Underrated Marvel Comics: The Forgotten Gems

Marvel’s so famous, its cinematic universe decorates the globe. But what about comic books that don’t get into the limelight as much? Sure a few major players make appearances in comics, TV, etc. regularly but what about the times that people forget? And that’s what this page is for, listing all of the Underrated Marvel Comics series. And I do mean all of them, not a top 10 list. This list reaches out to ever nook and cranny over the years in Marvel’s publications.

Everybody will have a favorite that is not always anyone else’s. Some comics also divide when it comes to quality, writing, or age. But Marvel doesn’t have a reputation as the House of Ideas for nothing. Some characters and stories serve as pivotal roles for both the wider Marvel Universe or the creators’ careers. The list will also include team characters who get solo runs; sometimes there will even be teams who don’t make regular appearances. We will also be including underrepresented A-list character comics. Spoiler alert we will be including some mainstays such as Nextwave and X-Statix.

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Underrated Marvel Comics: General

Wild Western is a relic of Marvel’s time in the Western genre. While the likes of Rawhide Kid continue to impress, Kid Colt and other gunslingers are but a memory.
The original Devil Dinosaur comics are a classic by Jack Kirby that get regular visits in modern media. However, not many fans are familiar with the original adventures of Devil and Moon Boy. With some fun adventures and creative liberties this series leaves a lasting legacy.
Chili is from the era where Marvel tries to compete with Archie Comics. This series serves as a companion to Millie The Model and much like the series, the title character gets overlooked.
Machine Man by Jack Kirby is a bizarre origin. Originally spinning out of Kirby’s adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Aaron Stack goes on a few personal journeys. Arguably the best runs come from Kirby and Tom DeFalco especially the 2020 series.
The Son Satan is the debut of on-and-off occult character Daimon Hellstrom. Creator Gary Friedrich and Steve Gerber take turns with the character in his role as an exorcist. Something that gives his struggle with his demonic heritage a sense of dichotomy.
- Prince of Lies is a story explores how this duality is a curse people have to learn to live with. The sequel by Warren Ellis, Hellstorm deals with the fallout of the last series where he becomes the new Satan.
Ka-Zar is the tale of Marvel’s feral children coming into adulthood. The titular character meets Shanna the She-Devil as they complete their arcs. There’s just something universal about rejecting civilization, but agreeing to meet it halfway.
- It’s only until Lord of the Savage Land where the title character is immersed amid existential and natural horror do readers feel a stronger connection to him.
Tigra is one of those characters whose history is nothing if not complicated. Her early years have her in a Cat costume that Hellcat inherits. But then some mystical means turn Greer Grant Nelson into Tigra. Unfortunately nobody seems to know what to do with her without the West Coast Avengers.
Brother Voodoo is the story of Jericho Drumm on his journey to becoming Doctor Voodoo. Because if somebody will succeed Doctor Strange, might as well see where it begins.
Omega The Unknown is a title for diehard Steve Gerber fans. While incomplete, it has a charm that bring Marvel fans towards it.
- Which is part of what makes the Jonathan Lethem series feel like a genuine tribute; combining the Marvel universe with Napoleon Dynamite.
Quasar by the late Mark Gruenwald is a character many readers took a while to love. Possessing an everyman outlook with cosmic power, the character and series remains a cult classic. But it does slow down in the 90s.
Told from the perspective of a real Devil Dog, Semper Fi depicts the grim realities of the Vietnam War.
Clandestine is about a family of superheroes and the drama surrounding them. Patriarch, Adam Destine, tasks his children with not drawing attention to themselves. Unfortunately their activities as superheroes lead to a string of murders. With his family at risk, Adam and the rest of his children take strides to protect them. With tensions from familial expectations, to how powers actually affect them, this forgotten classic deserves better.
The late Dwayne McDuffie likes to build worlds in all areas of whatever universe he’s in. Damage Control is where the clean-up crews of superhero battles live their lives. It’s a genuinely interesting and lively tale that feels cheated out of potential depictions.
Logan’s Run the Marvel Comics adaptation is what happens when a book gets the Marvel Method. An already cheesy movie feels right at home with the House of Ideas. A few creative teams even take turns at the story it gives rise to future developments. This includes a depiction of the rivalry of Drax and Thanos by Scott Edelman and Mike Zeck.
Wonder Man is one character who never seems to get much dedication. The first thirteen issues of his solo series are some great stuff that make the Hollywood setting lively. And then the Dark Age of Comics came and ruined it. Also quick disclaimer, the writer of Wonder Man’s story is in jail till 2024.
