Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== The Avengers ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity:** **The Avengers are a team of extraordinary individuals, assembled to fight the foes no single superhero can withstand, serving as Earth's first and last line of defense against its greatest threats.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **Role in the Universe:** The Avengers are the preeminent superhero team in the Marvel Universe, acting as the central nexus for most major Earth-based and cosmic conflicts. They are a symbol of hope and humanity's potential, often operating with official sanction from global governments. [[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]] and the [[fantastic_four|Fantastic Four]] are frequent collaborators. * **Primary Impact:** Their formation ushered in a new age of heroism, demonstrating that disparate and often conflicting personalities could unite for the greater good. Their battles have saved the world countless times, but their internal conflicts, such as the [[civil_war|Superhuman Civil War]], have also reshaped the entire political and social landscape of the superhuman community. * **Key Incarnations:** In the comics ([[earth_616|Earth-616]]), the team's roster is famously fluid, with dozens of heroes cycling through its ranks and numerous splinter groups forming over the decades. In the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)]], the team was initially built around a core of six specific heroes and maintained a more stable, mission-focused roster until its fracture and eventual reformation. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The Avengers first appeared in //The Avengers// #1, dated September 1963. The team was created by the legendary duo of writer-editor [[stan_lee|Stan Lee]] and artist/co-plotter [[jack_kirby|Jack Kirby]]. Their creation was a direct response to the success of DC Comics' //Justice League of America//, which had proven the commercial viability of a superhero team-up book featuring a company's flagship characters. The genesis of the team was famously a matter of circumstance. Martin Goodman, Marvel's publisher, needed a new book to fill a printing slot, but the title intended for it, //Daredevil//, was not yet ready. Lee, faced with a tight deadline, decided to gather several of Marvel's existing heroes into a single story. He chose Iron Man and Thor, who had their own titles, along with Ant-Man and the Wasp from the anthology series //Tales to Astonish//, and the Hulk, whose own series had recently been canceled. The initial conflict involved Thor's nemesis, Loki, manipulating the Hulk into a rampage. The name "The Avengers" was suggested by Janet van Dyne, the Wasp, in the first issue, and it immediately stuck. This hastily assembled team-up proved to be a massive success, cementing the concept of a shared universe where heroes could interact, a cornerstone of Marvel Comics' identity. A pivotal moment in the team's history occurred in //The Avengers// #4 (March 1964), when the team discovered the frozen form of Captain America. His revival and recruitment connected the modern Marvel Age to its Golden Age past, and Captain America quickly became the team's moral compass and arguably its most important member. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The formation of the Avengers was an unforeseen consequence of the schemes of Loki, the Asgardian God of Mischief. Seeking revenge on his half-brother, [[thor|Thor]], Loki used his magic to create an illusion of the [[hulk|Hulk]] destroying a railway trestle. His goal was to lure Thor into a battle with the powerful but misunderstood Hulk. The plan, however, had unintended witnesses. The Hulk's teenage friend, Rick Jones, and his "Teen Brigade" of ham radio enthusiasts witnessed the event and, believing the Hulk was being framed, sent out a distress call for help, specifically trying to reach the [[fantastic_four|Fantastic Four]]. Loki, however, diverted the radio signal. The call was instead received by Tony Stark ([[iron_man|Iron Man]]), Dr. Henry Pym ([[ant_man|Ant-Man]]), and Janet van Dyne ([[wasp|The Wasp]]). Thor also learned of the Hulk's apparent rampage and flew to investigate. The heroes initially clashed with the Hulk, believing him to be a menace. It was the Wasp who first suspected a larger plot, noticing that the heroes seemed to be drawn together too perfectly. The team eventually tracked Loki to a factory and realized he was the true mastermind. They united their disparate powers, with Ant-Man using his ants to trip a switch and lock Loki in a lead-lined tank, preventing his escape. Thor then used his hammer, Mjolnir, to transport his captured brother back to Asgard for justice. Having successfully worked together to defeat a threat none of them could have handled alone, Ant-Man suggested they make the arrangement permanent. The Wasp enthusiastically dubbed the new group "The Avengers," and Earth's Mightiest Heroes were officially born. Their initial lineup was **Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp**. The Hulk, feeling distrusted by his teammates, quit the team in only the second issue. Their most significant early recruit came in issue #4, when they found and revived the cryogenically frozen form of World War II hero Steve Rogers, [[captain_america|Captain America]], who would go on to become the heart and soul of the team. