Greatest Marvel Avengers Characters of All Time

A list of the ultimate Avengers line-up, composed of the best and most complimentary characters from throughout the Marvel Universe, as well as the greatest Avengers villains and nemeses. Though best known to modern audiences for the blockbuster 2012 film "The Avengers," the superhero team itself has been a fixture of Marvel Comics since the early 1960s, when it was initially created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. (The team concept had been inspired by DC Comics' success with the Justice League of America, a collection of some of that company's most popular heroes.)

The initial Avengers line-up was considerably different than the one depicted in the film. Though both include Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk, the comic book avengers initially included Ant-Man and Wasp as well. Characters like Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow - featured in the 2012 movie - would join the team later, as would dozens of other characters over the years. (Many of these characters - such as Spider-Man - are also featured in their own films, though some of them are produced by studios other than Marvel, and thus weren't included in the big-budget adaptation.)

This list tries to get to the ultimate Avengers line-up out of the many characters who have, at various points, been members of the team. Vote for your favorite Avengers and, if they aren't already featured, re-rank this list to add any essential team members who are missing!