*Originally published on 9/26/11
In September of 2011, DC Comics scrapped it's ongoing continuity in favor of a company wide relaunch dubbed the "new 52" as it consists of 52 ongoing titles. This was done in an effort to draw in new readers and shake up the status quo. While the reviews for the series are hit or miss (which, all things considered isn't that surprising), it does seem to have yielded the desired results as far as sales are concerned.
Seeing as Marvel and DC seem to mimic each other when it comes to certain aspects of plot or continuity (seriously, look at the recent story arcs for Batman and Captain America, it's eerie), I can't help but wonder what a "new 52" would look like under the Marvel banner.
Now, I've said before that I'm a DC guy, but there's plenty of stuff in the Marvel line to get behind. Honestly, I wouldn't mind branching out into the Marvel Universe, so who knows? Maybe it could work for them as well. I thought I would compose a list of titles that could work out rather well for them. As these are titles that stick to the "mainstream" continuity, books like the Ultimate line, the Marvel Zombies series, or the Stephen King based titles (namely The Stand and The Dark Tower) won't be factored in, but I will assume that they will continue to be published as they have been. With that being said, let's get on with my list of Marvel's hypothetical "new 52" titles.
1. The Amazing Spider-Man
As one of Marvel's most prominent and well liked characters, it should come as no surprise that Spidey will have an ongoing title.
2. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
I really tried to avoid flooding the list with multiple titles surrounding the same character. If there's one problem I have with comics, it is that certain characters have way too many ongoings. However, I do understand wanting to push the more popular characters and two titles isn't that outlandish, so I kept that as a self imposed limit when composing this list.
3. X-Men
4. Uncanny X-Men
These were actually the titles that got me into comics. Back in the day, it was just these two titles. After I left, all the titles got swapped, new titles were added, and it became a mess. I think the franchise would benefit from a streamlining. As said before, flooding the market with similar titles only adds to the confusion and makes it harder for new readers to jump on.
5. Iron Man
While Civil War turned the character into something of a strawman, the character has gained a certain amount of popularity with the recent movies starring Robert Downey Jr. He has also lasted decades and gotten enough exposure to get a few animated series of his own as well as an anime.
6. Captain America
Marvel tends to go for more relatable heroes, where DC tends to go for the iconic. Cap, on the other hand, does lean more twoards the latter. He's a symbol for justice, liberty and peace. Some argue that he's too jingoistic, but really, upon reading about the character, you find that it isn't the case. Like Iron Man, Cap has recently made it to the big screen. His recent run under Ed Brubaker has also been highly regarded. As such, giving readers a jumping on point would be a great way to give him more mainstream exposure so that he can become the icon that he should be.
7. The Mighty Thor
Here's another hero who has benefitted from a recent big screen outing. Despite people saying that he would be the hardest to translate, it performed well enough to warrant a sequel after the upcoming Avengers film. He's an interesting character with a whole mythos behind him, being part of a pantheon of gods. It would give those into high fantasy a book to check out and it would make for a more optimistic book to contrast with a lot of the "grim and gritty" series out there.
8. The Incredible Hulk
People want to see Hulk smash, this book will let them see just that. Nothing more needs to be said.
9. She-Hulk
While one would think that she was just a distaff counterpart, She-Hulk has developed into her own character. She's smart, capable, and her series is more light hearted, allowing for the kind of fun you don't see in comics that often these days.
10. Spider-Woman
11. The Incredible Hercules
From what I recall, this series was used as a "Hulk" substitute back when Hulk was shipped off to another planet (long story). It was pretty well regarded, and was another "fun" title. While Hulk is back on Earth, there's no reason he couldn't use the exposure as a springboard to his own series.
12. Deadpool
You really can't go wrong with the Merc with a Mouth. His comics are zany as a result of his insanity and the result is a highly enjoyable read.
13. Deadpool Team-Up
This title would act as a Marvel counterpart to DC's The Brave and the Bold (in some iterations anyway), only instead of Batman, it would be Deadpool acting as the constant as part of a semi-rotating cast. Deadpool has become rather popular and he develops great interactions with other characters, allowing for some good comedy. I considered adding "Cable and Deadpool" to the list, but wanted to avoid adding too much Deadpool. I figure that Cable could be a recurring guest star, allowing this to carry on the title in spirit.
14. Black Panther
Here's a character that I've become somewhat intrigued by. From what I've read, he's a bit of a Gary Stu and I'm not too fond of the "we have the cure for cancer, but refuse to share it" plot point, but I figure we can retcon that out. As the character is being relaunched, we can tone down the Stuish traits, but still portray him as a strong leader and a capable hero.
15. Namor the Sub-Mariner
Contrary to what you may think, this character is actually highly regarded by comicdom. I wouldn't have thought it either, had I not read it myself. Between the pointy ears and the green speedo, he seemed like an inevitable joke. Instead, people say that he's something of a badass. For as long as the character has been present in the Marvel Universe, he hasn't had an ongoing recently (at least judging by the few trades I could find on Amazon). Let's see what makes this character work so well and showcase why people stand by him to the extent that they do.
16. Doctor Strange
He's the Sorcerer Supreme, what more needs to be said? There are tons of story oppurtunities that can be taken advantage of with an ongoing featuring Marvel's resident master of the mystic arts.
17. The Defenders
This is a Marvel team that consists of Hulk, Doctor Strange, and Namor. The stories can range from serious and dramatic, to more lighthearted and comedic. The small cast allows for a focus on character, and the team is formidable enough that you could tell some epic stories.
18. Howard the Duck
Oh, you read that right. Granted I, along with most people, immediately think of the cinematic flop (which, to be fair leans more towards the "so bad it's good" side). However, the comics were rather well written, clever, and funny. Howard is a very sympathetic character and you can make all sorts of social commentary with this comic book while providing an entertaining series for the readers.
