Avataars: Covenant of the Shield
Encyclopedia
Avataars: Covenant of the Shield is a three-issue comic book
mini-series
, published by Marvel Comics
in 2000
. The series is written by Len Kaminski and pencilled by Oscar Jimenez and Javier Saltares.
Set in a sword and sorcery
version of the Marvel Universe
Earth, it features alternate versions of Marvel characters such as Spider-Man
, Captain America
, Doctor Doom
and the X-Men
.
under the supervision of the Living Tribunal
, Eternity
and Infinity
. Their purpose is to create a planet that is an alternate version of Earth in order to further understand the heroes that inhabit that world.
). Various heroes become involved in the rescue efforts, most of these being members of the Champions of the Realm (the Avengers
).
A number of other Champions of the realm make cameo appearances, but do not play a major part in the plot.
The Champions whose counterparts are Golden Age heroes are later shown in flashback as having fought in the Worldwar.
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
mini-series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
, published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
in 2000
2000 in comics
-February:*Strange Adventures vol. 2, #4, final issue cover-dated February - January :* January 5: Goseki Kojima, co-creator of Lone Wolf and Cub, dies at age 71.* January 6: Mad magazine fixture Don Martin dies at age 68....
. The series is written by Len Kaminski and pencilled by Oscar Jimenez and Javier Saltares.
Set in a sword and sorcery
Sword and sorcery
Sword and sorcery is a sub-genre of fantasy and historical fantasy, generally characterized by sword-wielding heroes engaged in exciting and violent conflicts. An element of romance is often present, as is an element of magic and the supernatural...
version of the Marvel Universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
Earth, it features alternate versions of Marvel characters such as Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom
Victor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
and the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
.
Publication history
Avataars: Covenant of the Shield was initially intended as a twelve-issue project featuring the established Marvel characters in a fantasy setting, but the story that was originally planned was never published. Marvel was in financial trouble at the time, and a twelve-issue series was not considered viable, so the creative team instead produced a three-issue prologue to the main saga, an unsuccessful attempt to generate sufficient interest in a longer story.Eurth
The series begins with the formation of the planet Eurth by the Shaper of WorldsShaper of Worlds
The Shaper of Worlds is a fictional character of the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:The Shaper of Worlds was created by Archie Goodwin and Herb Trimpe, and first appeared in Incredible Hulk #155...
under the supervision of the Living Tribunal
Living Tribunal
The Living Tribunal is a fictional character that appears in 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 history:The Living Tribunal debuted in a storyline called "The...
, Eternity
Eternity (comics)
Eternity is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by scripter-editor Stan Lee and artist-plotter Steve Ditko, the character is first mentioned in Strange Tales #134 and first appears in Strange Tales #138 Eternity is a fictional character that...
and Infinity
Infinity (Marvel Comics)
Infinity is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Infinity first appears in Quasar #24 . The character was created by Mark Gruenwald and Greg Capullo.-Publication history:...
. Their purpose is to create a planet that is an alternate version of Earth in order to further understand the heroes that inhabit that world.
Covenant of the Shield
The overall plot involves the kidnapping of the son of Captain Avalon (Captain America) by forces employed by the Dreadlord (Baron ZemoBaron Zemo
Baron Zemo is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in various Marvel Comics comic books, notably Captain America and the Avengers...
). Various heroes become involved in the rescue efforts, most of these being members of the Champions of the Realm (the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
).
Characters
Avataars features a large cast of named characters, many of whom are obvious counterparts to existing Marvel Universe heroes and villains. Many of these characters only make cameo appearances.Champions of the Realm
- Captain Avalon (St'vaan, King of Avalon) is Eurth's Captain AmericaCaptain AmericaCaptain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
- Blackthorn is Eurth's version of HawkeyeHawkeye (comics)Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
- Bloodraven is Eurth's FalconFalcon (comics)The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
(with elements of Red RavenRed RavenRed Raven is a fictional comic-book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by Joe Simon and Louis Cazeneuve in Red Raven Comics #1 Red Raven is a fictional comic-book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by Joe Simon and Louis Cazeneuve in Red Raven Comics #1 Red Raven is a...
