A-Bomb
Abomination
Absorbing Man
Abraxas
Abyss
Abyss is the name of two characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Nils Styger
Abyss is a mutant and the half-brother of
Nightcrawler. He was created by
Scott Lobdell
Scott Lobdell (; born 1960) is an American comic book writer and screenwriter known for his work on numerous X-Men series for Marvel Comics in the 1990s, various work for DC Comics in the 2010s, namely '' Red Hood and the Outlaws, Teen Titans,'' ...
,
Mark Waid
Mark Waid (; born March 21, 1962) is an American comic book writer best known for his work on DC Comics titles ''The Flash'', '' Kingdom Come'' and '' Superman: Birthright'' as well as his work on ''Captain America'', ''Fantastic Four'' and '' Da ...
,
Roger Cruz, and
Steve Epting
Stephen "Steve" Epting is an Americans, American comics artist. He is best known for his work on ''The Avengers (comic book), The Avengers'' and ''Captain America (comic book), Captain America'' for Marvel Comics.
Early life
Epting's influences ...
, and he first appeared in
''Age of Apocalypse: Alpha'', which takes place in an alternate reality.
The ''Age of Apocalypse'' version of the character is a
Horsemen of Apocalypse
The Horsemen of Apocalypse are a team of supervillain characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Led by Apocalypse (character), Apocalypse, they are loosely based on the Biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse fr ...
and a living portal who can send others to another dimension.
Years after the ''Age of Apocalypse'' event ended, the character was introduced in the main
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. This version is Nils Styger, a native of
Genosha
Genosha ( ) is a fictional country appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is an island nation that exists in the Marvel Universe and a prominent location in the X-Men comics. The fictional nation served as an allegory fo ...
who possesses the additional ability to transform parts of his body into elastic tendrils.
Abyss (alien)
Abyss debuted in ''The Avengers'' (vol. 5) #1, and was created by
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', '' The Manhattan Projects'' and '' East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on Marvel's '' Fantastic Fo ...
and
Jerome Opeña. She is an alien who is composed of living gas and can manipulate the minds of others. Abyss comes into conflict with the Avengers before eventually joining them to stop the Incursions and being killed in battle with the
Beyonders.
Abyss in other media
The second incarnation of Abyss appears in ''
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur'', voiced by
Maya Hawke
Maya Ray Thurman Hawke (born July 8, 1998) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She is the daughter of Hollywood actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. She began her career in modeling, and subsequently made her screen debut as Jo March in ...
. This version possesses teleportation capabilities and is the latest in a long line of generational female supervillains. However, she begins to reconsider villainy after encountering
Moon Girl and
Devil Dinosaur and eventually reforms after attending Moon Girl's Good Word Program.
Achebe
Adam
Adam is the first human created by
God
In monotheistic belief systems, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator, and principal object of faith. In polytheistic belief systems, a god is "a spirit or being believed to have created, or for controlling some part of the un ...
. The character is derived from the biblical
Adam
Adam is the name given in Genesis 1–5 to the first human. Adam is the first human-being aware of God, and features as such in various belief systems (including Judaism, Christianity, Gnosticism and Islam).
According to Christianity, Adam ...
. He was a recurring character in
''Ghost Rider'' volume 7 and ''
Man-Thing'' volume 5. The biblical Adam had previously been featured in Marvel's ''Bible Tales for Young Folk'' series in 1953.
When the
Serpent was freed in "
Fear Itself", Adam saw this as a sign and offered to
Johnny Blaze to remove the curse of Ghost Rider off him, instead giving it to one of his students
Alejandra Jones.
Adam X
Adam Warlock
Aegis
Aegis is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Aegis (Lady of All Sorrows)
Aegis, or Lady of All Sorrows, is a primordial being who wields the
Power Cosmic
Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, he is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of the Ea ...
. Aegis was created by writer
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen (November 30, 1952 – October 9, 2023) was an American comics artist and writer. He was known for his work for DC Comics on their ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' and ''Justice League'' titles as well as for being the co-creator of ...
and artist
Andrea Di Vito, and she first appeared in ''
Annihilation: Silver Surfer'' #3, dated August 2006. Aegis is a member of the Proemial Gods who build and maintain the universe. She is the Proemial responsible for eliminating aberrations. After a war among the Proemials, Aegis and Tenerous were captured by Galactus. She and Tenebrous aligned with
Thanos
Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
and Annihilus to fight Galactus and the
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character also appears in a number of movies, television, and video game adaptations. The character was created by Jack Kirby and first a ...
. The two successfully defeated Galactus for Annihilus. Outlasting the events of the Annihilation Wave, Aegis and Tenebrous pondered what to do. Recognizing their threat, the Silver Surfer attacked the two, but was outclassed until he used the energies of the
Crunch, a barrier between the universe and the
Negative Zone, to slay both primordials.
Aegis (Trey Rollins)
Aegis is a superhero created by
Jay Faerber and
Steve Scott who first appeared in ''The New Warriors'' (vol. 2) #0 in June 1999. Trey Rollins was a kid in Brooklyn who found a magic breastplate. He became the superhero Aegis and joined the
New Warriors
The New Warriors are a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They traditionally consisted of teenage and young adult heroes, and were often seen to serve as a junior counterpart to Avengers (comics) ...
. When
Hercules
Hercules (, ) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures.
The Romans adapted the Gr ...
learns that Rollins has the breastplate, he takes Rollins to
Olympus and battles him, accusing him of stealing the breastplate. Rollins earns the right to keep the breastplate, and he learns that it was gift from
Athena
Athena or Athene, often given the epithet Pallas, is an ancient Greek religion, ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, warfare, and handicraft who was later syncretism, syncretized with the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena was regarde ...
.
During the
superhero civil war. an unregistered Aegis is being pursued by
S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives. He is offered sanctuary with X-Factor but declines.
He later complied with the Registration Act.
Aegis was killed during a fight with the
Huntsman when the breastplate fails to protect him after jumping out of a 12-story window. Huntsman was acting on behalf of
Hera
In ancient Greek religion, Hera (; ; in Ionic Greek, Ionic and Homeric Greek) is the goddess of marriage, women, and family, and the protector of women during childbirth. In Greek mythology, she is queen of the twelve Olympians and Mount Oly ...
after Zeus' death.
He later appears in Erebus, a casino where souls try to win a chance at resurrection. He helps Hercules save Zeus from his imprisonment by Hades and accompanies
Amadeus Cho
Amadeus Cho is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by American writer Greg Pak and Canadian artist Takeshi Miyazawa, the character first appeared in '' Amazing Fantasy'' vol. 2 #15 (January 2005). C ...
to the
Elysian Fields.
Aero
Aftershock
Aftershock is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Allison Dillon
In the
MC2 reality, Allison Dillon is the daughter of former supervillain
Max Dillon / Electro. She inherited her father's electric powers, but their different electric auras left them unable to touch the other without harming themselves. Growing up in foster homes, Dillon becomes the supervillain Aftershock. Electro finds his daughter with the help of
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
and
Spider-Girl
Spider-Girl is the code name of several fictional Character (arts), characters in American comic book, comic books published by Marvel Comics. The most prominent version and first to receive an ongoing series is Mayday Parker from the Marvel Co ...
and convinces her to stand down.
Danielle Blunt
In the main Marvel Comics continuity, Aftershock is Danielle Blunt, a young woman empowered and brainwashed by the Superior to become the field leader of the "
Bastards of Evil", believing herself to be Electro's daughter.
[''Young Allies'' (vol. 2) #5] Her position as field leader caused frictions with teammate Singularity, leading to a fight that restored her memories. She was aprenhended and sent to
the Raft by Spider-Girl, who helped her fully regain her identity in a futile attempt to reform her.
Blunt is later freed with the Bastards of Evil in the ''
Fear Itself'' story arc.
Aftershock in other media
A character based on the Allison Dillon incarnation of Aftershock appears in ''
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur'', voiced by
Alison Brie
Alison Brie Schermerhorn (born December 29, 1982) is an American actress, writer, and producer. She earned recognition for playing Trudy Campbell in the drama series ''Mad Men'' (2007–2015), and had her Breakthrough role, breakthrough starring ...
. This version daylights as Ms. Dillon, a school teacher. While not made explicitly clear within the series, show developer
Steve Loter referred to her as Electro's daughter.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Agamemnon is a half-human, half-
Asgardian. He was born immortal, and though he never physically aged beyond the age of 16 (although he employs holograms to appear as an old man), the
Pantheon members are all his descendants. He recruited the Pantheon, stationed in the Nevada desert based headquarters called The Mount.
He first appeared in ''
The Incredible Hulk'' #381 (May 1991). Aside from being immortal, Agamemnon does not appear to have superhuman powers. He is a master in analyzing and forecasting the future development of social structures, as well as a master battle strategist and an excellent hand-to-hand combatant. He also has access to the highly advanced technology produced by the Pantheon scientists and craftsmen. Since the revelation that he is Loki's son, he has also demonstrated knowledge of magic and spell casting. Though he does not appear to have any innate magic ability, he has shown skill in employing magical artifacts and rituals.
Agamotto
Agent
Agent 33
Agent 33 (Kara Lynn Palamas) is a fictional agent in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. The character, created by
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco (born June 26, 1950) is an American comic book writer and editor well known for his association with Marvel Comics, with long runs on ''Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thor (comic book), Thor'', ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' ...
and
Ron Frenz
Ronald Wade "Ron" Frenz (born February 1, 1960) is an American comics artist known for his work for Marvel Comics. He is well known for his 1980s work on ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', particularly introducing the hero's Venom (character), black cos ...
, first appeared in ''Hercules: Heart of Chaos'' #1 (August 1997).
Kara Lynn Palamas was a historian and researcher who held a special interest in classic mythology. When gods and heroes started to appear all over the world, she was sought after by
S.H.I.E.L.D. and was put into training to become a full-fledged agent. Her partner was Alex DePaul, who personally taught her. She was asked to recruit
Hercules
Hercules (, ) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures.
The Romans adapted the Gr ...
when
Ares
Ares (; , ''Árēs'' ) is the List of Greek deities, Greek god of war god, war and courage. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. The Greeks were ambivalent towards him. He embodies the physical valor necessary for ...
began his assault on Earth. Though he initially said no, he changes his mind when his friend, Tharamus, is murdered. Together, Hercules fought Ares while Palamas was forced to fight DePaul who was in league with Ares the whole time.
After S.H.I.E.L.D.'s dissolution, Kara forms a private security group with some S.H.I.E.L.D. veterans.
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
,
Ironheart, and
Melinda May interrogated her on where Stark Industries technology was sent to. They head to Chicago and find that the Stark Industries technology was sold to the Chicago faction of the
Heat
In thermodynamics, heat is energy in transfer between a thermodynamic system and its surroundings by such mechanisms as thermal conduction, electromagnetic radiation, and friction, which are microscopic in nature, involving sub-atomic, ato ...
, which is led by
Lucia von Bardas.
Agent 33 in other media
Kara Palamas appears in ''
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' portrayed by
Maya Stojan. This version is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who was kidnapped and brainwashed by HYDRA leader
Daniel Whitehall. In the episode "
Face My Enemy", she infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. using a phototastic veil to impersonate
Melinda May After fighting the real May, the veil gets fused to her face. Now resembling a scarred May, Palamas continues to work for Whitehall before being freed following his death. Afterward, she works with and falls in love with
Grant Ward until he accidentally kills her.
Agent X
Aginar
Aggamon
Aggamon is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Aggamon is depicted as a
supervillain
A supervillain, supervillainess or supercriminal is a major antagonist and variant of the villainous stock character who possesses Superpower (ability), superpowers. The character type is sometimes found in comic books and is often the primary ...
and minor enemy of
Doctor Strange
Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
who has allied with
Dormammu
Dormammu () is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #126 (November 1964). He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic e ...
and
Clea
Clea is a female given name.
Clea may refer to:
People with the given name
* Clea DuVall (born 1977), actress
* Clea Hoyte (born 1981), West Indies cricketer
* Clea Koff (born 1972), British-born American forensic anthropologist and author
* ...
. He is the ruler of the Purple Dimension, a realm in which he tricks natives of other dimensions into visiting the place and forcing them to become slaves. He first appeared in ''
Strange Tales'' #119 (1964).
For millennia, Aggamon is the cruel ruler of the Purple Dimension. He hears the news of the powerful sorcerer Doctor Strange. Interested in gaining power, he hires thieves to steal Strange's Purple Gem. Tracing the valuable to the dimension, Doctor Strange promises that to regain the gem, he would swear himself to slavery. As soon as he was regiven the possession, he breaks his promise and challenges his enemy to a mystic duel. The battle went on for hours, until, unable to continue without losing his life, Aggamon surrenders. Strange casts a spell over the being that prevents Aggamon's full recovery unless his slaves were freed, and left with the Purple Gem.
Sometime later, Aggamon is one of the many witnesses to a fight between Doctor Strange and the mystical tyrant
Dormammu
Dormammu () is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #126 (November 1964). He is the extra and inter-dimensional demonic e ...
. This taught him respect for other powerful dimensional universes. He has since sold some of his gems throughout the multiverse. It is unknown whether he has given up his slaves to regain his full health or not.
An averagely powerful sorcerer, Aggamon can conjure mental visions, open dimensional portals, and can perform other magical abilities similar to Doctor Strange's but not nearly as powerful. He carries a "Jeweled Demolisher Beam" which projects mystic energy for almost limitless amounts of times. Aggamon also has access to many other mystic objects such as gems and is served by an entire army of underlings.
Priya Aggarwal
Priya Aggarwal is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character, created by
Jeremy Whitley and
Elsa Charretier, first appeared in ''
The Unstoppable Wasp'' vol. 1 #3 (March 2017).
Agon
King Agon is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''Thor'' #148 (January 1968) and was created by
Stan Lee
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book author, writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Comics which later bec ...
and
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby (; born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He grew ...
.
In the context of the stories, Agon was a skilled geneticist who could create powerful serums to bestow
Inhumans
The Inhumans are a superhuman race of super beings appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The comic book series has usually focused more specifically on the adventures of the Inhuman Royal Family, and many people associat ...
with great abilities. One of these chemicals was the
Terrigen Mist
The Inhumans are a superhuman race of super beings appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The comic book series has usually focused more specifically on the adventures of the Inhuman Royal Family, and many people associat ...
, which could strengthen the Inhuman gene magnificently. His wife
Rynda was the first to be tested on, but at the time of the injection she was pregnant. When she gave birth to a son,
Black Bolt, the boy became the most powerful Inhuman known alive. After this result, Agon began to inject all his other known relatives, and each of their offspring grew to have a different ability. Becoming corrupt, some of the Inhuman citizens came to dislike him. Later, about ninety more years into his rule, a war began between the Inhumans and the
Kree
The Kree, briefly known as the Ruul, are an List of fictional extraterrestrials, alien race appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cloud, and have a scientificall ...
. Finally, at the end of the war, the Kree awarded the Inhumans for their brave efforts. This was a trick, and one night, while Agon and Rynda were working in a laboratory, a Kree starship crashed into the building and killed the beings. This immediately granted Black Bolt the role as monarch of the race.
Agon in other media
Agon appear in the ''
Inhumans
The Inhumans are a superhuman race of super beings appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The comic book series has usually focused more specifically on the adventures of the Inhuman Royal Family, and many people associat ...
'' episode "
Behold... The Inhumans", portrayed by Michael Buie. He and his wife Rynda are unintentionally vaporized by
Black Bolt's powerful voice when he quotes "Why"?
Agony
Agony is the name used by a
symbiote in
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The symbiote, created by
David Michelinie
David Michelinie (; born May 6, 1948) is an American comic book writer best known for scripting Marvel Comics' ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' and ''Iron Man'' and the DC Comics feature Superman in ''Action Comics''. Among the characters he created or ...
and
Ron Lim
Ronald Lim (born 1965) is an American comic book artist living in Sacramento, California. He is best known for his work for Marvel Comics on their various "cosmic" titles, most particularly the ''Silver Surfer'' (vol. 3) series.
Biography
Lim' ...
, first appeared in ''
Venom: Lethal Protector'' #4 (May 1993), and was named in ''
Carnage, U.S.A.'' #2 (March 2012). It was created as one of five symbiote "children" forcefully spawned from the
Venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a sti ...
symbiote along with
Riot
A riot or mob violence is a form of civil disorder commonly characterized by a group lashing out in a violent public disturbance against authority, property, or people.
Riots typically involve destruction of property, public or private. The p ...
,
Lasher,
Phage
A bacteriophage (), also known informally as a phage (), is a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. The term is derived . Bacteriophages are composed of proteins that encapsulate a DNA or RNA genome, and may have structures tha ...
, and
Scream. Agony is usually depicted as a purple symbiote that primarily uses hair-like tendrils from its head.
Leslie Gesneria
Agony's first host was Leslie Gesneria, a mercenary hired by
Carlton Drake's
Life Foundation in San Francisco. Gesneria bonded with the Agony symbiote in conjunction with
Scream (Donna Diego), Phage (Carl Mach), Riot (Trevor Cole) and Lasher (Ramon Hernandez), but they were defeated by
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
and Venom.
The symbiote's "siblings" later kidnapped
Eddie Brock in an attempt to communicate with alien symbiotes in Chicago. When Brock refused to aid them Gesneria, Cole, and Mach were killed while the others were misled into believing Brock was picking the group off, unaware that the true killer was the schizophrenic Diego who had snapped from Scream's influence.
James Murphy
Agony's second host was James Murphy, a
Petty Officer
A petty officer (PO) is a non-commissioned officer in many navies. Often they may be superior to a seaman, and subordinate to more senior non-commissioned officers, such as chief petty officers.
Petty officers are usually sailors that have ...
assigned to the Agony symbiote for Mercury Team With
Cletus Kasady
Cletus Cortland Kasady is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer David Michelinie and artist Erik Larsen, the character first appeared in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #344 (March 1991) as the ...
on the loose in Colorado, Murphy trains with Agony for months in specific tasks alongside Phage (Rico Axelson), Lasher (Marcus Simms) and Riot (Howard Odgen), as well as assists Spider-Man,
Scorn and
Flash Thompson
Eugene "Flash" Thompson is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962).
Flash ...
.
Murphy and his teammates are later killed by Carnage in their secret base
and the four symbiotes bond with Mercury Team's
dog
The dog (''Canis familiaris'' or ''Canis lupus familiaris'') is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred from a population of wolves during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. ...
.
Tess
After being possessed by
Knull the four symbiotes possess a bickering family, with Agony taking the mother Tess. The symbiotes head to New York to assist in Carnage's quest
before hunting
Dylan Brock and
Normie Osborn, only to be defeated by the
Maker and separated from their hosts.
Still under Knull's possession, Agony merges with her siblings, but is defeated by
Andi Benton.
Gemma Shin
Agony's fourth host is Gemma Shin, a communications director who is secretly a terrorist. Now led by the
Carnage symbiote, Agony and the other three symbiote enforcers participate in a conspiracy involving the
Friends of Humanity, only to be defeated by Flash Thompson, Silence and
Toxin
A toxin is a naturally occurring poison produced by metabolic activities of living cells or organisms. They occur especially as proteins, often conjugated. The term was first used by organic chemist Ludwig Brieger (1849–1919), derived ...
. While her fellow symbiotes are taken into
Alchemax
Alchemax is a fictional megacorporation appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Originally depicted as a prominent feature of the Marvel 2099 alternate future universe, it has since been introduced into the present day com ...
's custody, Agony manages to escape. Agony subsequently joined Mayor
Wilson Fisk's
Thunderbolts after the outlawing of superhero activities. She assists
Electro,
Rhino
A rhinoceros ( ; ; ; : rhinoceros or rhinoceroses), commonly abbreviated to rhino, is a member of any of the five extant taxon, extant species (or numerous extinct species) of odd-toed ungulates (perissodactyls) in the family (biology), famil ...
, and
U.S. Agent in taking down
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, the character first appeared in ''Werewolf by Night'' #32 (August 1975).
The son of a rabbi, Marc S ...
.
Navaan Tadjvar
During the "
Venom War" storyline,
Wild Pack member Navaan Tadjvar helps battle the Zombiotes, and is possessed by the Agony symbiote after using the Lethal Protector armband. After Navaan is bitten by a Zombiote, Agony leaves him and he subsequently explodes due to the Lethal Protector's
kill switch.
[''Venom War: Lethal Protectors'' #1]
Silver Sable
During the "
Venom War" storyline, the Agony symbiote possessed Silver Sable following Navaan Tadjvar's death.
Agony in other media
* The Agony symbiote appears in ''
Venom: The Last Dance'', portrayed by
Juno Temple.
This version is shown to possess super-speed and electrokinesis, and bonds with
Teddy Paine.
* Teddy Paine / Agony appears as a playable skin in ''
Fortnite''.
Ahab
Ahab is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
.
Dr. Rory Campbell was a psychologist who had previously met the scientist
Moira MacTaggart. He accepted a position as Moira's assistant at
Muir Island, at the same time that the mutant hero team
Excalibur
Excalibur is the mythical sword of King Arthur that may possess magical powers or be associated with the rightful sovereignty of Britain. Its first reliably datable appearance is found in Geoffrey of Monmouth's ''Historia Regum Britanniae''. E ...
became stationed there. Campbell attempted to reach the island during a storm that was exacerbated by an attack by
Siena Blaze and nearly died; however, he was rescued and brought ashore by team member Phoenix.