- Tales of the Marvels: Wonder Years details how the obscure hero inspires the people around him.
- Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast completes the original story of Jones’ narrative by giving Wondy more perspectives on his actions.
Speedball is one of those characters who often gets the short end of the stick. Which is odd because he’s one of the more optimistic creations of Steve Ditko. When life can get rough like Robbie Baldwin’s, it’s important to bounce back.
Emphasizing that point comes the original New Warriors. This team of young heroes stand in the shadows of the Avengers and X-Men. What makes them stand out is that it’s a group of friends having fun on adventures. Which considering later versions don’t do so great, this is a good reminder of old school superhero tales.
Alpha Flight is a team of Canadian heroes as they go through the X-Men style drama. From family-esque narratives to personal journeys these characters enjoy a cult status. So much, that it becomes tradition for Marvel’s Canadian creatives to take on the title.
Christopher Priest’s 4-issue Falcon series is in the shadow of his run with Captain America. Here, Sam Wilson’s time as a social worker shines as he tries to help his neighborhood deal with their problems. Being a better example is a struggle with how busy Sam gets, especially with youths affected by the Reagan administration.
- As for the 2017 Falcon series… it’s a little lackluster. But the fourth issue has Sam Wilson grapple with his identity. Because where do you go after being Captain America?
Misty is the story of calling back to Marvel’s past with Millie the Model. Starring Millie’s niece, this teen humor goes into a career girl getting a handle on early fame. Amid the whimsical absurdities, it connects to teens trying to be the best version of themselves. But as Marvel’s 616 tells, nobody seemed too interested; this was the 80s where Watchmen took comics by storm. So, the public misses out on a wholesome story.
Captain Universe is a character/concept nobody can seem to keep for a long period of time. The Hero Who Could Be You has a lot of storytelling potential about being a hero in the right place and time.
Deadly Hands of Kung Fu doesn’t just feature Iron Fist and Shang-Chi; other characters like Jack of Hearts and White Tiger also take up some space.
Captain Britain is a tale of two Alans. With Alan Davis and comics legend Alan Moore, the story of Brian Braddock becomes a surreal journey about destiny. Within the whole multiverse, does Brian really have a place in it?
Death’s Head from Marvel UK is a cult favorite character who never seems to find a way back into modern stories. Or at least not without quality.
Deathlok The Demolisher is a character not many will recognize courtesy of Agents of SHIELD. The Terminator-like Luther Manning struggles for his humanity in the background. The initial action fest later goes back in time to meet Captain America; this brings resolution about the identity crisis while giving Deathlok a proper place in Marvel.
- Deathlok: The Souls of Cyber-Folk is where several creatives use the character of Deathlok to tell stories. Detailing a programmer’s transformation it restarts the Deathlok program for future stories. Dwayne McDuffie in particular uses this to develop Hardware for Milestone.
Crystar, Crystal Warrior is a sword and sorcery series channeling the absurd magic of science-fantasy.
Strikeforce Morituri is a series about superheroes and their nature as disposable stories. But before their attempts at a blaze of glory, readers come to love these very human characters. Each issue is full of suspenseful stakes for readers to invest in.
Sleepwalker is a unique if overlooked concept of the Marvel universe. An astral projection from a sleeping man protects the mindscape. With how dreams get, surreal is the new normal.
- Infinity Wars: Sleepwalker is the chance Marvel takes with a dormant character. This tie-in shows off the storytelling potential Marvel sits on with his powers.
Diving into the New Warriors is Ultragirl, a character with origins so absurd she epitomizes an awkward teen phase.
Mort The Dead Teenager is a horror comedy where adolescence literally confronts death. In this journey for meaning, a little empathy can go a long way.
Druid is one series that makes the titular doctor more notable, thanks to Warren Ellis. It’s just a shame considering the effort it took to depict druid magic is out of date.
The late Mark Gruenwald has several unknown series to his name. USAgent is the story of John Walker taking up a name after his experience as Captain America. With an identity in crisis, Walker is on a quest to discover his truest self.
- The only other person to make a good story with USAgent is Christopher Priest’s American Zealot. Because it’s as problematic as Walker is.
Korvac Quest, a sequel to the Korvac Saga is a crossover event nobody really remembers. Is it the sequelitis?
Dakota North is a title that a few people bring up for how down-to-earth this stylish detective is; enough to bounce off Spider-Man and Daredevil anyway.
Louise Simonson certainly has no shortage of ideas. Spellbound follows a young woman on the crux of big decisions that put strains on her and her family. When a fan follows this story up, you know this is an underrated Marvel Comics character.
