7 Great Marvel Heroes Who Never Had a Solo Book

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For decades, Marvel Comics has consistently produced outstanding solo comic books. This tradition began in the Golden Age with Captain America Comics #1, which launched the publisher’s first ongoing solo title. Since then, iconic series like The Amazing Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Wolverine, and The Incredible Hulk have captivated readers, topped sales charts, and redefined superhero storytelling. Marvel has expertly showcased its most popular characters through these solo books, allowing their individual stories to truly stand out.

It’s common for popular characters to eventually star in their own comic book series. However, some fan-favorite heroes haven’t received that spotlight. Here are seven great Marvel characters who, despite their popularity, have never headlined their own book.

7) Wong

Wong is a key figure in the Marvel universe, and a long-time friend and ally of Doctor Strange. The two met while Strange was learning magic, and Wong became his trusted assistant. While always important in the comics, Wong’s popularity exploded with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thanks to Benedict Wong’s portrayal. Surprisingly, Marvel hasn’t yet capitalized on Wong’s widespread appeal with his own comic book series, despite frequently connecting the movies and comics.

6) Sunspot

The New Mutants were a key team for Marvel, helping them compete with other teen hero groups in the early 1980s. Among its impressive members, Sunspot – also known as Roberto DaCosta – stands out. He possesses powers based on solar energy and is incredibly wealthy, using both to battle injustice. While he didn’t become a core X-Man, he later joined the Avengers and even helped create a new team of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. It’s surprising he’s never had his own solo comic series, as he’s a compelling character with a rich history and plenty of story potential.

5) Medusa

The Inhumans haven’t always been a hit with audiences, though some characters within the team are more popular than others. While Black Bolt often gets the spotlight, his wife, Medusa, is arguably just as compelling. She’s consistently demonstrated strong leadership, ruling alongside her husband and even independently when necessary. Medusa has strong ties to many other Marvel heroes and has always been a fascinating character within the Inhuman story. Now that the Inhumans have been absent for a while, focusing on Medusa – perhaps with her own comic book or by including her in games like Marvel Rivals – could be the key to reviving interest in the whole team.

4) Ronin

The identity of Ronin isn’t about a specific hero, but rather a role or persona. When it first appeared in New Avengers, it was presented as a mysterious ninja joining the team. Many fans predicted it would be Daredevil, given the writer’s history with the character, and Marvel quickly switched it to Echo. Hawkeye later adopted the Ronin identity as well. The very nature of Ronin – designed to be unpredictable – makes it ideal for a standalone series. It’s surprising that Marvel hasn’t explored this potential before, as the identity can be taken up by anyone.

3) Cannonball

Sam Guthrie, also known as Cannonball, started with the New Mutants and quickly proved he was ready for bigger things. He joined X-Force, eventually leading the team, and was the first New Mutant to become a full-fledged X-Man. Since the mid-90s, he’s been an X-Man on and off, even spending time with the Avengers. He eventually married Smasher, a Shi’Ar Imperial Guardsman, and they had a child, settling on the Shi’Ar homeworld. With a strong backstory, a family, and a lot of fans, Cannonball is a great character who deserves his own comic book series.

2) Rachel Summers-Grey

Rachel Summers-Grey, the daughter of Cyclops and Jean Grey from an alternate future, traveled back in time to understand why that future hadn’t been erased. She quickly became a beloved member of the X-Men, known as Phoenix, and later joined the team Excalibur before returning to the X-Men in the 21st century. A product of the popular X-Men comics of the early to mid-1980s, Rachel has a dedicated fanbase. Many believe she has the potential to lead her own stories, and it’s time for her to get that opportunity.

1) Mister Fantastic

As a lifelong comic fan, I’ve always been a little baffled by the treatment of Mister Fantastic. He’s arguably Marvel’s smartest character and a foundational hero – seriously, he was key to Marvel’s explosion in popularity back in the Silver Age! He debuted in Fantastic Four #1 and has been leading that team – and often the entire superhero community – ever since, saving the multiverse countless times and even getting involved with the Illuminati. Yet, incredibly, he’s never had his own solo comic series! He’s the only core member of the Fantastic Four without one. While he might not be as instantly popular as characters like the Thing, Sue Storm, or Johnny Storm, I really think Reed Richards deserves a chance to truly shine as a solo act. It’s long overdue.

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2026-04-05 20:12