While working at Muir Island, Campbell discovered the existence of a future timeline where he became the mutant hunting Ahab, creating and leading hordes of mutant trackers called
Hounds. Campbell became determined to prevent that future from ever happening.
Excalibur had captured the villain Spoor, one of
Magneto
A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
's Acolytes, and Campbell built a special room to perform therapy on Spoor, who had the power to control another's mood. The room had built-in lasers to react to any hostile behavior and Campbell used mood stabilizers while talking to Spoor so as to inhibit his mutant power. Nevertheless, Spoor eventually provoked Campbell into attacking him. As a result, the room's weapons fired at the scientist, costing him a leg.
Campbell continued to fear his perceived "destiny" of becoming Ahab occurring. He left Excalibur to work with Alistair Stuart at the department as a mutant liaison officer. Rory hoped the benign position helping mutants would prevent him from being harmed by mutants in a way that would trigger his alternate future self's rabid anti-mutant hatred.
Later, he traded secrets of McTaggert's research into the deadly
Legacy Virus to
Sebastian Shaw of the
Hellfire Club
Hellfire Club was a term used to describe several exclusive Club (organization), clubs for high-society Rake (character), rakes established in Great Britain and Ireland in the 18th Century. The name most commonly refers to Francis Dashwood, 11t ...
, claiming that he hoped that Shaw's greater resources would find a cure, but also receiving a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg in the bargain.
Soon afterwards Campbell was captured by the villain
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
and transformed into the
Horseman called
Famine
A famine is a widespread scarcity of food caused by several possible factors, including, but not limited to war, natural disasters, crop failure, widespread poverty, an Financial crisis, economic catastrophe or government policies. This phenom ...
, utilizing life-draining technology. In this capacity, he fought the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
but managed to escape before Apocalypse was defeated.
"Days of Future Past" version
On
Earth-811, Ahab became the leader of the government-sanctioned Hound program, commissioned to track down and capture mutants for internment. In this reality,
Rachel Summers
Rachel Anne Summers is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-plotter John Byrne (comics), John Byrne.
In her first appearance, the cha ...
was Ahab's pinnacle of Hound creation, although Rachel subsequently escaped into the current timeline, horribly mutilating Ahab by throwing him into one of his machines. For a while, Ahab was a paraplegic in a floating chair, but later he was given bionic body parts. Ahab, now more cyborg then ever, tried to hunt Rachel down through the time-wandering spirit of the alternate future's
Franklin Richards, at one point creating Hounds out of
Scott Summers and
Sue Storm. Ahab was defeated by the actions of the
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
and the combined X-teams.
Years later, Rachel finally defeated Ahab with the help of her Excalibur teammates and reprogrammed the
Master Mold of the future, causing the
Sentinels to preserve all life (even Ahab's).
Unidentified reality version
Ahab was forced to stay in an unidentified reality and time, and took control of Prestige.
He travelled to
Transia, but was attacked and wounded badly, needing help from their government. When
X-Force
X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #100 (April 1991 ...
arrived they saw him and immediately engaged. After the battle was over, they found his head and body separated from each other and that he was dead.
Ahab in other media
Roderick Campbell appears in ''
The Gifted'', portrayed by
Garret Dillahunt.
This version is a human scientist working for
Trask Industries' "Hounds" program and an advisor to Sentinel Services who is later killed by
Polaris
Polaris is a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor. It is designated α Ursae Minoris (Latinisation of names, Latinized to ''Alpha Ursae Minoris'') and is commonly called the North Star or Pole Star. With an ...
.
Ai Apaec
Ai Apaec is a
supervillain
A supervillain, supervillainess or supercriminal is a major antagonist and variant of the villainous stock character who possesses Superpower (ability), superpowers. The character type is sometimes found in comic books and is often the primary ...
based on the
chief deity of
Moche culture
The Moche civilization (; alternatively, the Moche culture or the Early, Pre- or Proto-Chimú culture, Chimú) flourished in northern Peru with its capital near present-day Moche, Trujillo, Peru from about 100 to 800 AD during the Cultural peri ...
.
AIDA
AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Analyser) is a fictional computer system in comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character, created by
Mark Gruenwald
Mark Eugene Gruenwald ( ; June 18, 1953 – August 12, 1996) was an American comic book writer, editor, and occasional penciler known for his long association with Marvel Comics.
Career
Early career
Gruenwald got his start in comics f ...
and
Bob Hall, first appeared in ''
Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previous ...
'' #1 (September 1985).
Created by
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb is a character of English folklore. ''The History of Tom Thumb'' was published in 1621 and was the first known fairy tale printed in English. Tom is no bigger than his father's thumb, and his adventures include being swallowed by a cow, ...
, AIDA was a computer imbued with artificial intelligence. Thumb gave it a female personality and would often flirt with his creation. AIDA was also the only person who knew of Tom's cancer diagnosis.
AIDA eventually tells
Ape X, but Tom has resigned himself to his fate.
AIDA and Ape X try to create a robot duplicate of her creator but this endeavor is abandoned. When Moonglow infiltrates the Squadron, AIDA alerts Ape X, but the mental programming of the Squadron's brainwashing technique causes Ape X to suffer an aneurism, much to AIDA's confusion, since the artificial intelligence lacks the knowledge to understand her mistake.
Viper
Vipers are snakes in the family Viperidae, found in most parts of the world, except for Antarctica, Australia, Hawaii, Madagascar, New Zealand, Ireland, and various other isolated islands. They are venomous and have long (relative to non-vipe ...
's real name from the new
Ultimate Universe
The Ultimate Universe is an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2023; the imprint is overseen by writer Jonathan Hickman. It reimagines several classic Marvel characters in a new fictional continuity, after Hickman and ...
(Earth-6160) was revealed to be Aida in the character design cover for ''Ultimate X-Men'' (vol. 2) #9. She is the leader of several territories in Japan and a member of the
Maker's
Council
A council is a group of people who come together to consult, deliberate, or make decisions. A council may function as a legislature, especially at a town, city or county/shire level, but most legislative bodies at the state/provincial or natio ...
.
AIDA in other media
AIDA appears in ''
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'', voiced by Amanda Rea in the
third season, and portrayed by
Mallory Jansen
Mallory Jansen (born ) is an Australian actress and model. She is best known for playing Aida / Ophelia / Madame Hydra in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) television series '' Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Early life
Jansen was born in Australia ...
in the
fourth season. This version is
Holden Radcliffe's A.I. assistant whose name is an acronym for Artificial Intelligent Digital Assistant, and is later converted into a
Life Model Decoy
A Life Model Decoy (frequently known by the abbreviation LMD) is a fictional android appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. LMDs duplicate all outward aspects of a real living person with such authenticity that they can eas ...
(LMD) based on
Agnes Kitsworth. While helping
S.H.I.E.L.D. fight
Eli Morrow, AIDA uses information from the ''
Darkhold'' to betray Radcliffe and utilize a virtual reality world called the Framework to better experience human emotions and enact Project: Looking Glass to help her exist in the real world. In pursuit of her goals, she assumes the alias of
Ophelia / Madame Hydra and pursues a relationship with
Leo Fitz's Framework counterpart, the "Doctor". Successfully enacting the project, AIDA grants herself various powers, such as imperviousness to conventional forms of harm, and kidnaps Fitz. Taking advantage of her experiencing human emotions, Fitz convinces AIDA to rescue the former's teammates, though they are captured by
Jemma Simmons. Learning Fitz loves Simmons instead of her, AIDA escapes and joins forces with
Anton Ivanov in the hopes of making S.H.I.E.L.D. suffer for the pain they caused her. While attempting to retrieve the ''Darkhold'', she is attacked by
Robbie Reyes, who injures her with his supernatural powers. S.H.I.E.L.D. agent
Phil Coulson
Agent Phillip J. "Phil" Coulson ( ) is a fictional character portrayed and voiced by Clark Gregg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) media franchise. Coulson is depicted as a high-ranking member of the espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. and longt ...
later borrows Reyes' powers to kill AIDA.
Aireo
Aireo, also known as Skybreaker, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Aireo is an
Inhuman who can manipulate air.
Airstrike
Air-Walker
Ajak
Ajax
Ajax is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Ajax the Greater
Ajax the Lesser
Francis Freeman
Pantheon version
Ajax first appeared in ''
The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #379 (March 1991), and was created by writer
Peter David and artist
Dale Keown.
Ajax is a member of the
Pantheon and descendant of
Agamemnon
In Greek mythology, Agamemnon (; ''Agamémnōn'') was a king of Mycenae who commanded the Achaeans (Homer), Achaeans during the Trojan War. He was the son (or grandson) of King Atreus and Queen Aerope, the brother of Menelaus, the husband of C ...
, along with Achilles, Atalanta, Cassiopeia, Delphi, Hector, Paris, Perseus, Prometheus, and Ulysses. They battle the Hulk before eventually befriending him, considering him an honorary member of the group.
Similar to the Hulk, Ajax possesses immense strength that increases with his level of rage. However, he is so large that he cannot move quickly without a special
exoskeleton
An exoskeleton () . is a skeleton that is on the exterior of an animal in the form of hardened integument, which both supports the body's shape and protects the internal organs, in contrast to an internal endoskeleton (e.g. human skeleton, that ...
battle-suit.
Albert
Albert is a character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character is usually depicted as an ally of
Wolverine
The wolverine ( , ; ''Gulo gulo''), also called the carcajou or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species, member of the family Mustelidae. It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The w ...
and is a
sapient automaton or android. Albert, created by
Larry Hama
Larry Hama (; born June 7, 1949) is an People of the United States, American comic-book writer, artist, actor, and musician who has worked in the fields of entertainment and publishing since the 1960s.
During the 1970s, he was seen in minor roles ...
and
Marc Silvestri
Marc Silvestri (born March 29, 1958) is an American comic book artist, creator and publisher. He is CEO of Top Cow Productions and Image Comics.
Early life
Marc Silvestri was born on March 29, 1958, in Palm Beach, Florida.Rosenberg, Aaron (M ...
, first appeared in ''Wolverine'' (vol. 2) #37 (suspended in a tank of liquid) and officially appeared in ''Wolverine'' (vol. 2) #38.
Albert is a robot double of Wolverine who was created along with his counterpart
Elsie-Dee by
Donald Pierce. These androids were designed to kill Wolverine. The double was to trap the real Wolverine in a burning building, upon which Elsie-Dee would detonate with sufficient force to kill. Initially, Albert had a primitive artificial brain with limited higher logic functions and no emotions, and he was not referred to with a name but as "Dummy".
Pierce's plan to kill Wolverine failed when the
Reaver Bonebreaker accidentally gave Elsie-Dee enhanced artificial intelligence. As a result, she defused the detonation sequence and enhanced the primitive intelligence of her counterpart. It was at this point that Elsie-Dee named him as Albert, after
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein (14 March 187918 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Einstein also made important contributions to quantum mechanics. His mass–energy equivalence f ...
. Having met Wolverine, Albert and Elsie-Dee decided the mutant was a noble person and abandoned their mission.
While Elsie-Dee saved Wolverine while they were in a burning building, Albert raided an electronic store and hacked into
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...
's supercomputers to find a way to crack Pierce's programming. After crunching the numbers and sending them to Elsie-Dee, Albert was shot by the police.
Albert rebuilt himself in the police evidence locker, and stole a stealth bomber before linking up with Elsie-Dee.
The two robots risked their artificial lives several times for each other and for Wolverine. At some point, they traveled in time and had several adventures, even teaming up with
Bloodscream, an old enemy of Wolverine, while Albert gained a leadership role with a local Indian tribe.
After Wolverine's body disappeared from his tomb, Albert was mentioned in
Daredevil's discussion with Nur as one of the Wolverines that they are not looking for.
Albert was in
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is a Provinces and territories of Canada, province in Western Canada. It is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, to the northeast by Nunavut, and to the south by the ...
and massacred the forest rangers at an outpost in at Meadowlake Provincial Park. When Daredevil,
Misty Knight
Mercedes "Misty" Knight is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jenny Blake Isabella and Arvell Jones, the character was first mentioned in '' Marvel Premiere'' #20 (January 1975) and first appear ...
, Nur and
Cypher arrived to investigate the sighting, Cypher was attacked by Albert.
Daredevil confronted the killer, discovering that it is Albert rather than Wolverine as Nur works to heal Cypher. The group deactivated Albert, leaving an anonymous tip for the Canadian authorities on where to find him.
During the "
Iron Man 2020" storyline, Albert appears as a member of the
A.I. Army. He later divers from the A.I. Army's goals and heads to
Madripoor to look for Elsie-Dee. He was directed to Donald Pierce's company Reavers Universal Robotics. After Albert subduing the Reavers, Donald tells Albert he sold Elsie-Dee's parts. After getting them back, Albert puts Elsie-Dee back together – however, the Reavers, Kimura, the Jade Dragon Triad, and the Vladivostok Mafia take action against Albert vowing that he will never make it out of Madripoor alive.
The pair evade their enemies and make it out of Madripoor by plane, in a disguised box bound for Macao. Elsie-Dee stated to Albert that they would get him upgraded.
Albert and Elsie-Dee are among those assisting in the fight against the Extinction Entity. It would later be revealed that this was a simulation as Tony Stark has discovered that
Arno Stark's terminal congenital disease that caused Arno to have a delusion about the Extinction Entity and had placed Arno in the Virtual Armor.
Albert is superhumanly strong, could interface directly with computers, and had an intellect greater than his designer Donald Pierce. Albert had three retractable claws on each hand, just as Wolverine (but not
adamantium
Adamantium is a fictional metal alloy, most famously appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is best known as the substance bonded to the character Wolverine's skeleton and claws.
First mention in Marvel comics
It was ...
). Albert not only had technological knowledge centuries beyond conventional science (which he was capable of making significant progress in), but also perfect photographic recall and detailed knowledge of even the most obscure facets of history. Albert reinforced his construction with bulletproof armor. Although Albert was initially designed to fight Wolverine, he has limited fighting skills.
Albert in other media
Albert appears in ''
Wolverine: Adamantium Rage''.
Albion
Albion is a fiction comic book superhero who appears in comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. His civilian identity is Peter Hunter.
In 1914, Peter Hunter's life changed when the mystical
Green Knight bestowed him the Pendragon spirit-power once belonging to
Herne the Hunter and
Merlin
The Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) is an interferometer array of radio telescopes spread across England. The array is run from Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire by the University of Manchester on behalf of UK Re ...
, becoming the British hero, Albion. During World War I, he became a great hero for the British nation. However, after the war his powers faded and Hunter became a history teacher.
Decades later his student Cam McClellan was possessed by the Pendragon power. Unable to control it, Cam became prey to the Green Knight's enemies, the Bane. Hunter and fellow Pendragons Ben Gallagher,
Union Jack
The Union Jack or Union Flag is the ''de facto'' national flag of the United Kingdom. The Union Jack was also used as the official flag of several British colonies and dominions before they adopted their own national flags.
It is sometimes a ...
, Kate McClellan, went to
Joselito,
Spain
Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...
, where they encountered the Bane's pawn, Francesca Grace. Hunter convinced Cam to return the Pendragon power to him, allowing him to become Albion once again.
Taking an extended leave of absence from school, Albion became a leader of the new Knights of Pendragon, and investigated the return of the Bane's leader, the Red Lord. Captured and killed by Grace, Albion was resurrected by the Green Knight to take part in the final defense of the
Green Chapel in the realm of
Avalon. Victorious, the Knights used the chapel as their base for months. Albion officially became the group's leader, overseeing battles against
Mys-Tech, Magpie,
Baron Blood
Baron Blood is the name of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first incarnation of Baron Blood, John Falsworth, first appeared in ''The Invaders (comics), The Invaders'' #7 (July 1976), who has ...
, and
Shadow King
The Shadow King (Amahl Farouk) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, primarily as an enemy of the X-Men. His nemesis is the X-Men's leader, Professor X, while he also figures into the backstory of the X-M ...
, and began romancing his former enemy turned teammate, Grace.
He was later recruited into the Time Guardian's Dark Guard along with
Dark Angel,
Motormouth,
Killpower and
Death's Head and charged with protecting the galaxy from Mys-Tech, Albion and his allies defeated the evil Collapsar, who threatened the balance of power on the planet Eopia.
Along with the other Knights of Pendragon, Albion participated in the
Battle of London Bridge, preventing Mys-Tech from sacrificing the entire population to
Mephisto.
Hunter later retired to
Avalon, where he became addicted to watching ''
MasterChef
''MasterChef'' is a competitive cooking show television format created by Franc Roddam, which originated with MasterChef (British TV series), the British version in July 1990. The show aims to discover the culinary talent of chefs of varying sk ...
''. The return of Mys-Tech galvanised him to return to action
but he was captured by their Psycho-Wraiths
and used to open a gate to Mephisto's dimension. He joined a large number of British heroes in turning back the invasion before returning to Avalon.
Hunter has magically enhanced strength, agility, durability, and the ability to fly at speeds reaching Mach 2, he can sense the presence of the villain Bane, and discharge magic flame from his hands. He is well versed in the use of the Arthurian
Tarot
Tarot (, first known as ''trionfi (cards), trionfi'' and later as ''tarocchi'' or ''tarocks'') is a set of playing cards used in tarot games and in fortune-telling or divination. From at least the mid-15th century, the tarot was used to play t ...
, utilizing it to divine future events. Albion's armor provides protection from both physical and mystic harm, as well as amplifying his senses. The suit is bonded to him and cannot be removed unless he wills it. For a time, the Pendragons used mystically powered bikes to teleport to and from Avalon.
Other versions of Albion
The Earth-9106 version of Peter Hunter is Officer Saxon, a
Captain Britain Corps member.
Alchemy
Alchemy (Thomas Jones) is a character appearing in comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. A British
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
, Alchemy was created by British comic book fan Paul Betsow, was the winning entry of a contest held by Marvel Comics for the best fan-created character. Marvel planned to publish the winning creation in an issue of ''
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teenaged junior class at the Xavier Institute, sub ...
''; however, Alchemy eventually first appeared in ''
X-Factor
''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for '' Pop Idol'' (2001–200 ...
'' #41 instead.
Thomas 'Jellybeans' Jones was a teenager when his mutant powers first manifested. With little control over his powers, Thomas could turn objects he touched into gold. This drew the attention of the Troll Associates, a group of
troll
A troll is a being in Nordic folklore, including Norse mythology. In Old Norse sources, beings described as trolls dwell in isolated areas of rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human bei ...
s. Centuries ago, trolls had been driven underground by humanity, but the Troll Associates wanted to reclaim the British Isles for their kind. The Troll Associates kidnapped Thomas and told him to create an abundance of gold to collapse the British economy, but Thomas refused to comply.
Meanwhile, Thomas' mother had witnessed her son's abduction by the trolls and thought that the trolls were
mutants. She called
X-Factor
''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for '' Pop Idol'' (2001–200 ...
for help. X-Factor tracked down the trolls, following a trail of gold that Thomas had left behind, but the trolls defeated and imprisoned X-Factor. The trolls then tried to force Thomas to obey by threatening his mother. To protect his mother, Thomas turned the leaders of the Troll Associates, Phy and Phee, into gold, and given the sheer biochemical complexity of living organic matter, he could not change them back. The Troll Associates retreated and Thomas then turned the golden trolls into lead (to avoid the aforementioned economic problems). X-Factor placed the leaden trolls in Hyde Park as statues. Thomas decided to study biochemistry so that he could restore the leaden trolls back to normal.
A few years later, the Troll Associates kidnapped Alchemy's mother. Alchemy was forced to obey them, but he secretly called X-Factor for help. On their way to restore the leaden trolls back to normal, the Troll Associates and Alchemy ran into
Excalibur
Excalibur is the mythical sword of King Arthur that may possess magical powers or be associated with the rightful sovereignty of Britain. Its first reliably datable appearance is found in Geoffrey of Monmouth's ''Historia Regum Britanniae''. E ...
. The two groups fought and Alchemy turned
Captain Britain
Captain Britain is a title used by various superheroes in comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with Excalibur. The moniker was first used in publication by Brian Braddock in ''Captain Britain'' #1 by writer Chris Cl ...
and
Meggan into gold. The X-Men met up with Excalibur and together they tracked down the trolls, but both groups were captured. Excalibur-leader
Nightcrawler managed to convince the majority of the trolls that the Troll Associates' methods were wrong. He challenged the new leader of the Troll Associates, Phough, to single combat, while Excalibur and the X-Men freed themselves. Phough then tried to kill Alchemy's mother, but Nightcrawler saved her and Alchemy turned Phough into a golden statue. Alchemy then revealed to Excalibur and the X-Men that, due to his biochemistry studies, he could now restore humans back to normal and restored Captain Britain and Meggan.
Alchemy was one of the few mutants to retain their powers after when the
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
wished mutants out of existence.
He was instrumental to Cyclops' plan to save the mutant race by transmuting the Terrigen Mist into a substance that is not harmful to mutants or humans. He was able to successfully transmute one of the clouds, but succumbed to Terrigen poisoning himself immediately afterwards.
