20 Forgotten Comic Book Characters from the ’80s
Many comic book characters from the '80s have been forgotten, but they still have stories worth remembering.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
The ’80s had a lot of comic book characters that people barely remember today. Some had great stories and cool designs but never became popular. Others had a small fan base for a while, then disappeared. These characters may not be famous, but they are still worth talking about.
1. Dynamo Joe
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A giant mecha from First Comics, Dynamo Joe had all the elements of a great sci-fi action series. Piloted by a mix of humans and aliens, the story featured massive battles and political intrigue. It was ahead of its time but never reached mainstream popularity.
2. Atari Force
Cardigan Photographie on Wikimedia Commons
Atari Force, a tie-in with Atari video games, featured a team of heroes in space-faring adventures. The concept was ambitious, but the comic was forgotten without a lasting game franchise behind it. Despite this, it had solid storytelling and memorable characters.
3. Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew
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DC’s attempt at a fun, lighthearted superhero team, Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew featured animal heroes fighting villains. The series had charm but never gained long-term popularity. Its characters occasionally resurface, but most readers do not remember them.
4. The Badger
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
An unpredictable, martial-arts-loving hero with multiple personalities, The Badger was one of the more eccentric vigilantes of the ’80s. He combined action, humor, and political satire but never gained mainstream fame. The character still has a cult following.
5. Swords of the Swashbucklers
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This series, which mixed sci-fi and pirate adventures, had a rebellious spirit. It followed a young woman who joined a crew of space pirates fighting against tyranny. Despite its creative premise, it did not last beyond a limited run.
6. Grimjack
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Grimjack was a tough, gun-slinging mercenary operating in a lawless, multi-dimensional city. The series blended noir, sci-fi, and fantasy but remained a cult favorite rather than a mainstream hit. The character occasionally resurfaces in indie comics.
7. The Elementals
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Created by Bill Willingham, The Elementals introduced a darker, more mature take on superheroes. The team was elemental-based and tackled serious themes but faded into obscurity after the ’80s.
8. Blue Devil
Duke on Wikimedia Commons
A stuntman turned reluctant superhero, Blue Devil was a mix of action and comedy. His quirky charm made him stand out, but he never reached the level of other DC heroes. The character still makes occasional guest appearances.
9. Nexus
Google on Wikimedia Commons
Nexus was a cosmic executioner driven by visions of criminals. Its mix of deep storytelling and stylish art made it a standout, but it remained more of an indie hit than a mainstream success.
10. American Flagg!
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A sharp political satire, American Flagg! featured a former TV star-turned-law enforcer in a dystopian future. The enforcer in a dystopian future. The comic was ahead of its time, but its complex themes kept it from being a mainstream hit.
11. Thriller
REDAZIONE on Wikimedia Commons
DC’s Thriller was an ambitious attempt at a surreal, cinematic comic series. It followed a group of operatives with unique powers, but its unconventional storytelling style made it a tough sell. The series was short-lived but remains a curiosity for comic fans.
12. Dreadstar
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Created by Jim Starlin, Dreadstar mixed space opera with philosophical themes. It followed Vanth Dreadstar’s battle against a corrupt galactic empire. Despite its strong storytelling, it never became a mainstream hit.
13. Ms. Tree
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One of the toughest private detectives in comics, Ms. Tree was a gritty, noir-inspired crime series. Her hard-edged personality and compelling cases made her stand out, but the series remained under the radar.
14. Shatter
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Shatter was the first comic created entirely using a computer, making it a technological milestone. The cyberpunk story fit the innovative style, but it never gained widespread recognition.
15. Whisper
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A former journalist turned ninja, Whisper was a unique blend of espionage and martial arts. The series had a dedicated fanbase but never reached the same level as other vigilante heroes.
16. Stalkers
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Stalkers followed a group of government-sanctioned bounty hunters in a dystopian future. Its dark themes and action-packed storytelling gave it potential, but it was quickly forgotten.
17. Maze Agency
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A detective series that emphasized well-crafted mysteries, Maze Agency focused on a private investigator duo solving complex cases. It never became mainstream, but its storytelling and art were top-notch.
18. Jon Sable, Freelance
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A mix of mercenary action and personal drama, Jon Sable, Freelance was a gripping series about a soldier-turned-writer. It had depth and compelling characters but never reached the heights of bigger comic franchises.
19. Starslayer
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A time-traveling warrior from the past who fights for the future, Starslayer was a mix of historical adventure and sci-fi. It had a unique concept but never gained mass appeal.
20. Aztec Ace
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A time-traveling detective who battled historical paradoxes, Aztec Ace was an ambitious comic that mixed sci-fi, mythology, and mystery. Despite its originality, it never found a large audience.