Late-night TV stars are often called "comedy heroes" by their adoring fans. But for a select view, they've entered the world of superheroes thanks to cameos in Avengers comics.
Some late-night hosts may fancy themselves heroes for the way they take on the villains of the day, throwing punchlines instead of punches. However, most would agree that they're just trying to lighten the mood rather than save the day.
The rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought countless stars to late-night TV to discuss their superhero roles. Yet the connection between late-night TV and the Avengers goes beyond just the screen.
These three late-night TV cameos prove Marvel's sense of humor isn't just limited to a few quippy big-screen heroes in spandex and CGI.
Jay Leno meets Spider-Man
Jay Leno was a late-night TV fixture for decades (and maybe a littler longer than necessary). He also found himself a fixture in Spider-Man comics beginning in 1990.
Following that initial cameo, Leno appeared in Daredevil, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor titles. His last appearance came in a 2002 Spider-Man as part of a star-studded celebrity auction that goes sideways.
David Letterman chats with the Avengers
Not to be outdone by his rival, David Letterman also appeared in Marvel comics. The late-night TV legend's big chance came when he interviewed the Avengers.
Letterman makes the cover of 1983's Avengers Vol 1 239, Late Night of the Super-Stars. Wonder Man asks his fellow Avengers to help boost his acting career by appearing on Letterman's show. So Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Black Panther, Beast, and Black Widow all sit down for Late Night.
The villan Fabian Stankowicz attacks the studio and tries to take over the show. But it's actually Letterman who delivers a key blow to Stankowicz and allows the Avengers to save the day.
Stephen Colbert swings with Spider-Man
Stephen Colbert may have Captain America's shield hanging up in his studio, but his comic book teamup came with another Avenger.
The Colbert of Marvel's comics actually ran for president in 2006. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #15 imagines what would happen if Colbert made a third-party bid for the White House.
The issue sees Colbert assisting Spider-Man in a battle against the villian Grizzly. The bear-themed baddie is eventually defeated. And the same goes for candidate Colbert, who loses the electoral college vote to Barack Obama.
Jimmy Kimmel's comic dreams come true
Jimmy Kimmel is the biggest comic book fan among the late-night TV hosts. Rarely does the comedian try to hold back his inner nerd while interviewing stars from the biggest Marvel movies.
So it must have been quite the thrill when Kimmel made it to the pages of Marvel comics himself. He appeared in West Coast Avengers (Vol. 3) #4 in 2018.
Kimmel interviews the West Coast Avengers on his show for the issue. The team consisted of Fuse (Johnny Watts), Kid Omega (Quentin Quire), Ms. America (America Chavez), Hawkeye (Clint Barton), and Gwenpool (Gwen Poole).
Johnny Carson is late-night's comic king
Perhaps it's fitting that no one else on this list has as many comic book appearances as Johnny Carson. The original late-night TV king has popped up in 14 issues of Marvel comics.
Carson's first appearance came in a 1967 issue of Spider-Man. He also can be found in issues centered on the Avengers, Defenders, and Silver Surfer.
Carson's last Marvel comic appearance came in 1999. You can catch him in Wonder Man's dream.