Marvel has launched its latestAvengersteam book, with Captain America leading a star-studded new squad – including two characters who get theirfirst shot at proving they rank among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.Avengers Assemblefeatures the debut of Night Thrasher and Lightspeed, alongside a roster that also includes Shang-Chi, Hercules, She-Hulk, and more coming together for a jam-packed new Avengers tenure.

Avengers Assemble#1 – written by Steve Orlando, with art by Cory Smith – offers a two-pronged introduction for Captain America’s new team, as those who arrive at Avengers' headquarters early immediately find themselves thrown into an action-heavy mission. Those who showed up slightly late, on the other hand, have the opportunity to get to know each other back at the base.

Avengers Assemble #1 cover with Captain America leading his latest roster, including Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, & more.

While the heroes catch up, new recruit Night Thrasher immediately makes an impact on the team by introducing new tactical gear for future missions.

Avengers Assemble#1 – Written By Steven Orlando; Art By Cory Smith; Ink By Elisabetta D’Amico & Oren Junior; Color By Sonia Oback; Lettering By Corey Petit

The last few yearshave been interesting for Marvel’sAvengers, as the surge in the team’s popularity thanks to the MCU has resulted in multiple concurrentAvengerstitles running at once, as there are simply too many characters for a single team book to spotlight. Jed MacKay’sAvengersongoing features a team led by Captain Marvel, including the Sam Wilson version of Captain America.Classic Cap Steve Rogers, meanwhile, has led several alternate Avengers squads over the past few years – but his newest has perhaps the most dynamic roster yet.

After 40 Years, an 80s Hero FINALLY Joins the Avengers (Giving Them a God-Tier Speedster)

Marvel’s new Avengers Assemble is bringing fresh perspectives to the team, by including a hero from the 1980s who is making their Avengers debut.

Avengers Assemble#1 starts with the team doing exactly that. Shang-Chi, Wasp, and Photon quickly accompany Captain America on their first mission, while the rest of the team gathers at the Avengers' headquarters in New York City. This is an effective narrative move, as it allows for plenty of action, while alsogiving the less familiar members of the roster – including Night Thrasher and Lightspeed – time to acclimate to one another, and to the book’s readers. It also builds further anticipation for the moment when the entire team aligns for battle for the very first time.

Comic book art: Captain America leads Shang-Chi and Hawkeye into battle.

Night Thrasher Makes An Immediate Impact In His Long Overdue Debut As An Avenger

First Appearance: 1989’sThor#411 – Created By Tom DeFalco And Ron Frenz

Though new member Night Thrasher doesn’t show what he can do on the battlefield just yet, he does contribute to the team in a concrete way from the moment he steps through the door of Avengers' Mansion. He does this by gifting the squad new gear; as Lightspeed – the team’s other brand-new recruit – notes inAvengers Assemble#1,Night Thrasher is known for his specialty as an armorer, immediately establishing him in a position of prominence on the roster.

Avengers Assemblefinally gives Night Thrasher the opportunity to take a leading role in a major superhero series.

Avengers Assemble #1, variant cover featuring the hero team standing on the precipice of battle.

Having first appeared in Marvel Comics thirty-five years ago, it has taken more than enough time forNight Thrasher’s potential as an Avengerto be recognized. Though the character had a memorable role in Marvel’s originalCivil Warcrossover, he has made only select appearances since, and has not had the opportunity to truly elevate himself to a position among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.Avengers Assemblefinally gives Night Thrasher the opportunity to take a leading role in a major superhero series.

Lightspeed Adds An Energetic Dimension To This Avengers Roster

First Appearance: 1984’sPower Pack#1 – Created By Louise Simonson And June Brigman

Similar to Night Thrasher, Lightspeed may be a new Avenger, but she has a longhistory in the Marvel Universe. With forty years of comic book history to her credit, Lightspeed is even more ready to have her most epic storyline ever inAvengers Assemble. Though she previously had a role in Marvel’sAvengers Academyseries, this series finds her finally graduating to the main roster. In addition to being a powerful mutant,Lightspeed is a dynamic, fun character, who readers should be excited to watch interact with teammates like She-Hulk and Hawkeye.

Avengers Assemble#1 sets an upbeat tone for the book, suggesting that it will have the kind of vibe that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would gravitate toward.

Avengers Assemble #1 variant cover featuring the new squad lunging into battle against a city backdrop.

Marvel’s latestincarnation of the Avengershas been skillfully curated, with the roster including a diverse set of powers and a unique blend of characters.Avengers Assemble#1 sets an upbeat tone for the book, suggesting that it will have the kind of vibe that fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe would gravitate toward. For those viewers who can’t get enough of their favorite Marvel heroes, and want to make a foray into Marvel Comics, this newAvengersseries is an ideal jumping on point.