Masters of Evil
Encyclopedia
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional
supervillain
teams that appear in comic book
s published by Marvel Comics
. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers
#6 (July 1964), with the lineup continually changing over the years.
, the Radioactive Man, and the Black Knight
, was gathered by former Nazi scientist
Baron Heinrich Zemo. Despite attempting to capture the Avengers with Adhesive X and spreading it over the city, the Avengers find an antidote with the help of Paste-Pot Pete
, and give it to the Masters in secret, causing them to accidentally free people, and then the Avengers send most of the members to jail. Zemo is tricked into opening a container filled with tear gas inside his helicopter, but despite this escapes.
Baron Zemo leads the team in his revenge on Captain America and the Avengers. The team had been joined by the Enchantress
and the Executioner
, whom found Zemo in their exile to Earth, imposed on them by Odin
for attacking Thor. The Enchantress hypnotizes Thor into attacking the Avengers while Captain America has been lured to South America to fight Zemo, but Iron Man breaks him out of the trance. Captain America returns on Zemo's helicopter and stops Zemo from shooting the Avenger. However the Enchantress casts a spell which gets the helicopter to the rooftop she and the Executioner are on. The Executioner knocks Captain America out by striking his shoulder, and takes him out of the helicopter, after which they all try to escape. The Masters are sent to another dimension in a Space Warp generated by Thor. Two issues later the Enchantress returns them to Earth with a spell. Wonder Man is created by Zemo and given superhuman strength with an ionic ray, though told he will die in a week unless given an antidote Zemo has. He captures the Wasp and lures the Avengers into a trap, but sacrifices himself to save the Avengers. Immortus
appears and offers to help the Masters by defeating an Avengers member, and succeeds on taking Captain America to 1760, to the Tower of London
. The Masters attack the Avengers, but Captain America then returns and the Enchantress turns back time to prevent this happening. Zemo kidnaps Rick Jones with an attractor beam and the releases the Black Knight and Melter using the Enchantress and Executioner, the Radioactive Man having been deported back to China, who force Captain America to go alone to Zemo's kingdom by attacking the other Avengers. The Executioner tells the Avengers that a battle in the city would hurt many people, meaning they should surrender. Zemo dies in the battle with Captain America when he accidentally triggers a rockslide after being blinded by Captain America's shield. The rest are then captured after Thor transports them to another dimension with different scientific laws, meaning their weapons rebound; only the Enchantress and Executioner escaping by running away before the transportation happened.
The next version, organized by the robot
Ultron
under the alias of Crimson Cowl, consisted of Klaw, Melter
, Radioactive Man, Whirlwind
, and the second Black Knight
(who joined with the intention of betraying the Masters). This incarnation made one more appearance. Ultron used this incarnation to blackmail New York.
organized a third version, consisting of Beetle, Moonstone
, the original Scorpion, Shocker
, Tiger Shark, and longtime members Radioactive Man and Whirlwind
. Egghead uses this incarnation to assist him in making technological breakthroughs.
, Blackout
, Black Mamba
, Fixer
, Goliath, Grey Gargoyle
, Mister Hyde
, Moonstone
, Screaming Mimi
, Tiger Shark, Titania
, Whirlwind
, the Wrecking Crew
(Wrecker
, Thunderball
, Piledriver
and Bulldozer
), and Yellowjacket
, created with the goal of overwhelming the Avengers with sheer raw power where others had attempted to match the current line-up.
The villains storm Avengers mansion in a multi-issue storyline titled "Avengers Under Siege."
, but bore little resemblance to previous incarnations. Its roster included Absorbing Man
, Gargantua
, Jackhammer
, Oddball
, Powderkeg
, Puff Adder
, Shocker
, Titania
, and Yellowjacket
.
The Guardians of the Galaxy, a superhero group from an alternate timeline, defeated the villains.
The sixth incarnation was again assembled by the second Baron Zemo, and posed as superheroes under the alias the Thunderbolts
In addition to Zemo, the team consisted of the Beetle (as MACH-1), the Fixer
(as Techno), Goliath (as Atlas), Moonstone
(as Meteorite);, and Screaming Mimi
(as Songbird). With the exception of Zemo and the Fixer, all eventually became heroes and renounced their criminal ways.
