7 Marvel Heroes Who Are Nothing Like Their First Appearance

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For decades, Marvel Comics has been creating new heroes, and some have changed dramatically since their first appearances. While iconic heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Daredevil have remained largely the same – with minor updates to costumes or equipment like Iron Man’s armor – others have undergone significant transformations. Teams like the Fantastic Four and the X-Men have also maintained their core identities, despite some cosmetic changes. However, a number of heroes are almost unrecognizable compared to their original versions.

Some Marvel heroes weren’t initially portrayed as heroes, and others dramatically evolved their personalities and appearances. Here are seven examples of characters who are almost unrecognizable compared to their first appearances.

7) Hellcat

Hellcat, also known as Patsy Walker, actually has a history that predates Marvel Comics itself. She first appeared in 1944 in Miss America Magazine #2, published by Timely Comics. But she wasn’t a superhero back then – she starred in a teen romance comic, much like Archie Comics. Things changed when Marvel Comics was created, and her story evolved.

Patsy Walker first appeared briefly in a 1965 issue of Fantastic Four Annual #3, but she later transformed into a completely different character. By 1975, she was featured in The Avengers #141, joining the team on several missions. She then became known as Hellcat, a superhero far removed from her original self, and eventually established herself as a key member of the Defenders.

6) Jane Foster

Jane Foster is one of Marvel’s most transformed characters. She debuted in 1962 in Journey into Mystery #84 as a nurse and the romantic partner of Dr. Donald Blake, who was secretly Thor. For many years, she was a regular presence in Thor’s comics. However, when the character of Donald Blake was removed from the stories, Jane Foster’s role gradually diminished.

In 2014, Marvel surprised fans by introducing a new Thor – Jane Foster. They also revealed Jane was battling cancer, and each transformation into Thor temporarily reversed the effects of her chemotherapy. The story continued in 2019 when Jane, facing death, was chosen as the newest Valkyrie. This version of Jane is a far cry from her original role as a superhero’s love interest.

5) Invisible Woman

Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, has remained remarkably consistent throughout her history in Marvel Comics. She’s still a core member of the Fantastic Four and maintains her long-standing relationship with Reed Richards, just as it was when she first appeared in 1961’s Fantastic Four #1. However, like many characters from that era, her portrayal has evolved over time. Early Marvel writers often struggled to create well-developed female characters, and Sue’s story reflects that initial challenge.

Early Marvel comics often portrayed female heroes like the Invisible Girl and the Wasp with limited roles, focusing on traditionally feminine interests like shopping and admiring the male heroes, rather than showcasing their own strengths. For example, Susan Storm of The Fantastic Four began as a typical housewife and the team’s weakest member, frequently underestimated by her husband, Reed Richards. However, she evolved into the powerful Invisible Woman, eventually becoming the team’s strongest and most capable member in both mind and power. Her transformation perfectly illustrates how much Marvel has grown in its depiction of female heroes over the years.

4) Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers first appeared in Marvel Comics back in 1968, in issue #13 of Marvel Super-Heroes. She was a U.S. Air Force officer working as a security chief who encountered the Kree alien hero, Captain Mar-Vell. She teamed up with him to defend Earth, even though he was originally sent there as a spy. It wasn’t until nine years later that she gained her own superpowers and became known as Ms. Marvel.

The character went through a big transformation, but her most important change was still ahead. Originally, Ms. Marvel was presented as a visually striking hero with a revealing costume. However, in 2012, Captain America encouraged her to step into the role previously held by a friend, leading her to become Captain Marvel. This shift moved her away from being simply a visually appealing character and established her as a strong, strategic hero – ultimately becoming one of the company’s top heroes.

3) Jean Grey

I first encountered Jean Grey way back in the early days of the X-Men – she showed up in issue #1 in 1963! She was the newest addition to Professor X’s team, and a really interesting character. She could move things with her mind, and for a long time, she was the only woman on the team – naturally, all the guys had a bit of a crush on her. Honestly, she didn’t seem super powerful at first, and Professor X was pretty protective, often keeping her out of the really dangerous battles to keep her safe.

It’s surprising to learn that Jean Grey, known as one of the strongest mutants and telepaths in the universe, wasn’t always depicted as such. Originally, her powers were less extensive, but later stories were revised to establish her as a telepath from the beginning. When she bonded with the Phoenix Force, her abilities grew exponentially, transforming her from a relatively weaker X-Man into the most powerful one – a truly dramatic change.

2) Falcon

Sam Wilson, who later became known as the Falcon, first appeared in Marvel Comics’ Captain America #117 back in 1969. He started as a social worker who, after an accident, developed the ability to talk to birds and gained wings, allowing him to fly. He was a groundbreaking character, representing a shift towards more diverse representation with African American heroes in Marvel during the 1970s, and focused on tackling social issues.

Sam Wilson has officially transitioned from the Falcon to Captain America. Though he’s no longer working as a social worker, he remains dedicated to fighting for those who need help and advocating for justice. While he’s fundamentally the same character fans first met in Marvel Comics, becoming Captain America was a surprising turn of events no one predicted.

1) Black Widow

Black Widow is a fan-favorite Avenger and a formidable character in Marvel comics. But the character has evolved significantly since her first appearance in 1964’s Tales of Suspense #52. Initially, she was portrayed as a seductive spy working for the Soviet Union, tasked with gathering information on Tony Stark. This early version of Black Widow was characterized by her purple attire, a fondness for jewelry, and a strong desire for wealth and power.

The name “Black Widow” comes from the story of a woman who would marry men and then kill them to steal their money. In the Marvel Universe, however, this Black Widow did her work for the Soviet government. When she first became a villain, she wore a distinctive outfit: a bluish-purple suit with a fishnet pattern and a mask similar to Hawkeye’s. Looking at her earliest comic book appearances, it’s surprising to see how different she is from the Black Widow we know today.

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2025-12-11 20:17