Marvel Comics has been around for years, and as such, there are many characters that can be found throughout the pages. Many of their main characters (or at least the ones featured in the MCU films) have been around for decades and are certainly some of Marvel’s most well-known. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t room for any new additions. In fact, over the years, Marvel has added quite a few new characters to its roster and many of them were quick to make an impact on comic book fans. All of these new additions have brought something new and different to the table, some even joining up with Marvel’s original roster of characters.

The characters that will be highlighted in this list have only been around in the last decade, but have still made huge impacts (good and bad), in the realm of Marvel Comics. Not only did most of the new characters have representational impacts on Marvel, but they also drew in a new generation of readers and fans alike, quickly solidifying their places in the hearts of many. That being said, there are some on the list that perhaps might be less than fan-favorites, however, there is no denying the impact that those specific characters have had on Marvel Comics (for better, or worse). But the majority of the characters on the list are ones that have had a positive impact on the comics and deserve the praise and recognition that they’ve been given in their relatively short time spent within the pages of Marvel Comics.

20 ANTI-VENOM

Anti-Venom fighting.

The creation of Dan Slott and John Romita Jr., Anti-Venom made his comic debut back in 2008 in The Amazing Spider-Man #569. After Eddie Brock was separated from the symbiote, traces remained in his body and bonded with his white blood cells, ultimately creating a hybrid symbiote.

The hybrid has new abilities to heal, including producing antibodies that could cure any disease within a human body and the cure was used to end the Venom symbiote’s toxic shock syndrome. However, Anti-Venom would pass away in The Amazing Spider-Man #671. Despite this, Anti-Venom was still one of the most important comic book characters to debut in Marvel over the last decade.

19 MS. AMERICA

Ms. America

Ms. America, aka America Chavez, hit the Marvel Comics scene in Vengeance #1 in September 2011. America was born in the Utopian Parallel where she inherited her superpowers from the Demigurge. Upon leaving her home in the Utopian Parallel, America decided to follow in the footsteps of her former superhero mothers, and began to secretly work as a superhero.

America continues to use her abilities for good and has developed quite a fan following. Always busy in the comics thus far, America has been part of the Ultimates, the West Coast Avengers and the Teen Brigade, making quite the mark in the comics over the years.

18  SINGULARITY

Singularity

Singularity was the driving force of the A-Force comic book series. Created by Marguerite Bennett, G. Willow Wilson and Jorge Molina, Singularity fell from the sky, landed in Arcadia and was found by Nico Minoru during the “Secret Wars” storyline. As Singularity has a connection to portals, many of the inhabitants of Arcadia are wary of her her ability to transport danger to their home via said portals.

Singularity’s most selfless and important act came in the form of self-sacrifice. During a battle with Loki and some zombies on Arcadia, Singularity sucks the zombie into herself and then causes herself to explode, saving all the people of Arcadia.

17 SILK

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First appearing in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3 #1, Cindy Moon, aka Silk, is one of the more recent characters to enter the Spider-Verse. Cindy’s origins are similar to Peter Parker’s as she was bit by the same irradiated spider as him. Upon the manifestation of her powers, Silk was brought to a facility by Ezekiel Sims, remaining there for several years to keep Morlun at bay.

Peter did not know this and he only discovered Silk’s existence 13 years later, rescuing her. It is then that Silk decides that she wants to use her abilities to help others. So, she begins her journey as crimefighter and has been a popular character ever since her introduction.

16 IRONHEART

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With a knack for creation and genius-level intellect, Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, is one of Marvel Comics’ latest and greatest. After Tony Stark falls into a coma after the events of “Civil War II”, Riri (who had been previously working on a reverse engineering of one of Tony’s famous Iron suits), steps into the shoes that Tony has left behind, using the moniker of Ironheart.

The former MIT student has been a staple in the Marvel Comics since her inception and in addition to being part of the Champions team, dismantled the Latverian government and even attempted to take on Thanos, proving Riri’s tenacity and drive as a superhero.

15 CAPTAIN AMERICA (SAM WILSON)

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Of course, many already know that Sam Wilson, aka Falcon, has been part of Marvel Comics for quite some time. However, him taking on a new mantle didn’t happen until 2014, an honor which was given to him by Steve Rogers, himself. In Captain America Vol. 7 #25 Sam made his debut as Captain America and became yet another worthy character to sport the iconic name.

