The Avengers are Marvel’s premier superhero team, bringing together their most powerful heroes. Over the years, iconic characters like Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man have become synonymous with the Avengers, and joining the team is a sign of a hero’s success within the Marvel Universe. While some heroes are strongly linked to the Avengers in fans’ minds, many dedicated members from the team’s long history don’t receive the recognition they deserve.
I’ve been a huge Avengers fan for years, and what always made the comics so special was the team itself – who was on it, how they worked together. We all love the classic Avengers, of course, but I’ve always felt some other heroes deserve way more recognition. There are ten Avengers who I truly believe are legends, even if they aren’t always talked about as such by other fans. They really contributed to the team’s success, and I think it’s time we remember them!
10) Justice
Justice, also known as Vance Astrovik, has had an interesting journey in the Marvel Universe. Before becoming a leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, he began his career with the New Warriors. A tragic accident involving his telekinetic powers led to the death of his prejudiced father, seemingly ending his hopes of joining the Avengers. Surprisingly, he and his girlfriend, Firestar, did eventually become Avengers in 1998, remaining with the team for two years. Justice was a likable and enthusiastic member, bringing a youthful energy to the group. While he hasn’t been as prominent lately, he remains a well-regarded hero.
9) Iron Patriot
The “Dark Reign” era was a thrilling period for Marvel Comics, focusing on Norman Osborn, previously known as the Green Goblin. He was put in charge of a new Superhero Initiative and formed his own Avengers team, surprisingly recruiting villains and rebranding them as heroes. Osborn also created a new armored suit, becoming the Iron Patriot, and used his position to pursue his own vendettas while still appearing to save the day. He managed to convincingly play the role of a hero for a while, and remains a standout character in the *Dark Avengers* comic series. Essentially, Osborn was a compelling Avenger precisely because he was also a formidable villain.
8) Hercules
Hercules is often seen as second to Thor when it comes to the Avengers, but he’s a strong, battle-loving god who’s a great fit for the team. Despite his abilities, most fans would still prefer Thor. It’s a shame, really, because Hercules is a truly powerful Avenger – his incredible strength makes him ideal for taking on the most dangerous enemies. He’s had some memorable moments with the team, particularly in the 80s and 90s, and remains one of the more interesting, though lesser-known, Avengers. It’s always a bit disappointing to see him left off new team lineups, as he’s a fantastic hero.
7) The Sentry
The Avengers have featured some incredibly powerful heroes, and the Sentry is one of the most fascinating. What makes the Sentry unique is his complicated history – he’s a hero whose memories sometimes need to be wiped from everyone’s minds, creating a constant potential threat for the team. This instability, combined with his immense power, has made him a controversial but compelling member of the Avengers, leading to some great storylines. The team is always on edge with the Sentry around because his actions are unpredictable, which ultimately makes him one of the most intriguing heroes on the roster.
6) Wolverine
Wolverine, famous for his years with the X-Men, also spent a significant time as an Avenger from 2005 to 2013. He proved to be a valuable member of the team, playing a key role in many battles and becoming one of Captain America’s closest advisors. His time with the Avengers, particularly in the *New Avengers* series, highlights his importance within the larger Marvel Universe, and many fans would like to see him rejoin the team in the future.
5) Luke Cage
Luke Cage started as a relatively unknown hero operating on the streets, but he eventually earned a spot with the Avengers. Becoming a New Avenger helped him grow significantly as a hero. After the *Civil War* conflict, Luke stepped up to lead a secret team of Avengers, proving he could handle the pressure of leading one of Marvel’s most important groups during a difficult time. He led the New Avengers for years, becoming a key player on the team. Luke wasn’t just powerful – his determination and leadership were as strong as his famously unbreakable skin and physique. He truly became an Avengers legend and deserves more recognition.
4) Sunspot
Jonathan Hickman’s work on the Avengers is widely considered exceptional, and it brought several new heroes to the team, including Sunspot. Originally appearing in the early 1980s with the New Mutants, Sunspot later joined X-Force and the X-Men. When he became an Avenger alongside his friend Cannonball, he chose to leverage his vast wealth rather than his powers to make an impact. He famously purchased AIM and formed his own Avengers team, leading them in conflicts against the villain known as the Maker. Sunspot proved to be a fantastic Avenger – his intelligence and enormous fortune made him a consistently engaging character.
3) Smasher
Izzy Kane discovered a powerful Shi’Ar device on her family’s farm – a pair of Exo-Specs – which transformed her into Smasher. As Smasher, she became a superpowered protector of the Shi’Ar Empire, gaining incredible strength, the ability to withstand any injury, and the power of flight, along with other abilities tied to the Exo-Specs. She later joined the Avengers, striving to earn the respect of both her teammates and the Shi’Ar Imperial Guard. During her time with the team, she developed a relationship with Cannonball and fought alongside Earth’s mightiest heroes against major threats. Smasher ultimately became a leading figure within the Shi’Ar Empire. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been seen since the conclusion of Jonathan Hickman’s run on the Avengers, which is disappointing, as she’s a top-tier hero who deserves a triumphant return.
2) Hyperion
The 2010s saw some fantastic Avengers storylines, and Hyperion quickly became a standout member of the team. Essentially Marvel’s version of Superman, Hyperion has shown up in various alternate realities. The Hyperion who joined the Avengers (Vol. 5) came from a world destroyed by AIM and found a new home with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. He was incredibly powerful, fighting alongside the Avengers against major villains and even befriending Thor. He was a natural fit for the team, and many fans hope to see this version of Hyperion return in the future.
1) Ares
In Greek mythology, Ares is the God of War, and he’s clashed with the Avengers on several occasions. Surprisingly, after the events of *Civil War* caused a rift among heroes, Iron Man recruited Ares to join the Avengers. He became a loud and aggressive force on the team during the *Mighty Avengers* and *Dark Avengers* eras. Despite his predictable behavior – always looking for a fight, belittling his teammates, and acting on impulse – Ares was a consistently engaging member of the group.
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2025-10-09 14:12