10 Great Avengers Villains Still Not in the MCU

First Steps” and later starring in “Avengers: Doomsday”, Doctor Doom became a significant antagonist. Other villains like Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) from “Black Widow” and the Kree Empire, featuring Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), have been used in standalone stories rather than posing threats to the entire team.

Stepping into the realm of cinematic critique, it’s evident that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is on a quest to find its next grand adversary akin to the Avengers. However, delving into the rich, six-decade history of Marvel Comics’ The Avengers, we discover an immense and diverse gallery of villains yet to grace our movie screens. Ranging from cosmic gods and mastermind criminals to psychological horrors and dark reflections of our heroic champions, these adversaries offer a wealth of untapped potential.

Although some iconic names have graced the silver screen, a multitude of powerful characters remain, each having pushed Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to their limits in distinctive ways. These characters present formidable challenges for future on-screen ensembles, promising thrilling and unparalleled confrontations that will test the mettle of our favorite superheroes.

10) The Zodiac

Originating from writer Roy Thomas and artist Sal Buscema, the human-led criminal organization known as the Zodiac Cartel debuted in issue #72 of The Avengers during the 1970’s. This syndicate follows a leadership structure based on astrological signs, with different members wielding power according to the dominant sign at any given time. The group was established by corrupt businessman Cornelius Van Lundy, who assumed the role of Taurus. Their main weapon is the Zodiac Key, an artifact from another dimension that possesses immense power.

In simpler terms, the villainous group known as the Zodiac initially clashed with the Avengers when they sought control over Manhattan using a gadget called the “Star-Blazer.” The Zodiac’s attacks were skillfully coordinated and relied on strategies based on astrology, making them hard to anticipate. Later, Scorpio created a new team of androids, adding more chaos as this version fought against both the Avengers and the Defenders. The Zodiac’s blend of criminal organization, mysterious tactics, and advanced technology makes them a particularly tenacious adversary for the heroes, who must constantly adapt to a foe that frequently changes its leadership and methods.

9) Space Phantom

One of the Avengers’ initial adversaries, known as the Space Phantoms, first appeared in the 1963 issue #2 of “The Avengers”. This duo was brought to life by comic legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. These entities are followers of the time-jumping villain Immortus, who have been affected by their prolonged existence within the dimensionless realm of Limbo. A Space Phantom boasts a deceitful skill, capable of flawlessly mimicking another being, thus sending the original into the confines of Limbo and sowing discord.

During their initial meeting, a solitary Space Imposter managed to infiltrate the ranks of the Avengers, assuming the identities of Giant-Man, Iron Man, and the Hulk. This deceit caused chaos and suspicion among the heroes, leading them to distrust one another and ultimately causing the Hulk to leave the team out of sheer exasperation. Space Impostors pose a mental challenge rather than a physical one. They aim to test the Avengers’ unity and trust, transforming their own comrades into potential threats and forcing the heroes to grapple with paranoia, as they question who among them might be secretly working against them.

8) Onslaught

Originating from the imaginative minds of writers Scott Lobdell and Mark Waid, along with artist Andy Kubert, Onslaught was introduced in full detail in X-Men volume 2 issue #53, published in 1996. This powerful entity emerged as a result of Professor Charles Xavier’s psychic intervention during the “Fatal Attractions” storyline, where he temporarily stopped Magneto’s consciousness. The merging of Magneto’s deepest, darkest thoughts with Xavier’s own subconscious repressed negativity gave birth to a new entity possessing the combined telepathic, magnetic, and reality-altering abilities of both mutants.

Originally created for the X-Men comics, Onslaught gained notoriety through his confrontation with a united front of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Avengers. His power was so colossal that defeating him seemed possible only at the cost of all Earth’s non-mutant superheroes, who appeared to have perished while absorbing his energy. Onslaught is a catastrophic menace, a being composed entirely of psychic energy whose very existence distorts two of the world’s most potent mutants. With Marvel Studios planning to delve into a Mutant Saga in the future, Onslaught could bring together the Avengers and X-Men in the MCU.

7) Enchantress

Amora, also known as the Enchantress, is a magical being from Asgard, first introduced in issue #103 of “Journey into Mystery” (1964). Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, she’s known for her impressive magic skills. She can project energy, teleport, and even change one thing into another. Her specialties lie in casting spells and controlling minds, often using a kiss to make men obey her commands. She initially learned magic under Karnilla, the Queen of the Norns, but later used charm to acquire knowledge from other sorcerers, making her one of the strongest mystics in Asgard.

The Sorceress, often joining forces with the Executioner, repeatedly confronted Thor and the Avengers. In one of her initial plots, she bestowed powers upon a man named Erik Josten, thus creating the first Power Man. Utilizing her illusions, she manipulated New York City to turn against the Avengers, ultimately leading them to disband. Her reasons for doing so are typically driven by a desire for more power and an unyielding affection for Thor, which makes her a multifaceted adversary.

6) Squadron Sinister

In 1969, during issue #69 of “The Avengers,” the team known as Squadron Sinister was introduced. This team was brainchild of writer Roy Thomas and artist Sal Buscema, and they modeled it after DC Comics’ Justice League. The creator behind this group was a powerful cosmic entity called the Grandmaster who formed them to compete against Kang the Conqueror’s handpicked opponents, the Avengers. Initially, the roster included Hyperion (a character similar to Superman), Nighthawk (a counterpart of Batman), Whizzer (mirroring The Flash), and Doctor Spectrum (representing Green Lantern).

