From Spider-Man Villain to Solo Star: 10 Famous Superheroes Who Were Complete Duds at Launch

From Supporting Role to Spotlight

John Stewart debuted in Green Lantern #87 in 1971 as Hal Jordan’s backup. Though his early stories showed him challenging injustice, Jordan remained the central Green Lantern. The 2001 Justice League animated series brought Stewart wider fame, casting him as the team’s sole Green Lantern. Voiced by Phil LaMarr, he became a central character across five seasons and the follow-up series.

The Punisher first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 in 1974, hired by the Jackal to kill Spider-Man. Gerry Conway had conceived Frank Castle as a secondary villain, not as the lead of his own series.

Marvel later revealed Castle’s tragic past in Marvel Preview #2 (1975). A five-issue Circle of Blood miniseries followed in 1986, then a monthly comic in 1987; several concurrent titles appeared in the early 1990s.

Unusual Heroes Find Their Place

Rocket Raccoon’s first appearance came in Marvel Preview #7 in 1976, in a story by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen. Initially called Rocky, he returned in The Incredible Hulk #271 in 1982, with adventures on Halfworld alongside Lylla and its intelligent animal inhabitants.

A four-issue Rocket Raccoon miniseries followed in 1985, written by Mantlo and illustrated by Mike Mignola. After sporadic appearances, Rocket joined Star-Lord’s crew during Annihilation Conquest and the 2008 Guardians lineup, then reached movie audiences in 2014, voiced by Bradley Cooper.

Moon Knight debuted in Werewolf by Night #32 in 1975, created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin. As Marc Spector, he was a mercenary hired to capture Jack Russell, but changed sides after recognizing the werewolf’s humanity.

Solo stories in Marvel Spotlight and a backup feature in Hulk magazine preceded Moon Knight’s 1980 series, which explored Spector’s identities and Khonshu’s influence. A 2006 relaunch and Oscar Isaac’s 2022 television portrayal further expanded his following.

Later Recognition, Early Debuts

Peacemaker debuted in Fightin’ 5 #40 in 1966, created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette for Charlton Comics. Diplomat Christopher Smith pursued peace, but his arsenal and weaponized helmet showed his readiness to fight for it.

Black Panther first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 in 1966, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby as Wakanda’s ruler. His debut story tested the visiting team in individual combat and introduced the kingdom’s vibranium wealth, guarded technology, and the threat posed by Ulysses Klaw.