Iron Man's New Team: A Dark Avengers Twist
The Marvel Cinematic Universe might be about to get its own Dark Avengers, and Iron Man just put together the perfect lineup in the comics. Fans have been waiting for the Dark Avengers to make their way onto the screen, and this latest version brings a mix of familiar faces and characters ready for their MCU debut.
How Did The Dark Avengers Get Their Start?
In the Marvel Comics, the original Dark Avengers team was formed when Norman Osborn took over S.H.I.E.L.D., rebranding it as H.A.M.M.E.R. Osborn recruited some of the planet's most dangerous minds to create his version of the Avengers. These supervillains were disguised in the iconic costumes of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
War Machine Assembled The New Dark Avengers
In The Invincible Iron Man #19, War Machine leads Iron Man, Sandman, the Living Laser, Rhino, Stilt-Man, and other criminals into battle with Orchis. The issue ends with hints that this team, or a variation of it, will stick around.
Iron Man has been at odds with Orchis affiliate Feilong, putting him in direct conflict with the anti-mutant hate group. He married Emma Frost, a mutant, and has a vested interest in the X-Men's fight with Orchis.
To help fight off Feilong and his forces, War Machine brought in his own reinforcements. Along with Sandman and the Living Laser, War Machine brought criminals he met at a bar, including Rhino.
At the battle's end, Rhodes, aka War Machine, is ready to do some soul-searching. He suggests that his team could continue to do good in the world. Tony jokes that War Machine is about to build the "Work Release Avengers," but further reveals that this "new kind of Avengers" is destined to save the world.
A New Kind of Hero
War Machine is proposing a twist on the Dark Avengers. This version has the potential to give former villains a home to truly redeem themselves. This has the potential to work for Sandman, who, for the first time since his brief time with the Avengers, has achieved heroic redemption. Iron Man promises that this team will "save the world right out the gate," so Marvel should push this team as hard as they can.
Who Makes Up The "New Kind Of Avengers"?
- Iron Man - Tony Stark is the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist and superhero who created the Iron Man armor.
- War Machine - James Rhodes, Iron Man's best friend and ally, pilots the War Machine armor.
- Sandman - A villain with the power to turn his body into sand, Sandman has been redeemed in this new version of the Dark Avengers.
- The Living Laser - A villain who can shoot powerful beams of energy.
- Rhino - A villain with superhuman strength, speed, and durability.
- Stilt-Man - A villain who uses a set of stilts to increase his height and strength.
The new Dark Avengers, or “Work Release Avengers” as Tony Stark so aptly called them, are a fresh and interesting take on the classic team. They give fans a chance to see beloved villains find redemption, and it’s a concept that would work well in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