Alchemy has the ability to alter the
chemical composition
A chemical composition specifies the identity, arrangement, and ratio of the chemical elements making up a compound by way of chemical and atomic bonds.
Chemical formulas can be used to describe the relative amounts of elements present in a com ...
of anything he touches into its elemental components. He can also change matter into other forms so long as he fully understands the physical composition of the desired result. In his first appearance he could only change objects into simple
chemical element
A chemical element is a chemical substance whose atoms all have the same number of protons. The number of protons is called the atomic number of that element. For example, oxygen has an atomic number of 8: each oxygen atom has 8 protons in its ...
s, usually gold. Due to his study of biochemistry, he could later also change objects into more complex molecules, allowing him to change transmuted living beings back to normal.
Abdul Alhazred
Abdul Alhazred (Abd-el-Hazred), also going by the aliases The Mad Arab, Death God, and Master, is a
supervillain
A supervillain, supervillainess or supercriminal is a major antagonist and variant of the villainous stock character who possesses Superpower (ability), superpowers. The character type is sometimes found in comic books and is often the primary ...
appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. He was first adapted into a Marvel character in Marvel's adapted comic of
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs (September 1, 1875 – March 19, 1950) was an American writer, best known for his prolific output in the adventure, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Best known for creating the characters Tarzan (who appeared in ...
' ''Tarzan''. This comic series took place within the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
, according to ''
The Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Mystic Arcana''.
Alhazred's origins are unknown, but it has been discovered that he was first the leader of a small band of slaves in the desert. Starting to rebel due to his cruel force over the group, the slaves fought the powerful ruler but were defeated. However the Arab was wounded, and the group abandoned their leader and left him to die in the middle of the
Sahara
The Sahara (, ) is a desert spanning across North Africa. With an area of , it is the largest hot desert in the world and the list of deserts by area, third-largest desert overall, smaller only than the deserts of Antarctica and the northern Ar ...
. Soon he stumbled upon a mystic rock, and became trapped inside a tiny dimensional realm in subterranean Earth, where he died, though his soul later blended with another being, a reptilian species in that same realm. Later on, his soul escaped from the creature and managed to escape the rock, bonding to a nearby host who gained all of his former traits (not counting his appearance).
Alhazred soon gained control over a new group of slaves whom he forced to take an entrance through a large but dark cave, and into the dimension – Alhazred had destroyed the rock by throwing it at the back of a cave, which opened a portal to the realm – to gather a valuable crystal found only in the realm. One of the slaves grew afraid and ran back out the entrance, and he was slaughtered by Alhazred. Tarzan had spotted this, and he ran to fight the menace and avenge the slave, but could not. Later that day, Alhazred captured an African princess to serve as a sacrifice into the portal. Seeing this, Tarzan gathered up a band of criminals hoping to stop this madness, but they were all captured by the Arab. As the group journeyed into the cave, Tarzan and the princess secretly escaped, but the rest of the criminals eagerly accompanied Alhazred. When the princess was nowhere to be found when the sacrificial ceremony was held, the group went out looking for the two. Alhazred summoned all of his magical traveling abilities, and soon he was able to track down his prey.
The group traveled over the Atlantic Ocean and battled pirates. After the end of the voyage, the exhausted group journeyed to the jungle of Mahar, but they were too late. Tarzan and the princess had already arrived to find a crystal very similar to the one in Alhazred's dimension. When Alhazred and his group were spotted, Tarzan and the princess took revenge on the ruler, and even the criminals turned on him. It was then that a battle was fought. While Tarzan battled the Arab, the princess tried to find a way to seize the crystal, but she was killed by a mad slave prisoner. While the battle went on against Alhazred, the Mad Arab finally had enough and quickly created a stampede of dinosaurs from mystical energy. After this trick had seemingly not harmed Tarzan, Alhazred decided to make him the sacrifice. The crystal was meanwhile losing energy, and it needed more to be stable. The crystal quickly then drained all energy from the powerful Arab, and the man crumbled into ashes.
Alhazred sought control of the
Madripoor criminal empire of
Tyger Tiger, so he could overthrow Prince Baran and gain a new power base. He sent agents to kidnap Tiger and
Archie Corrigan, but the thugs argued and crashed their plane in Madripoor's jungles. There, Wolverine defeated them and rescued the captives.
Later, Alhazred himself attacked and beat Wolverine, then successfully kidnapped Tiger and Corrigan. When Wolverine arrived to free his allies Alhazred unleashed his demons, hoping to send Wolverine into a rage, which Alhazred could use to control the mutant. Logan resisted by maintaining control of himself and caused the psychic backlash to banish Alhazred to the extradimensional demon realm.
Abdul Alhazred has a seemingly endless number of mystical, magical, and psionic abilities. He can teleport in a cloud of smoke and powerfully hypnotize others. He possesses massive strength and durability, making him bulletproof.
Alkhema
Alkhema is a character appearing in comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character, created by
Roy Thomas
Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor. He was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics and possibly bes ...
,
Dann Thomas, David Ross, and Tim Dzon, first appeared in ''
Avengers West Coast'' #90 (January 1993).
Publication history of Alkhema
Roy Thomas
Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor. He was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics and possibly bes ...
said he created her because he "wasn't wild about"
Jocasta
In Greek mythology, Jocasta (), also rendered as Iocaste ( ) and EpicasteHomer, ''Odyssey'', Vol. XI11.271/ref> (; ), was Queen of Thebes through her marriages to Laius and her son, Oedipus. She is best known for her role in the myths surroundi ...
, the first bride of
Ultron
Ultron () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema, the character first appeared as an unnamed character in ''The Avengers (comic book), The Avengers'' #5 ...
. The name comes from the word "
alchemy
Alchemy (from the Arabic word , ) is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscientific tradition that was historically practised in China, India, the Muslim world, and Europe. In its Western form, alchemy is first ...
". Her alias, War Toy, is from a story Roy Thomas had had
Jenny Blake Isabella write for ''
Unknown Worlds of Science Fiction'' years earlier.
Alkhema was constructed by Ultron-13 as a second attempt to create a mate, based on the brain patterns of
Mockingbird
Mockingbirds are a group of New World passerine birds from the family (biology), family Mimidae. They are best known for the habit of some species Mimicry, mimicking the songs of other birds and the sounds of insects and amphibians, often loudly ...
. Unlike her creator, she desired to kill all humans individually rather than en masse. She first went up against the Avengers shortly after being constructed, when she attacked a weapons center. She was defeated, but escaped.
She later would go on to betray Ultron.
After a defeat of Ultron, she salvaged the set of brain patterns based after
Hank Pym
Dr. Henry Jonathan Pym is a character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by penciller Jack Kirby, editor-plotter Stan Lee and writer Larry Lieber, Pym debuted in ''Tales to Astonish'' #27 (Ja ...
, the
Wasp
A wasp is any insect of the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita of the order Hymenoptera which is neither a bee nor an ant; this excludes the broad-waisted sawflies (Symphyta), which look somewhat like wasps, but are in a separate suborder ...
,
Vision
Vision, Visions, or The Vision may refer to:
Perception Optical perception
* Visual perception, the sense of sight
* Visual system, the physical mechanism of eyesight
* Computer vision, a field dealing with how computers can be made to gain und ...
,
Wonder Man
Wonder Man (Simon Williams) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in '' The Avengers'' #9 (October 1964). The character, wh ...
,
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
, the
Grim Reaper from the rubble of Ultron's Slorenian base.
where she built her Robos – consisting of War Toys and Bio-Synthezoids. However she was seemingly destroyed at Thebes when
Hawkeye fired an "anti-metal" arrow into her.
By the time of the
Robot Revolution, Alkema had started the Opus Futurae group, naming herself the Mother Prophet. She gained access to a lab in Siberia containing a bio-chemical weapon and unleashed it on the facility's staff. However, her robots start attacking Alkhema to prevent her from getting away with the bio-chemical weapon. JB12-X-05G893259 resumes the self-destruct sequence which blews up the research lab. Alkhema emerged from the rubble and walked away, commenting that her plans are much different from her father's plans and the
A.I. Army's plans.
All-American
All-American (Jack Magniconte), also called Mr. Magnificent, is a fictional character appearing in comics published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
.
Jack Magniconte was the star quarterback for the New York Smashers football team, dubbed "Mr. Magnificent" by the press. His brother Steve (who had raised him) designed the Intensifier – a machine to enhance muscle mass, which he built with money borrowed from a loan shark. Jack himself was one of the people who was affected by the radiation of the "
White Event
The New Universe is an imprint from Marvel Comics that was published in its original incarnation from 1986 to 1989. It was the first line produced by Marvel Comics utilizing a pre-conceived shared universe concept. It was created by Jim Shooter, ...
"—a then-unexplained cosmic event which caused a small percentage of the human race to develop superhuman powers. Jack's powers however did not manifest until he volunteered to the Intensifier; upon first exposure, Jack's hair turned white and his muscle-mass and stamina were increased to a superhuman level.
Initially thrilled, Jack soon discovered that football no longer held any challenge for him, and he began trying to wear himself out before games in an attempt to give his opponents a sporting chance. Meanwhile, Steve's Intensifier was not having any measurable result on other test subjects; as a result he was unable to pay the loan shark back, who suggested that he have Jack throw the
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the annual History of the NFL championship, league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States. It has served as the final game of every NFL season since 1966 NFL season, 1966 (with the excep ...
instead. Steve did not even ask his brother to do so, and Jack won the Super Bowl easily. Jack visited his brother afterwards – just in time to see Steve killed by one of the loan shark's men.
Jack decided to dedicate his life to helping others, and formed a non-profit foundation called "Kickers, Inc." to help people with unusual problems. He was joined in this project by his wife Darlene and several of his teammates. However, an unscrupulous CIA agent began blackmailing him with threats of getting him banned from football. Although he cooperated at first, running several missions for the CIA, he eventually resisted and was blacklisted.
After the
destruction of Pittsburgh, he enlisted in the US Military and became known as "the All-American". He was given the rank of Captain and a patriotic costume, and placed in charge of one of the units of paranormals who were recruited during
the paranormal draft.
He takes part in the mission to
South Africa
South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...
that almost set off a
paranormal and nuclear war.
When
Earth-148611 came into contact with
Earth-616
In the fictional Multiverse (Marvel Comics), Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 is the primary continuity (fiction), continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place.
Origins of the term
The designation "Earth-616" has its origins in ...
, Jack was among the superheroes who fought alongside
Quasar
A quasar ( ) is an extremely Luminosity, luminous active galactic nucleus (AGN). It is sometimes known as a quasi-stellar object, abbreviated QSO. The emission from an AGN is powered by accretion onto a supermassive black hole with a mass rangi ...
. Jack was on his Earth when the
Living Tribunal
The Living Tribunal is a cosmic entity appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Strange Tales'' #157 (June 1967) and was created by Stan Lee, Marie Severin, and Herb Trimpe.
Publication his ...
seals it off from the rest of that universe.
Jack Magniconte is a superb athlete, combatant, and martial artist. After being experimented on, Jack gained superhuman strength (being able to lift up to 1 ton), durability, agility, reflexes, and speed. He can run up to for as long as 10 minutes before beginning to tire, and he is bulletproof to indirect shots. He is a skilled pilot and uses a variety of automatic weapons, preferably guns, and wears a bulletproof uniform and helmet.
Other versions of All-American
In the New Universe reboot ''
newuniversal
''newuniversal'' is a comic book series by writer, Warren Ellis; artist, Salvador Larroca, and colorist, Jason Keith. The book series was published by Marvel Comics. The series is a remake, re-imagining of Marvel's New Universe concepts, launched ...
: shockfront'' #1, Giovanni "Jack" Magniconte's powers manifest for the first time during a televised game—he struck and killed opposing player Michael Hathaway with a single blow.
This immediately brought him to the attention of
Project Spitfire, as well as the other existing superhumans. Spitfire's
Philip L. Voight then attempted to kill Magniconte, detonating a suitcase bomb that destroyed the building Magniconte was being detained in.
All-Black the Necrosword
All-Black the Necrosword is a character appearing in
American comic books
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
.
It was the first
symbiote created by
Knull using a slain
Celestial's head, and typically takes the form of a sword made from living darkness that responds to intense negative emotions, which often corrupts its user into committing divine atrocities.
The All-Black corrupted
Gorr the God Butcher to continue his God-killing spree, but failed due to three versions of
Thor
Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...
who cast the Necrosword into a
black hole
A black hole is a massive, compact astronomical object so dense that its gravity prevents anything from escaping, even light. Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity predicts that a sufficiently compact mass will form a black hole. Th ...
. In the present, the All-Black is revived and used by Knull before being destroyed by
Venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a sti ...
.
Other versions of All-Black the Necrosword
In
King Thor's timeline, the All-Black simultaneously bonds with
Galactus
Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, he is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of the p ...
,
Ego the Living Planet,
and
Loki
Loki is a Æsir, god in Norse mythology. He is the son of Fárbauti (a jötunn) and Laufey (mythology), Laufey (a goddess), and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. Loki is married to the goddess Sigyn and they have two sons, Narfi (son of Lo ...
.
All-Black the Necrosword in other media
* All-Black appears in a flashback in the ''
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
'' promo short "The Secret Story of Venom". This version was created by Knull to aid him in his war against the Celestials as a member of the "Symbiote Sisters" before being abandoned by him and subsequently discovered by an alien explorer who bonded with her and her people. However, one rejected the power of the symbiotes and eventually killed All-Black. Afterwards, the remaining Sisters took over the planet and reformed All-Black's remains into the Venom symbiote and a symbiote dragon called the
World-Killer.
* All-Black the Necrosword serves as inspiration for non-symbiote swords that appear in films set in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
– with one used by
Hela
HeLa () is an immortalized cell line used in scientific research. It is the oldest human cell line and one of the most commonly used. HeLa cells are durable and prolific, allowing for extensive applications in scientific study. The line is ...
in ''
Thor: Ragnarok'',
and another used by
Gorr the God Butcher in ''
Thor: Love and Thunder''.
Alpha
Alpha (Andrew "Andy" Maguire) is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character first appeared in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man
''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American superhero American comic book, comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its title character and main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of t ...
'' #692 (August 2012).
Maguire was a student at
Midtown High School, the same school
Peter Parker attended, but he was not a good student and was completely ignored by everyone. After being exposed to Parker Particles during a demonstration at Horizon Labs, he gains the ability to manipulate cosmic energy and becomes a superhero.
His superhero career was initially poorly received by the public. After observing Alpha,
Jackal
Jackals are Canidae, canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe Canina (subtribe), canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-b ...
kidnapped the boy along with his parents, to create clones of him and build an army to control the world. Spider-Man managed to track Andy to the villain's lair, where they learned Andy's DNA was not affected by the accident, leading his newly formed clones to be powerless. After failing to absorb Alpha's power, the Jackal escaped. In the aftermath, Andy was emancipated from his neglectful parents.
After he was called by Spider-Man to help the
Avengers to battle
Terminus, Alpha used his powers carelessly, causing many aircraft to shut down. After the Avengers managed to rescue the various passengers, Peter decided that Alpha was too irresponsible to wield the powers he had. He used Terminus' energy lance to deflect Alpha's energy to build an engine which took a huge portion of Andy's power. Spider-Man told Andy that he would be returning to his parents and attending high school once more.
Six months after these events took place, his parents divorced and Andy and his mother moved in with Andy's grandmother. Later, the
Superior Spider-Man returned 10% of Alpha's abilities to him to harness Parker Particles and make himself more powerful. Alpha then attempted to save a woman from a mugger, but accidentally crushed the assailant's skull. After admitting the mugger to the Pittsburgh University Medical Center, Alpha destroyed an elemental parasite, preventing it from demolishing a steel plant. After saving his friend Susan "Soupcan" Rice from a restaurant fire, Alpha realized the Parker Particles have enhanced his senses to the point that he can hear and see everything on Earth. He then visits the mugger, who awakes and vows revenge, later mutating into a tumor-like beast named Zeta. After defeating an ex-Stark International engineer named The Miller with Thor's assistance, he attempts to remove the rampaging Zeta from the hospital, but is alerted that his mother's home is burning down, at the behest of "Boss" Cohen, Pittsburgh's top crime boss. After saving his mother, he enlists Spider-Man to help destroy Zeta, but fails to completely destroy all the cancerous tissue, allowing Zeta to escape. Then, after an attempt on Soupcan's life by one of Cohen's hitmen, Alpha threatens to kill Cohen, but is deterred by the fact that Cohen knows about the mugger. He then tells Alpha to not prevent any of Cohen's crimes, or he'll release the information to the media. Andy then reveals his identity to his only other friend Duncan Kilgore and attempts to make a name for himself as protector of Pittsburgh.
Powers and abilities of Alpha
Due to his exposure to the Parker Particles, Andy is capable of continually recharging massive amounts of cosmic energy, which he can release in the form of energy blasts, super strength, super speed, force fields, telekinesis, matter manipulation, and flight. He is only able to manifest one of his abilities at a time instead of all at once. The
Superior Spider-Man noted that it is possible that Alpha is the only being capable of utilizing Parker Particles without turning into a parasitic monster, or "Zeta".
Reception of Alpha
Comic Book Resources
''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...
placed him as one of the superheroes Marvel wants you to forget.
Alpha, the Ultimate Mutant
Alpha, the Ultimate Mutant is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. Alpha is a being artificially created by
Magneto
A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
, a prominent
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. Alpha, the Ultimate Mutant first appeared in ''
The Defenders'' #15–16 (September–October 1974), and was created by
Len Wein
Leonard Norman Wein (; June 12, 1948 – September 10, 2017) was an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine (character), Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel sup ...
and
Sal Buscema
Sal Buscema ( ; born Silvio Buscema, , on January 26, 1936) is an American comics artist, primarily for Marvel Comics, where he had a ten-year run as artist of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk'' and an eight-year run as art ...
.
Following an epic battle with the
Avengers,
Magneto was imprisoned in the center of Earth. He managed to escape and propels himself backtowards the surface.
On the way, he finds the underground ruins of a long-lost technologically advanced civilization in
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern United States, Southwestern region of the United States. It is one of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains, sharing the Four Corners region with Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. It also ...
. Using the machinery and books he found among the ruins, he began bio-engineering "the ultimate mutant".
Professor X
Professor X (Prof. Charles Francis Xavier) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 ( ...
telepathically detected that Magneto and the
Brotherhood of Evil Mutants are active in the area of the
Carlsbad Caverns, and he summons the
Defenders
Defender(s) or The Defender(s) may refer to:
* Defense (military)
* Defense (sports)
** Defender (association football)
Arts and entertainment Film, television, and theatre Film
* ''The Defender'' (1989 film), a Canadian documentary
* ''The D ...
to launch an attack against them. Magneto and the Brotherhood manage to repel the Defenders for enough time to allow the engineering of Alpha to be completed.
Alpha emerges as an oversized humanoid of subhuman intelligence. Initially he is only capable of creating
force fields as a reflex, and of blindly following Magneto's orders. However, each time he uses his powers, Alpha's cranium widens, causing an increase to his intellect. Magneto has Alpha teleport him and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants to the
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations (UN) is on of grounds in the Turtle Bay, Manhattan, Turtle Bay neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It borders First Avenue (Manhattan), First Avenue to the west, 42nd Street (Manhattan), 42nd ...
.
When his demands for world rulership are turned down, Magneto orders Alpha to
telekinetically lift the Secretariat Building and suspend it in mid-air. After the Defenders attack the Brotherhood, Alpha was coerced by Magneto to retaliate in various means, including transforming the concrete pavement into autonomous "rock-men", transforming the
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk ...
into a stone statue, telekinetically spinning
Nighthawk
The nighthawk is a nocturnal bird of the subfamily Chordeilinae, within the nightjar family, Caprimulgidae, which is a grouping of 92 species of medium-sized birds with long wings and short bills specialized for eating insects. The nighthawk's ...
in the air until he lost consciousness, and fusing
Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie ( or ; from ) is one of a host of female figures who guide souls of the dead to the god Odin's hall Valhalla. There, the deceased warriors become ('single fighters' or 'once fighters').Orchard (1997:36) and Li ...
to the ground. The rampant use of his powers eventually elevated Alpha's awareness to a superhuman level. Persuaded by Professor X, he telepathically probed both the Brotherhood of Mutants and the Defenders to discover which team was evil. Understanding that Magneto had fooled him into committing malicious acts, Alpha punished his erstwhile allies by regressing them to infancy, restored the United Nations building complex and erased the event from the minds of all onlookers. Finally, declaring himself too evolved to remain on Earth, Alpha transformed himself to a streak of light and leaves to explore the universe.
Quasar
A quasar ( ) is an extremely Luminosity, luminous active galactic nucleus (AGN). It is sometimes known as a quasi-stellar object, abbreviated QSO. The emission from an AGN is powered by accretion onto a supermassive black hole with a mass rangi ...
briefly glimpses Alpha, first on the
Stranger's Labworld,
and then during his journeys in the cosmos. Alpha seemed to be paired with another highly evolved humanoid, named
Futurist
Futurists (also known as futurologists, prospectivists, foresight practitioners and horizon scanners) are people whose specialty or interest is futures studies or futurology or the attempt to systematically explore predictions and possibilities ...
.