Nightwatch is a product of the 90s energy with the grim-and-gritty aesthetics. With the title character’s costume holding dark secrets, seeing another like it terrifies Kevin Trench. Now he has to fight against this threat and confront his costume’s origins.
Foolkiller by his creator Steve Gerber is probably the best use of this character. Amid all of the insanity is a genuinely human vulnerability about going through life’s crises. When one mantle bearer finds a successor, the resulting carnage manages to grip readers. The over-the-top violence connects to people genuinely frustrated with the atmosphere of instant gratification over empathy. As well as commenting on how easy it is to lose it all by chance.
The Spaceknights are what happens when a concept outgrows its license. With ROM out of the way, the Space Knights get Jim Starlin’s new depiction to stand out.
The Crew spins off from Christopher Priest’s iconic Black Panther run. Featuring characters like War Machine defending a helpless neighborhood from crime lords never felt so difficult. At the very least, it makes Casper Cole easier to deal with.
Slingers is a cult classic about how Spider-Man’s example inspires people. If fans ever want a group to relate to in Marvel comics, this is the place to start.
Marvel: The Lost Generation is a unique piece of Marvel history acting in a Memento fashion. To fill in gaps with the Marvel Universe’s sliding timeline, readers see the end of The First Line. This unique series travels back in time to see the rise of the team, lamenting in the tragedies, while also enjoying Bronze Age style adventures.
Nightside is an occult detective series about a supernatural plane where the inhabitants wage war.
D.P.7 is a series by the original Squadron Supreme’s Mark Gruenwald. Out of all of the material from the New Universe project, this series stands out the best with its lively cast.
Marvel Boy is a piece by Grant Morrison where power fantasies are at their most absurd. Because with Nohh-Var, encounters with surreal beings like a living corporation you can punch feels great.
Sentinel changes the formula of the mutant hunting robot. A teenage engineer retools one of these machines to become a superhero. This series captures the adolescent feeling of needing to find a voice, even in the most unlikely places.
- Complete with a followup a year later where the consequences come forward. Because, sometimes self-discovery can be a traumatizing experience.
Morlocks by Geoff Johns is a series about surviving against persecution. Unlike the X-Men however, this underground society thrives as an urban myth to hide their vulnerabilities. Because if you think the Sentinels were scary before, they will give you nightmares after this.
Powerless is a What If? Story that as the title suggests has three characters without their superpowers. Despite this, they still try what they can to be heroes in their own ways.
MODOK: Head Trips features the Big Head villain’s surprising versatility. His most diabolical plot being a parody of Ocean’s 11.
Secret War is the event comic that never happened. It’s a series so eventful yet in the shadow of its successors that it’s practically the underrated Marvel Comics event. Even the original Annihilation story pales in comparison for its display of characters at their peak. Nick Fury in particular shows the lengths he’s willing to go to fight threats, even if it means betraying friends and forcing his will on them.
The Hood is one of Marvel’s more interesting villains. In this MAX series the reader sees a petty crook in his transition into super villainy. Parker Robbins tries to live the power fantasy of mob life both to escape his dourness and help his loved ones. But it’s not without downsides, reality is stranger than fiction in the Marvel Universe. Being a supervillain however is the ultimate empowerment by reveling in the absurdity without responsibilities.
Adam Warren of Empowered fame always likes to work the bizarre and forgettable into his work. Livewires is where the absurd side of science-fiction thrives. For one, the main character throws up ridiculously designed guns since she’s a nanite-based android. Then there’s the realization that these characters don’t have much privacy since their thoughts become text messages.
The Marvelous Adventures of Gus Beezer follows a fan’s dream of sharing space with a superhero. Any child would certainly like the idea, with how absurd their own lives get.
The Great Lakes Avengers are some of the most humorous teams in Marvel history. Despite their reputations as lethal joke characters, there is a real sense of fun and camaraderie among them. With all of the drama the core Avengers get into, GLA:Misassembled is where fans go for some genuine character moments.
- The only good followup to this series is how Same Old, Same Old mocks the idea of status-quo shifting gimmicks. Sometimes people would rather enjoy what they’ve got and stick with what works.
Fantastic Four/Iron Man: Big in Japan is one of those series nobody really needs to take seriously. Sometimes it’s better to just have fun with stuff.
Is this really underrated Marvel comics material if there are videos in dedication to it? Well considering fans had to get people’s attention to it after its initial run, I certainly think Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. is the pinnacle of Marvel’s hidden gems.
