Overview of Avengers’ Betrayals
- The Skrull invasion in Secret Invasion resulted in devastating betrayals among Marvel’s heroes.(120)
- The Sentry’s treachery during the Dark Reign and Siege arcs led to a wave of chaos and significant hero casualties.(93)
- Tony Stark’s deeply impactful betrayal in The Crossing forced the Avengers to confront his younger self.(104)
The Avengers represent one of the most dynamic organizations in Marvel Comics, comprising a multitude of teams over the years. With an extensive roster of characters joining and leaving, even avid Marvel enthusiasts can find it challenging to keep track of every hero’s journey.
Among these narratives, certain departures resonate more deeply than others, particularly the poignant moments of betrayal from within the ranks. Throughout its rich history, the Avengers have endured numerous heart-wrenching betrayals that have had profound implications for the team dynamics. Some heroes who turned against the core values of the Avengers acted under misconceptions, illustrating the complexity of loyalty and morality in the superhero universe.
8. The Skrulls
The Ultimate Shock Reveal
- Key Event: Occurred in Secret Invasion
- Publication Year: 2008
As comic fans have witnessed, the Skrulls are an alien species renowned for their shape-shifting capabilities. Driven by animosity towards humanity, they orchestrated one of Marvel’s most iconic story arcs filled with unexpected betrayals. Under the cunning leadership of their queen, who disguised herself as Spider-Woman, the Skrulls infiltrated the roles of numerous Earth heroes, plunging the world into chaos.
This arc unfolded following the events of Civil War, where the rift among heroes provided the Skrulls with the perfect opportunity to strike. The fallout saw an increase in casualties, revealing that many beloved characters were impostors, including Elektra and Hank Pym. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) adapted this story differently, the Secret Invasion comic maintained its status as a pivotal moment in comic history.
7. The Sentry
The Hero Turned Dark Avenger
- Key Event: Featured in Dark Reign
- Publication Years: 2008-09
The exploration of Norman Osborn’s Dark Avengers showcased the dark side of heroism within Marvel Comics. Although the team ostensibly comprised villains posing as heroes, the Sentry, a true Avenger, was manipulated into joining this nefarious group. This initial betrayal paved the way for a more significant turn during the Siege storyline.
During a climactic battle against Asgard—temporarily relocated to Earth—the Sentry succumbed to anger, transforming into the Void, a formidable force of destruction. In a shocking act, he brutally killed Ares, forcing Thor to ultimately take the grim decision to end the Sentry’s rampage. The character’s potential return to the MCU has been a topic of increasing speculation.
6. Hank Pym
The Crazed Schizophrenic Scientist
- Key Event: Featured in The Avengers
- Publication Year: 1968
Marvel’s Hank Pym is a character with a tumultuous backstory that may surprise fans of the MCU. While the cinematic portrayal features a relatively amiable scientist, comic book Hank struggled profoundly with mental health issues, culminating in a tragic transformation into the villainous Yellowjacket.
Pym’s descent into darkness led to abusive behavior in his personal life and the creation of Ultron, a rogue artificial intelligence that threatened the world. His complex legacy is one of the reasons Scott Lang was ultimately chosen to be the MCU’s primary Ant-Man.
5. Wonder Man
The Creator of the Revengers
- Key Event: Occurred in The Avengers
- Publication Year: 2011
As Marvel prepares to introduce Wonder Man into the MCU, his comic origins reveal a character who once infiltrated the Avengers under orders from the Masters of Evil. Despite his initial betrayal, Wonder Man sought redemption before his demise and later returned to join the team in good faith.
However, after experiencing extensive losses, doubts began to surface regarding the Avengers’ moral compass. This led him to abandon the team and ally with lesser-known heroes in the Revengers, initiating conflict against his former comrades. Ultimately, the collateral damage caused by this alliance prompted Wonder Man to reconsider his stance and restore his allegiance to the greater good.
4. Scarlet Witch
The Supreme Being Pushed Over the Edge
- Key Event: Involved in Avengers Disassembled
- Publication Year: 2004
The character of Wanda Maximoff, also known as Scarlet Witch, has endured a series of tumultuous changes within the Marvel narrative. Her trajectory towards villainy, which peaked in Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, has roots in earlier storylines as well. Notably, her role in House of M saw her turning against the X-Men.
In Avengers Disassembled, Wanda’s betrayal was encapsulated by devastating consequences, as her unpredictable powers ripped the Avengers apart. Public disgrace led to infighting, resulting in tragic deaths, including that of Vision, Hawkeye, and Scott Lang, culminating in a chaotic unraveling of the team.
3. Tony Stark
Forced to Confront His Younger Self
- Key Event: Unfolded in The Crossing
- Publication Year: 1995
Tony Stark, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Avengers, has had his share of controversial actions throughout the years. While many focus on his alleged betrayal during Civil War, when he opted to support superhero registration, it is arguably his actions surrounding the Crossing that exemplified true treachery.
In this storyline, Stark revealed a disturbing alliance with Kang the Conqueror over several years without the knowledge of his teammates. This shocking infidelity became a pivotal moment, ultimately resulting in Avengers summoning a younger Stark to confront the tragic course his future self had taken. Although he chose the right path in the end, the gravity of this betrayal loomed large over his heroic legacy.
2. The Hulk
The Terror of World War Hulk
- Key Event: Captured in World War Hulk
- Publication Year: 2007
The Hulk’s tumultuous journey began with his own betrayal, as the Illuminati, a clandestine group that included members of the Avengers, conspired to excommunicate him from Earth. This forced him into outer space, where he suffered tragic losses, including the death of his pregnant wife, though later revelations cleared the Illuminati of direct blame.
Upon returning with newfound power derived from radiation on the planet Sakaar, the Hulk embarked on a vengeful campaign against those who had wronged him, including the members of the Illuminati. His quest for revenge devastated multiple teams and highlighted the repercussions of betrayal within the superhuman community. Ultimately, Hulk’s rage, while understandable, culminated in catastrophic ramifications for the Earth itself.
1. Carol Danvers
The Kick Starter of Civil War 2
- Key Event: Central to Civil War 2
- Publication Year: 2016
Many fans of the MCU may be unaware of the second Civil War storyline in Marvel Comics, which diverges from the superhuman registration debate to focus on a moral quandary initiated by Captain Marvel. This conflict arose between Captain Marvel and Iron Man over preemptive actions against theoretical crimes predicted by a newly introduced Inhuman with foresight.
Captain Marvel’s stance on limiting free will starkly contrasted the Avengers’ foundational ethos, culminating in significant conflicts within the superhero community. Her storyline concluded with her taking up the role of a presidential ambassador, yet her aggressive maneuvers against Captain America and attempts to detain Miles Morales left many fans conflicted and disillusioned by her actions.
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