10 Marvel Heroes Overdue for Another Solo Ongoing Series

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Marvel Comics revolutionized the superhero genre and achieved great success by embracing change. Over the decades, they’ve published some of the most iconic solo series featuring legendary heroes. Characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man consistently appear in popular books, but Marvel also fosters other promising characters, always seeking the next breakout star. While they’ve launched many great characters in their own series, not every one manages to maintain long-term success.

Lots of Marvel characters have starred in their own comic book series, but many of those books didn’t last very long. Some truly great heroes haven’t had their own series in a while, and it’s time to bring them back. These ten heroes deserve another chance to shine and prove they can carry a successful ongoing book.

10) Juggernaut

The recent changes to the X-Men, known as the “From the Ashes” storyline, haven’t been entirely successful, but some characters have benefited. Juggernaut is one of them. After years of being a villain targeting his step-brother, Professor X, and the X-Men, Cain Marko has been a hero, on and off, since the early 2000s. He’s a popular character, especially in the current X-Men series, and it’s great to see him getting another solo comic – his last one ended in 2021. Fans have been wanting this for a while, and he deserves another spotlight.

9) Silver Surfer

Marvel appears to be trying to attract movie fans to comics by making the comics more like the movies, but this strategy is alienating long-time comic readers. Movie fans haven’t significantly increased comic book sales, and a recent example, Fantastic Four: First Steps featuring a female Silver Surfer, quickly failed. Despite this, there’s still a desire to see the original Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd, return. He’s had several successful series in the past, and a new one would be welcome. Norrin is a compelling character, and the cosmic side of Marvel could really benefit from a strong series featuring him.

8) Spider-Woman

Spider-Woman first appeared in the 1970s, as Marvel tried to capitalize on the growing feminist movement (a tactic Marvel often uses with social issues). While initially somewhat popular, she eventually faded into obscurity. However, she unexpectedly became a major character in the 2000s thanks to her role in New Avengers. She had her own comic series for a period, but sales declined and she was sidelined. Jessica Drew is a compelling character, and a new solo series would be a great way to introduce her to a new audience.

7) X-Man

The “Age of Apocalypse” storyline is a beloved X-Men tale, and it introduced a surprisingly compelling character: X-Man, also known as Nate Grey. Essentially the Cable of that alternate universe, Nate was one of four mutants brought into the main Marvel universe (616) after the events of X-Men: Omega #1. He starred in his own comic series until 2001, but Marvel hasn’t really utilized him well since then. Nate is a fantastic character with incredibly powerful psychic abilities, and it’s time Marvel found the right creative team to bring him back into the spotlight. He was almost a huge star in the late 1990s, and he has the potential to be again.

6) Maverick

Maverick’s abilities were originally developed through the Weapon X program, and he’s shared a long, complex history with Wolverine, sometimes as an ally and other times as an enemy. He first became well-known in the 1990s and even had his own comic book series. After that series ended, he returned to making appearances in other comics, often as a supporting character or villain, and now runs a mercenary business. He recently appeared in the Deadpool/Wolverine series, which reminded fans of his strengths. A new comic focusing on Maverick and his mercenary team could be very successful, as the character offers a lot of potential for exciting storylines.

5) The Winter Soldier

The Winter Soldier highlights a problem with how Marvel Studios connects its stories. Bucky Barnes started as Captain America’s original partner, seemingly died, and was then reintroduced as the Winter Soldier in 2005. He briefly took on the role of Captain America himself before reverting to being the Winter Soldier. Though he appeared in Captain America films and had a comic series before joining the MCU, his initial popularity hasn’t lasted. Now, he’s mostly a supporting character in team-up movies, but he’s talented enough to deserve another opportunity to lead his own story.

4) War Machine

James Rhodes, a long-time friend and ally of Iron Man, is a well-known character in the Marvel Universe. He famously stepped into the role of Iron Man himself for a period, proving so capable that he eventually received his own powerful armor and became War Machine. While often a supporting player, he’s consistently appeared in team adventures and occasional solo stories. With a striking design, strong personality, and ties to many key heroes, James Rhodes is due for a starring role.

3) Hawkeye II

For years, Kate Bishop appeared poised to become a major hero. First appearing as a Young Avenger and then taking over the Hawkeye name after Clint Barton, she gained popularity in the critically acclaimed Hawkeye series by Matt Fraction and David Aja. Writer Kelly Thompson further cemented her potential, but despite a promising start with her introduction into the MCU’s Hawkeye series, Kate has only starred in one solo comic run. Fans adore Kate Bishop, and it’s definitely time for her to lead another series.

2) Hercules

Hercules is a powerhouse character in Marvel comics, and a fan favorite, especially among longtime Avengers readers. While he often works as part of a team or supports other heroes, he’s also headlined his own comics before. After a period of absence, now is the perfect time for Hercules to get another solo series. He’s simply a fun character, and his roots in Greek mythology offer a wealth of potential stories and interactions. With connections throughout the Marvel Universe, and the possibility of featuring his boyfriend Noh-Varr, a new solo series would be a great way to showcase him again.

1) Gambit

As a longtime Marvel fan, I’ve always been a little surprised it’s taken this long. Gambit – that charming, kinetic mutant – felt poised to be the next big thing, like Wolverine, for a while. Whether you grew up with his comic books, or discovered him through X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97, or even Deadpool & Wolverine, he’s a character people connect with. We’ve seen glimpses of his past in a few limited series recently, but those weren’t happening now. Honestly, it’s fantastic to see him finally getting a new, ongoing solo title set in the present. Gambit has really evolved as a character over the years, and he deserves to be front and center again.

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2026-04-02 00:16