Marvel’s First 10 Superhero Teams, Ranked by Legacy

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Following the launch of Superman in 1939, Timely Comics – which later became Marvel – quickly started developing its own heroes with extraordinary powers and costumes. Marvel soon became DC Comics’ biggest rival, largely because of the impressive superhero teams it created. From the early days of comic books, Marvel has been known for forming imaginative groups of costumed heroes who fight evil and protect people. While many of these teams didn’t last long, some became iconic and helped shape the entire comic book industry, setting the standard for what a superhero team could be.

With the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday set to unite heroes from the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men, it’s a great moment to remember the original superhero teams that paved the way for Marvel and comics as a whole.

10) All Winners Squad

In 1946, when it was known as Timely Comics, Marvel introduced the All-Winners Squad – a team of its first popular heroes like Captain America, the Human Torch, Namor, Bucky, Toro, Miss America, and the Whizzer. However, the team wasn’t very successful and quickly faded into obscurity after just two issues. It was largely forgotten for decades and didn’t have much impact on the Marvel Universe. More recently, the All-Winners Squad has only appeared briefly in stories recalling their time fighting the Axis Powers during World War II.

9) Young Allies

In 1941, Marvel Comics introduced its first team of superheroes, the Young Allies. Led by Captain America’s partner, Bucky Barnes, the group made history as the first team of teenage superheroes in comics. Bucky was joined by his friends Knuckles, Henry, Jeff, and Washington, and later by Toro, the Human Torch’s sidekick. Together, they battled Nazis and criminals to support the war, and even had their own comic book. However, the team didn’t remain popular for long and was eventually forgotten. Despite two attempts by Marvel to revive the Young Allies in more recent years, both versions disbanded within a year.

8) Invaders

Though first appearing in 1969, the Invaders were later established as a crucial superhero team during World War II within Marvel Comics. During the war, the Allied forces brought together a group of heroes to spearhead attacks in areas occupied by Axis powers. The initial team featured some of Marvel’s most popular Golden Age characters: Captain America, the Human Torch, and Namor. They were soon reinforced by other WWII heroes, including Bucky, Toro, Union Jack, the Whizzer, Miss America, and Spitfire. Working together, they played a key role in securing an Allied victory. Even after the war ended, various new versions of the Invaders continued to fight for freedom against global threats. While not widely known today, the Invaders have had a lasting impact on the history of the Marvel Universe.

7) Warriors Three

The Warriors Three are among the most recognizable allies in Thor’s stories, known as steadfast Asgardian defenders who wholeheartedly protect their kingdom. First introduced in 1965, this trio—Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg—are always seeking adventure and travel throughout the Nine Realms to defeat monsters. For millennia, they’ve been Thor’s closest friends and have fought alongside him in numerous battles. With their distinct appearances and personalities, these heroes have consistently been key members of Thor’s support system, helping Asgard through countless crises.

6) Inhumans

In 1965, the Fantastic Four encountered Medusa, a villain with incredibly long, controllable hair. They soon discovered she wasn’t just a criminal, but the queen of a hidden group of superpowered humans called the Inhumans. Thousands of years ago, the Inhumans were created through alien experiments, gaining their powers from something called the Terrigen Mist. They live in the secret city of Attilan and are led by the powerful Black Bolt, alongside other royal family members like Crystal, Karnak, Gorgon, Triton, and Lockjaw. Although not always the most well-known team, the Inhumans have recently been the origin for popular new heroes like Ms. Marvel and Moon Girl.

5) Howling Commandos

I recently revisited the origins of Nick Fury, and it’s fascinating to see how far the character has come. He first appeared back in 1963, not as the high-tech S.H.I.E.L.D. director we know today, but as the tough leader of a WWII squad called the Howling Commandos. What’s really interesting is how the team evolved over the years. Initially, they were just a group of brave, ordinary soldiers alongside Fury. But later versions took some wild turns – one team was almost entirely made up of monsters, and another pulled Captain Americas from different realities! Even with all those changes, the Howling Commandos laid the groundwork for so many of Marvel’s best spy and political thrillers, really establishing the world of Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. as we know it.

4) Guardians of the Galaxy

The original Guardians of the Galaxy, created by Marvel Comics in 1969, were very different from the team we know today, featuring characters like Star-Lord and Rocket. This first team came from a future Earth (the 31st century, on Earth-691) where humans had spread throughout the galaxy and used genetic engineering to live on different planets. The initial members included Major Victory, who carried a Captain America-style shield, the ice-powered Martinex, the strong Charlie-27, and the skilled archer Yondu, with Starhawk and Nikki joining later. Over time, Marvel developed the more well-known version of the Guardians – a group of unlikely, somewhat rebellious heroes. The Guardians of the Galaxy have become one of Marvel’s most famous teams of space adventurers.

3) Fantastic Four

In 1961, a space mission changed four scientists forever when they were exposed to cosmic rays. They returned to Earth with extraordinary powers and became known as the Fantastic Four: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing. Unlike many other superheroes of the time, the Fantastic Four didn’t bother with secret identities and were more interested in exploring the unknown than fighting crime. What really made them special was their strong family bond, which led to unique and emotional interactions. Today, the Fantastic Four are considered Marvel’s leading superhero family and are celebrated as pioneers in the world of science.

2) Avengers

Following the massive success of DC Comics’ Justice League, Marvel decided to create its own team of superheroes. In 1963, they brought together some of their most popular characters to form the Avengers, dedicated to battling evil. The original team – Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, and Wasp – quickly became iconic, and Captain America soon joined their ranks. Over time, the Avengers’ membership expanded, with almost every Marvel hero eventually becoming a member. More recently, the team has become central to the hugely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, dramatically changing the world of filmmaking over the past 18 years.

1) X-Men

The X-Men first appeared in 1963 and quickly became a revolutionary force in comics. Led by Professor X, these heroes – all mutants with unique powers – united to train, protect the world, and combat prejudice. The original team – Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel, and Iceman – grew to include many famous characters like Wolverine, Rogue, and Storm, who became central to the X-Men’s legacy. Beyond exciting adventures, the X-Men have always offered a powerful and lasting message about civil rights and finding your identity, expanding the possibilities for storytelling and social issues in comic books. With their compelling characters, strong relationships, and meaningful themes, the X-Men are arguably Marvel’s most significant team.

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2026-02-12 21:15