Earth’s Mightiest Heroes: The 20 Greatest Avengers

6) Hawkeye

Black Widow’s criminal henchman – and former lover – Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye also made the switch to the good side and became, as he put it, a “straight shooter.” Hawkeye quickly redeemed himself by becoming a valued team player, with his pin-point accuracy and quiver full of trick arrows proving surprisingly useful. On some occasions over the years, Barton has even ditched his bow and arrow and taken on some different superhero identities – most notably, the giant-sized Goliath and the katana-wielding Ronin.

5) Captain Marvel

The original Captain Marvel, the Kree hero Mar-Vell, also deserves a mention, but this entry is actually for his successor, Carol Danvers. Once an Air Force pilot, Danvers is infused with Kree genes, which gives her an impressive array of powers – including super-strength, flight and energy blasts. For years, the character was simply known as Ms. Marvel but, in 2012, got a promotion and started going by the moniker Captain. Danvers will be shortly introduced to the movie-going audience in her 2018 solo film, where she’ll be played by Brie Larson.