Marvel Team-Up by Robert Kirkman has everything superhero fans love. Simple adventures full of the fantastic settings in complementary character-driven sagas. Most people will probably recall Invincible’s appearance above all else. But the last saga, Freedom Ring goes into just how serious becoming a superhero is to an outsider.
Wisdom: Rudiments of Wisdom is where some of the weirder parts of fantasy go through the ringer, courtesy of Pete Wisdom and Paul Cornell.
Osborn: Evil Incarcerated is the series where Kelly Sue DeConnick makes her mark… with the help of Warren Ellis. This series details how a supervillain comes back stronger than ever. The on-and-off Green Goblin, Norman Osborn fresh off his defeat in Siege is in a secret prison. But when most of his fellow inmates become his followers, Osborn hatches a plan that shows how much of a threat he is.
- Gold Goblin in the meantime is where Norman Osborn gets the chance to reflect on himself. No longer a psychopath, Norman must now live with the shame of his past and try to reinvent himself. Which will be anything but easy as the Green Goblin’s temptations still linger.
Daredevil: Battlin’ Jack Murdock is a mini-series about the relationship between Daredevil and his father. While Frank Miller tells a good story on Jack Murdock’s end, Zeb Wells goes into the motivations behind Jack’s decisions to make a tragic end worth remembering.
Peter David’s Captain Marvel run is equal parts tribute to the legacy of Mar-Vell and the struggle to leave a legacy. While Genis-Vell’s journey to fill his father’s shoes is a classic, it’s his relationship with Rick Jones that’s notable. It gives meaning to the role of a sidekick who keeps the hero on the right path. Which is a difficult thing to do, because with the super power of hyper-awareness, comes with the weight of responsibilities.
- Genis-Vell: Captain Marvel would follow this up with an existential story about being forgotten.
Irredeemable Ant-Man is what happens when a less heroic person becomes a superhero. Eric O’Grady is a scummy con-man who after a series of screw-ups takes up the shaky Ant-Man mantle. With all of the absurdities in superhero stories, Robert Kirkman displays the fantasies most Marvel characters are too clean to display. From peeping to pawning off already stolen loot, this Daffy Duck-like character gets by on laughs.
White Tiger is a character with a lot of potential but not a lot of exposure. Odd since Angela del Toro has a great personality that fits in with the Marvel Universe.
The Twelve is where characters from Marvel’s Golden Age (barring the Invaders) form their own team… after waking up in the 21st century. Like their cohorts, they now have to struggle to fit in, all while reconciling with their pasts and identities.
Identity Disc is a highly underrated Marvel Comics series where regular villains (and Deadpool) have to work together. With secrets on the line, these baddies have to steal data on every superhero available. The main takeaway is that secrets no matter how old can come back to haunt people. Especially when supervillains are more than willing to get in each other’s way.
The Incredible Hercules is a series about Marvel’s Prince of Power. While Thor occupies most of the mythical fantasy sides of Marvel, Hercules fits the role of an epic hero. Sure there are the family dramas of Thor and the rage fits of the Hulk, but where Hercules shines brightest is his laid back attitude. He’s a loyal frat boy friend to many heroes; Hercules’ relationship with Amadeus Cho in particular gives him a straight man to Herc’s antics.
No, that is not a Skrull or Drax trying too hard to imitate the Punisher. Destoryer by Robert Kirkman is almost like a parody of the Punisher Max series with its over-the-top violence and gore. One where a dying vigilante is going out on one last bit of glory.
Agents of Atlas is a series detailing the inclusion of some of Marvel’s characters from its Atlas era. Agent Jimmy Woo is back in action when an old enemy returns. So he has to get his friends to help out. Venus, Gorilla-Man, Human Robot, and many others fill out a roster of Avengers in all but name. One that brings the fun and humor that comes with such a ridiculous cast.
- Atlas is a followup to Jeff Parker’s initial series with another Atlas era character who adds to the dynamic.
Shadowland: Power Man is the debut of Victor Alvarez, taking up the name and powers of the Heroes For Hire. It’s probably the only series from the event with any merit.
Tie-ins are easy to overlook, within Fear Itself: Youth In Revolt is a team of Marvel characters needing a second chance. With the Avengers Initiative dropouts and the Young Allies showing the world what they’ve got, Marvel should consider some new angles.
Hulk: Return of the Monster is one of the few titles that focus on how Banner deals with the Green Goliath. With the Hulk wanted for the supposed death of a child Bruce is haunted by the Green Goliath’s actions.
- Hulk: Joe Fixit is definitely a nostalgia grab, but one critics judge too harshly for. The clash between the Gray Hulk and Kingpin is a suspenseful ride where Spider-Man must pull out all the stops. Because Joe Fixit is a brute with a brain that puts the street smarts of Spidey and Fisk on edge.
Cloak & Dagger have absolutely no luck when it comes to their own comic series. This tie-in to the Spider-Island event has the pair at each other’s throats through Mister Negative. Giving a new perspective on their lives, the pair begin to confront their feelings and their co-dependent relationship. If this isn’t what warrants Hulu’s series that changes the formula for the better, I don’t know what is.
