The Guardians of the Galaxy and the Avengers are similar in multiple ways but very different. Both are “heroes,” all with diverse backgrounds that make them unique. However, they have very different motivations from each other.

The Avengers are based on Earth and often travel all over the globe to save people from various dangers. Their motivation primary lies in the desire to do good, to save people, to do what’s right and bring justice. The majority of the time, they deal with humans, but there are exceptions especially in if Thor is involved. The team itself is made up of a diverse set of people: two spies, a soldier, a billionaire, a scientist, a god, an AI, a mutant.

The Guardians of the Galaxy are far from Earth and don’t stay on just one planet. They’re all criminals, having met in a high security “space prison.” The galaxy isn’t saved for the greater good but because they have to live in it. Often, beings who are non-human are encountered.

It’s difficult for me to see who would be the better choice. Both are clever. Both care about the cause in some fashion. If forced to choose, I’d have to go with the Avengers. While they’re my favorite, it’s for good reasons. The make-up of the team (its diversity) makes them able to connect with people and being human, not just heroes, is the biggest one. Others would include their ability to go against a variety of foes (Ultron, Loki, Malekith, etc.), their skill sets – none of them are too similar to the others – and their sincerity in concern for others (friends, strangers or some combination thereof – depending on the character).