Avengers Assemble!

Okay, I've been MIA for a while. Moving, getting ready for school, parenting, and all that. However, I've been mulling over the Reassembling the Avengers thought for quite some time. I'll stick with the popular seven member line-up. Here goes.

Captain America. Technically, he's not a founding member. That said, can anyone imagine the Avengers without Cap? Captain America is the Avengers.

Iron Man. He's my favorite Marvel superhero; he had to make the list. He provides moderate muscle, air support, ranged attacks, and electronic expertise.

She-Hulk. While her cousing is unpredictable, Jennifer has remained a stable member of the Avengers for years. She provides plenty of muscle, physical and legal, in times of crisis.

Clea, Sorceress Supreme of the Dark Dimension. For a team that faces Earth-threatening crises of every shape and form, the Avengers have always lacked a master of the magical arts. Rather than go with Dr Strange, the all too obvious choice, I've opted for Clea. Her unique position as leader of the Dark Dimension could provide for some interesting plots.

The Black Knight. Dane Whitman has always been woefully underused as an Avenger. Since the Ebony Blade curse has been lifted and the blade lost, Whitman now employs the Shield of Night (capable of absorbing almost any energy) and the Sword of Light (through which the Black Knight returns the absorbed energy). I also have a soft spot for Arthurian legend and Dane's Lady of the Lake connection appeals to me. His scientific abilities are nothing to laugh at, either.

The Vision. From intangible to dense as a diamond, the synthezoid Avenger is the Pinocchio archetype. He longs to be human, but knows he'll always be an outsider. His convoluted background, relationship to Ultron, and tragic life (they guys been torn apart and reassembled how many times and continues to be faithful to the Avengers), make him a must. If nothing else, the guy needs a chance to redeem himself after the Avengers Disassembled storyline. Talk about character assasination.

Quasar. Hey, the Avengers really need a cosmic level Avenger and who better to fill that slot than quantum band wearing Wendell Vaughn.

There were several Avengers to whom I gave serious consideration and ultimately discarded from my list. Thor, Jocasta, Dazzler, Moon Knight, War Machine (James Rhodes replacing the Tony Stark Iron Man on my list), Nova, Professor Hulk (the Hulk with Banner's intellect), and Falcon were among the many considered.

A couple characters that didn't receive one second of consideration.

Wonder Man. Worst. Character. Ever.
Hank Pym. Nothing more than an Ultron magnet. Ultron is a cool villain, but do the Avengers really want him showing up every 12 issues or so? Relegate Pym to the sidelines and save yourself the trouble. Sheesh.
Triathlon. Second. Worst. Character. Ever.
USAgent. Had a cool costume during Force Works, but boy was that guy annoying. Can you say Psycho?
The Scarlet Witch. Bendis has absolutely ruined that character for me. Here's hoping the House of M puts Wanda out of our misery.