10 Strongest Marvel Teams of Superheros
Superhero comic books are usually loved because of the individual superheroes whose adventures they narrate. Still, from time to time, superheroes decide to join forces to fight a common enemy or protect their world, thus forming superhero groups. Today’s article is not going to be about these individual powerful superheroes, but rather about the groups they are members of, as we are going to present you the 10 strongest superhero groups in the Marvel Comics fictional universe.
10 strongest Marvel teams are:
- Avengers
- Champions
- Defenders
- Eternals
- Fantastic Four
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Inhumans
- S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Thunderbolts
- X-Men
Now, that we’re done with the introduction, let us continue to the list. The groups are listed in alphabetical order, with the relevant information and reasons provided for each group. Enjoy!
Avengers
Debut: The Avengers #1 (September, 1963)
Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Biography
As far as Marvel is concerned, the Avengers are without a doubt the most famous and most popular superhero group. Labeled “Earth’s Mightiest Heroes”, the Avengers originally consisted of Iron Man, the Wasp, the Hulk, Thor, and Ant-Man. The original Captain America was discovered trapped in ice soon after their initial debut, and joined the group after they revived him. A rotating roster became a hallmark of the series, although one theme remained consistent: the Avengers fight “the foes no single superhero can withstand.” The team, famous for its battle cry of “Avengers Assemble!”, has featured humans, superhumans, mutants, Inhumans, deities, androids, aliens, legendary beings, and even former villains.
The Avengers are the principal defenders of Earth and most of their members are actually Earth-based superheroes, although there have been certain exceptions. They have been protecting Earth from both internal and cosmic threats, but they have also participated in various cosmic clashes in order to save the whole universe, most notably against Thanos. As far as superhero groups go, the Avengers are Marvel’s #1 brand.
Members
Ant-Man, Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Wasp, Agent Venom, Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Beast, Black Knight, Black Panther, Black Widow, Blade, Captain Marvel, Crystal, Doctor Strange, Falcon, Ghost Rider, Hawkeye, Hellcat, Hercules, Human Torch, Hyperion (comics) , Invisible Woman, Iron Fist, Jane Foster, Justice, Luke Cage, Mister Fantastic, Mockingbird, Moondragon, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Nebula, Nova, Quicksilver, Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, Shang-Chi, She-Hulk, Spider-Man, Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Spider-Woman, Storm, Thing, Thor Girl, Tigra, Valkyrie, Vision, War Machine, Wasp (Hope Van Dyne), Winter Soldier, Wolverine, Wonder Man, …
Rationale
Without a doubt, the Avengers are Marvel’s most popular superhero group. They are the protectors of the Earth, but they have been known to save the galaxy from demise from time to time. The Avengers are a relatively loose and quite heterogeneous group, consisting of a large number of very different characters; some are normal humans with advanced technology, some are enhanced and some are actual superheroes (and then there’s Thor, a god). Members of the Avengers are exceptionally strong, but they also hold the same ideals and fight for the same causes, which makes them so powerful and so important.
Champions
Debut: The Champions #1 (October 1975) / Champions #1 (October 2016)
Created by: Tony Isabella, Don Heck (1975) / Mark Waid, Humberto Ramos (2016)
Biography
The Champions were originally a group of superheroes whose stories ran for just 17 issues before its cancellation. Although it consisted of some big names, the Champions never became popular and are today mentioned as a failed attempt at a superhero group. The production of the comic faced a lot of trouble and the Champions never actually started their adventures properly; a common issue with the group was that there was no apparent reason for the members to (continue) working together, as there was no cohesion or common element between them. The initial Champions were, thus, a failure and it took more than 30 years for the name to come back.
The new Champions are a teenage superhero group that split from the Avengers after being disillusioned with heroism following the events of Civil War II. As the editors said, they wanted to “reclaim and redefine in a classic sense what being a superhero should mean. Rather than seeing the previous generation as these icons that came before them, now they’ve interacted with them on a one-to-one basis and learned they aren’t better or worse than anybody else”. The team has expanded from their original roster and even has a backup roster, which is not all that common for a superhero group. They fight for the same goals as the Avengers, but do not partake in the political aspects of the group, seeing that they are a group of young idealists.
