The Avengers were born in September 1963 in Avengers #1, written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby. The original lineup gathered Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and The Wasp. Captain America joined in issue 4 (March 1964) after being found frozen in ice, locking in the team's modern identity. More than 60 years later, the franchise totals 700+ legacy issues, 9 main volumes of the Avengers series (1963 → Jed MacKay's current run starting 2023), and dozens of sub-series (West Coast Avengers, New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Dark Avengers, Uncanny Avengers, Young Avengers, Force Works, Secret Avengers, Avengers Academy, A-Force, Avengers Forever…). This article walks through the team's birth, lays out the complete volume chronology in order, and lists the key issues you'll want to know to build a structured collection.
Alongside the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man, the Avengers are one of the three founding pillars of the modern Marvel universe. But where the Fantastic Four embody the scientific family and Spider-Man the teenage hero, the Avengers represent something else entirely: the gathering of the mightiest. "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" — the phrase, etched into the pages of Avengers #1, says it all. No other Marvel title has gathered as many star characters under a single banner, generated as many spin-offs, and above all, no other comics franchise has exploded at the box office like the Avengers: the 2008-2019 MCU peaked with an Endgame at $2.8 billion, making Avengers the most profitable superhero franchise in history.
This guide will give you everything you need to know to understand the birth of the Avengers, follow the complete list of Avengers comics in order, and identify the key issues and major arcs to prioritize. We'll walk through the franchise's 60+ years, from Avengers #1 (1963) through Jed MacKay's current run in 2026, separating the nine main volumes (Lee/Kirby, Roy Thomas, Roger Stern, Kurt Busiek, Bendis, Hickman, Mark Waid, Jason Aaron, MacKay), the parallel ongoings (West Coast, New, Mighty, Dark, Uncanny, Young), and the many cult mini-series (Avengers Forever, Disassembled, Time Runs Out, Empyre).
The birth of the Avengers: Marvel in 1963
To understand how the Avengers were born, you have to go back to 1961. Marvel Comics, then known as Atlas, was just emerging from a hollow decade dominated by westerns, romances, and pocket monsters. Stan Lee, editor-in-chief, and Jack Kirby, star artist, launched Fantastic Four #1 in November 1961, marking the start of what's now called the Marvel Age. Success was immediate: Spider-Man followed in 1962 (Amazing Fantasy #15), Hulk in May 1962, Thor in August 1962 in Journey into Mystery #83, Ant-Man in Tales to Astonish #27 (then #35), Iron Man in Tales of Suspense #39 (March 1963), and The Wasp in June 1963.
Stan Lee drew openly from the Justice League of America, which, since Brave and the Bold #28 (1960), had been killing it at DC by gathering star heroes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern). Publisher Martin Goodman reportedly asked Lee, during a round of golf with Jack Liebowitz (DC), to produce an equivalent. Lee and Kirby agreed and delivered Avengers #1 in September 1963, borrowing the title from a forgotten Atlas comic of the 1950s (Avengers, a war series). The team was made up of Marvel's star heroes who didn't yet have their own solo magazines (Thor, Iron Man, and Hulk were in shared anthology titles), so they could benefit from the visibility.
Avengers #1 (September 1963)
The Avengers made their first appearance in Avengers #1 (cover-dated September 1963, on newsstands in June 1963), in a story titled "The Coming of the Avengers!" The pitch: Loki, Thor's banished half-brother, manipulates Hulk into causing chaos. Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man (Hank Pym, still in his original costume) and The Wasp (Janet Van Dyne) answer a call and find themselves facing Hulk… before figuring out Loki's scheme. At the end of the issue, it's Janet who utters the founding line: "And there's another one we should add to our team!" — giving the group its name. The cover, by Jack Kirby, shows the five heroes facing Hulk in an explosive composition.
Success was gradual but lasting. Avengers became one of Marvel's pivotal titles by 1964, when Avengers #4 introduced what would remain the defining turning point: Captain America is found frozen in the ice of the North Atlantic, revived after 20 years of slumber since 1945. Cap replaces Hulk (who had left the group at #2), becomes the moral leader, and it's this team — Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man (now Giant-Man), Wasp — that defines the Avengers' modern identity. More than 60 years later, this same galaxy still serves as the MCU's core.
