider-Boy

Spider-Boy Is a Human-Spider Hybrid

First appeared in Spider-Man #7 (2023)

His full name is Bailey Bartholomew Briggs

The cast of Spider-themed characters is ever-growing, thanks to the multi-verse and Web of Life. One of the newer Spider-characters is Bailey Briggs, aka Spider-Boy. Bailey earned his position as a superhero at a young age; he was only 11 when he got his powers and began training. Spider-Boy trained with Daredevil before becoming Spider-Man’s sidekick. There’s only one problem: Bailey is the only person who remembers this.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, Spider-Boy was erased from the Web of Life. While he was able to make his way back into the web and his homeworld, the memories of his past are gone. This has set Bailey Briggs on a difficult path in life, as he’s having trouble convincing Peter Parker to let him be his sidekick again.

11

Isabella Alvarez, aka Fantasma

Fantasma Is a Variation of Ghost Rider

First full appearance in Spider-Woman #7 (2024)

Also known as Scorched Izzy

Marvel Comics is well-known for swapping or sharing hero titles, like the title of Ghost Rider. Isabella Alvarez is the most recent incarnation of the Ghost Rider, though she prefers the name Fantasma. She was originally a roller derby skater before her world was turned upside down. As a version of Ghost Rider, Fantasma has all the powers one might expect, including portal creation and manifesting the iconic chains.

The good news is that Fantasma does not have to fight hellhounds or any other enemy on her own. Her first portrayed battle included a well-known hero, Robbie Reyes, working at her side. Fantasma is another hero who stemmed from the New Champions variant cover event, which played around with the concept of forgotten sidekicks for classic Marvel heroes.

10

Hotoru, aka Deathdream

Deathdream Is One of the Newest Mutants in Marvel

First appeared in Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024)

Also known as Ghost Boy

His mutant ability lets him move between life and death at will

Hotoru is one of the latest mutants introduced in Marvel Comics and is part of the Outliers, a group of four mutants on the run from the Hag. The group fell under the care of the Uncanny X-Men, with Rogue at the helm. Hotoru is not your typical teenager, as he has a longstanding relationship with death—the concept, not the character. He’s known for making disturbing comments that come off as a bit creepy.

Deathdream’s mutant ability is known as the death state, which means he can be on either side of life or death. While undead, Hotoru can summon the souls of the unliving, even manipulating their souls. Unfortunately, playing around with these spirits comes at a price, as Deathdream frequently becomes much more aggressive when spirits possess him.

Web-Head Is a New Spider-Character On the Scene

First appeared in Spider-Man Unlimited Infinity Comic #39 (2024)

Met Peter Parker on a dating app

While not a lot is known about Lynda Locke, there’s no denying the potential of this character. Lynda is also known as Agent Locke, and she was first introduced in Spider-Man Unlimited Infinity Comic #39. What makes her introduction so memorable is the almost humorous nature of what happened. It all started with a date with none other than Peter Parker.

Lynda and Peter were enjoying a night out when Creature X attacked. Peter made an excuse so he could run off and save the day, only to discover Lynda was a fellow Spider character and ready to help him fight the villain. Lynda took on her alias when she heard The Thing refer to Spider-Man as Web-Head.

8

Genesis, aka Annihilation

Apocalypse’s Wife and Fellow Leader

First appeared in Free Comic Book Day 2020’s X-Men/Dark Ages #1

Mother of the First Horsemen

Omega-level mutant

Apocalypse has been terrorizing the X-Men for generations, and he’s not alone. Genesis is the wife of Apocalypse and the mother of the infamous First Horsemen. She moved to Arrako alongside many other mutants, creating their own civilization that would later clash with Krakoa.

Genesis, also known as Annihilation, is an incredibly powerful Omega-level mutant. She has the ability to control all plant life around her, including fungi. Beyond this, Genesis can communicate with plants—even those within a person’s body—making her an unparalleled master of espionage. As the new leader of Okkara, it’s fitting that Annihilation is also an expert and ruthless combatant. She surpasses Apocalypse in fighting skill, which is part of why the Okkarans chose to support Genesis over her husband.

7

Tosin Oduye

A New Wakandan Hero

First appeared in Black Panther #3 (2022)

He has Vibranium origin tattoos

Tosin Oduye may not have a superhero alias, but he’s a character who has caught readers’ attention. First introduced in Black Panther in 2022, Tosin grew up in Wakanda as a member of the Marube tribe. Unlike many others in the area, his tribe was against the heavy reliance on Vibranium, which gave him a unique perspective on Wakanda.

As a young hero, Tosin has endless potential. While his tribe shunned the more technical version of Vibranium use, they embraced a more natural form, resulting in Vibranium tattoos. These tattoos give Tosin unique abilities and powers, as the Vibranrium almost flows through him and vice versa. He has already been there for fellow heroes such as Shuri and will continue to do his part to keep the peace.

