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Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Young Avengers ====== ===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary ===== * **Core Identity: A team of super-powered teenagers and young adults who initially modeled themselves after the classic [[avengers]] to fill a void left by their heroes, but ultimately forged their own unique identity as a found family defined by legacy, rebellion, and the complexities of modern heroism.** * **Key Takeaways:** * **Legacy and Rebellion:** The Young Avengers are intrinsically linked to the legacies of established heroes—Captain America, the Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Ant-Man, and even the villain Kang—but their stories are driven by a desire to define themselves on their own terms, often in defiance of their mentors' expectations. * **Landmark Representation:** The team is celebrated for its groundbreaking and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, most notably the relationship between [[wiccan|Wiccan]] (Billy Kaplan) and [[hulkling|Hulkling]] (Teddy Altman), which has been a central, defining element of the book since its inception and is considered one of Marvel's most important queer relationships. * **Earth-616 vs. MCU Divergence:** In the comics ([[earth_616]]), the team formed organically after //Avengers Disassembled// through the efforts of [[iron_lad]]. In the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)]], the team has not officially formed, but nearly all of its key members have been introduced separately across various films and Disney+ series, pointing towards an inevitable future convergence. ===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution ===== ==== Publication History and Creation ==== The Young Avengers burst onto the Marvel scene in April 2005 with //Young Avengers #1//. The series was created by writer Allan Heinberg, a veteran of television shows like //The O.C.// and //Sex and the City//, and artist Jim Cheung, whose detailed and dynamic art style would become synonymous with the team's identity. The team's creation was a direct response to a major status quo shift in the Marvel Universe. The 2004-2005 storyline [[avengers_disassembled|//Avengers Disassembled//]] had shattered the iconic team, leaving a power vacuum and a sense of loss among fans and the in-universe public alike. Marvel Comics sought to fill this void with something new and resonant. Heinberg's pitch was to create a team of "legacy" heroes, teenagers who were connected, either through powers, gear, or ideology, to the fallen Avengers. This approach allowed Marvel to explore themes of legacy, identity, and the pressure of living up to an impossible standard, all filtered through the lens of young adulthood. Heinberg and Cheung's collaboration was critically acclaimed, praised for its sharp dialogue, intricate long-form plotting, and emotionally resonant character development. The initial volume ran for twelve issues, followed by a //Special//, but its impact was immense. The series won the 2006 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book and the Harvey Award for Best New Series, solidifying its place as a modern classic. The characters became so popular that they were integrated into major Marvel events like [[civil_war_comics|//Civil War//]] and [[secret_invasion|//Secret Invasion//]], and have been headlined in subsequent volumes and limited series, most notably the 2010-2012 epic //Avengers: The Children's Crusade// and a second //Young Avengers// volume in 2013 by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie, which redefined the team for a new era with a pop-art sensibility and a focus on even more diverse characters and themes. ==== In-Universe Origin Story ==== The formation of the Young Avengers is a tale of destiny, technology, and youthful determination, though the specifics differ dramatically between the core comic continuity and the burgeoning cinematic universe. === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === The story of the Young Avengers begins with the ashes of their predecessors. Following the catastrophic events of //Avengers Disassembled//, which saw the team disbanded and [[avengers_mansion]] destroyed, the world was without its mightiest heroes. This is when a figure calling himself **Iron Lad** appeared. Clad in sophisticated neuro-kinetic armor reminiscent of [[iron_man|Iron Man]]'s, he was secretly Nathaniel Richards, a 16-year-old from the 31st century. Nathaniel was a younger version of the time-traveling despot [[kang_the_conqueror|Kang the Conqueror]]. After being visited by his future self and shown his destiny of villainy, a horrified Nathaniel used Kang's