While DC Comics is often known for heroes based in imaginary cities scattered around the world, Marvel Comics has always had its pulse on the streets of New York City. As the MCU continues to grow, more and more of those New York heroes have been making their way onto the big screen.
Most of those heroes are now familiar and iconic pieces of the Marvel Cinematic Universe puzzle, but there are many from the pages of Marvel Comics that still haven't had their chance to shine in the MCU just yet. There are certainly plans to see some of them shortly, but for now they remain relegated to the pages of the comics.
Angel
An X-Man, a Champion, and a member of X-Corp, Warren Worthington III is one of New York City's most prominent heroes — and one who hasn't been allowed his moment in the spotlight in a very long time. While he spent years patrolling its streets, he's often disregarded. After all, he isn't exactly one of the most powerful mutants.
Still, after his time as Archangel, he proved himself to be a formidable force and an excellent fighter. As a Champion, he proved that he's dedicated to keeping the people of New York City safe. What more could New Yorkers ask for in a hero?
Power Man
After surviving a massive explosion that left him with chi-powers that rivaled that of Iron Fist, Víctor Álvarez took on the name Power Man and began trying to protect the people in his New York City neighborhood. Though the original Power Man — Luke Cage — was originally confused, Iron Fist did his best to train him.
Now a former New Avenger and member of the Champions, Power Man continues to get stronger by the issue, and will likely be strong enough soon to take the whole Marvel universe by storm.
Firestar
As a hero most likely to find herself as a member of the new X-Men, it's surprising that Firestar hasn't had her MCU debut yet. Though she is a mutant, she's never spent much time with the mutant side of Marvel Comics. Instead, she spent her time saving lives alongside the New Warriors and the Avengers.
While Firestar has a tragic history and has suffered through some seriously heavy storylines, she could make a great Avenger should she ever appear in the MCU. After all, she has spent the majority of her heroic career patrolling the streets of New York City.
Ben Reilly
The most prominent clone of Peter Parker, Ben Reilly has spent years trying to find his place in the world, both as a hero and as a man. Though he spent time protecting people all across the world, Reilly is most used to the streets of New York City, where he often takes the role of Spider-Man to protect the city-dwellers.
While Reilly recently experienced a great upheaval that left him with memory trouble, a glowing new suit, and the name "Chasm". It's likely that Reilly may appear in the MCU, and it's certainly possible that he may eventually end up donning purple and green and facing off against Peter as a foe, rather than a friend.
Hellcat
One of Marvel's earliest characters, Hellcat worked alongside the Avengers and attempted to use her natural abilities to protect the people of New York. She eventually joined the Defenders and even married Daimon Hellstrom, a match that shocked the Marvel universe.
After spending time in Hell — where Hellcat was not as comfortable as her name would suggest — she managed to adapt and come to terms with the events of her life. Hellcat is a fierce fighter and could make an excellent addition to the MCU, especially in the event that Hellstrom makes his own introduction to the screen.
Spider-Gwen
Much like the mainstream version of Peter Parker, when an alternate universe version of Gwen Stacy was bit by a modified spider, she became the legendary Ghost-Spider and took to protecting citizens of an alternate New York City. Eventually, she moved to New York City in the 616 universe in order to attend classes in a world where people didn't know her secret identity.
While non-comics fans don't know much about Spider-Gwen, she's become an iconic character in the comics and has managed to carry solo books of her own. With a well-built alternate universe behind her, and fun and unique storylines in her home city, she would make an excellent edition to the MCU.
Silk
A woman with a photographic memory and spider powers, Silk spent years trapped in a bunker and developed considerable anxiety as a result. Ever-working to make friends and stave off loneliness, Silk has an intriguing personality and fantastic array of powers that comic fans love.
Having worked with J. Jonah Jameson in her downtime, Silk became a prominent figure in New York City and ardently attempted to protect New Yorkers.
Hercules
Marvel's Hercules — yes, that Hercules — has long been one of the most prominent Avengers, and has spent time both as a New York City-based member of the Champions and as the Godly defender of Brooklyn. In fact, on one occasion, he became the sole protector of a section of Brooklyn that he defended even after having lost his powers.
As one of the most powerful Olympic Gods in Marvel Comics, Hercules has proved himself time and time again to be a true friend to the people of New York and the world. It's genuinely surprising that he has yet to show his face in the MCU.
Miles Morales
One of the best Marvel comics characters not in the MCU, Miles Morales was originally an alternate universe Spider-Man, before his universe was reset and Miles found himself in Earth 616. Quick to prove himself to be just as great as the original Spider-Man, Miles has faced off against a fierce panel of villains, while still finding time to help lead a superteam of his own.
While Miles is currently starring in his own movies, it would be a lot of fun to get to see him in the MCU, fighting alongside Peter and some of the other spiders. Plus, it would be nice to get to see an experienced Miles fighting along an inexperienced Peter for once.
The Fantastic Four
Marvel's first family, the Fantastic Four has always been one of the most beloved franchises in Marvel Comics. Having protected New York City for decades, they have long been regarded as some of the greatest heroes in comics — and for good reason.
All four of the main Fantastic Four team members, and each member of their accompanying Future Foundation, will make excellent editions to the MCU. After all, they already have a home base in New York City. Besides, as one of the most iconic Marvel teams, it would be a shame if they didn't eventually show their faces in movie theatres once again.