10 Characters Who Have Never Been Avengers (But Should Be)
The Avengers are Marvel Comics’ premier superhero team, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, assembled to face threats that no single hero could withstand. Since their formation, the roster has been a dynamic mix of iconic powerhouses, street-level vigilantes, cosmic champions, and reformed villains, constantly evolving with the changing landscape of the Marvel Universe. The team’s ranks have included founders like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and the Wasp, soon joined by Captain America, and later expanding to welcome Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Vision, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and countless others. Membership in the Avengers is often seen as the pinnacle of a hero’s career, a testament to their power, skill, and commitment to protecting the innocent.
10 Characters Who Have Never Been Avengers (But Should Be)
While many of Marvel’s most prominent heroes have served at least one tour of duty with an Avengers team, whether it be the main squad, a West Coast branch, or a covert Secret team, there remains a surprising number of powerful and deserving characters who have never officially held an Avengers membership card. These are heroes who have proven their mettle time and again, possessing unique abilities, unwavering courage, and a dedication to justice that would make them invaluable assets to any iteration of the team. Here are 10 characters from Marvel Comics who have never been Avengers but absolutely should have been.
1) Nightcrawler
Image courtesy of Marvel Comics
Kurt Wagner, the teleporting X-Man known as Nightcrawler, is one of Marvel’s most beloved and visually distinct heroes. With his demonic appearance, incredible agility, prehensile tail, and ability to BAMF through dimensions, Kurt is a formidable combatant and an unparalleled infiltrator. Beyond his powers, Nightcrawler is known for his swashbuckling charm, deep Catholic faith, and unwavering moral compass, often serving as the heart and soul of whatever team he’s on.
Nightcrawler’s unique teleportation abilities would offer the Avengers unparalleled tactical advantages in mobility, extraction, and surprise attacks. More importantly, his empathy, optimism, and experience in leading diverse groups would make him a unifying presence. Kurt embodies the heroic ideal, consistently choosing compassion even in the face of prejudice. Plus, his dedication to protecting both mutants and humans aligns perfectly with the Avengers’ mission, and his distinct skill set would fill a niche not often seen on the team, making him a truly deserving candidate.