The Avengers are a team of fictional superheroes and the protagonists of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise, based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963. Founded by S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury, the team is a United States-based organization composed primarily of superpowered and gifted individuals, described as "Earth's Mightiest Heroes", who are committed to the world's protection from a variety of threats. Tony Stark aka Iron Man, Steve Rogers aka Captain America, Thor, Bruce Banner aka Hulk, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, and Clint Barton aka Hawkeye and Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier