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 Earth's most powerful superheroes, assembled to combat threats that no single hero could withstand alone, serving as the planet's first and last line of defense.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **Role in the Universe:** The Avengers are the preeminent superhero team in the Marvel Universe. Their formation marked a new age of heroes, establishing a benchmark for all subsequent teams and serving as a focal point for nearly every major crisis affecting Earth and beyond. They are an institution, often operating with official government sanction from bodies like [[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]] or the United Nations. * **Primary Impact:** Their greatest impact is the principle of unity. The team's roster is famously dynamic, bringing together disparate individuals—gods, super-soldiers, geniuses, spies, and even reformed villains—proving that a diverse coalition can overcome insurmountable odds. Their public presence provides hope to civilians and serves as a powerful deterrent to would-be conquerors like [[thanos|Thanos]] and [[kang_the_conqueror|Kang the Conqueror]]. * **Key Incarnations:** The core concept is consistent, but the origins and initial rosters differ significantly. In the **[[#earth-616-prime-comic-universe|Earth-616 comics]]**, the team was formed accidentally when Loki's machinations inadvertently brought together Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp. In the **[[#marvel-cinematic-universe-mcu|Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)]]**, the team was a deliberate government project, the "Avengers Initiative," orchestrated by Nick Fury to unite Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye against a Chitauri invasion orchestrated by Loki. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The Avengers first appeared in ''The Avengers'' #1, published by Marvel Comics in September 1963. The team was created by the legendary writer-editor [[stan_lee|Stan Lee]] and artist/co-plotter [[jack_kirby|Jack Kirby]]. The concept was born out of a practical publishing need: a looming deadline for a new title. Inspired by the success of DC Comics' //Justice League of America//, which united that publisher's top heroes, Lee and Kirby decided to do the same for Marvel. Instead of a planned, deliberate formation, the original story depicted a chaotic, almost accidental assembly of existing heroes. This reflected Marvel's signature style of the era: heroes with flaws, tempers, and internal conflicts. The initial lineup consisted of characters who each had their own series or feature: **[[iron_man|Iron Man]]**, **[[thor|Thor]]**, the **[[hulk|Hulk]]**, **[[ant-man|Ant-Man (Hank Pym)]]**, and the **[[wasp|Wasp (Janet van Dyne)]]**. The name "The Avengers" was suggested by the Wasp in the first issue, cementing the team's identity. A pivotal moment in the team's early history came in ''The Avengers'' #4 (March 1964), when the team discovered the frozen body of [[captain_america|Captain America]], a hero from the Golden Age. His revival and immediate induction into the team connected the modern Marvel Age to its past and provided the Avengers with a moral compass and field leader who would become their most defining member. This act established a key theme for the team: change is constant. The roster would famously shift just a few issues later in ''The Avengers'' #16, with the founding members departing (except for Captain America) to make way for a new lineup of reformed villains: **[[hawkeye|Hawkeye]]**, **[[quicksilver|Quicksilver]]**, and the **[[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch]]**. This bold move, dubbed "Cap's Kooky Quartet," solidified the idea that the Avengers were an ideal, not just a fixed group of people, and that redemption was a core tenet of their philosophy. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The formation of the Avengers on Earth-616 was not planned; it was a direct consequence of the schemes of **[[loki|Loki]]**, the Asgardian God of Mischief. Seeking revenge on his half-brother, Thor, Loki used his magic to create an illusion of the Hulk rampaging on a railway track. His goal was to lure Thor into a battle with the misunderstood behemoth. However, Loki's plot inadvertently broadcast a radio distress call that was picked up by more than just Thor. **[[iron_man|Tony Stark (Iron Man)]]**, **[[ant-man|Dr. Hank Pym (Ant-Man)]]**, and his partner **[[wasp|Janet van Dyne (the Wasp)]]** also responded to the call. The young hero Rick Jones, an ally of the Hulk, was the one who sent the message, hoping the [[fantastic_four|Fantastic Four]] would respond, but Loki diverted it to Thor. The heroes initially clashed, with Iron Man and Thor viewing the Hulk as the genuine threat. Ant-Man and the Wasp used their unique abilities to track the Hulk and investigate the situation. It was the Wasp who first noticed that the heroes were more effective when they worked together. After discovering that Loki was the true mastermind behind the incident, the five heroes put aside their differences. They traveled to Asgard (thanks to Thor) to confront Loki and successfully defeated him. Recognizing the power of their combined might, it was Ant-Man who first proposed they form a permanent team. The Wasp, in a moment of inspiration, suggested the name: **"The Avengers."