Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It began as a hero rallying stunned teammates in the middle of a losing fight, and became the team's battle cry. The phrase lasted because it is an order and a roll-call at once: anyone can shout it, and the whole roster is in it. Later comics and screen versions have reused it so often that it now works as the team's slogan, and as the title of a number of Avengers series.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The AvengersShow the scene
The Avengers #10 (November 1964), "The Avengers Break Up!", is the issue that introduces Immortus. He lures the team into a trap with the Masters of Evil, sets each hero against a figure out of the past, and sends Captain America back in time to rescue Rick Jones. The villains then hit the weakened team: Thor is being turned to stone by Baron Zemo's gun when Captain America's shield destroys it. Thor, free of his rock prison, shouts "Avengers Assemble!" as the team rallies, and the Enchantress sends the villains back in time. Fans count it as the first time the cry is ever said.
Sources (1)
- Marvel Database: Avengers Vol 1 10Synopsis and TriviaReference checked
Context reviewed