, Bison
, Blackwing
, Boomerang
, Cardinal
, Constrictor
, the third Cyclone, Dragonfly
, the second Eel
, Flying Tiger
, Icemaster
, Jackhammer
, Joystick
, Klaw, Lodestone
, Man-Ape
, Man-Killer
, Quicksand
, Scorcher
, Shatterfist
, Shockwave
, Slyde
, Sunstroke
, Supercharger
, and Tiger Shark.
The eighth incarnation led by Crimson Cowl consisted of Black Mamba
, Cardinal
, Cyclone III, Gypsy Moth
, Hydro-Man
, Machinesmith
, and Man-Killer
.
Both versions of Crimson Cowl's Masters of Evil sought to master and control Earth's superhuman mercenaries. They even tried to get the Thunderbolts to join them.
#7 (Spring 1945), Captain America
fought a team of ghosts, including Jesse James
, Frank James
, Captain Kidd, and Jack The Ripper
, in a story titled "Masters of Evil."
storyline, a young version of the team - controlled by criminal mastermind Norman Osborn
debuts in the limited series
Dark Reign: Young Avengers.
storyline. All members claim to be the children of super-villains who were discarded and disavowed by their parents. They include Aftershock
(the daughter of Electro), Warhead (the son of Radioactive Man), Mortar (the daughter of Grey Gargoyle
), Singularity (the son of Graviton
) and Ember (the son of Pyro
).
It was later revealed that the Bastards are led by a child genius known as Superior (who claims to be the son of the Leader
). It was also revealed that the Bastards were actually normal teenagers who were mutated by exposure to radiation by Superior as well as given false memory implants. The surviving Bastards are held in the Raft
after their capture.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
teams that appear in comic book
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...
s 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...
. The first version of the team appeared in 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...
#6 (July 1964), with the lineup continually changing over the years.
Original
The original Masters of Evil, consisting of existing Marvel Comics supervillains the MelterMelter
The 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:...
, the Radioactive Man, and the Black Knight
Black 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....
, was gathered by former Nazi scientist
Scientist
A scientist in a broad sense is one engaging in a systematic activity to acquire knowledge. In a more restricted sense, a scientist is an individual who uses the scientific method. The person may be an expert in one or more areas of science. This article focuses on the more restricted use of the word...
Baron Heinrich Zemo. Despite attempting to capture the Avengers with Adhesive X and spreading it over the city, the Avengers find an antidote with the help of Paste-Pot Pete
Trapster
The Trapster , originally known as Paste Pot Pete, is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:...
, and give it to the Masters in secret, causing them to accidentally free people, and then the Avengers send most of the members to jail. Zemo is tricked into opening a container filled with tear gas inside his helicopter, but despite this escapes.
Baron Zemo leads the team in his revenge on Captain America and the Avengers. The team had been joined by the Enchantress
Enchantress (Marvel Comics)
The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:...
and the Executioner
Executioner (comics)
Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in...
, whom found Zemo in their exile to Earth, imposed on them by Odin
Odin (comics)
Odin is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #85 Odin is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #85 Odin is a...
for attacking Thor. The Enchantress hypnotizes Thor into attacking the Avengers while Captain America has been lured to South America to fight Zemo, but Iron Man breaks him out of the trance. Captain America returns on Zemo's helicopter and stops Zemo from shooting the Avenger. However the Enchantress casts a spell which gets the helicopter to the rooftop she and the Executioner are on. The Executioner knocks Captain America out by striking his shoulder, and takes him out of the helicopter, after which they all try to escape. The Masters are sent to another dimension in a Space Warp generated by Thor. Two issues later the Enchantress returns them to Earth with a spell. Wonder Man is created by Zemo and given superhuman strength with an ionic ray, though told he will die in a week unless given an antidote Zemo has. He captures the Wasp and lures the Avengers into a trap, but sacrifices himself to save the Avengers. Immortus
Immortus
Immortus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He is the future self of Kang the Conqueror, and first appeared in Avengers #10, and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
appears and offers to help the Masters by defeating an Avengers member, and succeeds on taking Captain America to 1760, to the Tower of London
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
. The Masters attack the Avengers, but Captain America then returns and the Enchantress turns back time to prevent this happening. Zemo kidnaps Rick Jones with an attractor beam and the releases the Black Knight and Melter using the Enchantress and Executioner, the Radioactive Man having been deported back to China, who force Captain America to go alone to Zemo's kingdom by attacking the other Avengers. The Executioner tells the Avengers that a battle in the city would hurt many people, meaning they should surrender. Zemo dies in the battle with Captain America when he accidentally triggers a rockslide after being blinded by Captain America's shield. The rest are then captured after Thor transports them to another dimension with different scientific laws, meaning their weapons rebound; only the Enchantress and Executioner escaping by running away before the transportation happened.
