11 Comic Book Characters Who Deserve Their Own Standalone Series
Comic book characters often shine when given the spotlight in their own stories. While many heroes are part of large teams or franchises, some stand out with unique powers, intriguing backstories, and untapped potential for solo adventures. These characters offer fresh narrative possibilities, from deep personal struggles to exciting new genres. With rich histories and diverse abilities, they are more than capable of carrying their own series and captivating fans in ways never before explored.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Martian Manhunter (DC Comics)
Martian Manhunter, also known as J’onn J’onzz, is one of the most powerful beings in the DC Universe. As a telepath with shapeshifting abilities, super strength, and the ability to phase through solid objects, Martian Manhunter possesses a wide range of powers that make him a compelling character for a standalone series. His rich backstory, which includes the destruction of his home planet, Mars, and his isolation as one of the last of his kind, presents an emotional core to explore. A series focusing on his internal struggle with his Martian heritage and his role as a protector of Earth could delve into deeper themes of identity and belonging, appealing to both science fiction fans and those interested in emotional, character-driven storytelling.
The narrative possibilities are endless with Martian Manhunter. From exploring his time as a detective in Gotham to his complicated relationship with his alien roots, the show could be a mix of detective noir and science fiction. His telepathic powers also offer the chance for psychological exploration, creating a unique blend of genres. By exploring different facets of his personality and abilities, this series could offer a fresh and thought-provoking take on the superhero genre.
Zatanna (DC Comics)
Zatanna Zatara, the iconic magician, is a character with rich magical abilities and an intriguing backstory. Her ability to cast spells by speaking backwards is a fascinating concept that can easily be explored in a standalone series. Zatanna’s journey as a powerful yet flawed character, dealing with the legacy of her father (the legendary magician Giovanni Zatara), provides ample narrative material. A series focusing on her personal growth, struggles with magic, and interactions with other supernatural beings in the DC Universe would offer an exciting blend of fantasy and mystery.
The magical world Zatanna inhabits is vast and unexplored in many ways, allowing creators to craft unique stories involving ancient spells, supernatural realms, and other mystical heroes. With Zatanna’s deep knowledge of the magical arts, the series could explore different aspects of magic and its consequences, both personal and global. This would provide an opportunity to blend fantasy and horror genres while creating complex, multidimensional characters.
Doctor Strange (Marvel Comics)
Although Doctor Strange has appeared in several Marvel films, his comic book persona is far richer and more complex, making him an ideal candidate for a standalone series. As the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange protects the Earth from mystical threats, but his powers also come with heavy responsibilities that often conflict with his human side. The character’s deep backstory, which involves his journey from a talented but arrogant surgeon to a humble, powerful sorcerer, provides a compelling arc that can be explored in a solo series.
A standalone show would allow creators to delve into the mystical side of the Marvel Universe, offering a blend of fantasy, magic, and horror. Doctor Strange’s interactions with other mystic characters, like the Ancient One or Dormammu, as well as his exploration of other dimensions, could lead to a series that feels like a mixture of high-stakes adventure and introspective storytelling. His ongoing internal struggle between duty and personal desires is a compelling thread for character-driven plots.
Ghost Rider (Marvel Comics)
Ghost Rider, particularly Johnny Blaze or Robbie Reyes, stands out due to his dual identity as a fiery avenger and a tortured soul. His ability to summon the Spirit of Vengeance, manifesting as a blazing skeleton on a motorcycle, gives him a unique visual and supernatural element that could make for an electrifying series. What sets Ghost Rider apart from other heroes is his curse: while he fights evil, he is also bound by the deal he made with the Devil, giving him a tragic and morally complex edge.
A standalone series focusing on Ghost Rider could explore his inner conflict between the desire for redemption and the pull of his fiery vengeance. With strong horror and supernatural elements, this series could dive into darker genres, incorporating elements of the occult and the afterlife. Ghost Rider’s interactions with demons, angels, and other supernatural entities could create opportunities for both action-packed scenes and deep character development, offering a fresh perspective within the superhero genre.
Ms. Marvel (Marvel Comics)
Kamala Khan, the new Ms. Marvel, is an exciting character who has already made a mark in both comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As a teenage superhero with the ability to stretch and shape-shift her body, Kamala brings a unique, refreshing dynamic to the Marvel Universe. Her deep connection to her family, her Pakistani-American heritage, and her love for superhero culture make her a relatable character, particularly for younger audiences.