Members
Original group: Angel, Black Widow, Darkstar, Ghost Rider, Hercules, Iceman
New group: Ms. Marvel, Nova, Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Brawn, Viv Vision, Cyclops, Ironheart, Wasp, Shadowguard, Falcon, Patriot, The Locust, Bombshell, Pinpoint, Power Man, Dust, Gwenpool, Cloud 9, Honey Badger, Moon Girl, Prodigy, Red Dagger, Silk, Hummingbird
Rationale
The original Champions are usually mentioned as an example of a failed superhero team-up but they had some really strong and powerful members so it’s a shame we never actually saw what the team could do. As for the new team – which is not connected to the original team – they are a group of teenage superheroes who split from the Avengers after the disillusionment with the events of Civil War II. Seeing their roster, they are certainly an impressive group despite their age. The original roster had some very interesting names and with the addition of later members, they became even more powerful. Although they might not be as strong as some other groups on this list, they certainly deserve a spot on it.
Defenders
Debut: Marvel Feature #1 (December 1971)
Created by: Roy Thomas
Biography
The Defenders are a fictional superhero group with a rotating roster that has been – although consistently present – through a lot of changes since the 1970s, when it first appeared. From 1972 until 1986, the group had a lot of changes in membership, with Dr. Strange and the Hulk being usually constant members along with a number of other mainstays such as Valkyrie, Nighthawk, Hellcat, Gargoyle, Beast, the Son of Satan and Luke Cage, and many other temporary members.
Near the end of its original run, the group changed its name to The New Defenders, but none of the original members remained and only Valkyrie, Beast and the Gargoyle of the former long-term members continued working with the group. From 1993 to 1995, Dr. Strange assembled different teams for each individual mission and the loosely-connected group was then known as the Secret Defenders.
The original group once again reunited in 2001 and 2005, keeping the original name. In 2011, a group of the same name, containing a mixture of old and new members, also operated in the Marvel Universe. In 2017, the Defenders became a more grounded group consisting of Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist, important but lesser-known superheroes, with the original roster once again reuniting in 2018.
Members
Doctor Strange, Hulk, Namor the Sub-Mariner, Clea, Silver Surfer, Valkyrie, Hawkeye, Nighthawk, Power Man, Son of Satan, Yellowjacket, Red Guardian, Hellcat, Devil-Slyer, Wasp, Gargoyle, Beast, Overmind, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist
Rationale
The Defenders when through a lot of changes throughout the years, but they were always quite a formidable group of characters that you’d want by your side. The original roster was quite impressive – Dr. Strange, Hulk, Silver Surfer, … – and although the roster changed over the years, the Defenders have kept their reputation despite all of that. Even the more grounded roster – Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist – had great names in it and was a reliable group of heroes. The bottom line is that, regardless of the current roster, the Defenders are a brand when it comes to Marvel’s superhero groups and are certainly strong enough (especially the original roster) do earn a place on this list. Comparing them to other groups, we might conclude that they would be somewhere in the middle of the list.
Eternals
Debut: The Eternals #1 (July 1976)
Created by: Jack Kirby
Biography
The Eternals are the “children” of the Celestials, who visited Earth one million years ago and conducted experiments on proto-humanity. Using these experiments, the Celestials would later create the humanoid Eternals and their monstrous counterparts, the Deviants.
Although humanoid, the Eternals are not human and have much more powers than them. They are also long-living – although not essentially immortal – and have a variety of different superpowers that make them non-human. Despite their superiority, the Eternals are generally good guys and have protected humanity on several occasions, especially against the destructive Deviants.
The Eternals also fought among themselves, with the two major conflicts being the internal war led by Kronos and the conflict against Thanos. The first civil was actually fought over whether the Eternals should conquer other races, with Kronos’ pacifistic fraction prevailing over Uranus’ side, which was in favor of war.
Uranus and his fraction then left and founded a separate colony. Later on, an experiment of Kronos’ backfired and destroyed the Eternals’ home, Titanos, but also created a new generation of Eternals by activating some of their latent genes. Later on, Thanos of Titan, an Eternal with the Deviant gene, almost destroyed the Eternals’ colony, but they managed to rebuild it and assisted other heroes in their fights against Thanos on several occasions.