Powers and abilities of Alpha, the Ultimate Mutant
Alpha the Ultimate Mutant possesses telepathy and vast powers enabling him to transmute the elements, reconstruct matter, reverse the aging process, project force fields, teleport himself and others, fly, and survive in the vacuum of space. He possesses telekinetic powers which are enough to lift a 50-story skyscraper and the surrounding land into the air. Alpha the Ultimate Mutant originally had a hulking form which likely possessed great strength but lacked enough intelligence to obey commands. Within a few hours, Alpha's cranium and brain grew in size and evolved into a being of great intellect with a form to match. He stands at 10 feet tall, although he can alter his form at will.
Alpha, the Ultimate Mutant in other media
Alpha makes non-speaking cameo appearances in ''
X-Men: The Animated Series''.
Marlene Alraune
Marlene Alraune is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. She is an archaeologist, adviser, helper, and
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, the character first appeared in ''Werewolf by Night'' #32 (August 1975).
The son of a rabbi, Marc S ...
's lover. The character first appeared in ''
Marvel Spotlight
''Marvel Spotlight'' is a comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics as a try-out book. It stood out from Marvel's other try-out books in that most of the featured characters made their first appearance in the series. The series or ...
'' #28 (March 1976).
Some years ago, Marlene Alraune was married to Eric Fontaine, but divorced him. Years later, she aided her father, Dr. Peter Alraune, in searching for the Tomb of Set II, during which she met Marc Spector. The mercenary
Raoul Bushman brutally murdered Peter Alraune and did the same to Spector, but he was revived as the superhero Moon Knight. Marlene returned to New York with Spector, becoming his confidant and lover. During one such adventure, Marlene was reunited with her brother and only other living relative, Peter Jr., who accidentally creates the sleep deprived supervillain
Morpheus. Despite their best efforts, Peter Jr. sacrificed himself to take down Morpheus for good, greatly saddening Marlene. Marlene ultimately left Marc when his life became too dangerous and she went back to her ex-husband Eric.
Marlene would later leave Eric again and return to Marc, where she once again aided him as Moon Knight. When Marc started SpectorCorp to further his operations, Marlene would recommend a position to her friend Donna Kraft while she went to work undercover at PhalkonCorp. Marc later "died", but Marlene knew him too well to know that he would not stay dead for long. Sure enough, Marc returned and Marlene chose to resume her relationship with him.
Marlene and Marc would continue to have an on again-off again type of relationship, culminating in Marlene conceiving a child, a daughter named Diatrice, whom she had hid from him for some time. Marc would come back into her life and fight to defend her and her daughter from Sun King and Bushman. Despite trying to stay with him, Marlene left Marc once again, taking Diatrice with her to France.
Marlene Alraune in other media
Elements of Marlene Alraune are incorporated into original character
Layla El-Faouly (portrayed by
May Calamawy) in ''
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, the character first appeared in ''Werewolf by Night'' #32 (August 1975).
The son of a rabbi, Marc S ...
'' (2022).
Keema Alvarado
Keemia "Keema" Alvarado (sometimes Keemia Marko) is a supporting character in
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The daughter of Sandman, created by
Fred Van Lente and
Javier Pulido, first appeared in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man
''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American superhero American comic book, comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its title character and main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of t ...
'' #615 (February 2010), and is based on Penny Marko, created by
Sam Raimi
Samuel M. Raimi ( ; born October 23, 1959) is an American filmmaker. He is best known for directing the first three films in the ''Evil Dead'' franchise (1981–present) and the ''Spider-Man'' trilogy (2002–2007). He also directed the super ...
,
Ivan Raimi, and
Alvin Sargent for the 2007 feature film ''
Spider-Man 3
''Spider-Man 3'' is a 2007 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. Produced by Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, and Laura Ziskin Productions, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, it was directe ...
'', in which she was played by
Perla Haney-Jardine.
Keemia Alvarado is the prepubescent daughter of Alma Alvarado and possibly Flint Marko, the
Sandman. Marko was in a relationship with Alma, whom
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
deduced was a villain junkie. Alma most likely had Keemia with Marko as he would visit her often much to her chagrin. Keemia dressed as a princess all the time as she hoped it would bring Marko back to her. Marko eventually took Keemia after Alma was murdered by one of his clones, though he was unaware. Keemia happily lived on an island where Marko catered to her every whim, essentially fulfilling her dream of being a princess. However, due to Marko's clones' string of murders, Spider-Man swooped in to rescue Keemia from the potential danger that Marko caused. Spider-Man defeats Marko and takes Keemia who is upset over her father's disappearance and begins to hate Spider-Man. She is placed in foster care, but holds on to the belief that her father will come back one day.
Other versions of Keemia Alvarado
In ''
Spider-Man: Reign'', Sandman's daughter is named Susie Marko or Susie Baker. Susie is a
tomboy
A tomboy is a girl or young woman who generally expresses masculine traits. Such traits may include wearing androgynous or unfeminine clothing and engaging in activities and behaviors traditionally associated with boys or men.
Origins
The w ...
street kid who graffitis with her friends. She joins
J. Jonah Jameson's resistance against the Reign, an oppressive group run by the totalitarian government of New York, and befriends a hacker her age named Kasey. Kasey is killed by The Sinner Six and after witnessing Spider-Man unmasked as an old man, slightly loses hope. After
Venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a sti ...
activates WEBB, the city is overrun by the
Symbiotes and Susie flees to a church where she rescues the other children using a bell to ward off the alien. Susie rallies the kids into wearing masks and fight the Reign and runs into her father revealing her identity and her ability to turn her body into hard cement. However, the Reign shoot her body apart and despite Sandman's best efforts to get her to come back together, she reverts to normal with body apart and dies. Her death convinces Sandman to aid Spider-Man.
Keemia Alvarado in other media
* Before appearing in the comics, a character named Penny Marko appeared in ''
Spider-Man 3
''Spider-Man 3'' is a 2007 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. Produced by Columbia Pictures, Marvel Entertainment, and Laura Ziskin Productions, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, it was directe ...
'', portrayed by
Perla Haney-Jardine. Due to her suffering from an unidentified disease, Flint Marko turns to a life of crime to pay for the medical bills.
* Keemia Marko appears in ''
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
'', voiced by
Sofia Carson. This version is the teenage daughter of Flint Marko who was caught in the explosion that turned Flint into Sandman and gained her own sand-based shapeshifting powers, though her right eye is permanently rendered as sand. Following this, she is taken in by Flint's former boss,
Hammerhead, who helps her control her powers. While assisting him in his crimes, she receives the name "Sandgirl" from Spider-Man.
Amatsu-Mikaboshi
American Ace
American Ace is the name of two fictional characters appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
in the
Golden Age of Comic Books
The Golden Age of Comic Books describes an era in the history of American comic books from 1938 to 1956. During this time, modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity. The superhero archetype was created and ma ...
. The first American Ace first appeared in the uncirculated ''
Motion Picture Funnies Weekly
''Motion Picture Funnies Weekly'' is a 36-page American comic book created in 1939, and designed to be a promotional giveaway in movie theaters. While the idea proved unsuccessful, and only a handful of sample copies of issue #1 were printed, the ...
'' #1 starring in his own story in 1939. The character would make his first public appearance when his strip was reprinted and later continued in ''
Marvel Mystery Comics'' #2 and #3.
Perry Webb
Perry Webb was an American miner who traveled in his private plane internationally in search of rare minerals, such as
radium
Radium is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is the sixth element in alkaline earth metal, group 2 of the periodic table, also known as the alkaline earth metals. Pure radium is silvery-white, ...
. On one such search, he set out to the
Balkan
The Balkans ( , ), corresponding partially with the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throug ...
nation of
Attainia. However, his timing was unfortunate since a neighbouring country,
Castile d'Or declared war on Attainia over the assassination of their arch-duke by an Attainian extremist. Promising the citizens of Castile D'Or "justice", the formerly exiled Queen Ursula became chancellor and invaded Attainia, when it was in fact she who was behind the assassination. Meanwhile, Webb had landed and was horrified as the bombings began. Having saved a girl called Jeanie, from being crushed by a falling tower, he was rewarded by being taken to her family's cottage. Falling in love, Webb, however, chose to leave Attainia. His plane was shot down and Webb was wounded severely. After making his recovery, he vowed he would have vengeance against Castile'D'Or.
In ''
Secret Wars
''Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars'', commonly known as ''Secret Wars'', is a 12-issue American comic book Fictional crossover, crossover limited series published from May 1984 to April 1985 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Jim Shooter ...
'', Perry appears as a resident of the Valhalla Villas retirement home. He is among the residents who were temporarily de-aged during the Incursion between
Earth-616
In the fictional Multiverse (Marvel Comics), Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 is the primary continuity (fiction), continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place.
Origins of the term
The designation "Earth-616" has its origins in ...
and
Earth-1610.
Ace Masters
Another "American Ace" appeared in 2011. Ace Masters is a homosexual yet married fighter pilot. He first appeared in issue #4 of the maxi-series ''All Winners Squad: Band of Heroes''.
American Dream
American Eagle
American Kaiju
American Kaiju (Todd Ziller) is the name of a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by
Al Ewing
Al Ewing ( ; born 12 August 1977) is a British comics writer who has mainly worked in the small press, for '' 2000 AD'', and for Marvel Comics.
Career
Al Ewing began his career writing stories in the four-page '' Future Shocks'' format for '' ...
and Gerardo Sandoval, he first appeared in ''
Avengers'' (vol. 6) #0 (October 2015).
Todd Ziller is an Army corporal who was experimented on as part of Project Troubleshooter, a project led by
Robert Maverick that was meant to recreate the super-soldier serum. In the process, Ziller was subjected to a combination of
gamma radiation
A gamma ray, also known as gamma radiation (symbol ), is a penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation arising from high energy interactions like the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei or astronomical events like solar flares. It consists o ...
, Mutant Growth Hormone,
Pym Particles, and the
Lizard
Lizard is the common name used for all Squamata, squamate reptiles other than snakes (and to a lesser extent amphisbaenians), encompassing over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most Island#Oceanic isla ...
's formula, transforming him into a colossal lizard-like monster.
American Kaiju plays a prominent role in the storylines ''
Avengers: Standoff!'' and ''
King in Black
"King in Black" is a comic book event written by Donny Cates with art by Ryan Stegman, and was published from 2020 to 2021 by Marvel Comics. It is a continuation to 2019's "Absolute Carnage", also containing fallout from 2020's " Empyre". In th ...
'', where he respectively battles the
Avengers and the forces of
Knull.
Americop
Americop (Bartholomew "Bart" Gallows) is a fictional vigilante appearing in American comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. Americop first appeared in ''
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
'' #428 (June 1994), and was created by
Mark Gruenwald
Mark Eugene Gruenwald ( ; June 18, 1953 – August 12, 1996) was an American comic book writer, editor, and occasional penciler known for his long association with Marvel Comics.
Career
Early career
Gruenwald got his start in comics f ...
and
Dave Hoover.
Bart Gallows was born in
Sugar Land,
Texas
Texas ( , ; or ) is the most populous U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States. It borders Louisiana to the east, Arkansas to the northeast, Oklahoma to the north, New Mexico to the we ...
and later became a
police officer
A police officer (also called policeman or policewoman, cop, officer or constable) is a Warrant (law), warranted law employee of a police, police force. In most countries, ''police officer'' is a generic term not specifying a particular rank. ...
in
Houston
Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
, Texas. Disillusioned at the law's inability to protect society from crime, he resigned from the force and became a vigilante named Americop.
He travels across America and uses a police scanner to track down criminals, and not above executing the criminals he thinks deserve it. He sometimes took money from the drug-trafficking criminals he battles, keeping half and donating the rest to drug rehabilitation programs. Americop found himself in conflict with
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
while trying to bring down a child exploitation ring; Captain America was appalled by his brutality.
Americop's investigation led him to the
New Orleans
New Orleans (commonly known as NOLA or The Big Easy among other nicknames) is a Consolidated city-county, consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 ...
mansion of indestructible munitions magnate
Damon Dran. Although initially subdued by a gas grenade attack and imprisoned alongside Captain America, he managed to break free. During the fight, he killed several of Dran's mercenaries and shot down his helicopter. Americop believed that Dran had died in the crash, though the criminal actually survived.
After the super-hero
Civil War
A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same Sovereign state, state (or country). The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies.J ...
, Americop was a target on the
Thunderbolts' Most Wanted list.
Norman Osborn
Norman Virgil Osborn is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first appeared in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #14 (July 1964) as the first and best-known incarnation of th ...
sent
Penance
Penance is any act or a set of actions done out of contrition for sins committed, as well as an alternative name for the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession.
The word ''penance'' derive ...
and
Bullseye to battle Americop, with the secret hope the vigilante will kill the difficult pair. Instead, the two crash Americop's truck and Bullseye causes Penance's stored-up energy to be unleashed, which fries 80 percent of the vigilante's synaptic nerve endings.
Americop later died.
The Americop uniform and code name were later copied by a
private security force called the
Americops run by Keane Industries.
Amphibian
Amphibian (Kingsley Rice) is the name of two fictional characters in the
Marvel multiverse, members of alternate versions of the fictional
Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previous ...
. The original character was inspired by
Namor
Namor McKenzie (), also known as the Sub-Mariner, is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Bill Everett for comic book packager Funnies Inc., the character first appeared in '' Moti ...
and first appeared in ''
The Avengers'' #148 (June 1976).
Earth-712 Amphibian
A founding member of the Squadron Supreme, Kingsley is part of the team after the Overmind uses the Squadron to take control of the world. When the Squadron announces its Utopia program, intended to solve all the world's ills, Amphibian openly objects but is overruled by the majority of his teammates.
As the team enacts their program, Rice becomes increasingly disillusioned and distanced from his teammates, feeling his opinions are not being respected. He finally reaches breaking point when the Golden Archer admits to using the team's Behavior Modification technology on squad-mate Lark to make her love him. Enraged by what he sees as the Squadron's double standards, he surreptitiously destroys the devices, then departs the team – vowing never to return to the surface again.
The remainder of the Squadron would become stranded on another Earth for some years. In their absence, a totalitarian government calling itself "The Global Directorate" arose, using the Behavior Modification technology to enforce their rule. Reuniting with his former teammates, now physically altered by his long time spent underwater, Amphibian agrees to help restore freedom to their world. Their efforts are unsuccessful until an encounter with the other-dimensional team known as the Exiles helps them find proof the Global Director seized power.
Kingsley, along with the rest of the Squadron bar Power Princess, was killed in the destruction of his world via an Incursion.
Earth-31916 Amphibian
''
Supreme Power'' featured a female version of the character, also named Kingsley Rice. This version was created by
J. Michael Straczynski
Joseph Michael Straczynski, known as J. Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is known as the creator of the science fiction televi ...
and
Gary Frank, and first appeared in ''Supreme Power'' #2 (November 2003).
This version of Rice, along with much of her world's version of the Squadron, were killed by the Cabal of Earth-616 during an Incursion.
Heroes Reborn Amphibian
In the 2021 "
Heroes Reborn" reality, Amphibian is a member of the Secret Squadron. During the fight with the Siege Society, Amphibian was beheaded by Baron Helmut Zemo. Tom Thumb, Nighthawk, and Blur mourn the deaths of their fallen comrades Amphibian, Arcanna Jones, Blue Eagle, and Golden Archer.
Amphibius
Amphibius is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Formerly a Swamp Men tribesman that lived in the Savage Land saved from hostile tribesmen by Magneto and changed into a humanoid
frog
A frog is any member of a diverse and largely semiaquatic group of short-bodied, tailless amphibian vertebrates composing the order (biology), order Anura (coming from the Ancient Greek , literally 'without tail'). Frog species with rough ski ...
-like mutate, Amphibius becomes one of the
Savage Land Mutates. He is the first of the Savage Land Mutates to see the X-Men, and also fought Ka-Zar and Spider-Man.
Anachronism
Anachronism is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Anachronism was created by
Dennis Hopeless and
Kev Walker, and first appeared in ''
Avengers Arena'' #1.
He is one of sixteen superpowered teenagers kidnapped by
Arcade and forced to fight to the death.
After escaping, he and some of the other survivors trained with
Madame Masque.
Anaconda
The Anarchist
The Anarchist (Tike Alicar) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was a member of the superhero team
X-Statix. The Anarchist first appeared in ''
X-Force
X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #100 (April 1991 ...
'' #116 and was created by
Peter Milligan and
Mike Allred
Michael Dalton "Mike" Allred (born 1962) is an American Comics artist, comic book artist and writer. He is most well known for his Alternative comics, independent comics creation Madman (Mike Allred character), Madman and for co-creating and dra ...
.
Alicar was adopted and raised by a white family. He grew up in Canada. He suffered from
obsessive compulsive disorder
Obsession may refer to:
Psychology
* Celebrity worship syndrome, obsessive addictive disorder to a celebrity's personal and professional life
* Obsession (psychology), a persistent attachment to an object or idea
* Fixation (psychology), persi ...
, which made him obsessed with being clean by washing his hands repeatedly. He joined
Zeitgeist
In 18th- and 19th-century German philosophy, a ''Zeitgeist'' (; ; capitalized in German) is an invisible agent, force, or daemon dominating the characteristics of a given epoch in world history. The term is usually associated with Georg W. F ...
's
X-Force
X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #100 (April 1991 ...
.
While giving an interview (naked) to a reporter, he blew open a roof in the Beverly Hills Four Season hotel; when challenged by the police, he shouts that he is now in X-Force, therefore he can do anything. Only he and
U-Go Girl
X-Statix are a team of Mutant (Marvel Comics), mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team was specifically designed to be media superstars. The team, created by Peter Milligan and Mike Allred, first ...
survived the Boyz 'R Us massacre. Both of them challenged each other for leadership of the new team, even accusing each other of having orchestrated the massacre of their teammates; instead the position went to newcomer
Orphan
An orphan is a child whose parents have died, are unknown, or have permanently abandoned them. It can also refer to a child who has lost only one parent, as the Hebrew language, Hebrew translation, for example, is "fatherless". In some languages ...
. Alicar did not mind, stating that he just wanted to become leader to spite U-Go-Girl. It was later discovered that Alicar was supposed to die in the massacre, in a plan created by the team leader Coach and Zeitgeist himself.
During the last mission as X-Force in which they had to terminate the Bush Rangers,
Anarchist, Orphan, U-Go-Girl and
Doop found themselves trapped in a small ship that was drifting aimlessly in space. The four found an escape pod which could only fit two adults and Doop, and decided to settle the matter with a game of chance. Anarchist purposely lost by using his powers, but was later rescued by the team.
Subsequently, the team changed their name to X-Statix. Anarchist found himself becoming closer to Orphan due to U-Go-Girl's demise. He became romantically involved with his teammate
Dead Girl, initially out of novelty before developing real feelings for her. Anarchist and his team become so famous they could commit crimes without fear; he even once broke into a jewellery store and is later thanked by the owner for the resultant publicity. For a time, the team split up, with Anarchist and Dead Girl performing shows on their own. They reunited, mostly out of loyalty to Orphan, who had become embroiled in a zombie invasion. He briefly became leader of the team
when the Orphan temporarily leaves.
On their last mission, all the X-Statix team are killed. Alicar is gunned down,
dying side by side with Orphan, after having slain many of their opponents. They did not even know who their enemies were, though they wore exactly the same uniform as the gunmen in the 'Boyz R Us' massacre.
After finding himself in
Hell
In religion and folklore, hell is a location or state in the afterlife in which souls are subjected to punishment after death. Religions with a linear divine history sometimes depict hells as eternal destinations, such as Christianity and I ...
, Anarchist joined forces with a group of deceased supervillains, including
Mysterio,
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter (Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff; Russian: Сергей Николаевич Кравинов) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, th ...
, and
Miss America
Miss America is an annual competition that is open to women from the United States between the ages of 18 and 28. Originating in 1921 as a "bathing beauty revue", the contest is judged on competition segments with scoring percentages: ''Priva ...
. Led by the mysterious Pitiful One, they attempted to return from the dead. Although they failed, Anarchist found romance with Miss America, and it is implied by the Orphan that they both are allowed to enter
Heaven
Heaven, or the Heavens, is a common Religious cosmology, religious cosmological or supernatural place where beings such as deity, deities, angels, souls, saints, or Veneration of the dead, venerated ancestors are said to originate, be throne, ...
as a result of choosing to rebel against the villains.
Anarchist could sweat acid, which allowed him to fire acidic blasts of energy from his hands.
Anansi
Ancient One
Andromeda
Anelle
Anelle is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is a
Skrull
The Skrulls () are a race of List of fictional extraterrestrials, extraterrestrial shapeshifters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They first appeared in ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' #2 and were crea ...
princess, the heir to the
Skrull Empire, and the daughter of Emperor
Dorrek VII and Empress R'Kill. The character first appeared in ''
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
'' #37, and was created by
Stan Lee
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book author, writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Comics which later bec ...
and
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby (; born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comics artist, comic book artist, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He grew ...
.
Anelle often opposed her father's political policies, preferring peace to his aggressive militarism. She fell in love with Warlord
Morrat, but he was executed for treason by firing squad after a failed coup d'état against her father. She leapt in front of the weapon-fire in an attempt to save him, but the
Invisible Woman
The Invisible Woman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in ''Fantastic Four (comic book), The Fantastic Four'' #1 (November 1961). Susan St ...
surrounded her with a
force field and saved her life.
