10 Surprising Facts About The Avengers That Most Of Us Missed

Jessica Wilson
Dec 19, 2023
Dec 19, 2023

The Avengers have created this incredible, immersive world called Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that just sucks you right in. You have got these awesome superheroes, epic battles, and jaw-dropping visuals that make it a total cultural phenomenon. Viewers of all ages get hooked, connecting with the characters.

Marvel has got this magical way of transporting us to these amazing worlds, making us feel like we are part of something way bigger. Whether it's Iron Man's genius, Captain America's leadership, or Thor's godly vibes, the MCU has crafted this exciting journey that urges us all to come back for more.

#1. Captain America was not part of the original team.

Source: Marvel Studios Films

In the Marvel movies, Captain America is like the poster boy for the Avengers, right? But guess what? In the original Avengers comics, he wasn't there from the get-go. The Avengers first found him frozen in the ocean while chasing after Namor.

Once they thawed him out, they welcomed Captain America into the squad, making him an official founding member. It was a bit of a switcheroo because the Hulk left, but that's how Captain America became a core part of the Avengers team. It's like comic-book magic that changed the game!

#2. A delay in printing Daredevil led to the creation of the Avengers.

Source: Marvel Fandom

When Marvel realized Daredevil wouldn't be ready on time, Stan Lee suggested forming a team of existing Marvel characters, inspired by DC's Justice League of America. This way, they could skip complex origin stories and dive straight into adventures. Lee and Kirby quickly came up with the Avengers concept, rushed the first issue, and sent it off to the printer, making it possible for the iconic superhero team to come to life.

#3. The Wasp came up with the team’s name.

Source: Marvel Fandom

After the five heroes decided to team up in The Avengers, they needed a name. The Wasp, Janet van Dyne, suggested the dramatic and colorful name “The Avengers.” Ant-Man liked the idea and quickly declared, “The Avengers!” It's interesting to think about her second suggestion and why this crucial moment in the team's history wasn't included in the movie series.

#4. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch used to be villains.

Source: Avengers: Age of Ultron/Walt Disney Studios

The Avengers went through a lot of changes. After Hulk left in the second issue, Captain America joined in the fourth issue. However, in The Avengers, everyone except Captain America left.

The original four members were replaced by three new additions: Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Hawkeye. What makes this interesting is that Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch were previously villains in the Marvel Comics universe.

#5. Marvel had “The Avengers” trademarked in 1970

Source: The Avengers

Marvel didn't trademark the Avengers' name until 1970, a few years after realizing the team's popularity. In 2012, they faced a challenge with the British TV series, “The Avengers,” which pre-dated Marvel's superhero team. To resolve the issue, the movie was cleverly re-titled as “Marvel Avengers Assemble” in the UK.

#6. The Avengers hit shelves the same month as uncanny X-Men

Source: Uncanny X-Men (1963)/Marvel

In September 1963, The Avengers and Uncanny X-Men both debuted on newsstands. These two teams, Marvel's superheroes, have crossed paths numerous times in their adventures.

#7. Hulk’s buddy and Tony Stark’s butler are “honorary Avengers”

Source: Marvel Studios Films

The Avengers have had honorary members, often friends and allies who assisted in battles. Rick Jones, saved by Bruce Banner, became the first honorary member. He later helped convince the team that Hulk wasn't as evil as they thought. Jarvis, Tony Stark's butler in the comics (not the movie's computerized entity), was also granted honorary member status.

#8. Not everyone accepts Avengers membership

Source: Marvel Studios Films

Some heroes turned down Avengers membership initially, like Spider-Man and Daredevil, who wanted to focus on local crime-fighting. Although they eventually joined, it happened many years after the initial offer.

#9. Even superhero teams can franchise

Source: Marvel Studios Films

The Avengers formed the West Coast Avengers in 1984 to handle multiple threats across the country, led by Hawkeye in Los Angeles. While the original Avengers operated from New York City, this new team safeguarded the West Coast from supervillains. The team's popularity led to more spin-offs like the Secret Avengers and New Avengers, including some unofficial ones like the Great Lakes Avengers, known for their accidental heroics despite their ineptitude.

#10. The Avengers had a crosser with David Letterman in 1984

Source: Marvel Studios Films

In 1984, The Avengers had an unexpected crossover with David Letterman on Late Night. Members like Hawkeye, Black Panther, Black Widow, Wonder Man, and X-Men's Beast appeared on the show, facing an inept villain with camera-mounted lasers. Letterman stepped in, saving the day by knocking out the villain with a giant doorknob. It's an amusing and unique moment in both television and comic history.

Liked what you read? Share it on your socials and keep an eye out for our upcoming articles. Don't miss out—hit that follow button!

Share this article