Protagonist-antagonist relationships in the Avengers

Villains from the earlier comics series, like Superman and Batman for example, are characterized by an inherent sense of malevolence. While many foes realized their own evil nature and even implied through dialogue that they intend to lead better lives after being defeated, there was always a clear gap in the relationship between hero and villain. The aforementioned realization of the villain serves as a neutralization of evil in the world of superheroism, and does not transcend this purpose for character development after the villain is defeated. In Marvel's "The Avengers", however, which was first published decades after the superhero genre took flight, presented an alternate relationship that transpired between heroes and villains.

The first issue of volume 1, for example, begins with the evil god Loki plotting to lure Thor into a trap. In this evil plot, he targets the Incredible Hulk to be blamed for destruction on Earth. The unwary Hulk is then attacked by a multitude of superheroes who are also unaware of Loki's plot. Throughout the issue, the Hulk tries escaping from the heroes until he turns against them in an attempt to take the offensive. The Incredible Hulk, though, is a historical superhero to many of the readers. This sudden conflict among heroes, then, antagonizes a character who was seen before as a superhero. It is not until the end of the issue that the fighting heroes discover Loki's plot, and come together to vow an alliance against evil. Just as the Hulk was being villified, he became a hero once again.

The battle between the Avengers and the Submariner in issue 4 propose an interesting conflict of superpowers. The mighty Submariner, egotistical prince of the sea, yearns for worthy opponents to defeat with his super strength. As he fights against the Avengers in this issue, he is eveuntually defeated, and retreats back to Atlantis while admiring the bravery and strength of the heroes. In this case the Submariner, villain, sympathizes with the Avengers. Much later in issue 16, the Avengers ask the Submariner to join the ranks of their team. This outreach from hero to foe is a bridge between the gap of villain vs. hero that has not been examined in previous series.