Ultron
Robot
A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
Ultron
Ultron
Ultron is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 , and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema...
under the alias of Crimson Cowl, consisted of Klaw, Melter
Melter
The 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:...
, Radioactive Man, Whirlwind
Whirlwind (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:...
, and the second Black Knight
Black Knight (Dane Whitman)
Dane Whitman is a fictional comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe, the company's third person to bear the name Black Knight. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema, he first appeared in The Avengers #47 Dane Whitman is a fictional comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics...
(who joined with the intention of betraying the Masters). This incarnation made one more appearance. Ultron used this incarnation to blackmail New York.
Egghead
Criminal scientist EggheadEgghead (comics)
Egghead is the name of two fictional Marvel Comics villains. The original first appeared in Tales to Astonish #38. He is also the arch-nemesis of super-hero Henry Pym. The second first appeared in Dark Reign: Young Avengers #1.-Elihas Starr:...
organized a third version, consisting of Beetle, Moonstone
Moonstone (comics)
Moonstone is a fictional character, both a supervillain and superheroine in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
, the original Scorpion, Shocker
Shocker (comics)
The Shocker or just Shocker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #46 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr.-Fictional character biography:Herman Schultz was born in New York...
, Tiger Shark, and longtime members Radioactive Man and Whirlwind
Whirlwind (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:...
. Egghead uses this incarnation to assist him in making technological breakthroughs.
Baron Helmut Zemo
A fourth version was formed by Baron Helmut Zemo, the son of the original. This team uses over a dozen villains consisting of Absorbing ManAbsorbing Man
The Absorbing Man is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #114 The Absorbing Man (Carl "Crusher" Creel) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first...
, Blackout
Blackout (comics)
Blackout is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in the Marvel Comics universe.-Marcus Daniels:-Fictional character biography:...
, Black Mamba
Black Mamba (comics)
Black Mamba is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, most notably a member of the Serpent Society and BAD Girls, Inc.-Publication history:...
, Fixer
Fixer (comics)
The Fixer is a name used by two fictional characters, both of are which were introduced as villains in the Marvel Comics universe.-Roscoe Sweeney:...
, Goliath, Grey Gargoyle
Grey Gargoyle
The Grey Gargoyle is a fictional comic book supervillain that appears in books published by Marvel Comics, often as an enemy of Thor, Iron Man, She-Hulk or the Fantastic Four. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #107 The Grey Gargoyle (Paul Pierre Duval) is a fictional comic...
, Mister Hyde
Mister Hyde (comics)
Mister Hyde is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain. His first appearance was in Journey into Mystery #99, 1963.-Publication history:...
, Moonstone
Moonstone (comics)
Moonstone is a fictional character, both a supervillain and superheroine in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
, Screaming Mimi
Songbird (comics)
Songbird , formerly known as Screaming Mimi, is a fictional character, a superheroine and former supervillainess in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:...
, Tiger Shark, Titania
Titania (Marvel Comics)
Titania is a supervillainess in the Marvel Comics universe, notable for being Marvel's strongest human female with the possible exception of the She-Hulk, and the wife of the Absorbing Man. She was created by then Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, in the successful company-wide crossover known as...
, Whirlwind
Whirlwind (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:...
, the Wrecking Crew
Wrecking Crew (comics)
The Wrecking Crew is a team of four fictional supervillains — Bulldozer, Piledriver, Thunderball, and the Wrecker — that appears in Marvel Comics. While not featured on the cover, the Wrecking Crew's first appearance is in Defenders vol. 1, #17 in November 1974.-Fictional biography:The Wrecking...
