Earth’s Mightiest Heroines! These are the women who have served as an Avenger, tackling our planet’s most massive threats. Since its debut, Marvel’s premiere super hero team has featured some of the most dynamic and powerful women in comics. We’re celebrating the Avenging heroes who have not only had an impact on readers, but the Marvel Universe at large.
Frost Giants have invaded Earth and an all-new Thor rises. Who is this new Goddess of Thunder? Not even Odin knows! Writer Jason Aaron and artist Russell Dauterman introduce the latest incarnation of she who is worthy.
One of Marvel’s most beloved heroes is now an Avenger! Kamala Khan was an ordinary girl from Jersey City- until she was suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the all-new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Come along for the ride and find out!
Janet Van Dyne is Wasp; founding Avenger and first woman to become one of Earth’s Mightiest. Not to mention…the brain behind the Avengers name! One of the team’s longest standing members, Wasp has served as both leader and co-leader to her own Avengers squads. Here, Wasp saves the planet from an alien invasion, cementing her place in the Avengers Hall of Fame.
Scarlet Witch was the second woman to call herself Avenger, joining the team with brother Quicksilver in Avengers (1963) #16. Wanda’s tenuous hold over her reality-bending powers has made her a feared woman amongst friends and foes. Check out Scarlet Witch at her enigmatic best as she plays mind games with Hawkeye in Wundagore.
When Bruce Banner’s cousin got a dose of gamma-irradiated blood she became…the Sensational She-Hulk! Jennifer Walters, “Shulky” to friends, is part-time attorney, full time hero! See the gamma-green giantess join the Avengers…and ensure her role as team flirt. (Hello Hawkeye)
From Air force major to Avenging angel! Carol Danvers has had many codenames in her Avengers career, currently holding the title of Captain Marvel. Here she is Ms. Marvel, a superheroine fighting crime with the powers of the Kree. This cosmically charged Avenger has led her own team of Earth’s Mightiest and is now a space adventuring peacekeeper.
Jessica Drew’s journey as Spider-Woman hasn’t been a cakewalk. After gaining her sting powers through her father’s experiments, Spider-Woman served as a double agent to S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra. See Spider-Woman’s stealth and sting in full force, as she kicks Skrull tail in this mini-series by Brian Michael Bendis.
As dangerous as she is lovely, Natasha Romanova has earned legendary status as the Black Widow. A onetime Soviet spy, the Widow has leant her espionage skillset to the highest bidder, serving both the KGB and S.H.I.E.L.D. In her first appearance, Romanova steals the spotlight from Nick Fury, using her femme fatality as only the Widow can!
While serving as lieutenant in the New Orleans Harbor Patrol, Monica Rambeau was struck by a weapon intended to kill. Instead Rambeau became Spectrum, a super hero with intangibility, flight, and control over all forms of energy! Spectrum shows off her new abilities to the Avengers, earning a place on the team and the title of Captain Marvel.
Mantis’ unusual origin story alone would earn her a place on our list, but it’s her extraordinary combat skills that make her a true Avenger. The half-German, half-Vietnamese child of two human parents, Mantis was raised as the ‘Celestial Madonna’ in a cultish sect of the alien Kree. In Avengers #144, Mantis joins the team with lover Swordsman, impressing Earth’s Mightiest with her bravery.
Fur flies whenever Tigra’s around and this issue’s no exception! Although a main Avenger for only four issues, Tigra went on to have a long career in the team’s West Coast installment. While the rest of her team stands defeated by Molecule Man, Tigra expertly claws her way to victory, displaying a wildcat frenzy only she can deliver.
Formerly Agent 19 of S.H.I.E.L.D., Barbara “Bobbi” Morse had higher aspirations for a woman of her skillset. Armed with a bo staff and a Ph. D in Biochemistry, Mockingbird went from scientist to counterintelligence agent. She would eventually co-find the West Coast Avengers with then-husband Hawkeye, ushering in a new age for the team. Check out the dynamic duo in action!
Remember when X-Woman Storm was an Avenger? In case you don’t, we’ve got you covered! Witness the rage of the Weather Goddess as she incurs the wrath of H.A.M.M.E.R.
The superlative “Most Transformed” belongs to Hellcat- teen romance heroine turned bona fide Avenger! Patsy Walker made her debut under Timely Comics Publishing, starring in her own series from 1944 to the mid 60’s. Hellcat earns her stripes as hero in Avengers #144, giving Captain America and Iron Man a run for their money with her spunk and charm.
When Daredevil meets deaf super hero Echo, he uncovers a part of himself previously buried. Meet Maya Lopez, the musical prodigy/martial arts master who once wore the mask of Ronin. As a member of the Avengers, Echo impressed hero and villain alike with her photographic memory and reflective fighting skills.
Firestar first appeared as a sidekick to Spider-Man in his 1981 cartoon, Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends. She would eventually evolve from Amazing Friend into amazing Avenger, joining the team at a critical point. Check out one of her earliest appearances in Uncanny X-Men!
The ‘Lady Liberator’, Valkyrie is a living embodiment of female strength. Selected by Odin to rule the Valkyrior warrior women, she’s also a sight to behold in battle. Valkyrie’s always inspired fellow superheroines to fight misogyny and shatter glass ceilings- and she does just that in her first appearance!