Here are the 10 Marvel Comics characters who will have big, dramatic, or crucial moments in 2023.
Every year, there are certain Marvel Comics characters that stand out. For example, the new age of Krakoa (which started with House of X and Powers of X) made the X-Men and mutants *the* franchise to watch.
There have also been years where Carol Danvers, Miles Morales, and others have had career changing years. Those years led to popularity and then to being used more in comics, movies, and more. Marvel Comics fans should expect the same in 2023.
These 10 characters and team are the ones you should pay close attention to.
10. The Punisher
In 2022, Jason Aaron started a comic book series where Frank Castle was leading The Hand. A series that has caused Ares (the god who anointed) to become disappointed in his avatar. Now, the Greek God of War wants the Punisher dead. In issue No. 8 of Punisher, Ares brought the war to The Hand’s door. As we know, Frank isn’t going down without a fight. Readers can also assume Punisher will win. That victory will have consequences. What they are remains to be seen.
Ares isn’t the only person gunning for Frank. Daredevil and Elektra got married to fulfill a prophecy that’s supposed to stop The Hand. In order to do that, they’ll have to go through Frank Castle. If this writer had to guess, this doesn’t end with Daredevil’s death. However, there could be betrayal.
9. Elektra
Elektra is all about the bottom line. If something needs to happen, she will get it done no matter the cost. She’s also killed innocent people to take down The Hand (read Wolverine: Enemy of the State and Wolverine Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. for more on that). That’s no different than what is currently going on. Elektra will destroy The Hand even if it means killing Daredevil to do it.
Matt Murdock isn’t a killer. When it’s time to deliver the final blow, it’s doubtful that he’ll follow through. Especially if it means killing Frank. However, Elektra will have no problem doing it. There’s also the part of the prophecy where the king or queen of The Fist has to die. Elektra is likely willing to kill Daredevil if it causes The Hand’s downfall. Or, maybe she’ll kill herself.
8. Roberto Da Costa
Roberto Da Costa (Sunspot) has been making big time moves in Marvel Comics for years. The problem is they get swept under the rug. For example, he’s one of the richest men in the galaxy. With that money he’s become influential all over the universe. He used that money to improve mutant relations on other planets.
Beyond the money, in 2022, Sunspot taught Isca the Unbeaten that there’s a way to lose without losing. It was the first time she’d been “defeated.” A few issues later, he showed Vulcan that even an omega level mutant should second guess themselves before fighting him (both happened in X-Men Red). With those moments in mind, this writer expects Roberto Da Costa to have more incredible moments in 2023. Definitely keep an eye on him.
7. Sabretooth
Victor Creed (Sabretooth) broke a few records while on Krakoa. He was the first person to be sent to, rule it, and escape The Pit. At the end of Sabretooth, Destiny showed readers a possible future for Creed. He would become the leader of the Exiles (complete with a wheelchair like Professor Xavier). Maybe it’s a place where mutants that have felt forgotten or looked down on can live. Or it could be a team. If this happens, there could be an alternative to Krakoa. Since mutants have diplomatic immunity worldwide, they could create something new. Sabretooth being more than an animal will be a good change. However, it won’t last forever.
6. Black Panther
In Marvel Comics, Black Panther doesn’t normally lose because he usually has a plan for everything. In John Ridley’s Black Panther, that planning came back to hurt him. He put spies all over the world and on Arrako. This caused him to be a pariah in Wakanda. Since then, he’s continuously lost.
It’s reported that T’Challa is going to take another defeat at the hands of Captain America. A fight he normally wins. This loss leads to him teaming up with Namor. A person that he doesn’t trust and tried to kill. At some point, T’Challa will have to get a major win. Whenever that happens, everyone should pay attention. What happens after that will shake the Marvel Comics universe.
5. Venom
Marvel Comics has produced a lot of quality content featuring Venom. Absolute Carnage, King in Black, and his current Venom series have all been top notch. Later this year, there will be more symbiote shenanigans in Summer of Symbiotes. Other than new symbiotes, there’s been no news on what will happen. Of course it will feature Venom, Carnage, and Red Goblin. We can also guess that Spider-Man will be involved as well. Until then, pay attention to Venom. Everything that happens in Marvel Comics’ Dark Web until Summer of Symbiotes will be important.
4. The Avengers
The current run featuring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes by Jason Aaron will be coming to an end after Avengers Assemble. An event where the Masters of Evil of the Multiverse, the Doom above all, and 616 Mephistos go up against Avengers across the multiverse. After something this monumental, you have to wonder what’s next.
There has to be an Avengers. They’re the premier team of the Marvel Comics universe. With this run ending, what’s next? Who will Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face? What heroes will fill out their roster? And, more importantly, who will lead them into battle? Maybe it’s time for Carol Danvers to be in charge again.
3. Spider-Man/Fantastic Four
Both the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man have something in common: The restarting of their series began with a mystery. For Spider-Man, he did something that caused a lot of heroes and his family members to look down at him. Even Mary Jane won’t speak to him.
Marvel’s First Family is in a similar situation. They’re a beloved team and the public hates them. Another thing they both have in common is readers don’t know what happened.
Marvel.com says that it will be revealed in Zeb Wells’ Amazing Spider-Man No. 21 and 22. This writer believes whatever happened is connected to the Fantastic Four. Especially since the gadget Spider-Man used was created by Reed Richards. The crater the device created could have been the Baxter Building (which disappeared). Even if that’s not the case, both mysteries will affect their lives forever.
2. Storm
Storm has been on a roll since Krakoa became a nation. The things she did with the Quiet Council were great, but it pales in comparison to what she’s done with Arrako. She challenged the people of Arrako and helped them move on from the idea of peace being weak. She did that by not putting herself above anyone and setting an example. That respect was reciprocated. However, as Vulcan found out in X-Men Red No. 10, her kindness is never a weakness.
Of course the X-Men will have big moments in 2023. They always do. Nevertheless, it’s Storm who needs to be watched. She’s going to have the best year of any mutant. Thankfully, Al Ewing will lead the way with X-Men Red and Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants.
1. Thor
A couple of years ago, Donny Cates started his run of Thor. He had big shoes to fill coming off of Jason Aaron’s historic and iconic run. Cates followed it up with Thor killing Galactus (Thor No. 6). That’s more than enough to get people to check out a series. But he wasn’t done there. After the Silver Surfer went to see Thor, readers learn that the God of Thunder was shown a foreboding prophecy. He sees Thanos holding Mjilnor with the Infinity Stones in it and what appears to be a Black Infinity Gauntlet and Stone. Behind him was an army of Marvel heroes as Zombies.
During Thanos: Death Notes, Thor is searching for answers and comes across an empty file titled the Black Stone. Unfortunately, the file was empty and Odin (who’s in Mjolnir) doesn’t know about it. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. With Thor seeing a Black Gauntlet with a Black Stone in it, it’s almost a certainty that it’s real. As 2023 continues, Thor will come closer to what he saw. That means bad things are on the way for the Odinson.
As of now, there isn’t any news on when Thor and Thanos will fight, but more on that is coming and soon. Stay tuned for Bam Smack Pow for news on that as it comes out.
What do you think, readers? What Marvel Comics characters do you think will have a big year? Let us know in the comments below.