(Wrecker
Wrecker (comics)
The Wrecker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Wrecker was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appears in The Mighty Thor #148 The Wrecker (Dirk Garthwaite) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics....
, Thunderball
Thunderball (comics)
Thunderball is a Marvel Comics supervillain and a frequent enemy of Thor and a somewhat reluctant ally of the Wrecker and the Wrecking Crew. The character was created by Len Wein and Sal Buscema and first appeared in Defenders #17 .-Fictional character biography:Dr. Eliot Franklin was born in...
, Piledriver
Piledriver (comics)
Piledriver is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a member of the Wrecker's Wrecking Crew...
and Bulldozer
Bulldozer (comics)
Bulldozer is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He is a member of the Wrecking Crew. The character was created by Len Wein and Sal Buscema and first appeared in Defenders #17 ....
), and Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket (Rita DeMara)
Yellowjacket is a fictional character, as initial reluctant supervillainess and later superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe...
, created with the goal of overwhelming the Avengers with sheer raw power where others had attempted to match the current line-up.
The villains storm Avengers mansion in a multi-issue storyline titled "Avengers Under Siege."
Doctor Octopus
The fifth team was organized by Doctor OctopusDoctor Octopus
Doctor 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...
, but bore little resemblance to previous incarnations. Its roster included Absorbing Man
Absorbing Man
The Absorbing Man is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #114 The Absorbing Man (Carl "Crusher" Creel) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first...
, Gargantua
Gargantua (comics)
Gargantua is a fictional character and exists in the Marvel Universe. He first appeared in Defenders #126.-Fictional character biography:...
, Jackhammer
Jackhammer (comics)
Jackhammer is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Jackhammer was first mentioned as a HYDRA leader in Daredevil #121; he first appeared in Daredevil #123 and was created by Tony Isabella and Bob Brown.The character subsequently appears in Captain America...
, Oddball
Oddball (comics)
Oddball is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. The character first appeared in Hawkeye Vol.1 #3 and was created by Mark Gruenwald.-Publication history:...
, Powderkeg
Powderkeg
Powderkeg is a Marvel Comics supervillain who first appeared in Captain Marvel Special #1.-Fictional character biography:Little is known about the man who became Powderkeg. He was a mercenary hired to steal high-tech circuitry for Brazilian crime lord Kristina Ramos...
, Puff Adder
Puff Adder (comics)
Puff Adder is a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Universe, most notably as a member of the Serpent Society.-Fictional character biography:Gordon "Gordo" Fraley was born in Atlanta, Georgia...
, Shocker
Shocker (comics)
The Shocker or just Shocker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #46 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr.-Fictional character biography:Herman Schultz was born in New York...
, Titania
Titania (Marvel Comics)
Titania is a supervillainess in the Marvel Comics universe, notable for being Marvel's strongest human female with the possible exception of the She-Hulk, and the wife of the Absorbing Man. She was created by then Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, in the successful company-wide crossover known as...
, and Yellowjacket
Yellowjacket (Rita DeMara)
Yellowjacket is a fictional character, as initial reluctant supervillainess and later superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe...
.
The Guardians of the Galaxy, a superhero group from an alternate timeline, defeated the villains.
Masters of Evil/Thunderbolts
The sixth incarnation was again assembled by the second Baron Zemo, and posed as superheroes under the alias the Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
In addition to Zemo, the team consisted of the Beetle (as MACH-1), the Fixer
Fixer (comics)
The Fixer is a name used by two fictional characters, both of are which were introduced as villains in the Marvel Comics universe.-Roscoe Sweeney:...
(as Techno), Goliath (as Atlas), Moonstone
Moonstone (comics)
Moonstone is a fictional character, both a supervillain and superheroine in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
(as Meteorite);, and Screaming Mimi
Songbird (comics)
Songbird , formerly known as Screaming Mimi, is a fictional character, a superheroine and former supervillainess in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:...
(as Songbird). With the exception of Zemo and the Fixer, all eventually became heroes and renounced their criminal ways.
