Evaluating Avengers members

[Willowhugger]

This is a thread where basically we discuss whom were the most interesting, enjoyable to read about, and/or effective Avengers members along with those whom don't fit the team or have only brought the book down. Also, those whom had plots that made things unreasonably screwy.

Share your opinions here.

 

[Darthphere]

No good will come of this.

 

[Willowhugger]

I dunno, a reminder of why Captain America and Iron Man kick ass in an environment where both look awful in Civil War?

Besides, everyone knows the Fantastic Four were the worst members

The biggest strike mentioned will probably be the fact Hercules can't play well with others.

 

[Darthphere]

Youre just asking for people to come in here and post several long paragraphs of why the New Avengers suck.

 

[Willowhugger]

Am I my Avengers keeper? If they don't like it, they don't like it. I'm not asking people to hold back if they think Luke Cage or Ronin shouldn't belong on the team. If it's a sore point, its a sore point.

 

[hippy fascist]

Youre just asking for people to come in here and post several long paragraphs of why the New Avengers suck.

s'true

 

[Willowhugger]

I'll go first...

Captain America

Arguably, the greatest of all Avengers with only a few peers in the nomination like Thor or Iron Man. In many ways, the Avengers is his book as he works far better as team leader than he has in his own book except for a rare few occasions.

The strengths of the character has always been he's provided an emotional and mental anchor for characters to disregard their frequently incredible personal problems in order to focus on the mission.

This has also resulted in the Captain recieving very few interesting stories of his own in the Avengers stories due to the fact that he's required to remain centered at all times. The fact the Captain has never been involved with a female team mate is also something that is rather rare in the books.

The Captain is best defended by Thor in the fact that thunder gods are willing to follow him even though he is one of the weaker members of the team (nevertheless the fact that this is only by comparison since he remains one of the Marvelverse' best fighters).

Given his own relliance on the Avengers and how every story seems to begin with his joining, its difficult to see an Avengers without him.

 

[Willowhugger]

Iron Man

Iron Man is an interesting case for the Avengers as he's occasionally as divisive a character as Hank Pym. Iron Man is one of the rocks of the Avengers beginnings and the master of providing everything the Avengers need EXCEPT strong leadership. Tony Stark fails to be a leader because he is concerned about the details and lacks self confidence. He is an excellent right hand to Captain America but could never lead the team effectively as EMH's presents.

Iron Man means well but even his efforts to reach out to fellow teammates like Carol Danvers over her alcoholism backfire in the man's face. He is a sharp, judgemental, angry, and frequently imperious man with things like the Armor Wars, Extremis, the Supreme Intelligence murder, and Civil War being justifiable to himself and thus alright. His teammates' opinions mean nothing to Tony despite his friendship to them.

Tony has an advantage as while never as powerful as Thor or the Hulk, he is one of the most powerful of the Avengers. Iron Man is a "big gun" and always will be with his constantly increasing strength being a benefit to the team even if it never approaches his fellow's components. He also provides a stability to the team in more ways than just his money can buy.

like Captain America, it's really NOT the Avengers if Tony Stark is not a member.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Black Knight

The man who walks the line between science and magic. Throughout changes of pretty much every kind, from weapons to powers to flying horses, he's been a mainstay of the Avengers, popping in and out of the team for several stints. While he's there, he's a rock who embodies much of what the Avengers stand for. He's not perfect like Captain America (though he can fight Cap to a standstill), but he's proven himself useful in literally every area the Avengers need. He's been the resident scientist/engineer, the magic trump card, the wisened lender of experience, and even a damn fine leader while Cap was on sabbatical and Black Widow was... wherever. Much like Cap, Dane also possesses the qualities that allow gods like Hercules and Thor to follow him into combat and, even more impressive, call him their friend and equal.

 

[Varient]

This is a thread where basically we discuss whom were the most interesting, enjoyable to read about, and/or effective Avengers members along with those whom don't fit the team or have only brought the book down. Also, those whom had plots that made things unreasonably screwy.

Share your opinions here.

Boy,.... Can U say "Asking for trouble"?

I'm gonna read along,.. but I'm too critical for this thread.

Starting with D-Man and working my way thru Century and Rage,... I would not be very PC.

I KNOW that my list would hit a few fav's of others I consider SHH Friends.



Peace.

 

[Willowhugger]

Miss Marvel

Miss Marvel is an avenger whom has the odd factor of being very good when she's written well and very bad when she's not written so well. While her alcoholism story is arguably written well, she is subject to one of the most infamous stories in Marvel history, and her personality as the resident whiner during many of her stories tends to gate on the nerves.

On the other hand, when she's written well, she's a breath of fresh air. The honesty and openess of the character plus being a "tough girl" as opposed to the more feminine Janet, Firestar, and Wanda make her an excellent contrast. Her airforce background is a nice change to be honest.

It's just rarely they seem to have a good story for her. Her powers are always good and sadly were never demonstrated by her best but instead by her leach in Rogue (the X-men needing a good brawler character at the time). That seems to be changing in Carol's comic but with no rogue's gallery and no particular foundation, the comic seems to be flounding creatively.

Which is a pity because she's an excellent character.

 

[Vanguard07]

My favorite avengers always come in pairs.
I tend to like relationships between two better than i like single members.

For example

Black Knight and Herc

Cap and Thor

Beast and Wonderman

They're all good stuff.

 

[bkhedr]

HERCULES

The Prince of Power is a long time member of the team who, in my opinion, has been underused of late. In terms of hand to hand fighting ability and pure strength he is one of the most powerful Avengers. His personality makes him one of the team's most beloved members and he is quick to befriend anyone associated with the team. Hercules sees the good in everyone around him. He is cheerful but also has a lust for combat in keeping with his godly nature. He and Thor also have great interactions with each other since they are both gods and thus share a bond unlike any other Avengers.

Hercules does have limitations in the sense that he is not a very versatile Avenger and is sometimes written as nothing more than godly muscle. That being said he is crucial to the team and I am looking forward to him having a bigger role in the future, both with the Avengers and the MU in general

oh and as CW#3 reminded us all: Hercules is a badass