Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow
Encyclopedia
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is a direct-to-video
animated film. It is fifth in a series of animated films from Marvel Animation
, based on Marvel Comics
by Lions Gate Entertainment
. It was released on DVD
and Blu-ray on September 2, 2008. The project was originally announced under the title Teen Avengers and later changed to Avengers Reborn. It was then referred to as Next Avengers before being given its full title. A preview of the film (under the Avengers Reborn title) was included on the DVD of the Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme
animated film. It is the first of the Marvel animated films to be rated PG as opposed to PG-13.
leaves The Avengers
defeated, with six of the heroes killed during the fight, and the world at the mercy of Ultron's machine army. Iron Man / Tony Stark
is told by Captain America
to take the Avengers' children to an underground fortified refuge hidden above the Arctic Circle. The children are James Rogers (son of Black Widow and Captain America), Henry Pym Jr. (son of Giant-Man
and Wasp
), Azari (son of Black Panther
and Storm), and Torunn (daughter of the absent Thor
and Sif).
Stark secretly raises and trains the children for 12 years. One day The Vision
arrives at the refuge after hiding for over a decade from Ultron. He has come to inform Stark that Francis Barton, son of Hawkeye
, is also alive.
While the curious children are eavesdropping on Stark and the Vision, James accidentally activates a series of Iron Man-style robots, called the Iron Avengers, that mimic the looks and abilities of Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Thor, Black Widow and Giant Man. Because they are programed to defeat Ultron upon activation, they take off to do so, whereupon they are detected by Ultron's worldwide sensors, revealing the location of the refuge. Ultron proceeds to the refuge and invades it. Stark, now dressed as Iron Man, is able to stall Ultron long enough for the children to escape, but he is eventually subdued and captured. Ultron is also able to reprogram the Iron Avenger robots to follow his commands.
Sneaking into Ultra City to rescue Stark, the four young Avengers run into Francis Barton, Hawkeye's son. They decide to team up with him, and his group of resistance fighters, to rescue their guardian.
The five manage to escape with Stark from Ultron's trap in his citadel, and they head to the desert, along with an older Betty Ross, where Bruce Banner (The Hulk
) has decided to hide out and keep away from other people for their own safety. After he refuses to help them, James comes up a plan to lure Ultron there so he can cause the Hulk to appear, destroying the robot.
The young Avengers fight a losing battle with the mechanical doubles of their parents, but they manage to awaken the Hulk, who defeats the Iron Avengers and ultimately destroys Ultron, ripping him in two. Ultron begins to rebuild himself, so Torunn decides to carry his body into space, throwing the two pieces in opposite directions, ensuring that he cannot rebuild himself. She nearly suffocates and freezes in the process, resulting in her father, Thor
, rescuing her and explaining why he left her on Earth. Thor invites Torunn to join him in Asgard
, but Torunn chooses instead to return to her family on Earth. As a parting gift, Thor sends her back to Earth in full Asgardian armor.
With Ultron finally defeated, the five young Avengers prepare to return to Ultra City, to deal with Ultron's remaining forces and rescue the populace.
Additional Voices by Michael Adamthwaite
, Shawn MacDonald, Nicole Oliver
, and Fred Tatasciore
event. In the preview, the team is shown fighting Immortus
. This reality has been designated as Earth-555326.
They appear in the first six issues of the Avengers (2010), but play a small role. When the current Avengers travel forward in time, they are knocked out by the Next Avengers and brought to Hulk and Iron Man. Later, they perform recon work, and witness the defeat of Ultron by Kang and his Legion. Finally, they kill Immortus after he murders their reality's version of Stark and Hulk.
Direct-to-video
Direct-to-video is a term used to describe a film that has been released to the public on home video formats without being released in film theaters or broadcast on television...
animated film. It is fifth in a series of animated films from Marvel Animation
Marvel Animation
Marvel Animation, LLC is an American animation production company. The Marvel Entertainment subsidiary was incorporated on January 25, 2008 to direct Marvel's efforts in animation and home entertainment markets...
, based on Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
by Lions Gate Entertainment
Lions Gate Entertainment
Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation is a North American entertainment company. The company was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1997, and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California...
. It was released on DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
and Blu-ray on September 2, 2008. The project was originally announced under the title Teen Avengers and later changed to Avengers Reborn. It was then referred to as Next Avengers before being given its full title. A preview of the film (under the Avengers Reborn title) was included on the DVD of the Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme
Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme is a direct-to-DVD & BD animated movie based on the Marvel Comics character Doctor Strange. The film was released August 14, 2007 and had its American broadcast premiere on Cartoon Network November 1, 2008....
animated film. It is the first of the Marvel animated films to be rated PG as opposed to PG-13.
