Marvel is officially retiring the Avengers this year, with the best possible replacement
Marvel Comics has announced that the Avengers will effectively cease to be Earth-616’s leading super-team after the 2026 crossover Avengers: Armageddon. Their role will instead be taken by the X-Men in Maximum X-Men, a new ongoing series launching in December, signalling a major shift in Marvel’s superhero hierarchy.
Written by Christopher Yost with art by Tony Daniel, Maximum X-Men will be led by Storm and include Wolverine, Colossus, Bishop, Psylocke, Firestar and Justice; their first story involves an invasion from the Negative Zone. Avengers: Armageddon centres on Red Hulk’s attempt to build a “New America” by conquering nations, forcing the Avengers and Fantastic Four to challenge a United Nations order. Justice joining the X-Men is notable as his first membership of the team, while Firestar brings a history linked to both the New Warriors and X-Men.
- The X-Men will replace the Avengers as Earth’s main defenders.
- Maximum X-Men launches in December with Storm leading the team.
- Avengers: Armageddon sets up the change after Red Hulk’s global campaign.