Thoughts on Marvel's Street Heroes Becoming Leaders

[Tien Long]

Hi all. Has anyone else noticed this trend? Many of Marvel's street level heroes have taken on the role of leadership. In the past year or so, we have seen a number of Marvel's street level heroes level up and become the heads of organizations, groups, and municipalities. Here's what I've noticed so far:

- The Punisher has become leader of The Hand.
- Daredevil has become leader of The Fist with the aid of Elektra and Stick.
- Shang-Chi heads his father's Five Weapons Society.
- Luke Cage is now mayor of New York City with the Thunderbolts under his purview.
- Moon Knight leads the Midnight Mission.

I find this pretty cool. I smile a bit seeing seeing Luke as mayor of NYC decked out in a suit and tie. It's a far cry from silver tiaras, yellow shirts, and bumming pizzas as a Hero For Hire. While I'll always dig these characters acting as loners and teaming up to take on the latest Skrull/Nine Realms/symbiote threat, seeing them in charge of others on a fairly big scale is pretty awesome.

Of course, there is a ton of story potential as well. Daredevil's and Shang-Chi's action have caught the attention of the Avengers. All of these characters to an extent struggle with leading others. Furthermore, all of these groups and organizations just BEG to cross paths with one another. We know that Punisher and The Hand will meet with Daredevil and The Fist. Why not throw in Shang-Chi's Five Weapons Society? Or maybe you have Luke Cage tasking his Thunderbolts to halt Moon Knight and his Midnight Mission.

So, what are your thoughts on this latest trend? Should we see more street heroes take on a more commanding role? Should there be a street level crossover amongst them all that crisscrosses the world? Should we continue to see these characters be leaders or do you prefer them to return to their loner status? Would love to hear your ideas!

[tsaimelemoni]

I'll also add that Elektra is more or less leading the current Savage Avengers. 3rd issue was a good showcase of her using her tactical experience to direct the team

To your question, I think it's cool too. A lot of these characters have pretty untapped leadership potential, and I always like seeing this aspect highlighted

[jwatson]

Hi all. Has anyone else noticed this trend? Many of Marvel's street level heroes have taken on the role of leadership. In the past year or so, we have seen a number of Marvel's street level heroes level up and become the heads of organizations, groups, and municipalities. Here's what I've noticed so far:

- The Punisher has become leader of The Hand.
- Daredevil has become leader of The Fist with the aid of Elektra and Stick.
- Shang-Chi heads his father's Five Weapons Society.
- Luke Cage is now mayor of New York City with the Thunderbolts under his purview.
- Moon Knight leads the Midnight Mission.

I find this pretty cool. I smile a bit seeing seeing Luke as mayor of NYC decked out in a suit and tie. It's a far cry from silver tiaras, yellow shirts, and bumming pizzas as a Hero For Hire. While I'll always dig these characters acting as loners and teaming up to take on the latest Skrull/Nine Realms/symbiote threat, seeing them in charge of others on a fairly big scale is pretty awesome.

Of course, there is a ton of story potential as well. Daredevil's and Shang-Chi's action have caught the attention of the Avengers. All of these characters to an extent struggle with leading others. Furthermore, all of these groups and organizations just BEG to cross paths with one another. We know that Punisher and The Hand will meet with Daredevil and The Fist. Why not throw in Shang-Chi's Five Weapons Society? Or maybe you have Luke Cage tasking his Thunderbolts to halt Moon Knight and his Midnight Mission.

So, what are your thoughts on this latest trend? Should we see more street heroes take on a more commanding role? Should there be a street level crossover amongst them all that crisscrosses the world? Should we continue to see these characters be leaders or do you prefer them to return to their loner status? Would love to hear your ideas!

Makes the most logical sense to me. While the powerhouses may have the feats the street level people in theory should know what the people need and if the hero institution is real in that regard who better to know what the people may actually need than the heroes that are there at least 3-4 days a week and not out in space. It does bring prominence to their roles like the Alderman of heroes.

[Huntsman Spider]

Makes the most logical sense to me. While the powerhouses may have the feats the street level people in theory should know what the people need and if the hero institution is real in that regard who better to know what the people may actually need than the heroes that are there at least 3-4 days a week and not out in space. It does bring prominence to their roles like the Alderman of heroes.

As Daredevil himself put it to Iron Man shortly before he went to prison, "You call it 'street-level.' I call it 'people-level.'"