Members
Arlok, Astron, Daina, Kronos/Chronos/Chronus, Master Elo, Oceanus, Shastra, Thyrio, Uranos, Mentor (A’lars), Amaa, Cybele, Forgotten One/Gilgamesh, Helios, Perse, Rakar, Tulayn, Valkin, Virako, Zuras, Aginar, Ajak, Arex, Atlo, Domo, Ikaris, Interloper, Mara, Phastos, Sigmar, Thanos, Thena, Veron, Zarin, Argos, Ceyote, Chi Demon, the Delphan brothers, Druig, Khoryphos, Makkari, Psykos, Sersi, Kingo Sunen, El Vampiro, Aurelle, Sprite, Titanis, …
Rationale
The Eternals aren’t an official group per se, but rather a race of humanoid aliens sharing the same heritage. Listing the Eternals as one of the strongest groups is a no-brainer, since these aliens possess a variety of exceptional powers that make them extremely strong.
While they do share some common powers, each individual Eternal has some special powers that give him or her additional abilities and strengths. Using their powers for good, they have helped in saving humans and the universe from different threats on several occasions. All in all, the Eternals are among the most powerful beings in the whole Multiverse, so it’s rather obvious why they are included on our list of the strongest groups.
Fantastic Four
Debut: The Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961)
Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Biography
The Fantastic Four are a superhero group consisting primarily of Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan “Sue” Storm), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm). They are Marvel’s first mainstream superhero group and despite their inconsistent popularity, they are one of the best-known and most important superhero groups in Marvel’s history.
Mister Fantastic, the leader of the group, is a scientific genius who can stretch his body into incredible lengths and shapes. Invisible Woman, who would later marry Reed, can render herself invisible and later project powerful invisible force fields.
The Human Torch is Invisible Woman’s younger brother, who can generate flames, surround himself with them and fly. Finally, there’s the Thing, their grumpy but benevolent friend, a former college football star and Reed’s college roommate as well as a good pilot, who possesses tremendous superhuman strength, durability, and endurance due to the nature of his stone-like flesh.
Since their original 1961 introduction, the Fantastic Four have been portrayed as a somewhat dysfunctional, yet loving, family. Breaking convention with other comic book archetypes of the time, they would squabble and hold grudges both deep and petty and eschewed anonymity or secret identities in favor of celebrity status. The team is also well known for its recurring encounters with exceptionally dangerous supervillains who’ve threatened not just Earth, but the whole universe.
Members
Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Thing, Human Torch
Crystal, Medusa, Luke Cage, Nova, She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel, Ant-Man, Namorita, Storm, Black Panther, Powerhouse, Brainstorm, Flux, Spider-Man, Ms. Thing
Rationale
The Fantastic Four are both a “family” and a superhero group. They are the oldest superhero group in the history of Marvel Comics and have proven their worth on numerous occasions. After gaining their superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation, these four became formidable superheroes, each with a special set of superpowers.
They have fought numerous earthly and cosmic threats, saving the world on several occasions. They also collaborated with other superheroes and are generally respected in the superhero community. Despite their initial popularity, the Fantastic Four aren’t as important nowadays, but their historical importance is undeniable and their objective strengths are truly impressive.
The list of villains they have defeated includes some impressive names, such as The team is also well known for its recurring encounters with characters such as the villainous monarch Doctor Doom, the planet-devouring Galactus, the Kree Empire’s ruthless and tyrannical enforcer Ronan the Accuser, Annihilus, ruler of the Negative Zone, the sea-dwelling prince Namor, the spacefaring Silver Surfer, and the Skrull warrior Kl’rt. All of these names prove why the Fantastic Four deserves a spot on our list and we’d even put them in the top half. We can only hope that they are going to get back on track soon.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Debut: Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (January 1969) / Annihilation: Conquest #6 (April 2008)
Created by: Arnold Drake (1969) / Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning (2008)
Biography
The original Guardians of the Galaxy appeared in 1969 and consisted of Vance Astro, Martinex T’Naga, Captain Charlie-27, and Yondu Udonta, with later members being Stakar Ogord, Aleta Ogord, and Nikki. This group is viewed as a predecessor of the modern Guardians of the Galaxy and is quite often referred to as the Original or Classic Guardians of the Galaxy. They never became as famous as their modern counterparts, but they have played their historical role in the protection of the Galaxy, fighting opponents such as Korvac.
