The Original Avengers Story (from the Marvel comic book)

The Avengers

The Avengers first adventure together

For sure by now a lot of us have already seen The Avengers Movie. All the hype that took us 4 long years to wait had finally arrived. I was able to watch the movie last night when it premiered and what can I say, I was blown away! But I'm not reviewing the movie in this blog entry. I want instead to share the first Avengers story in the comic books. The origin story that spawned hundreds of comic books and a box office movie that will surely cement it's status as the premiere Marvel movie franchise. The Avengers movie is sadly (or gladly, depends how you view it) not based on the original Avengers comic book. But instead was based on the Ultimate Avengers comic books, which was Marvel's modern take on the Avengers Origin story back in the year 2000's that is set in an alternate universe. Nick Fury was not even of African American descent in the original Marvel Universe. But basing on the Movie's success and acceptance by the mainstream audience, I guess the Ultimate Avengers version will become more accepted by the new generation. In that event, I hope the original Avengers story would not be forgotten.   

The First Avengers Team

The movie actually incorporated both elements from the original Marvel Universe and from the Ultimate Universe. In the movie, the original Avengers members was composed of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and the Hulk. They were brought together by S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Col. Nick Fury. This hems closely to the Ultimate Universe inception of the team. But in the original comic book story, the original members of the Avengers was composed of Iron Man, Ant Man, Wasp, Thor, and Hulk. Captain America joined the team on the fourth issue of the comic book and was given founding member status. Also, in the original Avengers story, Loki was the main antagonist. Seeking revenge against Thor, he manipulated the Hulk into fighting his brother Thor. Ant Man, Wasp, and Iron Man intercepts a call for help from Thor. Initially, the three heroes were at odds with each other, but they eventually were able to set it aside and worked together as a team alongside Thor and Hulk. After they defeated Loki, they decided to name their group as the Avengers. Captain America meanwhile appears on the fourth issue of the original comic book. He became a founding member of the team in place of Hulk after Hulk left the team because of his teammates' distrust towards his instability. Captain America was retrieved in suspended animation when he was trapped in a block of ice during his final mission in the final days of World War II. Since then, Captain America became the most recognizable member of the team and most of the time is being considered as it's leader.

Meet The Original Avengers:

Iron Man

Iron Man (Tony Stark) is considered as the team's former leader and one of the founding members of the team. He wears a specialized powered suit as his weapons in fighting villainy. He was responsible of rounding up the team on it's first mission against Loki. Through the years, he would modify and improve his powered suit, making it in sync with the current technological advances.

Giant Man/Ant Man and Wasp

Giant Man/Ant Man (Henry Pym) and Wasp (Janet Van Dyne) were accidentally involved in Loki's plan to draw out Thor. They joined the Avengers upon learning of Loki's evil plans. Both of them utilizes the "Pym Particles" a specialized sub atomic particles that Henry Pym discovers. This Pym Particles grants the user the power to enlarge or shrink their physical forms. Henry uses this in his persona as the Ant Man (and later on Giant Man). Janet when using this adopts the name Wasp. Both had a romantic relationship and later on got married despite Henry's abusive nature towards Janet.

Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk (Bruce Banner) was Loki's instrument in drawing out Thor. His plans was to use the Hulk to battle Thor. Bruce Banner was irradiated by Gamma Rays that transformed him into a Hulking monster. He has no control of his Hulk persona and it was due to this instability that most of the other Avengers distrusts him. This causes Hulk to leave the team.

Thor

Thor is Loki's half brother. He is the object of Loki's revenge in the Avengers' first adventure. He is the Son of Odin and is considered as the God of Thunder just like in the Norse myths. Thor is equipped with his magical hammer called Mjolnir. This hammer can only be wielded by a few worthy men. Thor is invulnerable and has the powers of strength, super speed, and keen senses. 

Captain America

Captain America wasn't actually part of the original Avengers (as he was still buried in a frozen block of ice at that time). But he became one of the most important members of the Avengers, and most of the time is being considered as it's leader. He is injected with the Super-soldier serum when he submitted himself for a top secret experiment out of his desire to join the U.S. Army. This serum would grant him superhuman skills and abilities. He wield's a specialized shield made of vibranium metal.  

The Original Avengers

The Most Popular Avengers

Through the years, the Avengers would expand their roster and accommodate almost all of Marvel Universe's most popular superheroes. They are considered as Marvel's premiere Super Hero Team. But despite all of the new additions and team branches, the founding members of the team is still considered as one of the most formidable incarnations ever.