Bubble Dwellers: Marvel Heroes We’d Like to See Used More!
Recently, IGN conducted a survey of their readers on which Marvel A-list characters they felt were [...]
Recently, IGN conducted a survey of their readers on which Marvel A-list characters they felt were the most overused/overexposed or any other "over" adjective they felt fit. Perhaps as coming as a shock to no one, the top two choices were Spider-Man and Wolverine.
Throughout the 1990's especially, both Spider-Man and Wolverine were appearing in multiple books, some that they were anchors of and others, such as The Fantastic Four and The Avengers, had them on just because, hey, why not, everyone else was doing it! It was a marketing tool that may have helped fuel the media enterprises that both represent today, and because of that media exposure, they continue to make appearances, together and separately, in various comic books.
If all things are logical, and that's usually the case when discussing comic books, you can't have overexposed characters without having characters who perhaps don't get the "page time" they deserve. Consider the following heroes who stand to have their profiles raised just a bit more.
Moon Knight Yes, the multiple-identitied avenger of the Egyptian gods does have his own solo series and was a part of the Avengers (West Coast) for awhile, but that doesn't mean he couldn't stand a little more publicity. Possibly one of the more psychologically complex characters in the Marvel U, Moon Knight conducts missions of vengeance and justice that would certainly pose some interesting dilemmas for the heroes of this modern world, especially a world where Norman Osborn now has such a strong hold. Could the inclusion of Moon Knight as a "foe" for the new Thunderbolts be an interesting angle? How about a guest starring arc in a future New Avengers storyline, as he would fit in with several of the loners in that group of heroes? In any case, Moon Knight deserves a little stark light of day to shine on his publicity and profile!
Black Widow While the newest Black Widow, Yelena Belova, is currently a leader of the latest incarnation of the Thunderbolts, the original Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff (or Natalia Romanova if you prefer), has been around for years in Marvel as a stable and powerful supporting player. She's had past solo limited series as recently as four or five years ago, and is currently Bucky's trusted companion in Captain America, and has made appearances in Mighty Avengers, but could she carry a solo series on her own, or even branch out into making more guest appearances in Marvel titles? Her intriguing past, penchant for espionage and a mix of cool calm and fiery grit could make her a wonderful guest in other, somewhat darker series. Maybe an arc in Dark Avengers? What about a crossover with Daredevil? The possibilities are there!
The Young Avengers This team of young heroes, modeled on the classic Avengers, never seemed to find their footing in the Marvel universe, due to delays, shifting responsibilities among writers and perhaps the big storylines that consumed Marvel in the past three years, all of which focused mostly on the major, more established heroes and villains. Although a "dark" version of this team has been released recently in their own book, where's the love for the original group? You know, Wiccan, Hulking, Speed, etc.? Marvel could certainly use this group in numerous ways, not the least of which could be seeing where they fit in in a Norman Osborn world. They were full of potential, interesting characteristics and power. Why not use some of that with a big crossover with the X-Men perhaps, or even on a joint mission with the New Avengers, especially since Wiccan has been making an appearance there lately? Just a thought!
Ghost Rider Destiny and forces sometimes beyond his control have been two of the main devices used in not only the fictional life of Ghost Rider, but in his various ongoing and limited series as well. With news that Ghost Rider is once again up in the air as far as future publication of an ongoing series in concerned, it's high time for him to be used in a grander scale. It could be an interesting idea to feature of flame head in a Marvel crossover event, perhaps focusing on some grand scheme or dealing by Mephisto where Ghost Rider leads the charge. With so much connection to the mystical and demonic in their universe, Marvel has enough characters to pull this off, especially with a hero made to order for this sort of thing. With the terrific ongoing series currently in the balance, now is the perfect time to transition him upward.
While many of these suggestions may be leaps of faith and/or hope in some regards, it does beg some discussion. Who do you, dear readers, think is worthy of getting more face time from the Marvel writing staff? Who deserves that starring role, that one shining moment in a limited series? Also, as you can see here, one of these characters may be in for a big boost this fall! Let us know who you think should also be on this list!
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