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, and whatever. 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. Including those only found in places like Marvel Unlimited.
Spoiler alert we will be including some mainstays such as Nextwave and X-Statix.
See here for the other pages:
Underrated Marvel Comics: General
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Before and after this, the Saga of Simon Williams has his highs and lows. The highs being Wonder Years and Avengers Two.
- 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.
- The mini-series by Jim Zub is a nice confrontation of the X-Men influence. Does this team go back basics after so many changes or embrace a new direction?
- 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?
- 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.
- Marvel Shadows & Light features two stories where Wolverine and Blade get to show their stuff. Against Dracula even. The others not so much.
- 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.
- 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 Living Nightmare of Michael Collins is McDuffie’s first mini-series with the character obscured by its sequel. It’s one of the first projects by the group who would found Milestone. As for the comic, it’s a fascinating look at a man interacting with the Deathlok mantle.
- Deathlok: The Souls of Cyber-Folk is where several creatives use the character of Deathlok to tell stories. For Dwayne McDuffie, he uses this to develop Hardware for Milestone.
- To Capture The Magic Crystal is a collectible follow-up to this…
- Saga of Crystar meanwhile is where Marvel characters meet this strange world.
- 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.
- 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.
- Howard Mackie’s iconic Ghost Rider series is a tough act to follow showing the inner turmoil of Danny Ketch. While Danny was the first user of the iconic Hellfire Chain, his brother Johnny Blaze and Robbie Reyes filled in his role. These days, Danny’s a redundancy.
- 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. Self-confident in his new identity to a fault, readers see the American values and processes pushed to their limits while demonstrating Walker’s layers.
- The only other person to make a good story with USAgent is Christopher Priest’s American Zealot. Because it’s as unorthodox 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.
- J2 (Juggernaut Jr.) is one of the few series from the MC2 universe to be fondly remembered with Spider-Girl. Unlike his co-stars, Zane Yama follows the tried and true formula of coming-of-age where despite the great power, having the courage to overcome your shortcomings is what makes a real hero.
- Flashback is an initiative that was a real breath of fresh air sometime during Marvel’s bankruptcy. Using Silver Age and Bronze Age attitudes with modern layouts, fans get a chance to see the layers that make Marvel Heroes who they are.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fight Man is a superhero parody comic mocking the violent and over-exaggerated superheroes of the 90s. The satire is so over-the-top that it’s hard to take seriously. His creator Evan Dorkin puts him wherever he can like in Agent X.
- 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.
- Complete with a followup a year later where the consequences come forward. Because, sometimes self-discovery can be a traumatizing experience.
- 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 practically the underrated Marvel Comics crossover event because it focuses on the effects. Rather than drag on and disrupt every other comic’s pace, readers and characters feel the aftershock of a world shattering shift. It practically fits the mold of superheroes in a post-9/11 world. Even the original Annihilation story pales in comparison for its display of characters at their peak.
- 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 one of the oddest 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Irredeemable Ant-Man is what happens where all of the absurdities in superhero stories are used on a Daffy Duck type character. Ant-Man already has a shaky rep, but Robert Kirkman makes Eric O’Grady feel like that friend you make fun of behind his back.
- The original Ultimate Universe is known for taking things in newer but familiar directions. And then there’s Ultimate Galactus, the only real look into the cosmic side. With bold new directions on several characters, the potential to go beyond in enticing. Sadly there were never any followups.
- 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.
- The Incredible Hercules is a series about Marvel’s Prince of Power and the Seventh Smartest person in the Marvel Universe. 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. Destroyer 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.
- Atlas is a followup to Jeff Parker’s initial series with another Atlas era character who adds to the dynamic.
- Thunderstrike: Youth In Revolt follows the son of the temporary Thor who came into his own. Upon discovering his father’s mace, Kevin Masterson takes up his identity and has fun learning the ropes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marvel MAX imprint horror section Dead of Night‘s most critical success 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.
- 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.
- Always An Invader 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’ fancy.
- 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 tries to minimize damage.
- Call it a shameless cash grab taking advantage of lockdowns, but The Vitals is really something. Telling the real stories of emergency workers, the grounded stakes and suspense of the Covid pandemic still resonate with audience.
- 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.
- 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.
- Werewolf By Night: Unholy Alliance is more of a Creature Feature anthology than a serial. But for fans of the Disney+ special the main title will give them more of that magic. Especially since Jack Russell is a different character in the Moon Knight piece. Plus it adds Marvel Unlimited’s Crypt of Shadows.
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.
- Before his death, Namor’s creator Bill Everett does one last story with the Sub-Mariner in issue 50. Introducing longtime supporting character Namorita and tying up a few loose ends, it’s a satisfying end to the original story from the 40s.
- John Byrne probably does Namor’s complexities the best. From relatable interactions with the corporate world, reconnecting with old friends, and a redemption arc, this is probably the most human the Sub-Mariner has been.
- Conquered Shores goes into what happens once the Sub-Mariner accomplishes his control of the planet.
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 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.
Underrated Marvel Comics: 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.
