The team debuted in The Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963), using characters created primarily by writer-editor Stan Lee with penciller and co-plotterJack Kirby. This initial series, published bi-monthly through issue #6 (July 1964) and monthly thereafter ran through issue #402 (Sept. 1996), with spinoffs including several annuals, miniseries and a giant-size quarterly sister series that ran briefly in the mid-1970s.[3] Marvel filed for atrademark for "The Avengers" in 1967 and the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration in 1970.[4]
Other spinoff series include West Coast Avengers, initially published as a four-issue miniseries in 1984, followed by a 102-issue series (Oct. 1985–Jan. 1994), retitled Avengers West Coast with #47;[5][6] and the 40-issue Solo Avengers (Dec.1987–Jan. 1991), retitled Avengers Spotlightwith #21.[7][8]
Between 1996 and 2004, Marvel relaunched the primary Avengers title three times. In 1996, the "Heroes Reborn" line, in which Marvel contracted outside companies to produce four titles, included a new volume of The Avengers. It took place in an alternate universe, with a revamped history unrelated to mainstream Marvel continuity. The Avengers vol. 2 was written by Rob Liefeld and penciled by Jim Valentino, and ran for 13 issues (Nov. 1996–Nov. 1997). The final issue, which featured a crossover with the other Heroes Reborn titles, returned the characters to the mainMarvel Universe.[9]
The Avengers vol. 3 relaunched and ran for 84 issues in February 1998 to August 2004. To coincide with what would have been, the 500th issue of the original series Marvel changed the numbering, and The Avengers #500-503 (Sept.– Dec. 2004), the one-shot Avengers Finale (Jan. 2005)[10] became the "Avengers Disassembled" storyline and final issues. In January 2005, a new version of the team appeared in the ongoing title The New Avengers,[11] followed by The Mighty Avengers, Avengers: The Initiative, and Dark Avengers. Avengers vol. 4 debuted in July 2010 and ran until January 2013.[12] Vol. 5 was launched in February 2013.[13]
Other spinoff series include West Coast Avengers, initially published as a four-issue miniseries in 1984, followed by a 102-issue series (Oct. 1985–Jan. 1994), retitled Avengers West Coast with #47;[5][6] and the 40-issue Solo Avengers (Dec.1987–Jan. 1991), retitled Avengers Spotlightwith #21.[7][8]
Between 1996 and 2004, Marvel relaunched the primary Avengers title three times. In 1996, the "Heroes Reborn" line, in which Marvel contracted outside companies to produce four titles, included a new volume of The Avengers. It took place in an alternate universe, with a revamped history unrelated to mainstream Marvel continuity. The Avengers vol. 2 was written by Rob Liefeld and penciled by Jim Valentino, and ran for 13 issues (Nov. 1996–Nov. 1997). The final issue, which featured a crossover with the other Heroes Reborn titles, returned the characters to the mainMarvel Universe.[9]
The Avengers vol. 3 relaunched and ran for 84 issues in February 1998 to August 2004. To coincide with what would have been, the 500th issue of the original series Marvel changed the numbering, and The Avengers #500-503 (Sept.– Dec. 2004), the one-shot Avengers Finale (Jan. 2005)[10] became the "Avengers Disassembled" storyline and final issues. In January 2005, a new version of the team appeared in the ongoing title The New Avengers,[11] followed by The Mighty Avengers, Avengers: The Initiative, and Dark Avengers. Avengers vol. 4 debuted in July 2010 and ran until January 2013.[12] Vol. 5 was launched in February 2013.[13]
The Avengers is a team of superheroes, appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963), created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, following the trend of super-hero teams after the success of DC Comics' Justice League of America.[1]
Labeled Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers originally consisted of Iron Man, Ant-Man, the Wasp, Thor, and the Hulk. The original Captain America was discovered, trapped in ice (issue #4), and joined the group after they revived him. A rotating roster became a hallmark, although one theme remained consistent: the Avengers fight "the foes no single superhero can withstand." The team, famous for its battle cry of "Avengers Assemble!", has featured humans, mutants, robots, aliens, supernatural beings, and even former villains.
The 2012 live-action feature film Marvel's The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon, set numerous records during its box office run, including thebiggest opening debut in North America, with a weekend gross of $207.4 million.[2] A second Avengers film is set for release on May 1, 2015.
Labeled Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Avengers originally consisted of Iron Man, Ant-Man, the Wasp, Thor, and the Hulk. The original Captain America was discovered, trapped in ice (issue #4), and joined the group after they revived him. A rotating roster became a hallmark, although one theme remained consistent: the Avengers fight "the foes no single superhero can withstand." The team, famous for its battle cry of "Avengers Assemble!", has featured humans, mutants, robots, aliens, supernatural beings, and even former villains.
