The MCU has been running for a couple of decades now, and, as such, there are dozens of entries to the franchise. In so many movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been careful to introduce as many heroes from Marvel Comics as they can.
There are countless heroes that have appeared in the movies, and most of them actually got their start in the comics. Fans may actually be surprised to learn when and where some of their favorite main heroes from the MCU originated.
35 Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian — Avengers #43 (1967)
The Red Guardian is basically the Russian version of Captain America, and has been a mantle taken up by several different men over the years. Alexei Shostakov— sometimes spelled Alexi or Aleksei— was the second Red Guardian, but he made his first appearance in Avengers #43, written by Roy Thomas with art by John Buscema. Alexei will arrive in the MCU in Black Widow.
34 Blackagar Boltagon/Black Bolt — Fantastic Four #45 (1965)
Inhumans was not a largely popular TV show, but it did introduce Blackagar Boltagon, or Black Bolt, to the MCU. Black Bolt was originally created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, as were many other characters in Marvel Comics. His first appearance was in Fantastic Four #45 in December 1965.
33 Bruce Banner/Incredible Hulk — The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962)
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby teamed up many times to create characters for Marvel Comics. They teamed up with Paul Reinman to create Bruce Banner in the early 1960s. Bruce Banner, or the Incredible Hulk, was first introduced in The Incredible Hulk #1, an issue dated to May of 1962. Bruce was then introduced to the MCU in The Incredible Hulk movie, with the same name as his first comic.
32 Brunnhilde/Valkyrie — The Avengers #83 (1970)
Valkyrie was brought into the MCU in Thor: Ragnarok, but she’s already a fan-favorite franchise hero. The Valkyrie, or Brunnhilde, first appeared decades ago, in the 1970s. When Valkyrie first appeared in The Avengers #83, created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, she was actually a disguise. Later on, Roy Thomas modified Valkyrie. Eventually, she would become the character fans know and love today.
31 Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel — Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (1968)
There are actually multiple characters who have taken up the mantle of Captain Marvel in the comics. However, in the MCU, Carol Danvers is the only one (so far).
Carol herself was first introduced in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 in March of 1968 by Roy Thomas and Gene Colan. At the time, she was just a soldier. Now, however, she’s become Captain Marvel, much like the hero has in the films.
30 Clint Barton/Hawkeye — Tales Of Suspense #57 (1964)
Hawkeye was first introduced to the MCU in Thor, and mostly in passing. Clint Barton was introduced to Marvel Comics with slightly more fanfare, however. Hawkeye’s first appearance was in Tales of Suspense #57 in September of 1964. He was created by Stan Lee and Don Heck, and was originally intended to be a villain. It wasn’t until a little bit later that he became an Avenger.
29 Danny Rand/Iron Fist — Marvel Premiere #15 (1974)
The television shows in the MCU have introduced their fair share of superheroes. Danny Rand, or Iron Fist, is among those heroes. He got his own show, Iron Fist, after being introduced years ago in the mid-1970s. Roy Thomas and Gil Kane created Iron Fist; he first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 in May of 1974. He would soon befriend Luke Cage, also known as Power Man, and the rest is history.
28 Drax The Destroyer — The Invincible Iron Man #55 (1973)
Surprisingly to some MCU fans, that version of Guardians of the Galaxy were not introduced to the comics as a set. Drax the Destroyer first appeared in The Invincible Iron Man #55 by Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich. This appearance in February of 1973 was followed up by another appearance in July of that same year. Eventually, of course, Drax would become one of the onscreen Guardians of the Galaxy in the MCU.
27 Gamora — Strange Tales #180 (1975)
Another one of the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Gamora, was similarly created by Jim Starlin. This time, Jim Starlin was all on his own in writing Strange Tales #180, which came out in June of 1975. Gamora was already Thanos’ adopted daughter, which has continued through to this day— and to Gamora’s plot in the MCU.
26 Groot — Tales To Astonish #13 (1960)
Drax and Gamora fight alongside their fellow Guardian, Groot, despite the fact that they sometimes struggle to communicate. Groot was not created by Jim Starlin, but by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Larry Lieber— an iconic group. The character of Groot was first introduced in Tales to Astonish #13 from November of 1960 as an alien that wanted to steal people and probe them.
25 Hope Van Dyne/Wasp — A-Next #7 (1999)
While the Wasp was introduced originally in 1963, this character was Janet van Dyne. Janet did not take up the role of the Wasp in the MCU; instead, the mantle was passed to her daughter, Hope. In the comics, she’s the daughter of Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne. She was first introduced in A-Next #7 as the villain Red Queen in April of 1999, written by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz.
