After 40 years, an ’80s hero finally joins the Avengers (give them a god-damned speedster)

Warning: Contains spoilers for Avengers Assemble #1!

After 40 years, a Marvel hero from the 1980s joins them AvengersGive them a god-level speedster in the process. The publisher is new Avengers Assemble Brings together a new Avengers team for a new era, mixing classic members with exciting newcomers. In the first issue, Lightspeed, from the 80s Team Power Pack, joins Captain America’s new Avengers Emergency Response Squad, giving the team a serious boost in the process.

Avengers Assemble #1 was written by Steve Orlando and drawn by Cory Smith. The Avengers Emergency Response Squad holds their first meeting at the old Avengers mansion. Captain America has already led a small contingent, including Shang-Chi, against Sin in Germany. Back in America, the rest of the team assembles, including Lightspeed. She is happy to have finally joined the Avengers, but is also nervous.

Lightspeed reveals that Capp brought her on board to provide “fresh perspectives,” But some, such as Hawkeye, aren’t sure.

Lightspeed’s comic book origins, explained

Lightspeed is one of Marvel’s best speedsters

For Lightspeed, aka Julie Power, this moment was literally 40 years in the making. Debuting in 1984s Power pack #1, Julie, along with three other siblings, gains powers from a dying alien. In Julie’s case, she became able to fly at supersonic speeds, leaving a distinct rainbow trail behind her. Power packUnder the direction of creators Louise Simonson and June Brigman, was one of the most critically acclaimed Marvel titles of its era, but its star faded over time. Power pack Ceased publication in 1991, and the characters entered limbo.

Julie Power would make her proper return to the Marvel Universe in the mid-2000s, in the pages of Runaways. Now a young adult, Julie joined a support group for former child heroes. Soon she and the others were asked to bring in the runaways, and this indicated that she had returned to become a superhero. After the recently found Blood dogCaptain America realized that the world needed an Avengers team that could quickly handle major emergency situations. Therefore, the Emergency Response Squad was born.

Lightspeed is a huge asset to the Avengers

Will the other Avengers accept Light Speed?

Lightspeed brings to the table not only a lifetime of experience as a hero, but also god-like speed powers. So far, her maximum speed has been clocked at around 800 miles per hour. While this may pale in comparison to other speedsters, like Quicksilver, it is still fast and puts her above other members of the Emergency Response Squad. There is also a possibility that Lightspeed’s powers may increase the older she gets, meaning there may still be potential to be tapped. Regardless, it’s a big moment for Lightspeed, and could open the door to other opportunities.

However, some of Lightspeed’s new teammates on the Avengers aren’t so sure about her being there. Most of the uncertainty stems from her age, despite having just as much experience as Night Thrasher, the other new recruit. Lightspeed will have to work to prove herself worthy of Avengers membership, but her time with Power Pack will certainly count for something. Speedsters are always a solid asset to any team, and the Avengers Have earned one of the best – it only took them 40 years to do it.

Avengers Assemble #1 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!