Avengers: United They Stand

INTRODUCTION

When Avengers: United They Stand premiered in 1999, it took a different approach to Marvel’s premier superhero team. Instead of focusing on the classic line-up of Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, the series spotlighted a West Coast Avengers-inspired roster, led by Ant-Man and featuring Wasp, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Vision, Falcon, Tigra, and Wonder Man.

The show embraced a team-based dynamic, emphasizing cooperation and strategy over individual heroics. However, its most controversial creative choice was the introduction of battle armour for the Avengers, a stylistic decision that divided fans. While the armour was meant to add a futuristic edge, many felt it detracted from the iconic costumes that defined the characters.

Despite its short run of 13 episodes, the series introduced audiences to major Avengers villains, including Ultron, Kang the Conqueror, the Masters of Evil, and Zodiac. It also featured guest appearances from Captain America and Iron Man, though they were not part of the main team, a decision that left some viewers wanting more.

Interestingly, nearly every member of this roster – Ant-Man, Wasp, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Vision, and Falcon – would go on to become major players in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, solidifying their roles as household names. The exceptions? Tigra and Wonder Man, both of whom remain largely absent from the MCU, though Wonder Man is set to receive his own Disney+ series in the future.

While United They Stand didn’t achieve the lasting success of other Marvel animated series, it remains a unique entry in Avengers history. It was one of the first attempts to bring the team to television, paving the way for later adaptations like Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Avengers Assemble. Though often overlooked, the series serves as a snapshot of late-90s superhero animation, showcasing Marvel’s efforts to expand its animated universe beyond Spider-Man and the X-Men.