The historical anecdote: contrary to legend, it isn't Stan Lee but The Wasp who names the group on the last page of Avengers #1. Lee often acknowledged in interviews that Goodman had imposed the title on him to reuse a dormant copyright. Even more surprisingly, the original team only lasts 8 issues: Hulk leaves at #2, and Iron Man / Thor / Hank Pym / Wasp all depart at #16 (May 1965). Cap then becomes the leader of a team of "underdogs" made up of second-string characters: Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and Scarlet Witch (the "Cap's Kooky Quartet"). It's this bold reset that locks in the "Avengers: a team in constant rotation" matrix for good.
The main Avengers volumes in chronological order
The Avengers series is one of Marvel's most complex: 9 main volumes and over 700 legacy issues. Here's the chronology of the main solo volumes in order of their first issue:
Avengers Vol.1
The original title, launched by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby, which runs uninterrupted for 33 years. 402 issues spanning the Silver Age, Bronze Age, and the first half of the Modern Age. Major turning points: #1 (formation), #4 (Cap returns), #16 (Cap's Kooky Quartet), #28 (1st Goliath / Hank Pym's giant-sized identity named), #57 (1st modern Vision), #89-97 (Kree-Skrull War by Roy Thomas / Neal Adams), #161-177 (Korvac Saga, Jim Shooter), #213 (the controversial Hank Pym / Wasp episode), #241 (X-Factor crossover), #300 (anniversary), then the decline with The Crossing (1995) and the end at #402 just before Heroes Reborn.
West Coast Avengers / Avengers West Coast
The first true ongoing Avengers spin-off, launched by Roger Stern and Bob Hall as a 4-issue mini-series (1984), then ongoing from 1985 under Steve Englehart's pen and Al Milgrom's pencils. The team is based in Los Angeles: Hawkeye (in charge), Mockingbird, Iron Man (Tony Stark, Jim Rhodes version), Tigra, Wonder Man. John Byrne takes over the title at #42 (renamed Avengers West Coast) and signs off on Wanda's transformation into Scarlet Witch. The series ends at #102 in 1994. Occasional revivals in 2018 (Vol.3, 10 issues) and 2023 (Vol.4).
Avengers Vol.2 (Heroes Reborn)
Complete reboot under the Heroes Reborn event. Marvel outsourced Avengers (and Iron Man, Captain America, Fantastic Four) to Rob Liefeld and Jim Lee, two Image Comics co-founders, in exchange for a return. Liefeld handles Avengers #1-6, then Walter Simonson takes over for #7-13. Parallel "Counter-Earth" universe to reset the heroes. The series ends at #13 (November 1997) and the main universe is restored in November 1997 by Heroes Return.
Avengers Vol.3
The most respected run of the late '90s and early 2000s. Kurt Busiek and George Pérez took over the Avengers after Heroes Return in February 1998. Pérez delivered #1-34 with unmatched beauty, while Busiek wrote through #56. Avengers Forever (12 issues, Busiek/Carlos Pacheco mini-series, 1998) is folded into this run. Geoff Johns took over next, then Chuck Austen, then Brian Bendis, who closed out the volume with Avengers Disassembled (#500-503). Issue #500 (legacy numbering resumed) is one of the run's best-sellers and kicks off the entire Bendis era.
New Avengers Vol.1
After Avengers Disassembled, Marvel reboots everything. Brian Michael Bendis writes New Avengers with a radically new team: Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man (joining for the first time!), Wolverine (same), Spider-Woman, Luke Cage, Ronin. The run marks the Avengers' commercial golden age: 64 issues spanning House of M (2005), Civil War (2006-2007), Secret Invasion (2008), Dark Reign (2009), Siege (2010). Bendis becomes the most prolific Avengers author in history (more than 200 issues across all titles 2005-2015).
Avengers Vol.4
Bendis launches Avengers Vol.4 in July 2010 as part of the Heroic Age, after Siege. Main team: Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Hawkeye, Spider-Woman, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Bucky-Cap. John Romita Jr. on pencils. 34 issues leading into Avengers vs X-Men (2012) and the handoff to Hickman.