6

Becca Simon-Pinette, aka Calico

X-Men’s Newest Mutant and Resident Horse Girl

First appeared in Uncanny X-Men #1 (2024)

Also known as Horse Girl

She has a telepathic bond with horses, especially her horse, Ember

Becca Simon-Pinette is another new mutant introduced in Uncanny X-Men. Like Hotoru, she is part of the Outliers, a group of mutant teenagers on the run. Unlike Hotoru, Becca spent much of her early life in denial about her mutant status. Only recently did she learn to embrace this part of herself with the help of her friends and a chat with Gambit.

Calico, Becca’s alias, is what happens when one combines mutant abilities with a love of horses. She has some psychic abilities, though thus far, they’ve been focused on creating a mind link with her horse, Ember. Due to their connection, Calico can change Ember’s horse forms, including a burning version fit for battle. She can also create some constructs, including a matching set of armor for her and her horse.

5

Eve Warlock

Twin Sibling of Adam Warlock

First appeared in Warlock: Rebirth #1 (2023)

Created by Ron Marz and Ron Lim

Adam Warlock is a hero created by the High Evolutionary, but Marvel Comics recently revealed that Adam wasn’t the only one. He has a twin sister, Eve Warlock. Like her brother, Eve began her journey serving her creators. Her earliest appearance in 2023 depicts her fighting against Adam under the orders of the High Evolutionary.

It doesn’t take long for Eve Warlock to begin her own rebellion. After battling Adam, Eve realizes she doesn’t want to kill her brother and changes sides, teaming up with her twin against their creator. Eve and Adam are two sides of the same coin, as both can manipulate energy and matter. While their journeys have been similar so far, it will be fascinating to see what paths Eve chooses in the future.

4

Cooper Coen, aka Web-Weaver

Web-Weaver Is a Fashionable Spider Character

First appeared in Edge of Spider-Verse #5 (2022)

Also known as Coop and The Spider-Man

Bailey Briggs isn’t the only new Spider character on the scene. The Edge of the Spider-Verse series from 2022 introduced several new characters, most notably Cooper Coen, aka Web-Weaver, who is easily the most fashionable of the Spider heroes. In Cooper’s world, he’s bitten by a spider instead of Peter Parker. Like Parker, Cooper has a bright personality and enjoys making jokes while fighting.

This web-slinger possesses all the classic Spider hero abilities, including enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. He can also produce his own organic webbing made of silk. Cooper shares many traits with Peter Parker, such as a strong dedication to those around him and a habit of consistently putting others before himself.

3

Princess

A Pup-Like Carnage Symbiote

First appeared in Deadpool #1 (2022)

Princess was made by the Harrower

The symbiotes are always busy in Marvel Comics. Princess is a modified creature created by the Harrower using a Carnage clone as part of the process, which explains her distinctive appearance. There’s no denying how different Princess’s life could have been if not for Deadpool’s intervention.

Deadpool found Princess trapped in the labs and helped free her. Given the choice, Princess eagerly took Deadpool’s side, where she ate Cletus Kassedy’s clone, the symbiote within, and a little bit of Deadpool.The experience bonded the two and created a new nickname for the puppy, Renesmee. Despite her appearance, Princess is fully capable of talking, albeit at a toddler’s level. She refers to Deadpool as “Papa” and is exceedingly loyal to the anti-hero.

2

Connor Young, aka Darkhawk

The Newest Wearer of the Darkhawk Armor

First appeared in Darkhawk #1 (2021)

The Darkhawk amulet gives him access to the android armor, which comes with several power boosts

Decades after the first Darkhawk was introduced to Marvel Comics, a new hero took up the mantle in 2021. Connor Young is the new Darkhawk, and his origin story demonstrates the enduring potential of the character. Once a high school basketball star, Connor’s life took an unexpected turn after a diagnosis upended his plans. Around the same time, he discovered the Darkhawk Amulet, marking the beginning of his transformation.

Connor is one of several younger heroes with a long journey ahead. Unlike many of his peers, he didn’t choose to become a hero—the mantle of Darkhawk essentially fell into his lap and was later forced upon him. Fortunately, Connor has already found an ally in Miles Morales. The two initially bonded over their favorite shoes before teaming up to fight crime.

1

Runa, aka Valkyrie

One of the Original Nine Valkyries

First appeared in King in Black: Return of the Valkyries #1 (2021)

She is the original wielder of Jarnbjorn, the divine battle ax

For the last decade or so, Asgard has been forced to undergo many changes. One of the larger changes was the loss of the Valkyries, who fell during the War of the Realms. There is a silver lining: not every Valkyrie was around for the battle. Runa was first introduced in King in Black: Return of the Valkyries, and while she may be the newest Valkyrie to grace the pages of Marvel Comics, her history is long.

Runa was one of the original nine Valkyries and was lost to time and space, trapped in a time loop for millions of years. After being freed by Jane Foster, Runa joins the fight alongside her new Valkyrie sister. Runa’s character will feel familiar to MCU fans, as Tessa Thompson’s portrayal of Valkyrie is the foundation of her character.

“}]] Marvel has introduced many characters, with new heroes and villains emerging in the last five years, where they have created lasting memories.  Read More