[the illustrious mr. kenway]

Hi all. Has anyone else noticed this trend? Many of Marvel's street level heroes have taken on the role of leadership. In the past year or so, we have seen a number of Marvel's street level heroes level up and become the heads of organizations, groups, and municipalities. Here's what I've noticed so far:

- The Punisher has become leader of The Hand.
- Daredevil has become leader of The Fist with the aid of Elektra and Stick.
- Shang-Chi heads his father's Five Weapons Society.
- Luke Cage is now mayor of New York City with the Thunderbolts under his purview.
- Moon Knight leads the Midnight Mission.

I find this pretty cool. I smile a bit seeing seeing Luke as mayor of NYC decked out in a suit and tie. It's a far cry from silver tiaras, yellow shirts, and bumming pizzas as a Hero For Hire. While I'll always dig these characters acting as loners and teaming up to take on the latest Skrull/Nine Realms/symbiote threat, seeing them in charge of others on a fairly big scale is pretty awesome.

Of course, there is a ton of story potential as well. Daredevil's and Shang-Chi's action have caught the attention of the Avengers. All of these characters to an extent struggle with leading others. Furthermore, all of these groups and organizations just BEG to cross paths with one another. We know that Punisher and The Hand will meet with Daredevil and The Fist. Why not throw in Shang-Chi's Five Weapons Society? Or maybe you have Luke Cage tasking his Thunderbolts to halt Moon Knight and his Midnight Mission.

So, what are your thoughts on this latest trend? Should we see more street heroes take on a more commanding role? Should there be a street level crossover amongst them all that crisscrosses the world? Should we continue to see these characters be leaders or do you prefer them to return to their loner status? Would love to hear your ideas!

It seems like they are tackling street level problems at a bigger level than just mugger to mugger.

So far Luke being Mayor is the weak link. Ex machina nailed the superhero becomes a politician idea. I don't trust Marvel to pull it off and the event it popped up in was a stinker.

Outside of DD, the other 3 were characters in disrepair. Their new organizations helped breath new life into them.

[Alex_Of_X]

I like it on many levels! First of all, it gives texture to often barebones comics lore: Like, so often the Hand is just generic red ninjas. Making them a thought-out thing with a recognizable leader in Frank does a lot to make it feel realer. Ditto for Midnight mission--nice for Mooney to have a home, not a generic basement\attic\trophy room.

Also, it's fun in terms of escalation. We've seen Daredevil vs Punisher many times. DD vs Frank with color coded goon squads? Sign me up, jack

[Tien Long]

As Daredevil himself put it to Iron Man shortly before he went to prison, "You call it 'street-level.' I call it 'people-level.'"

That's a good point. Seeing the street heroes lead all of these factions and groups is cool. Establishing identities within a group that seems bigger than you, that's the appeal of factions and groups. I'm a part of something grander then me.

On a deeper level though, there is a "people-level" aspect. To an extent, these groups are not above others. Rather, they are working for, with, and among others. Moon Knight is working with vampires in the Midnight Mission. Daredevil is trying to help and work with Fancy Dan and Bullet as part of The Fist. Shang-Chi is trying to work with his siblings and turn around the Five Weapons Society.

It isn't just about stopping the bad guy. With a lot of these characters it's about changing mindsets and ultimately society. With a couple of punches and kicks thrown in .

It seems like they are tackling street level problems at a bigger level than just mugger to mugger.

So far Luke being Mayor is the weak link. Ex machina nailed the superhero becomes a politician idea. I don't trust Marvel to pull it off and the event it popped up in was a stinker.

Outside of DD, the other 3 were characters in disrepair. Their new organizations helped breath new life into them.

Ha, your description of Luke reminds me of what's happening with Mayor Adams over in the city. Personally, I see a guy who is trying to do his best in the midst of a post-pandemic NYC. It's a struggle. I think Luke is going through the same thing as well. Storywise, I'd like to see Luke's time as mayor be highlighted. Can he still maintain his integrity or like other politicians will he compromise? He's made guest appearances here and there in various series, but a miniseries or ongoing spotlighting this would be interesting.

I like it on many levels! First of all, it gives texture to often barebones comics lore: Like, so often the Hand is just generic red ninjas. Making them a thought-out thing with a recognizable leader in Frank does a lot to make it feel realer. Ditto for Midnight mission--nice for Mooney to have a home, not a generic basement\attic\trophy room.