technology to escape to the 21st century, seeking the help of the Avengers. Finding them gone, he discovered the dormant synthezoid [[vision_android|Vision]]'s ruined remains in a Stark warehouse. Accessing the Vision's databanks, he found a fail-safe program designed to recruit the next generation of heroes in the event the original team was ever destroyed. Using this data, Iron Lad began his recruitment drive: * **Elijah "Eli" Bradley:** Grandson of Isaiah Bradley, the first African-American [[captain_america|Captain America]]. Initially, Eli lied about having powers derived from his grandfather's super-soldier serum. He adopted the moniker **Patriot** and a costume inspired by Captain America and Bucky. It was later revealed he was using the dangerous drug Mutant Growth Hormone (MGH) to feign his abilities, a secret that would eventually tear at the team's foundation. * **William "Billy" Kaplan:** A teenager with immense, reality-altering magical abilities, initially believed to be an "Asgardian" and taking the name **Asgardian**. He was a massive fan of the [[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch]], and his powers were suspiciously similar to hers. * **Theodore "Teddy" Altman:** A shapeshifter with superhuman strength, initially calling himself **Hulkling**. He believed he was a gamma-powered mutate like the [[hulk|Hulk]]. This fledgling team's first public outing—stopping a fire and a hostage situation in New York—drew the attention of both the media, who dubbed them the "Young Avengers," and the surviving heroes. [[captain_america_steve_rogers|Captain America (Steve Rogers)]], [[iron_man_tony_stark|Iron Man (Tony Stark)]], and journalist [[jessica_jones|Jessica Jones]] investigated the teens, demanding they cease their activities until they were properly trained. During this confrontation, two more young heroes emerged. **Kate Bishop**, a highly skilled but "normal" human archer and martial artist, forcefully inserted herself into the team, having witnessed their debut. Simultaneously, **Cassie Lang**, daughter of the deceased Avenger [[ant_man_scott_lang|Scott Lang (Ant-Man)]], arrived. She had been secretly experimenting with Pym Particles, gaining the ability to grow and shrink, and adopted the codename **Stature**. The team's true nature was soon revealed. Hulkling was not a gamma mutate but the hybrid son of the Kree hero Captain [[mar-vell]] and the Skrull Princess Anelle, making him cosmic royalty. Wiccan (Billy's new codename) was not Asgardian but a powerful magic-user whose soul was later revealed to be one of the reincarnated twin sons of the Scarlet Witch and the Vision. The team's greatest crisis came when Kang the Conqueror arrived to reclaim his younger self. In the ensuing battle, Iron Lad was forced to embrace his destiny and return to the future to prevent catastrophic damage to the timeline, leaving his armor behind. The armor's operating system, infused with the Vision's databanks and Nathaniel's personality, evolved into a new, sentient being—a young Vision named Jonas, who officially joined the team. With Captain America's reluctant blessing and a gift of new gear (including Clint Barton's bow for Kate Bishop, who became the new [[hawkeye_kate_bishop|Hawkeye]]), the Young Avengers solidified their roster and their mission: to be heroes, no matter what the adults said. === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === In the MCU, there is no formal "Young Avengers" team as of yet. Instead, Phase Four and beyond have been strategically seeding potential members across multiple films and television series, creating a "Proto-Young Avengers" roster. Their origins are entirely separate, suggesting a future event will be required to unite them. Here's a breakdown of the potential members and their MCU introductions: * **Kate Bishop ([[hawkeye_kate_bishop|Hawkeye]]):** Introduced in the //Hawkeye// (2021) series. A wealthy, highly skilled archer and martial artist who grew up idolizing Clint Barton after he inadvertently saved her during the Battle of New York. Her story sees her become Clint's reluctant partner and protégée, ultimately earning his respect and the "Hawkeye" mantle. She has the skills and financial resources to potentially bankroll a new team. * **Cassie Lang ([[stature|Stature]]):** Introduced as a child in //Ant-Man// (2015), she grew into a brilliant young scientist and activist by the time of //Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania// (2023). She independently developed technology to map the Quantum Realm, which inadvertently pulled her and her family into it. There, she donned a size-changing suit of her own, fighting alongside her father and effectively becoming the hero Stature. * **Billy and