The ranks of theAvengershave seen their fair share membership shake ups, including the addition of some reformed notable rogues. Those who once stood against the forces of good have, through different unique circumstances, found themselves fighting alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the team.
Redemption in the Marvel Universe often comes with a fascinating backstory and an impressive set of abilities. These former villains have powers ranging from superhuman strength and speed, to energy manipulation and shapeshifting. Their pasts often inform their present, adding layers of complexity to their heroic transformation.From cosmic entities to street-level brawlers, their might is undeniable.These are twelve of the strongest Avengerswho once walked a darker path before finding their place among Earth’s greatest protectors.
1Black Widow
Debut:Tales of Suspense#52 (1964)
Natasha Romanoff, the first Black Widow, began her career as a deadly Soviet spy and assassin, a product of the infamous Red Room program.From a young age, she was subjected to rigorous and brutal training, turning her into a master of espionage, infiltration, and hand-to-hand combat. Her conditioning led to early encounters with heroes like Iron Man, where she established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her skills in deception and her lethal efficiency made her a formidable threat during this period, a shadowy figure operating in the Cold War landscape of Marvel Comics.
Despite her lack of superhuman abilities, Black Widow’s exceptional training in hand-to-hand combat, espionage, and tactical thinking makes heran invaluable asset to the Avengers.Her skills, honed in less-than-heroic shadows and circumstances, transformed into her dedication to serve and protect the innocent.Her past experiences provide her with a unique understanding of the criminal underworld, making her a strong opponent against those who would threaten the world.
2Deadpool
Debut:NewMutants#98 (1990)
Wade Wilson, the “Merc with a Mouth”, has a history steeped in mercenary work, often putting him at odds with heroes. While not a traditional supervillain and more-so an antihero, his willingness to take on morally questionable jobs and his violent methods often placed him in direct conflict with the forces of good, especially the X-Men.It was Wade’s desire for connection and occasional heroic leanings that eventually led him to collaborations and even membership withvarious iterations of the Avengers.
Deadpool’s regenerative healing factor, coupled with his mastery of numerous weapons and unpredictable fighting style, makes him a surprisingly powerful force.His past as a hired gun provides him with a unique skill set and a willingness to go to extremes that many traditional heroes might avoid.While his methods are often unorthodox and his ethics fluid, his commitment to his teammates and occasional heroic impulses have solidified his place among the Avengers.
3Sandman
Debut:The Amazing Spider-Man#4 (1963)
William Baker/Flint Marko, or the Sandman, began his superpowered career as a criminal, using his ability to transform into and control sand for personal gain.His early encounters with Spider-Man established him as a clear antagonist, using his abilities and overwhelming strength to commit robberies and engage in other illegal activities.However, Sandman’s motivations were often rooted in a desire to provide for his daughter, Keemia Alvarado, adding a layer of complexity to his illegal actions.
Over time, Sandman has wavered between villainy and heroism, occasionally siding with the forces of good.His strength, shapeshifting abilities, and control over sand make him a powerhouse contributor to the team.When aligned with the Avengers, his unique skills provide a significant advantage in battles against a wide range of threats, illustrating the potential for redemption even in those who once walked a criminal path.
4Quicksilver
Debut:X-Men#4 (1964)
Pietro Maximoff, known as Quicksilver, started his superpowered journey as a member of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants alongside his twin sister, Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. Driven by a sense of persecution and loyalty to Magneto’s cause, he engaged in numerous illegal acts against humanity and the early X-Men.However, both Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch eventually recognized the flaws in Magneto’s extremism and defected to join the Avengers.
[Quicksilver’s] speed translates to devastating attacks and the ability to affect the battlefield in ways few others can, making his transition from villain to hero a significant gain for the Avengers.
Quicksilver’s mutant ability of superhuman speed makes him an incredibly powerful asset to the Avengers.His capacity to move, think, and react at blinding velocities allows him to perform feats that are impossible for ordinary humans and most superheroes.This speed translates to devastating attacks and the ability to affect the battlefield in ways few others can, making his transition from villain to hero a significant gain for the Avengers.
5Rogue
Debut:The Avengers Annual#10 (1981)
Anna Marie LeBeau, known as Rogue, began her superpowered life with a terrifying and uncontrollable mutant ability: the power to absorb the life force, memories, and powers of anyone she touches.This lack of control and the fear it instilled in others led her down a dark path, aligning herself with Mystique and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. During this time, she engaged in questionable acts, including a devastating encounter with Carol Danvers that permanently altered her power set.