Plot
A battle with UltronUltron
Ultron is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 , and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema...
leaves The Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
defeated, with six of the heroes killed during the fight, and the world at the mercy of Ultron's machine army. Iron Man / Tony Stark
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
is told by Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
to take the Avengers' children to an underground fortified refuge hidden above the Arctic Circle. The children are James Rogers (son of Black Widow and Captain America), Henry Pym Jr. (son of Giant-Man
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
and Wasp
Wasp (comics)
The Wasp is a fictional character, a superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe and founding member of The Avengers. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #44 ....
), Azari (son of Black Panther
Black Panther (comics)
The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
and Storm), and Torunn (daughter of the absent Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
and Sif).
Stark secretly raises and trains the children for 12 years. One day The Vision
Vision (Marvel Comics)
The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first Vision was created by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that...
arrives at the refuge after hiding for over a decade from Ultron. He has come to inform Stark that Francis Barton, son of Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
, is also alive.
While the curious children are eavesdropping on Stark and the Vision, James accidentally activates a series of Iron Man-style robots, called the Iron Avengers, that mimic the looks and abilities of Captain America, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Thor, Black Widow and Giant Man. Because they are programed to defeat Ultron upon activation, they take off to do so, whereupon they are detected by Ultron's worldwide sensors, revealing the location of the refuge. Ultron proceeds to the refuge and invades it. Stark, now dressed as Iron Man, is able to stall Ultron long enough for the children to escape, but he is eventually subdued and captured. Ultron is also able to reprogram the Iron Avenger robots to follow his commands.
Sneaking into Ultra City to rescue Stark, the four young Avengers run into Francis Barton, Hawkeye's son. They decide to team up with him, and his group of resistance fighters, to rescue their guardian.
The five manage to escape with Stark from Ultron's trap in his citadel, and they head to the desert, along with an older Betty Ross, where Bruce Banner (The Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
) has decided to hide out and keep away from other people for their own safety. After he refuses to help them, James comes up a plan to lure Ultron there so he can cause the Hulk to appear, destroying the robot.
The young Avengers fight a losing battle with the mechanical doubles of their parents, but they manage to awaken the Hulk, who defeats the Iron Avengers and ultimately destroys Ultron, ripping him in two. Ultron begins to rebuild himself, so Torunn decides to carry his body into space, throwing the two pieces in opposite directions, ensuring that he cannot rebuild himself. She nearly suffocates and freezes in the process, resulting in her father, Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
, rescuing her and explaining why he left her on Earth. Thor invites Torunn to join him in Asgard
Asgard (comics)
Asgard is a fictional realm within the Marvel Comics universe based on the Asgard of Norse mythology and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology...
, but Torunn chooses instead to return to her family on Earth. As a parting gift, Thor sends her back to Earth in full Asgardian armor.
With Ultron finally defeated, the five young Avengers prepare to return to Ultra City, to deal with Ultron's remaining forces and rescue the populace.
Children
- James Rogers (Noah C. Crawford): Son of Captain AmericaCaptain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
and the Black Widow and leader of the teenage Avengers. Named after Captain America's sidekickSidekickA sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
BuckyBuckyBucky is the name of several fictional characters, masked superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. The original, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as a sidekick character in Captain America Comics #1 , published by Marvel's 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics...
, he has inherited the exceptional fighting abilities, agility and reflexes of his father and mother. James originally had a wrist bracer designed by Tony Stark which could generate an energy-based shield that looked like Captain America's shield, which he used in the same manner as his father had. When his wrist bracer got destroyed by Iron Widow, James regains his father's shield after destroying his robotic copy. Like his father, James has great difficulty remaining passive and shows a great sense of responsibility once he becomes aware of the seriousness of a situation. He has a hidden crush on Torunn. - Torunn (Brenna O'BrienBrenna O'BrienBrenna O'Brien is a Canadian actress. She is best known for voicing Rin in the anime series Inuyasha.-Career:She is also known for playing Meghan in Zixx: Level Two and appears in X-Men: The Last Stand as the girl in the car with her family during Magneto's displacement of the Golden Gate Bridge...
): Daughter of ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
and Sif who possesses the innate powers of superhuman strength, resillience to physical damage and flight shared by all Asgardians. As a weapon, she wields a magical Asgardian sword much like her mother's. Like her father's hammer Mjolnir, the sword bears an enchantment which recognizes Torunn as its only user, and it also has the power to control thunder and lightning.