Hulk
Whether he’s Incredible, Savage, or Immortal, Marvel’s not-so-jolly green giant has many stories that people forget.
- Rampaging Hulk is a series of artful depictions of stress and frustration at how many ways looking at the world can make monsters out of us. Not just the Hulk but other characters
- 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.
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: 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.
- 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 crazy 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.
- 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 are Civil War and One More Day. This at least completes Peter’s arc on the mystical connections of the Spider Totem.
- Spine-Tingling Spider-Man shows the full menace of an underrated Spider-Man clone after his comeback.
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?
X-Men Checklist
- The X-Men of the 90s aren’t all exaggerations and Age of Apocalypse, sometimes you just have to find some other family drama.
- 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 it turns out Heaven 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.
- Children of the Vault is Fall of X’s take on the challenges of embracing 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.
New Mutants
This second string of X-Men has plenty of adventures to their name, enough to rival the main team. With plenty of drama and team building, there’s always room to grow.
- In New Mutants: Back To School a new generation of mutants come up and the survivors of the old one must step up. Because no matter your life experience, the struggle to come into your own is universal.
- The followup, New X-Men: Academy X has these new New Mutants come of age in a world that feels more hostile than ever. Especially when the biggest threats are trying to find comfort in flawed mentors.
- The New Mutants: Dead Souls is a return to form of the Simonson era as they deal with the comedic to heart-wrenching.
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.
- Starting in 2005, Peter David goes back in on X-Factor with Madrox becoming a private eye. With all the superhero insanity counterbalanced by grounded characters, it’s something to remember.
- Multiple Man brings Madrox back into the field, just don’t think too hard about a dupe trying to kill him with time travel. Just have fun and roll with it.
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.
Underrated Marvel Comics: 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. So notable that artist Keven Nowlan recreates Gerber’s sequel to one of his issues.
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?
- The original Gerber series is a series full of biting commentary on what everyone normalizes. Whether that’s life’s mundanity or superhero insanity.
- A few other people such as Bill Mantlo also manage to keep on between the times.
- Gerber would later return to the title for the Max imprint. Now able to get away with more swearing and sexuality, those are basically unimportant as Howard’s changing forms tell readers to change their perspectives.
- While many people after the Gerber series try to recapture the magic, Chip Zdarsky probably does it best.
Underrated Marvel Comics: Squadron Supreme
Squadron Supreme is what the plot of Watchmen would be if using pastiches of the Justice League. But rather than make literary theater, it’s about mixing old-school superheroism 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.
- 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 with the gritty realism of gun violence, how does he fit in all of the insanity? Surprisingly well as it turns out.
- In Dark Crisis, the Punisher is left for dead but gets put back together as Franken-Castle!
- When you think there’s no place the Punisher won’t go, think again! Space: Punisher!
- Not even the insanity of crossover events can slow Castle down in Kill Krew!
- The Bullet That Follows… Well written and action-packed! It’s only sin is this is Frank Castle in all but name and tech.
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.
- Before the original Defenders comes to an end, Peter B. Gillis and J.M. DeMatteis make the final lineup memorable. While Angel and Beast are ready for X-Factor, Moondragon, Cloud, and Gargoyle are unforgettable… to Al Ewing!
- Fearless Defenders is about going out of comfort zones through Misty Knight and the Brunnhilde Valkyrie. Because there’s a whole Marvel Universe full of potentially interesting characters to mess around with.
Underrated Marvel Comics 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.
- Anything You Can Do is practically Tony Master’s portfolio fighting against Avengers, evading them, and training them. It’s a classic.
- If you have The Right Price, then you know that Taskmaster has the perfect set-up for his strengths, weaknesses, and backstory. Because even if you don’t like him, this album’s well worth your money.
- And if you think things might get a little too serious, maybe the absurdity in The Rubicon Trigger is worth your look.
Underrated Marvel Comics 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.
- The original Nova series is a bit of a slow start with Marv Wolfman trying to set a direction. But when it does, Richard Rider rockets into the cosmic side of Marvel.
- Getting through his awkward phase in the 90s, Richard Rider fully embraces the cosmic side of the Marvel Universe in Annihilation. Even though the indifference of it all can be kind of off-putting, especially with the Nova Corps.
- In Resurrection, after coming back from the dead Richard finds commonality with Sam. A way of making peace with things beyond anyone’s control.
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?
- The classic Louise Simonson era is an ever engrossing experience. All of the feeling of childhood, family sticking together, and coming-of-age as superheroes.
- A four-issue mini-series has the Powers come into more responsibilities, sometimes without superpowers.
- When the main Marvel Universe isn’t the most approachable, the Power Pack by Marc Sumerak gives new audiences something to invest in. All of the classic childhood wonder mixed with modern storytelling
- This series would get a followup by Fred Van Lente with no slowing of the pace.
- Finally, Alex Zalben would work with series artist Gurihiru for one last adventure in Asgard.
- Powers That Be is the long-awaited return of the main Power Pack. All without sacrificing imagination in serious background threats.
- Into The Storm reunites the Power Pack with Weezy Simonson in a flashback series. One that doesn’t overstay its welcome.