The modern Guardians of the Galaxy appeared in 2008 as a completely new and distinct team from their predecessors. The roster changed during the years, with the initial group consisting of Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Phyla-Vell, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, and Adam Warlock. The Guardians were founded when Star-Lord wanted to form a team of interstellar heroes that will be proactive in protecting the galaxy, rather than reacting to crises as they happen. Their base of operations was on the space station Knowhere, which possesses a teleportation system with a near-universal range. The group expanded significantly over time, including – at one point – even the likes of Ant-Man or Iron Man. One of their most famous moments is when they joined the Earth’s Avengers in their fight against Thanos, which was a truly epic moment.
There is also a lesser-known group called the New Guard, which was an iteration of the Guardians of the Galaxy consisting of Rocket Raccoon, Kitty Pryde, Thing, Drax the Destroyer, Agent Venom and Groot. Star-Lord and Gamora later rejoined their original team.
Members
Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Marvel Boy, Phyla-Vell, Moondragon, Nova, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Groot, Quasar, Adam Warlock, Mantis, Major Victory, Bug, Jack Flag, Cosmo the Spacedog, Thing, Ant-Man, Iron Man, Beta Ray Bill, Cosmic Ghost Rider, …
Rationale
The most famous intergalactic protectors, the Guardians of the Galaxy, certainly deserve a place on our list. Although we could’ve included the original 1960s roster, we decided to focus the modern incarnation due to its popularity.
The Guardians of the Galaxy are a very interesting lot – they don’t seem overly powerful, but they function great as a team and have proven their worth by fighting very strong cosmic opponents. There is absolutely no doubt that the new Guardians of the Galaxy deserve a spot on this list, whether it’s the 2008 or the 2020 iteration of the group; despite a rotating roster, the Guardians of the Galaxy have retained a consistent level of power and there should be no dilemmas as to why they are on our little list.
Inhumans
Debut: Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965)
Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Biography
The Inhumas (Latin: Inhomo supremis) are a large group of superheroes that live in Attilan, a city was described as the home of a race that was evolutionarily advanced when human beings were still in the Stone Age. That race were the Inhumans, who were and still are far more advanced than regular humans.
They were created as a result of Kree experiments on the then undeveloped Homo sapiens, whose goal was to investigate possible ways of circumventing their own evolutionary stagnation, and to create a powerful mutant race of soldiers for use against the Skrulls, the Kree’s sworn enemies.
Their test subjects, the Inhumans, went on to form a society of their own, which thrived in seclusion from the rest of humanity and developed advanced technology. Experiments with the mutagenic Terrigen Mist (a process known as Terrigenesis) gave them various powers, but caused lasting genetic damage and deformities.
This led to a long-term selective breeding program in an attempt to mitigate the effects of these mutations. The Inhumans are led by their king and his Royal Family, which is the most popular subgroup of Inhumans. They have survived many crises and have aided the humans on several occasions, however the humans have not aided them when an army of Portuguese mercenaries attacked Attilan, which was now located on risen Atlantean ruins.; this was actually a coup-d’etat orchestrated by Black Bolt’s brother Maximus the Mad. Still, they have tried to improve their relationship with humans.
