In the vast universes of comics, anime, and beyond, there are countless heroes and villains, mentors and sidekicks, who capture our imaginations. But for every iconic protagonist or notorious antagonist, there's a trove of "Lesser-Known & Underrated Characters" waiting in the wings—figures whose depth, power, or sheer coolness are often overlooked. These are the characters who, despite their significant contributions or compelling backstories, haven't quite ascended to the same level of mainstream adoration as their more famous counterparts. It's time to shine a spotlight on these hidden gems and give them the recognition they've earned.
At a Glance: Unearthing Underrated Greats
- Underrated vs. Lesser-Known: An underrated character might be well-known but undervalued, while a lesser-known character simply hasn't had much exposure.
- Why They're Overlooked: Often due to limited screen time, complex backstories, overshadowed by leads, or initial misinterpretations.
- Marvel's X-Men: Many powerful, unique, and historically significant mutants have flown under the radar, from luck-wielding rebels to groundbreaking LGBTQ+ icons.
- Anime's Rich Tapestry: From courageous side characters to villains with surprising depth, anime is a goldmine for underappreciated figures who drive narratives.
- Your Role: You can help these characters gain traction by engaging with their stories and sharing your appreciation.
The Secret Sauce: What Makes a Character Truly "Underrated"?
Before we dive into specific examples, let's clarify what we mean by "underrated" and "lesser-known." A lesser-known character is simply someone who hasn't had as much exposure. Perhaps they're from an older series, a niche spin-off, or simply haven't been featured prominently in recent adaptations. Their lack of fame doesn't diminish their quality, only their visibility.
An underrated character, on the other hand, might even be relatively well-known, but their importance, power, or character depth is consistently undervalued. They might be dismissed as a comedic relief, a sidekick, or a stepping stone for the main hero, despite proving themselves capable, complex, or crucial to the plot time and again. The goal isn't just to unearth forgotten names, but to re-evaluate the true impact of those we might have taken for granted.
Mutant Might: Unsung Heroes from the X-Men Universe
The X-Men universe is a sprawling tapestry of unique abilities and profound personal stories. While Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey often dominate the spotlight, a wealth of other mutants and allies have made indelible marks, yet rarely get their full due.
The Powerhouses You Might Be Missing
Some X-Men characters wield incredible power or possess game-changing abilities but don't always get the top-tier recognition.
- X-Man (Nate Grey): Hailing from the dark "Age of Apocalypse" timeline, Nate Grey is essentially the son of Cyclops and Jean Grey, genetically engineered by Mister Sinister. As one of the most powerful mutants in his reality, he's a telepath and telekinetic of immense magnitude, often struggling to contain his own vast energies. His strength rivals Omega-level mutants, yet he often feels like a footnote compared to his mainstream counterparts.
- Polaris (Lorna Dane): As Magneto's daughter, Lorna inherited her father's magnetic mastery, allowing her to manipulate metal, fly, and generate powerful electromagnetic fields. Despite her lineage and immense power—which she often uses with more control than Magneto—she frequently finds herself in the shadow of other, more famous X-Women or her tumultuous relationship with Havok. She's a force to be reckoned with, truly.
- Magik (Illyana Rasputina): Colossus's younger sister, Illyana, is a powerful sorceress and mutant with teleportation abilities. Trapped in the demon dimension of Limbo as a child, she returned as the sword-wielding hero Magik, capable of traversing space and time and conjuring dark magic. She's fierce, morally complex, and has been a cornerstone of various X-teams, yet her mystical prowess and leadership are often understated. She's set to get her first solo series in early 2025, which might finally bring her the broader attention she deserves.
- Havok (Alex Summers): Overshadowed by his older brother Cyclops, Alex Summers wields the power to absorb cosmic energy and unleash it as devastating plasma blasts. Despite leading teams and grappling with complex morality, Havok often remains a secondary figure. His powers are distinct from Scott’s optic blasts, offering a different kind of raw destructive force that's often pivotal in battles.