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === The origin of the Avengers in the MCU was a far more deliberate and orchestrated event, the culmination of Nick Fury's "Avengers Initiative." The concept was first introduced to Tony Stark by [[nick_fury|Nick Fury]], Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., following Stark's public reveal as Iron Man. The initiative was a response protocol designed to bring together a group of remarkable individuals to face threats that S.H.I.E.L.D. alone could not handle. The catalyst for the team's formation was the sudden appearance of Loki on Earth. Having been cast into a cosmic void following his defeat on Asgard, Loki made a pact with the alien warlord [[thanos|Thanos]]. In exchange for the Tesseract (containing the Space Stone), Thanos would provide Loki with a Chitauri army to conquer Earth. Loki arrived at a joint S.H.I.E.L.D./NASA facility, stole the Tesseract, and used its power to brainwash several key personnel, including Dr. Erik Selvig and Agent Clint Barton ([[hawkeye|Hawkeye]]). In response to this global threat, Fury and Agent Phil Coulson activated the Initiative. They recruited Tony Stark ([[iron_man|Iron Man]]) and Dr. Bruce Banner ([[hulk|Hulk]]), brought Steve Rogers ([[captain_america|Captain America]]) out of his modern-day isolation, and relied on Agent Natasha Romanoff ([[black_widow|Black Widow]]) to bring them all together. Thor arrived on Earth in pursuit of his brother, initially clashing with Iron Man and Captain America before agreeing to join their cause. The team was initially dysfunctional, plagued by clashing egos, mistrust, and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s own secrets (namely, their plan to use the Tesseract to create weapons). It was the apparent death of Agent Coulson at the hands of Loki that finally galvanized the disparate heroes. Uniting in New York City as Loki opened a portal for the Chitauri invasion, the six heroes fought together for the first time. Their combined might—Captain America's leadership, Iron Man's technology, Thor's power, Hulk's strength, and the espionage skills of Black Widow and Hawkeye—proved successful in defeating the alien army and capturing Loki. The "Battle of New York" revealed the existence of superheroes and alien threats to the world, and the Avengers became a global symbol of protection. The founding members in the MCU were **Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye**. ===== Part 3: Mandate, Structure & Key Members ===== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === ==== Mandate and Charter ==== The Avengers' founding mission statement is simple and iconic: **"To fight the foes no single superhero can withstand."** This core tenet has remained their guiding principle for decades. Initially a self-organized group, they quickly gained public support and official recognition. For much of their history, they have operated under a special charter granted by the United Nations Security Council, giving them international jurisdiction and access to resources. This relationship with global governments has often been a source of conflict, most notably during the [[superhuman_registration_act|Superhuman Registration Act]] crisis, which led to the team's fracture. Their mandate requires them to tackle threats ranging from terrestrial supervillains and alien invasions to temporal paradoxes and mystical incursions. ==== Structure and Roster ==== The structure of the Earth-616 Avengers is famously dynamic. While Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor are considered the "Big Three" and the foundational pillars, the team's day-to-day operations are typically overseen by a democratically elected **Chairperson**. This role has been held by many members over the years, including Captain America, the Wasp, Vision, Black Panther, and Captain Marvel. The roster is in a constant state of flux, a "revolving door" that has seen over a hundred different heroes claim the title of Avenger. This allows the team to adapt to different threats and reflects the ever-changing landscape of the Marvel Universe. Major roster shakeups are a recurring theme, such as the departure of the original founders (sans Captain America) in //The Avengers// #16, leading to the "Cap's Kooky Quartet" era with former villains Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch. ==== Notable Members ==== Beyond the founders, numerous heroes have had long and defining tenures: * **[[captain_america|Captain America (Steve Rogers)]]:** The undisputed leader and moral core of the team. * **[[iron_man|Iron Man (Tony Stark)]]:** The team's primary futurist, engineer, and financial backer. * **[[thor|Thor Odinson]]:** The team's powerhouse and connection to the cosmic and mythological realms. * **[[hulk|Hulk (Bruce Banner)]]:** A founding member whose uncontrollable power makes him a frequent liability as well as an asset. * **[[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff)]]:** A long-serving and incredibly powerful magic-user whose instability has both saved and nearly destroyed the team. * **[[vision|The Vision]]:** An android created by [[ultron|Ultron]] who defied his programming to become one of the team's most stalwart members. * **[[hawkeye|Hawkeye (Clint Barton)]]:** The quintessential non-powered human who proves his worth through sheer skill and bravery. * **[[black_panther|Black Panther (T'Challa)]]:** King of Wakanda, who provides strategic genius, advanced technology, and a royal authority. * **[[captain_marvel|Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers)]]:** One of the universe's most powerful heroes and a key leader in modern incarnations. * **[[wasp|The Wasp (Janet van Dyne)]]:** A founding member who named the team and has served as Chairperson longer than almost anyone else. ==== Headquarters ==== The Avengers have utilized several iconic headquarters over the years: * **Avengers Mansion:** A Manhattan townhouse bequeathed by Tony Stark, serving as their primary base for decades until its destruction. * **Avengers Tower:** A state-of-the-art skyscraper built on the site of the former Mansion, also designed and funded by Stark. * **Hydrobase:** A floating artificial island that served as their base for a period in the 1980s. * **Avengers Mountain:** Their current base, located in the North Pole and built from the corpse of a dead Celestial, the Progenitor. