5 Marvel Characters From The ’80s Who Are Totally Cringe Now

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The 1980s were a golden age for Marvel Comics. Uncanny X-Men became the top-selling comic book and introduced a wealth of new mutant characters. Spider-Man benefited from talented writers like Peter David, J.M. DeMatteis, and Christopher Priest, while Avengers continued to thrive under Roger Stern and John Buscema. Marvel’s Epic line also allowed creators to publish their own stories, pushing the boundaries of the superhero genre. Many consider the 1980s to be one of Marvel’s greatest periods, and a time when the company consistently released high-quality, respected comics.

Despite some strong characters being created during that era, there were also many that feel incredibly awkward or embarrassing when looking back at them – characters who simply followed trends. While a few of these characters improved over time, it’s still difficult to revisit their older appearances. Here are five Marvel characters that perfectly embody that ’80s awkwardness.

5) Frenzy

The X-Men’s diverse cast of characters was key to Marvel’s popularity in the 1980s. While many mutants from that era were well-developed, some got off to a rocky start. Frenzy, now a fan favorite, wasn’t always so compelling. When she first appeared in X-Factor, she was essentially a copy of Grace Jones, lacking a distinct personality beyond being a physically imposing and aggressive character. She started as a disposable villain, and looking back, her initial portrayal feels quite awkward compared to the complex character she’s become.

4) Cloak

Both Cloak and Dagger deserve individual attention. Created during the height of the ‘just say no’ era of the 1980s – a bit ironic considering the decade – they were two runaway teens given mutant powers through a special form of heroin. Cloak, whose real name is Tyrone and who is African-American, gained the ability to control darkness, manifesting as a large, enveloping cloak that could absorb objects and teleport himself and Dagger through a dark dimension. While well-intentioned, Cloak’s character feels somewhat stereotypical; the idea of defining a Black hero solely through darkness comes across as awkward.

3) Dagger

Dagger received a unique form of heroin that connected her to a powerful energy source, granting her the ability to project light-based weapons and heal injuries. Tandy, much like Tyrone, fit a common trope: a privileged young woman with troubled parents who fled home and fell into a dangerous situation. Initially, she was portrayed as simply kind and innocent, lacking significant depth as a character. While Cloak was dark and intense, Tandy was presented as the cheerful one, instantly likable but somewhat one-dimensional. Despite the popularity of Cloak and Dagger as a duo, examining their individual portrayals reveals how underdeveloped they were.

2) Jubilee

Chris Claremont revitalized the X-Men in the 1980s, introducing many iconic characters, including Jubilee. While Jubilee has become a fan favorite, her initial portrayal feels dated. She embodied the stereotypical ’80s teenager – focused on skating, hanging out at the mall, and speaking with a distinct California accent. Even as a fan, it’s a little awkward to revisit those early comics knowing they were written by a man much older than the character he was creating.

2) Dazzler

Dazzler has gained a following over the years, but it’s true she started out as a somewhat embarrassing character. Debuting in 1980 as a disco-themed hero, she arrived after disco had already faded from popularity. Looking back at her first stories can be pretty awkward to read. Similar to Jubilee, she’s become much more appealing over time, but her initial portrayal feels like a completely different character.

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2025-11-08 02:11