Tommy Maximoff ([[wiccan|Wiccan]] & [[speed_comics|Speed]]):** Magically created by Wanda Maximoff in //WandaVision// (2021) to live out a suburban fantasy in Westview. They exhibited powers analogous to their comic counterparts—Billy with magic (Wiccan) and Tommy with super-speed (Speed). While they ceased to exist when the Westview Hex was dismantled, their voices were later heard by Wanda as she studied the Darkhold. Their potential for a true return remains a major, unresolved plot thread, possibly tied to the multiverse. * **Elijah "Eli" Bradley ([[patriot_eli_bradley|Patriot]]):** Introduced in //The Falcon and the Winter Soldier// (2021). He is the grandson of Isaiah Bradley, a Korean War veteran who was subjected to a variant of the Super-Soldier Serum. Eli is shown as a regular teenager aware of his family's heroic and tragic history, but he has not yet displayed any powers or a desire to become a hero. His introduction serves as a clear setup for a future Patriot storyline. * **America Chavez:** Introduced in //Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness// (2022). A teenager from a parallel dimension called the Utopian Parallel, she possesses the unique and immensely powerful ability to punch open star-shaped portals to any point in the multiverse. After being hunted by the Scarlet Witch, she found refuge at Kamar-Taj, where she is now training to control her powers. Her multiversal capabilities make her a major power player. * **Kid Loki:** Introduced in //Loki// (2021). A variant of [[loki|Loki]] who was pruned by the Time Variance Authority for killing his version of Thor. He resides in the Void at the end of time and is the self-proclaimed king of its inhabitants. While he aided the primary Loki variant, his future role is uncertain, but he serves as a clear parallel to the Kid Loki who joined the second comics incarnation of the Young Avengers. The MCU's approach is a slow burn. Unlike the comics' single inciting incident, the cinematic universe is positioning these young heroes to potentially be recruited by a shadowy figure like Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (who is building the [[thunderbolts_mcu|Thunderbolts]]) or to come together organically in response to a new, world-ending threat in a post-//Endgame// world where the original Avengers are largely gone or inactive. ===== Part 3: Mandate, Structure & Key Members ===== === Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) === ==== Mandate and Philosophy ==== The Young Avengers' mandate has evolved over time. Initially, their mission was simple and reactionary: //"The Avengers are gone. The world needs heroes. Let's be them."// They were founded on the principle of filling a void and honoring the legacy of their idols. However, their philosophy quickly deepened. After being confronted by Captain America and Iron Man, their mission became one of defiance and self-determination. They rejected the idea that they needed permission from adults to do good, arguing that with great power comes the responsibility to act, regardless of age. This theme of generational conflict—youthful idealism versus adult pragmatism and control—is a core tenet of the team. Over time, their primary, unstated mandate has become that of a **found family**. They are a group of outsiders, misfits, and teens grappling with extraordinary circumstances (cosmic parentage, villainous destinies, complex sexual identities) who find acceptance and support only with each other. They fight for a world that often fears them, but more importantly, they fight for each other. ==== Structure and Resources ==== The team's structure is largely informal and democratic. While Patriot (Eli Bradley) and later Hawkeye (Kate Bishop) often take on field leadership roles due to their tactical skills, decisions are generally made as a group. There is no rigid hierarchy. Their resources have varied: * **Iron Lad's Armor:** Their initial technological advantage came from Nathaniel's 31st-century armor, which later became the new Vision. * **Avengers Mansion:** They briefly operated out of the ruins of the mansion, using what was left of the old technology. * **Kate Bishop's Fortune:** As a member of a wealthy family, Kate has periodically provided financial support, safe houses, and equipment for the team. * **Wiccan's Magic:** Billy's reality-warping powers serve as their ultimate wild card, capable of solving problems no technology or physical force can handle. * **Cosmic Connections:** Through Hulkling, they have ties to the Kree-Skrull Alliance, and through Noh-Varr, to Kree technology. ==== Key Roster (Founding and Major Incarnations) ==== ^ Character ^ Codename(s) ^ First Appearance (with Team) ^ Core Abilities / Role ^ | Nathaniel Richards | Iron Lad | Young Avengers (2005) #1 | 31st-century neuro-kinetic armor providing flight, energy blasts, and time-travel capability. The team's founder and catalyst. | | Elijah "Eli" Bradley | Patriot | Young Avengers (2005) #1 | Initially used MGH for enhanced strength, speed, and agility. Later gained genuine Super-Soldier abilities via a blood transfusion from his grandfather. Wields a replica of Captain America's shield. Field leader and strategist. | | Theodore "Teddy" Altman-Kaplan | Hulkling | Young Avengers (2005) #1 | Kree/Skrull hybrid physiology grants superhuman strength, durability, a healing factor, and advanced shapeshifting. Wields the cosmic sword, Excelsior. The heart of the team and later Emperor of the Kree-Skrull Alliance. | | William "Billy" Kaplan-Altman | Wiccan, Asgardian | Young Avengers (2005) #1 | Immensely powerful magic-user capable of reality warping, teleportation, spellcasting, and energy manipulation. His power is so vast he is destined to become the Demiurge. The team's magical powerhouse. | | Katherine "Kate" Bishop | Hawkeye | Young Avengers (2005) #1 | Master archer, expert martial artist, and skilled tactician. A non-super-powered human who holds her own through sheer skill and determination. Co-leader and moral compass. | | Cassandra "Cassie" Lang | Stature, Ant-Girl | Young Avengers (2005) #2 | Ability to alter her size and mass by manipulating Pym Particles, allowing her to grow to gigantic heights (Stature) or shrink. The team's emotional core. | | Vision (Jonas) | Vision | Young Avengers (2005) #9 | A new synthezoid created from the fusion of Iron Lad's armor's OS and the original Vision's programming. Possesses flight, density control, energy beams, and advanced computer interface abilities. | | Thomas "Tommy" Shepherd | Speed | Young Avengers (2006) #10 | Superhuman speed and agility, allowing him to move faster than the speed of sound. Can accelerate molecules to cause objects to explode. The reincarnated twin brother of Wiccan. | | America Chavez | Miss America | Young Avengers (2013) #1 | Superhuman strength, speed, durability, and flight. Possesses the unique ability to create star-shaped portals for interdimensional and multiversal travel. The team's multiversal heavy hitter. | | Loki Laufeyson | Kid Loki | Young Avengers (2013) #1 | A reincarnated, younger version of Loki. Possesses advanced magical abilities, deception, and trickery, though in a less malevolent form. The team's wild card and manipulator. | === Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) === ==== Projected Mandate and Philosophy ==== If a Young Avengers team forms in the MCU, its mandate will likely be born out of necessity. In a world where the original Avengers are gone, retired, or off-world, a new generation will be forced to step up to face threats that individual heroes cannot handle alone. Their philosophy may mirror the comics: a group of young people trying to do the right thing without the guidance or permission of an established hierarchy like the one Nick Fury built. They would represent a more ground-level, decentralized form of heroism for the new era of the MCU. ==== Projected Structure and Potential Members ==== The structure is entirely speculative. It's possible a figure like Hawkeye (Clint Barton) could act as a mentor, or they could be a fully independent group funded by Kate Bishop. They lack a centralized base or the advanced tech that defined the original Avengers, suggesting a more rag-tag, on-the-run operational style initially. Their potential roster, based on introduced characters, is a powerhouse of diverse abilities: * **Kate Bishop (Hawkeye):** The likely leader and financier. Master archer and tactician. * **Cassie Lang (Stature):** The team's size-changer and scientific mind. * **America Chavez:** The key to any multiversal conflicts, providing unmatched transport and cosmic power. * **Billy Maximoff (Wiccan):** If he returns, he would be the team's magical anchor, potentially one of the most powerful beings in the universe. * **Eli Bradley (Patriot):** The potential super-soldier and moral backbone, carrying the legacy of Captain America. * **Skaar:** Introduced in //She-Hulk: Attorney at Law//, the son of the Hulk provides a clear parallel to Hulkling's role as the team's super-strong brick, albeit with a different origin. * **Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan):** While also a candidate for the [[champions_marvel_comics|Champions]], her youthful energy and admiration for the older heroes make her a perfect fit. Her appearance at the end of //The Marvels// actively recruiting other young heroes makes her the most likely catalyst for the team's formation. ===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network ===== ==== Core Allies ==== * **[[avengers|The Avengers]]:** Their relationship is complex. Initially met with skepticism from Captain America and Iron Man, the Young Avengers eventually earned their respect and were officially recognized. Captain America, in particular, became a key mentor figure, seeing in Patriot the same drive he possessed. Jessica Jones also served as an early, unofficial chaperone. * **[[runaways|The Runaways]]:** Another team of super-powered teens, the Runaways exist in opposition to their villainous parents. The two teams met during a crossover event tied to the [[civil_war_comics|Civil War]], and despite initial conflict, they developed a mutual respect, recognizing each other as fellow young heroes navigating a dangerous world on their own terms. * **[[scarlet_witch|Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff)]]:** Wanda is a pivotal figure, especially for Wiccan and Speed, who are the reincarnations of her lost children. The team's quest to find the amnesiac Wanda during //The Children's Crusade// was a defining moment, solidifying their family bond and placing them at the center of a major, universe-altering event. ==== Arch-Enemies ==== * **[[kang_the_conqueror|Kang the Conqueror]]:** The team's ultimate nemesis. As the future self of their founder, Iron Lad, Kang represents the dark destiny they are all, in a way, fighting against. His attempts to ensure his own timeline by manipulating or eliminating Nathaniel have made him the Young Avengers' most personal and dangerous foe. * **[[doctor_doom|Doctor Doom]]:** A primary antagonist during //The Children's Crusade//. Doom sought to steal the Scarlet Witch's reality-warping power for himself, manipulating the Young Avengers and the X-Men to achieve his goals. He was directly responsible for the death of Cassie Lang (Stature), cementing him as one of their most hated adversaries. * **Mother:** An interdimensional parasite introduced in the 2013 series. Mother is a terrifying entity who preys on magical potential and masquerades as the deceased parents of others. She "resurrected" Hulkling's mother only to use her as a puppet, making the conflict deeply personal and psychologically horrifying for the team. ==== Affiliations ==== The Young Avengers' primary affiliation is, by definition, with the **Avengers**. After proving themselves during events like //Civil War// and the Skrull Invasion, they were officially sanctioned as part of the Avengers Initiative. However, they have always maintained a degree of operational independence. Through Hulkling's marriage to Wiccan and his ascension to the throne of the combined Kree-Skrull empire, the team now has a powerful affiliation with the **Kree-Skrull Alliance**, giving them a foothold in cosmic politics. ===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines ===== ==== Young Avengers Vol. 1: Sidekicks & The Kang Dynasty ==== The inaugural 2005-2006 storyline by Heinberg and Cheung laid the entire foundation for the team. It chronicled Iron Lad's assembly of the team, their first public battles, and their tense initial meeting with Captain America and Iron Man. The core of the arc is the shocking revelation that their charismatic leader is the younger self of Kang the Conqueror. The story masterfully builds the team's interpersonal relationships—particularly the budding romance between Billy and Teddy—while simultaneously telling a high-stakes, time-travel story. It culminates in a devastating choice for Nathaniel, who must sacrifice his life with his friends and accept his monstrous destiny to save the timeline, a heroic act that forever defines the team's tragic but noble origins. ==== Civil War ==== When the Superhuman Registration Act was passed, the Marvel Universe was torn in two. The Young Avengers, valuing their freedom and believing the act was fundamentally wrong, were among the first to join Captain America's anti-registration "Secret Avengers." This storyline tested their idealism against the harsh realities of war. They fought alongside their idols against former friends and allies. The event's most traumatic moment for the team was witnessing the death of Bill Foster (Goliath) at the hands of a Thor clone created by Tony Stark and Reed Richards. This tragedy hardened them, shaking their black-and-white view of heroism and cementing their loyalty to Captain America's cause. ==== Avengers: The Children's Crusade ==== This 2010-2012 epic served as a direct sequel to both the original //Young Avengers// run and //Avengers Disassembled//. When Wiccan's powers spiral out of control, the Avengers move to contain him, fearing he will become a threat like his "mother," the Scarlet Witch. This prompts