The
Super-Skrull
The Super-Skrull is an alias used by characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original and most well-known incarnation, Kl'rt, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #18 (Septe ...
desired her, but she was not interested in him.
In an attempt to win her hand, he captures
Captain Marvel, the
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
, and
Quicksilver and presents them to her father, Emperor Dorrek VII, as a
bride price
Bride price, bride-dowry, bride-wealth, bride service or bride token, is money, property, or other form of wealth paid by a groom or his family to the woman or the family of the woman he will be married to or is just about to marry. Bride dowry ...
for her hand in marriage, but her father interprets it as an attempt to usurp him and imprisons the Super-Skrull instead.
Anelle and the Kree Mar-Vell fall in love and have an illicit relationship,
leading to the birth of future
Young Avenger Hulkling. The emperor orders the baby put to death as soon as he realizes who the father is, but Anelle has her nurse smuggle the child off-world. The nurse raises the child on Earth.
Anelle is later killed when
Galactus
Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, he is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of the p ...
consumes the Skrull Throneworld.
Anelle in other media
* Anelle appears in ''
The Fantastic Four'' (1967) episode "Behold, A Distant Star", voiced by
Ginny Tyler.
* Anelle appears in the ''
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
'' (1994) episode "Behold, A Distant Star", voiced by
Mary Kay Bergman
Mary Kay Bergman (June 5, 1961 – November 11, 1999), also briefly credited as Shannen Cassidy, was an American voice actress and voice-over teacher. She was the official voice of the Disney character Snow White from 1989 to 1999 and the lead fem ...
.
* Anelle appears in ''
The Super Hero Squad Show
''The Super Hero Squad Show'' is an American superhero animated series produced by Marvel Animation that aired from 2009 to 2011. It is based on the Hasbro toyline " Marvel Super Hero Squad", which portrays the Avengers, the X-Men, and various ...
'', voiced by
Tara Strong
Tara Lyn Strong (; born February 12, 1973) is a Canadian and American actress. She is known for her voice work in animation, websites, and video games. Strong's voice roles include animated series such as '' The Powerpuff Girls'', '' The Fair ...
.
Angar the Screamer
Angel
Angel is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Thomas Halloway
Simon Halloway
Warren Worthington III
Angel Dust
Angela
Dirk Anger
Dirk Anger is a character appearing in American comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character has been primarily featured in the book ''
Nextwave
''Nextwave'' is a comedy comic book ongoing series, series by Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen, published by Marvel Comics between 2006 and 2007. ''Nextwave'' consistently features extreme violence and comedy, and simultaneously satire, satirizes ...
'', and was created by
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis (born 16 February 1968) is an English comic book writer, novelist, and screenwriter. He is best known as the co-creator of several original comics series, including ''Transmetropolitan'' (1997–2002), ''Global Frequency'' ...
and
Stuart Immonen
Stuart Immonen () is a Canadians, Canadian comics artist. He is best known for his work on the Marvel Comics series ''Nextwave'', ''Ultimate X-Men'', ''The New Avengers (comics), The New Avengers'', ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', and ''Ultimate Spide ...
. Anger is a thinly veiled, over-the-top parody of
Nick Fury
Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
; Ellis originally wanted to use Fury himself but the character was unavailable.
Dirk Anger is the Director of the Highest Anti Terrorist Effort (
H.A.T.E.). Anger is fully aware that The
Beyond Corporation©, which funds H.A.T.E., is the newest version of
terrorist cell S.I.L.E.N.T.; however, he simply does not care. Anger is over ninety years old, but has an extended lifespan, through chemical means.
Anger has a multitude of psychological issues, including
misogyny
Misogyny () is hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against Woman, women or girls. It is a form of sexism that can keep women at a lower social status than Man, men, thus maintaining the social roles of patriarchy. Misogyny has been wide ...
,
bulimia
Bulimia nervosa, also known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating (eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often feeling out of control) followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induc ...
,
alcoholism
Alcoholism is the continued drinking of alcohol despite it causing problems. Some definitions require evidence of dependence and withdrawal. Problematic use of alcohol has been mentioned in the earliest historical records. The World He ...
,
nicotine addiction,
depression,
sadism, and a fixation on a flowery house dress that may have belonged to his mother. Anger accidentally (and finally) committed suicide by hanging during his pursuit of the Nextwave squad. However, the Beyond Corporation© had installed a "Zombie Switch" in Anger's brain, preventing him from dying, yet leaving him craving human brains. Anger was apparently destroyed when he ordered his aeromarine to ram Nextwave's ship into Beyond's floating city.
Reception on Dirk Anger
Dirk Anger won the "Favorite Comics Villain"
Eagle Award in 2007.
Ani-Mator
The Ani-Mator (Frederick Animus) is a character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The Ani-Mator appeared in ''
The New Mutants
The New Mutants may refer to:
*''New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teena ...
'' #59 (January 1988), and was created by
Louise Simonson and
Bret Blevins
Bret Blevins (sometimes spelled Brett Blevins) (born August 13, 1960) is an American comics artist, animation storyboard artist, and painter. He is perhaps best known for his stint as the regular penciler of ''New Mutants'' for Marvel Comics.
...
.
Dr. Frederick Animus was a geneticist employed by a university conducting medical research, but instead concentrated on research of mutation. When he falsified reports on the effectiveness of medication, several people died; as a result he was investigated, fired, and jailed for negligence. It was there he met
Cameron Hodge. Dubbed the Ani-Mator, he was employed as a geneticist by Hodge's organization
the Right to research a means of stopping the process that created
mutants. When the Right set him up on a deserted island in the North Atlantic he named Paradise, the Ani-Mator instead created a race of "Ani-Mates" by combining the characteristics of human beings and other animals through gene splicing and selective breeding, intending them to be slaves for humanity.
One of the Ani-Mates,
Bird-Brain, escaped the island and ultimately befriended the
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teenaged junior class at the Xavier Institute, sub ...
. They returned to the island to stop the mad scientist's experiments.
They succeeded in defeating the Ani-Mator's creations but were ultimately captured by Hodge and agents of the Right, who had become suspicious of the doctor's activities. Bird-Brain subsequently rallied the surviving Ani-Mates to help rescue his friends. During the fight with the Right troopers, the Ani-Mator broke free and attempted to shoot and kill
Wolfsbane, but instead killed
Cypher, who had pushed Wolfsbane out of the way. In retaliation,
Magik
Magik (Illyana Nikolaievna Rasputina) (Russian language, Russian: Ильяна Николаевна Распутина) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cock ...
threatened to shoot Ani-Mator with his own gun until being talked down by Wolfsbane and instead exiled him to the dimension of
Limbo
The unofficial term Limbo (, or , referring to the edge of Hell) is the afterlife condition in medieval Catholic theology, of those who die in original sin without being assigned to the Hell of the Damned. However, it has become the gene ...
.
There he was captured by
S'ym, transferred into a demon of living circuitry, and forced to serve in S'ym's army.
Annalee
Annalee is a mutant in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
.
The character, created by
Louise Simonson and
June Brigman, first appeared in ''Power Pack'' #12 (July 1985).
Annalee is a member of the subterranean mutants known as the
Morlocks who possesses the mutant ability to influence the minds of others, making them feel whatever emotion she wants them to. Annalee's own four children were slain and this caused her to force the
Power Pack to become her foster children. Her repeated attempts failed (the latter attempt was foiled when Katie Power escaped and sought the aid of the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
, but she later found happiness caring for the young Morlock
Leech
Leeches are segmented parasitism, parasitic or Predation, predatory worms that comprise the Class (biology), subclass Hirudinea within the phylum Annelida. They are closely related to the Oligochaeta, oligochaetes, which include the earthwor ...
. Annalee was killed by
Scalphunter during the
Mutant Massacre.
Annalee in other media
Annalee appears in the ''
X-Men: The Animated Series'' episode "Captive Hearts", among others, and is voiced by
Kay Tremblay.
Annex
Annex (Alexander Ellis) is a
fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character is usually depicted as associated with
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
. Annex was created by writer
Jack C. Harris and artist
Tom Lyle and first appeared in ''
The Amazing Spider-Man
''The Amazing Spider-Man'' is an ongoing American superhero American comic book, comic book series featuring the Marvel Comics superhero Spider-Man as its title character and main protagonist. Being in the Earth 616, mainstream continuity of t ...
'' Annual #27 (1993) as an enemy of Spider-Man, but went on to become an ally. His next appearance was ''
Spider-Man Unlimited'' #3, followed by a self-titled
limited series. He appeared in the ''
Avengers: the Initiative'' series beginning with issue #13.
Ellis was a
Desert Storm
, combatant2 =
, commander1 =
, commander2 =
, strength1 = Over 950,000 soldiers3,113 tanks1,800 aircraft2,200 artillery systems
, page = https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-PEMD-96- ...
veteran whose leg was wounded in combat and subsequently amputated. He signed up for an Annexing unit, where
computer technology
Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computing machinery. It includes the study and experimentation of algorithmic processes, and the development of both hardware and software. Computing has scientif ...
grew a newly functioning limb; however, because of a
computer glitch
A glitch is a short-lived technical fault, such as a transient one that corrects itself, making it difficult to troubleshoot. The term is particularly common in the computing and electronics industries, in circuit bending, as well as among pl ...
, Ellis lost his memory and becomes the villain Annex. He was quickly defeated by Spider-Man, and changes back into Ellis.
Annex later joined Camp Hammond to be trained in the
Fifty State Initiative
''Avengers: The Initiative'' is a comic book series from Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy and Harvey Tolibao, the series handles the aftermath of Marvel's "Civil War" sto ...
program.
After the
Skrull invasion, Annex was assigned to New Mexico's Initiative team.
As a result of his exo-skeleton armor, Annex possesses the ability to increase his strength, speed, stamina, reflexes, reaction time, coordination, agility, dexterity, balance, and endurance. Annex can also create any weapon he requires. The armor also grants him flight, "schema mode", and informational downloading methods, all at the base of a
computer generated robotic structure.
Annihilation
Annihilation is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. It was created by writer
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', '' The Manhattan Projects'' and '' East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on Marvel's '' Fantastic Fo ...
and artists Pepe Larraz and
Leinil Francis Yu
Leinil Francis Yu (born 1977) is a People of the Philippines, Filipino comic book artist, who began working for the United States, American market through Wildstorm Productions.
Career
Leinil Francis Yu was first recognized after winning the ...
, first appeared as a drawing in ''Free Comic Book Day 2020 (X-Men/Dark Ages)'' (September 2020), and made its full debut in ''
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
'' (vol. 5) #12 (November 2020).
Annihilation was the incorporeal ruler of the dimension Amenth and created the Daemons that lived there. Its spirit resided in the Annihilation Helm (later transformed into the Annihilation Staff).
In ancient times, Annihilation invaded Earth via the island of
Okkara, splitting the island in two with the Twilight Sword. To stymie the seemingly unstoppable Daemon hordes, the
mutants of Okkara sealed themselves and one of the halves of the island (dubbed
Arakko
A-Bomb
Abomination
Absorbing Man
Abraxas
Abyss
Abyss is the name of two characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Nils Styger
Abyss is a mutant and the half-brother of Nightcrawler. He was cr ...
) away in Amenth, including Okkara's queen,
Genesis, while
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
, Okkara's king, remained on Earth to rebuild a mutant society capable of repelling Annihilation's forces if they ever returned.
For millennia, Annihilation waged war on Arakko, forcing captured mutants to breed with its Daemons to produce powerful hybrid offspring. After Genesis launched a failed counteroffensive, Annihilation challenged her to a duel to the death to end the war. Genesis won, but in so doing fell into Annihilation's trap. After killing its host, the Amenthi Daemons ran wild and threatened to destroy Arakko, forcing Genesis to claim the Annihilation Helm and become its new host.
With Genesis as its new host, Annihilation united the Amenthi and Arakkii forces and launched an invasion of Earth through
Otherworld
In historical Indo-European religion, the concept of an otherworld, also known as an otherside, is reconstructed in comparative mythology. Its name is a calque of ''orbis alius'' (Latin for "other world/side"), a term used by Lucan in his desc ...
.
When
Saturnyne
Opal Luna Saturnyne is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Dave Thorpe and Alan Davis for their ''Captain Britain'' stories. Formerly the servant of Roma, she is currently the O ...
intervened and arranged for a
tournament
A tournament is a competition involving at least three competitors, all participating in a sport or game. More specifically, the term may be used in either of two overlapping senses:
# One or more competitions held at a single venue and concen ...
to decide the issue, Annihilation recruited and led the champions of Arakko.
After Arakko ultimately lost the tournament, Annihilation seized control of Genesis and summoned its armies to fight the Krakoan champions and invade Earth.
The arrival of the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
, the
Captain Britain Corps, and the Vescora turned the tide of the battle in the Krakoans' favor and Apocalypse took the Annihilation Helm for himself. He was able to resist its influence long enough to command the Amenthi forces to surrender, ending the battle. Saturnyne subsequently turned the helm into a staff to limit Annihilation's influence over its host and gave it to Genesis, who returned to Amenth with Apocalypse and the
First Horsemen.
Though lessened, Annihilation retained influence over Genesis, eventually sparking the Genesis War on Planet Arakko.
Its power over her was undone when
Storm
A storm is any disturbed state of the natural environment or the atmosphere of an astronomical body. It may be marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions such as strong wind, tornadoes, hail, thunder and lightning (a thunderstor ...
destroyed the staff and ended the civil war.
With no vessel, Annihilation's spirit was confined to Amenth and cut off from all other realities.
Annihilus
Anole
Answer
The Answer is the name of three connected characters appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
.
Aaron Nicholson
The first Answer, Aaron Nicholson first appeared in ''
Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man
''The Spectacular Spider-Man'' is a comic book and magazine series starring Spider-Man and published by Marvel Comics.
Following the success of Spider-Man's original series, ''The Amazing Spider-Man'', Marvel felt the character could support ...
'' #92. Nicholson is a criminal genius and a former member of the
Kingpin's criminal organization. He is also a former hitman in the Las Vegas division of
HYDRA and was empowered by the laboratory machines of
Farley Stillwell
Farley Stillwell is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a scientist best known for transforming Mac Gargan into the Scorpion.
Publication history
Stillwell first appeared in ''The Amazing Spi ...
's brother Harlan Stillwell.
The Answer studied
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
's powers,
and then attacked the hero and ally the
Black Cat
A black cat is a Cat, domestic cat with black fur. They may be a specific Purebred, breed, or a common domestic cat of no particular or mixed breed. Most black cats have golden iris (anatomy), irises due to their high melanin pigment content. Bl ...
to test the limits of their abilities.
He then kidnapped the Black Cat to misdirect Spider-Man's attention as he stole
Silvermane's body from the police morgue,
and assisted the Kingpin in partially restoring Silvermane's life.
The Answer then kidnapped
Dagger
A dagger is a fighting knife with a very sharp point and usually one or two sharp edges, typically designed or capable of being used as a cutting or stabbing, thrusting weapon.State v. Martin, 633 S.W.2d 80 (Mo. 1982): This is the dictionary or ...
in hopes that her powers would cure the Kingpin's ailing
wife
A wife (: wives) is a woman in a marital relationship. A woman who has separated from her partner continues to be a wife until their marriage is legally dissolved with a divorce judgment; or until death, depending on the kind of marriage. On t ...
.
Silvermane rampaged mindlessly; as a result, the Answer sacrificed his corporeal form and converted himself to energy to revive Dagger, who possessed Silvermane's life-force.
The Answer later telepathically contacted
Doctor Octopus who restored his corporeal existence.
The Answer ended up fighting with Octavius, and was defeated. The Answer later appeared in the Raft, and escaped only to be captured by
Toxin
A toxin is a naturally occurring poison produced by metabolic activities of living cells or organisms. They occur especially as proteins, often conjugated. The term was first used by organic chemist Ludwig Brieger (1849–1919), derived ...
. It was later revealed that he had been feigning bad luck to reunite with his unrequited love
Ruby Thursday
Ruby Thursday (Thursday Rubinstein) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is usually depicted as a member of the Headmen. She is named for The Rolling Stones song " Ruby Tuesday".
Publication history
R ...
, but her body was destroyed by
Bullseye.
During the
superhero civil war, Nicholson was part of an army of super-villains organized by
Hammerhead that was captured by
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
and
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
He was later among the supervillains attending a wake for
Stilt-Man at a bar. Disguised as a barman, the
Punisher poisoned drinks and blew up the bar.
Answer survived, and was subsequently hired by the
Hood to take advantage of the split in the superhero community caused by the Superhuman Registration Act.
He fought the
New Avengers
The New Avengers are a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The title has been used for four American comic book series. The first two were written by Brian Michael Bendis and depicted a version of Ma ...
but was taken down by
Doctor Strange
Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
.
He was later among the villains in a bar confronting
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
.
Answer was one of many prisoners who escaped from
the Raft at the start of the
Skrull invasion of Earth.
He later joined the Hood's crime syndicate and worked with them on numerous occasions.
David Ferrari
After Aaron Nicholson's apparent death,
S.H.I.E.L.D. agent David Ferrari took the identity of Answer.
He was a former agent of
S.H.I.E.L.D., the
U.S. Army and Furnace – as well as a former ally of the
Crimson Dynamo and the brother of
Connie. He led a mission to an
A.I.M. base to prevent the release of the Omega Compound; however, he released two drops to destroy the base.
Ferrari later used drugs to control
Nick Fury
Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
, at which point he had allied himself with the
Crimson Dynamo in attempt to steal missiles from Khamistan to take over the world. He was opposed by
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
.
Unnamed criminal
After Aaron Nicholson lost his physical form, his gear was sold to
Roderick Kingsley, who passed it to an unknown criminal. The new Answer was present when
Hobgoblin
A hobgoblin is a household spirit, appearing in English folklore, once considered helpful, but which since the spread of Christianity has often been considered mischievous. Shakespeare identifies the character of Puck in his '' A Midsummer Nigh ...
led his forces into battle against the Goblin King's Goblin Nation. After Hobgoblin was killed by Goblin King, Answer was among the villains that defected to the Goblin Nation.
Following Spider-Man's victory over the Goblin King, Answer was with the other former Hobgoblin minions at the Bar with No Name, where they encountered
Electro.
Anthem
Ant Ant
Ant Ant is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Ant Ant is an anthropomorphic
ant
Ants are Eusociality, eusocial insects of the Family (biology), family Formicidae and, along with the related wasps and bees, belong to the Taxonomy (biology), order Hymenoptera. Ants evolved from Vespoidea, vespoid wasp ancestors in the Cre ...
and animal version of Ant-Man.
Ant-Man
Hank Pym
Scott Lang
Eric O'Grady
Chris McCarthy
Zayn Asghar
Anti-Venom
Eddie Brock
Unnamed host
Flash Thompson
Apache Kid
Ape
Ape is a
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
. His first appearance was in ''
Power Pack'' #12 (July 1985), and he was created by
Louise Simonson and
June Brigman.
The character subsequently appears in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #195 (July 1985), ''Power Pack'' #27 (December 1986), ''X-Factor'' #11-13 (December 1986-February 1987), and ''Weapon X'' (vol. 2) #5 (March 2003) and #10 (August 2003). Ape and the Morlocks received an entry in ''
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe
The ''Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe'' is an encyclopedic Guide book, guide which details the fictional universe featured in Marvel Comics publications. The original 15-volume series was published in comic book format in 1982, followed b ...
'' #9 (August 1986).
Ape is a member of the
Morlocks who possesses an ape-like appearance and shapeshifting abilities. He is among the Morlocks who escaped the
Marauders' slaughter during the "
Mutant Massacre". Ape is later captured by the
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
program and brought to the concentration camp Neverland, where he is executed.
Ape in other media
* Ape appears in ''
X-Men: The Animated Series'', voiced by
Ross Petty.
* Ape makes cameo appearances in ''
X-Men '97
''X-Men '97'' is an American animated television series created by Beau DeMayo for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the X-Men. It is a revival of '' X-Men: The Animated Series'' (1992–1997) produced b ...
''.
Ape-Man
Ape-Man is the name of three connected fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Monk Keefer
With a group of other criminals, professional criminal Gordon "Monk" Keefer attempted a robbery of a
Stark Industries warehouse, and was defeated by
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
.
Along with three other criminals, Keefer was recruited for his great strength by a man named the Organizer to form the
Ani-Men, with him being given an
ape
Apes (collectively Hominoidea ) are a superfamily of Old World simians native to sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (though they were more widespread in Africa, most of Asia, and Europe in prehistory, and counting humans are found global ...
-like costume and the title of Ape-Man. The Organizer was secretly Abner Jonas, a candidate for mayor of
New York City
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...
, who sent the Ani-Men on missions to undermine the current administration. Daredevil defeated them, and both the Ani-Men and Organizer were imprisoned. Later Ape-Man, Bird-Man and Cat-Man formed a team called the "Unholy Three" with the
Exterminator, and fought Daredevil again. The Unholy Three, as a team of independent thieves, fought Daredevil and
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
and were again defeated.