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === ==== Mandate and Charter ==== The MCU Avengers began as a direct extension of S.H.I.E.L.D., a special projects team with a clear mandate: protect the Earth from extraordinary threats. After the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D. in //Captain America: The Winter Soldier//, the team became a privately funded entity, bankrolled by Tony Stark, operating outside of government oversight. Their primary mission remained the same, as seen in their efforts to dismantle HYDRA and stop Ultron. This independent status became untenable following the catastrophic events in Sokovia. The global community responded by ratifying the **Sokovia Accords**, a legislative framework that placed the Avengers under the direct control of a United Nations panel. This act served as the central conflict of //Captain America: Civil War//, splitting the team. One faction, led by Iron Man, signed the Accords, believing in the need for oversight. The other, led by Captain America, refused, fearing that political agendas would prevent them from acting when needed. This schism effectively dissolved the team until the threat of Thanos forced their reunification. ==== Structure and Roster ==== The MCU team's structure was more rigid and mission-based than its comic counterpart. In the early days, leadership was a contentious point, shared unofficially between Captain America (tactical command) and Tony Stark (logistics and resources). The roster remained relatively small and stable for several years, focusing on the core founders and a few key additions. Following the Sokovia Accords, the team split into two distinct, unofficial groups: * **Pro-Registration Avengers:** Led by Tony Stark and operating legally under the UN. Members included Iron Man, War Machine, Vision, and initially Spider-Man and Black Widow. * **Anti-Registration "Secret Avengers":** Led by Steve Rogers and operating as fugitives. Members included Captain America, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, and Ant-Man. ==== Key Members ==== The MCU roster is more defined, with a clear "original six" and subsequent waves of recruitment. * **The Original Six:** Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. * **Post-Battle of New York Additions:** * **[[war_machine|War Machine (James Rhodes)]]:** Iron Man's closest friend and military liaison. * **[[falcon|Falcon (Sam Wilson)]]:** Captain America's loyal partner, who would eventually inherit the shield. * **[[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff)]]:** A powerful reality-warper who joined after being an antagonist. * **[[vision|The Vision]]:** An android created from J.A.R.V.I.S., Ultron's code, and the Mind Stone. * **[[ant_man|Ant-Man (Scott Lang)]]:** A former thief recruited for his unique size-shifting abilities. * **[[spider_man|Spider-Man (Peter Parker)]]:** Tony Stark's young protégé. ==== Headquarters ==== * **Stark Tower / Avengers Tower:** The team's initial base of operations in New York City, featured prominently in //The Avengers// and //Avengers: Age of Ultron//. * **New Avengers Facility:** A sprawling, state-of-the-art campus in upstate New York, which became their primary headquarters after the events of //Age of Ultron// and was later destroyed during the battle against Thanos. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **[[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]]:** The Avengers' relationship with the global intelligence agency is deep and complex. In both universes, S.H.I.E.L.D. was instrumental in the team's formation (more directly in the MCU). They have often been allies, providing logistical, tactical, and intelligence support. However, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s morally gray methods and internal corruption (such as HYDRA's infiltration) have frequently put them at odds with the more idealistic heroes. * **[[fantastic_four|The Fantastic Four]]:** In the comics, the Fantastic Four are Marvel's "First Family" and hold a relationship of mutual respect and friendly rivalry with the Avengers. They are not typically members but are the first call for scientific consultation (via [[reed_richards|Reed Richards]]) or cosmic-level backup. They represent the frontier of exploration, while the Avengers represent the line of defense. * **[[x_men|The X-Men]]:** The relationship between the Avengers and the X-Men is often tense. While they have allied against common threats, their core mandates differ. The Avengers protect a world that largely accepts them, while the X-Men fight to protect a world that fears and hates them. This ideological divide has erupted into open conflict, most notably during the //Avengers vs. X-Men// storyline, where the two teams battled over the fate of the Phoenix Force. