Marvel has launched its latest Avengers team book, with Captain America leading a star-studded new squad – including two characters who get their first shot at proving they rank among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Avengers Assemble features the debut of Night Thrasher and Lightspeed, alongside a roster that also includes Shang-Chi, Hercules, She-Hulk, and more coming together for a jam-packed new Avengers tenure.
Avengers Assemble #1 – written by Steve Orlando, with art by Cory Smith – offers a two-pronged introduction for Captain America’s new team, as those who arrive at Avengers’ headquarters early immediately find themselves thrown into an action-heavy mission. Those who showed up slightly late, on the other hand, have the opportunity to get to know each other back at the base.
While the heroes catch up, new recruit Night Thrasher immediately makes an impact on the team by introducing new tactical gear for future missions.
Captain America Assembles His New Squad As The Avengers Continue To Expand
Avengers Assemble #1 – Written By Steven Orlando; Art By Cory Smith; Ink By Elisabetta D’Amico & Oren Junior; Color By Sonia Oback; Lettering By Corey Petit
The last few years have been interesting for Marvel’s Avengers, as the surge in the team’s popularity thanks to the MCU has resulted in multiple concurrent Avengers titles running at once, as there are simply too many characters for a single team book to spotlight. Jed MacKay’s Avengers ongoing features a team led by Captain Marvel, including the Sam Wilson version of Captain America. Classic Cap Steve Rogers, meanwhile, has led several alternate Avengers squads over the past few years – but his newest has perhaps the most dynamic roster yet.
Avengers Assemble #1 starts with the team doing exactly that. Shang-Chi, Wasp, and Photon quickly accompany Captain America on their first mission, while the rest of the team gathers at the Avengers’ headquarters in New York City. This is an effective narrative move, as it allows for plenty of action, while also giving the less familiar members of the roster – including Night Thrasher and Lightspeed – time to acclimate to one another, and to the book’s readers. It also builds further anticipation for the moment when the entire team aligns for battle for the very first time.
First Appearance: 1989’s Thor #411 – Created By Tom DeFalco And Ron Frenz
Though new member Night Thrasher doesn’t show what he can do on the battlefield just yet, he does contribute to the team in a concrete way from the moment he steps through the door of Avengers’ Mansion. He does this by gifting the squad new gear; as Lightspeed – the team’s other brand-new recruit – notes in Avengers Assemble #1, Night Thrasher is known for his specialty as an armorer, immediately establishing him in a position of prominence on the roster.
Avengers Assemble
finally gives Night Thrasher the opportunity to take a leading role in a major superhero series.
Having first appeared in Marvel Comics thirty-five years ago, it has taken more than enough time for Night Thrasher’s potential as an Avenger to be recognized. Though the character had a memorable role in Marvel’s original Civil War crossover, he has made only select appearances since, and has not had the opportunity to truly elevate himself to a position among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Avengers Assemble finally gives Night Thrasher the opportunity to take a leading role in a major superhero series.
Lightspeed Adds An Energetic Dimension To This Avengers Roster
First Appearance: 1984’s Power Pack #1 – Created By Louise Simonson And June Brigman
Similar to Night Thrasher, Lightspeed may be a new Avenger, but she has a long history in the Marvel Universe. With forty years of comic book history to her credit, Lightspeed is even more ready to have her most epic storyline ever in Avengers Assemble. Though she previously had a role in Marvel’s Avengers Academy series, this series finds her finally graduating to the main roster. In addition to being a powerful mutant, Lightspeed is a dynamic, fun character, who readers should be excited to watch interact with teammates like She-Hulk and Hawkeye.
Avengers Assemble
#1 sets an upbeat tone for the book, suggesting that it will have the kind of v
ibe that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would gravitate toward.
Marvel’s latest incarnation of the Avengers has been skillfully curated, with the roster including a diverse set of powers and a unique blend of characters. Avengers Assemble #1 sets an upbeat tone for the book, suggesting that it will have the kind of vibe that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would gravitate toward. For those viewers who can’t get enough of their favorite Marvel heroes, and want to make a foray into Marvel Comics, this new Avengers series is an ideal jumping on point.
Avengers Assemble #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