Ape-Man, Bird-Man, and Cat-Man later rejoined the Ani-Men, and the Ani-Men went to work for
Count Nefaria. Nefaria's scientists submitted the unwitting Ani-Men to processes that gave them superhuman powers and animal-like forms with Keefer resembling an actual ape. The Ani-Men invaded the Cheyenne Mountain missile base for Count Nefaria, and fought the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
. The Ani-Men later lost their superhuman powers, reverted to normal and started wearing their animal-themed costumes again; Nefaria sent them to kill
Tony Stark. However,
Spymaster detonated a bomb intended to kill Stark, and the resulting explosion killed the Ani-Men instead.
Roy McVey
After the deaths of the original Ani-Men, the
Death-Stalker recruited a new team of Ani-Men, with a new Ape-Man, Bird-Man, and Cat-Man. The second Ape-Man was Roy McVey, who was given a copy of the original Ape-Man's costume. Death-Stalker sent the new Ani-Men to capture
Matt Murdock, and murdered Ape-Man and Cat-Man by electrocution upon the completion of their mission.
Third version
An unnamed Ape-Man alongside a third Cat-Man and a second Frog-Man were shown committing crimes
while the heroes were on Battleworld. They used the equipment of the original Ani-Men and used it to rob a vault wagon only to be opposed by the NYPD.
During the
superhero civil war, Ape-Man was among the villains in
Hammerhead's supervillain army.
Ape-X
Ape-X is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Ape-X (Earth-712)
Ape-X is a super-intelligent ape in the
Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previous ...
universe
The universe is all of space and time and their contents. It comprises all of existence, any fundamental interaction, physical process and physical constant, and therefore all forms of matter and energy, and the structures they form, from s ...
. The character, created by
Mark Gruenwald
Mark Eugene Gruenwald ( ; June 18, 1953 – August 12, 1996) was an American comic book writer, editor, and occasional penciler known for his long association with Marvel Comics.
Career
Early career
Gruenwald got his start in comics f ...
, is a pastiche of
Gorilla Grodd, first appeared in ''
Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previous ...
'' #5 in January 1986.
Ape-X is a
gorilla
Gorillas are primarily herbivorous, terrestrial great apes that inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. The genus ''Gorilla'' is divided into two species: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, and either four or five su ...
who was a member of the
Institute of Evil. Enemies of the Squadron, they abducted the team's scientist
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb is a character of English folklore. ''The History of Tom Thumb'' was published in 1621 and was the first known fairy tale printed in English. Tom is no bigger than his father's thumb, and his adventures include being swallowed by a cow, ...
and subjected him to his own Behavior Modification technology, hoping to turn Tom against his teammates while holding the Squadron's loved ones hostage to prevent reprisals. However, when the Squadron were all captured, it transpired Tom had designed the technology so it would not affect any Squadron member. Ape-X and the rest of the Institute were subdued and subject to the B-Mod device themselves, turning them into loyal members of the Squadron.
Ape-X goes on to serve as a scientific expert for the team, assisting Tom Thumb in his attempt to cure all human disease. While her brainwashing prevents Ape-X from directly committing crimes, she is able to suggest courses of action Tom might hypothetically take. However, their efforts prove fruitless, and Tom succumbs to his own cancer.
In her grief, Ape-X begins attempting to construct a robot duplicate of Tom. In the meantime, she also assists Hyperion, who has become blinded following a fight with a villainous copy of himself.
When Moonglow infiltrates the Squadron's files, Ape-X is alerted to this by Tom's AI, AIDA. However, her brainwashing prevents Ape-X from taking any action against a member of the Squadron, and the logical dichotomy gives Ape-X an anyuerysm, preventing her from warning them.
Ape-X (Earth-8101)
Unrelated to the Squadron Supreme version, Ape-X was created by
Karl Kesel and Ramon Bachs, first appearing in ''
Marvel Apes'' #1. Ape-X is a monkey that wears a wrestler mask that enables him to turn into a super-powered gorilla.
Apex
Apex is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Bashir Twins
The first Apex first appeared in ''
Avengers Arena'' #1 (December 2012) and was created by
Dennis Hopeless and
Kev Walker.
Apex is one of sixteen teenagers kidnapped by
Arcade who forces them to fight each other to the death in his latest version of
Murderworld. She is part of the Braddock Academy group (consisting of
Kid Briton,
Anachronism
An anachronism (from the Greek , 'against' and , 'time') is a chronological inconsistency in some arrangement, especially a juxtaposition of people, events, objects, language terms and customs from different time periods. The most common type ...
,
Bloodstone and
Nara
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government within the executive branch, charged with the preservation and documentation of government and historical records. It is also task ...
) which is joined by
Death Locket despite death threats from Kid Briton and Nara. Death Locket started bonding with Apex as she introduces her to the rest of the Braddock Academy.
There is discord in the Braddock Academy's ranks as Anachronism and Kid Briton get into an argument. An earthquake then separates Bloodstone and Anachronism from Apex, Nara, Kid Briton, and Death Locket. Death Locket goes dormant as her cybernetics take over and she blasts Nara off a cliff and into the ocean. Kid Briton is enraged by this and tries to kill her until Apex orders him not to, revealing that she knew about his affair with Nara back at the Braddock Academy and that "we're here now and I'm done sharing."
Nara, Anachronism, and Bloodstone manage to survive falling into the chasm and come to the conclusion that Apex is manipulating Death Locket and Kid Briton to her own ends. The trio is then teleported by Arcade to the supply cache at Quadrant 2 just as Apex, Death Locket, and Kid Briton arrive. Nara and Apex start arguing and Apex confirms that she was the one who ordered Death Locket to attack Nara. Kid Briton tries to intervene as Nara continues calling him a "weak puppet." An irate Kid Briton attempts to kill Nara for insulting him only to be beheaded by Anachronism.
In a flashback, it was shown that Apex is actually the twins Katy and Tim Bashir , who share a body and were created via genetic engineering. The battle between
Chase Stein as
Darkhawk
Darkhawk (Christopher Powell) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in ''Darkhawk'' #1 (March 1991), and was created by writer Tom DeFalco and artist Mike Manley. The character a ...
and
Juston Seyfert
S'Byll
S'Byll (sometimes spelled S'byll) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
S'Byll is a Skrull that was raised on the planet Satriani. She was responsible for curing Super-Skrull of his disease.
Si ...
was aborted when Tim's
technopathic powers and the group's vote for Tim/Katy's life or death. Juston was among those who voted for death. Apex kills Juston and steals his
Sentinel
Sentinel may refer to:
Places Mountains
* Mount Sentinel, a mountain next to the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana
* Sentinel Buttress, a volcanic crag on James Ross Island, Antarctica
* Sentinel Dome, a naturally occurring granit ...
.
After being injured by Apex,
Nico Minoru sacrifices herself by staying behind to get the other survivors to safety. Nico is killed by Chase and Juston Seyfert's Sentinel, both of whom were under Apex's control. Nico is resurrected by the Staff of One and trap Apex and Death Locket underground. However, this had the unintended side effect of sending them underneath the Arena into Arcade's lair.
At the end of ''Avengers Arena'', Arcade escapes when confronted by Apex, Death Locket, and the (now de-powered) Darkhawk, but manages to secretly convince Apex to run Murderworld to its conclusion by killing off the remaining heroes and then telling the world how she was the tragic sole survivor.
As Katy gloats of her impending victory to Death Locket and attempts to kill her, Tim regains enough mental strength to take over one last time. He convinces Death Locket to kill the Tim/Katy gestalt before his sister comes back and takes over the body once and for all—he implies that she has grown far too strong by now for him to ever displace her again—and uses Murderworld to kill off everyone else. Apex is then killed by Death Locket off-panel.
Otherone
Otherone is a prince in the Musculan royal family on the planet Muscula. When the Power
Infinity Stone manifests in Otherone's jelly bowl, he unknowingly eats it and gains its powers.
Using the alias of Prince and Prince of Power, Otherone joins the
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy are a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Comic book teams 1969 team
The 1969 version of the Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team), Guardians of the Galaxy were the origi ...
, but unintentionally destroys Muscula. He is trained by
Hercules
Hercules (, ) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures.
The Romans adapted the Gr ...
and becomes known as Apex.
Apocalypse
Apollo
Aquarius
Aquarius is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Darren Bentley
Darren Bentley is a founding member of
Zodiac
The zodiac is a belt-shaped region of the sky that extends approximately 8° north and south celestial latitude of the ecliptic – the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. Within this zodiac ...
, and his base of operations was
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, Financial District, San Francisco, financial, and Culture of San Francisco, cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of ...
.
The Zodiac was infiltrated by
Nick Fury
Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
, posing as
Scorpio; the Zodiac fought the
Avengers and escaped. Aquarius,
Capricorn, and
Sagittarius sought to recapture the Zodiac Key, but lost it to the Brotherhood of the Ankh.
Led by Taurus, the Zodiac later attempted to kill all Manhattan residents born under the sign of Gemini as a show of power, but were thwarted by the Avengers. Taurus's faction attempted to kill the Zodiac dissident faction, but all twelve leaders were captured by the Avengers.
After learning he had cancer, Aquarius made a bargain with the demon Slifer: in return for his soul, Aquarius was granted one year of life and the supernatural ability to take on the forms of his fellow Zodiac leaders. However, after Aquarius took on the other Zodiac forms one time each (thereby representing a ''zodiacal'' year) while battling
Ghost Rider, Slifer returned and claimed his body and soul.
Zachary Drebb
The second Aquarius was a man named Zachary Drebb. Taurus ordered Aquarius II and third Aries to kill
Iron Man (James Rhodes), but both failed. A new android
LMD version of the Zodiac appeared, led by Scorpio in a new android body, massacred the human Zodiac, and took over their criminal operations.
Aquarius (LMD)
An android Aquarius was a
Life Model Decoy
A Life Model Decoy (frequently known by the abbreviation LMD) is a fictional android appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. LMDs duplicate all outward aspects of a real living person with such authenticity that they can eas ...
created by
Scorpio (Jacob Fury) to be part of his Zodiac crime organization. Scorpio went after his brother,
Nick Fury
Colonel (United States), Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, he first appeared in ''Sgt. Fury and ...
, with his new group, but was defeated by
Defenders
Defender(s) or The Defender(s) may refer to:
* Defense (military)
* Defense (sports)
** Defender (association football)
Arts and entertainment Film, television, and theatre Film
* ''The Defender'' (1989 film), a Canadian documentary
* ''The D ...
and
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, the character first appeared in ''Werewolf by Night'' #32 (August 1975).
The son of a rabbi, Marc S ...
. The Zodiac LMD's were recruited by
Quicksilver during his bout with temporary insanity, and Quicksilver ordered the Zodiac LMD's to destroy
Avengers for their imagined wrongdoings. The Avengers managed to defeat the group and most were remanded into federal custody.
The android Zodiac were soon released, and the Scorpio LMD rebuilt a number of them. Scorpio used the Zodiac Key to create LMDs that exemplified the forces and personalities inherent in each sign, hoping to create great strength in the combination of all twelve traits of the Zodiac. He arranged the ambush in which the android Zodiac killed all of the remaining human Zodiac leaders except Cornelius van Lunt, alias
Taurus. It was later revealed the Libra had also survived the attack on the original Zodiac Cartel. Immediately afterward, Van Lunt sought out the services of the Avengers' West Coast branch to confront and defeat the android Zodiac. He was destroyed by Hawkeye in a battle with the
West Coast Avengers
The West Coast Avengers is a fictional group of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team first appeared in ''The West Coast Avengers'' #1 (Sept. 1984), created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall (comics), Bob Ha ...
.
[''West Coast Avengers'' (vol. 2) #26-28]
The Zodiac Key immediately resurrected the Scorpio LMD. Claiming superiority and believing that the Zodiac would eventually kill the Avengers as the androids could never be stopped, Scorpio wanted to use the Key to transport everyone on the scene to the Key's native dimension where the conflict, he believed, could be prolonged indefinitely. However, when the androids were in the other dimension, they ceased to function because each of them were aligned with a particular zodiacal energy, energy that did not exist in the other dimension. The Avengers found
Hawkeye and
Tigra
Tigra (Greer Grant Nelson) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Roy Thomas and artist Wally Wood (Marie Severin was then brought in to help layout the art), with her early adventur ...
had been sent to the same dimension and, reunited, the team was sent back to Earth by the Brotherhood. However, secretly the Brotherhood waited so that someday they could also send the Key to Earth again and create new conflicts for them.
Aquarius (Ecliptic)
Aquarius was a later addition to the Zodiac. A man of few words, he tended to remain in the background despite his power. He was killed with the rest of the Zodiac by
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional government genetic research facility project appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were conducted by Department K, which turned willing and unwilling beings into living weapons to carry out c ...
.
Thanos' Aquarius
The fifth Aquarius is an unnamed male that
Thanos
Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
recruited to join his incarnation of the Zodiac. He and the other Zodiac members perish when Thanos abandons them on the self-destructing Helicarrier where
Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving Cell growth#Disorders, abnormal cell growth with the potential to Invasion (cancer), invade or Metastasis, spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Po ...
was the only survivor.
Aquarius in other media
Aquarius appears in ''
Marvel Anime: Iron Man'' as a mech utilized by Zodiac.
Aqueduct
Arabian Knight
Aragorn
Aragorn is the name of several
winged horses appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first incarnation appeared in ''
The Avengers'' #48 (January 1968) and was created by
Roy Thomas
Roy William Thomas Jr."Roy Thomas Checklist" ''Alter Ego'' vol. 3, #50 (July 2005) p. 16 (born November 22, 1940) is an American comic book writer and editor. He was Stan Lee's first successor as editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics and possibly bes ...
and
George Tuska.
First Aragorn
Professor Nathan Garrett, the criminal
Black Knight
The black knight is a literary stock character who masks his identity and that of his liege by not displaying heraldry. Black knights are usually portrayed as villainous figures who use this anonymity for misdeeds. They are often contrasted with ...
, developed genetic engineering techniques capable of granting a horse the wings of a bird. He used it to create a mount to ride during his criminal adventures.
[''The Avengers'' #48] After Garrett's final defeat by
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
, this horse escaped, was found and further mutated by Victor Frankenstein's great-granddaughter
Victoria (who had originally tried to restore it to normal), and fell into the possession of the
Dreadknight, who named it the Hellhorse.
Second Aragorn
As Garrett was dying, he persuades his nephew Dane Whitman to take his scientific discoveries and use them for good. Whitman thus became a new, heroic
Black Knight
The black knight is a literary stock character who masks his identity and that of his liege by not displaying heraldry. Black knights are usually portrayed as villainous figures who use this anonymity for misdeeds. They are often contrasted with ...
and used his uncle's techniques to create another winged horse. This one he names Aragorn and uses as his mount.
Aragorn helped the Black Knight and the
Avengers battle the
Masters of Evil; carried the Black Knight into battle against Le Sabre; helped the Black Knight and
Doctor Strange
Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
battle
Tiboro; carried the Black Knight alongside Doctor Strange and the Avengers as they battled
Ymir
In Norse mythology, Ymir (), also called Aurgelmir, Brimir, or Bláinn, is the ancestor of all jötnar. Ymir is attested in the ''Poetic Edda'', compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material, in the ''Prose Edda'', writte ...
and
Surtur; carried the Black Knight to
Olympus to battle
Ares
Ares (; , ''Árēs'' ) is the List of Greek deities, Greek god of war god, war and courage. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, and the son of Zeus and Hera. The Greeks were ambivalent towards him. He embodies the physical valor necessary for ...
and the
Enchantress, among numerous other adventures together.
When the Black Knight was turned into stone by the Enchantress, Aragorn was placed in the custody of his fellow
Defender, the
Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie ( or ; from ) is one of a host of female figures who guide souls of the dead to the god Odin's hall Valhalla. There, the deceased warriors become ('single fighters' or 'once fighters').Orchard (1997:36) and Li ...
. Aragorn carried the Valkyrie and
Namorita
Namorita Prentiss is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer and artist Bill Everett, the character first appeared in ''Sub-Mariner'' #50 (June 1972). Namorita belongs to the subspecies of humans ...
into battle against the Omegatron. When Whitman left his own time to stay for a while in the 12th century AD, he entrusted Aragorn to the care of the Valkyrie, who became his permanent companion. He came to live at the Richmond Riding Academy. He accompanied the Valkyrie to
Asgard
In Nordic mythology, Asgard (Old Norse: ''Ásgarðr''; "Garden of the Æsir") is a location associated with the gods. It appears in several Old Norse sagas and mythological texts, including the Eddas, however it has also been suggested to be refe ...
and Valhalla, and helped the Valkyrie, Harokin, and the Defenders battle Ollerus and Casiolena. With the Valkyrie, Aragorn helped form the New Defenders.
While Aragorn was with the Valkyrie, Dane Whitman gained a new flying horse named Strider from the
Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake (, , , , ) is a title used by multiple characters in the Matter of Britain, the body of medieval literature and mythology associated with the legend of King Arthur. As either actually fairy or fairy-like yet human enchantres ...
.
Aragorn is still in the company of the Valkyrie.
Third Aragorn
Another Aragon served as a steed to Augustine du Lac, who was the Vatican Black Knight. He rode Aragorn at the time when he accompanied
Klaw in his invasion of
Wakanda.
When
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter (Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff; Russian: Сергей Николаевич Кравинов) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, th ...
's son
Alyosha Kravinoff began collecting a
zoo of animal-themed superbeings, Aragorn is clearly seen in one of the cages. However, after disobeying Kraven, Aragorn was killed to set an example to his other captives and then served up as food. The ''Marvel Pets Handbook'' confirmed that the Aragorn that was killed by Alyosha Kravinoff was the Vatican Black Knight's Aragorn.
Aragorn in other media
* Aragorn appears in the ''
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur'' episode "The Devil You Know", voiced by
Cree Summer
Cree Summer Francks (born July 7, 1969) is an American-Canadian actress and singer. She is best known for her extensive work in animation, voicing characters such as Elmyra Duff in ''Tiny Toon Adventures'' and related media, Susie Carmichael ...
.
[ A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.] This version is a member of the Action Buddies Confidential support group.
* A character based on Aragorn named Warsong appears in the
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
(MCU). This version is
Valkyrie
In Norse mythology, a valkyrie ( or ; from ) is one of a host of female figures who guide souls of the dead to the god Odin's hall Valhalla. There, the deceased warriors become ('single fighters' or 'once fighters').Orchard (1997:36) and Li ...
's steed who can create portals. Introduced in ''
Thor: Ragnarok'' (2017), Warsong subsequently appears in ''
Avengers: Endgame'' (2019) and ''
Thor: Love and Thunder'' (2022).
Arakko
Arakko, "the island that fights like a man,"
is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Expressively feminine, Arakko is a sentient island, created several thousand years ago in the South Pacific alongside its male counterpart
Krakoa
Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in '' Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. While often depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa later fe ...
when the
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
island of
Okkara, ruled by
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
and
Genesis, was split in two by
Annihilation
In particle physics, annihilation is the process that occurs when a subatomic particle collides with its respective antiparticle to produce other particles, such as an electron colliding with a positron to produce two photons. The total energy a ...
with the Twilight Sword, creating a rift into the dimension of Amenth and unleashing Annihilation's Daemon hordes. To halt the invasion of Earth, Genesis sealed herself, the
First Horsemen, Arrako, and the population of Okkara into Amenth, while Apocalypse remained on Earth to build a mutant society strong enough to repel the Amenthi Daemons if they returned.
Now stranded in Amenth, one-tenth of the mutants fled into the wasteland, overwhelmed by the demonic nature of the dimension. Some of them were captured by the forces of Annihilation and forced to breed with Daemons to create powerful mutant-Daemon hybrids.
To protect themselves, the Arakkii mutants erected ten towers to keep the endless legions of Daemons at bay. They formed a ruling body, the Great Ring of Arakko, and the island nation was stable for a time.
After millennia of endless war against the Daemons, Genesis gathered an army and went on a years-long campaign to defeat Annihilation for good. However, she was forced to return to Arakko after her army was decimated by
White Sword, a former ally driven mad by thousands of years of isolation and endless battle.
Genesis' sister,
Isca the Unbeaten, whose powers had compelled her to defect to Amenth before the rift was sealed, returned to Arakko with a proposal from Annihilation: a duel to the death to end the war. Genesis accepted and won the duel, but fell into Annihilation's trap: by killing Annihilation's host, the Daemons of Amenth were left leaderless and ran wild. Only by donning the Annihilation Helm and becoming Annihilation's new host could Genesis hope to save her people. For 100 years, she refused, until the Daemons breached Arakko's walls. The desperate Arakkii opened a portal to Dryador, a province of
Otherworld
In historical Indo-European religion, the concept of an otherworld, also known as an otherside, is reconstructed in comparative mythology. Its name is a calque of ''orbis alius'' (Latin for "other world/side"), a term used by Lucan in his desc ...
, in search of aid. Realizing that all was lost, Genesis became Annihilation's host. Arakko was then forcefully turned into an Amenthi vassal state, beginning the era known as the Fallow Years.
The mutants who refused to submit to Annihilation were imprisoned and tortured in the Abyssal Prisons by
Tarn the Uncaring and his Locus Vile.
After subjugating Arakko, Annihilation sent
Summoner, son of the
Horseman of War, to find his grandfather Apocalypse, ostensibly for him and the mutants of Krakoa to help them defeat the Daemons, but in truth, to trick him into opening a gateway between Otherworld and Krakoa, paving the way for Annihilation to invade Earth. Simultaneously, the united forces of Arakko and Amenth invaded and destroyed Dryador.
