Warning: contains spoilers for The Marvels #7!
In The Marvels #7, Iron Man offers insight into why the Avengers roster usually consists of the same heroes. While working with a team embodying the definition of “ragtag,” Iron Man begins to fear losing control of the situation, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into Iron Man’s personality, and offering clues as to why heroes come and go from the Avengers roster, there is always a core team. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
The Marvels is a team book with a twist: any Marvel character from across the publisher’s 82-year history is a potential member. The first story arc has perfectly embodied the concept, bringing together a team consisting of, among others, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm, Black Cat, Warbird and Aarkus—the first Vision. As the storyline has progressed, this motley team has been set on a collision course with Lady Lotus, who has imprisoned an entire nation in a magical dome. Meanwhile, monsters from Marvel’s Silver Age horror comics have begun attacking New York—and now the heroes have learned there is a connection between the two. The team is set to confront Lady Lotus—but it is a situation Iron Man is uneasy with. The Marvels #7 is written by Kurt Busiek, with art by Yildiray Cinar, colors by Guru-eFX and letters by Simon Bowland.
Iron Man is not getting along with the new Warbird, despite Captain America’s attempts to keep the peace; Iron Man is also not comfortable with Aarkus’ presence as well. He voices these concerns to Captain America, fearing the situation is “getting out of control.” Iron Man has no problem with some members, but others—such as Warbird and Aarkus are “wild cards,” something Iron Man is uneasy with. Tony has a very tense exchange with Aarkus, and again expresses his unhappiness, stating the group is not used to fighting as a team and the smallest mistake can destroy even the best plan. Iron Man’s fears are realized when the team confronts Lady Lotus, and Warbird deviates from the plan, letting her anger and rage take over.
The issue ends there, leaving readers waiting until next month to see if Warbird confirms Iron Man’s worst fears, but the insight offered into his psyche here is fascinating—and may explain why the Avengers has such a stable roster. Iron Man needs to be in control of the situation, and to this end he relies on known quantities and people he can trust—such as Captain America and Thor. These three formed the core of the Avengers (and are arguably Marvel’s “Trinity’) in nearly every incarnation of the team. There are other heroes who seem to have permanent places on the team as well, such as Hawkeye, Black Widow, Black Panther and Ant-Man—all of whom Iron Man explicitly trusts.
However, the Avengers team with the most wildcards was Brian Michael Bendis’ New Avengers, which added Wolverine, Spider-Man and Luke Cage to the roster; Spider-Man had only been a reserve member, while Wolverine and Cage were new. Iron Man was a part of this team, but it did not last long, splitting in the wake of 2007's Civil War. Many of the heroes who joined during this era have since moved on from the team, and it has shifted back to a more conventional roster.
There will always be new faces in the Avengers—Blade and Ghost Rider have recently joined, but by and large the roster stays the same, and Iron Man's actions in The Marvels #7 show exactly why.