Unique Origins & Groundbreaking Roles
Not all underrated characters are about raw power; some stand out for their unique backstories or their pioneering contributions.
- Longshot: This isn't your typical mutant. A biogenetic cyborg from the Mojoverse, Longshot's mutant ability is pure luck—he literally has probability manipulation, making him incredibly hard to hit and surprisingly effective. He led a slave rebellion against his tyrannical creators and has been a dynamic ally across several Marvel teams. His bizarre origin story and charming personality make him a truly distinctive, yet often forgotten, hero.
- Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier): A founding member of Canada's Alpha Flight before joining the X-Men, Northstar possesses superhuman strength, speed, and the power of flight. But his most significant, and often underrated, contribution is his identity: he was the first openly queer character in Marvel Comics history, a groundbreaking moment that cemented his place in comic lore beyond his powers alone.
- Firestar (Angelica Jones): Originally created for the "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends" animated series, Firestar made the leap to comics with her ability to generate and manipulate microwave energy. This power manifests as fiery blasts, intense heat, and even the capacity to disrupt psychic abilities. Her unique origin and potent, versatile powers make her a compelling, if often overlooked, member of various superhero teams.
- Dazzler (Alison Blaire): A mutant pop star, Dazzler can convert sound vibrations into light and energy, using her abilities to create dazzling light shows or powerful concussive blasts. While she had her own solo series in the '80s and is rumored to be played by a certain pop superstar in upcoming films, her glamorous persona often overshadows the true potential and versatility of her sonic-to-light powers.
The Unsung Support System
Even characters who seem like sidekicks or companions often carry significant weight and offer unexpected depth.
- Jubilee (Jubilation Lee): With her signature pyrotechnic "fireworks" blasts, Jubilee became an iconic '90s X-Men member, often serving as Wolverine's surrogate daughter. Despite her frequent appearances in various adaptations, she's often dismissed as a less serious mutant. Yet, her resourcefulness, resilience, and unwavering optimism in the face of immense danger prove she's far more than just a flashy sidekick.
- Lockheed: What's not to love about a small, purple alien dragon who breathes fire, can fly, and is immune to psychic attacks? Kitty Pryde's loyal companion, Lockheed, isn't just a pet; he's a sentient, intelligent being who has fought alongside the X-Men in countless battles, often turning the tide with his surprising abilities. He's the ultimate good boy, deserving of more recognition for his heroism.
- Wolfsbane (Rahne Sinclair): One of the original New Mutants, Rahne Sinclair can transform into a wolf or a human-wolf hybrid, granting her enhanced senses, strength, and agility. What's often overlooked is her ability to split into a pack of wolves and her unique infrared/ultraviolet vision in her animal form. Her complex struggles with faith and her animalistic nature make her a deeply compelling and underrated character across Excalibur, X-Factor, and X-Force.
- Danielle Moonstar (Mirage/Moonstar): Another original New Mutant, Dani Moonstar, a Native American character, possesses the power to create hyper-realistic illusions of people's greatest fears or desires. She can also manifest psionic energy as weapons, like her signature psychic bow. Her abilities delve into psychological warfare, making her a strategic and powerful, yet frequently underestimated, combatant and leader.
The Legacy of Thunderbird
The name Thunderbird has been carried by several powerful characters, each contributing significantly but often experiencing tragic or fragmented recognition.
- John Proudstar: The original Thunderbird, John was one of the "new" X-Men introduced in 1975, a super-strong and super-fast Apache warrior. Tragically, he died very early in his career, making him one of the first X-Men to fall in battle. His sacrifice is a poignant reminder of the dangers mutants face, and his upcoming solo series in 2025 aims to explore his legacy further.