** Thus, "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" were born, united by a common threat and the shared realization that some foes were too great for any one of them to face alone. Their first major act as a formal team was the discovery and revival of Captain America, who quickly became the soul of the organization. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999), the origin of the Avengers was a far more deliberate and calculated affair, the culmination of years of planning by **[[nick_fury|Nick Fury]]**, the Director of [[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]]. This plan was known as the **"Avengers Initiative."** The concept was first introduced to Tony Stark following his public declaration that he was Iron Man. Fury envisioned a response team of remarkable individuals who could protect Earth from threats beyond the scope of conventional military and intelligence agencies. The catalyst for the Initiative's activation was the arrival of Loki on Earth. Wielding a scepter containing the Mind Stone and acting as an agent for the cosmic warlord **[[thanos|Thanos]]**, Loki stole the Tesseract (containing the Space Stone) from a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility. His goal was to use the Tesseract to open a portal above New York City, allowing an invading army of the **[[chitauri]]** to conquer Earth. Fury and Agent Phil Coulson scrambled to assemble the candidates they had been vetting: * **[[iron_man|Tony Stark]]**: A genius inventor with a powerful suit of armor. * **[[captain_america|Steve Rogers]]**: The super-soldier and WWII hero, recently thawed from ice. * **[[thor|Thor]]**: The Asgardian god, who came to Earth to retrieve his adoptive brother, Loki. * **[[hulk|Dr. Bruce Banner]]**: A brilliant scientist who could transform into an immensely powerful creature. * **[[black_widow|Natasha Romanoff]]**: A master S.H.I.E.L.D. spy and assassin. * **[[hawkeye|Clint Barton]]**: A S.H.I.E.L.D. marksman, initially mind-controlled by Loki. The team's initial gathering aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier was fraught with tension and ego. They were a collection of individuals, not a team, and their infighting was easily exploited by Loki. The turning point was the tragic death of Agent Coulson at Loki's hands. This loss galvanized the fractured heroes, giving them a cause to "avenge." United by purpose, they confronted Loki and the Chitauri fleet in the **Battle of New York**. Through incredible teamwork—combining Captain America's strategy, Iron Man's technology, Thor's power, Hulk's strength, and the tactical skills of Black Widow and Hawkeye—they successfully defeated the invasion and captured Loki. This victory cemented their status as a team and announced to the universe that Earth was protected. **//Key Adaptation Differences://** The MCU's origin is more grounded and structured, positioning the team as a direct response to an alien threat under government supervision. This contrasts with the comic's more spontaneous, hero-driven formation. The MCU founding roster notably excludes Ant-Man and the Wasp, whose introductions were saved for their own film, and instead includes S.H.I.E.L.D. agents Black Widow and Hawkeye, who were integral to the cinematic universe's established narrative. This change made the team feel more like a cohesive part of the MCU's spy-thriller-infused world. ===== Part 3: Mandate, Structure & Key Members ===== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === ==== Mandate & Philosophy ==== The Avengers' founding creed, famously declared in their first issue, is **"to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand."** This mission statement has remained their guiding principle for decades. They are a reactive force, assembling to confront planetary, and often cosmic, threats. Over time, their mandate has expanded. They are not just protectors but also a symbol of hope and the highest ideals of heroism. A key part of their philosophy is redemption; the roster has frequently included former villains like Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Rogue, proving that anyone can strive for good. Their authority has fluctuated. Initially, they were an independent group. Later, they received an official charter from the United States National Security Council and eventually the United Nations, granting them global jurisdiction and resources. This relationship has often been a source of conflict, leading to storylines like `[[civil_war|Civil War]]` where government oversight clashed with heroic autonomy. ==== Structure & Headquarters ==== The Avengers' structure is typically centered around a chairperson, often Captain America or the Wasp, who directs the team in the field and manages internal affairs. The roster is fluid, with active members, reserve members, and various spin-off teams. * **Avengers Mansion:** Their most iconic