New Avengers Vol.2
While writing Vol.4, Bendis also runs New Avengers Vol.2 in parallel — a street-level team based in the Avengers Mansion (rebuilt by Cap): Luke Cage, Ms. Marvel (Carol), Mockingbird, Iron Fist, Wolverine, Spider-Man. Stuart Immonen on pencils. 34 issues, wrapping up alongside Avengers vs X-Men.
Avengers Vol.5
The most ambitious run in all of Avengers history. Jonathan Hickman arrives after Bendis and redefines the franchise as a 3-year cosmic saga. Avengers #1 (2012, expanded team of 18 members including Hyperion, Captain Universe, Manifold, Smasher), Infinity (2013, mega-event Builders / Thanos war), Time Runs Out (2014, final act before Secret Wars), conclusion #44 leading directly into Secret Wars (2015). 44 issues with total narrative cohesion.
New Avengers Vol.3 (Hickman)
Companion title to the Hickman run, following the Illuminati (Iron Man, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Beast, Namor). Hickman explores the Incursions (parallel universes colliding), the central theme that will lead to Secret Wars. Steve Epting and Mike Deodato on pencils. Read in parallel with Vol.5 in Marvel's "double-shipping" order.
Avengers Vol.6 (All-New All-Different)
Post-Secret Wars reboot in the All-New, All-Different era. Mark Waid and Mike Del Mundo. Brand-new lineup: Iron Man, Captain America (Sam Wilson), Thor (Jane Foster), Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Vision, Nova (Sam Alexander), Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan). 11 issues before the Standoff crossover and the move to Vol.7.
Avengers Vol.7 (Mark Waid)
Mark Waid's continuation after the Civil War II event. Team: Hercules, Wonder Man, Spider-Man (Peter), Falcon, Vision, Wasp (Nadia van Dyne). 11 issues plus the No Surrender crossover (16 weekly issues in 2018) that bridges into Vol.8.
Avengers Vol.8 (Jason Aaron)
The longest run since Bendis. Jason Aaron took over the Avengers in May 2018 and stayed for 5 years. Ed McGuinness (#1-12), then David Marquez and Javier Garrón. Team: Iron Man, Cap (Steve), Thor (Jane), Captain Marvel (Carol), Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes), She-Hulk. Sagas Final Host (1 million BC origins), War of the Realms (2019, Aaron's mega-event), King in Black (2020-2021, Knull tie-ins), Enter the Phoenix, World War She-Hulk, conclusion Death Hunters (2022-2023). 66 issues total, wrapping up at #66 in May 2023.
Avengers Vol.9 (Jed MacKay)
Current ongoing run in 2026. Jed MacKay on script, C.F. Villa on pencils. Team handpicked by Captain Marvel (who leads the lineup): Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Vision, Sam Wilson Cap, Scarlet Witch, Captain Marvel. First arc: the Ashen Combine threat. Vol.9 #1 dropped in June 2023, run is ongoing, with variant covers in high demand among modern collectors.
All parallel Avengers series in chronological order
Alongside the nine main volumes, Marvel has published dozens of parallel Avengers series. Here's the chronology of the main titles to understand the franchise's complete ecosystem:
- Giant-Size Avengers (1974-1975, 5 issues): large-format anthologies, 1st appearance of Mantis in #4.
- The West Coast Avengers Mini-Series (1984, 4 issues): the founding mini before the 1985 ongoing.
- West Coast Avengers Vol.2 / Avengers West Coast (1985-1994, 102 issues): see details in the main volumes section.
- Solo Avengers / Avengers Spotlight (1987-1991, 40 issues): back-up title for Hawkeye, Mockingbird, USAgent and other supporting characters.
- Force Works (1994-1996, 22 issues): post-Avengers West Coast spin-off with Iron Man, USAgent, Wonder Man, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Woman (Julia Carpenter).
- Avengers: The Initiative (2007-2010, 35 issues): direct follow-up to Civil War, training program for heroes spread across all 50 states.
- Mighty Avengers Vol.1 (2007-2010, 36 issues): Bendis's "official" ongoing parallel to New Avengers (which was unofficial post-Civil War). Frank Cho on pencils.