) - Idol (Symon) is Eurth's version of Wonder ManWonder ManWonder Man is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in 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 .-Publication history:Wonder Man debuted in the superhero-team title The Avengers #9 Wonder...
. He dies and is reborn as an energy being named Phantazm, based on both Wonder Man's status at the time and the VisionVision (Marvel Comics)The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The first Vision was created by the writer-artist team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 The Vision is the name of three fictional characters that...
. - Ironheart is Iron ManIron ManIron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
's counterpart. - Merman (Manor) is Eurth's version of Namor the Sub-MarinerNamor the Sub-MarinerNamor the Sub-Mariner is a fictional comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe, and one of the first superheroes, debuting in Spring 1939. The character was created by writer-artist Bill Everett for Funnies Inc., one of the first "packagers" in the early days of comic books that supplied...
- Nighthowl is possibly WolverineWolverine (comics)Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
- Skorch is Eurth's version of the original Human TorchHuman Torch (Golden Age)The Human Torch, also known as Jim Hammond, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics-owned superhero. Created by writer-artist Carl Burgos, he first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 , published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics....
- Greenskyn Smashtroll is Eurth's version of the HulkHulk (comics)The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
. Once a great champion, Smashtroll lost his wife and unborn child and has since become a rowdy drunkard with "the strongest thirst there is". He is generally considered to be a menace, although Captain Avalon is quick to speak up for him. - Witchfire is Eurth's version of the Scarlet WitchScarlet WitchThe Scarlet Witch is a fictional comic book character that appears in books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
A number of other Champions of the realm make cameo appearances, but do not play a major part in the plot.
- Ch'll may be based on the Golden Age character Jack Frost
- Faery Queen (Jhan) is Eurth's version of the WaspWasp (comics)The Wasp is a fictional character, a superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe and founding member of The Avengers. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #44 ....
- Bluestone is Eurth's version of Blue DiamondBlue Diamond (comics)Blue Diamond is a fictional character, a superhero in comic-books published by Marvel Comics, debuting under the company's 1940s forerunner, Timely Comics....
- Apollyon is possibly Eurth's version of the Destroyer
- Avalonia may be Eurth's version of Ms Marvel
- Behemoth is Eurth's counterpart to Giant Man
- Nosferata seems to be the Black Widow, with the mystic aspects of the Golden Age version
- Swift is Eurth's version of QuicksilverQuicksilver (comics)Quicksilver is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in X-Men #4 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...
- Warmaker is Eurth's version of ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
.
The Champions whose counterparts are Golden Age heroes are later shown in flashback as having fought in the Worldwar.
Other inhabitants of Avalon
- Duke Ctranj, court wizard of Avalon, is an alternate version of Doctor StrangeDoctor StrangeDoctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
. - Nicholas, Regent of Avalon, appears to be Eurth's version of Nick FuryNick FuryColonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
. He makes a cameo appearance at the very end of the miniseries. - Prester JohnPrester John (comics)Prester John is a fictional character appearing in the Marvel Comics universe, based loosely on the mythical Christian king Prester John.Prester John first appeared in Fantastic Four Vol.1 #54...
- Sharaan, King St'vaan's wife, seems to be an alternate version of Agent 13Sharon CarterSharon Carter, alias Agent 13, is a fictional character, a secret agent in the Marvel Comics universe. She is an ex-field agent of S.H.I.E.L.D...
Heroes of other lands
- Webslinger is Spider-ManSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
's counterpart. As a boy he was fascinated by spiders and so the Widow of the WebMadame WebMadame Web is a fictional supporting character in the Spider-Man comic book series.-Fictional character biography:Cassandra Webb was born in Salem, Oregon. She is a paralyzed, blind, telepathic, clairvoyant, and precognitive mutant, allowing her to work as a professional medium...
blessed him with power - but stated that he must not use it for personal gain. When Webslinger later protected his uncle from a brigand, he broke that bargain. As a result the Widow has cursed him, appointing him as the outcast guardian of Webwood. His appearance is no longer human, but a mix of man and spider. It is unclear whether or not this was another result of the Widow's curse.