Angela: Asgards’s Assassin displays the character’s philosophy of nothing for nothing presenting a Game of Thrones-like vibe worthy of Tyrion Lannister. Yet, Angela’s loyalties always go out to the people she loves, including her girlfriend.
- A feeling so powerful that even a universe ending doesn’t stop Angela in trying to get her back. Angela: Queen of Hel gives the action a decent bit of humor. Even the sensors become so comedically over the top, they surpass The Good Place’s.
Weirdworld is one of the tie-ins to Secret Wars that has Jason Aaron use long forgotten characters in a swords-and-sorcery setting. Featuring Arkon and Skull the Slayer among many others it’s not an exaggeration to call this a prototype of Aaron’s Conan epic.
Within the Marvel MAX imprint is horror section Dead of Night; the most critically successful is Devil Slayer. A dead inside soldier is at his lowest point after life leaves him behind. Yet, Danny Sylvia inherits his uncle’s mantle in a war between heaven and hell.
Weapon H details a hero combining the best experiences of both the Hulk and Wolverine.
You Are Deadpool is Al Ewing pushing the Merce With a Mouth’s character to the absolute limit. By combining a comic book with a comic shop’s companion of tabletop RPGs, players/readers experience Deadpool at his most pure.
Luke Cage does not always have the best legacy when it comes to comics. He’s either real cheesy, Iron Fist’s straight man, Jessica Jones’ husband, or a reserve Avenger. When he tells a bed time story to his daughter in issue 170, it shows Luke at his most down to Earth. Telling a story to his daughter after her struggles in school, the two take turns being one another’s hero. It’s an endearing tale that expands Luke’s character beyond heroism.
Invaders is Chip Zdarsky’s take on the Golden Age heroes of Marvel. Namor makes a revelation to his past and is no longer willing to tolerate the surface. So he decides to go all out in a battle that could rattle the Earth. His WWII buddies meanwhile have to find a way to satisfy their friend before things get too drastic. Each member of the team show their greatest strengths with Winter Soldier having the best angle.
The Daughters of the Dragon: Deep Cuts is the story worthy of Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. None of the skimpy outfits of the original and plenty of action and humor.
Annihilation Scourge much like its source material uses some of the less utilized characters of Marvel’s cosmic landscape for a space opera. From the Cancerverse to depictions of fan favorite character The Sentry, it’s an enjoyable romp.
Timeless Tales features characters from Marvel’s earliest days other than superheroes including funny animals. From Ziggy Pig to Gunhawks, something ought to tickle readers.
Black Panther And The Agents of Wakanda features some of Marvel’s less utilized stars. Ka-Zar, Wasp, and surprise appearances from the Livewires explore where the Avengers can’t.
2020: Force Works features some of the less utilized parts of Marvel’s military/espionage community. As the Robot Revolution starts to heat up, this team is trying to ensure damage is minimal.
While Aero and Sword Master have kind of iffy main stories from their Chinese creators, Greg Pak gives them way more character. This is thanks in no small part to guest appearances that allow these characters’ traits to bounce off others.
King In Black: Thunderbolts is an unpredictable fun tie-in where some Marvel baddies work together or die trying. Too bad it’s potential isn’t really utilized in the best way possible in subsequent inclusions.
- Hence why Jim Zub’s second swing with the team goes unnoticed. Partly because rather than the usual supervillains with rehabilitation arcs, it’s about heroes trying to regain their footing. Hawkeye returns to lead this group of misfits as they deal with some insecurities. Amid the commercial spectacle, heroes and fans get a palette cleanser from the status shifts.
Winter Guard: Operation Snowblind is probably the most compelling depiction of this Russian Marvel team. Amid a spy thriller, the characters have to question what makes a hero to them or the country they serve. Plus seeing Yelena Belova and Red Guardian to their utmost potential is a plus.
Blade is the Marvel character who showed everyone the heroes’ potential for movies. But in terms of comic books, he doesn’t have many to his name. Vampire Nation is where that changes with the world building of a vampire society and Blade’s versatility. While there’s not a lot of action, the tension between him and Dracula is equally engaging.
- Meanwhile Mother of Evil is where fans get the action fix amid supernatural drama.
Hellcat: Devil On My Shoulder spins-off of writer Christopher Cantwell’s Iron Man. Here the Armored Avenger’s co-star returns to her investigative take as she confronts her past. From old rivalries to ex-husbands, this is a supernatural thriller fans don’t want to miss.
J. Michael Straczynski’s Captain America is a return to form done right. Eschewing the redundant political thrillers and social commentary, JMS focuses on Steve Rogers’ humanity. This combines with high octane adventures for some great times.