As Captain America, Sam has been a key player in many comic storylines, including “Secret Empire” where he helped Winter Soldier save the day, to end Hydra’s reign. Having given Steve Rogers his shield back, Sam is back to being Falcon, but his impact as Captain America definitely made a lasting mark in the comics.

14 MS. MARVEL (KAMALA KHAN)

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Five years ago, a character named Kamala Khan hit the pages of Marvel Comics. A Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey, Kamala is an Inhuman with shapeshifting capabilities. After Carol Danvers became Captain Marvel, Kamala took on the name of Miss Marvel after her idol and never looked back.

Since her debut, Kamala has been part of many teams, including the Champions, and the Avengers. Kamala’s Ms. Marvel solo book, marked the first time that a Muslim character would headline their own book and the first volume won a Hugo Award for best graphic story. Not only did this solidify the character’s popularity, but also her cultural impact.

13 SPIDER-MAN (MILES MORALES)

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After getting bit by a spider that was genetically modified by Norman Osborn, Miles Morales gains superhuman powers much like those of his hero, Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man. However, in Miles’ universe (Earth-1610), Spider-Man passed away saving his friends and family.

With similar powers and the knowledge that he too could protect the city, Miles embarks on his very own journey as Spider-Man. Miles proved so popular that when Earth-1610 was destroyed, he easily made the jump the the current universe (Earth-616) and even fought alongside his idol, Peter Parker. Since making his way to Earth-616, Miles has been part of the Champions and the Avengers, proving his worth every time.

12 HONEY BADGER

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Gabby Kinney, aka Honey Badger, is another one of Wolverine’s clones, created by Tom Taylor, David Lopez and David Navarrot. Making her debut in All-New Wolverine #2 in 2016, Gabby has been teaming up with her sister Laura keep the bad guys at bay.

Now, while she is a relatively new character, Gabby has found a way into the hearts of many, as she is quite different from her family members. She still has the killer instinct of both Wolverine and X-23, but whereas the former are typically more ruthless, her family wants better for her and has convinced Gabby to try her best to be always help others and remain happy.

11 CAPTAIN AMERICA (DANIELLE CAGE)

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We first got to see a new version of Captain America in the form of Danielle Cage in Avengers: Ultron Forever #1 back in 2015. Created by Al Ewing and Alan Davis, Danielle’s iteration of Captain America was different from her predecessors who held the mantle, but has a similar villain (Gold Skull).

The daughter of Jessica Jones and Luke Cage, possessing both of their powers, Danielle (much like many Marvel characters) has been time displaced from her future to our current time. Part of the A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S. Initiative and an ally of the U.S. Avengers, Danielle Cage was a refreshing take on Captain America.

10 WHITE TIGER (AVA AYALA)

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Created by Christos Gage and Tom Raney, Ava Ayala, aka White Tiger, made her first appearance in Avengers Academy #20 in 2011. The fifth White Tiger, Ava inherited the tiger amulet after the end of her family. Starting out with the Avengers Academy, Ayala has made a name for herself on various teams since her debut, including the New Avengers, Heroes for Hire and the Mighty Avengers.

Recently, after Luke Cage put out a call for help, White Tiger was among those who answered. Despite being without the tiger amulet, Ava is still helping her fellow heroes to defeat the bad guys.

9 ULYSSES CAIN

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Getting the gift of precognition after a terrigen bomb, Ulysses Cain made his debut in the divisive Civil War II in 2016. After receiving a vision that foretold the earth’s doom by the Celestial Destructor, the Inhumans warned the Avengers of Ulysses’ premonition.

Ultimately, Ulysses’ visions are what cause the majority of strife in Civil War II, causing the loss of life and injuries to many of the Avengers team along the way. Eventually, Tony Stark found out that the visions were actually something that Ulysses was creating subconsciously but the melee surrounding him and had already consumed some of earth’s mightiest heroes.

8 PHIL COULSON

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Of course, any of those who watch the MCU films or TV shows will know the familiar name of Phil Coulson. Originally created for the MCU, Coulson was brought into the comic books in 2012 and was fashioned after his MCU counterpart. Former US Army and currently the Special Ops Commander for S.H.I.E.L.D., Coulson was tasked with arresting Iron Man during the "Civil War II" story.

He was also tasked with investigating Steve Rogers during "Secret Empire", which unfortunately ended in Coulson’s untimely demise. Regardless, the character (much like his MCU version) played an important factor in many of Marvel’s recent storylines.

