Marvel's Thunderbolts Series Rebrands as New Avengers in MCU Style

As the Thunderbolts movie makes waves in theaters, Marvel Comics is set to conclude the current Thunderbolts saga and introduce a fresh chapter for this iconic team. In a surprising move mirroring the MCU's decision to retitle Thunderbolts as "The New Avengers" post its opening weekend, the new Thunderbolts comic is also embracing this name change. This transformation challenges heroes like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine to embody the spirit of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the occasion?

The journey to becoming a cohesive Avengers team will be fraught with challenges, as writer Sam Humphries emphasized in a recent discussion. Dive deeper into the Thunderbolts/New Avengers transition, Humphries' unique team selection, and the formidable new threat that necessitates such a powerful ensemble.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Who Are the New Avengers?

With Marvel Studios known for its secrecy around future projects, it was intriguing to learn when 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 a recent shift? Fortunately, Humphries reveals that the title change was integrated from the outset.

“It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith],” Humphries shares with IGN. “Keeping this under wraps has been both exhilarating and maddening, like planning a surprise for thousands. I don’t even have a document on my computer labeled ‘New Avengers’. It's all about maintaining secrecy.”

Humphries elaborates, “Initially, there were logistical details to iron out, so flexibility was key. But by the time I started scripting the first issue, the plan was set. You can see the influence of Brian Bendis' and Jonathan Hickman's New Avengers in our lineup. While Jed MacKay’s Avengers team features traditional heroes, I wanted our book to stand out with a roster of more complex characters.”

Humphries had the creative freedom to assemble the Thunderbolts/New Avengers, aiming to represent diverse aspects of the Marvel Universe. “It was incredibly fun to craft this team,” he says. “Inspired by the Illuminati's diverse representation, I selected characters from mutants, the mystical realm, the Spider-family, the gamma-family, and more. A huge thank you to our editor, Alanna Smith, who supported this vision and navigated the coordination with various Marvel editorial teams. It was quite the challenge, but we pulled it off, and I'm grateful to all the editors and creators who trusted us with their characters.”

The New Avengers, as Humphries suggests, are not your typical heroes. This team comprises hardened killers, monsters, and even a grumpy underwater monarch. Much like the original New Avengers from 2004, this group is formed by circumstance, and their dynamics are anything but smooth.

“In my pitch, I described their interpersonal dynamics as explosive,” Humphries explains. “These aren't your average heroes; they're a group of fiery individuals trying to channel their darker instincts for good, often with unpredictable outcomes. They shouldn’t be in the same room together. The big question is, who dislikes each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage, or Namor and Laura, or...”

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati

While the comic follows the MCU's title change, the New Avengers roster differs significantly. Bucky Barnes remains a constant, transitioning from the current Thunderbolts team, which concludes in Thunderbolts: Doomstrike. Bucky faces the daunting task of unifying this eclectic and powerful group.

“I have immense respect for Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly’s work with Bucky,” Humphries states. “Following their footsteps is an honor. Bucky will need all the experience and wisdom gained from their stories to lead this team in a world turned upside down.”

The New Avengers confront a formidable threat, inspired by the classic Illuminati lineup. Humphries introduces their adversaries as the “Killuminati,” a twisted version of the original group. “Someone attempted to recreate the Illuminati, but it went horribly wrong,” Humphries teases. “Now, there are seven distorted and dangerous entities on the loose. Bucky will have his hands full keeping his team in check, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their ‘leader,’ Iron Apex.”

The New Avengers series pairs Humphries with artist Ton Lima, whose previous work includes New Thunderbolts and West Coast Avengers. Humphries notes that the art style draws inspiration not from the MCU, but from another action-packed movie franchise. “Ton is phenomenal,” Humphries praises. “He brings a raw, edgy vibe to our heroes and villains. I jokingly told him to watch every Fast and the Furious movie back-to-back ten times, and judging by his work, he might have actually done it!”

The New Avengers #1 is slated for release on June 11, 2025.

For further insights into the MCU's recent changes, explore why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers, and discover why the MCU has a big problem with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky.