In the rich tapestry of superhero narratives, the role of the anti-hero is comparatively less pronounced in Marvel than in DC Comics, which features a plethora of morally ambiguous characters. While DC has iconic anti-heroes like Jason Todd’s Red Hood, Catwoman, and Harley Quinn, Marvel is more synonymous with traditional heroism. This distinction is not a commentary on the quality of storytelling but rather reflects a fundamental difference in character development across the two universes.
Marvel’s narrative style tends to favor clearer demarcations between heroes and villains, often leading to characters with more distinct moral codes. Nevertheless, there are notable exceptions within the Marvel Universe where anti-heroes emerge, bringing complexity to the storyline. The following discussion highlights some of Marvel’s most intriguing but often overlooked anti-heroes, warranting a revival in significant plotlines.
8 Black Widow
The Claire Voyant Version
Within the Marvel roster, Black Widow has made strides as a substantial anti-hero, particularly in her recent comic series. Yet, one character that remains in the background is Claire Voyant, the original Black Widow. Emerging in 1940, Claire predates not only Natasha Romanoff but even Wonder Woman. Initially portrayed as a medium possessed by Satan, her transformation into an anti-hero occurred after her death when she was granted the power to end lives with a mere touch.
Claire’s subsequent role in targeting supervillains to bring their souls to Hell is a narrative ripe for exploration; it’s perplexing that Marvel has not revisited her story. Perhaps the concern lies in blending the identities of two distinctly different Black Widows, but Claire’s captivating origin story certainly deserves a renewed focus.
7 Domino
The X-Force’s X-Factor
Though it might seem unremarkable to possess luck as a superpower, for Domino, it has proven to be a formidable asset during her time with the X-Factor. This unique ability played a pivotal role in revealing Colossus’ dark intentions. Following the conclusion of that storyline, fans anticipated a deeper exploration of Domino’s character, particularly after the tumultuous events she faced.
However, her next appearance saw her relegated to a supporting role as Dazzler’s bodyguard, underscoring the underutilization of her rich character development potential. This is a missed opportunity for Marvel to capitalize on Domino’s compelling narrative.
6 Bucky Barnes
Needs a New Redemption Arc
In the recent narrative arcs of 2022 and 2023, Bucky Barnes found himself ensnared within an evil organization known as The Outer Circle. Misguidedly believing that he could dismantle the group from within, Bucky’s actions veered into morally questionable territory, including a shocking betrayal involving his ally, Steve Rogers. Even after extricating himself from the organization, the consequences of his actions continue to haunt him.
While Steve Rogers has extended forgiveness, the genuine need for Bucky to embark on a true redemption arc remains largely unexplored. Since the conclusion of his four-part miniseries, fans have been left wondering what lies ahead for Barnes, who teeters dangerously close to villainy in the eyes of readers without a chance to atone.
5 Black Cat
Disappeared After Breakout Hero Turn
Once an iconic femme fatale, Black Cat made a significant evolution into full-fledged hero status, even earning the respect of Captain America. This transition indicated a firm grasp of her credibility within the Marvel landscape, an accolade few can claim. Yet, since then, her presence has dwindled within Earth-616, and in alternate universes, she has reverted to her villainous roots.
It’s time for Marvel to leverage the growth of Felicia Hardy and elevate her character to the forefront of narratives where she belongs.
4 Ben Reilly
A Complicated Anti-Hero Deserving of Redemption
The trajectory of Ben Reilly’s character has been met with much frustration by avid followers. Originating from the “Clone Saga,”he initially found closure and a semblance of happiness that was ultimately stripped away, leading him down a dark path. His experiences have morphed him into the supervillain known as Chasm, a far cry from the hero he once embodied.
Marvel’s endeavor to depict Ben Reilly as an antagonist has not resonated well with fans. Instead, allowing him to reclaim his identity as the hero he was meant to be could provide a fresh and satisfying narrative arc.
3 Lady Deathstrike
At Her Best as an Unexpected Hero
In the recent run of the Deadpool series by Alyssa Wong, Lady Deathstrike emerged as a prominent character, showcasing her ability to transcend her villainous origins. Her interactions with Deadpool highlighted her more endearing qualities while showcasing her versatility. The juxtaposition of her serious demeanor against Deadpool’s antics created compelling and humorous moments, making her character arc particularly engaging.
2 Cardiac
A Forgotten, Yet Timely Superhero
Although Cardiac may not be widely recognized, his narrative presents a timely echo of modern-day issues. Originally introduced as one of Spider-Man’s lesser-known villains, Elias Wirtham has evolved into an anti-hero dedicated to combating the corruption in the healthcare system. Following the tragic loss of his brother due to insurance-related negligence, he turned his medical expertise into a mission against healthcare villains.
The relevance of Cardiac’s story in today’s socio-economic climate makes him an ideal candidate for a revitalization within the Marvel universe.
1 Jessica Jones
Deserves Another Run
Jessica Jones saw a skyrocketing rise in popularity following the successful Netflix adaptation of her Alias series. However, as interest waned, so too did her appearances in comics, rendering her narrative stagnant. While she enjoyed a brief revival in a miniseries, her presence has been minimal since her cameo in Luke Cage: Gang War, where her unique perspective added humor to the story.
As the standout character of the MCU’s Netflix offerings, Jessica Jones’s legacy deserves greater attention. Fans are eager for a new series featuring her both in comics and on-screen, echoing a demand similar to that for new Daredevil content. It’s high time Marvel responds to this call for more of their beloved anti-hero.