Marvel's Thunderbolts* Becomes New Avengers Team

With Thunderbolts now hitting theaters, Marvel Comics is gearing up to conclude one chapter of this superhero saga while launching an exciting new phase for the iconic team. But here's the unexpected twist—just as Marvel shocked MCU fans by rebranding Thunderbolts as "The New Avengers" after its opening weekend, the comic series is following suit. Now, antiheroes like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine must prove they can measure up to Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the challenge?

Possibly—but transforming these misfits into a functional Avengers squad won't be easy. That's exactly what writer Sam Humphries emphasized in our recent discussion. Dive deeper into the Thunderbolts-to-New Avengers shift, discover how Humphries assembled this powerhouse lineup, and uncover the formidable threat demanding such a lethal team.

Exclusive Preview: The New Avengers #1

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Meet Marvel’s New Avengers

Given Marvel Studios' notorious secrecy, we wondered: Did Humphries always intend Thunderbolts to become New Avengers, or was this a late-game pivot? Surprisingly, the title swap wasn’t a last-minute curveball—it was baked into the plan from day one.

"Alanna [Smith] and I discussed it right from the start," Humphries tells IGN.
"Keeping this under wraps for months felt equal parts thrilling and agonizing—like orchestrating a colossal surprise party. There’s not a single file on my computer labeled 'New Avengers.' You can never be too careful."

Humphries adds, "Early on, we ironed out behind-the-scenes logistics, so flexibility was key. By Issue #1, everything clicked. The lineup pays homage to Bendis' and Hickman’s New Avengers runs while carving its own path. Jed MacKay’s Avengers roster shines with heroes—we’re countering that with our squad of ruthless outliers."

"Jed’s Avengers are the golden boys; ours? A pack of gloriously flawed antiheroes."

Regarding the team’s composition, Humphries enjoyed remarkable creative freedom. His vision? Assembling Marvel’s most formidable figures across its major mythos.

"This was an absolute blast," Humphries recalls. "I drew inspiration from the Illuminati—seven pillars of Marvel’s universe. What if we mirrored that with its deadliest forces? Massive credit to editor Alanna Smith for championing this idea, despite coordinating with nearly every Marvel department. Her Teams inbox probably still hasn’t recovered. Eternal gratitude to all editors and creators who trusted us with their beloved characters!"

True to Humphries’ teasing, these New Avengers aren’t paragons of virtue. Think mercenaries, monsters, and a certain surly Atlantean. Like their 2004 predecessors, circumstances—not camaraderie—forge this team.

"My pitch described their chemistry as ‘interpersonal dynamite,'" Humphries laughs. "These aren’t noble protectors—they’re volatile talents channeling their worst traits for good. Half the drama is seeing who clashes hardest. Clea versus Carnage? Namor versus Laura? Honestly, it’s anyone’s guess…"

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati Conspiracy

While the MCU influenced the title change, the comic roster diverges sharply—except for Bucky Barnes, transitioning from Thunderbolts’ finale Doomstrike. Now, the ex-Winter Soldier must corral these powerhouses into something resembling teamwork.

"Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly’s Bucky run is legendary," Humphries acknowledges. "Following their legacy is humbling. Good thing Bucky’s survived countless horrors—he’ll need every ounce of that resilience. The world’s in chaos, and somebody’s gotta fix it."

What menace justifies uniting Wolverine, Namor, Carnage, and Hulk? Enter the Killuminati—a twisted echo of the Illuminati.

"Someone tried replicating the Illuminati… and botched it spectacularly," Humphries reveals. "Now seven deranged abominations roam free. Keeping his team in line is Bucky’s nightmare—meanwhile, the Killuminati’s ‘leader,’ Iron Apex, has plans of their own."

The series pairs Humphries with artist Ton Lima (New Thunderbolts, West Coast Avengers), whose style takes cues from an unlikely source.

"Ton’s pages are pure fire," Humphries raves. "Heroes radiate lethal charisma; villains ooze menace. I jokingly told him to binge Fast & Furious nonstop—and judging by his work? He might’ve actually done it!"

The New Avengers #1 arrives June 11, 2025.

For more MCU surprises, explore the reasoning behind Thunderbolts’ rebrand and Sebastian Stan’s Bucky dilemma.