It’s a bittersweet reality that not every Avenger has received the recognition they deserve. Over nearly a century, Marvel’s illustrious team of superheroes has seen nearly 100 members pass through its ranks, yet not all have shined equally. The silver lining is that some of these overlooked characters can be revitalized with a fresh narrative, upgraded appearances, and a compelling storyline that fits today’s audience.
In its 86 years of comic book history, Marvel has seen many promising heroes fade into obscurity, including those who once had the potential to join the Avengers. Despite many additions to this celebrated team over the years, not every character has been afforded the attention necessary to flourish. Some are remnants of earlier decades, while others are newer entrants who simply didn’t resonate with fans. There is, however, a clear path for these characters to regain their footing in the Marvel Universe with some thoughtful enhancements.
10. Stingray (Walter Newell)
Debut: Tales to Astonish #95 (1967) – Roy Thomas, Raymon Marais & Bill Everett
Initially an ordinary oceanographer, Walter Newell was tasked with creating an underwater research facility when disaster struck. After the city fell under attack, the hero Namor the Sub-Mariner intervened, yet the city was ultimately lost. Outfitted in a makeshift diving suit, Walter adopted the moniker “Stingray”and aligned himself with Namor as a loyal ally.
Though recently reintroduced by writer Jason Aaron in his Namor series, Stingray has yet to regain his previous acclaim. With Namor’s past as an Avenger, Marvel has a golden opportunity to assemble a new “Oceans’ Mightiest Heroes”team, which could include other aquatic characters. A reimagined suit with a more aquatic theme would be a great place to start.
9. Doctor Druid (Anthony Druid)
Debut: Amazing Adventures #1 (1961) – Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby & Steve Ditko
Although Marvel has its share of mystical characters, Doctor Anthony Druid deserves a permanent place among them. With a medical doctorate in psychology and ancestral ties to a powerful druid, Druid initially trained under the Ancient One. His natural arrogance drew him dangerously close to villainy at times.
Despite his once-thriving popularity, Doctor Druid has been relegated to a lesser role, often seen as a parody of Doctor Strange. Yet the current narrative landscape, particularly with Doctor Doom as the Sorcerer Supreme, presents a perfect opportunity to reintroduce Druid. The Strange Academy could greatly benefit from his expertise, as his mastery of earthly magic balances the otherworldly powers typically showcased there.
8. Firebird (Bonita Juarez)
Debut: Incredible Hulk #265 (1981) – Bill Mantlo & Sal Buscema
Bonita Juarez gained her powers from exposure to a fiery meteor that struck near her in the New Mexican desert, endowing her with the ability to manipulate flames, heat, and wind. As an immortal hero with divine purpose, Firebird joined the West Coast Avengers and later the main Avengers team.
While she made a recent appearance during Sam Wilson’s inauguration as Captain America, her presence in the Marvel Universe has been sparse. Given her unique powers and role within the 50-States Initiative, Marvel could easily reintroduce Firebird as the leader of a revived Southwest Avengers team.
7. Black Ant (Eric O’Grady)
Debut: Civil War: Choosing Sides #1 (2006) – Robert Kirkman & Phil Hester
Eric O’Grady has had an eventful journey in the Marvel Comics landscape. Initially acquiring Hank Pym’s Ant-Man suit for dubious purposes, Eric’s transformation from anti-hero to a redeemable character is noteworthy. After joining Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers and later redeeming himself by sacrificing his life to save a child, Eric’s story took an unexpected twist.
While Eric was replaced by an LMD version of Black Ant, the possibility of his resurrection remains strong within Marvel’s storytelling framework. An interesting narrative could explore his redemption journey, reminiscent of other characters in the franchise who transitioned from villain to hero.
6. Abyss
Debut: Avengers #1 (2012) – Jonathan Hickman & Jerome Opeña
Before her demise, Abyss was the last surviving member of a unique race of cosmic judges called the Abyssi, who worked alongside cosmic creators in a quest to nurture new life. During the Multiversal conflict, she allied with the Multiversal Avengers to combat formidable foes.
Even though Abyss appears to have perished, her essence may have traversed dimensions, posing an intriguing chance for her return. As a character emblematic of nothingness rather than decay, she could join other heroes with void-like qualities, forming a darkly unique team to tackle interdimensional threats.
5. Victorious (Victor Mancha)
Debut: Runaways #1 (2005) – Brian Vaughan & Adrian Alphona
Victorious embodies one of the most poignant narratives in Marvel lore. Born from a union of human and technology, Victor was crafted by Ultron, who sought to create a perfect descendant. After his true origins were revealed by the Runaways, he aligned with the team and eventually joined the Young Avengers.
As they explore diverse multiversal implications, there remains a compelling case for Victor’s character to return within the latest iterations of the Avengers. His connection to Ultron could enable plenty of storytelling opportunities involving redemption and identity.
4. Silverclaw (Maria de Guadalupe Santiago)
Debut: Avengers #8 (1998) – Kurt Busiek & George Pérez
Silverclaw’s unique abilities stem from her status as a demigoddess with the power to transform into animals native to South America. Her initial rise as an Avenger came when she escaped captivity and joined forces with the team to combat the villain who imprisoned her.
3. Smasher (Isabel Kane)
Debut: Avengers #1 (2012) – Jonathan Hickman & Jerome Opeña
When Isabel Kane discovered the Exospex of a former Smasher on her grandfather’s farm, she didn’t just inherit a powerful artifact; she also inherited the superhuman capabilities that come with it. After her debut, she was quickly drafted into the iconic Avengers team amid a face-off with the likes of Ex Nihilo and Abyss.
Though Isabel has remained a loyal member of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, her absence from Earth-bound narratives since 2012 leaves ripe potential for her return. With upcoming story arcs anticipated, her reintegration could add layers of complexity and narrative excitement.
2. Sandman (William Baker)
Debut: Amazing Spider-Man #4 (1963) – Stan Lee & Steve Ditko
Often perceived primarily as Spider-Man’s adversary, Sandman, or Flint Marko, possesses a troubled yet compelling backstory. He drifted into the realm of villainy but showed moments of genuine heroism while on Captain America’s United Nations-supported Avengers team.
His transformation into an amorphous, immortal entity grants him unique abilities and pitfalls, yet his legitimate claim to the title of hero should not be overlooked. Sandman’s potential for redemption as an Avenger is not only an interesting narrative but also speaks to the overarching themes of forgiveness and growth in the Marvel Universe.
1. Two-Gun Kid (Matthew Hawk)
Debut: Two-Gun Kid #60 (1962) – Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Matthew Hawk, also known as the Two-Gun Kid, offers one of the most unique stories among Marvel’s heroes. Transitioning from a New England lawyer to a gunslinger in post-Civil War Texas, he adopted the legacy of the Two-Gun Kid and found himself embroiled in time-bending conflicts with the Avengers against Kang.
Though he’s predominantly returned to his original time, his current predicament in Hell fighting for redemption against the demons he has slain provides an exciting avenue for storytelling. The prospect of a Western hero aligned with Marvel’s darker characters like Ghost Rider could ignite a fresh narrative synergy, making a compelling case for his return to the Avengers.