- The Four Fates - Lord Nimbus, Count Crag, Lady Aqua and Prince Morningstar - are counterparts to the Fantastic FourFantastic FourThe Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
. In this world they are all siblings, and were intentionally given their powers by their father Lord Nathaniel.
X'Changlings
- Seer is an alternate version of Professor XProfessor XProfessor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
and leads one faction of the X'Changlings. He seeks peace between his people and the humans. Unlike Professor X, Seer seems to be unable to telepathically locate non-mutants.- The Seer's followers are Eurth's version of the original X-MenX-MenThe X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
: Redeye (CyclopsCyclops (comics)Cyclops is a fictional character, the leader of the X-Men superhero team in the . A mutant, Cyclops emits a powerful energy beam from his eyes...
), Brutus (BeastBeast (comics)Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
), Icemaker (IcemanIceman (comics)Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
), Whitehawk (AngelAngel (comics)Angel, in comics, may refer to:* Angel comics, comics featuring the Buffyverse character Angel* Warren Worthington III, a Marvel Comics character and member of the X-Men who has used the names Angel and Archangel...
) and Psyche (Marvel GirlJean GreyJean Grey-Summers is a fictional comic book superheroine appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. She has been known under the aliases Marvel Girl, Phoenix, and Dark Phoenix and is best known as one of five original members of the X-Men, for her relationship with Cyclops, and for her...
)
- The Seer's followers are Eurth's version of the original X-Men
- Simon Magnus is MagnetoMagneto (comics)Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
's counterpart. A self-proclaimed messiah, he teaches that the X'changlings are destined to replace humanity.- Magnus' followers are Eurth's versions of an early incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Aura (Unus the UntouchableUnus the UntouchableUnus the Untouchable is a fictional character from the comic book X-Men and part of the Marvel Comics Universe. A mutant, Unus is named for his ability to consciously project a force field which protects him from harm.-Origin:Angelo Unuscione was born in Milan, Italy...
), Hop-friend (ToadToad (comics)Toad is a Marvel Comics supervillain, an enemy of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #4 ....
), Humongous (BlobBlob (comics)The Blob is a Marvel Comics supervillain, an adversary of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #3 ....
) and Illusio (MastermindMastermind (comics)Mastermind, in comics, may refer to:* Mastermind , the first Marvel Comics supervillain to use the title.* Mastermind , Wyngarde's daughter* Lady Mastermind , Wyngarde's other daughter...
). It is mentioned that Witchfire and Swift are former members.
- Magnus' followers are Eurth's versions of an early incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Aura (Unus the Untouchable
Dreadlord and his minions
- Dreadlord (Zymo) is Eurth's counterpart to Baron ZemoBaron ZemoBaron Zemo is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in various Marvel Comics comic books, notably Captain America and the Avengers...
. He swore revenge on Captain Avalon after his Z'axis forces were defeated in the Worldwar. His minions are based on various incarnations of the Masters of EvilMasters of EvilThe Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
and the Lethal LegionLethal LegionThe Lethal Legion is the name of five teams of fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics.The first version of the Legion appears in The Avengers #78 ; the second version in Avengers #164 ; the third version in West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #1 ; the fourth Avengers...
. - Black Blade is Eurth's version of the evil Black KnightBlack Knight (Nathan Garrett)Nathan Garrett, also known as the criminal Black Knight, is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He was a supervillain and descendant of the original Black Knight, and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Dick Ayers....
- Darkwater is Eurth's version of Hydro Man
- Deathlight is Eurth's version of the Living LaserLiving LaserThe Living Laser is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #34 and was created by Stan Lee, Artie Simek and Don Heck.-Publication history:...
, with elements of BlackoutBlackout (comics)Blackout is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in the Marvel Comics universe.-Marcus Daniels:-Fictional character biography:... - Deathmaster is Eurth's version of TaskmasterTaskmasterTaskmaster is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. The character is primarily a supervillain but is often portrayed as an antihero. The Taskmaster first appeared in Avengers vol.1 #195 and was created by David Michelinie and George Pérez...
