Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of comic book reading under my belt, I can confidently say that these characters are a goldmine for any Marvel fan! From the ancient sorcerer, Nightwatch, to the modern-day anti-hero, Hannibal King, it’s fascinating to see how each character has evolved through time and across various storylines.


Marvel boasts numerous comic book characters that have been popular for quite some time now, and despite their initial success when first introduced, they haven’t undergone a refreshing reboot as of yet. Interestingly enough, some of these characters have made brief appearances in films or shows, keeping them alive in the minds of devoted fans. However, a contemporary update of these characters is still absent from the scene.

From a kick-ass amazon, to a reluctant vampire detective, all these characters are raw diamonds, waiting to be taken and polished by expert hands. Let’s take a look at five of these forgotten but interesting Marvel characters.

5 Thundra

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted

  • First Appearance: Fantastic Four Issue #129 (December, 1972)
  • Creators: Roy Thomas – Gerry Conway
  • Status: Alive

From the United Sisterhood Republic, a matriarchal society where women rule supreme, hails the most formidable warrior – Thundra. Originally from Earth-713, she possesses powers unmatched in that reality and has visited Earth-616 multiple times. However, she hasn’t had her own series within the current continuity as of yet.

As someone who has been a lifelong fan of Marvel Comics, I find Thundra to be one of the most fascinating and intriguing characters within the universe. With abilities that rival those of some of the most powerful heroes, yet still distinct from them, she stands out as a unique figure in her own right. Her partnership with iconic teams like the Fantastic Four, She-Hulk, and even Spiderman has added depth to her character and made her storylines all the more captivating. From my perspective, Thundra’s journey is one that I have followed closely over the years, and I eagerly await each new development in her ongoing saga.

4 Diabolique

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted
  • First Appearance: Darkhold – Pages from the Book of Sins Issue #9 (June, 1993)
  • Creators: Chris Cooper – Rurik Taylor
  • Status: Unknown

As a fan, I’d describe myself as a unique blend of human and demon, nurtured to wield potent magical abilities. I, Diane Bolock, am an everlasting child, a girl who refuses to age despite the march of time. Unfortunately, my eternal youth was often misinterpreted or led me to be associated with some of Earth 616’s most malevolent practitioners of dark magic.

Her powers are incredibly potent, encompassing not just the mastery over magical (and occasionally demonic) companions but also the manipulation of dimensions and energy. Apart from Scarlet Witch, only a few can rival her in these abilities. Unfortunately, this remarkable character has had limited screen time, often portrayed as both an adversary and an accomplice. It’s a shame that she hasn’t received a full reboot yet or a series of her own, as she certainly deserves more attention and development.

3 Modred the Mystic

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted
  • First Appearance: Marvel Chillers Issue #1 (October, 1975)
  • Creators: Bill Mantlo – Yong Montaño -Marv Wolfman
  • Status: Alive

Modred is an old sorcerer, serving under the Elder Deities, contemporaneous with King Arthur, and among the earliest wielders of the Darkhold’s power. Yet, possessing such immense power often requires a heavy price. Cthon, the malevolent Dark God, demands Modred’s allegiance in return for unveiling the mysteries hidden within the ancient tome of dark magic.

After millennia in suspended animation, Modred resurrects in the 20th century, and throughout his many crazy adventures, he fights against and servers Cthon on equal parts. We could say that his allegiance to the Dark God is partial, and he’s not a hero but an anti-hero. And though he has appeared in over a hundred issues accompanying several other great Marvel characters, he is yet to receive a proper reboot of his own series. A lot of wasted potential on this one.

2 Nightwatch

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted
  • First Appearance: Web of Spider-Man Issue #97 (February, 1993)
  • Creators: Terry Kavanagh – Alex Saviuk
  • Status: Dead (Allegedly)

1993 saw the emergence of Nightwatch, born out of the intense competition among comic publishers sparked by Image Comic’s Spawn. The character we know as Nightwatch is, in reality, Dr. Kevin Trench. An intriguing twist unfolded when he discovered his superhero identity: it was an older version of himself that he unmasked after observing the hero perish in a battle against terrorists.

Feeling desperate, I snatched the Nightwatch costume and fled to a secluded island, hoping that by staying away from crime-fighting, I could dodge my grim fate. However, it wasn’t long before Fate came knocking, as a notorious criminal named Alfredo Morelli arrived on my shore, wounded and in need of aid. Nursing him back to health, little did I know he would steal part of the Nightwatch suit. Determined to get it back, I pursued him, leading me to join forces with various superhero teams before ultimately embracing my role as a full-time vigilante. A reminder that destiny is relentless, no matter our attempts to evade it.

1 Hannibal King

Marvel Characters That Have Never Been Rebooted
  • First Appearance: Tomb of Dracula Issue #25 (October, 1974)
  • Creators: Gene Colan – Marv Wolfman
  • Status: Alive

Hannibal King, a skilled detective, encountered Deacon Frost, the notorious vampire who had slain Blade’s mother and transformed him into a Daywalker, during an investigation one tragic night. Unfortunately, King did not make it through this encounter alive. However, three days later, he was miraculously resurrected at the morgue, reborn as one of the undead.

King grappled with his persistent impulses while denying his otherworldly essence. Despite the benefits and privileges that came with being a vampire, Hannibal frequently found himself under pressure, seeking means to abstain from employing his vampiric abilities and subsisting on rats, blood packets, and cadavers instead. Over the course of his tenure, King collaborated with Dr. Strange, Blade, and was among the ranks of the Midnight Sons, making frequent appearances in the series. Although the character has yet to be revived, it featured in Blade’s team during the film “Blade: Trinity,” portrayed by Ryan Reynolds.

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2024-08-05 09:33