They are Earth’s mightiest heroes. So why do they give anyone with a pulse a membership card?
Mantis
The 1970s were a time of massive drug consumption and general weirdness at the hands of comic book creators. Hence, Mantis who started out as a truly interesting character only for things to get strange in a hurry. Strange, as in it turned out that Mantis was the "Celestial Madonna" and eventually leaves Earth and the Avengers to "mate" with an alien who had taken the form of her dead love the Swordsman.
No, it doesn't make sense.
Mantis has since been rebooted in Guardians of the Galaxy and no longer comes off as a complete loon.
Via marvel.com
Stingray
So we have a cool character with a great name and a badass costume. Now, what we are going to do with that character is make him a "reserve" Avenger and have him serve as caretaker of Avengers Island, most likely as a custodian. Is Stingray just an overt dig at Aquaman?
Hmmmmmm.
Via marvel.com
The Forgotten One (aka Gilgamesh)
A Jack Kirby creation, The Forgotten One started as a member of the Eternals only to later join the Avengers under the name "Gilgamesh." With the team already having two fleshed out "god" characters in Thor and Hercules, Gilgamesh's boring demeanor and even lamer costume had trouble standing out.
The "Forgotten One" indeed.
Via comicvine.com
Jack of Hearts
Jack of Hearts had been kicking around the Marvel Universe in his ridiculous costume since 1976 when he finally got the call up to the Big Leagues to the Avengers in 2001. His reward for services rendered included losing control of his powers and eventually committing suicide.
Maybe he should have just remained a bit player.
Via comicvine.com