base, a large Manhattan townhouse donated by Tony Stark. It served as their primary headquarters for years, containing advanced technology, training facilities, and living quarters. It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. * **Avengers Tower (Stark Tower):** After the destruction of the Mansion, the team relocated to the top floors of Stark Tower, a state-of-the-art skyscraper in the heart of New York City, giving them a more modern and public-facing base of operations. * **Avengers Mountain:** Their current headquarters is a truly epic base built inside the hollowed-out corpse of a dead Celestial, the Progenitor, located in the North Pole. It is one of the most powerful and technologically advanced bases on Earth. ==== Notable Rosters & Eras ==== The team's membership is a veritable who's who of the Marvel Universe. ^ **Era** ^ **Key Members** ^ **Significance** ^ | Founding Members | Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man (Pym), Wasp (Van Dyne) | The original team, formed by chance to stop Loki. | | Cap's Kooky Quartet | Captain America, Hawkeye, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch | Established the precedent of a changing roster and the theme of redemption by including former villains. | | The Kree-Skrull War Era | Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Goliath (Pym), Wasp | A powerful and classic lineup that faced one of the first major cosmic threats, cementing the team's galactic importance. | | West Coast Avengers | Hawkeye (Leader), Mockingbird, Iron Man (Rhodes), Tigra, Wonder Man | The first major expansion franchise, proving the Avengers concept could be duplicated to provide wider coverage. | | New Avengers (Post-Disassembled) | Captain America, Iron Man, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Sentry | A revolutionary "street-level" roster formed in the wake of tragedy, bringing in popular but traditionally non-Avenger characters like Spider-Man and Wolverine. | | Uncanny Avengers (Unity Squad) | Captain America, Thor, Wolverine, Rogue, Scarlet Witch, Havok | A team formed to bridge the gap between humans and mutants, combining members of the Avengers and the X-Men to promote unity. | === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === ==== Mandate & Philosophy ==== Initially, the MCU Avengers' mandate was dictated by Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D.: to act as a special weapons and tactics team for extraordinary threats. After the collapse of S.H.I.E.L.D. in //Captain America: The Winter Soldier//, the team became an independent, privately funded entity financed by Tony Stark. Their mission remained the same—protecting the world—but their accountability became a central point of conflict. The destruction in Sokovia during their battle with **[[ultron|Ultron]]** led to the international community demanding oversight. This resulted in the **Sokovia Accords**, a legislative framework that required the Avengers to operate under the command of a United Nations panel. The team's philosophical split over the Accords—Captain America championing individual moral choice versus Iron Man advocating for accountability—was the central conflict of //Captain America: Civil War//, which fractured the team for years. After the defeat of Thanos, the team's formal status remains ambiguous, with its original members largely retired, deceased, or off-world. ==== Structure & Headquarters ==== The MCU team's structure was less formal than its comic counterpart, generally led by the dual charisma of Tony Stark and the tactical acumen of Steve Rogers. * **Stark Tower / Avengers Tower:** The team's first unofficial base was Stark's high-tech skyscraper in New York. After the Battle of New York, he renovated it to become the fully-featured Avengers Tower. * **Avengers Compound:** Located in upstate New York, this sprawling complex was a former Stark Industries warehouse converted into the team's primary headquarters. It housed advanced labs, training facilities, hangars for Quinjets, and living quarters. It was destroyed by Thanos during the final battle of //Avengers: Endgame//. ==== Key Members & Evolution ==== The MCU roster evolved more slowly and deliberately than in the comics. ^ **Phase** ^ **Key Members Added/Active** ^ **Primary Threat(s)** ^ | Phase 1 (Formation) | Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye | Loki and the Chitauri | | Phase 2 (Expansion) | War Machine, Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Quicksilver ((Died in //Age of Ultron//.)) | HYDRA, Ultron | | Phase 3 (Fracture & Infinity War) | Ant-Man, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy ((Acting as allies, not official members.)) | Zemo, Thanos | | Phase 4+ (Post-Endgame) | The original team is effectively disbanded. New heroes like Shang-Chi, the Eternals, and a new Captain America (Sam Wilson) now operate, but a formal "Avengers" team has not yet been re-established. | Varies | ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **[[shield|S.H.I.E.L.D.]] & [[nick_fury|Nick Fury]]:** In both universes, the relationship is foundational but complex. In the comics, S.H.I.E.L.D. is a frequent