Namor the Sub-Mariner

Namor the Sub-Mariner is a character who goes between being a hero and a threat. But not many people can seem to bring him out as a morally complex character without help.

Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four as well as their enemies have their outings. On their own they can be big things that capture people’s imaginations. But there are times you just have to look past things to see what makes them so fascinating.

The Thing under John Byrne and Mike Carlin gives Ben Grimm the solo series he deserves. From Yancy Street to his relationships like Sharon Ventura, everyone’s got a place to be.
- The Thing by Dan Slott succeeds this series by focusing more on the life of Ben Grimm.
- So if you’re looking for some smashing, get ready for Clobberin’ Time!
Franklin Richards before his time as a mutant juggernaut and his hair color change has some good times. As a child he takes life in strides as the bizarre life of superheroics is his version of normal.

Inhumans

The Inhumans have a bad reputation of being mutant stand-ins despite being philosophically different. Where the X-Men are about fighting for rights, the Inhumans are about standing out in a world full of amazing people. While they mainly function as a group, a few noteworthy series about individual members show up.

Karnak is one of the more interesting Inhumans. Warren Ellis makes him a little more interesting by showing how his abilities affect him spiritually.
Lockjaw is arguably one of the more popular Inhumans. With a face like his, who can blame anyone for getting his own series. Not to mention it gives D-Lister D-Man some good times with the teleporting dog.

Avengers

The Avengers have so many adventures, it’s easy to overlook some of them.

The Private War of Dr. Doom is the highlight of Steve Englehart’s run before the fallout of Jim Shooter.
The Larry Hama run introduces the Avengers to characters and situations that inspire them to progress. One such character is Rage who brings up what can hold publishers and writers back by sticking too close to model representation.
The Last Avengers Story is a series about legacy and the inspirations that Earth’s mightiest leave behind.
Subterranean Wars is where some of the underrated Avengers like Rage and Sandman get their time. At least enough to get weird and deal with events on the same level as the A-teams.
Avengers by Terry Kavanagh has all of the energy and absurdity of the 90s, in a good way!
Avengers: The Initiative is the divisive legacy of Civil War going into Secret Invasion. While it carries some of the baggage of those events, obscure Marvel heroes get a spotlight by being more heroic than the militant A-Listers.
Avengers Undercover is the next generation of heroes contemplating where they go before graduation. After the traumatizing Avengers Arena, do these teens remain heroes or will they break bad?
Avengers World: Ascension is where Nick Spencer and Al Ewing detail the wild world of Earth’s Mightiest. Because it’s not a real world until there’s a Chinese knock-off of something.
If Avengers World is where the high concept adventures are, Avengers Assemble under Kelly Sue DeConnick is where the heroes are at. With everybody busy with events, people like Black Widow and Spider-Woman take time to help out a young hero in need. Because you gotta be ready for the future.
Avengers: No Road Home is an epic series where some of the B-C Listers take center stage. With the talents of Mark Waid, Al Ewing, and Jim Zub behind the story, the Marvel Method comes to life.
All-Out Avengers hits that sweet episodic superhero spot ala Justice League Action. No needlessly complicated plots or Easter Eggs, just your favorite characters in imaginative scenarios. If your friends ever ask where to get an idea of Marvel comics, this is the place to start.
Avengers Assemble by Jason Aaron is probably where fans should go when it comes to his run. With the main stories throwing everything and the kitchen sink, this finale makes it easier for readers to invest in. Acting as an inverted House of X/Powers of X, this event distills the background elements into an epic scale. This series truly shows off the Avengers as the timeless icon against the forces of evil.
Avengers Inc. is where the Avengers take on the spy genre. As the Wasp investigates a case of stolen identity, you can’t look away at how absurd it all gets.

Guardians of the Galaxy

The Guardians of the Galaxy might be in the spotlight thanks to the MCU but what about when they strike out on their own? For that matter does anyone who is not Rocket Raccoon or Groot get attention?

Bug is a rare character from the Micronauts license that after many adventures becomes an entertaining guest character.
Star-Lord: Annihilation Conquest is where Peter Quill takes up his iconic mask in order to get the Guardians going. All before getting it’s official name no less. This series is a good place to see the Guardians’ humorous beginnings. Especially since some members have made changes since this.
Warlock: Second Coming is the return of Adam Warlock in the modern day. This iteration however needs to create his own identity for he is not Jim Starlin’s character. This clean slate of Warlock is an exploration on the necessity of power and responsibility. Because without one, the other can’t properly exist.
- Warlock: Rebirth is what the Infinity War should be! Here Adam Warlock and his Infinity Watch must question their role in the Marvel Universe when a newer, better version of Warlock emerges. With self-reflection as the emotional core on a meta-tale of legacy characters, this is a mini-series well worth people’s time.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man is Marvel’s biggest cash cow and with so many stories surrounding him it’s easy to forget some truly great moments.

Peter Parker The Spectacular Spider-Man is a series focusing on the more campy side of superheroics. Introducing the members of underrated team of Marvel’s Outlaws it’s a good way to have a little fun.
The Megalomaniacal Spider-Man one-shot details a what if story about how Uncle Ben’s last words take an objectivist route. Considering Marvel and Spider-Man license holders’ real world drama, this is a perfect parody on the situation.
Spider-Man Versus Wolverine is the clash of morals between heroes. Its real appeal is how the optimistic side of Marvel complements the dramatic.
Some of Paul Jenkins’ Spider-Man comics showcase different sides to the wall crawler. From the memories reminiscing of Uncle Ben to battling with mimes.
Untold Tales of Spider-Man, ’nuff said.
Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure shows how Otto Octavius earns his place as one of Spider-Man’s most dangerous villains. The tech genius displays his manipulation skills that puts a colleague of Peter’s in harm’s way.
Spider-Man/Human Torch is the dynamic friendship of two jokester characters by satirizing the commercial side of Spider-Man like the Spider-Mobile.
The Book of Ezekiel is where J. Michael Straczynski’s run before should’ve ended before the garbage fires that come after, you know Civil War and One More Day. This at least completes Peter’s arc on the mystical connections of the Spider Totem.
Dan Slott’s Spider-Man might seem like another nostalgia grab, but it’s so much more. It’s a tribute to Spider-Man comics as a whole, featuring the very first concept of the character as well as his importance as a symbol.

