The "original" Avengers can refer to two distinct lineups: the comic book founders and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) founders. While the MCU has popularized a specific team, the comic books introduced the concept decades earlier with a slightly different roster and a different reason for forming.
The Avengers first assembled in The Avengers #1 in September 1963, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. They were brought together by Loki's machinations, which inadvertently led them to unite against him. The founding members were:
Captain America joined the team in The Avengers #4 after being found frozen in ice, making him an early, but not founding, member of the classic lineup.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe brought the team to the big screen in The Avengers (2012), directed by Joss Whedon. This lineup, assembled by Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. to combat Loki's invasion of New York, included:
This cinematic roster became incredibly iconic and is often what people think of when they hear "original Avengers."
Pro tip: Many early Avengers stories from the comics are collected in "Epic Collections" or "Masterworks" series, which are great ways to read the original adventures without hunting down individual vintage issues. These collections often include fascinating historical context about the creation of the characters and the early days of Marvel Comics.
Optional. The film that defined the original MCU lineup for a generation, a must-watch for understanding the cinematic team's origin.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Ask Pyflo anything →