- Young Avengers Vol.1 (2005-2006, 12 issues): Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung introduce a new generation: Patriot, Hulkling, Wiccan, Speed, Stature, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Vision (reprogrammed Iron Lad). A cult favorite among younger Marvel readers.
- Dark Avengers (2009-2010, 16 issues + Vol.2 in 2012): Norman Osborn leads a team of villains disguised as heroes (Bullseye as Hawkeye, Daken as Wolverine, Venom as Spider-Man, Moonstone as Ms. Marvel). Bendis and Mike Deodato.
- Secret Avengers Vol.1 (2010-2013, 37 issues): black-ops team led by Steve Rogers (Ed Brubaker / Mike Deodato), then Warren Ellis, then Rick Remender.
- Avengers Academy (2010-2012, 39 issues): Christos Gage trains a new generation: Hazmat, Mettle, Reptil, Striker, Veil, Finesse. Foundational for the modern roster's young heroes.
- New Avengers Vol.2 (2010-2013, 34 issues): see volumes section.
- Uncanny Avengers Vol.1 (2012-2014, 25 issues): Rick Remender / John Cassaday. First post-AvX Avengers / X-Men crossover title. "Unity squad" team: Cap, Thor, Wolverine, Rogue, Wonder Man, Wasp, Havok.
- Avengers Arena (2012-2013, 18 issues): Dennis Hopeless, Battle Royale among young heroes from Avengers Academy / Young Avengers. Controversial for its dark tone.
- Avengers Undercover (2014, 10 issues): direct sequel to Avengers Arena.
- Avengers AI (2013-2014, 12 issues): Sam Humphries, AI team led by Hank Pym.
- Mighty Avengers Vol.2 (2013-2014, 14 issues): Al Ewing, diverse team (Luke Cage, White Tiger, Power Man, Spectrum, Blue Marvel).
- U.S.Avengers (2017, 12 issues): Al Ewing / Paco Medina. Patriotic team, led by Sunspot.
- Squadron Supreme (multiple volumes 1985, 2006, 2015, 2025): Marvel's Justice League equivalent in alternate universes.
- A-Force (2015, 5 issues + Vol.2 in 2016, 10 issues): all-female team, released during Secret Wars 2015. G. Willow Wilson / Marguerite Bennett.
- All-New All-Different Avengers (2015-2016, 15 issues): Mark Waid / Mahmud Asrar, post-Secret Wars young heroes team.
- Occupy Avengers (2016-2017, 9 issues): David F. Walker, Hawkeye road-trip team.
- Uncanny Avengers Vol.3 (2015-2017, 30 issues): Gerry Duggan / Ryan Stegman, Cap (Sam) / Deadpool / Spider-Man / Doctor Voodoo / Quicksilver lineup.
- Avengers Forever Vol.2 (2021-2023, 15 issues): Jason Aaron / Aaron Kuder. Inter-universe team led by Robbie Reyes / Ghost Rider from a devastated future. Direct companion to Vol.8.
- Savage Avengers (2019-2022, 28 issues + Vol.2 2022-2023): Conan the Barbarian as an Avenger, Gerry Duggan / Mike Deodato.
- Avengers Twilight (2024, 6 issues): Chip Zdarsky / Daniel Acuña, dystopian Avengers future post-fascism. Black Label "What If" canon mini-series.
- West Coast Avengers Vol.3 (2018-2019, 10 issues): Kelly Thompson / Stefano Caselli. Reboot with Kate Bishop, Hawkeye, America Chavez, Gwenpool.
- West Coast Avengers Vol.4 (2024+): new reboot with Iron Man, War Machine, Spider-Woman.
- Avengers Annual (annuals Vol.1 1967-1994, Vol.2 1998-2001, Vol.3 recent): special issues with major key issues (Annual #10 = 1st appearance of Rogue in 1981).
- Avengers Strike File (1994, one-shot): technical guide.
- Avengers Unplugged (1995-1996, 6 issues): back-up title from the 1990s.
- New Warriors (1990-1996, 75 issues): not strictly an Avengers title, but the team interacts with them constantly. Worth noting for Civil War (Stamford incident).
