With the Thunderbolts movie now in theaters, Marvel Comics is set to conclude one version of the franchise and launch a new era for this iconic super-team. In a surprising move, Marvel has retitled Thunderbolts as "The New Avengers" following its first weekend of release, mirroring a similar change in the new Thunderbolts comic. This shift challenges characters like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine to embody the legacy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the occasion?
It will be a challenging journey for these characters to evolve into a cohesive Avengers unit. This sentiment was echoed in our recent discussion with writer Sam Humphries. Dive deeper into the Thunderbolts/New Avengers transformation, Humphries' selection of this diverse yet powerful lineup, and the looming threat that necessitates such a formidable team.
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Who Are the New Avengers?
Given Marvel Studios' reputation for secrecy around upcoming projects, we were intrigued about when Humphries learned of the title change during his Thunderbolts pitch development. Was the New Avengers comic always in the works, or was it a late change? Fortunately, Humphries reveals that this wasn't a last-minute decision but was part of the initial plan.
"It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith]," Humphries tells IGN. "It's been both exhilarating and maddening to keep this under wraps for months. It's like organizing a surprise party for thousands. I don't even have a document on my hard drive labeled 'New Avengers'. You never know."
Humphries adds, "There were logistical details to sort out initially, so I had to be ready to adapt quickly. But the plan was solidified by the time I started writing the first issue. You can see it in the lineup – the New Avengers and the Killuminati both echo Brian Bendis' and Jonathan Hickman's New Avengers teams. Jed MacKay's Avengers book features a stellar group of do-gooders, and I wanted ours to stand out with a roster of rogues."
"As for the lineup, I had a lot of freedom in selecting the Thunderbolts/New Avengers," Humphries explains. "My concept was to represent various key superhuman factions of the Marvel Universe. The Illuminati were seven kings and heroes from different corners, so why not do the same with some of the biggest badasses from mutants, the mystical realm, the Spider family, the gamma family, and so on? I'm incredibly grateful to our editor Alanna Smith for supporting this idea from the start, even though it required coordination with nearly every Marvel editorial office. That's the sound of her Microsoft Teams crying for help. And a huge thanks to all the editors and creators who entrusted us with their beloved characters! Love you all! (They might regret it later.)"
As Humphries hints, the New Avengers aren't your typical heroes. This team comprises hardened killers, monsters, and a notably grumpy underwater monarch. Much like the original 2004 New Avengers, this team is united by fate and circumstance, and their dynamics are far from harmonious.
"I think I described it in my pitch as 'interpersonal dynamics go BOOM,'" Humphries remarks. "These aren't level-headed guardians; they're a group of hot-headed rogues trying to channel their darker impulses for good, with mixed outcomes. They shouldn't be in the same room together. The big question is, who dislikes each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage, or perhaps Namor and Laura. Or it might be…"
Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati
While the new series shares the MCU's title change, the New Avengers roster diverges significantly from the film version. Bucky Barnes remains a constant, transitioning from the current Thunderbolts team, which concludes in Thunderbolts: Doomstrike. It's up to the former Winter Soldier to manage this diverse group of strong personalities and powers into an effective team.
"I have immense respect for Jackson [Lanzing] and Collin's [Kelly] long, impactful run with Bucky," Humphries states. "I'm honored to build on what they've done with the character. Bucky will need every bit of wisdom and experience from their adventures. The world's turned upside down, and someone has to take action."
What threat could possibly require the combined strength of Wolverine, Namor, Carnage, Clea, and Hulk? Inspired by the classic Illuminati, their adversaries in the series are an offshoot called the "Killuminati."
Art by Josemaria Casanovas. (Image Credit: Marvel)"Someone tried to replicate the Illuminati, but it went horribly wrong," Humphries teases. "Now, there are seven deranged and distorted versions causing havoc. Bucky's going to have his hands full keeping his team together, just as the Killuminati and their 'leader' – Iron Apex – will."
The New Avengers pairs Humphries with artist Ton Lima, known for his work on New Thunderbolts and West Coast Avengers. Humphries notes that the art style in this series draws inspiration not from the MCU, but from another popular action movie franchise.
"Ton is incredible," Humphries enthuses. "He makes the heroes look fierce and alluring, and the villains brutal and repulsive. I told him to binge-watch every Fast and the Furious movie consecutively ten times without breaks. Judging by his artwork, I think he actually did it, the madman!"
The New Avengers #1 is set to release on June 11, 2025.
For more insights into the MCU's recent changes, discover why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers, and explore the MCU's challenges with Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Bucky.