Crimson Cowl
The seventh incarnation was recruited by the second Crimson Cowl (Justine Hammer). These versions consisted of villains including AqueductAqueduct (comics)
Aqueduct , originally known as Water Wizard, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Jim Shooter and Don Heck and first appeared in Ghost Rider #23 .-Fictional character biography:Peter van Zante enlists in the U.S...
, Bison
Bison (comics)
Bison is fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:Billy Kitson was a champion basketball player who won a college scholarship and planned to become a professional basketball player, until another player accidentally tripped Billy which resulted in Billy...
, Blackwing
Blackwing
Blackwing is the name of two fictional Marvel Comics supervillains and one hero.-Joseph Manfredi:Joseph Manfredi was born in Orlando, Florida, and is the son of the crime lord Silvermane. When he debuted, he was a costumed animal trainer for the Ringmaster's Circus of Crime...
, Boomerang
Boomerang (comics)
Boomerang is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #81....
, Cardinal
Cardinal (comics)
Cardinal is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American...
, Constrictor
Constrictor (comics)
Constrictor is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. The character is primarily a supervillain, but is often portrayed as a redeeming anti-hero. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk vol.1 #212 and was created by Len Wein and Sal Buscema.-Publication history:Constrictor...
, the third Cyclone, Dragonfly
Dragonfly (Marvel Comics)
Dragonfly is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Dragonfly first appeared in X-Men #94-95 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Len Wein....
, the second Eel
Eel (comics)
The Eel is an alias used by two fictional characters in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first character to take up the identity was Leopold Stryke who first appeared in Strange Tales #112, while his successor, Edward Lavell, first appeared in Power Man and Iron Fist #92 .-Publication...
, Flying Tiger
Flying Tiger (Marvel Comics)
Flying Tiger is a fictional Marvel Comics supervillain.-Publication history:Flying Tiger first appeared in Spider-Woman #40 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Steve Leialoha....
, Icemaster
Icemaster
The Icemaster is a fictional Marvel Comics supervillain. Icemaster was created for one of a series of Hostess advertisements placed in various issues of a number of Marvel comics. He was the first character from the ad campaign to enter mainstream Marvel continuity...
, Jackhammer
Jackhammer (comics)
Jackhammer is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Jackhammer was first mentioned as a HYDRA leader in Daredevil #121; he first appeared in Daredevil #123 and was created by Tony Isabella and Bob Brown.The character subsequently appears in Captain America...
, Joystick
Joystick (comics)
Joystick is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Fictional character biography:Virtually nothing is known of the past of Janice before she first appeared as Joystick, including the origin and nature of her apparent superhuman powers...
, Klaw, Lodestone
Lodestone (comics)
Lodestone is a Marvel Comics supervillain, who first appears in Darkhawk #7.-Fictional character biography:Her last name wasn't revealed, but Andrea was hired by crime lord Phillipe Bazin to participate in Project: Lodestone. Phillipe used scientific experiments on Andrea turning her into his...
, Man-Ape
Man-Ape
Man-Ape is a fictional character, a supervillain in the , and frequent enemy of the Black Panther. He first appeared in Avengers #62 -Fictional character biography:...
, Man-Killer
Man-Killer
The Man-Killer is a fictional supervillain in Marvel Comics' universe.-Publication history:Man-Killer first appeared in Marvel Team-Up volume 1 #8 by Gerry Conway and Jim Mooney....
, Quicksand
Quicksand (comics)
Quicksand is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. Her first appearance was in Thor #392.-Fictional character biography:...
, Scorcher
Scorcher (comics)
Scorcher is a Marvel Comics supervillain.-Fiction character biography:Steven Hudak was a research chemist who was wrongfully accused of embezzlement by his employer...
, Shatterfist
Shatterfist (Marvel Comics)
Shatterfist is a Marvel Comics supervillain who first appears in Thor #440.-Fictional character biography:When Zarrko the Tomorrow Man hoped to absorb the power of the mystical hammers of Thor and Dargo Ktor, he was stopped by Beta Ray Bill. When the three heroes banded together to confront...
, Shockwave
Shockwave (comics)
Shockwave is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe whose first appearance was in Master of Kung Fu vol. 1 #42.-Fictional character biography:...
