In a historic moment, a classic Fantastic Four hero has joined the Avengers for the very first time, taking their place on the roster of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. It’s particularly appropriate that the hero has received the honor now, since 2025 marks the fortieth anniversary of their first appearance in Marvel Comics. However, despite being around for so long, the Avengers have chosen a hero that fans assumed would never be extended this particular honor.

A Classic Fantastic Four Hero Joins the Avengers

The Avengers Emergency Response Squad Recruits Some Thing-Tier Muscle

The historic moment comes in Astonishing Avengers Infinity Comic #20, by Steve Orlando, Francesco Archidiacono, Carlos Lopez and Travis Lanham. In the story, Sharon Ventura (aka Ms. Marvel, aka She-Thing) helps She-Hulk, Wasp and Photon take on the villainous Arcata. In recent issues, the three heroes infiltrated the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation to investigate missing competitors. To do so, they needed the help of former Fantastic Four member Sharon Ventura, who has a long history of competing in the UCWF.

Sharon is a former stunt performer who met the Fantastic Four’s Thing while he was competing in the UCWF. She sought out superpowers to join the Federation herself, and was granted superstrength, enhanced speed, and incredible durability by the Power Broker, taking the codename Ms. Marvel. Sharon later served on the Fantastic Four alongside the Thing, the Human Torch and the Inhuman hero Crystal.

Sadly, her time on the Fantastic Four exposed Sharon to cosmic rays, causing her to undergo a transformation similar to the Thing. While she briefly dated the Thing, Sharon was traumatized by her transformation into the new ‘She-Thing’ and left the FF, experimenting with villainy due to her bitterness towards her former life as a hero and even serving time in prison. Thankfully, she eventually regained her human form, returning to the UCWF as a wrestler – a position that allowed the Avengers Emergency Response Squad the access they needed to investigate Arcata’s crimes.

It’s a New Era for the Avengers, With Some Shocking First-Time Recruits

Elektra, Mister Immortal and Carnage Are Among the New Members

Currently, Astonishing Avengers Infinity Comic is following Captain America’s Emergency Response Squad – a new splinter team intended to act as superhuman first responders. The team has shown itself uniquely willing to recruit new members for any given mission, and Sharon Ventura is only the latest to land a place on the team. Previous issues have seen heroes including Mister Immortal, Elektra and the mutant hero Somnus join the Avengers for the first time.

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Meanwhile, the Winter Soldier and Black Widow’s recently assembled New Avengers has given heroes including Clea Strange, Laura Kinney’s Wolverine, and Eddie Brock’s Carnage their first official Avengers membership. It’s clear that Marvel is making it a priority to give classic characters their first shot on the Avengers. This is particularly meaningful because of Captain America’s vow “once an Avenger, always an Avenger,” with past members often called on in times of trouble.

After 40 years in Marvel Comics, former Fantastic Four member Sharon Ventura (aka Ms. Marvel/She-Thing) has finally joined the Avengers, becoming part of a global network of do-gooders who unite against threats that no single hero could withstand alone.

Astonishing Avengers Infinity Comic #20 is available now from Marvel Comics.

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  Created by

  Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

  First Film

  The Fantastic Four

  Latest Film

  Fantastic Four

  Upcoming Films

  The Fantastic Four: First Steps

  First TV Show

  The Fantastic Four

  First Episode Air Date

  
  September 9, 1967
  

  The Fantastic Four is a superhero franchise centered on Marvel Comics’ first family of superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team made its comic book debut in 1961 and quickly became a cornerstone of Marvel’s success. The franchise follows four astronauts—Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—who gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Over the years, Fantastic Four has been adapted into several live-action films, animated series, and video games. The films have seen multiple reboots, with varying levels of success, and are now set to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a new film slated for release in 2025.