Thunderbolts: My favorite characters from Marvel’s super team

As a lifelong Marvel enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of adventures with these iconic characters, and the Thunderbolts team is no exception. This motley crew of villains-turned-heroes, anti-heroes, and sometimes just straight-up villains has provided some of the most unforgettable moments in Marvel Comics history.

Marvel Comics presents The Thunderbolts as their take on DC’s Suicide Squad. Similar to DC’s super team, they initially were villains striving for redemption, but unlike them, these villains weren’t implanted with bombs nor were they compelled to join (at least not at first). This concept gave birth to intriguing characters. While some of the characters were over-the-top and seldom seen, others such as Atlas and Radioactive Man made appearances when the heroes required someone with immense destructive powers to battle against.

In this rundown, I’m not focusing on the top Thunderbolts or their longest-serving members; instead, it’s a personal selection of favorites. Some characters might deserve their spot, while others may surprise you. Regardless, the rationale behind each choice should be clear.

Let’s start with someone who may be the best.

Songbird

Songbird was one of the founding and outstanding members of the Thunderbolts. Formerly a villain, Melissa Gold understands everyone deserves another opportunity. This belief in the Thunderbolts stems from her past experiences, where they were sometimes mismanaged or manipulated for financial gain. Despite these setbacks, she remained hopeful that the team would ultimately succeed. It’s a noble trait characteristic of a genuine hero.

Moonstone

Dr. Karla Sofen, in essence, is a formidable antagonist. As a psychologist, she deviously coerced individuals into causing harm to themselves and more. Her manipulative nature knows no bounds, and she’ll trample over anyone who gets in her way while pursuing power. Despite her despicable actions, it’s this complex character that makes her an excellent villain.

Moonstone serves as an ideal adversary, demonstrating a formidable intellect and strength that matches any Captain Marvel variant, be it Carol Danvers or Mar-Vell. Karla Sofen is aware of the immorality of her actions but often finds herself returning to a self-centered mindset, prioritizing her desires above all else, with little regard for consequences.

Moonstone could make a stunning first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as one of their leading antagonists. It’s quite possible that this event might unfold within the upcoming film known as “Thunderbolts.

Mac Gargan (Venom)

Now, it’s clear that Mac Gargan is ill-suited for long-term use of the Venom suit due to his ineptitude, clumsiness, and susceptibility to manipulation. Yet, he stands as one of the rare Venoms who consumed people, which adds a unique twist to his character. Moreover, his Looney Tunes-like antics make him an amusing figure.

Indeed, he’s not typically a valuable asset within the Thunderbolts, quite the contrary, he often falls short. However, when it comes to providing comic relief or instigating violence, he certainly fits the bill.

Bullseye 

During his tenure with the Thunderbolts, Bullseye consistently prevented their defeat. It seemed as though they frequently lost until his arrival at the last moment. Given his destructive potential, it’s no surprise that he eventually joined Norman Osborn’s Avengers. With control in his hands, Bullseye ranks among the most lethal individuals on Earth. To top it off, he has a witty and inventive sense of humor.

U.S. Agent

As a devoted fan, I firmly believe that John Walker is the ideal candidate to command the Thunderbolts team or oversee their operations. He’s like a precision machine when it comes to following instructions, a trait that often leaves the villains baffled about the repercussions of their actions. It’s in these moments that Walker steps up, serving as a stern reminder of the consequences and readying himself to bring them back to reason. Admittedly, he can sometimes push boundaries, but that’s just one of his many endearing qualities.

The entire H.A.M.M.E.R. Squad

This Thunderbolts squad was exceptionally disorganized compared to even Norman’s original group. Given the members – Ant-Man (Eric O’Grady), Paladin, Ghost, Headsman, Mister X, Scourge, and Grizzly – it’s surprising they were ever on a team together. They seldom accomplished their objectives, with any success often being more of a fluke than the result of skillful execution.

This collection of issues (128 to 143) from the Thunderbolts comic book series is a must-read for its humor. Norman wasn’t interested in forming a team; he was seeking individuals he could send into impossible scenarios. If they triumph, great! Everyone gets cake. If they fail? Oh well, there are plenty of other disposable super-beings eager to take their place.

Ghost

Despite Ghost not being intentionally humorous, a great fighter, or particularly captivating in the comics, there was something about him that made him shine. Perhaps it was his dynamic with his teammates or his relentless pursuit of taking down corporations. It might have been because he was the smartest and most powerful member of the Thunderbolts without even trying. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t help but admire him.

Norman Osborn

Ultimately, we arrive at the individual who possesses every trait of a leader yet lacks any semblance of sanity. This is Norman Osborn, a complex figure who can be both inspiring and terrifying.

In the storyline of “Secret Invasion”, we find that when Norman adhered to his medication regimen, he became an exceptional leader who played a crucial role in saving the world. However, if he neglected his meds, he became untrustworthy and transformed into the Green Goblin. Fortunately for everyone, he managed to maintain control while leading the Thunderbolts.

During his time with the Thunderbolts, the Green Goblin had just one instance where he was under mind control (Thunderbolts: Caged Angels). Apart from that, he scored a perfect 10 on leadership evaluations. Considering he was leading a team consisting of Swordsman, Moonstone, Bullseye, and Venom, his cynicism was understandable and well-deserved.

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2024-09-24 18:31