10 Superheroes Ready for a Gritty Solo Show Like ‘The Boys’

Superhero stories have taken a bold turn, moving away from classic heroics to raw, complex tales. ‘The Boys’ (2019-2026) leads the charge, exposing the dark side of superheroes as flawed, corporate-controlled figures, redefining the genre. We’re hooked on this gritty approach and want more characters to get the same unfiltered treatment in their own shows.

Some Marvel and DC heroes, despite their rich potential, have never had a solo series but could carry one with the same intense, morally gray vibe. Below, we list ten superheroes without solo shows who deserve a dark, character-driven series to explore their unique struggles and worlds, much like ‘The Boys’ does. Each could bring fresh, compelling stories to the screen.

Vixen

Vixen, aka Mari McCabe, is a DC hero who channels animal powers through a mystical totem, tying her to African mythology. Despite appearances in ‘Arrow’ (2012-2020) and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ (2016-2022), she’s never led a solo series. Her cultural roots and versatile abilities make her perfect for a grounded, intense show.

A Vixen series could dive into her fight against corruption in a superhero-saturated world, blending mysticism with real-world issues. Picture her using animal instincts to outsmart corporate villains, with a focus on her heritage and personal growth, delivering a fresh, gritty narrative.

Mister Terrific

DC’s Mister Terrific, Michael Holt, is a genius inventor and athlete with no superpowers, relying on his T-Spheres and intellect. He’s starred in team books like ‘The Terrifics’ but never had a solo series. His tech-driven approach and moral strength suit a dark, cerebral show.

Imagine a series where Mister Terrific uncovers a conspiracy among superheroes, using his gadgets to stay one step ahead. It could explore the toll of his relentless pursuit of justice, offering a ‘The Boys’-style mix of brains, action, and ethical dilemmas.

Shuri

Marvel’s Shuri, princess of Wakanda, is a brilliant engineer and occasional Black Panther, seen in ‘Black Panther’ (2018). Despite her popularity, she’s never had a solo series. Her tech expertise and royal responsibilities could anchor a thrilling, grounded show.

A Shuri series could follow her balancing Wakanda’s politics with battles against global threats, exposing corporate greed in the superhero world. It would blend high-tech action with her sharp wit, creating a dynamic, morally complex story in the vein of ‘The Boys’.

Detective Chimp

DC’s Detective Chimp, or Bobo, is a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee and Sherlock Holmes-like sleuth, often in ‘Justice League Dark’. He’s had cameos but no solo series. His quirky premise could ground a surprisingly dark, noir-inspired show.

Picture a series where Detective Chimp investigates superhero crimes, uncovering a web of corruption. His outsider perspective and biting humor would echo ‘The Boys’, mixing mystery with a gritty take on a world where heroes aren’t what they seem.

Taskmaster

Marvel’s Taskmaster, Tony Masters, mimics any skill he sees, working as a mercenary with a murky past. Despite roles in ‘Avengers: The Initiative’ and a 2020 miniseries, he’s never had an ongoing solo series. His anti-hero vibe fits a dark, action-packed show.

A Taskmaster series could explore his morally gray choices in a corporate superhero world, taking shady contracts while grappling with his identity. It would deliver intense fights and psychological depth, matching ‘The Boys’ cynical tone.

Zatanna

DC’s Zatanna Zatara, a powerful magician, has appeared in ‘Justice League Dark’ and ‘Young Justice’ (2010-2022) but never led a solo series. Her magical expertise and stage-performer charm make her ideal for a spellbinding, gritty show.

Imagine Zatanna navigating a world of corrupt heroes, using backward-spoken spells to uncover dark secrets. A series could blend occult horror with personal drama, offering a ‘The Boys’-style take on magic and morality.

Rick Jones

Marvel’s Rick Jones, a sidekick to Hulk and Captain Marvel, has been central to stories like ‘The Kree-Skrull War’ but never had a solo series. His everyman perspective could ground a raw, human-focused show.

A Rick Jones series could follow him caught in superhero conflicts, exposing their flaws and corporate ties. It would focus on his resilience and street smarts, delivering a grounded, emotionally intense story akin to ‘The Boys’.

Cassandra Cain

DC’s Cassandra Cain, a Bat-family member and skilled fighter, was raised as an assassin, seen in ‘Birds of Prey’ (2020). Despite her depth, she’s never had a solo series. Her traumatic past suits a dark, character-driven show.

Picture a Cassandra series where she battles her upbringing while taking on corrupt heroes. It could explore her struggle to find her voice, blending brutal action with emotional depth in a ‘The Boys’-like world.

Wasp

Marvel’s Wasp, Janet Van Dyne, a founding Avenger, shrinks and flies with bio-stings, seen in ‘Ant-Man’ (2015). She’s never had a solo series, but her leadership and style could shine in a bold, gritty show.

A Wasp series could depict her leading a covert mission against superhero corruption, using her powers and charisma. It would mix high-stakes action with her personal evolution, echoing ‘The Boys’ sharp, cynical edge.

Invisible Woman

Marvel’s Invisible Woman, Sue Storm, of the Fantastic Four, manipulates force fields but has never had a solo series. Her strength and emotional complexity make her perfect for a standalone, intense show.

Imagine Sue uncovering a sinister plot among heroes, using her powers to protect her family and expose the truth. A series could delve into her resilience, offering a ‘The Boys’-style mix of action, betrayal, and heart.

Which superhero do you think deserves their first gritty solo show? Share your thoughts in the comments