Marvel is not only known for its iconic superhero teams, but also for its interesting and intriguing anti-hero teams. In the Marvel universe, anti-heroes enrich the stories and dynamics, offering a different perspective compared to superheroes. Here are some of the best anti-hero teams in the Marvel Universe.
Marvel is one of the biggest names in entertainment, especially in the comic and movie industry. Known for its iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America, Marvel has created a universe rich in adventure and deep characters.
List of the Best Anti-Hero Teams in Marvel
In the Marvel universe, there are several well-known and influential antihero teams.
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy
First up is the Guardians of the Galaxy, a team that is often thought of as superheroes, but also has antihero elements. Many comic fans, or geeks, are familiar with this team.
In the history of comics, the Guardians of the Galaxy were not a very popular team. However, their popularity increased significantly after their introduction by James Gunn in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The team initially consisted of characters with complex backgrounds, including former criminals and thieves. In the first issue released in 1969, the original members were Vance Astro, Martinex T’Naga, Captain Charlie-27, and Yondu Udonta.
2. Dark Avengers
The Avengers are one of the most famous and longest-running superhero teams in the Marvel universe. Since its inception decades ago, the team has faced significant threats.
One of the interesting stories in Avengers history is “Dark Reign,” where Norman Osborn served as the President of the United States. Under his leadership, Osborn formed a team of superheroes known as the Dark Avengers.
Members of this team included Iron Patriot, who was Norman Osborn wearing the War Machine armor, as well as other characters like Moonstone, Daken, and Noh-Varr. However, over time, it was revealed that the Dark Avengers were not a team of heroes, but rather a team operating under Osborn’s evil agenda.
The Dark Avengers acted as heroes and operated in society, similar to the original Avengers, for a period of time. However, after Norman Osborn’s reign ended and he lost his position, the Dark Avengers team was disbanded.
3. Thunderbolts
Next up is the Thunderbolts, a famous superhero team in the Marvel story universe. Currently, this anti-hero team is in the spotlight among fans, especially since Marvel Studios is planning to bring a live action version of Thunderbolts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In the MCU adaptation, some of the characters that will be featured include Taskmaster, Bucky Barnes, Ghost, Yelena Belova, U.S. Agent, and Red Guardian. However, it is important to note that the makeup of the Thunderbolts in the comic version is quite different.
The team was originally formed by Baron Zemo with the intention of creating the illusion that they were superheroes. Ironically, most of the team members are villains pretending to be heroes. Some characters have appeared before, but many have not, such as Fixer, Songbird, and Mach.
4. The Cabal
In the movie “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” the audience is introduced to the Earth-838 version of the group known as the Illuminati. The Illuminati is a secret organization whose existence is unknown to many superheroes.
However, in the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the Illuminati operates in a more open manner, similar to the Avengers team in the main universe. Besides the Illuminati, Marvel also has another group known as The Cabal.
This group appeared during the arc “Secret Invasion.” Members of The Cabal include Doctor Doom, Emma Frost, Namor, Norman Osborn, Loki, and The Hood. Uniquely, this group of anti-heroes is often referred to as the Dark Illuminati.
5. Midnight Sons
Next up is Team Midnight Sons, this team can be categorized as a superhero team in the Marvel universe, but technically they also have antihero elements. The team’s composition includes various characters, including Blade, The Punisher, Doctor Strange, Moon Knight, Werewolf by Night, and Ghost Rider, among others.
The Midnight Sons’ presence in Marvel lore makes it the only team officially involved in issues related to the supernatural. With a diverse cast of superheroes and antiheroes, the team offers a unique dynamic to the Marvel narrative.
6. Weapon X
Next is Weapon X, known as one of the anti-hero teams in the Marvel universe. However, there are two versions of the Weapon X team in Marvel comics. The first version is the well-known and popular team, which consists of mutants like Wolverine, who then transform into a superhero team. What many may not realize is that there is another version of the Weapon X team, which comes from an alternate reality.
7. X-Force
When Cable formed the New Mutants group, his goal was to create a team that could function as an army. This team, made up of mutants, evolved into a group known as the assassin team.
Their mission not only focused on overcoming the X-Men’s enemies, but also eliminating various threats to the mutants. Eventually, Cable decided to disband the New Mutants team. Despite this, the name X-Force is still remembered by many.
After the dissolution, the team reemerged under the name X-Force, continuing its existence in a new form.
That’s the list of the best anti-hero teams in the Marvel Universe. After seeing the list and explanation, which team do you prefer? Don’t forget to always visit Dafunda for more information.
