The Avengers are a fictional superhero team created by writer and editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby. They first appeared in The Avengers #1 (September 1963), published by Marvel Comics. The team is often described as Earth's mightiest heroes and has become one of the most iconic superhero groups in pop culture.
The original lineup of the Avengers, as introduced in 1963, included:
Over time, the roster has expanded significantly, incorporating many heroes from the Marvel Universe, including:
The team's purpose has been to protect Earth from threats too large for any one hero to handle alone, including cosmic entities, alien invasions, and super-powered villains.
Some of the most celebrated storylines involving the Avengers include:
The Avengers have been adapted into various forms of media:
The Avengers have left an indelible mark on comic book culture and beyond. Their concept of a team of diverse heroes coming together for a common cause has inspired numerous adaptations and interpretations across different media.