The 2012 live-action feature film Marvel's The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon, set numerous records during its box office run, including thebiggest opening debut in North America, with a weekend gross of $207.4 million.[2] A second Avengers film is set for release on May 1, 2015.
All of these members helped form the team in The Avengers vol. 1 #1 (September 1963).
CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesIron ManAnthony Edward "Tony" StarkAvengers #1 (September 1963)Founder of original roster. Joined West Coast Branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #1 (1984). Expelled for Armor War (1987).[1] Current member of the main Avengers team,[2] and the New Avengers.ThorThor Odinson
(a.k.a. Dr. Donald Blake, Sigurd Jarlson, Jake Olsen)Current member of the main Avengers team and the Avengers Unity Squad.Henry Pym
a.k.a. Ant-Man,
Giant-Man,
Goliath,
Yellowjacket,
The WaspDr. Henry "Hank" Jonathan PymBecame Giant-Man in Avengers #2 (1963), Goliath in Avengers vol. 1 #28 (1966), and Yellowjacket in Avengers vol. 1 #59 (1969). Expelled as Yellowjacket inAvengers vol. 1 #213 (1981).[3] Joined West Coast Branch as Doctor Pym in West Coast Avengers #21 (1988). Became The Wasp in Mighty Avengers #21 (March 2009). He is one of only two members, the other being Kelsey Leigh (Captain Britain), who have Avengers status in both their civilian and superhero guises. Formerly the head of the Avengers Academy and former member of the Secret Avengers.The WaspJanet van Dyne
(a.k.a. Janet Pym)Active with West Coast team in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #32 (1988). "Died" inSecret Invasion #8 (2008). Reappeared alive in Avengers vol. 4 #32 (2012). Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.[4]HulkDr. Robert Bruce BannerResigned from the team in Avengers #2 (1963), Re-Joins the Avengers in Avengers vs. X-Men #11. Current member of the main Avengers team and the Secret Avengers.1960s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesCaptain America
a.k.a. Nomad,
The Captain, Commander RogersSteven Grant "Steve" RogersAvengers #4 (March 1964)Was given retroactive "founding member" status in place of the Hulk. Active as The Captain in Avengers vol. 1 #300 (1989).[5] Current leader of the main Avengers team and a member of the Avengers Unity Squad.Hawkeye
a.k.a. Goliath,
RoninClinton Francis BartonAvengers #16 (May 1965)First active as Goliath in Avengers vol. 1 #63. Founding West Coast chair,Avengers vol#243. Joined the New Avengers as Ronin in New Avengers #27 (2007). Current member of the main Avengers team,[6] and the Secret Avengers.QuicksilverPietro Django Maximoff
(a.k.a. Pietro Frank)Joined West Coast branch in Avengers West Coast #56. Joined the Mighty Avengers in Mighty Avengers #24. Former teacher at the Avengers Academy.Scarlet WitchWanda Maximoff
(a.k.a. Wanda Frank)Joined West Coast branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #37. Disappeared and apparently de-powered at the end of House of M. Has since re-emerged fully powered in Avengers Children's Crusade. Rejoined team in Avengers vs X-Men#7. Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.SwordsmanJacques DuquesneAvengers #20 (September 1965)Expelled in Avengers #20 (September 1965).[7] Readmitted in Avengers #114 (August 1973). Killed in Giant Size Avengers #2 (1974). Returned to life inChaos War: Dead Avengers #1 (January 2011).HerculesHeracles
(alias Harry Cleese)Avengers #45 (October 1967)Black PantherT'Challa
(a.k.a. Luke Charles)Avengers #52 (May 1968)Current member of the New Avengers.The VisionVictor Shade (alias)Avengers #58 (November 1968)Joined West Coast branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #37. Destroyed inAvengers #500 (September 2004). Rebuilt in Avengers vol. 4 #19.Black KnightDane WhitmanAvengers #71 (December 1969)1970s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesBlack WidowNatalia Alianovna Romanova
(anglicized Natasha Romanoff)Avengers #111 (May 1973)Current member of the Secret Avengers.MantisMandy Celestine (alias)Giant-Size Avengers #4 (1975)BeastDr. Henry Phillip "Hank" McCoyAvengers #151 (September 1976)
Originally given probationary status in Avengers #137 (July 1975).[5][8] Former member of the Secret Avengers. Current member of the New Avengers.MoondragonHeather Douglas
(a.k.a. H.D. Steckley)Originally given probationary status in Avengers #137 (July 1975).[5][8][9][10]HellcatPatricia "Patsy" WalkerOriginally given probationary status in Avengers #148 (February 1976).[5][8][9][10][11]Two-Gun KidMatthew J. "Matt" HawkAvengers #174 (August 1978)Time traveler from the 19th century; joined as a reserve member.[5][8][11]Originally given honorary status in Avengers #147 (May 1976).[9][12]Wonder ManSimon WilliamsAvengers #182 (April 1979)Originally given probationary status in Avengers #158 (April 1977).[5] Founding West Coast member. Former leader of the Revengers. Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.Ms. Marvel
