Avengers (comics)

Avengers (comics)

The Avengers is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 (cover-dated Sept. 1963), created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby. The Avengers is Lee and Kirby's renovation of a previous superhero team, All-Winners Squad, who appeared in comic books series published by Marvel Comics' predecessor, Timely Comics.

History[edit | edit source]

The Avengers initially consisted of Ant-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and the Wasp. The original Captain America was discovered by the team in issue #4, trapped in ice, and he joined the group after they revived him. A rotating roster became a hallmark of the series, 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.

Publication history[edit | edit source]

The Avengers have been featured in several ongoing series, limited series and one-shot publications, and historically have included a roster of characters drawn from the Marvel Universe. Numerous spin-off series, including West Coast Avengers, Avengers Academy, Young Avengers and Uncanny Avengers, have also been launched.

In other media[edit | edit source]

The Avengers have been adapted in other media, including animated television series, video games, and live-action feature films. They were prominently featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a rotating cast of characters drawn from the comics.