Members of Avengers Academy: Giant-Man // Hank Pym

The Avengers have saved the world countless times. But they’ve also saved me. Have I faced hard times as a result of being an Avenger? Definitely. But I’ve also experienced some of the greatest moments of my life. Seen and done things no other scientist can even imagine. I’ve had the privilege of fighting beside some of the greatest heroes—and best friends— the world’s ever seen. And I’ve found happiness. More than I probably deserve. If I’d never become an Avenger, I might have lived in a quiet, contented productive life as a researcher. But it’s just as likely I’d have struggled with the same demons— depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts— and never made it out the other side. And I wouldn’t have had the great honor of teaching you.

Members of Avengers Academy: Striker // Brandon Sharpe

We never should’ve been involved with that Korvac business. I’m not risking my life for crazy people’s drama. But these Nazi Vikings were attacking our capital. Killing civilians. Seeing it… I guess I decided there are some things worth fighting for. 

Members of Avengers Academy: Hawkeye // Clint Barton

I mean, I can’t miss. … I’m on a team with super-humans. And one god, in case you’ve forgotten. Even you…well, you climb walls really well. … I gave up a lot for this life. I could have been happy with Mockingbir— Bobbi. We could have had a good, simple life. But I wanted to play with the big boys. And if I miss, it means I’m just another dude with a bow. It means I’ve been fooling myself this whole time. And that’s why I never miss.

Members of Avengers Academy: Quicksilver // Pietro Maximoff

I’m freaking QUICKSILVER!!! And you can eat my freaking dust! 

Favorite Comic Couples | Hazmat & Mettle

Jenny: So… y’think everyone says we should end up together just ‘cause we can y’know not kill each other? Or do they see something we don’t?
Ken I.. I don’t know.
Jenny: Maybe we should.. I don’t know.. give it a shot? 

Members of Avengers Academy: Veil // Madeline Berry

My old life wasn’t like yours, Jenny. I didn’t have boyfriends. Or any friends. Or much of anything. My dad left when I was two. He’d only visit when the police made him pay his child support. Like he was paying for me, so he might as well see me. My mom popped pills for a back injury that healed years ago. Spent all day watching tv and getting fatter. I cooked. I cleaned. I paid the bills.. some of them. I would’ve gone anywhere to get away from that.

But this.. It might be worse. I killed people. Yeah, they were evil Nazi mech pilots, but I killed them.. and you know what? I still don’t feel bad about it. I don’t feel much of anything at all. The Avengers were my heroes. My ideal. And now I”m finding out they’re every bit as screwed up as me. More, probably. I want to help people. I want to do something good with my life. But I don’t want to destroy myself in the process.

Members of Avengers Academy: Tigra // Greer Nelson

In the Avengers, they train you for everything. How to perform a field tracheotomy. How to resist mind control. How to disarm a bomb. But some things, no one can prepare you for. When you go through something like that …I don’t care who you are. You need help.

And I’m not the kind of person who likes to ask for help. I don’t know many people who are. Especially in my line of work. You don’t want to be that person. You want to be strong. To tough it out. You worry it’ll affect your career. Often with good reason people say you should get help, but if you do, they treat you differently, like damaged goods.

Members of Avengers Academy: Finesse // Jeanne Foucault

It’s a cliche— young people thinking they know everything. Except I do. Almost. I’d solved the mysteries of the electromagnetic spectrum before I bought my first training bra. Mastered robotics by the time I got my learner’s permit. But people.. they’re like the last foreign language I can’t understand.

Members of Avengers Academy: X-23 // Laura Kinney 

“Listen to my voice,” he would say. “You know what to do.” I know what to do. There’s only one thing I know how to do. Fight back.

Members of Avengers Academy: Mettle // Ken Mack

But I can’t give up on on the chance that someday I’ll look in the mirror and recognize myself again. I used to cling to the last good day like it was a life preserver. But every day that passes, it’s more like an anchor. And man, is it dragging me down. 

Members of Avengers Academy: Hazmat // Jennifer Takeda

Like what? When it’s permanent, sign me up. When I can quit all this and go home and things can be like they were. Until then.. I’m not giving anyone the chance to hurt me.

The original Avengers Academy students

Amazing Spider-Man #661