With the *Thunderbolts* movie now captivating audiences in theaters, Marvel Comics is poised to conclude one era of the franchise while launching an exciting new chapter for this iconic super-team. However, fans are in for a surprising twist: much like the MCU's decision to rebrand *Thunderbolts* as "The New Avengers" following its debut weekend, the new comic series is also embracing this title change. This means characters like Carnage, Clea, and Wolverine will need to step up to embody the legacy of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Can they rise to the occasion?

It's going to be a challenging journey for these characters to gel as a cohesive Avengers unit. This was the key insight from our recent discussion with writer Sam Humphries. Dive in to discover more about the reimagined Thunderbolts/New Avengers, Humphries' unique selection of this eclectic yet formidable lineup, and the formidable new threat that necessitates their assembly.

The New Avengers #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

View 19 ImagesWho Are the New Avengers?

Given Marvel Studios' reputation for secrecy, we were intrigued to learn when Sam Humphries discovered the title change during the development of his *Thunderbolts* pitch. Was the concept of a New Avengers comic always in the works, or was it a recent pivot? Fortunately, Humphries clarified that this wasn't a last-minute surprise but part of the plan from the outset.

“It was part of the very first conversation I had with Alanna [Smith],” Humphries revealed to IGN. "Keeping this under wraps for months has been both exhilarating and maddening. It's like planning a surprise party, but for thousands of people. I don't even have a document on my hard drive labeled ‘New Avengers’. You never know."

Humphries elaborated, “Initially, there were some logistical details to be sorted out, so I had to be ready to adapt quickly. But by the time I started on the first issue, the entire plan was set. You can see it reflected in the lineup—the New Avengers and the Killuminati echo the teams crafted by [Brian] Bendis and [Jonathan] Hickman. Jed's [MacKay] Avengers team features a stellar cast of heroes, and I wanted our book to stand out with a roster of more... complicated characters."

Regarding the selection of the team, Humphries enjoyed significant creative freedom. His aim was to represent diverse corners of the Marvel Universe with formidable characters.

“Oh, this was so much fun,” Humphries enthused. “My concept was inspired by the Illuminati—seven kings and heroes from seven different areas of the Marvel Universe. I thought, why not do the same with some of the biggest badasses representing mutants, the mystical realm, the Spider family, the gamma family, and more? I'm incredibly grateful to our amazing editor Alanna Smith, who supported this idea from the start, even though she had to coordinate with nearly every Marvel editorial office. That scream you hear is her Microsoft Teams app pleading for mercy. And a huge thanks to all the editors and creators who entrusted us with their beloved characters! Love you all! (They might come to regret it.)”

As Humphries hinted, the New Avengers aren't your typical paragons of virtue. This team comprises hardened killers, monsters, and a notably irritable underwater monarch. Much like the 2004 New Avengers, their unity stems from fate and necessity, and they won't instantly gel.

“I think the phrase I used in my pitch was ‘interpersonal dynamics go BOOM’,” Humphries said. “These aren't your level-headed guardians of humanity; they're a group of volatile characters trying to channel their darker instincts for good, with mixed results. They really shouldn't be in the same room together. The big question is, who hates each other the most? It might be Clea and Carnage. Or perhaps Namor and Laura. Or it could be…”

Bucky Barnes and the Killuminati

While the new series mirrors the MCU's title shift, its roster differs significantly from the film version. The constant is Bucky Barnes, who transitions from the current *Thunderbolts* team after its conclusion in *Thunderbolts: Doomstrike*. Bucky will have his work cut out for him, trying to mold this group of strong personalities and powers into a functional unit.

“I have so much respect for Jackson [Lanzing] and Collin's [Kelly] extensive and brilliant run with Bucky,” Humphries said. “I'm honored to continue their work with the character. Bucky will need every bit of the wisdom and experience they've given him. The world is in chaos, and someone has to step up and do something about it, damn it.”

What kind of threat could possibly necessitate the combined strength of Wolverine, Namor, Carnage, Clea, and Hulk? Inspired by the classic Illuminati, the New Avengers will face off against a new group Humphries dubs the “Killuminati.”

Art by Josemaria Casnanovas. (Image Credit: Marvel)“Someone tried to create duplicates of the Illuminati, and someone royally messed up,” Humphries teased. “Now, there are seven demented and deformed versions causing chaos. Bucky's going to have a tough time keeping his team together, and the same goes for the Killuminati and their so-called ‘leader’—Iron Apex.”

The New Avengers series teams Humphries with artist Ton Lima, known for his work on *New Thunderbolts* and *West Coast Avengers*. Humphries revealed that the series' artwork draws inspiration not from the MCU but from another high-octane movie franchise.

“Ton is a BEAST,” Humphries praised. “He makes our heroes look brutal and sexy, and our villains look brutal and repulsive. I told him to binge-watch every *Fast and the Furious* movie in a row ten times without breaks. Judging by his pages, I think he actually did it, the madman!”

*The New Avengers #1* is set to hit shelves on June 11, 2025.

For more insights into the MCU's latest twist, explore why Thunderbolts was renamed The New Avengers, and delve into why the MCU faces challenges with Sebastian Stan's portrayal of Bucky.