With hundreds of superheroes in its roster, Marvel can't be expected to feature all of them consistently. However, it's always interesting when a character appears for a while and then suddenly disappears for a long time. While some characters make their way back to the spotlight, others never return, even though fans miss them.

The reasons for these characters' exclusion may remain shrouded. Sometimes the creators actively lobby against the characters being revamped. Sometimes the heroes are better left in history, but no one realizes it until someone defies the prevailing logic to give them another chance. Regardless, fans miss them plenty.

Updated on March 13th 2024 by Sage Ashford: This list has been updated to include more heroes Marvel has no place for in the modern era.

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15 Doctor Druid Has a Sketchy Past

Reason for Disappearing: Betrayed Everyone's Trust

First Appearance:

Amazing Adventures #1

Creators:

Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Dick Ayers

Anthony Ludgate is one of the rare characters who predates the existence of the modern Marvel Universe, making his first appearance in the pulp comic Amazing Adventures #1. When he appeared in the Marvel Universe proper, his incredible magical powers made him an asset to one of the earlier Avengers rosters. However, Doctor Druid allowed himself to be tempted by the villainous Ravonna, and under her spell, began undermining then-Avengers chairman Monica Rambeau's authority.

In the end, it not only left Monica Rambeau out of action for years, but led to the Avengers being controlled by Ravonna as well. Though the Avengers survived, Ludgate's superhero career went downhill afterward. Druid's arrogance later cost him his life against the villainous Nekra, though he's since found his way back to life. Nevertheless, he's stated he has no interest in returning to superhero life. The character was never popular on the Avengers, and he became outright disliked once he betrayed the team. Given his track record, it's fitting that he's remained out of the spotlight.

14 Century Comes From a Time Fans and Creators Would Rather Forget

Reason for Disappearing: Was an Unlikeable Villain

Century from Force Works yelling angrily.

First Appearance:

Force Works #1

Creators:

Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Tom Tenney, Rey Garcia, Joe Rosas, Jack Morelli

One of the most powerful heroes of the splinter group Force Works, Century was a teleporter. Since working with Wonder Man's Revengers in 2012's Avengers Annual, Century has been presumably locked in the Raft, wanting only to make amends for his role in Wonder Man's death.

Century comes from the mid-1990s, a period in Marvel history where the memory is bitter. A lot of fans and creators see this period as a creative low point for comics, when creators often made characters as extreme as possible. It's almost right that Century was part of a team to take down the Avengers since he had a role in the team's breakup one time before, during the Crossing crossover. No one was eager to see Century return after these events.

Reason for Disappearing: Got Overshadowed by Ms. Marvel's Other Allies

Red Dagger and Ms. Marvel on on top of a train.

First Appearance:

Ms. Marvel Vol. 4 #12

Creators:

G. Willow Wilson, Mirka Andolfo, Ian Herring, Joe Caramagna

Ms. Marvel — by G. Willow Wilson, Mirka Andolfo, Ian Herring, and Joe Caramagna — introduced Kareem, aka Red Dagger, to the Marvel Universe in 2016. The vigilante and expert marksman soon became Kamala's ally during her trip to Karachi, and their friendship blossomed when he went to study abroad in Jersey City.

Red Dagger even debuted in the MCU during Ms. Marvel, portrayed by Aramis Knight. But when it comes to the comics, he was left behind after his debut storyline. This is likely because Kamala has way too many allies in the comics, but hopefully someone will see Red Dagger's potential soon.

12 Razorback Feels Too Silly to Work in the Modern Era

Reason for Disappearing: Struggles to Fit Into Modern Marvel Stories

Razorback introducing himself in Sensational She-Hulk next to Taryn O'Connell

First Appearance:

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man Vol. 1 #12

Creators:

Bill Mantlo, Sal Buscema, Mike Esposito, Phil Rachelson, Irving Watanabe

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Razorback was an extremely strong truck driver who donned a costume to become Arkansas' resident superhero. He had the mutant ability to drive any vehicle, and he used that to hijack a NASA spacecraft. At some point, he was kidnapped and replaced by a Skrull. Following Secret Invasion, he was last seen in group therapy trying to readjust to Earth life.

Ultimately, Razorback is a little silly. That's part of the reason John Byrne used him in Sensational She-Hulk. He could be used correctly as a journeyman superhero. Should he ever return, modern creators could use Razorback to teach the lesson that super-powers or a great costume don't make a hero. It's about what's inside that counts.

