The Champions

Marvel’s The Champions (1975–1978) brought together an unlikely team of solo heroes—Hercules, Iceman, Angel, and the Black Widow—who broke away from their usual affiliations to form their own West Coast squad. Over 17 issues, the series was shaped by a rotating roster of writers including Bill Mantlo, Tony Isabella, and Chris Claremont, with early art from John Byrne and Bob Hall. Though short-lived, the book is remembered for its offbeat chemistry and for giving these characters a distinct, independent space within Marvel’s crowded superhero landscape.