Eventually seeking help and control over her abilities, Rogue found refuge and training with the X-Men, where she began her journey towards heroism.While not a core member of the Avengersfor an extended period in the main timeline, her power absorption abilities have made her a powerful force, even among the other X-Men, and an occasional ally to the Avengers.Her past as a villain underscores the challenges and potential for redemption faced by many powerful mutants.
6Red Hulk
Debut:Hulk#1 (2008)
General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, in his transformed state as the Red Hulk, initially acted as a rogue agent with seemingly unstoppable power and a vendetta against the original Hulk. His early appearances were marked by destructive rampages and confrontations with various heroes, positioning him firmly as an antagonist.Driven by a complex mix of military ambition and personal animosity, the Red Hulk posed a significant threat to both the earth as a whole and its defenders.
Despite his villainous introduction, circumstances eventually led to the Red Hulk working alongside and even becominga member of the Avengers. His incredible strength, durability, and heat-generation abilities make him essential to any team.His military background and tactical mind, combined with his sheer brute force, offer a unique and sometimes volatile dynamic to the Avengers.
7Ex Nihilo
Debut:AvengersVol. 5 #1 (2012)
Ex Nihilo, one of the Builders, arrived on Earth with the intent of terraforming it to his liking; a process that involved drastic and harmful changes to the ecosystem. His initial actions placed himsquarely in opposition to the Avengers,leading to direct conflict and demonstratinghis far-reaching cosmic power and the ability to manipulate life at a fundamental level.With those powers at his disposal, Ex Nihilo threatened the very fabric of Earth.
However, after the initial conflict, Ex Nihilo’s perspective shifted.He began to see the value in Earth’s existing life and even allied himself with the Avengers on several occasions, recognizing the greater threats facing the universe.With such great cosmic power, Ex-Nihilo was not only an asset to the Avengers, but the planet as a whole. His power to manipulate biology and energy made him an essential ally, showcasing a rare instance of a powerful cosmic being moving from antagonist to reluctant hero.
8Wonder Man
Debut:The Avengers#9 (1964)
Simon Williams, known as Wonder Man, initially gained his ionic powers and super strength through an experiment orchestrated by long-time villain and Captain America foe, Baron Zemo,placing him on the opposite side of the Avengers.Williams' original intent was to be a mole within the team, but his interactions with the heroes and his growing sense of morality led him to betray Zemo and ultimately sacrifice himself to save the Avengers, constituting him as a full-fledged hero.
While his initial involvement with the Avengers was rooted in his intent to betray them, Wonder Man’s subsequent resurrection and long tenure as a hero firmly establish him as a force for good in the Marvel Universe.His ionic form grants him super strength, durability, and the ability to manipulate ionic energy, making him a powerful and steadfast member of the team.His journey from pawn of a villain to dedicated hero is a testament to the potential for change, even from someone with the most questionable origins.
9Ares
Debut:Thor#129 (1966)
The Olympian God of War, Ares, has a complex history within the Marvel Universe, often finding himself on the side of conflict and opposition to the heroes.By nature, Ares craves turmoil and war, making him a catalyst for disaster anywhere he intervenes. His divine strength, combat prowess, and love for war frequently put him at odds with the Avengers. However, during Norman Osborn’s Dark Reign, Ares surprisingly became a member of the Dark Avengers, a twisted version of the heroic team.
Following the fall of Osborn, Ares eventually found himself fightingalongside the actual Avengers on occasion, albeit with his own gruff and war-loving demeanor.His impressive godly strength, durability, and mastery of weaponry made him an essential ally to the team, even if his motivations were sometimes dubious.Ares’ inclusion in the Avengers highlights the unusual alliances that can form in the face of greater threats.
10Scarlet Witch
Debut:The X-Men#4 (March 1964)
Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, began her superpowered journey alongside her brother Quicksilver/Pietro Maximoff as members of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.Her mutant ability to manipulate chaos magic made her a nigh unbeatable opponent for the early X-Men and later the Avengers.Driven by a sense of injustice and loyalty to Magneto’s cause,she participated in numerous acts that classified her as a villain.
However, Wanda and Pietro eventually defected from Magneto’s ranks, recognizing the extremism of his methods and joining the Avengers. The Scarlet Witch’s immense and often unpredictable magical abilities have made her one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, capable of altering reality itself.Her redemption and subsequent role as a key Avenger show that even those with a dark past and trauma have the potential to become powerful forces for good and the greatest hero.
