Thunderbolts* Series: Marvel's New Avengers Revealed

With the *Thunderbolts* movie now captivating audiences in theaters, Marvel Comics is poised to conclude the current saga of this dynamic super-team and usher in a new era. In a surprising twist mirroring the MCU's decision to retitle *Thunderbolts* as "The New Avengers" post-release, the comic series is also adopting this new moniker. This shift challenges heroes like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine to embody the legacy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the occasion?

The transition to the New Avengers poses significant challenges for these characters, as they strive to form a cohesive and effective team. This was a key insight from our recent discussion with writer Sam Humphries. Dive deeper to understand the intricacies of the Thunderbolts/New Avengers transformation, Humphries' selection process for this unique lineup, and the formidable threat that necessitates such a powerhouse team.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

View 19 ImagesWho Are the New Avengers?

Given Marvel Studios' secretive nature, we were eager to learn when Humphries became aware of the title change during the development of his Thunderbolts pitch. Was the New Avengers concept always in the works, or was it a recent pivot? Humphries clarified that the change was part of the initial plan, not a last-minute decision.

"It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith]," Humphries shared with IGN. "Keeping this under wraps has been both exhilarating and maddening, like planning a surprise party for thousands. I don't even have a document on my hard drive labeled 'New Avengers'—you never know."

He elaborated on the logistical preparations: "Initially, there were details to sort out, so I had to be ready to pivot quickly. But the plan was solidified by the time I started the first issue. The lineup echoes the New Avengers and Killuminati from Bendis and Hickman's runs. Jed [MacKay] has assembled a stellar team of do-gooders for the Avengers book, while I wanted our book to stand out with a roster of rogues."

Humphries had considerable freedom in selecting the Thunderbolts/New Avengers lineup, aiming to represent diverse segments of the Marvel Universe. "My concept was inspired by the Illuminati—seven kings and heroes from different corners of the Marvel Universe. We did the same with some of the biggest badasses representing mutants, the mystical world, the Spider family, the gamma family, and more. I'm immensely grateful to our editor Alanna Smith for supporting this vision, even though she had to coordinate with nearly every Marvel editorial office. That scream you hear is her Microsoft Teams begging for mercy. And a huge thanks to all the editors and creators who trusted us with their beloved characters! Love you all! (They're gonna regret it.)"

The New Avengers aren't your typical heroes; they're a team of hardened killers, monsters, and one cranky underwater monarch. Much like the original New Avengers from 2004, this team's cohesion will be tested by their conflicting personalities and circumstances.

"I used the phrase 'interpersonal dynamics go BOOM' in my pitch," Humphries explained. "These aren't level-headed guardians; they're hotheaded rogues trying to channel their darker impulses for good, with mixed results. They shouldn't be in the same room together. The big question is, who hates each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage, or Namor and Laura, or..."

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati

Although the new series shares the title change with the MCU, the New Avengers roster diverges significantly. The one consistent presence is Bucky Barnes, who remains after the current Thunderbolts team concludes its run in *Thunderbolts: Doomstrike*. Bucky's task is to unify this diverse group into a functional team.

"I have so much respect for Jackson [Lanzing] and Collin's [Kelly] extensive work with Bucky," Humphries said. "I'm honored to build on what they've achieved. Bucky will need every bit of wisdom and experience from their stories. The world is upside down, and someone needs to take action."

The threat facing the New Avengers is a dark counterpart to the Illuminati, dubbed the "Killuminati." Humphries hinted, "Someone tried to create duplicates of the Illuminati, but something went terribly wrong. Now, there are seven demented and deformed versions causing havoc. Bucky will have a tough time keeping his team together, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their 'leader'—Iron Apex."

The New Avengers series pairs Humphries with artist Ton Lima, whose work on *New Thunderbolts* and *West Coast Avengers* is well-regarded. Humphries praised Lima's style, saying, "Ton is a beast. He makes the good guys look brutal and sexy, and the bad guys brutal and disgusting. I told him to watch every *Fast and the Furious* movie in a row ten times without breaks. Judging by his pages, I think he actually did it, the madman!"

*The New Avengers #1* is set to hit shelves on June 11, 2025.

For more insights into the MCU's latest developments, explore why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers, and delve into why the MCU faces challenges with Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Bucky.