Many of the most popularMarvel Comics stories focus on the Earth's perils. However, there are just as many stories based in the larger Marvel Universe, with heroes traveling the cosmos to protect a wider galaxy. Granted, not every Cosmic Team of Marvel is concerned about protecting—some are more concerned about destruction or amassing power.
Marvel Comics is bursting at the seams with creative teams, from heroes to villains and everything in between. Some teams are little more than a ragtag group of survivors, while others are tried and true heroes. If one thing is certain, these powerful characters have massive potential within the universe.
10 The Imperial Guard Are the Champions of the Shi'ar Empire
The Imperial Guard Has Faced Off Against Teams Like the X-Men
- A team of super-powered champions defending the Shi'ar Empire
- They act more like enforcers than heroes
- Members include Gladiator, Oracle, Arc, Astra, Blackthorn, Flashfire, Schism, and Webwing
The Shi'ar Empire has long been a thorn in the side of many Marvel heroes, from teams as large as the X-Men to lesser-known figures like Darkhawk. As such, it’s no surprise that the Empire has its own team, the Imperial Guard. Tasked with executing Shi'ar orders, protecting the Empire, and serving as its champions, the Imperial Guard is a formidable force.
Given the Shi'ar Empire’s vast reach, the Imperial Guard consists of several alien races. The most famous member is likely Gladiator, who is infamous for his unwavering loyalty and destructive tendencies.The Imperial Guard is extremely powerful and dangerous and follows the Shi'ar Empire's directives without hesitation—even when those orders are less than ethical.
9 Space Knights Are a Team Of Heroes Who Have Gone Through Several Iterations
The Space Knights Team Began Because of a Toy Line
- The Space Knights have gone through three major iterations
- Originally created to fit into Marvel's listening with the Parker Brothers
- Team members have included Mahia, Rom, Horn, Tarna, Wink, Dominor, and Heatwave
It may be hard to believe, but at least one Marvel team,Space Knights, was created to support a toy licensing deal with Parker Brothers. The Space Knights were originally introduced to expand the backstory of a character named Rom, who would go on to lead the team. Interestingly, the group continued even after the license expired, sans the very hero who inspired it.
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The Space Knights are a powerful team of humanoid cyborgs with access to the best fighting techniques, armor, and minds the galaxy has to offer. While they may be cyborgs, each member is uniquely designed with their own biology, story, and abilities. Their mission has always been to protect their home planet and the galaxy as a whole.
8 The Starjammers Are Marvel's Space Pirates
Scott Summers' Father Is a Member of Starjammers
- Prisoners turned vigilante pirates
- The team was founded in the Shi'ar Empire's fighting pits
- Team members include Corsair, Lilandra, Havok, Polaris, Ch'od, Cr'ree, Hepzibah, and Sikorsky
The Starjammers are perhaps the most unlikely ragtag group in Marvel Comics, and that's saying something. Their story began when the founding members met in the slave and fighting pits of the Shi'ar Empire. Rather than submit to their oppressors, Corsair, Ch'od, Hepzibah, and Raza joined forces to break free and carve out their own path in the galaxy.
Whilethe Starjammers originally had only four members, it didn’t take long for others to join. They quickly became known across the galaxy for their piracy and daring escapades. They also have deep ties to both the Guardians of the Galaxy and the X-Men, especially the latter, as Corsair is Scott Summers' father.
7 Warbound Is a Team Organized By the Hulk
Warbound Has Battled Teams Like The Fantastic Four
- Founded by the Hulk
- Originally based on Sakaar
- Team members have included Hulk, Mung, Miek, No-Name, Korg, and Kaifi
There was a time when Hulk was infamously cast into space, an exile secretly planned by the Illuminati. Hulk survived,landing on the planet Sakaar, where he became a prisoner. One thing led to another, and Hulk formed his own team while on the planet.The original Warbound team consisted of Hulk, Hiroim, Elloe, Korg, and Miek, who rose up to take down the Red King of Sakaar.
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Warbound may have retired after their success, but another tragedy forced them back into space, this time in search of revenge. Their quest eventually led them to Earth, where they clashed with the Illuminati, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four. There's no denying the immense power within this group, even as internal turmoil threatened to tear them apart.
6 Black Order Is a Vicious Group Bound by Thanos
Black Order Appeared In Avengers: Infinity War
- AKA Cull Obsidian
- An elite group gathered by Thanos
- Members have included Corvus Glaive, The Challenger, Black Dwarf, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, Supergiant, and Black Swan
The Black Order is an infamous organization within Marvel Comics—so infamous that it even made its way into the MCU duringAvengers: Infinity War. They're a dangerous, bloodthirsty team gathered by the Mad Titan, Thanos. The team has proven itself to be quite dangerous, both in the comics and in the movies, tackling some of the most iconic heroes of the Marvel Universe.
On the surface,the Black Order appears to have only one concern—tracking down the Infinity Stones. While this is true, it’s far from their only goal. They have also been shown to follow Thanos' varying orders, including a quest for his absent son, Thane. To make matters worse, the group is not above forging dangerous alliances if it brings them closer to their objectives.
