[UPDATE: Check out the FULL TRAILER for THE AVENGERS!]

Marvel is preparing to launch a second theatrical trailer for The Avengers online later this week, and has now unveiled an official poster for Joss Whedon's superhero team-up flick. The film sees Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo, via motion-capture) and more join with the forces of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and his S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to save the world from an imminent alien threat.

An official poster for The Avengers has been released by the comic book movie studio - and, judging by the fact that none of the team members are wearing masks, helmets, or any sort of protective headgear (does Fury's eyepatch count?) in the one-sheet, Marvel wants to make sure fans remember the identities of the men and women bringing these iconic costumed warriors to life. Well, except for Ruffalo, it seems.

Have a look at the new Avengers poster below and see what we mean:

avengers movie official poster

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While this isn't exactly what you would call a flawless poster (there's some questionable Photoshop work on display here), it's still hard to refrain from becoming giddy at the sight of so many famous superheroes joining forces and preparing to kick butt. Besides, in the aftermath of the eyesores that were the posters for last year's X-Men: First Class, mildly imperfect one-sheets for comic book movies (like this one) are all easier to swallow. Moving on...

Early word on the second Avengers trailer is that it will dive much deeper into the plot which writer/director Joss Whedon has devised for the titular hero squad's live-action debut. Similarly, the indication from insiders is that the new promo offers a much better look at just who the members of Loki's (Tom Hiddleston) alien army are, far beyond the blink-and-miss-it glimpse we got in the Avengers Super Bowl Trailer.

Be sure to check back on Screen Rant over the next few days, as we will post that new Avengers promo (complete with analysis) as soon as it pops up online.

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The Avengers arrives in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D theaters around the U.S. on May 4th, 2012.