The small piece of Arakko sent with Summoner, known as the Arak Coral, appeared 100 miles south of Krakoa and immediately began moving towards the island. After
Aurora
An aurora ( aurorae or auroras),
also commonly known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) or southern lights (aurora australis), is a natural light display in Earth's sky, predominantly observed in high-latitude regions (around the Arc ...
and
Northstar Northstar may refer to:
* Polaris, a star
Arts and entertainment
* Northstar (band), an emo band from Alabama
* Northstar (rap group), a rap group affiliated with the Wu-Tang Clan
* "Northstar", a 2019 song by XXXTentacion from the album '' Bad ...
surveyed the island and observed hostile lifeforms,
Cyclops
In Greek mythology and later Roman mythology, the Cyclopes ( ; , ''Kýklōpes'', "Circle-eyes" or "Round-eyes"; singular Cyclops ; , ''Kýklōps'') are giant one-eyed creatures. Three groups of Cyclopes can be distinguished. In Hesiod's ''Th ...
went to the island with
Prestige
Prestige may refer to:
Arts, entertainment and media Films
*Prestige (film), ''Prestige'' (film), a 1932 American film directed by Tay Garnett: woman travels to French Indochina to meet up with husband
*The Prestige (film), ''The Prestige'' (fi ...
and
Cable
Cable may refer to:
Mechanical
* Nautical cable, an assembly of three or more ropes woven against the weave of the ropes, rendering it virtually waterproof
* Wire rope, a type of rope that consists of several strands of metal wire laid into a hel ...
to investigate. On the island, the trio encountered Summoner and several monsters. Once communication was established between the parties, the Arak Coral merged with Krakoa, becoming the southwestern edge of the island. Later that day, Summoner finally met Apocalypse and, in keeping with Annihilation's plan, told him of the state of Arakko and the threat of the Daemons.
When Summoner's machinations successfully lured Apocalypse and a band of mutants into Otherworld to fight the Daemons attacking Dryador, the First Horsemen, along with Summoner, attacked, grievously wounding Apocalypse. The fight was halted by the Omniversal Majestrix
Saturnyne
Opal Luna Saturnyne is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Dave Thorpe and Alan Davis for their ''Captain Britain'' stories. Formerly the servant of Roma, she is currently the O ...
, who arranged a
contest of swords between the two islands to settle the conflict.
When Summoner approached
Redroot the Forest to join the Arakkii swordbearers, Arakko tearfully protested, but Redroot agreed to participate.
The Krakoan mutants ultimately won the tournament, and in the process Annihilation was defeated, its influence on Genesis curtailed and its grip on Arakko severed. Saturnyne decreed that one Krakoan mutant and one Arakkii mutant would exchange places to mark the end of the conflict. Genesis chose Apocalypse to join her and their children in Amenth, while Apocalypse chose Arakko itself (and by extension all the mutants living there) to take his place on Earth.
After returning to Earth, Arakko tried to reunite with Krakoa, but both had changed over time and no longer seemed compatible, even speaking different languages. Thus, the islands decided to stay separate.
Planet Arakko
During the first annual
Hellfire Gala, realizing the difficulties in accommodating a massive population of warlike mutants on Earth,
Magneto
A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
proposed a plan to terraform Mars and relocate Arakko and its inhabitants there in a power play to claim Mars as the capital of the solar system and the first mutant world. The Great Ring consented to the plan and lent their aid. After the planet was made hospitable for life,
Exodus, with the aid of
Jean Grey
Jean Elaine Grey-Summers is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men, The X-Men'' #1 ...
and
Lactuca the Knower, uprooted the island and transported it to Mars, renamed Planet Arakko.
Following its relocation, Arakko reached out to
Sunfire and requested he rescue Redroot, who had been imprisoned by
Mad Jim Jaspers during the X of Swords tournament.
Arakko was attacked by the
Eternal Uranos, who nearly destroyed the island.
Learning of this and believing the Arakkii mutants had grown soft in her absence, Genesis (still under the influence of Annihilation) traveled to Arakko and incited a civil war, rallying mutants who desired strength in opposition to the allies of
Storm
A storm is any disturbed state of the natural environment or the atmosphere of an astronomical body. It may be marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions such as strong wind, tornadoes, hail, thunder and lightning (a thunderstor ...
, who wanted peace.
In the course of the war, Apocalypse raised the Autumn Continent of Arakko, dubbed
Kaorak, prompting Genesis to raise Arakko itself to retaliate. The two living landmasses fought until Storm destroyed the Annihilation Staff, freeing Genesis from its influence and ending the war. Arakko and Kaorak embraced, recreating the true spirit of Okkara.
The Great Ring of Arakko
The Great Ring of Arakko is composed of four tables of three seats, with an adjunct section for the island itself. Any Arakkii who wishes to sit on one of the three publicly recognized tables of the Great Ring may challenge a sitting member to combat and receive that member's seat if victorious. Historically, members of the Great Ring, excluding the second iteration of the Night Table, have always been
Omega-level mutants, though non-Omega-level mutants are not prohibited from sitting on the Great Ring.
* The Dawn Table is deferred to in wartime. The Seat of Victory is consulted when a battle is won, the Seat of Stalemate when there is no clear winner, and the Seat of Loss when a battle is lost. As the Seat of Victory was historically the seat most often consulted, it has also been called the Head of the Great Ring.
* The Day Table is deferred to in peacetime. The Seat of Above-Us is consulted on matters of the heavens, the Seat of All-Around-Us on matters of the land, its people, weather, and world events, and the Seat of Below-Us on matters of the ocean. The Seat of All-Around-Us has an additional vote as the Regent of Arakko.
* The Dusk Table is never deferred to. The Seat of Law is consulted on legal matters, the Seat of History on lore and Arakkii history, and the Seat of Dreams on art, poetry, and song.
** The Seat of Law is also the commander of the Inward Watch, Arakko's law enforcement. The Watch's primary responsibilities include regulating challenges and retrieving those who flee challenges.
* The Night Table serves as a check against the power of the other seats.
It is composed of the Seat of Nothing, the Seat of Nowhere, and the Seat of Nobody. Originally, this table operated as the intelligence-gathering arm of the Great Ring, its seats empowered only as advisors, but it was erased from existence by
Ora Serrata when its members opposed Genesis' counteroffensive against Annihilation. It was secretly reformed after the subjugation of Arakko and it remains a clandestine organization, its existence known only to a few and not officially recognized as part of the Great Ring. No Omega-level mutant may hold a seat on the Night Table.
* The adjunct seats, known as the Ground on Which All Seats Rest, include Arakko and its Voice and represent the interests of the island itself.
* Bold indicates current members as of 2024.
Arcade
Arcanna
Arcanna is the name of three fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Squadron Supreme Arcanna
Arcanna Jones, created by
J. M. DeMatteis and
Don Perlin, first appeared in ''
The Defenders'' #112 (October 1982).
Arcanna's
magical abilities allow her to become a professional crime fighter to support her family, and she joins the
Squadron Supreme
The Squadron Supreme is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable alternate versions. The original team was created by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, derived from the previous ...
.
With the Squadron, she travels to a different universe. When they return, Arcanna discovers the nature of magic changed while she was away and that she will have to relearn all of her skills. Instead, she chooses to retire from adventuring to be with her family.
Supreme Power Arcanna
This version of the character, created by
J. Michael Straczynski
Joseph Michael Straczynski, known as J. Michael Straczynski (; born July 17, 1954) is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is known as the creator of the science fiction televi ...
and
Gary Frank, first appeared in ''
Supreme Power'' #18 (April 2005).
Arcanna Jones is able to observe and affect
parallel quantum dimensions. During a fight with
Hyperion, the interaction between their powers causes them to travel two years into the future.
Arcanna and the rest of the heroes of her world were killed by the Cabal during an Incursion, with their world's Nighthawk as the only survivor.
Heroes Reborn Arcanna
In the 2021 "
Heroes Reborn" reality, Arcanna is a member of the Secret Squadron. During the fight with the Siege Society, Arcanna was locked in combat with Silver Witch before being vanquished by her. Tom Thumb, Nighthawk, and Blur mourn the deaths of their fallen comrades Amphibian, Arcanna Jones, Blue Eagle, and Golden Archer.
Arclight
Ares
Ariel, of the Coconut Grove
Ariel is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
.
Ariel is an
extraterrestrial mutant from a planet called Coconut Grove, whose culture resembles stereotypical night club scene. She was sent to Earth by Unipar to collect mutant samples for genetic research. She joined the
Fallen Angels, a group of young mutants, led by
Vanisher. Ariel eventually brought them to Coconut Grove but was betrayed and captured upon discovering she was also a mutant. She later helped the group escape, earning their forgiveness.
After helping the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
in their battle against
Dark Avengers
''Dark Avengers'' is a 2009–2013 American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is part of a series of titles that features various iterations of the superhero team the Avengers, with this version of the team – unbeknownst to the ...
, Ariel joined the team and relocated to
San Francisco
San Francisco, officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, Financial District, San Francisco, financial, and Culture of San Francisco, cultural center of Northern California. With a population of 827,526 residents as of ...
. During "
Second Coming
The Second Coming (sometimes called the Second Advent or the Parousia) is the Christianity, Christian and Islam, Islamic belief that Jesus, Jesus Christ will return to Earth after his Ascension of Jesus, ascension to Heaven (Christianity), Heav ...
", X-Men protected
Hope Summers from
Bastion
A bastion is a structure projecting outward from the curtain wall of a fortification, most commonly angular in shape and positioned at the corners of the fort. The fully developed bastion consists of two faces and two flanks, with fire from the ...
and the Human Council. While transporting
Wolverine
The wolverine ( , ; ''Gulo gulo''), also called the carcajou or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species, member of the family Mustelidae. It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The w ...
and
X-23, Ariel's vehicle was targeted by a missile. Unlike her passengers, she lacked regenerative abilities and was presumed killed in the explosion. However, she survived by teleporting through the car door but was trapped in a limbo-like state. The X-Men later recovered her and
X-Club
The X Club was a dining club of nine men who supported the theories of natural selection and academic liberalism in Victorian era, late 19th-century England. Thomas Henry Huxley was the initiator; he called the first meeting for 3 November 186 ...
managed to heal her.
Powers and abilities
Ariel possesses ability of teleportation, inherited genetically rather than through mutation. Her power allows her to bend space by using real doorways as gateways to any location she can imagine. Her mutant ability is vocal persuasion, enabling her to compel individuals or entire group to agree and comply with her simply by speaking.
Aries
Arishem the Judge
Arkon
Armadillo
Armageddon Girl
Armageddon Man
Armageddon Man is a mutant character capable of causing or attracting natural disasters. Created by
John Francis Moore and
Jim Cheung
Jim Cheung ( ; born 1972) is a British comic book artist, known for his work on the series such as ''Scion (comics), Scion'', ''New Avengers: Illuminati'', ''Young Avengers'' and ''Avengers: The Children's Crusade''.
He co-created the Marvel su ...
, the character first appeared in ''
X-Force
X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in ''New Mutants'' #100 (April 1991 ...
'' #88 (February 1999).
In his youth after the development of his powers, Armageddon Man accidentally destroyed a town in
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern United States, Southwestern region of the United States. It is one of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains, sharing the Four Corners region with Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. It also ...
, causing the government to put him under suspended animation. He was freed by
The New Hellions but soon lost control of his powers and was turned over to the government by X-Force.
Armageddon Man was later recruited by X-Men Green. He would later be shot twice with the Genus Compound by
Hordeculture, firstly stripping him of his mutation and then devolving him into an extinct
lemur
Lemurs ( ; from Latin ) are Strepsirrhini, wet-nosed primates of the Superfamily (biology), superfamily Lemuroidea ( ), divided into 8 Family (biology), families and consisting of 15 genera and around 100 existing species. They are Endemism, ...
. Armageddon Man was later killed in a conflict between X-Men Green and the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
.
Armless Tiger Man
Gustav Hertz, better known as the Armless Tiger Man, is a supervillain who first appeared in the 1940s, then fell into obscurity for decades before being revived in stories set during the WWII era. Armless Tiger Man first appeared in ''
Marvel Mystery Comics'' #26 and was created by
Paul Gustavson
Paul Gustavson (né Karl Paul Gustafson; August 16, 1916 – April 29, 1977) was a Finnish-American comic-book writer and artist. His most notable creations during the Golden Age of Comic Books were Human Bomb, The Human Bomb for Quality Comics, ...
and Al Bellman.
As the name indicates, the Armless Tiger Man does not have any arms, having lost them in an industrial accident in his youth. Instead, he is a skilled fighter with his sharpened teeth and feet. Being recruited by the
Gestapo
The (, ), Syllabic abbreviation, abbreviated Gestapo (), was the official secret police of Nazi Germany and in German-occupied Europe.
The force was created by Hermann Göring in 1933 by combining the various political police agencies of F ...
he was used as a Nazi-henchman in several Marvel comic stories set in
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
. He was originally an enemy of the Golden Age
Angel
An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
but also had run-ins with
Captain America
Captain America is a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who appears in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in '' Captain America Comics'' #1, published on December 20, 1940, by Timely C ...
and
Black Panther
A black panther is the Melanism, melanistic colour variant of the leopard (''Panthera pardus'') and the jaguar (''Panthera onca''). Black panthers of both species have excess black pigments, but their typical Rosette (zoology), rosettes are al ...
. Armless Tiger Man first appeared in ''
Marvel Mystery Comics'' #26 and was created by
Paul Gustavson
Paul Gustavson (né Karl Paul Gustafson; August 16, 1916 – April 29, 1977) was a Finnish-American comic-book writer and artist. His most notable creations during the Golden Age of Comic Books were Human Bomb, The Human Bomb for Quality Comics, ...
and Al Bellman.
Armless Tiger Man in other media
Armless Tiger Man appears in a teaser image for ''
Marvel Avengers Alliance'', parodying the cover of ''
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
'' #141. He is one of the victims of the Circle of Eight and is found dead alongside
Lady Octopus.
Armor
Armory
Armory (Violet Lightner) first appeared in ''
Avengers: The Initiative'' #1 and was created by Dan Slott and Stefano Casselli.
A suicidal girl from San Francisco, Violet Lightner's attempt at killing herself failed when she bonded with the alien superweapon known as the Tactigon, an empathic weapon capable of anticipating the needs of its host. Finding new purpose in life, Violet used the weapon to fight crime where she managed to defeat
Flying Tiger, and joined the Fifty States Initiative.
[''Avengers: The Initiative'' Annual #1 (2006)]
On her first day at
Camp Hammond, Armory was involved in a training accident that saw the death of fellow trainee
Michael Van Patrick. Lightner was summarily drummed out of the Initiative and the Tactigon surgically removed.
Violet then went into therapy, refusing to disclose the circumstances that led to her expulsion to her psychiatrist, who unknown to her was working for Henry Peter Gyrich.
Amanda Armstrong
Amanda Armstrong is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is the biological mother of
Tony Stark.
Amanda Armstrong was a singer who became an intelligence agent upon being recruited by
S.H.I.E.L.D. agent
Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. During one mission, she met a man named Jude who was a double agent for
Hydra. She would later get pregnant through Jude and give the baby Anthony to S.H.I.E.L.D. founder
Howard Stark to raise. Many years later, Amanda become a music producer in London and reunited with her biological son
Tony Stark.
Aron
Aron the Rogue
Watcher is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. He is the nephew of
Uatu
Uatu (), often simply known as the Watcher, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in '' The Fantastic Four'' #13 (April 1963). He is a member o ...
. Aron first appeared in ''
Captain Marvel'' #39 and was created by
Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart (; born April 22, 1947) is an American writer of comic books and novels. He is best known for his work at Marvel Comics and DC Comics in the 1970s and 1980s. His pseudonyms have included John Harkness and Cliff Garnett.
Early li ...
and
Al Milgrom
Allen L. Milgrom (born March 6, 1950) is an American comic book artist (penciller and inker), writer, and editor, primarily for Marvel Comics. He is known for his 10-year run as editor of '' Marvel Fanfare''; his long involvement as writer, penci ...
.
Aron originally dwelt upon the
Watchers' homeworld with the other members of his race. He observed
Mar-Vell and
Rick Jones battling Mad-Eye, and then attended the trial of
Uatu
Uatu (), often simply known as the Watcher, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in '' The Fantastic Four'' #13 (April 1963). He is a member o ...
. Aron was seen alongside Uatu again later.
Aron decided to forsake the Watchers' oath and actively participate in events on Earth, becoming an instigator and manipulator. He set
Dragon Man against
She-Hulk
She-Hulk (Jennifer Susan Walters) is a Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she First appearance, first appeared in ''The Savage She-Hulk ...
and
She-Thing, and obtained cell samples from the
Thing and She-Thing. Aron observed the
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
battling
Graviton
In theories of quantum gravity, the graviton is the hypothetical elementary particle that mediates the force of gravitational interaction. There is no complete quantum field theory of gravitons due to an outstanding mathematical problem with re ...
, and witnessed the events of
Inferno. Aron was in turn observed by Necrodamus. Aron then joined forces with the
Frightful Four
The Frightful Four are a group of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They serve as the antithesis to the Fantastic Four.
Publication history
The Frightful Four first appeared in ''Fantastic Four (c ...
against the Fantastic Four, but soon quit the Frightful Four. Aron created clones of the Fantastic Four and She-Thing, and imprisoned the real Fantastic Four and Frightful Four members in suspended animation, and watched their dreams. He replaced the real Fantastic Four with his clones, and set them against the
Mole Man
The Mole Man (Harvey Rupert Elder) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is depicted as a recurring foe of the Fantastic Four and was the first villain they ever faced. His schemes usually consist of ...
. Aron continued to engineer "adventures" for his clones, causing them to appear as criminals. The clones battled the
Avengers and
Doctor Strange
Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as ...
, and were ultimately defeated by the real Fantastic Four after the originals broke free. Aron settled for watching the dreams of the clones instead.
When the entire species of the Watchers faced extinction at the hands of the
Celestials
The Celestials are fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Depicted as cosmic beings, they debuted in the Bronze Age of Comic Books and have reappeared on numerous occasions.
They also appeared in the ...
, Aron planned to plunge either Earth's solar system or its galaxy (the narration is not entirely clear) into a
pocket universe
A pocket universe or bubble universe, also called pocket dimension, is a concept in inflationary theory, proposed by Alan Guth.
Description
It defines a realm like the one that contains the observable universe as only one of many inflationary ...
, which he intended to live on in. He even collaborated with Dark Raider (the Mister Fantastic of Earth-944) to further his goals. However, his plan was thwarted by the expanded Fantastic Four and their allies, and Aron was reduced to energy by his uncle Uatu. For this action, Uatu was stripped of his position as a Watcher. Uatu believed that Aron's energies would serve as the core around which to create a new "One", the sentient repository of all the Watchers' knowledge, whose predecessor had been destroyed by the Celestial
Exitar the Exterminator.
Arsenal
Arsenal is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character first appears in ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
'' #114 (September 1978) and was created by
Bill Mantlo
William Timothy Mantlo (born November 9, 1951) is an American comic book writer, primarily at Marvel Comics. He is best known for his work on two licensed toy properties whose adventures occurred in the Marvel Universe: '' Micronauts'' and '' R ...
and
Keith Giffen
Keith Ian Giffen (November 30, 1952 – October 9, 2023) was an American comics artist and writer. He was known for his work for DC Comics on their ''Legion of Super-Heroes'' and ''Justice League'' titles as well as for being the co-creator of ...
.
Publication history
The "Beta" unit first appeared in a two-part storyline in ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
'' #114 (September 1978) and ''
The Avengers'' Annual #9 (1979), and made a final appearance in ''
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk ...
'' (vol. 2) #282 (April 1983). The "Alpha" unit appeared in ''Iron Man'' (vol. 3) #84-85 (August 2004).
Fictional character biography
Arsenal is a fighting robot unit created by
Howard Stark and a group of
Allied scientists near the end of
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
as a last resort in the event of an
Axis
An axis (: axes) may refer to:
Mathematics
*A specific line (often a directed line) that plays an important role in some contexts. In particular:
** Coordinate axis of a coordinate system
*** ''x''-axis, ''y''-axis, ''z''-axis, common names ...
victory. After the Allied victory, Arsenal is placed in storage. In the present day, Arsenal is underneath
Avengers Mansion
Avengers Mansion is a fictional building appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It has traditionally been the base of the Avengers. The enormous, city block-sized building is located at 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New Y ...
and suddenly attacks the
Avengers when the group are battling
Unicorn
The unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since Classical antiquity, antiquity as a beast with a single large, pointed, spiraling horn (anatomy), horn projecting from its forehead.
In European literature and art, the unico ...
. However,
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
successfully drives Arsenal off.
Arsenal is later guided by Mistress into erroneously believing the Allies lost World War II, defeating several Avengers until confronted by
Thor
Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...
and the
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
. On the verge of defeat, Arsenal apparently self-destructs while Iron Man confronts Mistress programmed with
Maria Stark's brain patterns. Once Iron Man unmasks and explains that the Allies won, the computer program wipes its own memory.