Also, it's fun in terms of escalation. We've seen Daredevil vs Punisher many times. DD vs Frank with color coded goon squads? Sign me up, jack

Agreed. Having these factions highlights these henchmen. They are not nameless nor are they fodder for the heroes. We can flesh them out. Plus seeing the fight between Matt and Frank become faction vs. faction makes the conflict that has been between these two for decades now take on a wider scope.

Of course, a lot of these hero groups will inevitably run into the villains' groups. I could see Luke dealing with the Maggia who attempt to reestablish themselves in the city with Wilson Fisk out of the way. Or perhaps the Five Weapons Society, The Hand, or The Fist would have to deal with Hydra or AIM. Possibilities are endless.

[the illustrious mr. kenway]

It's more I don't have faith in Marvel than a lack of faith in Luke.

Christopher Priest would be a good fit for "Mayor Cage".

[Huntsman Spider]

That's a good point. Seeing the street heroes lead all of these factions and groups is cool. Establishing identities within a group that seems bigger than you, that's the appeal of factions and groups. I'm a part of something grander then me.

On a deeper level though, there is a "people-level" aspect. To an extent, these groups are not above others. Rather, they are working for, with, and among others. Moon Knight is working with vampires in the Midnight Mission. Daredevil is trying to help and work with Fancy Dan and Bullet as part of The Fist. Shang-Chi is trying to work with his siblings and turn around the Five Weapons Society.

It isn't just about stopping the bad guy. With a lot of these characters it's about changing mindsets and ultimately society. With a couple of punches and kicks thrown in .



Ha, your description of Luke reminds me of what's happening with Mayor Adams over in the city. Personally, I see a guy who is trying to do his best in the midst of a post-pandemic NYC. It's a struggle. I think Luke is going through the same thing as well. Storywise, I'd like to see Luke's time as mayor be highlighted. Can he still maintain his integrity or like other politicians will he compromise? He's made guest appearances here and there in various series, but a miniseries or ongoing spotlighting this would be interesting.



Agreed. Having these factions highlights these henchmen. They are not nameless nor are they fodder for the heroes. We can flesh them out. Plus seeing the fight between Matt and Frank become faction vs. faction makes the conflict that has been between these two for decades now take on a wider scope.


Of course, a lot of these hero groups will inevitably run into the villains' groups. I could see Luke dealing with the Maggia who attempt to reestablish themselves in the city with Wilson Fisk out of the way. Or perhaps the Five Weapons Society, The Hand, or The Fist would have to deal with Hydra or AIM. Possibilities are endless.

Thanks, and generally cosigned. Especially like your assessment on how the likes of Daredevil, Moon Knight, and Shang-Chi are trying to win hearts and minds and even change society for the better, though I would mention all of them have incurred the Avengers' distrust and suspicion in the process, which I'd take as a representation of how in real life, people seeking to improve society through nontraditional methods often incur the suspicion of those serving as enforcers of the system who can't (or perhaps won't) won't look beyond the crimefighter vs. criminal binary.

It's more I don't have faith in Marvel than a lack of faith in Luke.

Christopher Priest would be a good fit for "Mayor Cage".

I'm still disappointed that the City of (or on) Fire miniseries that was supposed to spin out of Devil's Reign got canceled, though I am hoping it can get retooled down the line as a Mayor Cage miniseries. Given Priest's skill in addressing sociopolitical topics and ideas within the context of a superhero story (first exhibit of that being his Black Panther series), he would be a good choice, if Marvel really did burn its bridges with the writer that was supposed to be doing the City of Fire mini in Devil's Reign by canceling it.

[Jabare]

Luke being a leader was pretty common during the Bendis years. He was the leader of the New Avengers after Cap died, and he lead the Thunderbolts for a bit

I'm not sure how long any of these current status quo's will remain, but I could see all of them lasting for a good bit if Marvel wants them to... outside of Punisher. Frank leading the Hand feels like it will be so short lived like when he was Frankencastle or he had that Ironman suit. It reminds me of that time Black Panther took over for Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen. An unusual premiss that might producer some interesting moments, but will ultimately be short lived.

[Alex_Of_X]

I wonder if DD's Hand offers better health benefits than Fisk's...

[the illustrious mr. kenway]

I wonder if DD's Hand offers better health benefits than Fisk's...

Probably not. You can't top ressurection lol.