5 Marvel Characters Who Deserve to Be in the Spotlight More (and 5 Who Need to Take a Break)

[[{“value”:”

Not every Marvel Comics character gets treated equally, as upsetting as it is to admit. There are plenty of heroes who are often pushed aside so that the more popular characters can hog the glory. As such, it’s about time that these lesser-known superheroes were acknowledged, since they deserve a shot at the spotlight in place of the usual suspects.

As beloved as heroes like Spider-Man and Wolverine are, it’s impossible to ignore how much more attention they receive compared to everyone else. Many characters are just as interesting as the ones fans are most familiar with, but their lack of renown makes it harder for them to stand out. This list will detail the Marvel characters who need more love, as well as the ones who should step aside and make way for them.

10

Deserves the Spotlight: Nova

Debuted in Nova #1 by Marv Wolfman and John Buscema

Nova is one of Marvel’s coolest heroes, yet he tends to be overlooked in comparison to other space-faring fighters like the Guardians of the Galaxy. Richard Rider serves as the face of the Nova Corps in Marvel lore, though other characters like Sam Alexander have also taken the mantle. While Nova was integral to Marvel’s cosmic renaissance in the 2000s, he’s since been tragically underutilized.

There was hope that Nova would enjoy an increase in relevance once his MCU series took off, but now that the show has been indefinitely paused, it seems that Richard Rider won’t be getting that resurgence after all. At the very least, Jonathan Hickman’s upcoming Imperial miniseries offers a chance for him to find his way back into the spotlight at long last.

9

Needs a Break: Iron Man

Debuted in Tales of Suspense #39 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Don Heck

Iron Man has always been a strong presence in Marvel’s comics, but the MCU propelled him to even greater heights thanks to Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal. Now, he’s become more prominent than ever before, which yields advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, he’s now a key player in both team books and solo ventures. On the other hand, Tony Stark has potentially become a bit too present.

In addition to his ongoing solo series, he’s also a member of the current Avengers roster in addition to the West Coast Avengers, and that’s only at the start of 2025. Iron Man’s powerful armor and commendable intellect make him a valuable asset to the world, but his spots on certain teams could easily be taken by lesser-known heroes instead.

8

Deserves the Spotlight: The Wasp

Debuted in Tales to Astonish #44 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

When thinking of the founding Avengers, most people tend to think of Marvel icons like Hulk and Iron Man. In reality, while they are among the team’s original members, there’s one who frequently gets overlooked: the Wasp. Janet Van Dyne’s Wasp was indeed a founding Avengers hero, yet she isn’t nearly as popular as her peers despite the impressive size-enhancing powers granted to her by Pym Particles.

The Wasp should be a mainstay in the Avengers’ rosters, but even if she isn’t included, she should be taking action elsewhere rather than being relegated to the background. Janet would shine in a solo series that can firmly put her on the map, just like the other Avengers who have tragically overshadowed her.

7

Needs a Break: Venom

Debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #299 by David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane

It’s hard not to see why a character as awesome as Venom has become so prolific. First debuting as a Spider-Man villain, the Lethal Protector has gone on to become an anti-hero – and even, in certain cases, a full-fledged hero – beyond the Web-Slinger’s shadow. The symbiote has teamed up with many hosts in the decades since his debut, from Eddie Brock to Flash Thompson, and they’ve all helped build his astounding legacy.

With that being said, there can be too much of a good thing, and that’s becoming the case for Venom. From huge crossovers like 2024’s Venom War to an expansive Venom-Verse to mirror the Spider-Verse, Venom is an enormous presence in Marvel’s continuity, and it may be time for this symbiote to step aside.

6

Deserves the Spotlight: Hellcat

Debuted in The Avengers #144 by George Pérez and Steve Englehart

Some newer readers may not be familiar with Hellcat, but believe it or not, she was one of the oldest Marvel characters. Patsy Walker first debuted in 1944’s Miss America Magazine #2, published by Marvel predecessor Timely Comics, before being re-introduced as part of the Marvel Universe in 1975. She possesses a number of abilities that range from super-strength to super-speed, in addition to cat-like reflexes that suit her hero name.