Arsenal actually faked its own destruction. It attacks
Edwin Jarvis when
She-Hulk
She-Hulk (Jennifer Susan Walters) is a Character (arts), character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she First appearance, first appeared in ''The Savage She-Hulk ...
and the
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk ...
visit Avengers Mansion. Arsenal then incapacitates She-Hulk, and the enraged Hulk destroys Arsenal.
Iron Man eventually learns that only a "Beta" unit had been destroyed and that an "Alpha" unit remained deactivated beneath Avengers Mansion, and is tasked by
Homeland Security
Homeland security is an American national security term for "the national effort to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards where American interests, aspirations, and ways of life can thrive" to ...
with shutting it down without informing the other Avengers due to the security risk it poses. Iron Man tracks the unit, but is unaware that the Avengers have followed. Arsenal is activated when transmission codes are radioed to Iron Man, which results in a battle between the new unit and the Avengers. Iron Man then realizes that Arsenal was activated by interference with its signal, which was set to "inert". Iron Man occupies Arsenal while
Warbird
A warbird is any vintage military aircraft now operated by civilian organizations and individuals, or in some instances, by historic arms of military forces, such as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Royal Australian Air Force's No. 100 ...
stops the interference's source, causing Arsenal to deactivate. Arsenal is then dismantled.
Arsenal is fully reassembled and under control, as it is later used as a test for a group of Avengers recruits under the pretext that it is out of control.
During the "
Iron Man 2020" event,
Arno Stark recreates the eScape variations of Arsenal and Mistress to serve as new bodies for copies of Howard and Maria.
Powers and abilities
Both units of Arsenal possess amplified strength and durability. The Beta unit also possesses air jets and inertia darts, can radiate an electro-stun field and project a high-intensity laser beam from its eyes. The Alpha unit possesses a flame-thrower, multiple gun systems, and a toxic gas dispenser.
Other versions
* The
Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring reimagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Universe, later known as the ...
equivalent of Arsenal is Howard Stark Sr. having transformed himself into a cyborg resembling
Iron Monger
Iron Monger is an alias used by multiple fictional characters, supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The most well-known version, Obadiah Stane, first appeared in ''Iron Man'' #163 (Oct. 1982), and the Iron ...
and
Titanium Man
The Titanium Man is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Titanium Man, Boris Bullski, first appeared in '' Tales of Suspense'' #69 (September 1965) and was created by Stan Lee and ...
. The character, created by
Warren Ellis
Warren Girard Ellis (born 16 February 1968) is an English comic book writer, novelist, and screenwriter. He is best known as the co-creator of several original comics series, including ''Transmetropolitan'' (1997–2002), ''Global Frequency'' ...
and Steve Kurth, and first appeared in ''
Ultimate Comics: Armor Wars'' #4 (April 2010). Arsenal coerced
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
to unlock a mechanism that ultimately shuts down and destroys machinery, which caused Arsenal to die instantly.
* In ''
Iron Man Noir'', Baron Zemo created numerous Arsenal robots as a Nazi weapon.
Arsenal in other media
Arsenal appears in ''
Avengers Assemble'', voiced by
Jim Meskimen.
[ A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.] This version is designed to safely absorb and maintain massive amounts of energy. Arsenal becomes a friend and protector to Iron Man while he assist the Avengers against
Thanos
Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
before sacrificing himself to defeat
Ultron
Ultron () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema, the character first appeared as an unnamed character in ''The Avengers (comic book), The Avengers'' #5 ...
.
Arsenic
Asbestos Man
Asbestos Man (Orson Karloff) is a supervillain appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. Created by writers
Stan Lee
Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber ; December 28, 1922 – November 12, 2018) was an American comic book author, writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business called Timely Comics which later bec ...
and
Ernie Hart and artist
Dick Ayers
Richard Bache Ayers (; April 28, 1924 – May 4, 2014) was an American comic book artist and cartoonist best known for his work as one of Jack Kirby's inkers during the late-1950s and 1960s period known as the Silver Age of Comics, including on s ...
, the character
first appeared
In comic books and other stories with a long history, first appearance refers to the first issue to feature a fictional character. These issues are often highly valued by collectors due to their rarity and iconic status.
Reader interest in fir ...
in ''
Strange Tales'' #111 (August 1963).
Afterwards, the character did not reappear for many years until ''
Fear Itself''.
Dr. Orson Karloff is "the world's foremost analytical chemist." He invents a chemical capable of melting metals, among other things, which he thinks he can use to steal money from banks like
Fort Knox
Fort Knox is a United States Army installation in Kentucky, south of Louisville and north of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Elizabethtown. It is adjacent to the United States Bullion Depository (also known as Fort Knox), which is used to house a larg ...
. However, he is not swift or stealthy and is almost caught by the police during one of his burgling attempts. Realizing that he is not skillful enough, Karloff adopts the supervillain handle of Asbestos Man and retreats to an obscure castle, where he hones his powers and one day challenges
Human Torch
The Human Torch (Jonathan Lowell Spencer "Johnny" Storm) is a fictional superhero character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. He is writer Stan Lee's and ar ...
to a showdown.
The Torch nonchalantly agrees. However, it is Asbestos Man who ultimately wins, having created a flame-resistant armor out of "super-
asbestos
Asbestos ( ) is a group of naturally occurring, Toxicity, toxic, carcinogenic and fibrous silicate minerals. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous Crystal habit, crystals, each fibre (particulate with length su ...
" (a combination of iron, calcium and
chrysotile
Chrysotile or white asbestos is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of the asbestos in the United StatesOccupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor (2007)29 C.F.R.&nb ...
), rendering Storm's powers useless. Asbestos Man decides to spare the Torch, having already made a mockery of him. Asbestos Man's triumph over the Torch becomes big news. Blackie Barker, otherwise known as the "King of the Underworld", becomes aware of the villain and ropes him in to help carry out a bank heist. A humiliated Human Torch returns to settle scores with Asbestos Man, after being encouraged by his fellow
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
members. At the bank, the Human Torch absorbs all oxygen present. Asbestos Man is forced to surrender and he is promptly hauled to prison.
In ''
Fear Itself'', Asbestos Man is revealed to have developed cancer from exposure to his suit and now uses an oxygen tank to breathe. He intends to return to life as a villain, but the
Great Lakes Avengers persuade him from doing so.
Years later, the Human Torch mentioned that Asbestos Man had died.
Asbestos Man is a genius chemist. His knowledge of chemistry enabled him to develop a super solvent and "super-asbestos." His "super-asbestos" armor is high in toxicity and resistant to heat.
Additionally, his iron shield can block out flames and his metal net is capable of energy manipulation. He holds a
Ph.D in analytical chemistry.
Asha
Asha is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character, created by
Matt Kindt and Steven Sanders, first appeared in ''
Infinity
Infinity is something which is boundless, endless, or larger than any natural number. It is denoted by \infty, called the infinity symbol.
From the time of the Ancient Greek mathematics, ancient Greeks, the Infinity (philosophy), philosophic ...
: The Hunt'' #1 (September 2013).
Asha is a citizen of
Wakanda with the ability to manipulate light who helps battle
Thanos
Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
' forces during his invasion of Earth.
Asha in other media
Asha appears in ''
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'', voiced by
Erica Luttrell.
[ A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.] This version is an
Oscorp
Oscorp (sometimes stylized as OsCorp), also known as Oscorp Industries, is a fictional multibillion-dollar multinational corporation appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, predominantly in stories about Spider-Man. The compa ...
intern who later joins
Harry Osborn
Harold Theopolis "Harry" Osborn is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Spider-Man. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''The Amazing ...
's Worldwide Engineering Brigade (W.E.B.).
Mike Asher
Asmodeus
Asmodeus is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Inhuman version
The first Asmodeus is a green Inhuman with reptilian wings who works as a guard for the Inhuman Royal Family.
Demon version
The second Asmodeus is a demon.
Asp
Astra
Astra is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Imperial Guard version
Astra is a member of the
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar ( ) are a fictional species of aliens appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Shi'ar Empire (or Imperium) is a vast collection of alien species, cultures, and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Em ...
Imperium's
Imperial Guard. The character, created by
Chris Claremont
Christopher S. Claremont (; born November 25, 1950) is an English-born American comic book writer and novelist. Claremont is best known for his 16-year stint on ''Uncanny X-Men'' from 1975 to 1991, far longer than that of any other writer,Clarem ...
and
Dave Cockrum
David Emmett Cockrum (; November 11, 1943 – November 26, 2006) was an American comics artist known for his co-creation of the new X-Men characters Nightcrawler (character), Nightcrawler, Storm (Marvel Comics), Storm, Colossus (character), Colos ...
, first appeared in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #107. Astra has the ability to become intangible, allowing her to pass through solid objects. She can also use her power offensively, phasing her hand into her opponent and becoming partly solid, which gives them a physical shock and renders them unconscious. Like many original members of the Imperial Guard, Astra is the analog of a character from
DC Comics
DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...
'
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, the Legion is a group of superpowered beings living in the 30th and 31st centuries of t ...
: in her case
Phantom Girl
Phantom Girl (Tinya Wazzo) is a superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, and is a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th and 31st centuries. In post-'' Zero Hour'' continuity, she is known as Apparition. She has the power to ...
.
[Cronin, Brian]
"Comic Legends: Why New Imperial Guard Members in Dark Phoenix Saga?"
''CBR'' (APR 09, 2018).
Astra is a founding member of the Imperial Guard. She and the Guard first clash with the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
and
Starjammers, on behalf of
D'Ken
The Shi'ar ( ) are a List of fictional humanoid species in comics, fictional species of Extraterrestrial life, aliens appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Shi'ar Galactic empire, Empire (or Imperium) is a vast collect ...
and
Davan Shakari, over the fate of Empress
Lilandra Neramani
Princess-Majestrix Lilandra Neramani () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. She is the Empress, or Majestrix, of the Shi'ar Empire and shares a life ...
. After the battle, Lilandra takes over as Majestrix, and the Guard swears allegiance to her.
Brotherhood of Mutants version
Astra is a
mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
created by
Alan Davis
Alan Davis (born 18 June 1956) is an English comic book writer and artist, known for his work on ''Captain Britain'', ''The Uncanny X-Men'', ''The ClanDestine, ClanDestine'', ''Detective Comics'', ''Excalibur (comic book), Excalibur'', ''JLA: ...
and first appearing in ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #366.
She is one of
Magneto
A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
's first recruits from his original
Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.
[''X-Men'' (vol. 2) #86] She does not share Magneto's goals, and the two part ways as enemies.
Years later, she revives a mindwiped Magneto and clones him.
Astra orders the clone to kill the original, but the clone loses the battle and joins the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
under the name "
Joseph
Joseph is a common male name, derived from the Hebrew (). "Joseph" is used, along with " Josef", mostly in English, French and partially German languages. This spelling is also found as a variant in the languages of the modern-day Nordic count ...
". Astra later uses him against Magneto and the X-Men. Astra later recreates Joseph without memories and programs him to hate humankind. She also creates mutated clones of other Brotherhood members. The
Stepford Cuckoos uncover Astra's collaboration with Christopher Bach, president of the organization Humans Now, to restore fear to Magneto's name.
[''Magneto: Not a Hero'' #4] Magneto defeated Joseph and his clone Brotherhood, but Astra escapes.
Vance Astro
Astronomer
Atalanta
Athena
Atlas
Atom-Smasher
Atom-Smasher is a name shared by three fictional characters in the Marvel Universe. Atom-Smasher generated atomic radiation, which he could project as heat, concussive force, or
hard radiation. His energies enhanced his durability and he could also transform into pure energy, though even this form could be contained with lead, graphite, or other radiation dampeners.
Ronald English
The first Atom-Smasher first appeared in ''
Black Goliath'' #1 (February 1976) and was created by
Jenny Blake Isabella and
George Tuska.
The character subsequently appears in ''Black Goliath'' #2-3 (April–June 1976), in which he is killed. The character appears posthumously in ''
Marvel Two-in-One
''Marvel Two-in-One'' is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics featuring Fantastic Four member the Thing in a different team-up each issue.
Publication history Original series
The concept of teaming the Thing with a differen ...
'' #55 (September 1979), and ''
Marvel Fanfare
''Marvel Fanfare'' was an anthology comic book series published by American company Marvel Comics. It was a showcase title featuring a variety of characters from the Marvel universe.
Volume one
''Marvel Fanfare'' featured characters and setting ...
'' #3 (July 1982).
Ronald English used a Nucleonic Radiator to become the super-villain Atom-Smasher, and was capable of transforming his body into pure energy. He fought
Black Goliath, but was killed by
Warhawk.
Michael English
The second Atom-Smasher appeared in ''Marvel Two-in-One'' #85 (March 1982) and was created by
Tom DeFalco
Tom DeFalco (born June 26, 1950) is an American comic book writer and editor well known for his association with Marvel Comics, with long runs on ''Amazing Spider-Man'', ''Thor (comic book), Thor'', ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' ...
and
Ron Wilson.
The character appears posthumously in ''Marvel Fanfare'' #3 (July 1982).
Michael English was the brother of the original Atom-Smasher, also capable of transforming his body into pure energy. He was killed in an explosion during a battle with
Spider-Woman.
Kevin Leonardo
The third Atom-Smasher appeared in ''
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
'' #287 (December 1992) and was created by Len Kaminski and Kevin Hopgood. He was given a real name in ''Iron Manual 3'' (2009).
Kevin Leonardo was an employee of
Stane International's nuclear production plant in Southern California. He learns that old radioactive by-products of the plant that were left to accumulate are seeping into groundwater. He complains to his superiors, but is shot, dumped into a toxic waste canister, and thrown out to sea. He is reborn with radioactive power and seeks revenge. Atom-Smasher plans to blow up the plant and is confronted by
Iron Man
Iron Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Co-created by writer and editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, the character first appearan ...
. After he defeats Iron Man, the government sends
Firepower, a government agent, to stop him. Firepower and Iron Man fight Atom-Smasher, but when Iron Man learns Atom-Smasher's history, he offers to shut down all of Stark's nuclear industry holdings in exchange for Atom-Smasher not destroying the plant. He then distracts Firepower with an EMP wave so that Atom-Smasher could get away, even though it immobilized him. Impressed with Iron Man's show of trust, Atom-Smasher leaves in peace.
Attuma
Atum
Atum (also known as Demogorge) is a being in the
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
, named after the Egyptian god
Atum
Atum (, Egyptian: ''jtm(w)'' or ''tm(w)'', ''reconstructed'' ; Coptic ''Atoum''), sometimes rendered as Atem, Temu, or Tem, is the primordial God in Egyptian mythology from whom all else arose. He created himself and is the father of Shu and ...
. The character, created by Alan Zelenetz, first appeared in ''Thor'' Annual #10 in 1982.
Within the context of the stories, Atum is the son of the entity known as the Demiurge and the Elder God Gaea. A golden humanoid imbued with the power of the Sun itself, Atum kills the warring Elder Gods and, absorbing their life force, is changed by their evil energies and devolves into a huge, hulking demonic being—Demogorge, the God Eater. Only Chthon and
Set
Set, The Set, SET or SETS may refer to:
Science, technology, and mathematics Mathematics
*Set (mathematics), a collection of elements
*Category of sets, the category whose objects and morphisms are sets and total functions, respectively
Electro ...
survive by fleeing into alternate dimensions. With Gaea the only Elder God remaining, the God Eater sheds the Elder Gods' energies and becomes Atum, journeying to the Sun and hibernating there. During this long period of hibernation, Atum takes on the identity of Ammon-Ra, and forms the
Ogdoad, the primordial gods of ancient Egypt.
Thousands of years later, a group of eight Death Gods from various pantheons combine their mystical might to join all the Hells into one vast dimension. This act forces the reemergence and intervention of the Demogorge, who consumed all but the fleeing Hela. A champion from each pantheon is sent to stop Demogorge and prevent further disaster. Led by
Thor
Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...
, the champions find the God Eater and battle it. Demogorge is defeated by Thor, who plunges into one of its orifices and attacks the God Eater's inner workings. Damaged beyond repair, the entity can no longer contain the energies it has consumed and releases all the previously consumed gods, and restores the Hells to their rightful dimensions.
In ''
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book fictional crossover, crossover storyline written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu, that ran through a self-titled eight-issue Limited series (comics), limited series and several ti ...
'', the alien
Skrulls invade Earth at the behest of their deities, ''Kly'bn'' and ''Sl'gur't''. A
cadre of gods consisting of
Hercules
Hercules (, ) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures.
The Romans adapted the Gr ...
,
Snowbird,
Amatsu-Mikaboshi and
Ajak is formed to combat the Skrull gods, with Atum joining the Earthly pantheon at the request of
Horus
Horus (), also known as Heru, Har, Her, or Hor () in Egyptian language, Ancient Egyptian, is one of the most significant ancient Egyptian deities who served many functions, most notably as the god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun, and t ...
. He compares himself to a shepherd defending his flock, which he will one day eat. During the confrontation, Atum is killed after trying to devour Sl'gur't, who tears him apart from the inside.
Later, after Thor is slain battling the evil Serpent, his divine soul travels to an afterlife for gods, where he joins many other deities who appear to have died and are all on their way to be devoured by Demogorge; apparently a being such as he can never truly be destroyed. Nevertheless, Thor defeats him by smashing his heart after entering his body, and escapes him once again.
Auran
Auric
Zhao Tang (Auric) is a mutant character in
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. He was created by James Hudnall and John Calimee and first appeared in ''Alpha Flight'' (Vol. 1) #76 (July, 1989). He has the ability to generate optic heat blasts, fire, and can also fly.
He and his twin sister Jhimon (Silver) were trained by the Chinese Communist government in their powers, and were set to join their super team, China Force. After defections within the team, the pair fled to
Hong Kong
Hong Kong)., Legally Hong Kong, China in international treaties and organizations. is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the wor ...
. They later moved to Canada and were offered citizenship if they joined
Gamma Flight.
The team soon disbanded and the twins joined
Beta Flight, but were soon kidnapped and experimented on until their deaths. Their bodies were set to be auctioned off by the Chess Set, but this was interrupted by the
New Warriors
The New Warriors are a fictional superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They traditionally consisted of teenage and young adult heroes, and were often seen to serve as a junior counterpart to Avengers (comics) ...
and
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appearance, first appeared in the anthology comic book ''Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in ...
. The base was destroyed, and the twins bodies fused with a scientist into an energy being before leaving for space.
Aurora
Avalanche
Avoe
Avoe is a fictional deity created by
Jonathan Hickman
Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist, best known for his creator-owned series '' The Nightly News'', '' The Manhattan Projects'' and '' East of West'', as well as his lengthy stints as a writer on Marvel's '' Fantastic Fo ...
and
Dale Eaglesham
Dale Eaglesham is a Canadian comic book illustrator who has been working in the American industry since 1986. He is best known for his work on titles like '' Conan'', '' Punisher'', ''Green Lantern'', ''Villains United'', ''Justice Society of Amer ...
and first appeared in ''
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
'' #577.
Avoe was the queen and goddess of the Inhuman Dire Wraiths, who had evolved through
Exogenesis. Her people made up one fourth of the Universal Inhumans who responded to Earth's moon when searching for
Black Bolt, the Midnight King of prophesy. After the return of Black Bolt, Avoe became one of his queens.
During the "
Infinity
Infinity is something which is boundless, endless, or larger than any natural number. It is denoted by \infty, called the infinity symbol.
From the time of the Ancient Greek mathematics, ancient Greeks, the Infinity (philosophy), philosophic ...
" storyline, when
Thanos
Thanos () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-artist Jim Starlin, the character first appeared in '' The Invincible Iron Man'' #55 (cover date February 1973). An Eternal– Devia ...
invaded Earth and made Black Bolt destroy Attilan, Avoe and the other Universal Inhumans fled Earth to find a new place to live, eventually settling on Centauri IV.
When the
Kree Empire begun ordering all surviving Inhumans to join them or die, the Universal Inhumans arranged a secret meeting to discuss the situation. Before the Inhuman Royal Family arrived, the queens considered to surrender to the Kree, but instead the Kree send their Super-Inhuman soldier, Vox, who killed the queens and their attendants, to send a message to Black Bolt that he was not safe.
[''Death of the Inhumans'' #1. Marvel Comics]
Awesome Android
Azazel
Azazoth
Azazoth is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, created by
Al Ewing
Al Ewing ( ; born 12 August 1977) is a British comics writer who has mainly worked in the small press, for '' 2000 AD'', and for Marvel Comics.
Career
Al Ewing began his career writing stories in the four-page '' Future Shocks'' format for '' ...
and
Yıldıray Çınar
Yıldıray Çınar is a Turkish comic book artist known for his work on the American comic book ''Noble Causes''.
Career
Çınar helped create a photocopy-fanzine publishing group called Capa Comics group in 1997, to which he has continued to co ...
and first appearing in ''
X-Men Red'' (vol. 2) #14 (August 2023).
Azazoth is a telepathic
Arakkii mutant
In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It i ...
who was at some point imprisoned in the Tower of Broken Thought. Azazoth psychically amputates the six-year-old
Fisher King's name, identity, and past at his request, making him telepathically undetectable.
Azzuri
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Marvel Comics characters: A
Ultimate Marvel characters
Marvel Comics characters: A, List of