partner, providing intelligence, logistics, and backup. Fury and Captain America share a deep bond as fellow soldiers. In the MCU, Fury is the team's creator, a mentor and father figure who brought them together. The relationship soured with the revelation of HYDRA's infiltration but was later repaired. * **[[fantastic_four|Fantastic Four]]:** In the comics, the FF are Marvel's "First Family" and the Avengers' friendly rivals and staunchest allies. Reed Richards' scientific genius and the FF's experience with cosmic threats have been invaluable to the Avengers on countless occasions. Their relationship is one of deep mutual respect. * **[[wakanda|Wakanda]] & [[black_panther|Black Panther]]:** T'Challa has been a long-standing and crucial member of the Avengers in the comics, providing not just his own skills but also the incredible technological resources and strategic advantage of Wakanda. In the MCU, Wakanda became a key battleground in the fight against Thanos, with the Wakandan army fighting alongside the Avengers as indispensable allies. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **[[ultron|Ultron]]:** Perhaps their most personal nemesis. In the comics, Ultron is a sentient A.I. created by founding Avenger Hank Pym (Ant-Man). Driven by an Oedipal hatred for his "father" and a cold, logical belief that humanity must be eradicated for the planet to evolve, Ultron is a relentless, constantly upgrading threat. In the MCU, Ultron was created by Tony Stark and Bruce Banner from a code found in the Mind Stone. This change shifted the thematic blame from Pym's scientific hubris to Stark's desire to "put a suit of armor around the world," making the conflict a direct result of an Avenger's own well-intentioned but flawed actions. * **[[kang_the_conqueror|Kang the Conqueror]]:** A brilliant time-traveling despot from the 31st century, Kang is one of the Avengers' most formidable and persistent foes. Unlike other villains, Kang's goal is pure conquest. He sees history as his to rewrite and Earth as his to rule. His mastery of time travel means he can attack the Avengers at any point in their history, making him an unpredictable and existential threat. His many variants (Immortus, Rama-Tut, Scarlet Centurion) further complicate his battles with the team. * **[[masters_of_evil|Masters of Evil]]:** The anti-Avengers. This villainous collective has been led by various masterminds, most notably **Baron Zemo** (both Heinrich and his son, Helmut). Their goal is simple: the total destruction of the Avengers. The Zemo-led incarnation that took over Avengers Mansion in the "Under Siege" storyline is considered one of the team's most devastating defeats, a brutal and personal assault that violated the sanctity of their home. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== === The Kree-Skrull War (//Avengers// #89-97, 1971-1972) === This seminal storyline by Roy Thomas is considered one of the first true comic book epics. The plot involves the Avengers being caught in the middle of a galactic war between two ancient alien empires: the militaristic [[kree|Kree]] and the shapeshifting [[skrulls|Skrulls]]. The conflict is brought to Earth when the Kree hero **[[captain_marvel|Captain Mar-Vell]]** becomes a key player. The Avengers must deal with Skrull infiltrators, a Kree Sentry, and the political machinations of both empires. The story arc was revolutionary for its scale, complex plot, and for directly questioning the team's role in cosmic affairs. It permanently elevated the Avengers from Earth-bound heroes to galactic protectors. === Avengers: Disassembled (//Avengers// #500-503, 2004) === A tragic and transformative event that shattered the classic Avengers. A mentally unstable and cosmically powerful **[[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch]]**, driven mad by the repressed trauma of losing her magically-created children, unleashes her reality-warping powers on her teammates. She orchestrates a series of seemingly unrelated, devastating attacks: a zombified Jack of Hearts detonates at the Mansion, a fleet of Ultron robots attacks, and a Kree warship appears over New York. The chaos results in the deaths of Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Vision, and Hawkeye. The event was so traumatic that it caused the team to disband, paving the way for the //New Avengers// era and setting the stage for subsequent events like //House of M//. === Civil War (//Civil War// #1-7, 2006-2007) === Following a catastrophic incident involving the New Warriors that kills hundreds of civilians in Stamford, Connecticut, the U.S. government passes the Superhuman Registration Act (SRA), requiring all super-powered individuals to register their identities with the government and act as licensed agents. This act creates a profound ideological schism within the superhero community. **Iron Man**, haunted by past failures and believing in accountability, leads the pro-registration side. **Captain America**, believing the SRA is an unacceptable infringement on civil liberties, leads the anti-registration resistance. The conflict turns former friends into enemies, culminating in a