19. Mrs. Marvel (Carol Danvers)
I'll admit that I don't know a lot about this character, but she is a strong character who has served on the Avengers for quite some time and did have her own ongoing not too long ago. With both companies trying to provide a more diverse cast, it would make sense to go through the roster of already existing characters to bring a bit of flavor to the comic racks.
20. Fantastic Four
I hate Reed Richards, but this team is one of Marvel's long runners. They have endured as popular characters for decades and, as such, it makes perfect sense to feature them in the new line up. Besides, it gives us Dr. Doom, and he's one of the best villains out there.
21. The Avengers
Just as DC has the Justice League, so too does Marvel have the Avengers, a series that features all of the universe's biggest heroes teaming up to take on larger threats. It would give new readers a way to get acquainted to several characters at once and allow for some epic stories.
22. Nick Fury: Agent of Shield
Nick Fury is a gruff, no nonsense, cigar smoking, one eyed badass who leads an entire organization to fight nefarious forces. It would make for a cool "spy" series that gives readers a break from all of the superheroes. I like the superheroes, but a little variety never hurt anyone.
23.The Howling Commandos
The Howling Commandos were a squad of international soldiers who fought during WW2. Incidently, they were lead by none other than Nick Fury. While it would be cool to see him there, at this point, it would be hard to believe that Fury would be active during WW2 and still active today (unless he somehow got frozen like Cap did). However, Cap and Logan could pop up from time to time for cameos as they were both active at that time.
24. Moon Knight
25. Daredevil
By day, Matt Murdock is a District Attorney, but at night, he dons the guise of Daredevil, gritty vigilante who protects the innocent in Hell's Kitchen. He's gained some exposure due to various cartoons and a movie (which kind of bombed, but that's beside the point). He's become rather popular and manages to balance grittiness with strong character development and solid writing.
26. The Punisher
One would think that Frank Castle is a two-dimensional character. A standard gun-toting vigilante who kills those who would kill others. As it turns out, when given the right staff, he makes for compelling stories. I don't know if Marvel still has it's "Max" imprint, but if it doesn't, it should be made clear that this is a title for mature readers as it does have its fair share of gore and violence.
27. The Silver Surfer
Now, we go into the cosmic side of Marvel. I only know the gist of Silver Surfer, he agreed to become the herald of the planet eating Galactus in order to spare his world. He later rebelled and now fights against his former master. The character has been a Marvel staple for some time. You would think that it would get redundant, but from what I've heard, the writers have managed to avoid that and churned out some really strong stories.
28. Blade
This Human/Vampire human hybrid hunts other bloodsuckers. Blade has gained some popularity, getting his own movie trilogy, a live action series, and appearing in other media adaptations. He's a cool character and there's a lot you can do with a solo ongoing. This would somewhat cash in on the vampire "craze", but it would be a darker, more serious iteration. Much like Punisher, this is a book for older readers as I imagine there would be some pretty graphic imagery, what with Blade slicing and dicing vampires left and right.
29. Luke Cage
30. Venom
31. Electra
32. Hawkeye
33. Captain Marvel
Sadly, I am not referring to the big red cheese, as he's a DC guy. Though they do share a name, that's about the extent of their similarity.
34. The Sentry
From what I recall, this character was supposed to be an "expy" of Superman. Beyond that, I don't know much about the character, I'm sad to say.
35. Alpha Flight
This was the team of Canadian superheroes that Logan joined shortly after his procedure. As far as I know, they are still active. They've got some interesting characters and it would be nice to have a title that doesn't take place in New York.
36. Ghost Rider
OK, the movie was terrible (and it somehow got a sequel), but you could make a pretty cool series about this guy. He does fight against the freaking devil, so you know you've got a noteworthy villain. His whole "biker" schtick may be a bit corny, but it could still be pulled off well.
37. Winter Soldier
When it was announced that Bucky, Captain America's WW2 sidekick, was coming back, I groaned. Shockingly enough, his return has made for some great stories and it all ended up working out rather well. So, why not capitalize on that by giving him a title under his new nom de guerre?
38. Runaways
I have not read this series, but I have heard very good things about it. I wouldn't mind checking it out.
39. Black Widow
Black Widow is a Russian spy who often works with Nick Fury. Her allegiances are unknown as she seems to constantly switch up who she's working with. An ongoing would make for another espionage title while also giving us more insight into this character
40. The Immortal Iron Fist
41. The Inhumans
42. The Irredeemable Ant-Man
I have no idea how people take this character seriously. The fact that Marvel is so eager to make a movie about him just confuses me. Nevertheless, he is a long standing character and he does have something of a fandom. As such, it would make sense to utilize that by showcasing him in his own book.
43. Marvel Team Up
This would be another "Brave and the Bold" style book, only this gives you more freedom as you could pair up any two heroes together for quick "one and done" stories that allow readers to get introduced to some of the lesser known characters in the Marvel Universe
44. Morbius: The Living Vampire
45. Falcon
46. Wolverine
I was hesitant to throw this title on there as we already had two X-Men titles, but 52 spots is a lot harder to fill than you would think. He is a popular character and it probably would sell like hot cakes. As such, I figure, what the heck?
47. Squirrel Girl
48. X-23
49. Spider-Girl
50. Thunderbolts
51. Captain Britain
52. Exiles
I'll admit, I was having trouble coming up with titles as 52 is a far larger number than you might think. I'm not familiar with a lot of these guys to be honest, but then again, maybe that's the point of it all. By giving these B and C list characters a solo title, it would allow newbies like me to jump on and learn about who they are.
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