Club Benefits
Every Marvel Studios project adds a unique piece to an ever-expanding puzzle. Threads from a blockbuster film might weave into a Disney+ series, eventually pulling disparate heroes together when a threat becomes too big for one person to handle. Usually, this gives us epic crossovers like "The Avengers" or "Captain America: Civil War."
But something interesting is brewing in the shadows. While the Fantastic Four and the Thunderbolts save the world in the limelight, a different kind of team has been quietly assembling. No, not the Young Avengers — we’re talking about the Great Lakes Avengers (GLA), an obscure group from the depths of the House of Ideas that skyrocketed to cult status thanks to the incomparable Squirrel Girl.
Great Lakes Avengers, misassembled
The Great Lakes Avengers first appeared in 1989’s "West Coast Avengers #46, "the brainchild of legendary creator John Byrne. The roster — Big Bertha, Dinah Soar, Doorman, Flatman, and Mr. Immortal — landed on Hawkeye’s radar for "impersonating" the Avengers in Wisconsin. Instead of a cease-and-desist, however, the archer found a group of earnest (if eccentric) heroes and gave them his official endorsement.
Over the years, the team cycled through names like the Great Lakes X-Men, the Lightning Rods and even the Great Lakes Champions. Regardless of the branding, they remained the ultimate punchline. Their 2005 miniseries even parodied the "grimdark" era of comics by killing off a "member" in every issue—a running gag that played fast and loose with the definition of the word.
The team’s tongue-in-cheek nature eventually drew in Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl. Armed with the powers of both squirrel and girl, her real strength lies in her resourcefulness and empathy. Alongside Mr. Immortal’s "island of misfit toys," she turned the GLA into a cult favorite, spawning acclaimed comic runs, action figures, and animated appearances.
Into the Multiverse
Surprisingly, Squirrel Girl wasn’t the first GLA member to hit the live-action MCU. She almost was; Milana Vayntrub played her in a "New Warriors" pilot for Freeform that reportedly tested through the roof but was never picked up.
Instead, the honor went to Mr. Immortal, aka Craig Hollis, in "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law." Played by David Pasquesi, this version was less "hero" and more "legal headache." A serial groom who used his resurrection powers to "fake" his death rather than deal with a breakup, he remains one of Jen Walters’ most chaotic clients.
Now, thanks to "Wonder Man," a second founding member has arrived: DeMarr “Doorman” Davis (Byron Bowers). We learn that Davis gained the ability to create portals with his body after a run-in with mysterious dumpster ooze. After an accidental mishap involving actor Josh Gad, the "Doorman Clause" was enacted, effectively banning superpowered individuals from the Hollywood workforce.
The Great (Lakes) beyond
With two founders on the board, are the rest far behind? Currently, Doorman is in the custody of Damage Control, but in the MCU, those cells have a bit of a revolving door.
As for the rest of the squad, there are several natural entry points:
The Street-Level Connection: In the comics, Squirrel Girl serves as a nanny for Luke Cage and Jessica Jones’ daughter. With the Defenders returning in "Daredevil: Born Again," this could be the perfect "in" for Doreen Green.
Comedy Continuations: Characters like Big Bertha (a size-shifting supermodel) and Flatman (exactly what it sounds like) belong in the MCU’s comedic corner. A second season of "She-Hulk" or "Wonder Man" — or even a "Deadpool" cameo — would be the ideal fit for their meta-humor.
Whether they get a special presentation or continue to pop up in supporting roles, the GLA represents the wonderful weirdness of the Marvel Universe. Until they officially assemble, you can find their misadventures on Marvel Unlimited or at your local comic shop.
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