Several classic scenes from Avengers movies were lifted directly from Marvel Comics, often with surprising fidelity. The MCU timeline has captivated audiences for over a decade with thrilling action, emotional arcs, and mᴀssive crossovers. While the films often remix comic book lore for modern audiences, some of the franchise’s most iconic moments are direct homages to classic Marvel Comics stories.

The greatest Avengers movie scenes aren’t just cinematic magic, they’re lifted straight from the pages of Marvel’s decades-long history. Those familiar with the source material were thrilled to see their favorite moments brought to life on the big screen. Indeed, these scenes prove that Marvel Studios knows how to honor its comic book roots in spectacular and entertaining fashion.

10

The Avengers ᴀssemble To Take Down Loki

The Avengers #1

2012’s The Avengers pays homage to the team’s comic book origin in The Avengers #1 (1963). In their debut issues, Loki manipulates the Hulk to fight Thor, inadvertently bringing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes together. In both mediums, Loki is the catalyst that unites a disparate group of heroes to stop his schemes.

While the movie adds modern flair and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s involvement, the essence remains. In both, Loki’s meddling and manipulation of the Hulk leads to the creation of the Avengers. The film even mimics comic panel dynamics during the battle of New York.

Scenes teamwork like Cap deflecting Iron Man’s blasts or Hulk and Thor tag-teaming Chitauri are classic comic developments. By the end, just as in the comics, Loki is defeated not by one hero, but by the unity and strength of a new super-team.

9

Thanos Rests In His Garden

The Infinity Gauntlet #6

After the devastating snap in Avengers: Infinity War, Thanos disappears to an unnamed planet where he quietly watches a sunrise. This tranquil moment echoes The Infinity Gauntlet #6 (1991), where Thanos retreats to a humble farm to contemplate his legacy. Both scenes depict a surprisingly serene version of the Mad тιтan: no longer conquering, but at peace with his actions.

Much like the movie, the comic shows Thanos in simple clothing, surrounded by crops, pondering existence. It is also adorned with a scarecrow made of his old armor. The film mirrors this perfectly, capturing the bittersweet calm after cataclysm.

It’s a profound moment in both mediums. It redefined Thanos not just as a villain, but as a philosopher-warrior, reflecting on sacrifice and consequence. Marvel’s adaptation captures the same eerie tranquility for a character responsible for half the universe’s annihilation.

8

Captain America Wields Mjolnir

Fear Itself #7

One of the most crowd-cheering scenes in Avengers: Endgame is when Steve Rogers lifts Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, to battle Thanos. This epic moment is straight from the comics, occurring numerous times throughout Cap’s history. The most pertinent example appears in Fear Itself #7 (2011), where Cap briefly lifts Mjolnir to rally heroes during a dire battle.

Both versions of the scene reinforce Steve’s worthiness. Cap’s always been noble, but this act confirms it on a cosmic level. The film heightens the drama, letting Cap summon lightning and duel Thanos like a god.

Thor’s approving smile and cheer, “I knew it!” is a nod to both audiences and comic continuity. In the comics, Cap has wielded the hammer on rare occasions, always with righteous intent. The moment in Endgame perfectly translates that legacy, proving once again that even among gods, Captain America stands tall.

7

Ebony Maw Tortures Doctor Strange

Infinity

In Avengers: Infinity War, Ebony Maw captures Doctor Strange and tortures him aboard a spaceship, attempting to extract the Time Stone. This scene draws inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s Infinity (2013), where Maw uses psychological manipulation and dark magic to torture Strange into becoming an unwilling ally of the Black Order.

While the movie simplifies this into physical torture, the core concept remains. Strange is pushed to his limits, both mentally and spiritually. Interestingly, his eventual surrender of the Time Stone adds ambiguity to this moment.

At the time, it was very unclear why Strange would give Thanos the Time Stone. Consequently, those familiar with the comics may have thought Strange had likewise been corrupted by Maw. Despite the differences, the echo of Strange’s fragile agency under pressure remains intact. It’s a smart nod to a cerebral arc from the comics, adapted in a more visually intense scene.

6

Pepper Potts Dons The Rescue Armor

The Invincible Iron Man #12

In Avengers: Endgame, Pepper Potts joins the final battle in her own Iron Man suit. There she fights alongside Tony in a moment of power couple triumph. This armor (sleek, blue, and streamlined) is a live-action version of her “Rescue” suit from The Invincible Iron Man #12 (2009), where she becomes a hero in her own right.

