Top 10 Lesser Known Avengers
Script written by Jamie Leslie
Top 10 Lesser Known Avengers
They may not be invited to every assembly, but these Avengers deserve more recognition. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our Top 10 Lesser Known Avengers. We’re ranking these characters not only on their notoriety with the avengers, or rather lack thereof, but also on how important they are to the team and how important the team is to their identity as a superhero.
#10: Captain Marvel (Monica Rambeau)
Despite what most have become familiar with, Monica Rambeau was the second in line to don the title of Captain Marvel before Carol Danvers, and inherited her powers through a slightly different means. After a secret operation to destroy an extra-dimensional energy-tapping device goes sour, Monica becomes exposed to the machine’s power, and in result adopts the ability to change her own body into a variety of different energies. She soon seeks help from the Avengers in order to hone her abilities, and is not only awarded membership, but the superhero identity Captain Marvel.
#9: Jessica Jones
You think you have what it takes to become a hero? Following an accident that left her exposed to some experimental chemicals, Jessica rose out her coma with superhuman abilities, thus prompting her to take on the vigilante persona of Jewel. However, as fate would have it, Jessica’s superhero career would be short-lived, as after suffering massive mental trauma from her extended time being controlled by the Purple Man, she discarded her dreams of becoming a crime fighter. Much later, with the aid of her husband Luke Cage, Jessica stepped on as a leading member in the New Avengers.
#8: Hellcat
Sometimes it’s all about who you know. After becoming inspired by her colleague, Hank McCoy, better known as the X-Men Beast, Patsy Walker convinces him to train her into becoming a superheroine. Thanks to the mutant’s timely affiliation with the Avengers, Hellcat was given an opportunity to accompany the superhero team on an actual field mission before being offered a walk-on role. While Patsy was dissuaded to join so early in her career, she would later serve the team as a reservist when her skills as a vigilante increased.
#7: Moon Knight
There may be no vigilante more qualified for the Avengers’ night shift. Having previously met the team’s central members, Marc Spector had no interest in being affiliated with the Avengers, as he solely operated under the volition of his master, the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. It wasn’t until long-time Avenger, Hawkeye, formed an alliance with the moon god, allowing him to grant the group the aid of his most capable servant.
#6: Valkyrie
You didn’t think Thor was the only superhero representing Asgard did you? Brunhilde is one of Odin’s most capable and trusted warriors, and received the honor of Valkyrie upon completing her training. While initially serving as a forerunner in Doctor Strange’s superhero team, the Defenders, Brunhilde, was later personally recruited to take a position on the Secret Avengers team, a group Captain America strategically assembled to lead covert missions in the wake of Norman Osborn’s dark reign.
#5: Beast
Not too many people can put both the X-Men and The Avengers as references on their resume. While most will recognize the feral mutant as an integral member of Professor Xavier’s superhero team, there are few that will remember the short time he lent his talents to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. After graduating the Academy, Beast alerts the attention of some very notable Avengers, and is soon recruited as a temporary member before being awarded full membership. Ay one point, Beast had to juggle both leading roles in the X-Men and the Avengers, relying not only his combat abilities, but extensive field knowledge.
#4: Black Knight
Swords and mighty steeds may not have much applicable use in the modern world, but it sure helps to make an entrance. Adopting the title of Black Knight from his former villain uncle, Nathan Garrett, Dane Whitman was initially considered an enemy upon his first encounter with the superhero team. After aiding the Avengers in infiltrating an enemy base, Black Knight was granted a temporary position on the team, and wasn’t given full membership until he helped defeat Kang the Conqueror.
#3: Wonder Man
Let it be known that the Avengers are a team that supports Equal Employment and doesn’t discriminate against persons with criminal records. After being imprisoned by none other than Tony Stark for an embezzlement case, Simon Williams is later recruited by Baron Zemo to serve as a double agent. Given ionized superpowers and the alias Wonder Man, Simon was able to lure the Avengers into a trap, but then decides to save the superhero team at the last second, thereby sacrificing his life. After a series of events that include Wonder Man’s resurrection and body manipulation, Simon ends up joining the Avengers as a permanent member.
#2: Tigra
Expect this one to have her claws out. While initially starting her vigilante career as the feline-inspired superhero, The Cat, Greer Grant emerged as the human-animal hybrid Tigra upon undergoing a sacred ritual amongst the Cat People. Grant would later bump shoulders with major Avengers members before being presented the opportunity to audition for a vacant position. While she did land the role, Tigra’s inclusion in the group would be quite short, as her inexperience would soon make her feel outmatched. She would later find a home as one of the founding members of the West Coast Avengers by request of The Vision.
Before we unveil our pick for Top Lesser Known Avenger, here are a few honorable mentions:
D-Man
Jocasta
Quazar
Fire Star
Starfox
#1: Sentry
How could anyone forget the superhero who possesses “power of one million exploding suns?” Well, apparently, everyone did, including Bob Reynolds, the supposed hero himself. It wasn’t until the middle-aged man awoke from a nightmare that he once remembered his heroic glory days, as well as his arch nemesis, The Void. Once again having to confront this threat, Bob sought the help of his old time companions, but soon realized they’ve also forgot his existence. After exhibiting proof of his power, The Avengers agree to not only help him destroy The Void, but recruit him as a recurring member.
Do you agree with our list? What Avenger did we miss? For more Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.