- James Proudstar (Warpath): John's younger brother, James, initially took on the name Thunderbird before adopting Warpath. He is even stronger and faster than John, armed with two vibranium knives. James has been a powerful force across X-Force and the X-Men, a true powerhouse whose grief-fueled journey for justice makes him one of the most compelling and physically formidable mutants, often overlooked due to his brother's more famous (and tragic) initial run.
Beyond the Manga Pages: Anime's Overlooked Gems
Anime, with its rich storytelling and diverse genres, is ripe with characters who captivate us, whether through their intricate development, surprising power, or quiet resilience. Yet, many of them don't receive the widespread appreciation they truly deserve.
The Underestimated Underdogs
These characters often start in the background or with seemingly annoying traits, only to blossom into vital, beloved figures.
- Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer): Initially a cowardly, whiny character, Zenitsu's growth arc is one of the most satisfying in Demon Slayer. Despite his constant fear, he possesses one of the most powerful Thunder Breathing Styles, which he can only effectively utilize when unconscious. His journey from a hesitant crybaby to a genuinely brave and powerful demon slayer makes him profoundly underrated.
- Touta Matsuda (Death Note): In a series dominated by genius minds like Light and L, Matsuda often seems like the naive, bumbling detective. However, his earnestness, quick thinking in critical moments (like directly confronting Light), and crucial role in Kira's downfall are consistently underestimated. He brings much-needed humanity and comic relief to a dark narrative, proving that even the "average" guy can be a hero.
- Neito Monoma (My Hero Academia): The perpetually arrogant Class 1-B student, Monoma's initial drive to prove his class's superiority often makes him appear unlikeable. However, his arrogance stems from a deep-seated insecurity and a desire to see his class get the attention they deserve. His Copy Quirk is incredibly versatile and strategically brilliant, playing a surprisingly crucial role in recent battles against Shigaraki and All For One. He's more than just a rival; he's a key player.
Villains with Unexpected Depth & Impact
Sometimes, the "bad guys" are so compelling, powerful, or complex that their true significance is overlooked, often because they're not the main antagonist.
- Jogo (Jujutsu Kaisen): One of the most powerful Cursed Spirits, Jogo possesses the terrifying Disaster Flames Cursed Technique, capable of incinerating enemies into ash. Despite facing (and losing to) Satoru Gojo multiple times, he consistently proves his formidable strength and unwavering loyalty to his ideals, even against impossible odds. His power and conviction make him an underrated force in the world of curses.
- Pannacotta Fugo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure): A member of Bucciarati's gang, Fugo is memorable for his incredibly deadly Stand, Purple Haze, which releases a virus that rapidly melts anything it touches. What makes him underrated is his controversial decision to abandon the mission due to its extreme danger. This moment of fear and self-preservation adds a complex, human layer to a character with a truly devastating, yet rarely fully unleashed, power.
Unsung Supporters & Quiet Achievers
These characters might not be in the thick of every battle, but their emotional depth, crucial support, or quiet contributions are often the backbone of the story.
- Martha Marriott (Spy x Family): Becky Blackbell's stoic nanny, Martha, holds a tragic past as a former ballerina who sacrificed her career and love for her country during wartime. Her quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and the hidden pain of her past make her a deeply empathetic and underrated character, representing the hidden sacrifices made in a turbulent world.
- Yo Hiori (Blue Lock): A new addition to the Blue Lock roster, Hiori is initially quiet and detached, burdened by parental pressure to excel in soccer. His journey of rediscovering his love for the sport and revealing his phenomenal passing abilities is subtle but powerful. He's a master strategist on the field, his understated demeanor belying his incredible football IQ.
- Beam (Chainsaw Man): The Shark Devil is one of Denji's most loyal and cheerful companions. With the ability to transform his head into a shark, Beam is goofy and often provides comic relief, but he's also a powerful and fiercely protective ally. His unexpected contributions in major arcs, coupled with his endearing personality, make him a uniquely underrated devil.
