"Marvel Comics' Thunderbolts Series Now The New Avengers, Reflecting MCU"

With the Thunderbolts movie now in theaters, Marvel Comics is gearing up to conclude one chapter of the franchise and embark on an exciting new journey for this iconic super-team. In an unexpected twist, just as Marvel surprised MCU fans by retitling Thunderbolts as “The New Avengers” after its first weekend of release, the new Thunderbolts comic is also undergoing a similar transformation. Now, heroes such as Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine must step up to the challenge of embodying the legacy of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Do they have what it takes to fill those legendary boots?

The road ahead is certainly challenging for these characters as they strive to form a cohesive and effective Avengers team. This was the key insight from our recent conversation with writer Sam Humphries. Dive deeper into the Thunderbolts/New Avengers transition, discover how Humphries curated this eclectic yet formidable lineup, and understand the formidable new threat that necessitates such a powerful assembly.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

View 19 ImagesWho Are the New Avengers?

Given Marvel Studios' reputation for secrecy around upcoming projects, we were intrigued to learn when Sam Humphries was informed about the title change during the development of his Thunderbolts pitch. Was the New Avengers comic always part of the plan, or was this a last-minute pivot? Fortunately, Humphries reveals that the title change was not a sudden decision but integral to the project from the start.

“It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith],” Humphries shares with IGN. “It’s been a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience to keep this under wraps for months. It’s like organizing a surprise party for thousands. I don’t even have a document on my computer labeled ‘New Avengers’. You never know.”

Humphries elaborates, “There were some logistical details to iron out initially, so I had to be ready to adapt quickly. But by the time I began the first issue, the entire plan was set. You can see it reflected in the team lineup – the New Avengers and the Killuminati both echo the New Avengers teams crafted by Brian Bendis and Jonathan Hickman. Jed MacKay has assembled a stellar group of heroes in the Avengers book, and I wanted our book to stand out with a roster of rogues.”

As Humphries notes, the New Avengers aren't your typical paragons of virtue and heroism. This team comprises hardened killers, monsters, and even a cantankerous underwater monarch. Much like the original New Avengers from 2004, this group is forged by fate and circumstance, and they're bound to clash.

“I think the phrase I used in my pitch was ‘interpersonal dynamics go BOOM’,” Humphries says. “These aren't the level-headed guardians of humanity; they’re a bunch of hotheaded renegades trying to channel their darker impulses for good, with varying success. They shouldn't even be in the same room together. The big question is, who despises each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage. Or perhaps Namor and Laura. Or it could be…”

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati

While the new series mirrors the MCU's title change, the actual lineup of the New Avengers deviates significantly from the film version. The one consistent element is Bucky Barnes, who remains after the current Thunderbolts team takes its final bow in Thunderbolts: Doomstrike. It's Bucky's responsibility to corral this diverse group of strong personalities and immense powers into a functioning team.

“I have so much respect for Jackson [Lanzing] and Collin's [Kelly] extensive and brilliant run with Bucky,” Humphries says. “I’m honored and fortunate to build upon their achievements with the character. Bucky’s going to need all the wisdom and experience from his past trials. The world is in chaos, and someone needs to step up and take action, damn it.”

What threat could possibly necessitate the combined might of Wolverine, Namor, Carnage, Clea, and Hulk? Drawing inspiration from the classic Illuminati lineup, the New Avengers face off against a sinister offshoot called the “Killuminati.”

Art by Josemaria Casanovas. (Image Credit: Marvel)“Someone attempted to create duplicates of the Illuminati, but something went horribly wrong,” Humphries hints. “Now, there are seven twisted and distorted worst-case scenarios on the loose. Bucky's going to face enormous challenges keeping his team together, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their so-called ‘leader’ – Iron Apex.”

The New Avengers series pairs Humphries with artist Ton Lima, who has previously worked on titles like New Thunderbolts and West Coast Avengers. Humphries notes that the art in this series draws inspiration not from the MCU, but from another popular action movie franchise.

“Ton is a powerhouse,” Humphries exclaims. “He makes the heroes look fierce and alluring, and the villains look fierce and repulsive. I told him to binge-watch every Fast and the Furious movie consecutively ten times without breaks. Judging by his artwork, I think he actually did it, the madman!”

The New Avengers #1 is set to hit shelves on June 11, 2025.

For more insights into the MCU's latest developments, explore why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers and delve into why the MCU faces significant challenges with Sebastian Stan’s portrayal of Bucky.