Initially Torunn tries to act as "Asgardian" as she can - that is, launch herself straight into the thick of battle without considering the consequences - hoping it will make her father take notice of her, but in reality she is very insecure since while her brothers are orphans, Thor apparently just abandoned her. Torunn eventually becomes humble as the story progresses. She has a crush on James Rogers and hints about it throughout the film, though neither ever openly admit as much. - Azari (Dempsey M. Pappion): Son of Black PantherBlack Panther (comics)The Black Panther is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller-co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52...
and Storm (who is not mentioned by name in the movie). Azari inherited his father's enhanced senses, agility and martial skills, and from his mother's side displays the ability to generate and manipulate powerful electric fields. Named after his paternal great-grandfather, Azari is the most orderly and level-headed of the young Avengers and often tries to get the others to follow Tony's orders (unlike his father, who was known for disagreeing with Stark), though he eventually ends up joining his friends in disobeying them in favor of better interests. - Pym (Aidan Drummond): Pym's full name is Henry Pym, Jr., son of Giant ManHenry PymDr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
and WaspWasp (comics)The Wasp is a fictional character, a superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe and founding member of The Avengers. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #44 ....
, and youngest and smartest of the five children. He has the ability to change to tiny or giant size, and has inherited his mother's ability to shoot energy stings. When he shrinks, he grows wasp wings which allow him flight; when fully grown, he gains proportional strength and durability. Pym is the resident tech-head of the group, able to figure out complex devices quite easily. - Francis Barton (Adrian PetriwAdrian PetriwAdrian Roman Petriw is a Canadian actor. He currently voices Tony Stark/Iron Man in the television series Iron Man: Armored Adventures and Naoki in the anime Nana...
): Son of HawkeyeHawkeye (comics)Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
and MockingbirdMockingbird (Marvel Comics)Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
. Unlike the other Avenger children, Francis was accidentally left behind following the Avengers' final fight with Ultron and grew up as a fugitive in Ultra City, where he became the leader for a group of human refugees known as the Scavengers. Francis displays exceptional accuracy with his longbow and carries a quiver with explosive and trick arrows. Much like their fathers, Francis and James argue with each other at first, but eventually become friends. At first he seems cold and indifferent to his new friends, but as time passes, he shows himself to be just as much the jokester and flirt as Hawkeye was. He also expresses closer interest in Torunn.
Survivors
- Iron Man / Tony StarkIron ManIron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
(Tom KaneTom KaneTom Kane is a prominent American voice actor with over 25 years of experience. He is most widely known for his animation work...
): Surviving Avenger. The original builder of Ultron. Following the Avengers defeat, Tony gathered their children and hid them away in the Arctic, seeking redemption for his greatest mistake by trying to keep the children safe in memory of their parents and his friends. - The VisionVision (Marvel Comics)The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first Vision was created by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that...
(Shawn MacDonald): Surviving Avenger. Using his ability to remain intangible, Vision acted as Tony's spy for keeping track of Ultron's progress in subjugating it. The Vision returned because Ultron had found a way to defeat his intangible state and wounded him severely. Tony did not have time to repair his body, and the kids end up carrying around his head until the end of the film. - ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
(Michael AdamthwaiteMichael AdamthwaiteMichael David Adamthwaite is a Canadian voice actor. He is credited with providing the voice for many characters in various anime series...
): The Norse God of Thunder, and surviving Avenger. After his father Odin died, Thor went back to Asgard to rule, leaving his daughter Torunn in the care of the Avengers. Thor appears at the end of the film to rescue Torunn from dying in outer space by transporting her to the Bifrost Bridge and welcoming her to Asgard after she has discovered the human side of her nature. - Betty Ross (Nicole OliverNicole Oliver-Education:She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University, and additional training from the British American Drama Academy in Oxford and London.-Career:...
): Daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross and love interest of Bruce Banner / The Hulk. She has remained alive by hiding with the human survivors of New York whom Hawkeye and his son had gathered. - Bruce Banner (Ken KramerKen KramerFor the stand-up comedian and Seinfeld character inspiration, see Kenny Kramer.Kenneth Bentley "Ken" Kramer is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Colorado....
) / The HulkHulk (comics)The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
(Fred TatascioreFred TatascioreFrederick "Fred" Tatasciore is an American voice actor who portrays secondary characters as well as monstrous-looking types...
): Bruce Banner has remained alive under Ultron's rule by hiding in the desert and avoiding any contact with others to keep his emotions (and thus, the Hulk) in check. The only person capable of controlling his rage is Betty Ross. Since Bruce Banner proved unwilling to help defeat Ultron, James Rogers devises a plan which eventually leaves the Hulk no choice but to participate in the fight. - JocastaJocasta (comics)Jocasta is a fictional, comic book superhero appearing books published by Marvel Comics. A member of the Avengers, the character is a robot created by the villain Ultron.-Publication history:Jocasta first appears in The Avengers Jocasta is a fictional, comic book superhero appearing books published...
