Marvel Rebounds 'Thunderbolts' as New Avengers

As the Thunderbolts movie hits theaters, Marvel Comics is preparing to transition the team into a fresh chapter. In a surprise twist mirroring the MCU's recent title change, the Thunderbolts comic series will officially rebrand as The New Avengers. Now unlikely heroes including Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine must prove they can uphold the Avengers' legacy.

Can This Unlikely Team Measure Up?

Writer Sam Humphries admits the team faces an uphill battle to become a functional unit. In an exclusive interview, he reveals how this motley crew came together and what formidable threat requires their combined strength.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive First Look

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Behind the Title Change

Contrary to speculation, Humphries confirms this wasn't a last-minute decision. "The rebrand was part of initial conversations with editor Alanna Smith," he explains. "Keeping it secret felt like planning a massive surprise party."

The writer intentionally assembled a roster of morally ambiguous characters to contrast with Marvel's primary Avengers team. "While Jed MacKay has do-gooders, we've got bastards trying to channel their darkness for good - with questionable results," Humphries says with a laugh.

A Team of Powerhouse Outcasts

Humphries approached building the roster like a twisted version of the Illuminati: "Instead of noble leaders, we have the most formidable wildcards from each Marvel corner - mutants, mystics, gamma-powered beings."

The creative team worked closely with Marvel's various editorial departments to secure these high-profile characters. "Our editor deserves a medal for coordinating this," Humphries notes.

Clash of Titans

Team dynamics promise to be explosively entertaining. "These hotheads shouldn't be in the same room together," Humphries teases. The tension between Clea and Carnage may be particularly volatile.

Bucky's Leadership Challenge

Bucky Barnes remains the connective tissue between Thunderbolts and New Avengers. As the former Winter Soldier, he'll need all his experience to wrangle this unruly team.

The Killuminati Threat

The new series introduces the Killuminati - twisted reflections of the Illuminati. "Someone tried replicating the Illuminati... and disastrously failed," Humphries reveals, hinting at the warped Iron Apex who leads this sinister group.

Cinematic Inspiration

Artist Ton Lima drew inspiration from unlikely sources. "I told him to binge Fast and Furious movies," Humphries jokes. "Judging by these kinetic, high-octane pages, he took me seriously!"

The New Avengers #1 launches June 11, 2025.