Marvel Comics has officially retitled its upcoming series from Thunderbolts to New Avengers, a shift that reflects a significant twist in the storytelling landscape of the Marvel Universe. Set to launch on June 11, 2025, the series is penned by writer Sam Humphries and illustrated by Ton Lima, and it promises to usher in a new era for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
The New Avengers team will feature an eclectic mix of characters, including The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Eddie Brock as Carnage, The Hulk, Namor, Clea, and Wolverine. This lineup represents some of the most dangerous antiheroes and loners in the Marvel Universe, who will come together to confront a formidable threat: corrupt clones of the Illuminati.
Humphries expressed his excitement about the series during its announcement in March, stating, “I love every iteration of Thunderbolts. I’m thrilled to continue the franchise’s proud tradition of hard-hitting action, powder keg personalities, and explosive surprises into a new era.” He elaborated on the unique dynamics of the team, likening the assembly of heroes to “inviting the right combination of guests to a dinner party,” and envisioned a “dangerous, disastrous, unhinged Marvel dinner party.”
This title change from Thunderbolts to New Avengers mirrors a similar narrative twist featured in the Marvel Studios film Thunderbolts, which hit theaters on May 2, 2025. Fans of the cinematic universe will recognize the significance of this shift as it aligns with the film's plot, where the characters are also revealed to be part of the New Avengers.
Marvel’s press release highlighted the legacy of the Thunderbolts, stating that since their inception as a team of disguised supervillains, they have become synonymous with unpredictable twists and unconventional rosters. “This legacy continues with a surprise—and first-of-its-kind—comic book title change that echoes the jaw-dropping twist in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts,” the release noted.
The New Avengers will face off against the Killuminati, a group of antagonists that include corrupt versions of the Illuminati, the secret organization that has historically manipulated events in the Marvel Universe. This plotline promises to explore themes of morality and the consequences of power, as the heroes confront their darker counterparts.
Humphries shared his enthusiasm for the series, proclaiming, “Plot twist–it’s been NEW AVENGERS all along! I promised surprises, and this is the first of many. It’s a thrill and an honor to continue the grand New Avengers tradition of team dynamics that are as explosive as the threats.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the series, which aims to blend high-stakes action with deep character interactions.
As anticipation builds, Marvel has also unveiled a series of stunning variant covers for New Avengers #1, showcasing art by notable creators such as Mark Bagley, Stephanie Hans, Derrick Chew, Ejikure, Woo-Chul Lee, and Whilce Portacio. These covers pay homage to iconic moments in Marvel history while introducing fresh character designs, including those developed by Marvel Studios’ Director of Visual Development, Andy Park, specifically for the Thunderbolts film.
The New Avengers are not just a rehash of old ideas but represent a radical new direction for Marvel Comics, blending traditional superhero tropes with contemporary storytelling. The combination of characters like Clea, who has recently stepped into the spotlight as a former Sorcerer Supreme, alongside antiheroes like Carnage, sets the stage for complex narratives that challenge the notion of what it means to be a hero.
As the release date approaches, comic book fans are eager to see how this new series will unfold. The incorporation of familiar faces from the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the comic realm creates a unique synergy that could attract both longtime readers and new fans alike.
Marvel's marketing strategy is also noteworthy, as the studio has cleverly integrated elements of the comic series into the broader narrative of the MCU. The dispute between Sam Wilson’s Avengers and the newly dubbed New Avengers is expected to play a significant role in upcoming films, particularly in Avengers: Doomsday, where tensions between the two groups will likely escalate.
In essence, the New Avengers series is not just a continuation of a beloved franchise but a bold step into a new narrative territory that promises to captivate audiences. With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, Marvel is poised to redefine its heroes for a new generation.
As fans gear up for the launch of New Avengers #1, it remains to be seen how these beloved characters will navigate the challenges ahead and what surprises Humphries has in store for readers. The countdown to June 11 is officially on, and comic book enthusiasts are ready to dive into this thrilling new chapter of the Marvel Universe.
