11. She-Hulk – Marvel’s First Meta Hero
Jennifer Walters—otherwise known as She-Hulk—debuted in Savage She-Hulk number 1 and soon became more than simply the female equivalent of the Hulk. Through her fourth-wall-busting humor, assertive attitude, and law background, she infused superhero tales with a new, self-referential sensibility years ahead of its time. Although her Disney+ show got divided reviews, She-Hulk’s unselfconscious charm and comedic-strength combination keep winning audiences both old and new.
10. War Machine – Iron Man’s Armored Ally
James “Rhodey” Rhodes has been a central part of Tony Stark’s life for a long time. He first appeared in Iron Man number 118 and later became War Machine, donning bulky armor filled with heavy firepower. Although his future in the MCU is somewhat questionable with Armor Wars yet to happen, Rhodey is more established in the Marvel universe than ever, particularly as he remains the leader of West Coast Avengers comics and beyond.
9. Green Goblin – Spider-Man’s Frenemy Turned Foe
Norman Osborn is more than an enemy villain—he’s a pivotal piece of Spider-Man’s history. Appearing in The Amazing Spider-Man number 14, Osborn’s evolution into the Green Goblin made him one of the greatest psychologically complex and deadly villains in Marvel history. While he hasn’t had his big moment in the MCU yet (save for that multiverse cameo in No Way Home), his comic book legacy—and his influence as a mastermind villain—is still unparalleled.
8. Kingpin – The King of Crime in NYC
Wilson Fisk, alias Kingpin, first showed up in The Amazing Spider-Man number 50, and he has been dominating New York’s street crime scene ever since. He has fought Spider-Man, Daredevil, and other street-level heroes while walking a tightrope as both a cruel crime lord and an upstanding businessman. Vincent D’Onofrio’s work in Daredevil introduced the character to the masses, and his recent appearances on Disney+ have only further solidified his hold on Marvel’s darker fringes.
7. Venom – From Villain to Anti-Hero
Venom began as Spider-Man’s most lethal foe but has since become a complicated, fan-beloved anti-villain. Initially spotted in The Amazing Spider-Man number 252 (as an alien symbiote) and later fully realized in number 300, Venom’s path has seen solo comic books, animated series, and large-scale film adaptations. With Eddie Brock and subsequent hosts at the helm, Venom’s constantly changing tale keeps him at the forefront of Marvel’s dark narrative.
6. Groot – The Silent Star with a Huge Heart
“I am Groot” is all he ever says, but it’s enough. Since his first appearance in Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord number 1, Groot has transitioned from an unknown character to a worldwide phenomenon due to Guardians of the Galaxy. Whether he’s sacrificing himself, dancing as Baby Groot, or pouting through puberty, Groot’s emotional arc and comedic instincts have made him a breakout hit—and his own Disney+ animated shorts have served only to cement his appeal.
5. Jean Grey – The Phoenix Reborn
Jean Grey is one of the first X-Men and the leading character in some of Marvel’s most influential narratives. From her introduction in X-Men number 1 to her metamorphosis during the Dark Phoenix Saga, Jean’s link to the cosmic Phoenix Force has shaped a good portion of the X-Men mythology. Her life on the big and small screens, as well as in comic books, has preserved her relevance, and she continues to be the embodiment of power, sacrifice, and rebirth in the Marvel universe.
4. Spider-Gwen – A Fan Favorite Revamp
Gwen Stacy’s ultimate demise was once a formative experience in Peter Parker’s life, but in Earth-65, she transcended that. As Spider-Gwen (or Ghost-Spider), Gwen developed her personality, powers, and following. Introduced in Edge of Spider-Verse number 2, she gained immediate notice with her edgy costume, punk-rock personality, and dramatic storylines. Her appearances in Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse have only served to further popularize her.
3. Thor – The Thunder God Reimagined
Thor has been a mainstay in Marvel since Journey into Mystery number 83, but his cinematic transformation gave the character a new lease of life. Once depicted as a stoic, Shakespearean god, the MCU redefined him with humor, vulnerability, and heart, thanks in large part to Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal and Taika Waititi’s comedic direction. This shift helped make Thor one of Marvel’s most beloved and relatable heroes, on screen and in the comics.
2. Doctor Doom – The Villain Everyone’s Waiting For
Few bad guys demand respect like Victor Von Doom. Originally debuting in Fantastic Four number 5, Doctor Doom is a genius, egotistical, and intensely tragic character whose combination of science and magic makes him a force to be reckoned with. Although he’s been featured in previous Fantastic Four movies, everyone is holding out for his MCU introduction, particularly with speculation over Robert Downey Jr. potentially taking over the role. Either is fine. Doom’s comeback is long overdue.
1. The Marvel Multiverse of Popularity
From quirky anti-heroes to world-shaking villains, these Marvel characters reflect the diversity and depth that keep fans hooked across generations. Whether you’re flipping through comic panels or watching the latest blockbuster, it’s clear these characters aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. As the Marvel multiverse continues to grow, these names remain front and center in the hearts of fans around the world.