a.k.a. Binary,
Warbird,
Captain MarvelCarol Susan Jane DanversAvengers #183 (May 1979)Active as Warbird in Avengers vol. 3 #4 (1998).[5] Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the main Avengers team as Captain Marvel.The FalconSamuel "Snap" Thomas WilsonAvengers #184 (June 1979)Current member of the main Avengers team.1980s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesTigra
a.k.a. The CatGreer Grant NelsonAvengers #211 (September 1981)Founding West Coast member. Former teacher at the Avengers Academy.She-HulkJennifer WaltersAvengers #221 (July 1982)Captain Marvel
a.k.a. Photon,
PulsarMonica RambeauAvengers #231 (May 1983)Originally made a member-in-training in Avengers #227 (January 1983). Active as Photon in Avengers Unplugged #5 (1996).[5]StarfoxErosAvengers #243 (May 1984)Originally made a member-in-training in Avengers #232 (June 1983).[5][13]NamorNamor McKenzieAvengers #262 (December 1985)Currently a member of the New Avengers.Doctor DruidDr. Anthony Ludgate DruidAvengers #278 (April 1987)Killed in Druid #4 (August 1995).West Coast Avengers recruits (1984–1987)[edit]Main article: List of West Coast Avengers members
Avengers members recruited by Hawkeye as the West Coast Avengers chair.
CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesMockingbirdBarbara "Bobbi" MorseWest Coast Avengers #1
(September 1984)Founding West Coast member. Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the Secret Avengers.War Machine
a.k.a. Iron Man IIJames Rupert "Rhodey" RhodesFounding West Coast member (as Iron Man). Rejoined as War Machine inAvengers West Coast #94 (May 1993).[5] Former member of the Secret Avengers.ThingBenjamin Jacob GrimmWest Coast Avengers vol. 2 #9
(June 1986)Accepted membership after assisting West Coast team, but left before official vote was taken.[5][9][10][11][14][15] Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the Fantastic Four.Moon KnightMarc Spector
(a.k.a. Steven Grant,
Jake Lockley)West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #21
(June 1987)Gained full membership in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #33.[5][9][16]Firebird
a.k.a. EspiritaBonita JuárezWest Coast Avengers Annual #2
(1987)Given reserve status after assisting West Coast team.[5][9][10][11]
CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesIron ManAnthony Edward "Tony" StarkAvengers #1 (September 1963)Founder of original roster. Joined West Coast Branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #1 (1984). Expelled for Armor War (1987).[1] Current member of the main Avengers team,[2] and the New Avengers.ThorThor Odinson
(a.k.a. Dr. Donald Blake, Sigurd Jarlson, Jake Olsen)Current member of the main Avengers team and the Avengers Unity Squad.Henry Pym
a.k.a. Ant-Man,
Giant-Man,
Goliath,
Yellowjacket,
The WaspDr. Henry "Hank" Jonathan PymBecame Giant-Man in Avengers #2 (1963), Goliath in Avengers vol. 1 #28 (1966), and Yellowjacket in Avengers vol. 1 #59 (1969). Expelled as Yellowjacket inAvengers vol. 1 #213 (1981).[3] Joined West Coast Branch as Doctor Pym in West Coast Avengers #21 (1988). Became The Wasp in Mighty Avengers #21 (March 2009). He is one of only two members, the other being Kelsey Leigh (Captain Britain), who have Avengers status in both their civilian and superhero guises. Formerly the head of the Avengers Academy and former member of the Secret Avengers.The WaspJanet van Dyne
(a.k.a. Janet Pym)Active with West Coast team in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #32 (1988). "Died" inSecret Invasion #8 (2008). Reappeared alive in Avengers vol. 4 #32 (2012). Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.[4]HulkDr. Robert Bruce BannerResigned from the team in Avengers #2 (1963), Re-Joins the Avengers in Avengers vs. X-Men #11. Current member of the main Avengers team and the Secret Avengers.1960s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesCaptain America
a.k.a. Nomad,
The Captain, Commander RogersSteven Grant "Steve" RogersAvengers #4 (March 1964)Was given retroactive "founding member" status in place of the Hulk. Active as The Captain in Avengers vol. 1 #300 (1989).[5] Current leader of the main Avengers team and a member of the Avengers Unity Squad.Hawkeye
a.k.a. Goliath,
RoninClinton Francis BartonAvengers #16 (May 1965)First active as Goliath in Avengers vol. 1 #63. Founding West Coast chair,Avengers vol#243. Joined the New Avengers as Ronin in New Avengers #27 (2007). Current member of the main Avengers team,[6] and the Secret Avengers.QuicksilverPietro Django Maximoff