11 Deathcry Possesses Too Much '90s Extreme Edge

Reason for Disappearing: Couldn't Survive the '90s

Deathcry entering through a window during battle

First Appearance:

Avengers Vol. 1 #363

Creators:

Bob Harras, Steve Epting, Tom Palmer, Bill Oakley

In the 1990s, the Avengers went through a bad phase where every member wore a leather bomber jacket, and several of their allies reflected the trends of the time. Among those recruits was a young Shi'ar warrior named Deathcry. After serving with the Avengers, and having a crush on the Vision, she died during the events of the series Annihilation: Conquest.

Death is never a reason for keeping a character out of comics. Deathcry even appeared a decade ago in Chaos War, where she was briefly resurrected before dying again. Given that even her name screams of Marvel's attempts to mimic the extreme direction superhero comics took in the 1990s, she should stay that way.

10 Klara Prast Chose a Normal Life Over Being a Hero

Reason for Disappearing: Quit Being a Superhero

The Runaways in Klara Plast's room trying to convince her to go with them

First Appearance:

Runaways Vol. 2 #27

Creators:

Joss Whedon, Michael Ryan, Rick Ketcham, Jay Leisten, Christina Strain, Joe Caramagna

A chlorokinetic mutant from the 1900s, Klara Prast was trapped as a child bride until the Runaways found her during their time-traveling adventures. After the team rescued her and brought her to the present, Klara chose to live a normal life instead of being a superhero and was adopted by a couple. This marked the end of her adventures with the team.

In 2021, the reformed Runaways tried to convince her to return, but Klara explained she was very happy as a regular kid. Her appearance in Runaways #38 was only a short-lived cameo. While fans are still waiting to see her use her powers as a superhero, Klara's decision to live a normal life makes sense following her traumatic experiences in the 1900s.

9 Blonde Phantom Became Self-Aware Of Her Nature As A Comic Book Character

Reason for Disappearing: Too Self-Aware

Blonde Phantom spies on crime in progress in Marvel Comics.

First Appearance:

All-Select Comics Vol. 1 #11

Creators:

Al Sulman, Syd Shores, Charles Nicholas

Louise Mason was brought back from comic book obscurity by John Byrne, becoming a supporting character in Sensational She-Hulk. Mason, like She-Hulk, had full knowledge that she was a comic book character and took advantage of this. Additionally, she constantly made jokes about it.

That could be a reason for Louise Mason's absence. Her only appearance since Sensational She-Hulk was canceled was in the retro mini-series Avengers 1959. Howard Chakin avoided Louise Mason's self-awareness, instead opting for her earlier self.

8 Swordsman Is Too Generic of a Superhero for the Modern Era

Reason for Disappearing: Couldn't Distinguish Himself From Hawkeye

First Appearance:

Avengers Vol. 1 #19

Creators:

Stan Lee, Don Heck, Dick Ayres, Stan Goldberg, Artie Simek

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Like Hawkeye, Jacques Duquesne was originally a circus performer, one who happened to be a master swordsman. After spending some time as the villain Swordsman, Jacques eventually became an Avenger, serving alongside them for a brief period in the '70s. However, to save Mantis, the woman he loved, he jumped in front of an attack from Kang that cost him his life.

Jacques briefly came back to life during the Chaos War, but left after it ended. Ultimately, the Swordsman has never been popular enough as a character for any groundswell of support. His costume and powers don't stand out meaningfully, and there's nothing he does that Hawkeye doesn't do much better.

Reason for Disappearing: Got Stuck in Ghost Rider's Shadow

The Blazing Skull with his arms up in the cover of Midnight Sons Unlimited #9

First Appearance:

Mystic Comics Vol. 1 #5

Creative Team:

Bob Davis

The Blazing Skull was a Golden Age Superhero who survived into the present. Although he had superstrength and pyrokinesis, his most distinguishing feature was his appearance as a flaming skull. Given this, it's easy to confuse Blazing Skull with the various Ghost Riders.

That confusion is the best explanation for his absence since Blazing Skull apparently died in Marvel Zombies Destroy! As new readers discover Marvel Comics, a character who looks like Ghost Rider but has no connection to him could be confusing. However, Blazing Skull would be a great cameo character for any tale set in the 1940s or '50s.

6 Omega The Unknown's Confusing Backstory Makes Him Hard To Connect With

Reason for Disappearing: Lackluster and Confusing Origin Story

Omega the Unknown running towards battle while shooting rays through his hands

First Appearance:

Omega the Unknown Vol. 1 #1

Creators:

Steve Gerber, Mary Skrenes, Jim Mooney, Petra Goldberg, John Costanza

Omega the Unknown was a 1970s superhero who was created by a doomed alien race but became known as a superhero on Earth. Unfortunately, he died in Las Vegas when police shot him to death after the villain he was attacking, Ruby Thursday, altered her appearance to look like an innocent victim.