massive battle in the heart of New York City. The Avengers are completely torn apart, with two opposing teams operating in its name until the war's tragic conclusion. The MCU adaptation used the Sokovia Accords as its catalyst and focused on a more personal conflict between Steve Rogers and Tony Stark over the fate of the Winter Soldier, but the core theme of government oversight vs. personal freedom remained. === The Infinity Gauntlet (//Infinity Gauntlet// #1-6, 1991) === The ultimate cosmic threat. The mad titan **[[thanos|Thanos]]** acquires all six Infinity Gems (Stones in the MCU) and assembles them into the Infinity Gauntlet, granting him absolute godhood. To court the cosmic entity Death, he uses the Gauntlet to erase half of all life in the universe with a simple snap of his fingers. The surviving heroes of Earth, led by a small, desperate contingent of Avengers alongside Adam Warlock and other cosmic champions, launch a seemingly hopeless assault on Thanos. The event showcases the Avengers' courage in the face of omnipotent power and their willingness to sacrifice everything for the universe. The MCU's //Avengers: Infinity War// and //Avengers: Endgame// are heavily inspired by this storyline and its sequels, adapting the core concept of Thanos's snap and the heroes' quest to undo it. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== * **The Ultimates (Earth-1610):** In the Ultimate Marvel universe, the team is called "The Ultimates." They are a state-sponsored, militarized task force created by Nick Fury to deal with emerging superhuman threats in the 21st century. This version is far grittier and more cynical than the 616 Avengers. The members have more abrasive and realistic personalities: Captain America is a man out of his time who is far more conservative and aggressive, Hank Pym is mentally unstable and abusive, and the Hulk is a cannibalistic monster of rage. The visual style and grounded tone of //The Ultimates// comic series by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch were a primary inspiration for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's depiction of the team. * **A-Next (Earth-982 / MC2):** In an alternate future timeline, a new generation of heroes forms a new Avengers team, calling themselves "A-Next." The team is mentored by original Avengers like Tony Stark and is comprised of the children or successors of classic heroes, such as American Dream (a Captain America fangirl), J2 (the son of the Juggernaut), and Thunderstrike (the son of the original Thunderstrike). They carry on the legacy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes for a new era. * **//Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes// (Animated Series):** This critically acclaimed animated series (2010-2012) is often cited by fans as one of the most faithful and comprehensive adaptations of the Avengers. It masterfully blended Silver Age stories with modern comic continuity. Its origin story mirrors the original comics, with the founding members being Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and Wasp. Captain America joins later. The series was celebrated for its long-form storytelling, respect for the source material, and for showcasing a massive roster of both heroes and villains from across Marvel's history. ===== See Also ===== * [[captain_america]] * [[iron_man]] * [[thor]] * [[hulk]] * [[shield]] * [[ultron]] * [[thanos]] * [[civil_war]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The famous battle cry "Avengers Assemble!" was first shouted by Thor in ''Avengers'' #10 (1964). However, it is most famously associated with Captain America, who has used it to rally the team in their most desperate moments.)) ((The primary mode of transportation for the Avengers is the Quinjet, a highly advanced vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) jet, originally designed by the Wakanda Design Group.)) ((In the original pitch, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby intended for the Hulk to be a consistent founding member, but his uncontrollable nature made him difficult to write in a team setting, leading to him leaving the team in ''Avengers'' #2.)) ((The Butler, Edwin Jarvis, was a loyal servant to the Stark family and later to the Avengers, running Avengers Mansion for decades in the comics. For the MCU, his character was adapted into J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark's personal A.I., who was later integrated with the Mind Stone to become the Vision.)) ((The question "Who is the strongest Avenger?" is a common point of debate among fans. In the comics, characters like Thor, the Sentry, and the Hulk are often considered top contenders. In the MCU, the debate often centers on Thor, Captain Marvel, and the Scarlet Witch, with directors Joe and Anthony Russo stating that Wanda Maximoff was likely the most powerful by the time of //Avengers: Endgame//.)) ((The concept of a rotating roster was a commercial and creative masterstroke. It allowed Marvel to phase popular characters in and out of the book, spotlight lesser-known heroes, and keep the team dynamic fresh for readers over many decades.))