The Avengers key issues in chronological order
Here are the most important issues to know, in chronological order:
Avengers #1
The founding issue. 1st appearance of the team (Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, Wasp). Story titled "The Coming of the Avengers!" where Loki manipulates Hulk to bring the heroes together. Top 10 of the most expensive Silver Age comics: a CGC 9.4 sold for $274,850 in 2022, a CGC 9.6 tops $500,000 on the very rare sales. The Holy Grail of any Avengers collection.
Avengers #2
1st appearance of Space Phantom, the Avengers' first exclusive antagonist. More importantly: Hulk leaves the group on the last page, opening the door for Cap's arrival in #4. A pivotal issue for the original lineup.
Avengers #4
The most historically important issue after #1. Captain America is found frozen in the ice of the North Atlantic by the Avengers, revived after 20 years since 1945. It's Cap's 1st Silver Age appearance (his last Golden Age appearance was in 1954). Cap joins the team and becomes its iconic leader. CGC 9.0 estimated between $80,000 and $130,000 in 2022-2023 sales. Top 5 most valuable Marvel key issues after Amazing Fantasy #15 and Hulk #1.
Avengers #16
A bold turning point: Iron Man, Thor, Giant-Man, and Wasp all leave the team. Captain America stays on as sole leader and recruits three reformed former villains: Hawkeye, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch. This shocking reset shows that the Avengers are a rotating team, not a fixed cast. The blueprint for 60 years of spin-offs and reformations.
Avengers #28
Hank Pym swaps identities and adopts the Goliath name with a new costume palette. Also features the 1st app. of The Collector (Tivan), a future MCU player (Benicio del Toro). A double-key issue.
Avengers #57
First appearance of the modern Vision, an android created by Ultron (who appears just before). Designed to destroy the Avengers, Vision rebels and joins the team. A central character for 60 years, popularized in the MCU by Paul Bettany (Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015 → WandaVision 2021). CGC 9.4 estimated at $4,000-6,000 in 2024.
Avengers #93
Start of the Kree-Skrull War, the Avengers' first epic cosmic saga. Roy Thomas and Neal Adams deliver what remains a Bronze Age peak. The saga runs through #97, with Vision, Captain Marvel (Mar-Vell), and Rick Jones involved. Narrative reference reused by Russo / Markus in Avengers: Endgame (Captain Marvel, Skrulls Secret Invasion 2023).
Avengers #97
Conclusion of the Kree-Skrull War. A 35-page special issue with a back-up revisiting the Golden Age heroes (Captain America, Sub-Mariner, original Human Torch). The model for "event" sagas 35 years before Civil War.
Avengers Annual #10
1st appearance of Rogue (Anna Marie), the power-absorbing mutant. Although destined to become a major X-Man, she debuts attacking Carol Danvers / Ms. Marvel in an Avengers Annual. CGC 9.8 between $1,200 and $2,000 in 2024. Highly sought-after.
Avengers #196
1st appearance of a Ghost Rider who'll be reinterpreted as a modern version. Solid Bronze Age collector's value, with the Michelinie/Byrne run highly sought-after.
Avengers #213
One of the most controversial issues in Avengers history. The scene (poorly framed by Bob Hall, who hadn't received Shooter's full notes) shows Hank Pym striking Janet Van Dyne. The issue has triggered 40 years of debate over Hank Pym and his moral arc. Janet leaves Hank, with the divorce made official. She'll return with Hawkeye as leader.
Avengers #241
Pivotal issue from the Roger Stern run, one of the most beloved. Crossover with the formation of X-Factor. The Stern run (#227-285) remains, for many, the late Bronze Age peak of the Avengers: Under Siege (#270-277, Baron Zemo attacks Avengers Mansion) is the cult arc of this era.
Avengers #300
25th anniversary issue of the Avengers. Team reformation with Cap, Thor, Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, She-Hulk, and Gilgamesh. Double-feature story with an Inferno tie-in. Variant covers heavily collected.
Avengers Vol.3 #1
Vol.3 launch under Kurt Busiek and George Pérez. Heroes Return: the heroes come back from Counter-Earth after Heroes Reborn. Considered one of the best Avengers #1s of all time. Pérez handles the first 34 issues, including Ultron Unlimited (#19-22) in 1999, the run's most memorable arc.