(Nicole Oliver): The A.I.Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
computer of Tony Stark's refuge for the children.
Villains
- UltronUltronUltron is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 , and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema...
(Tom KaneTom KaneTom Kane is a prominent American voice actor with over 25 years of experience. He is most widely known for his animation work...
): The main antagonist. Tony Stark created Ultron to be a force for peace, but its programming evolved and Ultron eventually decided to take over the Earth. It attacked the Avengers, killing most (Captain America, Wasp, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Storm, Giant-Man, and Black Widow), and set out to conquer the world. - Iron Avengers: A team of robotic replicas of the Avengers (excluding Iron Man himself) based on the technology of the Iron Man armor, created by Tony Stark both as a tribute to the Avengers' tradition and as aides in an eventual confrontation with Ultron. However, Ultron uses a computer virusComputer virusA computer virus is a computer program that can replicate itself and spread from one computer to another. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware, including but not limited to adware and spyware programs that do not have the reproductive ability...
to make them his pawns. All Iron Avengers are capable of jet-powered flight and possess superhuman strength and resilience due to their robotic structures. - Iron Captain America: The field leader of the Iron Avengers, and the only one shown to be capable of speaking. Iron Captain America wields two shields in the movie, the first a newer version that could slice through almost anything. In the attack on the citadel the first shield is destroyed by acid, so in the desert battle he wears the original Captain America shield. Iron Captain America was destroyed by James when the young Avenger cut the robot in two with his father's shield.
- Iron Black Widow: Iron Widow can switch her hands for inbuilt guns and has an extra pair of arms. She was destroyed by the Hulk in the final confrontation.
- Iron Black Panther: Iron Panther has the martial arts skill, instincts and agility of the real Black Panther of the Avengers. He has the ability to transform into a robotic panther. It was destroyed when Azari used his electrical abilities to blast the robot.
- Iron Giant-Man: Iron Giant Man is the biggest of the Iron Avengers, standing approximately 60 feet tall (unlike the original Giant Man, it is incapable of changing its size). Like the real Giant Man, it's very strong and durable, and it could additionally fire energy blasts from its forehead. It also stored several Iron Wasps (see below) within its torso cavity to act as auxiliary units. Iron Giant Man was destroyed when the Hulk tore off his head.
- Iron Thor: Iron Thor is the only Iron Avenger that mimics a living Avenger. The robot was destroyed when Torunn stabbed it in the stomach and ripped it in half.
- Iron Hawkeye: The Iron Hawkeye's hands are fitted with fold-out bow-like devices which fire energy-charged projectiles. Francis destroyed Iron Hawkeye by shooting explosive arrows in the robot's feet, back and face.
- Iron Wasps: Robotic versions of the original Wasp which were stored in the Iron Giant Man and acted as its auxiliary units. The wasps could be released from Iron Giant Man's mouth and attack by shooting energy blasts like the real Wasp. The Iron Wasps were eliminated by the Hulk after they tried to exterminate his human form.
- Ultra City Drones: Ultron's servants in Ultra City, acting as Ultron's guards, enforcers and eliminators.
Additional Voices by Michael Adamthwaite
Michael Adamthwaite
Michael David Adamthwaite is a Canadian voice actor. He is credited with providing the voice for many characters in various anime series...
, Shawn MacDonald, Nicole Oliver
Nicole Oliver
-Education:She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from York University, and additional training from the British American Drama Academy in Oxford and London.-Career:...
, and Fred Tatasciore
Fred Tatasciore
Frederick "Fred" Tatasciore is an American voice actor who portrays secondary characters as well as monstrous-looking types...
Comics
The Next Avengers made their comic book debut in Avengers #1, as part of Marvel's Heroic AgeHeroic Age (comics)
"The Heroic Age" is a 2010 comic book branding that ran through a number of books published by Marvel Comics. It began in May 2010, marking a major change in the status quo of the Marvel Universe after the events of the "Siege" crossover event, much as "The Initiative" and "Dark Reign" dealt with...
event. In the preview, the team is shown fighting Immortus
Immortus
Immortus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is the future self of Kang the Conqueror, and first appeared in Avengers #10, and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
. This reality has been designated as Earth-555326.
They appear in the first six issues of the Avengers (2010), but play a small role. When the current Avengers travel forward in time, they are knocked out by the Next Avengers and brought to Hulk and Iron Man. Later, they perform recon work, and witness the defeat of Ultron by Kang and his Legion. Finally, they kill Immortus after he murders their reality's version of Stark and Hulk.