Warning: Contains spoilers for Ultraman X Avengers #2! The Avengers Started as an exclusive team of heroes, but quickly became much more of a revolving door for any superhero to claim an ‘Avengers’ title when the world needed saving. While, in general, this is a good thing and allows a variety of heroes to become Avengers (if even for a storyline or two), it apparently ruins the integrity of the team, especially one more hero in its ranks.
in Ultraman X Avengers #2 by Kyle Higgins, Mat Groom and Francesco Manna The Avengers have been pulled into the world of Ultraman after Reed Richards developed a portal that successfully sent Galactus to that universe. Now, the Avengers must work with Ultraman to not only save his world from Galactus, but also find a way back home. The Avengers and Ultraman come up with a plan to accomplish the immensely difficult tasks in front of them, and it involves breaking into a highly secure facility and using the advanced technology inside.
While Miles Morales’ Spider-Man is sneaking in, he talks to Sam Wilson’s Captain America over comms, referring to him as “Captain“While signing off. Sam comments to Peter Parker’s Spider-Man that that was deliberately disrespectful, to which Pete makes a smart-alecky comment himself. Sam says that’s the reason Spider-Man isn’t allowed in the Avengers, But Peter quickly retorts, “Hey! I was an avenger!“, and Sam replies, “If Wolverine is on the team, it’s not the Avengers“.
Wolverine is the first hero who destroyed the Avengers
Wolverine became an official Avenger approximately 20 years ago New Avengers #5
While it’s not specified why or how Wolverine ‘ruined’ the Avengers, a look back at his start with the team offers some insight into Captain America’s sentiment. Wolverine did not join the official Avengers, he joined the New Avengers, which was formed after the tragic events of Avengers: Disassembled. In other words, he was not recruited by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes because of his bravery, but rather his lethality.
In their desperation, the Avengers let anyone join the team, especially someone as useful as Wolverine. However, it’s clear from his violent and insubordinate past that Wolverine isn’t really Avengers material, which made recruiting him a disappointing low point for the world-class superhero team. While this is all speculative, it makes Captain America’s opinion a little more understandable, especially since he — of all the Avengers — views the team as a beacon of hope for the world, not a hit squad.
Captain America’s assessment of Wolverine is totally unfair (for 1 reason)
Wolverine stood with the Avengers against the X-Men in Avengers vs. X-Men
Although perhaps understandable to an extent, Captain America’s assessment of Wolverine is totally unfair because of one storyline: Avengers vs. X-Men. Wolverine was so committed to the Avengers that he stood with them against his own people and the team that was once his family. He did it because he agreed with the Avengers’ opinion on the Phoenix situation, but there’s still something to be said about Wolverine turning to fight the Avengers. Therefore, for Captain America to not even consider Wolverine as a true avenger afterwards is a major insult and completely unfair.
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But, unfair or not, Captain America still believes that Wolverine ruined the Avengers, admitting as much to Spider-Man in the issue of Ultraman X Avengers. Maybe it’s because of Wolverine’s violent past, maybe it’s due to his regular displays of gross insubordination, or maybe it’s just a personal grief that fans just don’t know about. Whatever the reason, Captain America made it clear that – 20 years after he joined – Wolverine ruined the Avengers.
Ultraman X Avengers #2 by Marvel Comics is now available.