From Villains to Heroes: Marvel's Shocking Avengers Conversions!

Summary

Popular comic book villains have become iconic superhero members of the Avengers over the years.
Some members, like Wonder Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Scarlet Witch, started out as villains.
Characters like Namor, Sandman, Loki, Red Hulk, and Norman Osborn have also had complex journeys with the Avengers.

Characters from comic books can sometimes be unpredictable, due to the need for continuity. To maintain their popularity and offer fresh narratives, they occasionally have to adapt or undergo changes in order to explore new tales and engage their audience.

In some instances, the comic book world undergoes reboots and alters the teams for major titles, resulting in former enemies joining groups such as Marvel’s Avengers. Occasionally, these changes are temporary, but there have been members who have remained with the team for so long that fans might not recall they once began as villains.

10. Wonder Man

Built For Villainous Means

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #9
Joined Because: He Was Sent To Infiltrate Them

As an eager Marvel fan, I can’t help but feel exhilarated about the upcoming MCU star who appears destined to shine brightly from the start – none other than Wonder Man! His Disney Plus series is rapidly approaching, and it all started when a group of villains bestowed upon him his extraordinary powers. The Masters of Evil, early adversaries for the Avengers, were the ones who initially endowed Simon Williams with Wonder Man’s abilities, intending to use him as an insidious weapon against the Avengers from within.

Initially, Wonder Man turns against his fellow team members, but eventually he changes course, standing up for them against the Masters of Evil. In a selfless act, he gives up his life to save them. Later, he resurfaces and re-joins the team, maintaining his heroic status ever since.

9. Hawkeye

The Beloved Archer Began As A Villain

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #16
Joined Because: He Genuinely Wanted To Redeem Himself

In Avengers issue 16, the writers chose to elevate several supporting characters to main roles within the team’s primary series. Notably, Hawkeye has significantly grown in popularity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), featuring in his own Disney Plus miniseries and playing a significant role in most Avengers films. Initially, however, this character was portrayed as a villain, collaborating with Natasha Romanoff against Iron Man, in particular.

Later on, Hawkeye chose to step away from his previous lifestyle. In a particular issue of The Avengers, he appeared at their mansion seeking membership. Incredibly, they agreed, and ever since, Hawkeye has seldom strayed towards evil. He has continued to be a hero and a valued team member for several decades now.

8. Quicksilver

The Speedster That Felt The Call

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #16
Joined Because: He Wanted An Easier Life As A Mutant

The tale of the Maximoff twins initially portrays them as antagonists in a manner reminiscent of their Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) debut. Unlike in the comics, where their father, Magneto, and his Evil Mutant Brotherhood led them astray instead of Ultron, their eventual alliance with the Avengers remains consistent.

Pietro concluded that living as a mutant in a hostile world would be easier if he and Wanda teamed up with Earth’s strongest heroes, so he persuaded her to join the team with him. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find a suitable spot for them, and the Speedster left while his sister stayed behind.

7. Scarlet Witch

The Uncertain Hero Who Found Her Home

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #16
Joined Because: Her Brother Convinced Her

The Avengers usually select Earth’s top superheroes, yet they’ve made certain exceptions, such as admitting Wanda Maximoff due to her brother’s persuasion that it would be beneficial. Interestingly, it was Wanda herself who eventually found a place within the Avengers. She formed a bond with the android hero Vision and stayed devoted to the team for many years.

Wanda’s journey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been marked by challenges, with her character arc becoming progressively darker. However, she’s skillfully navigated the complexities of being both a mutant and an Avenger, as well as straddling the line between heroism and villainy. Her formidable powers frequently get the better of her, much like Jean Grey from the X-Men team.

6. Black Widow

The Super Spy Eventually Changed Loyalties

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #111
Joined Because: She Finally Felt It Was Right

One well-known character from the Avengers group didn’t become a part of it at its early stages. Natasha Romanoff was once a menacing villain and a Soviet Super Spy for many years. However, she abandoned her villainous activities before joining the team, and even declined their first offer to be a member.

Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, first emerged as a hero due to her feelings for Clint Barton (Hawkeye). However, their relationship ended, and she opted to work alone. Later on, she appeared in Spider-Man and Daredevil comic books, and had a brief stint with the Avengers in the 70s. It wasn’t until much later that she became a regular member of the team, but she has since become a crucial figure in many recent Avengers storylines. She remains an integral part of the original Marvel Cinematic Universe Avengers squad.

5. Namor

The Prince Finally Turned From Villainous Ways

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #262
Joined Because: He Had Been Deposed

As a dedicated gamer diving into the Marvel universe, I’ve only glimpsed the villainous side of Namor in the MCU, but let me tell you, this subaquatic sovereign is no stranger to heroic acts in the comics. While he may have appeared antagonistic at times, his primary goal has always been to safeguard and guide his people. It wasn’t until his removal from power under the sea that Namor started contemplating a different role for himself.

Previously, Namor had been given the opportunity to join the Avengers but declined every time. However, Captain America extended another invitation when Namor was dethroned, and this time, he agreed. Despite his short-lived tenure with the team initially, Namor has since demonstrated that he is an exceptional character, regardless of which side of the law he’s on.

4. Sandman

A Torn Villain Fully Redeemed

Joined In: Avengers (1963) #329
Joined Because: He Earned A Presidential Pardon

The Sandman isn’t solely malevolent. Before acquiring his powers, Flint Marko was a criminal, yet he’s always wrestled with his villainous nature and yearns to do what’s right. On occasion, he’s even been manipulated into evil, but his initial redemption storyline is considered one of the most compelling in comic book history.

Through tireless efforts in promoting goodness, Sandman eventually earned a historic presidential pardon, ending decades of criminal activity. As a result, he was bestowed with an honorary membership in the Avengers’ elite reserves. However, this tenure proved fleeting, but over time, Sandman has recurrently stepped back into the role of hero.

3. Loki

The God Of Mischief Turned Young Hero

Joined In: Young Avengers (2013) #3
Joined Because: He Was Trapped In His Younger Body

Among the Avengers’ villains in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Marvel Comics, there are not many more renowned than Loki. While he is often associated with Thor, it was actually Loki who initially united the Avengers as their first enemy. Interestingly enough, in a technical sense, he has also been considered a member at times.

In a recent twist, Loki has found himself inhabiting his younger form. During this phase, this youthful Loki joined the Young Avengers squad, stepping up as the leading Avengers group since the original team had disbanded in the Marvel Universe. Known for his cunning ways, it was only temporary before Loki returned to his trickster ways; however, his time with the heroic team made for an intriguing storyline.

2. Red Hulk

A Redemption For A Scorned General

Joined In: Avengers (2012) #12
Joined Because: He Sought Redemption

In the upcoming movie “Captain America: Brave New World,” General Thunderbolt Ross, who may be referred to as President Ross, has had a varied history in Marvel Comics. He’s transitioned from being an agent of the Intelligencia, to becoming a monstrous figure who seized control over the White House, to a man deeply regretful and striving for redemption.

Bruce Banner and Steve Rogers aimed to provide him a chance for redemption too. They offered him an opening, resulting in his crucial role in assembling and orchestrating the Avengers during a critical moment. Later, Ross stuck with the Avengers for some duration and eventually took charge of the Thunderbolts, a team of reformed villains, which has since achieved remarkable success.

1. Norman Osborn

The Mastermind Who Took Over The Avengers

Joined In: Dark Avengers (2009) #1
Joined Because: He Had The Authority To Create A New Avengers Team

In the epic tale of Marvel’s “Secret Invasion,” the Skrulls launched a large-scale invasion on Earth, assuming identities of various superheroes and villains. Towards the end of this thrilling storyline, Norman Osborn, once known as the Green Goblin, fatally shot the Skrull Queen. Following the dismantling of SHIELD, Osborn was appointed head of HAMMER and then assembled a new team under the banner of the Dark Avengers.

Under the leadership of Iron Patriot, or Osborn, the ominous “Dark Reign” narrative unfolded. His squad, composed largely of villains, even held official government approval, making it a chilling prospect that eventually triggered the “Siege” storyline. Despite never officially joining the Avengers, Osborn’s actions during this period were far more intimidating than any villain could have managed if they had infiltrated the Avengers under normal conditions.

2025-01-24 11:34

From Villains to Heroes: Marvel’s Shocking Avengers Conversions!