Maybe that’s why, when Captain America roared, “Avengers, assemble,” in Endgame, I had goosebumps all over.
This article is a celebration of the moment of unity and the iconic war cry that unified a decade of Marvel stories and their fans.
The Iconic Dialogue
Often linked to Captain America, die-hard fans know that it was really Thor, the God of Thunder, who uttered this legendary quote for the first time in 1964’s Avengers #10 by Stan Lee and Don Heck.
In his battle against Immortus and the Masters of Evil, Thor cries out, “Avengers, assemble!” to rally his backup. Although the moment is slightly retconned after one of the Masters of Evil, Enchantress, rewinds time in an attempt to alter the outcome of the battle, the war cry reappears via Thor once again, in 1965’s Avengers #14.
Gradually, the catchphrase made its way into different Marvel universes, as our favorite superheroes used this war cry to gather their troops in iconic battles. By Avengers #16 in 1965, Captain America was featured on the cover with the phrase, and he has since become the hero most closely associated with it.
Themes
The Avengers serve as a metaphor for diversity, encompassing both the positive and the negative aspects. Despite being “superheroes,” each one is flawed and vested with unnatural powers and a responsibility to use them with caution.
At their core, they represent our society—a diverse collection of individuals with distinct backgrounds, abilities, and ideologies. The two words represent the Avengers’ identity and sense of mission, beyond all personal sentiments and differences.
“Avengers, assemble!” resounds with the sentiment that strength lies not in their powers, but in their willingness to work together.
Let’s not forget that many of the iconic superheroes of the MCU are, in fact, normal human beings. Iron Man, Black Widow, and Hawkeye are just a few of the many Avengers superheroes who were born without supernatural skills but are empowered by their spirit and courage, as well as technology and training.
The line is also monumental because it explores what it means to be a hero. Being a hero is less about superpowers and more about making difficult and selfless choices. It means putting others before yourself at all times.
The three-word quote is not a command; rather, it is a symbol of hope, resilience, and collective action. It serves as a reminder of their duties and shared ideals as Avengers.
Fanatics know that many Avengers are not on the greatest of terms with many of their fellow Avengers. Whether it’s Hulk’s anger issues or Tony Stark’s ego, the superheroes are often ready to fight each other in do-or-die battles.
But this war cry is about brotherhood: everyone must come together to fight as one, putting aside their differences.
‘Avengers: Endgame’Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Visual Symbolism
This moment in the film is epic.
Thanos’ mammoth army, comprised of the Black Order, Chitauri, Chitauri Gorillas, Sakaarans, Outriders, and Leviathans, marches across the battleground, right at Captain America, who is on his knees, injured and almost out of strength. The air is thick with fire and dust. Iron Man lies panting on the other side.
Captain America staggers as he stands. Just then, he can hear Falcon on his communicator. Seconds later, a Doctor Strange portal opens behind him—it’s Black Panther with the Wakanda army and allies, his sister Shuri, and the Dora Milaje.
Soon, one by one, countless portals open up in space. All the Avengers superheroes (including the Asgardians and Ravagers) from different universes and timelines (including the heroes who Thanos disintegrated in the snap) make their way into Captain America’s timeline at the battlefield.
Within seconds, there’s an entire army of the Avengers backing Captain America, ready to face Thanos and his forces of evil.
Captain America cries out, “Avengers, assemble!” On cue, the entire Avengers army launches their united attack on Thanos.
The moment is an emotional high point, as superheroes unite against a seemingly insurmountable threat.
Although the quote has been used several times before this cinematic milestone, the moment Captain America finally utters, “Avengers, assemble!” in Avengers: Endgame marks the culmination of years of storytelling.
The world of superheroes is a place where you embrace everything. The stories grapple with issues of power, accountability, and the ethical use of technology, making them relevant to even our day-to-day lives.
Superheroes (and supervillains, for that matter) are nothing but our deepest, darkest sides—pride and insecurities.
Which is your favorite sequence using the catchphrase?
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