24 James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes/The Winter Soldier — Captain America Comics #1 (1941)
Bucky Barnes was actually first introduced alongside Steve Rogers back in the 1940s. He was conceptualized alongside Cap long before he ever became the Winter Soldier. Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created and introduced the character with Steve as his sidekick in Captain America Comics #1, dated to March of 1941.
Technically, this was a Timely Comics comic, and not even a Marvel comic. Bucky has been at Steve’s for nearly a century now, and through multiple properties.
23 James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine — Iron Man #118 (1979)
While Iron Man has passed away in the MCU, there is still someone with Iron Armor out there in the world. Tony Stark’s best friend, James “Rhodey” Rhodes, is likely to step in as War Machine to help fill the void Iron Man left behind. Rhodey was first introduced in Iron Man #118 in January of 1979, written by David Michelinie with art by John Byrne.
22 Jessica Jones — Alias #1 (2001)
The character of Jessica Jones actually isn’t all that old, especially when compared to many of the other main heroes in the MCU. Jessica Jones made her first appearance in Alias #1, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Michael Gaydos. In a metatextual sense, Jessica may be twenty years old, but her impact and legacy are already just as strong as many other heroes.
21 Luke Cage/Power Man — Luke Cage, Hero For Hire #1 (1972)
Jessica Jones is often paired up with one of her most prominent love interests, Luke Cage, also known as Power Man. In fact, the two of them even have a daughter together in some canon stories— named Danielle, after Danny Rand. Luke Cage, himself, was first introduced in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 in June 1972. He was created by a slightly larger team than most, including Archie Goodwin, George Tuska, John Romita, Sr., and Roy Thomas.
20 Mantis — The Avengers #112 (1973)
Mantis is relatively new to the MCU, but fans love her all the same. She was first introduced to the pages of Marvel Comics in The Avengers #112 in June of 1973. This comic, written by Steve Englehart with art by Don Heck, saw Mantis make her first appearance of many. Steve Englehart would keep writing Mantis for many years, for multiple different properties, before returning to Marvel to stay.
19 Matt Murdock/Daredevil — Daredevil #1 (1964)
There are rumors circulating that Matt Murdock will be appearing in the MCU again soon. Fans loved him on Netflix, and they’ve loved him ever since he first appeared in the 1960s. Matt Murdock’s originated in Daredevil #1, created by Stan Lee, Bill Everett, and Jack Kirby. The character evolved a lot over the years before becoming the hero he would be when he entered the MCU.
18 Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow — Tales Of Suspense #52 (1964)
The Black Widow is only just now getting her own movie, but Natasha Romanoff— one of many names she’s gone by in the comics— has been around in comics for some time already. She first appeared in Tales of Suspense #52, in April of 1964, created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck. While she was originally an antagonist, she would eventually convince Hawkeye to turn with her and defect to the side of good.
17 Nick Fury — Sgt. Fury & His Howling Commandos #1 (1963)
Nick Fury may be one of the unsung heroes of the MCU, but he’s still very important. He was first introduced to Marvel Comics by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 in May of 1963 as a colonel in the U.S. Army. In the MCU, Nick Fury is more of an elite operative and head of S.H.I.E.L.D., but his basic vibe has remained the same over the years.
16 Peter Parker/Spider-Man — Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)
Like a few other MCU characters, Spider-Man is a legacy mantle that multiple characters have taken up. Peter Parker, however, was famously the first one. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Peter Parker first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15 in August of 1962, and has appeared fairly constantly ever since. His arrival to the MCU was a long time coming, and it seems that he will stay for a long time from now, as well.
15 Peter Quill/Star-Lord — Marvel Preview #4 (1976)
The Guardians of the Galaxy are nothing without their leader in the MCU, the human Star-Lord, or Peter Quill. The character of Peter Quill has been around longer than most people know off the top of their heads. Steve Englehart and Steve Gan created Peter Quill in January of 1976, where he made his first appearance in Marvel Preview #4. His story has changed over the years, but his title of Star-Lord remains the same.
14 Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver — Uncanny X-Men #4 (1964)
Quicksilver’s appearance in the MCU was perhaps even faster than the man himself. This is unfortunate, as the character has a long and rich history from Marvel Comics. Pietro Maximoff was first introduced in Uncanny X-Men #4 in March of 1964.
He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and introduced alongside his sister, Wanda. While he was originally an antagonist, like many other heroes, he soon became a superhero and has fulfilled that role ever since.
13 Rocket Raccoon — Marvel Preview #7 (1976)
Rocket Raccoon was not introduced alongside his teammates, though he would eventually join them in the comics and in the MCU. Rocket originated in Marvel Preview #7 in the summer of 1976. He was originally created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen exactly as fans know him: As a tactical genius, a master marksman, and a talking raccoon. He’s been pretty much the same ever since.