- Hiro Sohma (Fruits Basket): Initially perceived as rude and sharp-tongued, especially towards Kisa, Hiro is a young boy grappling with the Sohma family curse and a difficult home life. As the series progresses, his gradual maturity, his hidden care for Kisa, and his struggle to express his true feelings reveal a deeply empathetic and complex character, far beyond his initial prickly exterior. For fans who want to dive deeper into the varied performances that bring such layered characters to life, you might want to Explore Bryce Papenbrooks characters and appreciate the artistry behind some of your favorites.
Why Do We Miss Them? The Psychology of Underappreciation
It's easy to overlook these incredible characters. Why does it happen?
- Spotlight Hogging: Main protagonists and antagonists naturally draw the most attention. Side characters, no matter how great, often struggle for screen time.
- Initial Impressions: Some characters, like Zenitsu or Neito Monoma, start off with irritating or arrogant personalities, making it easy for viewers to dismiss them before their growth arcs fully develop.
- Complex Backstories: Characters with intricate pasts or non-traditional origins (like Longshot or Magik) might require more investment from the audience, making them less immediately accessible.
- Niche Appeal: Some characters' powers or themes might not resonate with everyone. Dazzler's pop star persona, for instance, might appeal to a different audience than, say, Wolverine's gritty combat.
- Adaptation Omissions: When stories are adapted from comics to film or TV, supporting characters often get cut, condensed, or reimagined, diluting their impact or making them truly "lesser-known" to new audiences.
- Power vs. Presence: A character might be incredibly powerful (like X-Man), but if they aren't central to the main storyline for extended periods, their importance can be forgotten.
How to Spot Your Next Favorite Underdog
Want to expand your character appreciation beyond the mainstream? Here’s how to actively seek out and celebrate the underrated:
- Dive into Spin-offs and Older Arcs: Often, characters who aren't front and center in the main series get their moment to shine in spin-off comics, video games, or older, less popular story arcs.
- Look Beyond the Main Cast: Pay attention to characters who don't have the most lines or screen time. What are they doing in the background? What subtle expressions or actions reveal their true nature?
- Re-evaluate First Impressions: If you initially disliked a character, give them a second chance, especially if the series has gone on for a while. They might have a significant growth arc you missed.
- Engage with Fan Communities: Dedicated fans often champion their favorite underrated characters. Online forums, fan wikis, and social media groups can be great places to discover new perspectives and appreciation.
- Consider Diverse Roles: Not every character needs to be a combat powerhouse. Look for those who contribute through strategy, emotional support, moral guidance, or even comedic relief—their impact can be just as crucial.
Giving Them Their Due: Supporting Lesser-Known Characters
Finding these hidden gems is only half the fun; the other half is celebrating them! Here’s how you can help bring these characters the attention they deserve:
- Talk About Them: Share your love for them on social media, in discussions with friends, or in fan communities. Explain why you think they're great.
- Create Fan Content: Fan art, fan fiction, analytical essays, or even simple appreciation posts can significantly boost a character's visibility and deepen community engagement.
- Support Their Official Content: If an underrated character has a solo comic, a dedicated episode, or a new story arc, show your support by reading, watching, or buying it. This sends a clear message to creators that there's an audience for these characters.
- Cosplay Them: Dressing up as an underrated character at conventions can be a fantastic way to introduce them to new fans and start conversations.
- Challenge Misconceptions: If you hear someone dismiss a character you know is great, politely share your perspective and highlight their positive attributes or significant moments.
Your Next Deep Dive: Expanding Your Fandom
The worlds of comics, anime, and pop culture are infinitely richer than what the mainstream often shows us. By consciously seeking out "Lesser-Known & Underrated Characters," you're not just finding new favorites; you're gaining a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the narratives you love. These characters often embody complex themes, groundbreaking ideas, or simply provide a refreshing counterpoint to the usual heroes. So, next time you're delving into a new series or revisiting an old classic, keep an eye out for those quiet heroes, the misunderstood villains, and the loyal companions who truly deserve way more attention. You might just discover your next obsession.