Warning: SPOILERS for Avengers: Beyond #2Marvel Comics recently revealed that the Avengers have a powerful secret weapon they could have used against Thanos, Galactus, and all other major threats to Earth, but they never did. An alien woman who lives undercover in New York has the incredible ability to give everyone around her superpowers, and the Avengers always knew about her.

In Avengers: Beyond #2, by Derek Landy, Greg Land, Jay Leisten, and Frank D'Armata, the Avengers are trying to contain the new crisis created by the Beyonder, the all-powerful cosmic being who has been engineering a series of threats to 'train' the team against an upcoming menace, the Lost One. The Beyonder's latest scenario has him messing with the powers of Sel Sennan, an alien refugee on Earth who can alter people's DNA just by being around, giving them superpowers. While Sel usually keeps her ability turned off, the Beyonder has boosted it and now everyone in Manhattan has powers, creating chaos and mayhem.

The Avengers Have A Secret Weapon That Can Give EVERYONE Powers (And Boost Their Own)

According to Blade, the Avengers knew of Sel's existence for at least twelve years. And yet, they never thought of asking for her help when faced with a big planetary crisis, such as an attack by Thanos (seen in Infinity) or any other threat. In fact, Sel is aware that the heroes could have used her for this purpose. She says that she has remained hidden because she is afraid: "You're going to lock me away until you need me to make you stronger so you can fight Galactus or Thanos or someone."

However, Galactus and Thanos (and other forces of destruction) have come to Earth many times, but none of the heroes ever thought to call upon Sel for help. She could have boosted their powers or, even better, empower normal people (citizens or even trained soldiers) so that, for once, the heroes would not have to shoulder the burden of defending the planet alone. This could be hardly considered 'exploiting' Sel, as she would simply be helping defend her new home from external threats. Also, the intervention of the Beyonder shows that villains could learn of Sel and use her powers for harm, a possibility that the heroes outright ignored.

Of course, this is a new character that was introduced in this issue, which explains why the Avengers and the other heroes never thought of her before. Still, the idea that the heroes are aware that an individual with such power is on Earth, and simply ignore her, does not make a lot of sense. After all, when similar powerful individuals emerged in the past, the heroes even went to war with each other (Scarlet Witch, Ulysses Cain). It's then very hard to believe that the Avengers had such an incredible secret weapon against Thanos and similar threats, and never thought of using it, risking countless lives in the process.

Avengers: Beyond #2 is available now from Marvel Comics.