12 Sam Wilson/Falcon — Captain America #117 (1969)
Recently, Sam Wilson has only been getting more and more popular. While he is usually the Falcon, Sam has also taken up the title of Captain America in the comics— and likely will do so in the MCU as well. Sam Wilson originated decades ago, in Captain America #117, in September of 1969. He was originally created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan.
11 Scott Lang/Ant-Man — The Avengers #181 (1979)
While Scott Lang may not have been the first Ant-Man in Marvel Comics or in the MCU, he is still the main character holding the mantle in the franchise. Scott Lang himself was first introduced in March of 1979 in The Avengers #181, written by David Michelinie with art by John Byrne and Bob Layton. He was a surprising choice to enter the MCU as their primary Ant-Man, but this has since proven to be an excellent decision.
10 Shang-Chi — Special Marvel Edition #15 (1973)
Though Shang-Chi is just now gracing the silver screen, he first appeared in December of 1973. Shang-Chi originated in Special Marvel Edition #15, created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin. Now, it’s only a matter of time before Shangi-Chi enters the MCU in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Fans are even more excited now that teaser footage has been released of the film.
9 Stephen Strange/Dr. Strange — Strange Tales #110 (1963)
Some fans were nervous that Dr. Strange would not make a graceful transition from page to screen, but he was actually adapted rather well. Stephen Strange first appeared in Marvel Comics in Strange Tales #110 in July of 1963. He was created by Steve Ditko along with Stan Lee, introduced that very year, and has been bringing new, untold levels of mysticism to the universe of Marvel Comics ever since.
8 Steve Rogers/Captain America — Captain America Comics #1 (1941)
One of the most famous superheroes ever created is also one of the oldest. Steve Rogers, or Captain America, was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. He was introduced at the same time Bucky was— in Captain America Comics #1, in March of 1941.
Back then, the comic didn’t even come out under Marvel Comics, but under the Timely Comics name. While Captain America suffered for a while in the 1950s, he was revived in 1964 and has remained immensely popular ever since.
7 T’Challa/Black Panther — Fantastic Four #52 (1966)
The character of T’Challa, who would be the Black Panther, was first introduced in Fantastic Four #52, in July of 1966. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and has been around longer than most fans know. Surprisingly, Stan Lee has stated over the years that the superhero name Black Panther was actually not named after the Black Panther Party. He is experiencing a recent well-deserved resurgence in popularity.
6 Thor — Journey Into Mystery #83 (1962)
While Thor’s introduction to the MCU was a bit rocky, he is now one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise. The character was first created for the comics in August of 1962. While, of course, the mythological Thor has existed for a long time— and even appeared himself in the comics in 1951 — the superhero Thor originated in the comic issue Journey into Mystery #83 by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby.
5 Tony Stark/Iron Man — Tales Of Suspense #39 (1963)
One of the most popular heroes in Marvel history is Iron Man. Tony Stark, the character’s real name, was first created in the 1960s. His first appearance was in Tales of Suspense #39, from March of 1963. It was here that he originated, created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby. He founded the Avengers team that same year, along with his superhero friends Thor, Bruce Banner, Hank Pym, and Janet van Dyne.
4 Tyrone Johnson & Tandy Bowen/Cloak & Dagger — Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #64 (1982)
Many did not get a chance to watch the television show Cloak & Dagger, but the eponymous characters are fairly popular in Marvel Comics. Tyrone “Ty” Johnson/Cloak, and Tandy Bowen/Dagger are a dynamic duo that appeared together for the first time in March of 1982. Bill Mantlo created Cloak and Dagger along with Ed Hannigan. The two characters appeared for the first time in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #64.
3 Vision — Avengers #57 (1968)
After the Vision got immensely popular with the hit Disney+ show WandaVision, fans have been returning to Vision’s origins in the comic books, where he was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, first appearing in Avengers #57. The comic came out in 1968, but he was based loosely on an alien character (also named Vision) who had been introduced in Timely Comics a while earlier.
2 Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch — Uncanny X-Men #4 (1964)
Much like her husband, the Vision, Wanda Maximoff has recently gotten even more popular than she already was. Wanda/Scarlet Witch was first introduced in Uncanny X-Men #4, alongside her twin brother, Pietro Maximoff, or Quicksilver. Like her brother, she was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Also like her brother, she is a mutant, though the MCU has not actually addressed that at any point just yet.
1 Yelena Belova/Black Widow — Inhumans #5 (1999)
It seems that Black Widow is now a legacy character in the MCU. The original, Natasha Romanoff, is being replaced with Yelena Belova, the new Black Widow in the upcoming film of the same name. Yelena first appeared in March of 1999 in Inhumans #5. She was originally created by Devin Grayson and J.G. Jones to be an antagonist fighting Natasha, but the two of them eventually teamed up— and it seems the same may be true in the MCU.
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