#ComicBytes: Five superheroes you had no idea were Avengers
What's the story
Such is the popularity of the Avengers that even non-fans of the comic books are at least aware of the members. People know and like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and the others. The Marvel Universe, however, is a behemoth with thousands of characters that aren't in the movies. Here are five such characters that you didn't know were part of the Avengers.
Venom
The anti-hero we all love to hate
Venom is one of the characters in Spider-Man's universe. He started off as a villain but can now be best described as an anti-hero. At one point in time, he became 'Agent Venom' and joined the Secret Avengers in Secret Avengers #23. As the story progressed, he worked with the team of Thunderbolt Ross, the Thunderbolts and also joined the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Deadpool
The Merc with a mouth who usually works alone
Deadpool, the fourth-wall-breaking, wisecracking, Merc with a mouth isn't one to work in a team but on some occasions, this brilliant hero has ended up joining one. In the 2015 comic book, Uncanny Avengers Vol. 3 #1, he was invited by Captain America to join the Avengers Unity Division. He accepted and joined as a representative of the mutant race.
Valkyrie
The badass heroine from Thor: Ragnarok
Valkyrie was one of the major characters in Thor: Ragnarok. She is a female Asgardian warrior who has worked with many superheroes over the years. Fans of the comics know that Valkyrie's original debut in 1970 was in an Avenger comic book. However, it took her more than 40 years to officially get recruited into the Secret Avengers in Secret Avengers #1.
Jessica Jones
The powerful detective you might've seen on Netflix
Jessica Jones is already a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The first season of her eponymous show on Netflix received heaps of praise from viewers and critics alike. She is a part of Defenders and officially joined the New Avengers team in Avengers Vol. 2 #1 as Power Woman. She had a good run but eventually left for her daughter Danielle's safety.
Reed Richards
The most intelligent superhero in the Marvel Universe
Reed Richards is the leader of Fantastic Four and Marvel's most intelligent character. In Avengers #300, he and his wife, Sue Storm joined the main Avengers team but eventually resigned and rejoined their own team. Reed has also been a part of New Avengers, while the other members of his team, The Thing and Johnny Storm have been associated with Avengers as well.