Avengers Disassembled (Avengers #500-503)
Return to legacy numbering (#500 = #84 of Vol.3 + 416 of Vol.1 + early Annuals). Bendis tears the team apart: Scarlet Witch goes mad after losing her imaginary children. Hawkeye, Vision, and Ant-Man (Scott Lang) all die. Avengers Mansion is destroyed. End of an era, gateway to New Avengers.
New Avengers #1
Launch of the Bendis era, which will define the Avengers for 10 years. Variant covers in heavy demand. The New Avengers lineup is the mold for the 2012 MCU team (Cap, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow + Spider-Man and Wolverine).
New Avengers #4
The first time Spider-Man officially joins the Avengers as a regular member. Major event: Spider-Man and Wolverine had never been Avengers in 40 years of continuity. Heavily collected by Spider-Man fans.
Civil War #1-7 + Avengers tie-ins
The most impactful Avengers event of the 21st century. Cap vs Iron Man over the Superhero Registration Act. Death of Goliath (Bill Foster) in #4. Death of Captain America (Steve Rogers) in Captain America #25 a few weeks later. Adapted to the MCU as Captain America: Civil War (2016).
Secret Invasion #1-8
The Skrulls infiltrate Earth and have secretly replaced several Avengers for years. Death of Wasp (Janet) in #8. Norman Osborn becomes the official US hero (kicking off Dark Reign). Adapted into the Disney+ Secret Invasion series (2023).
Dark Avengers #1
Launch of Dark Reign. Norman Osborn forms a team of villains disguised as heroes: Bullseye as Hawkeye, Daken as Wolverine, Venom (Mac Gargan) as Spider-Man, Moonstone as Ms. Marvel, Iron Patriot (Osborn). 1st appearance of the Dark Avengers team, popularized in Thunderbolts (2025) in the MCU.
Avengers Vol.5 #1
Launch of the Hickman run. "We need to get bigger": team expanded to 18 members including Hyperion, Captain Universe, Manifold, Smasher, Sunspot. A 3-year cosmic saga that will lead to Secret Wars 2015. Variant covers ultra-collected.
Avengers Vol.5 #44 / Time Runs Out
Conclusion of the Hickman run. 8-month time jump post-Time Runs Out, last incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610. The issue leads directly into Secret Wars 2015 #1. Sublime conclusion, structured, perfectly resolved.
Avengers Vol.7 #1 (Mark Waid)
Vol.7 launch by Mark Waid with a resurrected team: Hercules, Wonder Man, Spider-Man (Peter), Falcon Cap, Vision, Wasp (Nadia van Dyne, Hank's daughter).
Avengers Vol.8 #1 (Aaron)
Launch of the Aaron era post-No Surrender. Prehistoric origins saga Final Host (1 million BC, Neolithic Avengers team). 66 issues will follow through 2023. Variant covers heavily collected (the dynamic Cheung cover).
Avengers Forever #1 (Aaron)
Spin-off of the Aaron run that explores Avengers from every universe (Tony Stark Cosmic Ghost Rider, zombie Cap, Black Panther of the Hour, Avenger Prime). 15-issue maxi-series, with a conclusion tied directly to Avengers Assemble Alpha/Omega 2023.
Avengers Vol.9 #1 (MacKay)
Launch of the current run. Captain Marvel forms a new team: Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Vision, Sam Wilson Cap, Scarlet Witch. First arc: Ashen Combine. Run ongoing in 2026, with variant covers in high demand among modern collectors (Alex Ross variants).
The major Avengers narrative arcs in order
Kree-Skrull War (1971-1972)
Roy Thomas / Neal Adams. First epic cosmic saga. MCU reference.
The Korvac Saga (1977-1978)
Jim Shooter. Korvac, the omnipotent god of the future. A rare emotional climax.
Under Siege (1986)
Roger Stern / John Buscema. Baron Zemo attacks Avengers Mansion.
The Crossing (1995)
Controversial turning point: Iron Man returns as a villain manipulated by Kang. Sets up Heroes Reborn.
Heroes Reborn (1996-1997)
Image / Liefeld / Lee reset. Alternate Counter-Earth. 13 issues of Vol.2.
