The slow, tantalizing buildup to the release of Marvel’s grand unifying theory of superheroes, The Avengers, has been so frustrating to some comic book fans that they’ve produced their own extended trailer.  Fed up with the trickle of teasers and come-hither glances glares from Samuel L. Jackson that have comprised the film’s ad campaign to date, Screen Rant (in conjunction with Synn Studios) created a video that augments the existing trailer with previously seen footage from the super-team’s solo outings.  Check it out below.

It’s a nice reminder to audiences of Marvel’s ability to maintain its signature mix of humor and urgency across several films, and a not-so-nice reminder to Edward Norton of the day he learned that he was being replaced by a Brother Bloom.  Clocking in at two minutes and forty-nine seconds, this unofficial trailer is slightly more robust than the official one, which is two mostly context-free minutes of wanton destruction and people suiting up.

Doubtless, there are some who prefer that Avengers has been unlike other blockbusters that seem too eager and desperate to give it all up at first blush (for shame, The Amazing Spider-Man).  But if you’re one of those folks who wishes Joss Whedon would stop being so coy and just hold eye contact, your long-awaited consummation is close at hand:  The Avengers can be seen in theaters everywhere on May 4, 2012.