Marvel Comics' Thunderbolts* Series Rebrands as New Avengers

With the Thunderbolts movie now captivating audiences in theaters, Marvel Comics is set to conclude one chapter of this iconic franchise and usher in a new era for the long-running super-team. However, there's an unexpected twist in store. 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 the same title change. This shift challenges heroes like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine to step up and embody the legacy of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the occasion?

It's an uphill battle for these characters to coalesce into a functional Avengers team. This insight came from our recent conversation with writer Sam Humphries. Dive deeper to discover more about the Thunderbolts/New Avengers transition, how Humphries crafted this diverse yet powerful roster, and what formidable threat necessitates such a team of heavy-hitters.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

View 19 ImagesWho Are the New Avengers?

Given Marvel Studios' reputation for secrecy, we were intrigued to learn when Humphries was informed about the title change during the development of his Thunderbolts pitch. Was the New Avengers concept part of his initial plan, or a later development? Fortunately, Humphries clarifies that this wasn't a last-minute change but a foundational element from the start.

“It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith],” Humphries tells IGN. “It's been thrilling and challenging to keep this secret for months. It's like organizing a surprise party for thousands. I don't even have a document on my hard drive labeled ‘New Avengers’. You never know.”

Humphries elaborates, “There were logistical details to sort out initially, so I had to be ready to adapt quickly. But the plan was solidified by the time I started the first issue. You can see it reflected in the lineup - the New Avengers and the Killuminati echo the teams from [Brian] Bendis and [Jonathan] Hickman's New Avengers. Jed's [MacKay] Avengers book features a stellar lineup of heroes, and I wanted ours to stand out with a group of rogues.”

Regarding the lineup, Humphries had the liberty to select characters from various major superhuman factions within the Marvel Universe.

“It was incredibly fun,” Humphries shares. “My concept was inspired by the Illuminati, representing different corners of the Marvel Universe. We aimed to feature the biggest badasses from mutants, the mystical realm, the Spider family, the gamma family, and more. Huge thanks to our editor Alanna Smith for supporting this vision from the start, even though it required coordinating with nearly every Marvel editorial office. That's the sound of her Microsoft Teams crying for help. And a big shoutout to all the editors and creators who trusted us with their beloved characters! They might regret it, though.”

As Humphries hints, the New Avengers aren't your typical paragons of virtue. This team comprises hardened killers, monsters, and one irritable underwater monarch. Similar to the original New Avengers from 2004, these characters are united by fate and circumstances, and they won’t mesh seamlessly.

“I described it in my pitch as ‘interpersonal dynamics go BOOM’,” Humphries explains. “These aren't your average guardians of humanity; they're hotheaded rogues 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 despises each other the most? It could be Clea and Carnage, or Namor and Laura, or perhaps…”

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati

While the new series follows the MCU's lead with its title change, the actual New Avengers roster diverges significantly. The one consistent element is Bucky Barnes, who remains after the current Thunderbolts team takes its final bow in Thunderbolts: Doomstrike. Bucky will need to harness his leadership skills to mold this diverse group into a cohesive unit.

“I have immense respect for Jackson [Lanzing] and Collin's [Kelly] extensive work with Bucky,” Humphries says. “It's an honor to continue their legacy. Bucky will need every ounce of wisdom and experience they've given him. The world is chaotic, and someone needs to take action, damn it.”

What threat could possibly require the combined prowess of Wolverine, Namor, Carnage, Clea, and Hulk? Just as the New Avengers draw inspiration from the classic Illuminati, their adversaries in the series are a direct descendant. Humphries dubs them the “Killuminati.”

Art by Josemaria Casnanovas. (Image Credit: Marvel)

“Someone attempted to duplicate the Illuminati, and it went horribly wrong,” Humphries teases. “Now, there are seven deranged and distorted versions wreaking havoc. Bucky will face significant challenges keeping his team together, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their ‘leader’ – Iron Apex.”

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

“Ton is phenomenal,” Humphries says. “He makes the heroes look fierce and stylish, and the villains look fierce and revolting. I challenged him to binge-watch every Fast and the Furious movie consecutively, ten times without breaks. Judging by his work, I think he actually did it – the madman!”

The New Avengers #1 will hit shelves on June 11, 2025.

For further insights into the MCU's latest twist, explore why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers, and delve into why the MCU faces challenges with Sebastian Stan’s Bucky.