Avengers Forever (1998-1999)
Kurt Busiek / Carlos Pacheco. 12-issue cosmic maxi, Avengers from every era against Immortus.
Ultron Unlimited (1999)
Busiek / Pérez. Ultron exterminates the nation of Slorenia. Climax of the Vol.3 run.
Avengers Disassembled (2004)
Bendis. Scarlet Witch destroys the team. Death of Hawkeye, Vision, Ant-Man (Scott).
House of M (2005)
Bendis / Coipel. Wanda rewrites reality. "No more mutants." 8 issues.
Civil War (2006-2007)
Mark Millar / McNiven. Cap vs Iron Man. Death of Goliath, death of Cap (Captain America #25).
Secret Invasion (2008)
Bendis / Yu. Skrulls infiltrate. Death of Wasp. Kicks off Dark Reign.
Siege (2010)
Bendis / Coipel. Conclusion of Dark Reign. Asgard falls. Norman Osborn defeated.
Avengers vs X-Men (2012)
5 writers (Bendis, Aaron, Brubaker, Hickman, Fraction). Phoenix Force divided. 12 issues.
Infinity (2013)
Hickman / Jim Cheung. Cosmic Builders + Thanos invasion. 6 issues + tie-ins.
Time Runs Out (2014-2015)
Hickman. 8-month jump, hidden Illuminati. Conclusion leading into Secret Wars.
Secret Wars (2015)
Hickman / Esad Ribic. Battleworld, end of the Multiverse, refoundation. 9-issue maxi.
Standoff (2016)
Pleasant Hill, Cap-Avengers mini-event. Recovery of the Cosmic Cube.
Civil War II (2016)
Bendis / Marquez. Iron Man vs Captain Marvel. 8 issues. Death of War Machine, death of Hulk.
No Surrender (2018)
16 weekly issues by Ewing/Waid/Zub. Bridge into Aaron's Vol.8.
War of the Realms (2019)
Aaron / Russell Dauterman. Malekith attacks the 10 Realms. 6 issues + tie-ins.
Empyre (2020)
Al Ewing / Slott / Schiti. Cotati attack. FF + Avengers crossover. 6 issues.
Heroes Reborn (2021)
Aaron / McGuinness. Squadron Supreme reality. 7 issues + tie-ins. After-the-fact reset.
World War She-Hulk (2022)
Aaron / Garrón. She-Hulk possessed by the Winter Hulk. Vol.8 climax.
Death Hunters (2022-2023)
Aaron / Garrón. Mephisto and Multiversal Masters of Evil. Climax of the Aaron run.
Ashen Combine + Twilight Court (2023-2026)
Jed MacKay. First Vol.9 arc. Captain Marvel leads. Ongoing.
How to start an Avengers collection in 2026
Define a clear goal
"I want every Avengers" is a bad goal (700+ legacy issues + 30+ spin-offs). "I want the complete Hickman run (Vol.5 #1-44 + New Avengers Vol.3 #1-33 + Infinity + Secret Wars)" or "the Bendis New Avengers Vol.1 #1-64 run" are excellent starting points. For key issues: Avengers #1, #4, #16, #57, Annual #10, #213, New Avengers #1, Vol.5 #1.
Import the catalog into My Comics Collection
With My Comics Collection, import Avengers Vol.1 through Vol.9, West Coast, New Avengers Vol.1-3, Mighty, Dark, Uncanny, Young, Secret, Academy and every sub-series. Each volume is identified separately, which avoids the classic confusion between Avengers #1 (1963), Avengers Vol.2 #1 (1996), Avengers Vol.3 #1 (1998), Avengers Vol.4 #1 (2010), Avengers Vol.5 #1 (2012), Avengers Vol.6 #1 (2015), Avengers Vol.7 #1 (2017), Avengers Vol.8 #1 (2018), and Avengers Vol.9 #1 (2023).
Prioritize key issues
The 26 key issues listed represent 80% of the historical value. See our dedicated Avengers top 10 for a key-issue focus + updated CGC values.
Organize by run rather than by issue
Avengers is best collected by run (Lee/Kirby, Roy Thomas, Stern, Busiek, Bendis, Hickman, Aaron, MacKay) rather than strict chronological issue order. It makes reading easier and gives the franchise meaning.
