Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Avengers Assemble #1!Tony Stark is an integral member of the Avengers, not just because he’s a founding member or that he’s the immensely powerful superhero Iron Man, but because he’s the team’s resident tech expert. The Avengers is perhaps the most high-tech team on the planet (minus the Fantastic Four), and that’s solely due to Tony Stark. But now, the Avengers crowns a new ‘Tony Stark’ by making a lesser-known hero the team’s official tech expert.
In Avengers Assemble #1 by Steve Orlando and Cory Smith, a separate team of Avengers led by Steve Rogers are gathering at the Avengers Mansion, serving as a secondary team to the flagship Avengers squad. In the current Avengers comic, Carol Danvers leads the main team, with members including Thor, Sam Wilson, Tony Stark, T’Challa, Wanda Maximoff, and Vision. While the Avengers in Avengers Assemble are still Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, they operate both separately and in conjunction with the main team, meaning they need their own lineup to fill every necessary role.
While Captain America claims his title as the team’s leader, other heroes fill their required roles as well to ensure a well-rounded Avengers lineup, including Photon acting as the team’s resident Captain Marvel, and Hercules filling the ‘god’ role of Thor. So, that begs the question: who is filling the role of Tony Stark? Well, that question is answered immediately, and it’s also the ultimate payoff after years of build-up, as the hero filling Tony Stark’s role is none other than Dwayne Taylor aka Night Thrasher.
Night Thrasher is the Avengers’ New ‘Tony Stark’
Dwayne Taylor has Proven for Years that He’s an Avengers-Level Hero
Night Thrasher is no stranger to battling Avengers-level threats with A-list members of the Avengers themselves. Indeed, Night Thrasher’s first appearance was in Thor #411 where he was a leading member of the superhero team New Warriors and assisted Thor in his battle against the Juggernaut (which showed the Juggernaut at arguably his most powerful). While his history of fighting alongside the Avengers does prove that he’s an Avengers-level hero, it’s his expertise in developing advanced technology that really makes him a perfect addition to the team.
Night Thrasher has always worn an Iron Man-esque tech-based suit of his own design, complete with jet boots, a hidden harness containing a number of miniature firearms, and projectile/long-range weaponry. And, of course, Night Thrasher adds his own unique flare to his costume with the inclusion of a high-tech skateboard.
Night Thrasher’s genius is put on full display in
Defenders: Beyond
#1, when Dwayne Taylor is referenced as a lead authority in time-loops and interdimensional incursions, confirming his status as a Tony Stark-level hero!
Throughout his many appearances, Night Thrasher has proven time and again that he is capable of designing some of the most advanced suits and pieces of technology in Marvel Comics, as well as understanding and troubleshooting deeply complex problems teams like the Avengers regularly face. And now, he’s putting those skills to use as an Avenger.
Night Thrasher is Proving to be an Even BETTER Tech-Expert than Tony Stark
On Day 1, Night Thrasher Supplied His Fellow Avengers with Their Own Suits
In this issue, Night Thrasher is the last Avengers recruit to arrive at the mansion, and he comes bearing gifts. Not only does he supply them with matching uniforms (practically for the first time in Avengers history), but those uniforms are high-tech suits that will enhance and amplify each Avenger’s pre-existing powers. Tony Stark has given his fellow Avengers Iron Man suits in the past, but almost never to keep, and only in extenuating circumstances. Night Thrasher, however, supplies his team with the best gear without even being asked, proving that he may be an even better tech-expert than Stark.
While it’s true that Night Thrasher isn’t exactly at the same level as Iron Man, he’s still a proven genius (technological and otherwise) in his own right. Plus, his team-first mindset means Night Thrasher will flex that genius for the betterment of the Avengers, something he’s already exhibited on day one. In other words, Night Thrasher is a perfect fit as the Avengers’ new ‘Tony Stark’.
Avengers Assemble #1 by Marvel Comics is available now.
