What’s wonderful about comic books is their ability to tell stories over many issues, letting characters develop and adventures truly unfold. Some comics have lasted for decades, with hundreds of issues and multiple creative teams – and a few have even had the same team throughout! These long runs can be incredibly rewarding for readers. Unfortunately, not all comics get that chance. Some are intentionally shorter, while others are cancelled prematurely, cutting short promising stories that deserved to continue.
These seven comic book series were all fantastic, but unfortunately, they were cancelled before their time. Each series ended for different reasons, but they all told compelling stories that fans wish had continued – leaving us to imagine what could have happened. Some of these comics feature well-established characters from the golden age, while others are newer, but regardless of their age or length, they’re all worth checking out.
7) Sensational She-Hulk (2023)
She-Hulk hasn’t always had successful, ongoing comic series, and Rainbow Rowell’s Sensational She-Hulk is unfortunately another example. The series was a refreshing and enjoyable take on the character, focusing on personal stories and bringing back beloved faces like Patsy Walker and Jack of Hearts. Rowell intended it as a tribute to She-Hulk, and it truly delivered on that promise.
Sadly, the comic series only lasted for 10 issues before it was discontinued. Although She-Hulk has reappeared in other comics, those tend to be more serious and dramatic in tone, making this particular series especially fondly remembered by fans.
6) Chase (1998)
Beyond the world of superheroes, the DC Universe has always offered intriguing stories, and the 1998 series Chase delved into that side of things. Following her first appearance in Batwoman, Cameron Chase received her own comic book, created by D. Curtis Johnson, J.H. Williams, and Mick Gray. As an agent of the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO) – an organization familiar to viewers of The CW’s Supergirl – Chase tracked superpowered individuals to assess potential threats. This work was particularly meaningful for her, as her superhero father was killed when she was young, leaving her deeply suspicious of those with powers.
Case was a stand-out series because it offered a fresh take on the idea of an ordinary person navigating a world of superheroes. It blended supernatural elements, intriguing mysteries, and a strong sense of realism, all grounded by its compelling main character. Sadly, the series only ran for nine full episodes (with a tenth appearing as part of the DC One Million event). While the character occasionally reappears in other stories, her solo series remains the best representation of her.
5) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
The comic book series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reimagined a classic Archie Comics story with a much darker and more mature tone, and it was a hit. Created by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Robert Hack, it leaned heavily into horror, setting it apart from the lighter Sabrina the Teenage Witch. The series quickly gained popularity—the first two issues sold out—which led to a successful adaptation by Netflix, starring Kiernan Shipka in a television series of the same name.
The comic book series concluded after just nine issues in 2017, before the Netflix show even began. Surprisingly, the TV series also didn’t last long, ending after two seasons that were released in four parts.
4) Incredible Hulk (1962)
As a huge Hulk fan, I always find it a bit shocking to learn that the very first Incredible Hulk comic book series didn’t last very long. It was cancelled after only six issues! Think about that – it started in 1962 with Jack Kirby teaming up with artists like Paul Reinman, Steve Ditko, and Dick Ayers, but it was over by 1963. What’s really amazing is that those few issues were the ones that created the Hulk’s famous origin story and really set the stage for everything that came after.
It’s surprising to learn that the Hulk, now a major Marvel hero, didn’t initially succeed with his first solo comic. Fortunately, things turned around, and he went on to star in several popular, long-running series. He quickly reappeared in other comics, joined the Avengers as one of its original members, and became a lasting and beloved Marvel character.
3) Avengers Inc. (2023)
Al Ewing’s run on Avengers Inc. is arguably the most interesting take on the team yet, which makes its short five-issue run all the more disappointing. The series, written by Ewing and illustrated by Leonard Kirk, felt less like a typical superhero story and more like a classic detective novel. It followed Janet Van Dyne, a.k.a. The Wasp, as she built a new team focused on solving mysteries, beginning with a case involving the Vision’s previously unknown persona, Victor Shade.
Avengers Inc. was a promising series packed with action, mystery, and a stylish detective atmosphere. Sadly, it was cut short after just five issues and ultimately cancelled, leaving many feeling it didn’t get the opportunity it deserved.
2) O.M.A.C. (1974)
Jack Kirby’s O.M.A.C. is a fantastic comic book. It follows Buddy Blank, also known as the One-Man Army Corps, in a bleak future where people are driven to violence as a way to cope with stress. As O.M.A.C., Buddy works for the Global Peace Agency, fighting against wealthy and ruthless individuals who take advantage of others. This comic is classic Kirby – and it’s where the character Brother Eye, a smart satellite, first appeared.
Kirby was a talented creator with innovative ideas, and O.M.A.C. is a prime example. Though it’s now more highly regarded, the comic was considered quite unconventional when it debuted in the 1970s. It only lasted eight issues and unfortunately signaled the end of Kirby’s work with DC Comics.
1) X-Terminators (2022)
As a huge X-Men fan, I was really excited when Leah Williams and Carlos Gomez brought back the X-Terminators in 2022. I loved the new team they assembled – Wolverine (Laura Kinney), Jubilee, Boom-Boom, and Dazzler – an all-female lineup! The story was surprisingly lighthearted; they weren’t facing world-ending threats, but dealing with a weird case involving vampires hunting down Dazzler’s fans. Honestly, it was a really enjoyable read because, while the X-Men usually deal with super serious stuff, this was just fun. It was a nice change of pace.
Most X-Men comics have a good run, but X-Terminators was cancelled after only five issues. It felt like the story was just beginning when it ended. Both readers and critics liked the series, so it’s disappointing it didn’t last longer.
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2026-02-26 00:14