Members
Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon), Medusa (Medusalith Amaquelin Boltagon), Crystal (Crystalia Amaquelin Maximoff), Gorgon (Gorgon Petragon), Karnak the Shatterer (Karnak Mander-Azur), Triton (Triton Mander-Azur), Maximus Boltagon, The Unspoken, Ahura Boltagon, Luna Maximoff, Lockjaw, Chynae, Dinu, Drive, Naanis, Neifi, Tonaja, Arkadine Arcadius, Avia, Carthus, Cynas, Furgar, Kitang, Porcal, Sapphiras, Targon, Thernon, Aireo, Falcona, Leonus, Nebulo, Seeker, Stallior, Timberius, General Ator, Eelak the Agile, Margoyle, Pulssus, Rootar, Barrage, Foxbat, Gauntlet, Hard-Drive, Psynapse, Tusk, Alaris, Jolen, Nahrees, San, Aladi Ko Eke, Arris, Avoe, Dal Damoc, Onomi Whitemane, Oola Udonta, Dara Ko Eke, Els Udonta, Hooud, Kal Blackbane, Prax Ord, Voorr, Aeric, Agon, Albakor, Alecto, Ambur, Andvari, Arvak, Asmodeus, Auran, Aven, Avian, Avion, Avius, Azur, Banth, Belial Toiven, Blaast, Bochek, Budan, Burron, Capo, Centaurius, Chiron, Corporus, Cteno, Cuidador, Cyra, Dendrok, Desidera, Devlor, Dewoz, Diné, Dominus, Dorhun, Dren, Eldrac the Door, Elejea, Entos, Ertzia, Felor, Flagman, Flaidermaus, Flurgron, Frag, Galen, Ghaidor, Gitel, Glytra, Goran, Goran Malidicta, Gordon, Grimal, Ikarys, Ikelli, Iridia, Itar, Jiaying, Kalden, Kaliban, Kalikya, Kirren, Kobar, Korath, Krush, Kurani, Kylus, La:, Lash, Maelstrom, Magnar, Mala, Makoth, Makus, Mander, Marak, Marilla, Marishi Spin, Marista, Daya, Irellis, Maya, Mendicus, Mikon, Milena, Minxi, Mojlor, Mullox, Nadar, Nallo, Nestor, Nollik, Oracle, Ozel, Payne, Petras, Phadros, Phaeder, Pinyon, Piskas, Puppy, Putor, Quelin, Radiant, Rajar, Ramus, Randac, Ransak the Reject, Reader, Rexel Toiven, Rok, Romeo, Romnar, Rynda, Sanara, Seeker II, Senschi, Sisko, Smilo, Snarkle, Somnus, Sporr, Sylk, Symak, Tally, Tanith, Tauron, Telv, Tethys, Thera, Thraxton, Tolos, Ultarnt, Usurieus Toiven, Vel, Veritus, Videmus, Vinatos, Webelos, Weebwow, Yeti, Zeta, Zorvash
Rationale
The Inhumans might not be the most popular superhero group, but they are certainly among the strongest. They have reached a very high evolutionary level and their powers are truly impressive. Plus, they’re something like the Eternals or the mutants – they share some common powers, but each of them has their own special powers that make them even more special.
They have fought a plethora of formidable foes and have proven their strengths over and over. They have also aided other superheroes in fights against villains such as Doctor Doom, Ultron 7, Magneto, or Apocalypse. Still, they don’t have a very good relationship with the humans. Whether you like them or not, the Inhumans are a powerful bunch and they certainly deserve a spot on our list.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Debut: Strange Tales #135 (Aug. 1965)
Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Biography
S.H.I.E.L.D. fictional espionage, special law enforcement, and counter-terrorism agency that is one of the chief organizations responsible for protecting the Earth from both internal and external threats.
The acronym originally stood for Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage and Law-Enforcement Division. It was changed in 1991 to Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate. In the MCU and its tie-in works, however, the acronym stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. S.H.I.E.L.D. is a variation of the CIA, but concerning itself with major global threats and superheroes/supervillains.
It is usually led by Nick Fury, one of its chief operatives, but there have been other people in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. It is responsible for the recruitment of superheroes, data collecting, surveillance, intelligence operations and various other things necessary for the effective protection of Earth. Its primary rival is the villainous organization Hydra.
