Iron Man and Captain America stand together in Marvel Comics
By
Nicolas Ayala
Published 6 minutes ago
Nicolas Ayala is a Senior Writer for the Comics team at ScreenRant, with over five years of experience writing about Superhero media, action movies, and TV shows.
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Decades after their debut, several Marvel heroes continue to evade an Avengers membership. The Avengers have evolved from a small band of superhero legends into a sprawling, ever-changing assembly of the Marvel Universe’s most formidable figures. Their ranks have famously welcomed a wide variety of fighters, often as temporary allies during world-ending crises.
The Avengers' revolving-door policy has transformed the team into a massive, living compendium of Marvel history. Anyone, from a god of thunder to a reformed thief, can potentially find a home under the Avengers' banner. However, while dozens of characters have interacted with the team or served as reserve members, many others have never had a permanent seat at the table.
Ghost Rider
It's Odd That None Of The Ghost Riders Are Proper Avengers
Ghost Rider handles his chain walking toward the camera in Ghost Rider Marvel Tales cover
Marvel's many Ghost Riders possess an immense magical power that could easily rival the Avengers’ heaviest hitters. However, Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, and Robbie Reyes are frequently sequestered in the supernatural corners of the universe. A resident Ghost Rider would grant the Avengers an edge against the increasing frequency of magical battles. The Riders can bypass traditional defenses to strike directly at a villain's soul, while their mastery over Hellfire provides a versatile weapon capable of incinerating mystical barriers.
Historically, Ghost Riders are sidelined during big-picture events, often appearing as temporary allies. If the Avengers recruited any of the Riders, they could easily keep a last-resort strategy against threats as big as a rampaging Hulk. They would also complement Scarlet Witch's mystical lore with more horror-themed elements.
Rogue
Rogue Has Already Proved Her Potential As An Avenger
Rogue stands among other Avengers in Marvel's 800th issue celebration image
Rogue has flirted with Avengers status before through the Unity Squad, but she has yet to be cemented as a recurring member of the main team. Her ability to absorb powers makes her a tactical wildcard, but it's her redemption arc that truly stands out. Having gone from an Avengers villain to a core X-Man, a permanent Avengers membership would bring Rogue's personal journey full-circle.
Despite fears that her power might overshadow her peers, Rogue has matured into a disciplined powerhouse who can often lead the charge. Together among the Avengers, Rogue and Carol Danvers could form a fan-favorite partnership long after their first battle. Rogue’s Southern charm and sass would contrast with the professional polish of the Avengers and provide more heart and humor to the team.
Silver Surfer
Norrin Radd's Immense Power Would Be A Huge Asset To The Avengers
Norrin Radd aka the Silver Surfer glides doing rolls on his surfboard in outer space
As a former Herald of Galactus, Norrin Radd's power and knowledge of the universe’s most dangerous entities is almost unparalleled. If he ever became a permanent member of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Silver Surfer could be an early-warning system for interstellar threats. He could singlehandedly transform the Avengers from a reactive superhero team into a proactive galactic defense force.
Beyond his Power Cosmic, the Surfer brings a unique philosophical touch not unlike Vision's. Norrin Radd's journey from an isolated alien outsider to a devoted protector of Earth highlights a burgeoning love for our species that makes him exceptionally trustworthy. And despite his legendary status, the Silver Surfer has lacked a consistent presence in recent years, so joining the Avengers would give him the chance to shine among other Marvel stars.
Moon Knight
Marc Spector Should Be The Batman To Marvel's Justice League
Moon Knight holds onto a half-moon symbol in front of Khonshu in City of the Dead cover
Moon Knight has experienced a surge in popularity, yet he remains pigeonholed as a mystical, street-level anti-hero. Marc Spector possesses a tactical and magical repertoire that technically makes him a more versatile candidate for the Avengers than stalwarts like Spider-Man or Hawkeye. Moon Knight's elite military background and his direct connection to the moon god Khonshu would make him a double boon for the Avengers.
Although Moon Knight has made it clear that he's not a team person, he has repeatedly proved he has the talent for it. Marc Spector possesses the abilities and the magical expertise to be a full-fledged Avenger, as well as the grit to dominate in R-rated conflicts. Like Spider-Man, Moon Knight naturally fits the whole range of Avengers battles.
Jean Grey
Jean Grey Deserves To Be More Than The Phoenix Force's Host
Jean Grey screams and grabs her head possessed by the Phoenix Force in X-Men comic cover
Jean Grey has been defined almost exclusively by her volatile relationship with the Phoenix Force, which often overshadows her own unique traits. As an Omega-level mutant, Jean Grey possesses telepathic and telekinetic abilities that rank among the most powerful on Earth, entirely independent of any cosmic entity. A spot among the Avengers allows Marvel to finally showcase her as a sovereign hero and a compassionate leader whose strength comes from her own indomitable will.
Jean’s presence would provide the Avengers with a definitive psychological edge that they currently lack. While heroes like Iron Man or Captain Marvel bring technological and physical might, Jean offers unparalleled psionic powers. Her telepathy can link the team's minds for instantaneous communication, and her mental shields can protect them against the psychic manipulations of high-level villains.
Venom
Venom's Redemption Arc Naturally Leads To An Avengers Membership
Venom sticks his tongue out wearing the golden symbol in Marvel Comics
Venom’s journey from a vengeful antagonist to a Lethal Protector to a full-fledged superhero has been surprisingly consistent. Following King in Black, Venom has moved on from Spider-Man and embraced his role as Earth's primary symbiote. The only remaining feat of heroism left for Venom is to become a card-carrying member of the Avengers.
The dynamics between an Avenger Venom and established heroes like Captain America or Iron Man would be exciting to see develop. Not to mention, the combat combos Venom's symbiote abilities provides are unprecedented with Venom as a hero instead of a villain. Any Avenger could bond temporarily with Venom for a power boost in the middle of battle.
Blue Marvel
Adam Bernard Brashear Is Often Ignored Altogether
Adam Brashear aka Blue Marvel hovers in space in Marvel Comics
Like the Silver Surfer, Blue Marvel's physical might rivals that of the Sentry and Thor. But despite possessing the ability to manipulate matter at a molecular level and a genius-level intellect, Blue Marvel remains one of Marvel’s most chronically underutilized heroes. A permanent seat at the Avengers' table would definitely help him escape obscurity and fulfill his immense potential.
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Jim Hammond
Marvel's First Superhero Deserves To Be Part Of Marvel's Prime Superhero Team
Jim Hammond aka the Human Torch flies engulfed in flames in Marvel Comics art
As Marvel’s debut superhero from 1939, Jim Hammond carries a legacy that predates every other character. It's only fair for one of the earliest superheroes in the Marvel Universe to get a spot among Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Jim's recent Ultimate portrayal, where the Human Torch recounts personally killing Hitler, highlights his cold-hearted but heroic nature.
The original Human Torch's history with Captain America as an Invader and his body's role in Vision's creation are a gold mine for rich interactions within the team. Jim Hammond also serves as a fascinating foil to tech-driven geniuses like Iron Man and Black Panther and a complement to magic-driven heroes like Thor and Scarlet Witch.
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