, Slyde
Slyde
Slyde , is a fictional character who is a supervillain in Marvel Comics. His first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man #272.-Fictional character biography:...
, Sunstroke
Sunstroke (comics)
Sunstroke is a Marvel Comics supervillain.-Fictional character biography:When Dominus lands in the American Southwest to take over the Earth, it creates its agents Butte, Cactus, and Gila. He makes one more to be his human agent...Sunstroke.The Avengers stumbled upon Dominus' minions and...
, Supercharger
Supercharger (comics)
Supercharger is a fictional American comic book character. The character is a Marvel Comics supervillain who first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #17 .-Fictional character biography:...
, and Tiger Shark.
The eighth incarnation led by Crimson Cowl consisted of Black Mamba
Black Mamba (comics)
Black Mamba is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, most notably a member of the Serpent Society and BAD Girls, Inc.-Publication history:...
, Cardinal
Cardinal (comics)
Cardinal is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American...
, Cyclone III, Gypsy Moth
Skein (comics)
Skein is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:...
, Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man, also spelled Hydro Man , is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics...
, Machinesmith
Machinesmith
Machinesmith is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Universe. He specializes in robotics, and is able to make convincing doubles of other superhumans...
, and Man-Killer
Man-Killer
The Man-Killer is a fictional supervillain in Marvel Comics' universe.-Publication history:Man-Killer first appeared in Marvel Team-Up volume 1 #8 by Gerry Conway and Jim Mooney....
.
Both versions of Crimson Cowl's Masters of Evil sought to master and control Earth's superhuman mercenaries. They even tried to get the Thunderbolts to join them.
Golden Age
In All Select ComicsAll Select Comics
All Select Comics is an American comic book series published by Timely Comics, the 1940s predecessor of Marvel Comics, during the period fans and historians call the Golden Age of comic books...
#7 (Spring 1945), 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...
fought a team of ghosts, including Jesse James
Jesse James
Jesse Woodson James was an American outlaw, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer from the state of Missouri and the most famous member of the James-Younger Gang. He also faked his own death and was known as J.M James. Already a celebrity when he was alive, he became a legendary...
, Frank James
Frank James
Alexander Franklin "Frank" James was a famous American outlaw. He was the older brother of outlaw Jesse James.-Childhood:...
, Captain Kidd, and Jack The Ripper
Jack the Ripper
"Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The name originated in a letter, written by someone claiming to be the murderer, that was disseminated in the...
, in a story titled "Masters of Evil."
Young Masters
During the Dark ReignDark Reign (comics)
"Dark Reign" is a 2008–2009 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics. It deals with the aftermath of the "Secret Invasion" storyline, which led to a shift of power in the Marvel Universe toward Norman Osborn. The title "Dark Reign" refers to Osborn's rise to national power and the...
storyline, a young version of the team - controlled by criminal mastermind Norman Osborn
Green Goblin
The 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 ....
debuts in the limited 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....
Dark Reign: Young Avengers.
Bastards of Evil
A group calling themselves the Bastards of Evil debuted in the 2010 Heroic AgeHeroic Age (comics)
"The Heroic Age" is a 2010 comic book branding that ran through a number of books published by Marvel Comics. It began in May 2010, marking a major change in the status quo of the Marvel Universe after the events of the "Siege" crossover event, much as "The Initiative" and "Dark Reign" dealt with...
storyline. All members claim to be the children of super-villains who were discarded and disavowed by their parents. They include Aftershock
Aftershock (comics)
Aftershock is a fictional character who appeared in the Marvel Comics' Spider-Girl series. She is the daughter of Max Dillon in the MC2 timeline.-Fictional character biography:...
(the daughter of Electro), Warhead (the son of Radioactive Man), Mortar (the daughter of Grey Gargoyle
Grey Gargoyle
The Grey Gargoyle is a fictional comic book supervillain that appears in books published by Marvel Comics, often as an enemy of Thor, Iron Man, She-Hulk or the Fantastic Four. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #107 The Grey Gargoyle (Paul Pierre Duval) is a fictional comic...
), Singularity (the son of Graviton
Graviton (comics)
Graviton is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Avengers #158 and was created by Jim Shooter and Sal Buscema....