Track eBay valuations
Avengers #1 is out of reach (CGC 9.0+ > $100,000), but plenty of key issues move constantly (Annual #10 Rogue, #57 Vision, New Avengers #1, Dark Avengers #1). My Comics Collection updates values based on real eBay and Heritage sales.
Why Avengers is still Marvel's #1 franchise in 2026
Along with Spider-Man and X-Men, Avengers is the most active Marvel franchise in monthly sales in 2026. Several reasons:
- The MCU effect: the 2008-2019 Marvel Cinematic Universe saga (Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame) has generated more than $7.7 billion combined at the box office. Avengers: Endgame alone made $2.8 billion in 2019, briefly the all-time record across all films, now second behind Avatar 2. Avengers 5 (Doomsday, planned for 2026) and Avengers 6 (Secret Wars, planned for 2027) are in post-production. No comics franchise has this kind of cultural and financial impact.
- Roster size: 200+ official members logged since 1963, allowing endless configurations. No other Marvel team offers as many variations.
- Long but not too intimidating continuity: 700+ legacy issues vs 1,500+ for Batman or X-Men is manageable for an ambitious collector. The 9 main volumes clearly mark out the eras.
- Multimedia presence: MCU films (5 Avengers films + dozens of tie-ins), animated series Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2010-2013), Avengers Assemble (2013-2019), What If…? series (2021+), Disney+ spin-offs (WandaVision 2021, Falcon and Winter Soldier 2021, Hawkeye 2021, Ms. Marvel 2022, She-Hulk 2022, Ironheart 2025), Captain Marvel, Black Widow, Eternals, Shang-Chi films.
- Continuously rising collector value: Avengers #1 CGC 9.4 cleared $274,000 in 2022 (vs $150,000 in 2018) and the $500,000 mark in CGC 9.6 in 2024. Average growth of 8-12% per year since 2015 on the major Silver Age key issues.
Biographie de Équipe de super-héros fondée par Iron Man (Les Avengers (Vengeurs))
Les Avengers (Vengeurs) est créé par Stan Lee et Jack Kirby et publié par Marvel Comics. Sa première apparition se fait dans Avengers #1 en septembre 1963.
Fiche d'identité
- Nom complet : Équipe de super-héros fondée par Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man et Wasp
- Date de naissance : Septembre 1963 (création de l'équipe)
- Lieu de naissance : Manoir des Avengers (Avengers Mansion), New York, USA
- Première apparition : Avengers #1 (septembre 1963)
- Créateurs : Stan Lee (scénariste) et Jack Kirby (dessinateur)
- Éditeur : Marvel Comics
- Affiliations : S.H.I.E.L.D., X-Men (allié), Fantastic Four (allié), Illuminati
Origines
L'équipe est fondée dans Avengers #1 (septembre 1963) quand Loki, le frère adoptif de Thor, manipule Hulk dans un piège pour Thor. Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp et Thor unissent leurs forces pour combattre la menace, et Janet Van Dyne (Wasp) propose : "We need a name. Something colorful and dramatic, like... The Avengers!" Captain America rejoint l'équipe en #4 (1964), trouvé congelé dans l'Arctique depuis 1945. Plus de 100 héros ont depuis intégré l'équipe.
Pouvoirs et capacités
- Équipe regroupant les plus puissants héros Marvel
- Membres fondateurs : Iron Man (armure), Thor (foudre divine), Hulk (force gamma)
- Membres historiques : Captain America (sérum super-soldat), Black Widow (espionne)
- Quartier général : Avengers Mansion, puis Avengers Tower, Avengers Compound
- Autorisation gouvernementale et financement par Stark Industries
- Code des Avengers : règles d'admission et de conduite des membres
Costume et identité visuelle
Pas de costume unifié — chaque membre porte le sien. Symbole "A" stylisé sur badges et bâtiments. Couleurs équipe : rouge, bleu, or (rappel du drapeau américain).
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More character comics histories to discover
Our complete "Comics history" article series covers the 20 biggest Marvel and DC franchises. Each article follows the same format: birth, complete volume chronology, parallel series, key issues sorted chronologically, major arcs, and collection method.
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