2025 marked a significant year for Marvel Comics, as it introduced a multitude of new characters who are set to shape future storylines. Among these are formidable heroes and villains that even the notorious Mephisto finds intimidating. With fresh narratives emerging from popular series such as X-Men and Captain America, fans are eager to see how these characters will evolve in the coming year. Here are the ten standout new characters that have captured the imagination of readers.
Hell Hulk: The Rage Incarnate
Debuting in Hellverine Volume 2 #5, created by Benjamin Percy and Raffaele Ienco, Hell Hulk is a product of the demonic scientist Severith. Originally intended as a weapon for Mephisto, Hell Hulk’s awakening nearly turned the tables on its creator. After a violent emergence on Earth, this entity has established a reign of terror, particularly clashing with the Hellverine. Hell Hulk’s unique ability to emit demonic energy incites uncontrollable rage in those nearby, presenting a terrifying challenge that readers hope to see revisited soon.
A New Silver Surfer: Major Kelly Koh
In Death of the Silver Surfer #1, crafted by Greg Pak and Simit Kumar, Major Kelly Koh becomes the new Silver Surfer. Initially a soldier with the Bureau of Alien Neutralization, Koh undergoes a transformative journey after witnessing the Silver Surfer’s nobility. Following Norrin Radd’s sacrifice to seal a rift in time and space, Koh inherits the Surfer’s powers and commits herself to protecting extraterrestrial beings, even if it means defying authority.
Waffles the Bloodhound Sentinel: A Cybernetic Companion
Introduced in Uncanny X-Men #9, by Gail Simone and Andrei Bressan, Waffles the Bloodhound Sentinel represents a new breed of Sentinel—cybernetically enhanced bloodhounds. Initially a fearsome adversary, Waffles experiences a reset during a confrontation with the Uncanny X-Men’s students, revealing a softer side. Dubbed Waffles by its owner, Deathdream, this robotic canine showcases an unexpected blend of lethal capability and affection.
Rogue Red: A Heartbreaking Duplicate
From the Age of Revelation event comes Rogue Red, a character created by Murewa Ayodele and Roland Boschi. As a duplicate of the original Rogue, Rogue Red possesses no mutant powers of her own but wields mystically enhanced knuckledusters from Storm. Her tragic backstory involves losing her true love, Gambit, to the original Rogue, and later confronting Storm in a moment of vulnerability. Rogue Red’s fierce persona and leadership of her own X-Force make her a character to watch.
Ultimate Daredevil: A Meta-Hero
The Ultimate Universe: Two Years In #1, developed by Alex Paknadel, Deniz Camp, and Javier Pulido, introduces a unique version of Daredevil. This iteration, a Beyonder who has sacrificed much of his omniscience, retains immense power. With abilities like 4D karate and a ‘Reader-Sense’ that allows him to manipulate the comic’s script, Ultimate Daredevil’s adventures will continue as he joins the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Ultimate Lucas Cage: A Revolutionary Figure
In Ultimates Volume 3 #9, created by Deniz Camp and Chris Allen, Lucas Cage emerges as a political prisoner under the Maker’s regime. Gifted superpowers by Tony Stark, he opts not for escape but to lead a revolt against the exploitative prison system. His journey to establish the ‘Ultimate Archipelago’ and recruit superhumans for his version of the Avengers sets the stage for future conflicts in the Ultimate Endgame event.
Scoop: A Principled Journalist
From Doom Academy #1, created by MacKenzie Cadenhead and Pasqual Ferry, Scoop is a student journalist with a unique lineage. As the son of a propagandist for Doctor Doom, he diverges from his father’s path by adhering to ethical journalism. His role within Doctor Strange’s academy introduces an intriguing dynamic and reinforces the importance of truthful reporting in a world filled with manipulation.
Lady Henrietta: A Guardian of Souls
Lady Henrietta, introduced in Uncanny X-Men Volume 6 #13 by Gail Simone and David Marquez, is a mutant with the ability to transform into living rock. Her narrative unfolds in the early twentieth century, where she discovers a hidden community of mutants. Henrietta’s tragic tale as the guardian of a mystical realm for those who abuse mutants enriches the larger history of mutantkind.
Captain America: The New Ideal
In Captain America Volume 14 #1, created by Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti, David Colton steps into the role of Captain America. A soldier who joined the military post-9/11, Colton’s journey reveals a darker side when he succumbs to cynicism during a mission. His violent confrontation with Steve Rogers raises questions about power and morality, setting the stage for potential future developments in the upcoming ‘Road to Armageddon’ arc.
Justina LaGuardia: The Superior Mutant
The character Justina LaGuardia debuts in Giant-Size X-Men Volume 3 #1, created by Al Ewing and Sara Pichelli. As a mutant who rejected Charles Xavier’s recruitment efforts, her powers allow her to surpass others in strength and capability. Notably, she possesses the ability to replicate and enhance Xavier’s Omega-level telepathy, erasing her existence from his memory. Justina’s reclusive journey to master her powers hints at a formidable return in 2026.
These ten new characters from Marvel Comics in 2025 are just the tip of the iceberg, showcasing creativity and depth. As the Marvel Universe expands, fans eagerly anticipate how these characters will influence upcoming story arcs in 2026 and beyond.
