Character details are starting to emerge for Joss Wheadon’s  new live-action Avengers spin-off series based on Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. The ABC series will follow the adventures of dedicated S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and marks Joss Whedon’s return to the small screen following in the footsteps of Buffy, Angel and Firefly. Check out the initial character profiles below, with more likely on the way soon.

Skye – This late-20s woman sounds like a dream: fun, smart, caring and confident – with an ability to get the upper hand by using her wit and charm.

Agent Grant Ward -  Quite the physical specimen and “cool under fire,” he sometimes botches interpersonal relations. He’s a quiet one with a bit of a temper, but he’s the kind of guy that grows on you.

Agent Althea Rice -  Also known as “The Cavalry,” this hard-core soldier has crazy skills when it comes to weapons and being a pilot. But her experiences have left her very quiet and a little damaged.

Agent Leo Fitz and Agent Jemma Simmons – These two came through training together and still choose to spend most of their time in each other’s company. Their sibling-like relationship is reinforced by their shared nerd tendencies – she deals with biology and chemistry, he’s a whiz at the technical side of weaponry.

The first episode is due to premiere next year in 2013