Omega is confusing to tackle. A 2006 series tried to reintroduce the character but suffered as well. It seems the market prefers its superheroes a little more traditional and less wrapped up in interstellar environmental intrigue. Similarly, his backstory couldn't compete with Marvel's more popular origin stories.

5 Thunderstrike Lost Popularity Once the Real Thor Came Back

Reason for Disappearing: Couldn't Get Out from Thor's Shadow

First Appearance:

Thor Vol. 1 #391

Creators:

Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Brett Breeding, Christie Scheele, Joe Rosen

Originally an architect in New York City, Eric Masterson proved to be worthy of Mjolnir and merged with Thor for a brief time. However, this started affecting his personal life. After he and the God of Thunder split, Odin gave Eric a mace of his own and he became Thunderstrike.

Thunderstrike is one of the coolest Marvel heroes, thanks to his 80s vibe. Unfortunately, he's way too similar to Thor Odinson in every sense: power set, weapon, and even attitude. Given this, once Thunderstrike became an independent character, he became less and less popular.

4 Wundarr the Aquarian Is Insensitive for Modern Audiences

Reason for Disappearing: Risked Offending Readers

Wundarr the Aquarian in battle with The Thing in Marvel Comics

First Appearance:

Fear #17

Creators:

Steve Gerber, Val Mayerik, Sal Trapani, George Roussos, Jean Izzo

Writer Steve Gerber created Wundarr as a Superman parody, but DC Comics wasn't amused. The character was retooled into a pacifistic spiritual guide after encountering the Cosmic Cube. Given this, Wundarr became a cross between Superman and Jesus.

Wundarr is often treated as a spiritual guide, making him hard to use in stories without offending readers. The closest he's come to a re-emergence since he voluntarily went into stasis was appearing as a guest at the Thing's bachelor party, where he brought pamphlets about preparing one's soul for the coming of Galactus.

3 Ulysses Solomon Archer Has Too Many Outdated References to Work

Reason for Disappearing: Doesn't Relate to Modern Audiences

Ulysses Solomon Archer with his hands in his hips observing a giant head.

First Appearance:

U.S. 1 Vol. 1 #1

Creators:

Al Milgrom, Herb Trimpe, Christie Scheele, Michael Higgins

Ulysses Solomon Archer was the hero of the 80s trucker comic book U.S.1. His superpowers came from a high-tech plate in his skull that received C.B. radio signals. His adventures brought him into contact with a beneficial alien that took him and his entire supporting cast into space, where he continued his chosen career as a long-haul trucker.

Characters involved in trucking feel like a fleeting fad of the 1970s. Even combining the most interesting elements of this world with science fiction doesn't work exceptionally well with the cast of U.S.1. It also doesn't help that Ulysses Solomon Archer's entire existence was part of a licensing agreement with Tyco Toys. Outside those connections, Archer didn't have enough weight to stick around.

2 The Whizzer Has Too Many Problems to Be Taken Seriously

Reason for Disappearing: Has no Place in Modern Comics

The Whizzer running next to Captain America and the Human Torch.

First Appearance:

U.S.A. Comics Vol. 1 #1

Creators:

Al Avison, Al Gabriele

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Marvel's first speedster was the Whizzer, whose super-speed came from an infusion of mongoose blood. He was redefined in the 1970s as a sometimes member of the Invaders and the Liberty Legion. He's best known as being mistakenly believed as the father of Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch.

The Whizzer has since turned into a joke. His name hasn't aged well at all and it doesn't help the character that his costume is predominantly yellow. He appeared in Jessica Jones as a coward, young man who dies before being able to do something heroic. All these circumstances have kept writers far from him.

1 Mar-Vell Hasn't Returned Out of Respect For His Last Story

Reason for Disappearing: His Story Arc Ended on a Solemn Note

Mar-Vell, aka, Captain Marvel leads the Avengers into battle in Marvel Comics

First Appearance:

Marvel Super-Heroes Vol. 1 #12

Creators:

Stan Lee, Gene Colan, Frank Giacoia, Stan Goldberg, Artie Simek

The first ever Captain Marvel, Mar-Vell was created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan in 1967. He was a Kree hero, sent to Earth to study humanity under the identity of Walter Lawson. On this planet, he acted as one of its strongest superheroes up until the 2010s, when he died of cancer.

Contrary to many other characters — whose deaths were retconned almost immediately — Mar-Vell never returned. His passing was iconic, and both heroes and villains mourned together. This turned Mar-Vell's death into a fixed point in Marvel history that no writer dares to disrespect.