(a.k.a. Pietro Frank)Joined West Coast branch in Avengers West Coast #56. Joined the Mighty Avengers in Mighty Avengers #24. Former teacher at the Avengers Academy.Scarlet WitchWanda Maximoff
(a.k.a. Wanda Frank)Joined West Coast branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #37. Disappeared and apparently de-powered at the end of House of M. Has since re-emerged fully powered in Avengers Children's Crusade. Rejoined team in Avengers vs X-Men#7. Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.SwordsmanJacques DuquesneAvengers #20 (September 1965)Expelled in Avengers #20 (September 1965).[7] Readmitted in Avengers #114 (August 1973). Killed in Giant Size Avengers #2 (1974). Returned to life inChaos War: Dead Avengers #1 (January 2011).HerculesHeracles
(alias Harry Cleese)Avengers #45 (October 1967)Black PantherT'Challa
(a.k.a. Luke Charles)Avengers #52 (May 1968)Current member of the New Avengers.The VisionVictor Shade (alias)Avengers #58 (November 1968)Joined West Coast branch in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #37. Destroyed inAvengers #500 (September 2004). Rebuilt in Avengers vol. 4 #19.Black KnightDane WhitmanAvengers #71 (December 1969)1970s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesBlack WidowNatalia Alianovna Romanova
(anglicized Natasha Romanoff)Avengers #111 (May 1973)Current member of the Secret Avengers.MantisMandy Celestine (alias)Giant-Size Avengers #4 (1975)BeastDr. Henry Phillip "Hank" McCoyAvengers #151 (September 1976)
Originally given probationary status in Avengers #137 (July 1975).[5][8] Former member of the Secret Avengers. Current member of the New Avengers.MoondragonHeather Douglas
(a.k.a. H.D. Steckley)Originally given probationary status in Avengers #137 (July 1975).[5][8][9][10]HellcatPatricia "Patsy" WalkerOriginally given probationary status in Avengers #148 (February 1976).[5][8][9][10][11]Two-Gun KidMatthew J. "Matt" HawkAvengers #174 (August 1978)Time traveler from the 19th century; joined as a reserve member.[5][8][11]Originally given honorary status in Avengers #147 (May 1976).[9][12]Wonder ManSimon WilliamsAvengers #182 (April 1979)Originally given probationary status in Avengers #158 (April 1977).[5] Founding West Coast member. Former leader of the Revengers. Current member of the Avengers Unity Squad.Ms. Marvel
a.k.a. Binary,
Warbird,
Captain MarvelCarol Susan Jane DanversAvengers #183 (May 1979)Active as Warbird in Avengers vol. 3 #4 (1998).[5] Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the main Avengers team as Captain Marvel.The FalconSamuel "Snap" Thomas WilsonAvengers #184 (June 1979)Current member of the main Avengers team.1980s recruits[edit]CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesTigra
a.k.a. The CatGreer Grant NelsonAvengers #211 (September 1981)Founding West Coast member. Former teacher at the Avengers Academy.She-HulkJennifer WaltersAvengers #221 (July 1982)Captain Marvel
a.k.a. Photon,
PulsarMonica RambeauAvengers #231 (May 1983)Originally made a member-in-training in Avengers #227 (January 1983). Active as Photon in Avengers Unplugged #5 (1996).[5]StarfoxErosAvengers #243 (May 1984)Originally made a member-in-training in Avengers #232 (June 1983).[5][13]NamorNamor McKenzieAvengers #262 (December 1985)Currently a member of the New Avengers.Doctor DruidDr. Anthony Ludgate DruidAvengers #278 (April 1987)Killed in Druid #4 (August 1995).West Coast Avengers recruits (1984–1987)[edit]Main article: List of West Coast Avengers members
Avengers members recruited by Hawkeye as the West Coast Avengers chair.
CharacterReal nameJoined inNotesMockingbirdBarbara "Bobbi" MorseWest Coast Avengers #1
(September 1984)Founding West Coast member. Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the Secret Avengers.War Machine
a.k.a. Iron Man IIJames Rupert "Rhodey" RhodesFounding West Coast member (as Iron Man). Rejoined as War Machine inAvengers West Coast #94 (May 1993).[5] Former member of the Secret Avengers.ThingBenjamin Jacob GrimmWest Coast Avengers vol. 2 #9
(June 1986)Accepted membership after assisting West Coast team, but left before official vote was taken.[5][9][10][11][14][15] Former member of the New Avengers. Current member of the Fantastic Four.Moon KnightMarc Spector
(a.k.a. Steven Grant,
Jake Lockley)West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #21
(June 1987)Gained full membership in West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #33.[5][9][16]Firebird
a.k.a. EspiritaBonita JuárezWest Coast Avengers Annual #2
(1987)Given reserve status after assisting West Coast team.[5][9][10][11]