7 Most Underrated Marvel Legacy Heroes

For superheroes, it’s always been about more than just stopping villains. They inspire people to improve themselves and offer hope for a brighter future, impacting people on a deeper level. The most beloved heroes, like Spider-Man and Captain America, are often the most inspiring. A key part of their impact is the new generation of heroes who continue their work. While DC Comics is famous for emphasizing heroic legacies, Marvel has also created many heroes who carry on the traditions of those who came before.

Some heroes follow in the footsteps of those who came before them, taking on famous identities – like Miles Morales and Kamala Khan as Spider-Man and Miss Marvel. They’ve proven themselves worthy, even though they weren’t the originals. While those two are well-known, Marvel has many other ‘legacy heroes’ who don’t get enough credit. We’re going to highlight seven of the most underrated heroes who’ve taken on a legendary name, and explore why they deserve more recognition. Let’s dive in!

7) Captain Marvel (Genis-Vell)

Captain Marvel is a title most famously held by Carol Danvers, but the original Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell, remains popular as well. Before them, three others took on the name, including Genis-Vell, Mar-Vell’s son. Genis was conceived after his father’s death, using Mar-Vell’s genetic material. Upon discovering his father’s heroic past, Genis was determined to follow in his footsteps. He journeyed across the universe, striving to bring peace, and even formed a connection with Rick Jones using the Nega Bands, just like his father. While he didn’t reach the same level of fame, Genis’s family history is rich with compelling stories worth telling.

6) Phoenix (Rachel Summers)

Rachel Summers is the daughter of Cyclops and Jean Grey from an alternate future. She traveled to the main Marvel timeline and, after some initial difficulties, earned the acceptance of her parents and became the host of the powerful Phoenix Force. Rachel didn’t just wield the Phoenix Force; she reshaped it, moving it away from being purely destructive and setting the stage for its future evolution. Her unique ability to traverse and operate within different timelines—including her role as Mother Askani—has exposed her to immense suffering, but she remains dedicated to finding and fostering hope.

5) Power Man (Victor Álvarez)

Victor is the son of a former villain named Shade, and he gained powers from a piece of Shade’s technology that manipulates energy. This allows him to fight like both Luke Cage and Iron Fist, making him a unique and compelling hero. Given Luke Cage and Iron Fist’s strong friendship, Victor essentially embodies their combined powers while also striving to honor his father’s redemption. He’s a relatable hero dedicated to protecting ordinary people, and his connection to the Heroes for Hire gives him a solid foundation to do so.

4) Spider-Girl (Makawalu Akana)

When the first Spider-Girl returned to being Araña, a new hero took up the mantle – a young girl who wanted to be Spider-Boy’s greatest enemy. This mutant can copy the powers and abilities of anyone she looks at, and she blames Spider-Boy for losing control of her own powers after meeting his ten eyes. Known as Makawalu, she’s a wild mix of fun and frightening, originally trained as a villain by Bullseye, but now determined to prove herself as the ultimate hero. She’s unpredictable, hilarious, and genuinely dangerous, making her a perfect ally and a formidable foe.

3) Thor (Eric Masterson)

Many comic book fans remember Thor living among humans as Donald Blake, but few know he also had an alias named Eric Masterson. Eric, an ordinary man, saved Thor’s life at great personal risk, and Odin magically linked them together. After Thor was exiled for killing Loki, Eric stepped up to become the one and only Thor, bravely defending Earth. When the original Thor returned, Eric didn’t retire; he continued to protect Earth as a new hero called Thunderstrike, wielding a powerful enchanted weapon. Though his time as Thor was short, Eric Masterson played a significant role in Thor’s story, becoming one of the rare individuals able to lift the mighty Mjolnir.

2) Venom (Dylan Brock)

Many characters have hosted the Venom symbiote, but Dylan Brock truly earned the role. As the son of the original Venom, he bonded with a new symbiote after his father, Eddie, became the King in Black. Years of groundwork and a special connection to the symbiotes gave Dylan a fresh, energetic take on the ‘Lethal Protector.’ Though his time as Venom was too brief, even those who, like me, prefer MJ as Venom have to admit Dylan brought a much-needed new perspective to the character.

1) Captain America (Isaiah Bradley)

When the original formula for the Super Soldier Serum was lost, the US government attempted to recreate it through cruel experiments on 300 Black soldiers. Isaiah Bradley was the sole survivor. He once heroically stepped in as Captain America to save lives, but this act led to a life sentence in prison. There, he suffered in solitary confinement and his health deteriorated due to the serum’s side effects, leaving him with a diminished mental state. Despite this, Isaiah became a legendary figure within the Black community. He is considered a true hero by all other Captain Americas, serving as a powerful reminder of their responsibilities and the values they uphold. He remains a largely unrecognized hero who deserves immense respect.

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2026-03-16 18:11