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **[[ultron|Ultron]]:** Arguably the Avengers' most personal nemesis. In the comics, Ultron is a sophisticated A.I. created by Hank Pym who develops a god complex and a genocidal hatred for his "father" and all organic life. In the MCU, he was created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner as a global defense program that went rogue. In both versions, Ultron represents the team's hubris and a dark reflection of their desire to protect humanity, twisted into a mission to eradicate it. * **[[kang_the_conqueror|Kang the Conqueror]]:** A brilliant warlord from the 31st century, Nathaniel Richards is a master of time travel who views all of history as his to conquer. He is a foe that the Avengers cannot simply punch into submission. Defeating one version of Kang often means another, more experienced version will appear later. He challenges the team on a strategic and temporal level that few others can match. * **[[masters_of_evil|The Masters of Evil]]:** The direct antithesis of the Avengers. This supervillain team has had many incarnations, but it is most famously led by Baron Helmut Zemo. Where the Avengers are a family of heroes, the Masters are a coalition of villains united by their hatred for the Avengers. Their most infamous act was the "Under Siege" storyline, where they systematically dismantled the team, invaded Avengers Mansion, and nearly killed several members. * **[[thanos|Thanos]]:** While a threat to the entire universe, Thanos's quest for the Infinity Stones (or Gauntlet/Gems in the comics) made him the Avengers' ultimate adversary. In both continuities, the conflict with Thanos represented the highest stakes the team had ever faced, forcing them to unite heroes from across the globe and cosmos for a final, desperate stand against a nihilistic god. ==== Branch Teams & Spinoffs (Earth-616) ==== The "Avengers" brand is so powerful in the comics that numerous official splinter groups have been formed: * **West Coast Avengers:** Founded by Hawkeye, this team was established to provide superhero protection on the West Coast of the United States. * **New Avengers:** Formed in the wake of "Avengers Disassembled," this unsanctioned team (initially including Spider-Man and Wolverine) operated underground during the Superhuman Registration era. * **Mighty Avengers / Ultimates:** Teams often formed during schisms or in response to specific threats, running parallel to the main Avengers roster. * **Young Avengers:** A team of teenage heroes who were inspired by the original Avengers and often had direct connections to their legacies. * **Uncanny Avengers (Unity Squad):** Formed after //Avengers vs. X-Men//, this team's specific mandate was to foster cooperation between humans, mutants, and Inhumans by having members from all three groups. * **Dark Avengers:** A twisted version of the team created by Norman Osborn during his "Dark Reign," composed of supervillains masquerading as heroes. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== === The Kree-Skrull War (//The Avengers// #89-97, 1971-1972) === This sprawling, nine-part epic by Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, and John Buscema is considered one of the first true "event" comics. The story involves the Avengers being caught in the middle of a centuries-old interstellar war between the militaristic [[kree|Kree Empire]] and the shapeshifting [[skrulls|Skrull Empire]]. The conflict is brought to Earth when the Kree hero [[captain_marvel_comics|Captain Mar-Vell]] is targeted. The storyline elevated the Avengers from Earth-bound protectors to cosmic players, featuring political intrigue, massive space battles, and a deep dive into Marvel's cosmic lore. The team is forced to make difficult choices, and the climax sees them pleading with the Kree's Supreme Intelligence to save Earth, showcasing their role as diplomats as much as warriors. It permanently established the team's importance on a galactic scale. === Under Siege (//The Avengers// #273-277, 1986-1987) === Written by Roger Stern and drawn by John Buscema, "Under Siege" is a masterclass in storytelling that demonstrated the Avengers' vulnerability. Baron Zemo assembles the largest-ever incarnation of the Masters of Evil and orchestrates a meticulous and brutal assault on Avengers Mansion. They systematically neutralize the team's security, cut them off from help, and invade their home. The storyline is famous for its raw, street-level violence and the psychological toll it takes on the heroes. Hercules is beaten into a coma, the loyal butler Edwin Jarvis is tortured, and Captain America is forced to watch helplessly as his home and legacy are torn apart. It's a dark, grounded story that stripped the team of their invincibility and forced them to rebuild from their lowest point. === Avengers Disassembled (//The Avengers// #500-503, 2004) === This explosive storyline by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch served as a dramatic and violent end to a long-running era of the team. The story begins with a series of catastrophic, seemingly unrelated attacks on the Avengers: a zombified Jack of Hearts detonates at the Mansion, a fleet of Ultron robots attacks, and a Kree armada appears in the sky. It is revealed that the source of the chaos is one of their own: the Scarlet Witch. Driven mad by the trauma of losing her magically-created children, her reality-warping powers have run amok, subconsciously lashing out at her friends. The event results in the deaths of Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Vision, and Hawkeye, and the complete destruction of Avengers Mansion. The surviving members, heartbroken and disillusioned, vote to disband the team, marking