7 NOVA (SAM ALEXANDER)

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While the intergalactic police force of the Nova Corps is nothing new, Sam Alexander is new to the fray. First appearing in Marvel Point One #1 in 2012 and created by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness, Sam was taught to use his father’s old Nova Corps helmet by some of the Guardians of the Galaxy team members.

With his access to the nova force with the helmet, Sam can fly, use telekinesis and has superhuman strength. In his relatively short time in the comics, Sam has been affiliated with both the Champions team and the Avengers, showcasing just how powerful he’s become over the years.

6 BLUE MARVEL

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From the mind of Kevin Grevioux, Adam Brashear, aka Blue Marvel, made his debut in Adam: Legend of Blue Marvel #1 in 2008. According to Grevioux, the character was one he conceptualized as a child, with Superman being an inspiration for Brashear.

The mini-series based around former marine, Blue Marvel, was an important one that tackled racism head-on and the character eventually joined the both the Mighty Avengers and the Ultimates. In the 2016 “Civil War II” events, Ulysses Cain has a vision that tells Blue Marvel about impending danger, but it was Blue Marvel’s discovery of Neutronium (found in exo-space) that makes him one of the most important Marvel debuts of the last decade.

5 APOCALYPSE TWINS

Marvel's ApocalypseTwins

Uriel and Eimin Worthington, aka the Apocalypse Twins, made their first appearance in Uncanny Avengers #5. The Apocalypse Twins are the children of Archangel and Horseman of Pestilence, Ichisumi. However, they were taken by Kang the Conqueror and he raised them as his own after they disappeared into the time stream.

Their grandest scheme was their manipulation of Scarlet Witch into believing she could save the world by moving the mutants off the planet. The ensuing battle led to the demise of Captain America and most of the humans on earth, making the “Dark Angel Saga” an important one in Marvel, also showing the power and importance of the Apocalypse Twins.

4 THOR (JANE FOSTER)

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Jane Foster has been a fixture in Marvel Comics for some time. However, her appearance as Thor didn’t come until 2014. When wielding Mjolnir, Jane possesses all the powers of Thor including flight, lightning control, superhuman strength and durability, but it comes at a price.

When Foster first became Thor, she had been undergoing chemotherapy/radiation for cancer and every time she transforms, Mjolnir purges all the toxins from her body, including the radiation being used for her treatment. Despite this, Thor continued to fight for others on her own and as part of teams like, the Avengers, League of Realms and the Thor Corps, truly showing her importance in the comics over the years.

3 HOPE SUMMERS

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Hope Summers made her first appearance for Marvel in X-Men Vol. 2#205 in 2007. Hope was the first mutant to be born after the events of “House of M” and “Decimation”, where Scarlet Witch used her powers to strip all but 198 mutants of their abilities. When Hope was born, the hunt for her began and she was rescued by Cable.

Hope is an Omega level mutant with the powers to manipulate and mimic the powers of others, and is also a vessel for the Phoenix Force. Since her debut, Hope has rightfully been a mainstay in the X-Men comic books and has served as a member of the X-Men, Cable’s partner and was formerly the leader of X-Force.

2 CAPTAIN AMERICA (AGENT OF HYDRA)

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Captain America has always stood the test of time as a symbol of freedom and justice, not only in the comic books, but outside of them as well. So, it was no surprise when many comic book fans were shocked to find out in the 2017 “Secret Empire” storyline, that their favorite hero was set to become an undercover Hydra agent -- and had been one, all along.

Thankfully, the Steve Rogers from Secret Empire was one from an alternate universe and not the same Cap that many have come to love over the years. However, as bad as this stunt was and how angry it made people, it served as an important reminder of just how needed and powerful freedom fighters are.

1 MOON GIRL

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First appearing two years ago in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 in 2016, Lunella Lafayette has become one of Marvel’s most popular characters in her two short years. 9-year-old Lunella is an Inhuman who has been described as Marvel’s most intelligent character that currently exists, surpassing Marvel’s other resident geniuses like Reed Richards, Hank McCoy, Tony Stark and the list goes on.

Having the ability to switch her consciousness with Devil Dinosaur and a battle suit that she made herself, Lunella is a formidable hero despite her young age and small stature. Multiple times, she and Devil Dinosaur have saved the day, definitely showing her importance to the Marvel Universe.