In their initial encounter, the Squadron engaged in individual duels against the Avengers worldwide, each battle determining the Earth’s survival. Although the Avengers emerged victorious, the Squadron Sinister carved out a sinister reflection of Marvel’s heroes. They share the same astonishing power levels as the Avengers, but lack any sense of right and wrong. A noble counterpart from another dimension, the Squadron Supreme, was subsequently introduced, leading to a retcon that the Sinister were replicas of them. However, with the multiverse portals now open in the MCU, there’s a chance the original Squadron Sinister might make an appearance.

5) Annihilus

Originating from the minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the insect-like sovereign of the Negative Zone, known as Annihilus, debuted in the 1968 Fantastic Four Annual, issue 6. His power is derived from the Cosmic Control Rod, a gadget that endows him with immense strength, energy management, and an extended lifespan. Fueled by an intense fear of death, Annihilus aims to annihilate any life form that may pose a threat to his survival, thus posing a significant danger not only to the Fantastic Four but also to the entire cosmos.

Primarily known for his enmity towards the Fantastic Four, Annihilus’s most notable battle was not just against them but against the entire Marvel universe during the Annihilation saga. He led an enormous force called the Annihilation Wave from the Negative Zone and initiated a destructive war that left many planets in ruins, including the home of the Nova Corps. Annihilus embodies a relentless force driven by absolute destruction, making him a major cosmic threat capable of bringing together heroes and villains alike against a common adversary.

4) Count Nefaria

In 1965, character named Count Luchino Nefaria was introduced in The Avengers #13 by Stan Lee and Don Heck. Originally an Italian nobleman with vast wealth and head of the Maggia criminal organization, he aimed to take down the Avengers himself. In a process that boosted his powers, he absorbed abilities from three villains – Living Laser, Power Man, and Whirlwind – a hundredfold, resulting in a body composed entirely of ionic energy.

In my perspective, this fresh ability bestowed upon Nefaria an extraordinary level of superhuman might, matching that of Thor, swiftness, and indestructibility, all while granting him the capacity to unleash ionic energy. Essentially, he’s almost immortal, yet to sustain his power, he needs to occasionally siphon energy from other ionic entities, such as Wonder Man, making him a peculiar type of energy predator. One of his most memorable tales involves him single-handedly overpowering the entire Avengers team, demonstrating his position as a formidable threat who blends the cunning intellect of a criminal mastermind with the raw power of a divine physical entity.

3) Super-Adaptoid

The Super-Adaptoid made its debut in issue #82 of Tales of Suspense from 1966; it was the brainchild of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Gene Colan. This high-tech android was constructed by the malevolent scientific group A.I.M., and it carries a fragment of the Cosmic Cube, which serves as its unique power source. This energy source endows the Adaptoid with its remarkable ability to perfectly mimic the powers, weapons, and physical traits of any superhuman it comes into contact with.

In its early confrontations, the Super-Adaptoid went up against Captain America individually and later challenged the entire Avengers, mimicking the combined abilities of Goliath, Wasp, Hawkeye, and Captain America to form a formidable foe. This entity’s objective is to dissect and overcome any resistance through flawless imitation, causing heroes to face doppelgangers that embody all their strengths. However, its one glaring vulnerability lies in its synthetic origin, as it lacks the creativity and determination of the heroes it mirrors.

2) Korvac

In 1975, Michael Korvac made his first appearance in “Giant-Size Defenders” issue #3, penned by Steve Gerber and Jim Starlin. He was a tech expert hailing from an alternate 31st century Earth, who underwent a dramatic transformation into a potent cyborg at the hands of the extraterrestrial Badoon. Escaping through time, he eventually encountered Galactus’s cosmic vessel and seized a piece of the Power Cosmic, granting him god-like powers that enabled him to control matter and energy on an immense scale.

In simpler terms, Korvac’s narrative reached its peak in “The Korvac Saga,” a well-known story arc spanning issues #167 to #177 of The Avengers comic series. Arriving in the 20th century, Korvac, who appeared benevolent, secretly aimed to create an Earth utopia under his unyielding rule. This ambition led him into conflicts with both the Avengers and the original Guardians of the Galaxy. Korvac is a complex antagonist who sincerely believes his actions are for the greater good, making his encounters with the heroes a poignant struggle about the essence of free will and the corrupting power of absolute authority.

1) Beyonder

The Beyonder is a nearly all-powerful cosmic figure hailing from realms beyond our multiverse, introduced during the crossover event known as “Secret Wars,” which was conceived by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck. With powers surpassing most characters in the Marvel Universe, this entity developed an intrigue towards the notions of good and evil. To explore these ideas further, it captured a significant number of Earth’s superheroes and villains, then transported them to a world called Battleworld, where they were compelled to engage in combat during the initial Secret Wars.

In “Secret Wars II,” the character known as the Beyonder took on human form on Earth to explore human emotions and desires. This exploration almost resulted in him destroying the entire multiverse due to his frustration. The Beyonder isn’t your typical antagonist, but rather a powerful entity whose power is so immense that reality serves as a playground for his experiments. He poses a threat on a cosmic level, compelling heroes to grapple with a being who views morality and existence as mere curiosities.

Of all the villains from the Avengers series, which one would you prefer to witness again in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Share your favorite choices below!

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2025-08-07 18:30