5 Infinity Watch Are the Guardians of the Infinity Gems
Characters Like Star-Lord and Phil Coulson Have Been Members of Infinity Watch
- Their sworn duty is to watch over the Infinity Stones
- It has gone through several iterations since its introduction
- Members have included Phil Coulson, Adam Warlock, Captain Marvel, Pip the Troll, and Star-Lord
The powers that be have long understood both the potential and the threat of the Infinity Stones. While some have coveted their power, the members of the Infinity Watch have largely focused on protecting the universe from their dangers. Following Thanos' defeat, the Living Tribunal ordered that the Infinity Stones be separated and dispersed.
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Following these orders, the Infinity Stones were passed to six powerful beings: Adam Warlock, Gamora, Pip the Troll, Drax the Destroyer, Moondragon, and Thanos. The latter would have been a surprise to all had it not been kept a secret. Given the Infinity Stones' history, it is understandable thatthey passed hands from time to time. While the Infinity Watch may not present as a standard team, there's no denying their quiet but powerful effect on the universe.
4 Annihilators Are a Team of Intergalactic Heroes Protecting the Universe
Silver Surfer Has Been a Member of the Annihilators
- A powerful cosmic team that only assembles when needed
- Gathered by the hero, Cosmos
- Team members have included Quasar, Beta Ray Bill, Gladiator, and Ikon
There's no denying the power of the Annihilators; they're a cosmic-level team that only assembles when the stakes are high. They first came together when King Blastaar began expanding his territory, leaving destruction in his wake. When he set his sights on Attilan, the Annihilators intervened and stopped him.
Admittedly, the first team to make up the Annihilators was full of surprises. Quasar, Beta Ray Bill, and the Silver Surfer are all obvious choices for protecting the galaxy, but the next addition was a surprise:Ronan of the Kree. The Gladiator of the Shi'ar Empire came next. However, their forces helped to round out the team, providing allies and numbers. Since then,the Annihilators have only assembled as needed, which is a good call, considering the disputes that would likely surface if this group was forced to work together for too long.
3 Nova Corps Includes Hundreds of Soldiers
Xandar's Space Militia Turned Out Much Bigger Than Anticipated
- Was originally the space militia for the planet Xandar
- 500 soldiers, including Centurion Nova Prime
- Expanded to protect more of the galaxy
Fans of theGuardians of the Galaxy movie mayrecognize the Nova Corps.The Nova Corps was initially meant to be Xandar's space militia, and this held true in the movies, with much of the force falling to protect the planet. In the comics, the Nova Corps had time to grow and change, eventually taking over and protecting a much larger space sector. They essentially became Marvel's response to the Green Lantern Corps.
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The Nova Corps is powered by Xandar's Worldmind, granting it access to immense energy. As a result, its members use energy manipulation to help maintain peace. The Nova Corps has had its share of ups and downs, at one point, it boasted 500 operatives, including the Centurion Prime leader. Later, it dwindled to just one member before rebuilding once again.
2 Guardians of the Galaxy Are an Unlikely Group of Outlaws Turned Heroes
Thanks to the MCU, Guardians of the Galaxy Is Marvel's Most Famous Cosmic Team
- Intergalactic outlaws turned heroes
- AKA All-New Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of Infinity, and Guardians of Knowhere
- Members have included Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Gamora, Drax, Mantis, and Quasar
The Guardians of the Galaxy are an unlikely band of heroes who have made a lasting impact on both the comics and the MCU. Frequently led by Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, they have found themselves at the center of more than one galaxy-saving mission. As a result, they’ve earned a reputation for their abilities, resourcefulness, and determination.
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The team’s lineup has changed over the years. While the iconic roster seen in the MCU is one well-known version, it’s far from the only one.Several heroes have joined and left the Guardians of the Galaxy's ranks, including Captain Marvel, Quasar, Hercules, Cosmo, Ant-Man, The Thing, and Kitty Pryde. The Guardians of the Galaxy have been present for many major Marvel moments and lived to tell the tale.
1 The Heralds of Galactus Are Servants of the Devourer of Worlds
The Heralds Search for Planets That Galactus Can Consume
- First appeared inFantastic Four #48 (1965)
- Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
- They power some of the Power Cosmic of Galactus
Galactus is one of themost powerful cosmic threats in the Marvel Universe. Also known as the Devourer of Worlds, he has made multiple attempts on Earth, forcing heroes to rise and save the day. While it may be natural to assume that those who serve Galactus are villains, that isn't entirely accurate. The Heralds of Galactus are tasked with finding planets for him to consume, making their role both immense and morally complex.
Likewise, the Heralds wield an incredible amount of power.The most famous Herald of Galactus is the Silver Surfer, though many others have taken on the role. Other Heralds include the Air-Walker, Alpha Ray, Frankie Raye (Nova), and even Thor. Each is granted a portion of Galactus' cosmic power, which more than most beings could ever dream of containing.