In the comics, Rescue is equipped with tech focused on defense and search-and-rescue. Rescue is far more supportive than offense, unlike Iron Man. While the movie version leans more into combat, the intent remains the same.

Pepper stepping up as a force for good. The visual design of the suit is faithful to the comic’s aesthetic, and her arrival in the final battle is a satisfying payoff for long-time viewers. It marks Pepper’s evolution from a supporting role to an armored Avenger, albeit briefly.

5

Cap’s “Hail HYDRA” Moment

Captain America: Steve Rogers #1

In Avengers: Endgame, Steve Rogers whispers “Hail HYDRA” in an elevator to avoid a fight and retrieve the Mind Stone. This clever twist references the controversial moment from Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 (2016). Steve (believed to be brainwashed) declares allegiance to HYDRA.

The comic reveal sparked outrage, flipping Cap’s moral compᴀss. The film subverts this, turning it into a smart, crowd-pleasing moment. By invoking his enemies’ trust, Cap avoids the brawl seen in The Winter Soldier‘s iconic elevator fight.

It’s a layered Easter egg, playing with expectations while acknowledging one of the most shocking comic book twists in recent history. Rather than a betrayal, it becomes a masterstroke of espionage. Marvel expertly turns controversy into cleverness, showcasing Cap’s growth as both strategist and symbol.

4

Hawkeye Becomes Ronin

New Avengers #27

In Avengers: Endgame, Clint Barton adopts the ᴅᴇᴀᴅly Ronin persona after losing his family to the Snap. He takes brutal vengeance on criminals around the world. This transformation draws directly from New Avengers #27 (2007), where Barton becomes Ronin following the events of Civil War.

In the comics, Clint uses the Ronin idenтιтy to distance himself from the Avenger mantle and operate in the shadows. His costume, black, hooded, and wielding a katana, is faithfully recreated in the film. Both versions reflect a darker, more lethal side of the usually lighthearted archer, embodying grief and disillusionment.

The movie takes this arc further emotionally, linking it to personal loss rather than team disbandment. It’s a sharp, stylish reimagining of a fan-favorite comic evolution. Moreover, it showcases the emotional depth of a character often overlooked.

3

Old Man Rogers Pᴀsses On The Captain America Mantle

Captain America Vol. 7 #25

At the end of Avengers: Endgame, an aged Steve Rogers pᴀsses his shield (and thus the Captain America тιтle) to Sam Wilson. This heartfelt moment is drawn from Captain America vol. 7 #25. There, a depowered, elderly Steve names Sam as his successor.

In both comic and film, the choice reflects deep trust and recognition of Sam’s integrity. The movie mirrors the comic’s quiet dignity. Steve, sitting on a bench shield in hand, smiles as Sam accepts his new role.

It’s not just a handoff – it’s a legacy entrusted to someone worthy. Sam’s hesitant but honored reaction in the film reflects the comic’s nuanced take on stepping into Steve’s boots. This pᴀssing of the torch respects both characters and lays the groundwork for a new era of Captain America rooted in inclusivity and evolution.

2

Thanos’s Snap

The Infinity Gauntlet

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping scene in MCU history is Thanos snapping his fingers to wipe out half of all life in Avengers: Infinity War. This act is pulled straight from “The Infinity Gauntlet” (1991). Thanos, seeking to impress Death, eliminates half the universe with a snap.

The comic moment is immediate and horrifying, just like its cinematic counterpart. Panels show heroes suddenly vanishing mid-sentence, whereas the film shows beloved characters turning to dust. Regardless, the use of silence, shock, and scale is identical.

Both versions emphasize the enormity of the act; not with fanfare, but with devastating quiet. Marvel Studios translated this pivotal comic beat with stunning fidelity, creating a moment that changed the MCU forever. It also solidified Thanos as one of cinema’s most memorable villains.

1

Iron Man Wears The Infinity Gauntlet

Avengers #12 (2012)

Tony Stark’s final act in Avengers: Endgame sees him wielding a makeshift Infinity Gauntlet and snapping Thanos’s army out of existence. This is inspired by Avengers #12 (2012). In this issue, Tony briefly dons the Gauntlet to save reality from collapse.

While the comic arc doesn’t result in his death, the visual of Iron Man with all six stones echoes the film’s climax. Both versions present Iron Man as the ultimate hero: self-sacrificing, brilliant, and willing to carry a cosmic burden. The film’s line, “I am Iron Man,” adds poetic closure while transforming a comic moment into an MCU-defining sacrifice.