A standalone series focusing on Kamala Khan could explore her journey of balancing her responsibilities as a superhero and a teenager. Her interactions with other young heroes, such as Miles Morales or the Young Avengers, could be explored further. The series could also explore themes of identity, culture, and family, while embracing the excitement and humor of the superhero genre.
The Flash (Wally West) (DC Comics)
While Barry Allen is the most well-known Flash, Wally West’s version of the character has a vibrant history that often goes underappreciated. Wally’s growth from sidekick to hero, his struggles with stepping out of Barry’s shadow, and his unique connection to the Speed Force make him a standout character. A series focused on Wally would explore his journey as a hero in his own right and how he deals with the legacy of the Flash family.
Wally’s powers, which allow him to move at incredible speeds and tap into the Speed Force, open up possibilities for both high-action sequences and emotional exploration. His relationships with other members of the Flash family, his family struggles, and his desire to live up to Barry’s legacy could provide a compelling backbone for a character-driven series. His adventures could also offer a fresh take on time travel and multiverse storylines.
Black Canary (DC Comics)
Black Canary, aka Dinah Lance, is known for her incredible martial arts skills and her sonic cry, which can shatter objects and incapacitate enemies. However, what makes her a standout character is her complex backstory and her role as a leader within the Birds of Prey. A standalone series focusing on Black Canary would offer a mix of action, drama, and personal conflict, particularly regarding her relationships with other heroes and her struggle with the trauma she has endured.
The series could explore Dinah’s evolution from a street-level fighter to a respected hero. Her experiences in Gotham, her involvement with the Justice League, and her ongoing struggles with her powers would provide plenty of material for a compelling, character-driven show. Additionally, her interactions with other iconic characters like Green Arrow and Huntress could provide both emotional depth and action-packed storytelling.
Moon Knight (Marvel Comics)
Moon Knight, aka Marc Spector, is one of Marvel’s most complex and enigmatic characters. As a former mercenary who becomes the earthly avatar of the Egyptian god Khonshu, Marc’s struggles with dissociative identity disorder and his relationship with the divine create a unique dynamic that could translate well into a standalone series. His morally ambiguous nature and willingness to cross ethical lines make him a fascinating character to explore.
A Moon Knight series could blend elements of crime drama, psychological thriller, and supernatural adventure. The character’s multiple personalities offer an opportunity to explore themes of mental health and identity, while his connection to ancient gods provides a fascinating supernatural backdrop. This contrast would allow for a series that is both emotionally deep and action-driven, offering a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.
Blue Beetle (DC Comics)
Jaime Reyes, the current Blue Beetle, brings a fresh perspective to the superhero world, particularly with his bond to the alien scarab that gives him his powers. His unique abilities, including enhanced strength, agility, and the ability to form various weapons and armor from the scarab, make him a highly versatile character. What truly sets Jaime apart, however, is his cultural background and his connection to his community, offering a diverse angle for storytelling.
A Blue Beetle series would focus on Jaime’s journey of understanding and controlling his powers, all while dealing with the expectations placed on him by his family and the larger superhero world. Themes of responsibility, cultural identity, and the struggle between normal life and hero duties could resonate strongly with younger audiences. This series could explore both the action-packed moments of being a hero and the emotional depth of balancing it with family obligations.
Shang-Chi (Marvel Comics)
Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung Fu, has already proven his potential in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his comic book version offers even more possibilities. As a martial artist trained in every form of combat, Shang-Chi’s powers are not about flashy abilities but about skill, discipline, and precision. His rich backstory, involving his relationship with his father (the villainous Fu Manchu) and his own journey to escape his dark legacy, provides a compelling emotional core.
A standalone series could delve deeper into Shang-Chi’s internal conflicts as he works to forge his own identity while battling enemies from his past. The focus on martial arts also opens up opportunities for visually stunning fight choreography, making this series an exciting mix of action and drama. His interactions with other martial arts-based heroes, like Iron Fist or the Warriors of the Dragon, could expand the universe even further.
The Atom (DC Comics)
Ray Palmer, also known as The Atom, is one of DC’s lesser-known but highly compelling characters. His ability to shrink to microscopic sizes while retaining his full strength offers endless possibilities for storytelling. The character’s scientific background, combined with his willingness to put himself at risk for the greater good, makes him a fascinating hero to explore in a solo series.
A series featuring The Atom could blend science fiction with superhero elements, offering thrilling adventures at microscopic levels. The show could explore Ray’s work as a scientist and his moral struggles as a hero who often deals with large-scale threats on a microscopic scale. The concept of being small in a big world offers unique narrative opportunities, both visually and thematically.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.