Since 2008's Iron Man, Marvel Comics has become a juggernaut of success across multiple mediums, whether it be comics, movies, and now video games given the success of 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man. With so many successful endeavors under its belt, it's almost surprising that they haven't really tried their hand at one of the fastest-growing industries in entertainment, anime.
Marvel has tried their hand at anime in the past -- with adaptations of Iron Man, Wolverine, Blade, and X-Men. These series were never able to become the hits that Marvel was hoping they'd be, with none of them getting a second season. While each of these series deserve another chance, there are so many other Marvel characters that are just as worthy but never even got that far. Hopefully, given Marvel's new focus on both TV and animated projects, these five characters will have a chance.
Black Panther
If there is one Marvel character that deserves an even brighter spotlight than he already has, it would be Black Panther. Not only is the character one of the most unique, original concepts in comics with incredibly rich lore begging to be explored, but Black Panther is also one that could translate incredibly well into an anime series.
There's an interesting setting, deep mythos, and engaging characters -- all of which any and every good anime needs. With the deep political and cultural themes Black Panther is known for, an anime adaptation could explore those ideas similarly to Attack on Titan and Code Geass. The latter in particular would make great inspiration for the series as it also features royalty and the struggles of leading a nation, much like Black Panther comics and the movie do.
Another reason it would work is that T'Challa would make for the perfect anime protagonist. He's a character of integrity and strong morals, but at the same time as flawed as any other superhero. He's a super-genius and a king, yet there are still problems in his life and kingdom that even he can't find easy answers for. His powers are also great for anime, as the genre as a whole tends to thrive when it comes to hand-to-hand combat even more so than it does universe destroying super moves.
Even better, T'Challa's adventures wouldn't even have to stay in Wakanda, as an anime could explore how he interacts with the outside world and even take him into space the way the comics have over the last few years.
4 Guardians of the Galaxy
Speaking of adventures in space, there's definitely one popular Marvel series set in the stars that fans would love to see get an anime. Over the last few years, Guardians of the Galaxy have been enjoying the limelight. Not only was the property given multiple movies and even a game, but the comics have also been given some of the best creative teams in the business, proving how much Marvel values the characters.
While the comics were much more serious before the James Gunn movies released it has become more well-rounded, mixing drama, action, and humor is perfectly balanced for an anime series.
What would be great about a Guardians of the Galaxy anime is that the story and team possibilities are practically endless. Over the last few years, especially Al Ewing's run, the team's members have fluctuated and have experimented with new and interesting lineups, exploring new dynamics as well as provide new and interesting story opportunities.
While popular now, a lot of the Guardians of the Galaxy comics released before the movies were a more serious affair, exploring the dangers and consequences of war and genocide. If adapted into an anime, the series could explore those same themes and stories while also balancing it out with a few lighter ones too.
3 Ghost Rider
This one might seem like a bit of a surprise but, considering how popular demon hunting anime have been recently, Ghost Rider is practically begging to get an adaptation. Not only is the concept of a flaming skeleton riding a motorcycle fun, but as more writers started playing around with the character an incredibly interesting and deep lore has manifested.
Ghost Rider has gone from a character that made a deal with devil, forced to hunt down evil souls to a being that has to save God and Heaven itself from being taken over by an evil archangel. Whether it's the classic Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, or the much more recent Robbie Reyes, Ghost Rider has always been a spectacular character and concept.
Each Ghost Rider is incredibly flawed, with brothers Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch in particular fitting this description. What's interesting is that their human sides are supposed to temper and balance out the Spirits of Vengeance trapped inside each of them, creating an element of duality that is very popular in anime. This duality is explored even further as they are meant to act as agents of both God and the devil simultaneously.
While they aren't like Naruto, whose purity of heart tamed the beast inside him. Rather, they're normal guys, who, for one reason or another have been cursed with a duty that has resulted in them losing everything they loved. This could work well for an anime adaptation as it would subvert a classic trope in a way that feels original.
2 Deadpool
There aren't that many characters better suited for anime than Deadpool. Wade Wilson, the titular Deadpool is a character that would fit better in an anime than Bea Arthur did on The Golden Girls. Bad jokes and obscure references aside, Deadpool's antics as well as over-the-top action have already proved successful in the recently released manga, Deadpool Samurai, showing that the character works in the genre quite well. He's an immortal assassin that is universally hated by just about anyone who meets him, yet still somehow manages to draw an entertaining supporting cast to him.
A Deadpool anime could work much in the way Gintama did, a self-aware comedy that manages to seamlessly blend action scenes into its overall narrative. Gintama shined thanks to this style of storytelling and a character like Deadpool could too.
Just like Gintama, Deadpool also has pretty serious moments, especially when Wade's past and character are given proper time to be explored. He acts like a fool and largely is one, but underneath that is an incredibly deep and sympathetic character that deals with a lot of complex emotions and insecurities, just like Gintoki Sakata, Gintama's protagonist.
1 Spider-Man 2099
As popular as the original Spider-Man is, there are plenty of animated series featuring the character already. That's why an adaptation of his future counterpart, Spider-Man 2099 would make for a much more exciting anime series.
Set in the year 2099, the series follows Miguel O'Hara as he adopts the Spider-Man mantle after obtaining his own spider powers. Seeing Miguel O'Hara's Spider-Man get the anime treatment would nothing short of spectacular -- an intended pun -- as his agile and fast-paced combat style would fit quite well in the genre. Attack on Titan proves that zipping around a battlefield with sharp blades makes for heart-pounding action, something Miguel could easily match.
Miguel's powers are based on gene-splicing instead of radiation, which gives him similar, albeit different sets of abilities than Peter. He has claws, fangs, and natural webbing --- but no spider-sense. While he is a genius much like Peter, he's considered more accomplished and arrogant, making him a unique take on Spider-Man's core values.
His personality is in turn also more flawed than Peter, who's unrealistic altruism makes him a more interesting protagonist. It might be unlikely that Spider-Man 2099 would get an anime adaptation before his classic counterpart, but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve one.