This Forgotten Avengers Story is the Greatest Moment of this Underused MCU Hero

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe turned the Avengers into the most well-known superheroes of recent times, and they did it by faithfully adapting the original comic books. While the movies brought many classic Marvel characters to life, some received more attention than others. Hank Pym, a key founding member of the Avengers and the original Ant-Man, never got the spotlight he deserved. He didn’t appear in the MCU until seven years after it began, and even then, the focus was on Scott Lang as the new Ant-Man.

There are many reasons why Hank Pym isn’t as popular as some other heroes, but it largely comes down to his past. He’s unfortunately remembered for a time when he abused his wife, the Wasp, and that incident has significantly damaged his reputation. However, it’s easy to overlook just how crucial he is to the history of the Marvel Universe. While many fans prefer the Wasp – and with good reason, as she’s a fantastic character – Pym’s contributions to the team are often forgotten. Marvel hasn’t forgotten, though, and in the 1990s, they published a story dedicated to him, showcasing his importance: The Last Avengers Story, written by Peter David and illustrated by Ariel Olivetti.

The Last Avengers Story Paid Homage to Hank Pym’s Place in the Avengers

As a long-time comic fan, I remember the ’90s at Marvel being a bit of a mixed bag. While the X-Men and Spider-Man were really taking off, a lot of the older heroes felt a little… outdated. Honestly, it also felt like good storytelling took a backseat for a while. It wasn’t all bad, but from around ’91 to ’96, a lot of the books just weren’t hitting the mark. Thankfully, they still had some incredibly talented writers, and one who really understood the heart of Marvel was Peter David.

Peter David was doing fantastic work on The Incredible Hulk, and everything he produced in the 1990s was impressive. Around the mid-90s, Marvel divided its comics into different lines: X-Men, Spider-Man, classic heroes, grittier street-level stories, and an “Alterniverse” dedicated to alternate reality tales. Marvels proved that high-quality, visually striking books with great writing could be successful, and the Alterniverse became the home for these kinds of stories. Ruins, released in 1995, explored a darker take on the Marvel Universe, and later that year, readers enjoyed The Last Avengers Story.

Set in a grim future, The Last Avengers Story begins with a disastrous Avengers wedding that results in the loss of Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, and Vision. The Hulk is responsible for the deaths of the rest of the team. Years later, an aging Hank Pym attempts to cure the Wasp of a condition caused by Pym Particles, but is drawn into a final confrontation with Kang, Ultron, Grim Reaper, and Oddball. This leads to the formation of a new Avengers team, and forces Hank Pym to confront his past errors while displaying incredible heroism.

Hank Pym is a hugely important figure in Avengers history. His creation, Ultron, led to the birth of the Vision, who went on to marry Scarlet Witch and have children. Wonder Man also became entangled in these events, setting the stage for many future Avengers storylines. Pym’s actions have fundamentally shaped the team, and The Last Avengers Story brilliantly highlights his significance. This story is unusual because it focuses on Pym, rather than the usual Avengers leaders like Captain America, Iron Man, or Thor – and he truly earns the spotlight. He’s a largely overlooked hero, and this story would remind readers why he’s so important.

The Last Avengers Story Proves That Hank Pym Is the Most Important Avenger

When The Last Avengers Story was published, the classic, older style of Marvel comics wasn’t popular anymore. Readers were looking for darker, more intense stories, and this comic delivered that while still honoring the original Avengers. The story focused on Hank Pym, a once-important Avenger, and highlighted his crucial role in shaping the team and proving his heroic potential – something fans had been wanting to see.

It’s easy to see why Marvel hasn’t highlighted Hank Pym’s heroism. He’s largely remembered for a single, negative event, and focusing on him would constantly bring that up. Though some writers have explored the reasons behind his actions, he’s a difficult character to promote, likely contributing to his absence in the MCU. However, the comic series The Last Avengers Story will finally showcase his true potential as a hero – a flawed but well-intentioned person who strives to improve. This two-part story is genuinely one of the best Avengers tales ever told, and it’s time it received the recognition it deserves.

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2026-02-15 21:11