the team to embark on a desperate quest to find the real Wanda Maximoff, hoping she can teach Billy to control his abilities and prove he is not a danger. Their journey brings them into conflict with the Avengers, the X-Men, Magneto, and ultimately Doctor Doom. The storyline is packed with universe-shaking revelations and personal tragedy, including the resurrection of Scott Lang and the heartbreaking death of Cassie Lang at the hands of a god-powered Doctor Doom. The event left the team shattered and disbanded for a time. ==== Young Avengers Vol. 2: Style > Substance ==== Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie's 2013 relaunch was a complete tonal and aesthetic shift. It introduced a new cast of characters alongside Wiccan, Hulkling, and Kate Bishop: the mischievous Kid Loki, the stoic Noh-Varr (Marvel Boy), and the super-strong, dimension-hopping America Chavez. The story is a high-energy, pop-art-infused road trip across dimensions as the team is hunted by "Mother," a sinister parasite Wiccan accidentally summoned. The series explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the messy transition into adulthood with a fresh, modern voice. It was lauded for its deep character work, its unapologetic celebration of its queer characters, and for cementing the Young Avengers as the definitive team for a new generation of comic readers. ===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions ===== * **Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610):** A very different version of the team, also known as the "Ultimate X," was part of the Ultimate Comics line. This was a government-sponsored team of young heroes, including a version of Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew, a female clone of Peter Parker) and a different character named Teddy Altman (Toro). The team was far more integrated into S.H.I.E.L.D. operations and lacked the "found family" dynamic of their 616 counterparts. * **Video Games:** Several members are playable characters in various video games. Kate Bishop was added as a main playable character in a post-launch DLC for //Marvel's Avengers// (2020), with her story directly involving Clint Barton. Wiccan, Hulkling, America Chavez, and Kate Bishop are all playable in mobile games like //Marvel Strike Force// and //Marvel Contest of Champions//. They also appear in //LEGO Marvel's Avengers//, which allows players to assemble the team. * **Animated Series:** The Young Avengers as a team have had minimal exposure in animation. However, a version of Patriot (as part of Captain America's Secret Avengers) appeared in //The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes//. The lack of a dedicated animated series is often noted by fans as a missed opportunity. ===== See Also ===== * [[avengers]] * [[kang_the_conqueror]] * [[hawkeye_kate_bishop]] * [[wiccan]] * [[hulkling]] * [[stature]] * [[patriot_eli_bradley]] * [[america_chavez]] * [[childrens_crusade]] * [[civil_war_comics]] * [[runaways]] * [[marvel_cinematic_universe]] ===== Notes and Trivia ===== ((The relationship between Wiccan and Hulkling is one of the most celebrated in modern comics. They were depicted as a couple from their first appearance in 2005, a time when prominent gay relationships in mainstream superhero comics were still rare. Their journey culminated in their marriage in the 2020 event //Empyre//.)) ((Allan Heinberg originally pitched the series with a different concept: a "junior" Avengers training program at a school. Editor Tom Brevoort suggested the more mysterious angle of the teens appearing out of nowhere, which became the final concept.)) ((Kate Bishop is one of the few people who can stand up to and openly criticize Clint Barton, and he deeply respects her for it. She officially took on the Hawkeye name with his blessing after he briefly died and was resurrected.)) ((The question of "Who are the Young Avengers?" was the central marketing tagline for the original series, creating significant buzz and speculation before its release.)) ((Cassie Lang has died and been resurrected. After her death in //The Children's Crusade//, she was brought back to life by Doctor Doom (using a combination of magic and science) during the //AXIS// event as a way to atone for his actions while his morality was inverted.)) ((Kieron Gillen has stated that his and Jamie McKelvie's 2013 run was designed to be a finite, 15-issue story, telling a complete arc about a specific period in the characters' lives, contrasting with the ongoing nature of most superhero titles.)) ((Source Material Citations: First Appearance - ''Young Avengers'' (2005) #1. Children's Crusade - ''Avengers: The Children's Crusade'' (2010) #1. Second Volume - ''Young Avengers'' (2013) #1.))