Spider-Family

Along with the Wall Crawler is an entire cast of spiders. Each growing into their own directions that make them unique. But who really knows them besides Miles Morales or Spider-Gwen?

The Scarlet Spider series by Christopher Yost has the imperfect clone of Peter, Kaine, step up for some ice breaking developments. This series highlights the struggles of both expectations and status. Can a clone with a murderous streak become a hero or is he just an imitation?
While nothing can compare to Dan Slott’s original run, The Superior Spider-Man has Doc Ock retaking his mantle in a new life. After the events of The Clone Conspiracy Christos Gage has Otto Octavius embrace the absurd aspects of the moniker.
Spider-Gwen: Shadow Clones re-centers the Gwen Stacy Spider-Woman through self-reflection via clones of her as the Sinister Six. This mini-series channels the oversaturation, rushing Ghost-Spider into the spotlight, and her lack of direction after her debut series. But this Gwen Stacy shows her uniqueness by confronting her worst traits and redirecting them into ways to turn her life around. Thus serving as an example to her clones.
Spider-Man: India – Seva follows up the title character’s first solo miniseries in twenty years. The artwork and Hindu inspired story makes Pavitr a uniquely engaging experience.

X-Men Checklist

Generation X is a series detailing newer and less used X-Men and their adventures after the Phalanx Covenant.
Mutant X is where Havok finds himself in another world and his abilities as a leader shine through. Not to mention it’s the debut of fan-favorite character Bloodstorm.
The X-Men of the 90s aren’t all exaggerations and Age of Apocalypse, sometimes you just have to find some other family drama.
District X spins out of Morrison’s New X-Men to display mutant subculture. In this police procedural, the relationships between humans and mutants are put to the test through an ensemble cast.
You better believe there are plenty of X-Men stories fans will forget. Hence why this collection has the title of “‘Nuff Said”.
The X-Club is where the X-Men’s most brilliant minds try to do some humanitarian work. What really stands out is the depiction of Dr. Nemesis whose character can ring up similarities to mad science characters. It’s essentially Rick and Morty before its time.
Before Jason Aaron leaves the X-Men for Thor, he presents a swashbuckling story in Amazing X-Men: The Quest For Nightcrawler. Because Heaven as it turns out is boring for the titular bamfer.
All-New X-Men by Dennis Hopeless features a few hit or miss issues on Marvel’s team of young mutants. From romantic relationships and tensions with identity there is something to enjoy in these issues.
Cyclops: Starstruck is the mini-series where Greg Rucka gives Scott Summers the story he deserves. One unfortunately cut short with a new direction after Rucka’s departure.
The New Mutants: Dead Souls is a return to form of the Simonson era as they deal with the comedic to heart-wrenching.
X-Terminators is the Krakoa Age’s girls night out event. No fate of the mutants and/or Krakoa in the balance, just four friends cutting loose on vampires who give ’em $#!+.
Children of the Vault is Fall of X’s take on the challenges to embrace the future. This can turn into something like colonization, as well as show how it leads to infighting with how often the future changes.

Cable

Cable remains an ever popular character who makes small but notable appearances. The problems come from separating him from his grim and gritty depictions. Because aside from his tragic past, he has several notable relationships.

Cable: The Hellfire Hunt is a forgotten piece of the 90s run partly because writer James Robinson passes the torch to Joe Casey in the finale. This has Cable going through his difficult relationship with Apocalypse. Because why let someone new steal his position as nemesis when you stick to familiarity?
Cable Revolution has Nathan’s time traveling feats affect his actions for the past and future. Because who knew messing with time could cause a Greek tragedy?
Before Cable gets replaced by a younger version of himself, writers Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler explore every bit of his character. Time travel can really be a pain, especially when it comes to reunions with Cable’s other selves.

Madrox The Multiple Man

Jamie Madrox is the cult favorite black sheep of Marvel history. First appearing as a Fantastic Four villain, comics legend Peter David gives him some necessary development into an everyman. Afterwards creatives don’t know what to do with him. So much that it’s become a running joke that his duplicates allow him to be reset whenever necessary.

Milligan and Allred’s X-(X)

Peter Milligan and Mike Allred’s sub-franchise takes mutants in a new and welcome direction. As the main team deals with the usual drama, Milligan and Allred embraces the absurd side of mutants in celebrity satire. Because what better way to break conventions?