Members
Colonel Rick Stoner, Colonel Nick Fury, Timothy “Dum Dum” Dugan, G. W. Bridge, Sharon Carter (Agent 13), Maria Hill, Anthony Edward “Tony” Stark (Iron Man), Norman Osborn, Daisy Johnson (Quake), Phil Coulson, Agent 22, Agent 74, Agent M, John Allen Adams, Annie Wong, Earl Angstrum, Ken Avery, Ted Bailey, Bradley Beemer, Sally Blevins (Skids), Abigail Brand, Bubba, Barth Bukowski, Carla Smith, Mitch Carson, William Collins, Crimson, Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Jessica Drew, Stanley Dreyfuss, Joanie “Nails” Eaton, John Facchino, Rigby Fallon, E.B. Farrell, Farrell Phillips, Nick Fury, Jr., Herrick Goldman, Hazeltine, Hugh Howard, Jerry Hunt, Horatio Huxley, Karl Janáček, Valerie Jessup Toomes, Gabriel “Gabe” Jones, Isadore “Izzy” Cohen, Dino Manelli, Derek Khanata, Helen Kim, Veronica King, Judith Klemmer (Agent 324), Cameron Klein, Monica Chang, Eric Koenig, Ali Kokmen, Bruno Kreah, Sayuri Kyota (M-80), Sidney “Gaffer” Levine. Alphonso “Mac” MacKenzie. Dr. MacLain, Kirby Martell, Chastity McBryde, Tony Masters, Chris McCarthy, Mercedes Merced, Alisanda “Ali” Morales, Murray, N’Gami, Noriko Nagayoshi, Niles Nordstrom, Brady O’Brien, Eric O’Grady (Ant-Man), Jake Oh, Kara Lynn Palamas (Agent 33), Jeffery Parks, Monica Chang, Mr. Postal, Clay Quartermain, Cliff Randall, Red (Agent 1-16), Steve Rogers (Captain America). Jack Rollins, Natasha Romanova (Black Widow), Colonel Michael “Mickey” Rossi, Gail Runciter, Ayna Sareva, Constance Seagrum, Tia Senyaka, Captain Simon, Gerald “Silcon” Simms, Jakuna Singh, Jasper Sitwell, Dwight Rollin Stanford, Michael Stevenson, Angel Tarnaki, Kimberly Taylor, Teresa, Jack Truman (Agent 18/Deathlok), Colonel Nate Thurman, Samantha Twotrees, Steven Tyler, Wendell Vaughn (Quasar), Kali Vries, Seth Waters, Warden, Commander Jonas Williams, Sam Wilson (Falcon), Jimmy Woo (Yellow Claw), Larry Young, Pandora Peters, Agent Todd
Rationale
Despite mostly consisting of regular humans, S.H.I.E.L.D. is a very important superhero (here meaning – good guy) organization in the Marvel Universe. Using a sophisticated intelligence network of operations. S.H.I.E.L.D. has been and still is responsible for the protection of humans and the Earth from both internal and external threats, although they usually need some help when dealing with the latter.
Although the individual agents might not be stronger than your average human, as an organization – S.H.I.E.L.D. is exceptionally powerful. They have the resources, the intelligence and the political power to appropriately protect the Earth and that is why they got a spot on our list.
Thunderbolts
Debut: The Incredible Hulk #449 (January 1997)
Created by: Kurt Busiek, Mark Bagley
Biography
The Thunderbolts are a marginal superhero group consisting mostly of reformed supervillains, although the roster has changed a lot during the years. The Thunderbolts were first presented as a group of superheroes like the Avengers, both to readers and to the Marvel Universe, who became heroes to help protect the world when the Avengers were declared dead after the events of 1996 “Onslaught” crossover storyline.
However, the final page of the first issue of their own comic book revealed that the Thunderbolts were the Masters of Evil in disguise, a surprise twist carefully guarded by Marvel. Initially led by Baron Zemo, in subsequent storylines, the group rejects him as their leader and attempts to become heroes in their own right, eventually under the leadership of the Avenger Hawkeye. The stories were initially successful, but at one point Marvel decided to change everything – the whole roster – and the changes kept happening as time passed by, which decreased the group’s initial popularity.
Members
Atlas / Goliath, Citizen V / Baron Zemo, MACH-I / MACH-II / MACH-III / MACH-IV / MACH-V/ MACH-X / Beetle, Meteorite / Moonstone, Songbird / Screaming Mimi, Techno / Ogre / Fixer, Jolt, Hawkeye, Charcoal, Ogre, Amazon, Blackheath, Cyclone, Harrier, Skein, Vantage, Cobalt Man, Blizzard, Photon, Joystick, Speed Demon, Radioactive Man, Nighthawk, Smuggler, Swordsman, Bullseye, Green Goblin, Venom, Penance, Ant-Man, Black Widow, Paladin, Ghost, Headsman, Mister X, Scourge, Grizzly, Luke Cage, Crossbones, Juggernaut, Man-Thing, Hyperion, Satana, Boomerang, Centurius, Mister Hyde, Troll, Shocker, Skaar, Trick Shot, Dark Spider-Man, Toxie Doxie, Ragnarok, Deadpool, Elektra, Punisher, Red Hulk, Agent Venom, Red Leader, Mercy, Ghost Rider, Winter Soldier, Kobik, Jigsaw
Rationale
The Thunderbolts might not be best-known and the strongest superhero group Marvel has to offer, but their constantly rotating roster has included some formidable names in the past. The problem with the Thunderbolts is that they have never gained any real prominence, mostly due to their hidden villainous nature.
