Marvel's Hero Problem: Great Lakes Avengers to the Rescue?

Marvel Studios is currently experiencing a "hero problem," with the departures after "Endgame" leaving a void in charisma and gravitas that newer projects have struggled to fill. The prestige of established heroes has also diminished due to less successful recent endeavors. The franchise needs more than just a large-scale event like "Avengers: Doomsday" to recover; it requires fresh storytelling capable of reviving the superhero genre.

The "Great Lakes Avengers" (GLA) are presented as a potential solution. This often-disrespected team, consisting of characters like Mr. Immortal, Doorman, Big Bertha, Flatman, and Dinah Soar, represents Marvel's truest underdogs. Their lack of institutional backing and localized name make them ideal for stories that contrast with the grander exploits of the main Avengers, focusing instead on community action.

Despite their potential, Marvel Studios has reportedly undermined the GLA's significance by relegating core members to minor cameos. Mr. Immortal appeared in "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law" in a forgettable role, and Doorman had a similarly limited presence in "Wonder Man." This treatment neglects the opportunity to build upon characters who could remind audiences why superheroes matter.