The initial series X-Force makes Liefeld’s teams look like losers.
The series even goes fully meta when Marvel has it’s name changed to X-Statix.
Finally, the rule of three applies with X-Cellent.

Man-Thing

The Man-Thing is a collaborative concept that often gets lampshaded as a lesser version of DC’s Swamp Thing. It might have to do with Man-Thing’s lack of agency. But a few writers like the late Steve Gerber make use of this trait to explore human nature.

Even if Steve Gerber’s creations like Howard the Duck overshadow Man-Thing. This Swamp Walker however is everything fans love about 70s Marvel. The bizarre premise of Man-Thing encountering situations with no easy answers forces character and reader to question morality.
Steve Gerber’s legacy with Man-Thing is so notable that artist Keven Nowlan recreates Gerber’s sequel to one of his issues. Using only an outline this story shows the struggles of Brian Lazarus, a writer Gerber identifies with. As much as he wants to live a normal life, he strives for that creative itch. Because these struggles for imaginative writing are like an addiction. Imagine how Gerber composed all of this.
With J.M. DeMatteis, Man-Thing’s origin gets a compelling recontextualization among other adventures.

Howard the Duck

Howard the Duck is a wisecracking funny animal going through existentialism. With a long battle of censors and his own anomaly status, the deadpan humor shows a surprisingly relatable character. Who hasn’t experienced life where the serious and dumbfounding are practically the same?

Squadron Supreme

Squadron Supreme is what the plot of Watchmen would be if using pastiches of the Justice League. But rather than just showing how fundamentally flawed people in costumes can do a lot of harm; the idea behind all of it revolves around superheroics mixing with real world issues. Would the technology of super-geniuses truly better mankind and how many times will a superhero’s ego get in the way?

The original Squadron Supreme possesses a campiness in contrast to its grimdark competitor. If only to show how the fun times can twist into something terrifying.
Twenty years later superhero politics specialist J. Michael Straczynski recontextualizes this premise. Supreme Power is about how the US government tries to make superheroes into assets. But by denying people like Hyperion basic humanity, they make things worse for themselves. The complexities of humanity’s issues are in every character throughout the original run.
- Which brings us to the next chapter by Straczynski. Squadron Supreme: The Pre-War Years is the government’s attempt at a compromise. But there’s so much plotting with all the players including new villain Emil Burbank.
The only good followup comes from Supreme Power’s Nighthawk, a ruthless racially motivated vigilante. From police brutality, illegal weapons, and a serial killer targeting the city’s racists; Nighthawk pulls no punches. Which is a real shame considering the character’s fate in Secret Empire.

Punisher

Frank Castle is a name everyone knows thanks in no small part to Garth Ennis and the Netflix series. But among all of the guns and violence comes from how the ruthless vigilante fits in with Marvel’s absurdity. Surprisingly well as it turns out.

Defenders

The Defenders are the team that are not really a team. In just about all incarnations, this group of people always come together out of necessity. Some stay friends while others just go whatever way is necessary.

Taskmaster

Taskmaster is one of the more versatile characters to use in Marvel comics. His ability to imitate skills makes him a great trainer, spy, and combatant. With his status as an anti-villain, he’s practically an all-rounder.

Ghost Rider (Danny Ketch)

Unlike his brother Johnny Cage or Robbie Reyes, Danny Ketch as Ghost Rider remains a black sheep. Managing to get along with his spirit of vengeance, Danny helps expand the mythology that develops the Ghost Rider mantle. You can’t get Jason Aaron’s groundbreaking run without this character.

Darkhawk

Darkhawk is the story of an everyman dealing with changes that shift perspectives. The original character Chris Powell didn’t see much attention; mainly because it tries to combine the 90’s grittiness with a Peter Parker style character. But the mantle’s evolution grows with readers over the years.

Darkhawk is a character from the 90s who does not see much attention. Yet the character builds up a decent audience for his likeness to appear in games and TV.
When he’s called into action yet again, Chris Powell has to show modern readers what he’s got. The character is a hero in his own right and it’s how Darkhawk becomes a greater character in Infinity Countdown. One that opens more appearances like with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Darkhawk: Heart of the Hawk is a celebration of the titular character as Powell passes on his amulet.
In Darkhawk: Airborne a seventeen-year old kid with a medical diagnosis gets the mantle. But there are no escapes from feeling helpless against a disease that takes so much away. So seeing Conner Young make the most out of life with character interactions is a sight to see.

Nova (Richard Rider)

Today when anyone thinks of Nova, it’s probably Sam Alexander thanks to his TV appearances. With Sam’s nickname NINO it’s obvious how many fans value the classic Nova, Richard Rider. With this New Warrior’s power-up in Annihilation he truly becomes the Avenger of Space.

Power Pack

The Power Pack is where kid heroes truly shine; not only showing the fun sides, but also how stupid it is for comics to depict tragedy as a plot device. Peter Parker why can’t you be more like these kids?