ComicBook recently selected five characters capable of taking over from Spider-Man and Daredevil to lead Marvel's street-level hero lineup. The article argues that Marvel still has several heroes with sufficient recognition and room for growth who can serve as key connectors among various street-level characters.
Spider-Man and Daredevil have long represented two different directions for Marvel's street-level heroes. Spider-Man possesses greater powers, often faces larger-scale threats, and can leverage his influence to connect street-level heroes with major superhero teams; Daredevil, on the other hand, is more involved in combating serious crime and employs a tougher approach.
Ben Reilly is one of the candidates proposed in the article. This Spider-Man clone operated as the Scarlet Spider and became a significant figure during the "Clone Saga." The article argues that Ben Reilly has enough recognizability to assume a more central role in Marvel's street-level stories if he returns to his heroic identity.
Shang-Chi is also included. He debuted in the 1970s with a distinct kung fu and spy thriller flavor but lacked sustained personal storylines over time. The article proposes focusing his narrative on New York street crime, family entanglements, and espionage, allowing him to fulfill a storytelling role similar to Daredevil's.
The White Tiger mantle is also listed as a potential candidate. The original White Tiger, Hector Ayala, became a hero with the help of the Power Amulet, and his two nieces later inherited the title. The article suggests that the Ayala family's history of protecting their community, combined with the legacy of the ancient amulets, could form the foundation for long-term street-level storytelling.
Jessica Jones makes the list thanks to her experience as a private investigator and her extensive network of contacts. She once operated under the hero alias "Jewel," later forming close ties with Luke Cage, Daredevil, and Iron Fist, and even becoming a significant member of the Avengers. Her television series further boosted the character's popularity, making her a strong candidate to take a central role in Marvel's street-level hero lineup.