Despite her longevity as a character, Hellcat hasn’t been implemented into stories as frequently as she should. She’s a character with immense potential, after all, even beyond her hero work. Patsy’s celebrity status and roots in romantic comedy comics make her a unique figure within Marvel lore, and she could thrive with more time on the page.

5

Needs a Break: Deadpool

Debuted in The New Mutants #98 by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza

Deadpool wasn’t always one of Marvel’s most recognizable characters, but over the years, he’s become pretty much inescapable throughout the company’s comics. His fourth-wall-breaking brand of comedy, as well as his penchant for violence, has made his popularity skyrocket. With him currently being the face of April Fool’s Day at Marvel – renamed to “April Pool’s Day” in his honor – there’s more than enough Deadpool to go around right now.

Of course, while many enjoy the raunchy and gory tone Deadpool brings to the table, there are understandably some who have grown tired of his gimmick. Love him or hate him, Deadpool’s style isn’t for everyone, and even the most entertaining characters can become grating when they’re as prevalent as Wade Wilson is becoming.

4

Deserves the Spotlight: Blue Marvel

Debuted in Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1 by Kevin Grevioux and Mat Broome

The Marvel Universe is full of smart characters whose minds have paved the way for impossible innovations, but none are more overlooked than Blue Marvel. Dr. Adam Brashear obtained superpowers in the wake of a Negative Reactor explosion, which granted him the ability to manipulate energy. He’s both powerful and intelligent, yet he still hasn’t received his flowers to the extent of his peers.

Although Reed Richards and Tony Stark tend to be the go-to options when coming up with the geniuses of Marvel Comics, Blue Marvel should be featured among them as one of the universe’s greatest minds. He’s even managed to hack into the afterlife, a feat that even Mister Fantastic hasn’t accomplished, and it’s about time his genius was acknowledged.

3

Needs a Break: Spider-Man

Debuted in Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Peter Parker hardly needs an introduction, as even the most casual comic fans are familiar with Spider-Man and his web-slinging exploits. Over the years, his lore has expanded far beyond his roots as the “Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” – for better and for worse. Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes, if not the most iconic, yet it can’t be denied that he’s become a bit too prevalent across the company’s output.

From numerous ongoing series running at the moment to spin-offs surrounding other Spider-people, such as Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider and Web of Spider-Verse, there’s no shortage of stories surrounding this hero. As much as we love Spider-Man, it might be best for him to take a step back for once.

2

Deserves the Spotlight: Cloak and Dagger

Debuted in Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #64 by Bill Mantlo and Edd Hannigan

Cloak and Dagger are two separate characters, but since they function as a unit within Marvel lore, they are counted as a single “hero” on this list. This vigilante duo consists of Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson, whose powers are unlocked through an experiment that makes them each an embodiment of light and darkness. Tyrone personifies darkness as Cloak, while Tandy personifies light as Dagger.

Their newfound surge in popularity as a result of their inclusion in the hit Marvel Rivals video game could be the perfect catalyst for these two receiving their first series in years, and it would absolutely be deserved. Cloak and Dagger are too compelling to be sidelined forever, so Marvel would be remiss not to bring them back.

1

Needs a Break: Wolverine

Debuted in The Incredible Hulk #181 by Len Wein and Herb Trimpe

Spider-Man is arguably more popular overall, but Wolverine may be an even bigger culprit for hogging the spotlight in the Marvel Universe. Logan is the face of the X-Men, despite Cyclops being the team’s frequent leader, and he is completely dominating the franchise. He’s leading two solo series – Wolverine and Wolverine: Revenge – in addition to team-up books with Deadpool, Spider-Man, and Kitty Pride that will all release in 2025. Furthermore, he’s a participant in both Rogue’s X-Men roster and the new Weapon X-Men.

There’s no denying Wolverine’s over-saturation in Marvel’s comics. He’s admittedly great, but Marvel has plenty of other characters who are just as great yet get half the attention, so it’d be nice if Wolverine could take a break and let underrated heroes shine for a change.

“}]] These Marvel heroes could use more attention.  Read More