The Avengers have always been Earth’s Mightiest Heroes — a rotating team of legends like Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor. But over the decades, Marvel has included dozens of lesser-known, surprising, or controversial characters into the roster. Some joined briefly, others were unofficial allies, and a few just didn’t feel like Avengers at all. Today, we explore 10 characters who technically were Avengers, but didn’t truly fit the mold.
1. Silver Surfer – The Cosmic Outsider
First Avenger Affiliation: Briefly allied with the Avengers during Infinity Gauntlet and Secret Avengers.
Why It Counts: Silver Surfer has helped the Avengers on cosmic-level missions and was even part of team rosters like the Secret Avengers.
Why It Doesn’t: Despite his occasional involvement, Surfer has always been a cosmic nomad. He answers to the universe, not Earth-based teams. His loyalty is to balance, not to a group.
Verdict: A respected ally, not a team player.
2. Deadpool – The Wild Card
First Avenger Affiliation: Joined Uncanny Avengers (Avengers Unity Squad) post-Secret Wars.
Why It Counts: Steve Rogers personally added Wade Wilson to the team as a PR move and to fund their operations through Deadpool’s popularity.
Why It Doesn’t: His teammates never fully trusted him. He often acted out of self-interest, and his fourth-wall-breaking, chaotic nature made him feel like a guest star, not a core member.
Verdict: An Avenger by necessity, not by spirit.
3. Blade – The Vampire Hunter Among Gods
First Avenger Affiliation: Joined the main Avengers team in 2018 to deal with vampire threats.
Why It Counts: Blade was an active member during major arcs like the Vampire Civil War and even helped lead missions.
Why It Doesn’t: He was brought in for specific missions. His lone-wolf, street-level methods clashed with the team’s broader mission. Once the arc ended, so did his regular involvement.
Verdict: A temporary member with no lasting bond.
4. Wolverine – The Overworked Mutant
First Avenger Affiliation: Joined New Avengers post-Civil War (2005–2010).
Why It Counts: Wolverine had a long run with the Avengers, often being a mainstay in New Avengers storylines.
Why It Doesn’t: Logan was also in the X-Men, X-Force, and doing solo missions simultaneously. He was stretched thin and mostly served as muscle. Even he questioned whether he belonged.
Verdict: A frequent fighter, but never fully “Avenger.”
5. The Punisher – The Avenger That Shouldn’t Be
First Avenger Affiliation: Savage Avengers (2019–2022)
Why It Counts: Fought alongside Venom, Conan, and Elektra under the Avengers brand.
Why It Doesn’t: Frank Castle kills. Period. His methods go against everything the Avengers stand for. No one on the main team wants him around, and he prefers it that way.
Verdict: Not a hero. Definitely not an Avenger.
6. Namor – King, Enemy, Ally
First Avenger Affiliation: Officially joined in Avengers #262 (1985), and fought with them in Avengers vs X-Men and Illuminati.
Why It Counts: Namor has been on multiple lineups and has even fought for Earth during multiversal threats.
Why It Doesn’t: He switches sides often. He’s flooded Wakanda, clashed with heroes, and often acts in Atlantis’s interest, not Earth’s. Trust is always in short supply with him.
Verdict: An Avenger on paper, not in heart.
7. Moon Knight – The Unstable Ally
First Avenger Affiliation: Served in West Coast Avengers and Secret Avengers.
Why It Counts: Moon Knight has fought side by side with the team and operated as a stealth asset.
Why It Doesn’t: Marc Spector has dissociative identity disorder and often acts on his own rules. His multiple personalities, connection to Khonshu, and unpredictable behavior have made long-term membership impossible.
Verdict: Helpful in shadows, not built for teamwork.
8. Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes) – The Spirit of Vengeance
First Avenger Affiliation: Core member in Jason Aaron’s Avengers (2018).
Why It Counts: He was part of major events like War of the Realms and Avengers Forever, even driving a Hell-Charger through Hell itself.
Why It Doesn’t: Robbie often felt like an outsider. Even when part of the team, he was more reactive than integrated. His demonic origins made some teammates wary.
Verdict: A cool addition, but not essential.
9. Man-Thing – The Plant-Based Teleporter
First Avenger Affiliation: Thunderbolts (2012–2014), connected with Avengers via missions.
Why It Counts: Provided the team with teleportation abilities and occasionally fought mystical threats.
Why It Doesn’t: He doesn’t talk, doesn’t strategize, and doesn’t do teamwork. He’s treated more like a supernatural vehicle than a character.
Verdict: A mystical tool, not an Avenger.
10. Doctor Doom – The Redeemed (Kinda)
First Avenger Affiliation: Briefly worked with Avengers post-Secret Wars and in Avengers World.
Why It Counts: Doom took on a heroic role for a time, even becoming Infamous Iron Man to honor Tony Stark.
Why It Doesn’t: Doom’s ego, past crimes, and lack of trust make him a dangerous wildcard. Even when helping, it’s usually part of his long game.
Verdict: A foe with moments of cooperation, not true alliance.
Being an Avenger means more than fighting villains — it means standing for something greater than yourself. These characters, while powerful and even helpful, never fully embodied the spirit of the Avengers. Whether due to their personality, goals, or methods, they’ll always be on the edge of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes — close, but not quite home.
