The Avengers are one of the most important parts of Marvel history, which I know seems like a no-brainer, but makes so much sense when you think about it. The team is made up of Marvel’s greatest heroes and has often been ground zero for the overall story of the Marvel Universe; it’s a crossroads where the various branches of the superhero community come together to fight the biggest threats imaginable. Being an Avenger is one of the most important jobs in the community; you’re on the front lines against the most fearsome villains out there. While you don’t have to mega-powerful to be a member of the Avengers, it certainly helps. Strangely enough, some of the best members of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are those who have little power.
There’s more to being an Avenger than brute strength; it takes a certain skill, a certain toughness, a certain je ne sais quoi that only the best heroes possess. Many of the team’s biggest icons are on the lower end of the power spectrum, using their powers and skills in smart ways. They’re able to make huge difference in the group’s battles, growing into iconic members of the team. These five Avengers have weak powers yet are integral to the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, showing that power isn’t everything.
5) The Wasp
If you don’t like Janet Van Dyne, than you don’t really understand why the Avengers are so awesome. The Wasp is a Marvel icon because of her time with the team, joining the ranks of the best members ever. She was one of the founders of the team, working with the early rosters and eventually becoming a leader of the team. She’s known for her often ostentatious costumes, her background as a fashion designer coming into play whenever she gets bored with her clothes. Wasp uses Pym Particles to shrink and grow, with her wings and wasp stings making her one of the team’s smallest combat experts. This isn’t the most impressive power, but Janet has mastered size-changing in battle, her wings and wasp sting blasts letting her hit enemies where they least expect it. She’s smart, able to come up with great plans on the fly, and has proven to be an adroit leader. She’s the best of the best, taking any Avengers team she’s on to the next level.
4) Wolverine
Wolverine was once thought of as the last hero to become an Avenger by everyone, including himself. However, the longtime X-Man was eventually recruited in 2005 and became a key part of the team until his death in 2014. Logan is the best there is at what he does, but when it comes right down to it, he’s not the best person you want in a big cosmic battle. He’s fast and strong with claws that can cut through anything, but has to be within arm’s reach to do any damage. His healing factor and adamantium skeleton allow him to stay in the fight, a ferocious combatant who will keep tearing into foes until he falls down and doesn’t get up. It was always interesting to see him go up against the really powerful Avengers foes, because he was mostly useless in those fights. However, Logan brings a lot to any team he’s on. He’s an unstoppable force who thinks outside the box, allowing him to surprise enemies who aren’t ready for him. He fights in a way that Avengers foes don’t expect, making him perfect for the team.
3) Black Panther
Black Panther is Marvel’s greatest king and he plays an important role in the Avengers and the Marvel Universe. T’Challa, in every way that counts, is the Batman of the Marvel Universe. He’s one of the smartest people in the world, an expert tactician who has kept the nation of Wakanda powerful, even taking them to the stars to create the Interstellar Empire of Wakanda. He’s one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and his vibranium technology is some of the most powerful on Earth. He also has superhuman physical attributes because of the heart-shaped herb and is one of the best hand to hand combatants out there. Much like Batman, his two biggest contributions to the Avengers are his technology and his tactics. Unlike Batman, his vibranium costume and weapons allow him to fight it out with the most powerful foes. He’s not going to punch out someone like Thanos or Doctor Doom, but he is going to outthink them, doing damage in his own ways.
2) Hank Pym
Hank Pym is a founding Avenger and one of the team’s smartest members. Hank invented Pym Particles and various insect-themed technology, allowing him to become Ant-Man and his girlfriend Jan to become the Wasp. Since then, he modified his invention to allow him to grow larger, gaining superhuman strength and durability. He’s had numerous costume identities over the years – Ant-Man, Giant-Man, Goliath, Yellowjacket, Wasp, and his own name – and has spent most of this time with the Avengers. His growth powers have made him way more important on the battlefield, but he’s still just a big, strong guy on a team full of smaller but stronger guys; useful but not integral. However, Hank’s greatest attribute is inside his skull. He’s one of the smartest members of the team, working to figure out how to use everything the group has access to in order to save the day. Hank has made a lot of mistakes over the years, but he’s also solved a lot of problems, his intellect allowing him to come up with solutions that no one else can.
1) Captain America
Captain America is the living legend of World War II, battling the greatest evils the world has ever seen over the decades. Steve Rogers is the best human being you can think of, and the super soldier serum allowed him to become the fighter that he was in his heart. Cap is one of the greatest heroes on Earth, if not the greatest. His super soldier skills make him great on the battlefield and he’s able to punch way above his weight class thanks to his shield and his skills, but he’s not exactly the most useful guy to have on a team that fights dark gods and groups of superpowered villains. However, he’s one of the most experienced fighters you can imagine, surviving some of the most pitched battles of the war, a master of defense to the extent that his defense is offense. He’s an amazing tactician, one who can figure out a way to win in basically every situation. He is the perfect leader, an inspiring presence that people will follow into the bowels of Hell itself. He’s the ultimate leader, able to make a difference even with rather weak superpowers.