Marvel’s New Avengers represent more than just another iteration of Earth’s legendary heroes; this diverse assembly is a unique force to be reckoned with. Including street-level combatants, cosmic entities, mystical powers, and fierce mutants, this band of outlaws operates beyond conventional guidelines, delivering justice on their terms. Indeed, the New Avengers surpass the legacy of their predecessors in both complexity and impact.
Initially introduced in New Avengers #3 (2005) by Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch, the New Avengers emerged following the disbandment of the original Avengers team. A new faction was formed to counter a large-scale prisoner breakout from a supervillain penitentiary. Functioning as a rogue version of the classic Avengers, this group is adept at operating outside the boundaries of legality, allowing them to tackle threats without bureaucratic hindrances. To familiarize yourself with this powerhouse team ahead of their latest incarnation, here are eight essential facts about Marvel’s fiercest heroes.
8 The Original New Avengers Formed After Scarlet Witch Destroyed The Avengers
All Hope Was Lost Until The New Avengers Formed
Before the catastrophic event that resulted in the Avengers’ downfall, the Scarlet Witch was spiraling into madness. Haunted by the loss of her fabricated children, Wanda Maximoff’s grief morphed into rage and insanity, leading her to believe that the Avengers should suffer for their perceived betrayals.
7 The New Avengers’ First Mission Was To Stop An Invasion Of Supervillains
A Super-Criminal Jail Break Led To Major Consequences
Six months after the Avengers disbanded, a covert plan emerged to infiltrate the Raft, a maximum-security facility for supervillains. In New Avengers #1 (2005), Electro executed a lightning storm that plunged New York City into darkness, enabling a massive breakout of villains. When Captain America, Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Spider-Woman attempted to intervene, they were overwhelmed, leading to what many now recognize as one of the greatest failures in superhero history. This disastrous event catalyzed the creation of the New Avengers as a new collective dedicated to combating such threats.
6 The New Avengers Operated As An Underground Resistance During The Civil War Event
Captain America Recruited Most Of The New Avengers
In the wake of the New Warriors’ tragic confrontation with the villain Nitro that resulted in numerous casualties, the Marvel Universe was plunged into the Superhuman Civil War, dividing heroes into opposing factions. While Iron Man formed the government-backed Mighty Avengers, Captain America enlisted most of the New Avengers for his underground resistance. Following the civil strife, however, the team faced a leadership crisis and went underground, reforming as the Avengers Underground, utilizing Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum as their base of operations.
5 Many Of The New Avengers Are Morally Gray Killers
The Team Has Always Ignored The Rules
In order to take down significant supervillain threats, the New Avengers have often embraced an unconventional approach, disregarding established ethical boundaries. While stalwarts like Spider-Man and Captain America served as moral anchors, other members embraced a more ruthless philosophy. Characters such as Ronin, Echo, Wolverine, and the Winter Soldier have attributed to this morally ambiguous character of the team, emphasizing the idea that sometimes, harsh measures are necessary to combat dire threats.
4 The New Avengers Once Disbanded Because Of A Baby
Luke Cage Left To Be A Better Dad
In an unprecedented twist, the New Avengers once officially disbanded following the birth of Luke Cage and Jessica Jones’ daughter. This marked a critical turning point, as Luke Cage had been pivotal in uniting the team. Amidst ongoing chaos and turmoil, the team ultimately succumbed to the strain of their challenges after Luke decided to prioritize fatherhood, which led to an informal dissolution of the group.
3 The New Avengers Debuted Wiccan’s Demiurge Powers
Wiccan Is Bound To Surpass The Scarlet Witch
Wiccan, also known as Billy Kaplan and the spiritual child of the Scarlet Witch, was destined for greatness. His powers as the Demiurge—a primordial force of creation—were unveiled during Marvel’s All-New, All-Different Marvel storyline. In his time with the New Avengers, he faced the malevolent Moridun, who sought to exploit Wiccan’s powers. Ultimately, Wiccan’s compatriots managed to free him from Moridun’s influence, setting the stage for Wiccan to fulfill his godlike potential.
2 An X-Man Once Bought The New Avengers
A Feud Between the Avengers and SHIELD Created This Team
In a surprising turn of events during the All-New, All-Different Marvel saga, Sunspot, an X-Man, acquired Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM) and restructured it into a faction of Avengers known as Avengers Idea Mechanics. With Hawkeye’s involvement, this new iteration blurred the lines between official Avengers and SHIELD operations. However, dissent arose among some members, leading Hulkling, Wiccan, and Squirrel Girl to break away, forming a new iteration of the New Avengers in defiance of AIM.
1 The Team’s Newest Iteration Is Its Deadliest Yet
The New Avengers Have More Anti-Heroes Than Ever Before
Historically considered renegades, the latest lineup of the New Avengers pushes the boundaries of morality and violence further than any previous groups. Featuring infamous anti-heroes like the Carnage symbiote, Black Widow, Wolverine, and the Winter Soldier, this version of the team is poised to deliver even more chaos and destruction. The rebranding from the Thunderbolts to the New Avengers hints at a tumultuous storyline ahead, where they confront a sinister variant of the Illuminati known as the “Killuminati,”alongside the Immortal Hulk. Marvel promises that this new iteration could be the most dangerous yet.