Marvel Comics is pulling off a bold meta-narrative mirroring its cinematic universe - just as the Thunderbolts movie was surprisingly rebranded, the comic series is following suit. This newly christened "New Avengers" team features an unlikely mix of heroes like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine trying to fill the impossibly big shoes of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
From Thunderbolts to Avengers: The Transformation
Writer Sam Humphries reveals this shocking rebrand wasn't a last-minute twist but part of the plan all along. "It was baked into our earliest conversations," Humphries told us. "Keeping this secret has been like trying to hide Doctor Doom's latest doomsday device - thrilling and nerve-wracking in equal measure."
The creative team is drawing deliberate parallels to classic Avengers lore while assembling this rogue's gallery of superpowered misfits. Just as the Illuminati represented different corners of Marvel's universe, Humphries assembled his team to reflect various power bases - resulting in what he affectionately calls "a squad of troublesome badasses" rather than traditional heroes.
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The Most Dysfunctional Avengers Team Yet
When we asked about team dynamics, Humphries didn't sugarcoat it: "Imagine putting seven ticking time bombs in one room - that's our New Avengers." The book promises explosive confrontations, especially between volatile members like Carnage and Clea or Namor and Laura Kinney's Wolverine.
Bucky Barnes finds himself thrust into the unlikely role of team leader, bringing his Winter Soldier experience to the impossible task of wrangling this band of emotionally unstable powerhouses. "Bucky's going to need every ounce of his hard-won wisdom," Humphries teases. "Because the world's spinning out of control, and this ragtag group might be our last hope."
The Killuminati Threat
What threat could possibly justify assembling such a dangerous squad? Enter the "Killuminati" - grotesque, failed attempts at replicating the legendary Illuminati. Humphries describes them as "seven walking, talking nightmares who make our New Avengers look almost reasonable by comparison."
The debut issue pairs Humphries' sharp writing with the dynamic artwork of Tón Lima, who brings a distinct "Fast & Furious" energy to the superhero action. "Tón delivers pages that make you feel the impact of every superpowered punch," Humphries raves. "Wait until you see what he's done with Iron Apex!"
Mark your calendars for June 11, 2025 when The New Avengers #1 launches. For those wondering why Marvel pulled this switcheroo, check out our deep dive into the reasoning behind the Thunderbolts rebranding and the MCU's evolving plans for Bucky Barnes.