the end of an era and paving the way for the "New Avengers" to rise from the ashes. === Civil War (//Civil War// #1-7, 2006-2007) === While a line-wide Marvel event, //Civil War// is fundamentally an Avengers story. Written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, the story revolves around the U.S. government passing the Superhuman Registration Act (SRA) following a tragedy involving reckless young heroes. The law requires all super-powered individuals to register their identities with the government and act as licensed agents. This creates a deep ideological schism that splits the superhero community, with the Avengers at its epicenter. Tony Stark, believing in oversight and accountability, leads the pro-registration side. Steve Rogers, championing civil liberties and fearing the potential for abuse, leads the anti-registration resistance. The conflict turns former allies and friends into enemies, culminating in devastating battles and the eventual surrender and assassination of Captain America. The event left deep scars on the team and the Marvel Universe for years to come. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== === The Ultimates (Earth-1610) === Perhaps the most influential alternate version, The Ultimates were a complete reimagining of the team for the 21st century by writer Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch. Set in the Ultimate Universe, this team was a government-sponsored, militaristic black-ops unit assembled by General Nick Fury. The tone was cynical, political, and grounded in a post-9/11 sense of realism. The characters were flawed and often unlikable: Captain America was a jingoistic soldier out of time, Tony Stark was a self-destructive celebrity, and the Hulk was a cannibalistic monster. The visual style, "widescreen" cinematic action, and character designs of //The Ultimates// were a direct and profound inspiration for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Nick Fury to the design of the Helicarrier and the Chitauri. === Age of Apocalypse (Earth-295) === In this dark, dystopian timeline where Professor X was killed before he could form the X-Men, the world is ruled by the tyrannical mutant [[apocalypse|Apocalypse]]. In this reality, the Avengers as a team never formed. Their would-be members met vastly different fates. Tony Stark was a high-ranking member of the Human High Council, but never became Iron Man in the same way. Donald Blake (Thor's human host) was a traitor working for Apocalypse. Steve Rogers was never found in the ice. This reality serves as a stark reminder of the team's importance by showing a world where they never existed to defend it. === Squadron Supreme (Earth-712 / Earth-S) === The Squadron Supreme is Marvel's most famous pastiche of DC Comics' Justice League. They exist in a parallel universe and were initially introduced as heroic counterparts to the Avengers. The original team included characters clearly analogous to Superman (Hyperion), Batman (Nighthawk), Wonder Woman (Power Princess), Green Lantern (Doctor Spectrum), and the Flash (Whizzer). Later, a more mature and deconstructionist version of the team starred in a landmark 1985 miniseries by Mark Gruenwald, where, after a catastrophe, they decide to use their power to forcibly create a utopia on their Earth, exploring the dangerous philosophical line between superhero and benevolent dictator. They serve as a powerful "what if?" mirror to the Avengers, asking what would happen if Earth's Mightiest Heroes decided they knew best and took control. ===== See Also ===== * [[captain_america]] * [[iron_man]] * [[thor]] * [[hulk]] * [[shield]] * [[ultron]] * [[thanos]] * [[kang_the_conqueror]] * [[civil_war]] * [[marvel_cinematic_universe]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The famous battle cry, "Avengers Assemble!", was first shouted by Thor in //The Avengers// #10 (1964). Captain America would later adopt it, and it has since become his signature command.)) ((In the original comic origin, the reason Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Avengers was because of a deadline crunch. The planned first issue of //Daredevil// was behind schedule, and to fill the slot, Lee decided to team up several existing heroes in a single book, unwittingly creating Marvel's flagship team.)) ((The Quinjet, the Avengers' primary mode of transport, was designed by the Wakanda Design Group, thanks to T'Challa, the Black Panther. It is a highly advanced VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft capable of hypersonic speeds.)) ((The position of Avengers Chairperson has been held by a surprisingly diverse number of characters, including Wasp, Captain America, Vision, Monica Rambeau (as Captain Marvel), Black Widow, Black Panther, and Iron Man. The Wasp holds one of the longest tenures as chair.)) ((The "Big Three" of the Avengers are universally recognized as Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor. They represent the core pillars of the team: humanity's peak potential, technological ingenuity, and mythological power.)) ((The MCU's Avengers Initiative was first namedropped in a post-credits scene in //Iron Man// (2008), though the idea was seeded even earlier in a draft of the script. This scene is largely credited with launching the entire concept of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.)) ((Unlike the comics, where the Hulk quits in the second issue, the MCU's Hulk remains a core part of the team through //Avengers: Age of Ultron// and plays a pivotal role in the final battle against Thanos in //Avengers: Endgame//.))