- The Green Death is Eurth's version of Radioactive ManRadioactive Man (Marvel Comics)Radioactive Man is the name of two characters from Marvel Comics.-Chen Lu:A nuclear physicist and Communist agent in the People's Republic of China, Chen Lu first appears in Journey into Mystery #93...
- Ill Wind is Eurth's version of WhirlwindWhirlwind (comics)Whirlwind is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales To Astonish #50 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Fictional character biography:...
- Iron Cross is Eurth's counterpart of Crimson Dynamo
- Moonchild is Eurth's version of MoonstoneMoonstone (comics)Moonstone is a fictional character, both a supervillain and superheroine in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
- Savagri is probably Eurth's counterpart of TitaniaTitania (comics)Titania, in comics, may refer to:* Titania , a Marvel Comics villain* Titania , another Marvel Comics villain* Titania , a DC comics character...
- Scarabus is probably Eurth's counterpart to the Beetle
- Scorpius is Eurth's version of the ScorpionScorpion (comics)MacDonald "Mac" Gargan is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He originally appeared as the villain Scorpion, and then years later bonded with the Venom symbiote to become the third incarnation of Venom...
- Scythe is Eurth's version of Grim ReaperGrim Reaper (comics)Grim Reaper is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in The Avengers #52 May , by Roy Thomas and John Buscema.-Fictional character biography:...
- Skreech is Eurth's version of Klaw
- Slag is Eurth's version of Molten ManMolten ManMolten Man is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. The character was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #28 .-Fictional character biography:...
, possibly combined with the MelterMelterThe Melter is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Tales of Suspense #47 and was created by Stan Lee and Sam Rosen.-Publication history:... - Swashbuckler is Eurth's version of SwordsmanSwordsman (comics)Swordsman is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. His first appearance was in Avengers Vol.1 #19 and was created by Stan Lee and Don Heck. The Swordsman was introduced as an enemy of Hawkeye and the Avengers...
- Titan is Eurth's version of Goliath
- Von Blüdving is possibly based on Baron Blood
Other villains
- Doomsmith is Eurth's version of Doctor DoomDoctor DoomVictor von Doom is a fictional character who appears in Marvel Comics publications . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #5 wearing his trademark metal mask and green cloak...
, an enemy of the Four Fates. His fortress is close to Castle Bakstur. Doomsmith only makes a cameo appearance in the miniseries.
- The Goblin King guards the road through Webwood, harassing travellers. The character is visually based on Spider-Man archvillain the Green GoblinGreen GoblinThe Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
, but he only appears briefly in the miniseries and his abilities and background are never explained.
- The Six Most Sinister work with the Goblin King and are Eurth's version of the original Sinister SixSinister SixThe Sinister Six are a group of supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe, drawn from Spider-Man's rogues gallery. The original incarnation of the group was organized by Doctor Octopus, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 ....
- Webslinger describes them as his "deadliest foes". The six are Mysterium (based on MysterioMysterioMysterio is the name of three fictional characters, all of which are supervillains and enemies of Spider-Man in the . The original Mysterio was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko and first appears in Amazing Spider-Man #13, although it was later retconned that the aliens seen in Amazing...
), Talon (based on the VultureVulture (comics)The Vulture is the name of six comic book supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. The best known Vulture in the Marvel Universe is Adrian Toomes, an elderly enemy of Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko in The Amazing Spider-Man #2 .-Golden Age Vulture:In Young Men #26, a scientist...
), Huntsman (based on Kraven the HunterKraven the HunterKraven the Hunter is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Spider-Man appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Kraven's name is Sergei Kravinoff. He also appears as Xraven, with white-grey skin and red eyes, possessing the powers of X-Men. He is the half-brother of Dmitri...
), Jolt (based on ElectroElectro (comics)Electro is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a supervillain and an enemy of Spider-Man who gained the ability to control electricity after being struck by lightning while working on a power line. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, he first...
), Tentaclus (based on Doctor OctopusDoctor OctopusDoctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
) and Sandstorm (based on the SandmanSandman (Marvel Comics)Sandman is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. A shapeshifter endowed through an accident with the ability to turn himself into sand, he eventually reformed, and became an ally of Spider-Man...
).