Certainly, they have been portrayed as both heroes and villains, but a constantly chaining roster, as well as the mysterious nature of the group and no visible ideal that connects them, have led to the Thunderbolts being a lesser-known Marvel group. But, regardless of all of that, they have had a very strong roster at some points and this is why we have included them on our list.
X-Men
Debut: The X-Men #1 (September 1963)
Created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Biography
The X-Men are a superhero group consisting of a variety of different mutants that are on the side of good and want to protect the Earth and all its inhabitants, both humans and mutants. The X-Men are one of Marvel’s most famous superhero groups and they have had numerous adventures throughout the years.
Despite the majority of X-Men being mutants, there are also other types of characters in the group. They are led by Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, a powerful mutant telepath who can control and read minds. Professor X is also the founder of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, located at the famous X-Mansion, which recruits mutants from around the world to teach them how to use their powers and coexist with humanity.
The X-Mansion is the home and training site of the X-Men. Although they have fought numerous opponents, their biggest rival is certainly Magneto, a powerful Omega-level mutant and a former friend of Professor X. Magneto is the leader of the Brotherhood of Mutants, a group with opposing views and philosophies regarding the relationship between mutants and humans.
While the X-Men work towards peace and understanding between mutants and humans, the Brotherhood of Mutants views humans as a threat and believes in taking an aggressive approach against them, although Magneto was known to work with the X-Men on several occasions.
Members
Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Angel / Archangel, Beast, Marvel Girl / Phoenix, Mimic, Changeling, Polaris, Havok, Petra, Sway, Darwin, Vulcan, Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Banshee, Storm, Sunfire, Colossus, Thunderbird, Sprite / Ariel / Shadowcat, Lokcheeg, Rogue, Magneto, Longshot, Psylocke, Dazzler, Forge, Gambit, Jubilee, Bishop, Cannonball, Joseph, Cecilia Reyes, Marrow, Maggott, Cable, Mirage / Moonstar, Sage, White Queen, Xorn, Chamber, Stacy X, Lifeguard, Slipstream, Northstar, Husk, Juggernaut, Mystique, Warpath, Lady Mastermind, Sabertooth, Omega Sentinel, Armor, Hepzibah, Pixie, Karma, Sunspot, Aurora, Magma, Doctor Nemesis, Box, Magik, Namor, Domino, Cloak, Dagger, Boom-Boom, Ariel, Danger, Cypher, Warlock, Phantomex, E.V.A., X-23, Hope, Frenzy, Legion, X-Man, Warbird, Blink, Firestar, M / Penance, Poison, Bloodstorm, Ink, Honey Badger / Scout, Trinary, Pyro, Daken, Gazing Nightshade, Gentle, Wolfsbane, Multiple Man
Rationale
The X-Men had to be on this list. They’re not just one of the strongest, but they’re also one of the most popular factions in the whole Marvel Universe. This superhero mutant group is so rich and diverse when it comes to its different members that we cannot really generalize their powers, but we can state that they are extremely powerful and that they are one of the dominant superhero factions in the Marvel Universe.
The whole group, or its individual members, have saved Earth on several occasions and, unlike the Brotherhood of Mutants, the X-Men don’t have a problem with the humans, rather – they look to protect them whenever possible. Due to their on multiple occasions proven powers, the X-Men deserve a spot on this list.
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And with this, we can conclude our list of the strongest superhero groups in the Marvel Universe. We have not, of course, included their rival, supervillain groups – but you can expect them in a separate article – so this is a list containing just the good guys, i.e., the expected victors of all the major clashes. We hope you had fun reading our little text because we tried to make it as entertaining and as informative as possible.