Marvel Comics has managed to create many memorable characters and stories throughout the years. Some have transcended time itself, whether through the medium of books, cinema, or television. However, not every character gets their due right away. Sometimes, a promising series is canceled due to low sales, critical scores, or a lack of connection with certain audiences at the time.
Luckily, some viewers love seeing an underdog achieve success despite the initial failure, even if the love only comes from a handful of readers. Although some series bombed when they were released, a few managed to have the last laugh in the end.
10 Star Brand Had The Chance To Improve But Never Grabbed Many Readers
Created by Jim Shooter with art by John Romita Jr, Star Brand was one of the key titles for Marvel's New Universe line of comics. The story followed mechanic Ken Connell who gained the powers of the Star Brand, which is an alien mark that grants the user infinite power. Ken used his powers to become a superhero, and while the beginning of the series was lackluster, it picked up in the middle.
After a tragic accident made Ken question everything he knew about heroism, the change helped solidify the series and attracted a more mature audience. Unfortunately, due to poor sales and the failure of the New Universe line, the book ended after issue nineteen.
9 X-Statix Suffered From Pushing The Boundaries
X-Statix was a revival of the former X-Force comic, now written by Peter Milligan and drawn by Mike Allred. The new comics came with a twist: the team were actually media celebrities. This drew on the reality TV craze of the early '00s, but it disappointed older fans while gaining new ones who enjoyed the series' change in direction. It explored the perks and downsides of media attention and how fame can corrupt anyone.
Moreover, the unpredictable nature of the run, which killed off characters and introduced chaotic plot lines resulted in the comic slowly declining. It sadly ended after twenty-six issues, and while not a mainstream darling, X-Statix still garners a loyal fan base to this day.
8 Nick Fury's Howling Commandos Couldn't Put Enough Fear Into Readers To Last Long
In 2005, writer Keith Giffen and artists such as Eduardo Francisco, Dan Norton, Derec Donovan, and Mike Norton brought back Sgt Fury and his Howling Commandos. However, unlike before, the unit was now composed of various horror characters and monsters in the Marvel Universe, such as Vampire by Night and Gorilla-Man. Combining horror and espionage, the comic managed to find a small audience who appreciated the style combination.
The series sadly ended after six issues, finishing on a cliffhanger. Despite this, the legacy of the team was felt afterward, and most incarnations after this group focused on monsters and the supernatural, both in the comics and animation.
7 The Eternals Were A Passion Project From A Legendary Artist
Following his return to Marvel, Jack Kirby took several concepts he'd developed with The New Gods and created a new lineup of characters known as The Eternals. Only lasting 19 issues, Kirby's run showcased why it did and didn't work. While the book presented a master artist in his prime, Kirby's literary storytelling never matched the work, leaving readers feeling short-changed.
Over time, the series gained recognition, but it was one of Kirby's last comic runs before he left Marvel for good. In the end, the series gives fans of Jack Kirby a presentation of a universe fully under his control: not perfect but still awe-inspiring.
6 Avengers Academy Had Promise But Couldn't Stick The Landing
Following the events of Dark Reign, Marvel released Avengers Academy – a teen-focused series. Created under Christos N. Gage and artist Mike McKone, it showcased former Avengers serving as mentors to inexperienced superhumans, helping to guide them on a path to becoming good guys.
While the series had promise and charm, it couldn't replicate the same success Young Avengers and Runaways previously enjoyed. Following the two-year cancelation of the book, Marvel discontinued the school. However, fan favorites, such as Reptil and Hazmat, made appearances in other series and let fans continue seeing them in action.
5 The Original Guardians of the Galaxy Revealed The Possibilities Of Space Adventurers
While initially appearing in Marvel Super-Heroes, the original Guardians of the Galaxy wouldn't gain their own series until 1976 under Marvel Presents. Under writers Steve Gerber and later Roger Stern, with artist Al Milgrom, the series focused on survivors from different planets banding together to fight against their common enemy: the Badoon. It did all this while exploring the imaginative and surreal worlds outside of space and time.
Due to poor sales, Marvel canceled Marvel Presents, taking the Guardians with them. However, relaunches of the title, more recently in 2008, brought the team back to the limelight. With a new roster, people were once again introduced to the Guardians and their world, and the original roster even made cameos in the series and later in the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
4 Dakota North Was A Female Action Star Who Didn't Get The Chance To Grow
The 1980s were a creative time for Marvel to not only push superhero stories but also experiment with new titles. Written by Martha Thomases and artist Tony Salmons, Dakota North Investigations explored the world of detective Dakota North: a former fashion model turned private investigator who solved crimes all over the world.
Unfortunately, the series was scrapped after only five issues. With the rise of other popular runs and notable Marvel events happening the same year, the series was lost in the shuffle. While short, it did garner a small audience who enjoyed the amazing art and spy thriller story.
3 Academy X Had To Compete With An Iconic X-Men Run
Written by Nunzio DeFilipis and Christina Weir, and with multiple artists like Randy Green and Michael Ryan, New X-Men: Academy X followed students in the Xavier Institute, introducing readers to new mutants and showing class life at the school. While it gave audiences a chance to see their favorite X-Men as teachers, the series never received as much traction as the main mutant series.
Competing during Grant Morrison's New X-Men run, the series struggled to stand out. It didn't bomb, but it didn't track well either, even after Morrison left the main title. However, thanks to fan support and the series' characters being used in bigger story arcs, people are now starting to see the series as the forgotten gem it was.
2 Howard the Duck Was A Bit Too 'Q-Wacky'
Introduced in the pages of Adventure into Fear #19, Howard the Duck later obtained his own series, aptly named after him, which was written by Steve Gerber and drawn by several artists, including Frank Brunner. The series centered on the foul-mouthed fowl and his misadventures throughout the Marvel universe, satirizing pop culture. While fans loved this parodying partridge, his run ended abruptly after his main series ended in 1978.
Though chock-full of laughs and fresh air, the comic couldn't compete with the main Marvel universe at the time, sadly running a 'fowl' with his loyal fans. Over the years, the series gained far more recognition and notably became one of the first main satirical comics for adults.
1 The Clone Saga, Though A Commercial Failure, Still Has Its Fans
It's no wonder Spider-Man: The Clone Saga is considered one of the worst Spider-Man story arcs in history. From having multiple writers and artists involved, a confusing narrative, and an ending that left no one satisfied, this was considered a low point for the titular web head.
However, as time went on, something changed. Once proclaimed the worst Spider-Man arc, the story found an audience who loved and enjoyed it. Whether it was the introduction of fan favorites like Ben Reilly or Kaine Parker, or later events causing even more controversy among fans, the Clone Saga was embraced – not as a masterpiece, but as an enjoyable romp for Spider-Man fans.