) and Ember (the son of Pyro
Pyro (comics)
Pyro is a fictional character in Marvel Comics and an enemy of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne, he first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #141 ....
).
It was later revealed that the Bastards are led by a child genius known as Superior (who claims to be the son of the Leader
Leader (comics)
The Leader is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #62, and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. In 2009, The Leader was ranked as IGN's 63rd Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.Actor Tim Blake...
). It was also revealed that the Bastards were actually normal teenagers who were mutated by exposure to radiation by Superior as well as given false memory implants. The surviving Bastards are held in the Raft
The Raft (comics)
The Raft is a fictional island prison facility in New York City for psychopathic superhuman criminals appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
after their capture.
Television
- The first version of the Masters of Evil appear in The Marvel Super Heroes episode "Zemo and his Masters of Evil."
- The Masters of Evil appear in The Avengers: United They StandThe Avengers: United They StandThe Avengers: United They Stand is an animated series based on the Marvel Comics superhero team The Avengers. It consists of 13 episodes, which originally premiered on October 30, 1999, and was produced by Avi Arad and distributed by 20th Century Fox Television...
episode "Command Decision". The team consists of Baron Helmut ZemoBaron ZemoBaron Zemo is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in various Marvel Comics comic books, notably Captain America and the Avengers...
, Tiger Shark, Absorbing ManAbsorbing ManThe Absorbing Man is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery #114 The Absorbing Man (Carl "Crusher" Creel) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first...
, MoonstoneMoonstone (comics)Moonstone is a fictional character, both a supervillain and superheroine in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
, 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:...
, BoomerangBoomerang (comics)Boomerang is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #81....
, CardinalCardinal (comics)Cardinal is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American...
, and DragonflyDragonfly (Marvel Comics)Dragonfly is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Dragonfly first appeared in X-Men #94-95 , and was created by Chris Claremont and Len Wein....
. - The Masters of Evil appear in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is an American animated television series by Marvel Animation in cooperation with Film Roman based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The show debuted on Disney XD in Fall 2010 starting with a 20 part micro-series. A second season has been...
. This version is brought together by the EnchantressEnchantress (Marvel Comics)The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:...
. As the series goes on, more villains are enlisted. In the episode "Living Legend", the Enchantress and ExecutionerExecutioner (comics)Executioner is the name of two fictional characters in the .-Skurge:Skurge is born in Jotunheim, and later becomes a warrior, gaining his name the Executioner after fighting in a war against the Storm giants. Skurge has always had feelings for Amora, the Enchantress, and regularly aids her in...
recruit Baron Heinrich ZemoBaron ZemoBaron Zemo is the name of two fictional characters, both supervillains, in various Marvel Comics comic books, notably Captain America and the Avengers...
to their side when they appear in Arnim ZolaArnim ZolaArnim Zola is a fictional character a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He is a master of biochemistry, and frequent foe of Captain America and the Avengers.-Publication history:...
's laboratory. In "Everything is Wonderful", Enchantress gets 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...
on his side after reassembling him promising him that she will restore Wonder Man to normal form. The episode "Gamma World" Pt. 2 shows them having recruited the Crimson DynamoCrimson DynamoThe Crimson Dynamo is the name of several fictional characters in the Marvel Comics Universe, most of whom have been supervillains. The various Crimson Dynamos have been powered armor-wearing Russian or Soviet agents who have clashed with the superhero Iron Man over the course of his heroic career...
and adding AbominationAbomination (comics)The Abomination is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
when they find him in the desert. In the episode "Masters of Evil," Baron Heinrich Zemo leads the villains he and Enchantress gather into taking out the Avengers one by one. When it came to Hawkeye and Black Panther's attempted rescue mission, they revealed to Baron Heinrich Zemo that they picked up Ant-Man in Wakanda enabling him enough time to gather some weapons. When the Avengers are freed, they end up fighting the Masters of Evil and nearly defeat them until Enchantress uses her magic to get herself and the Masters of Evil back to Arnim Zola's lab. In the episode "This Hostage Earth," Baron Zemo and Enchantress recruit Grey GargoyleGrey GargoyleThe Grey Gargoyle is a fictional comic book supervillain that appears in books published by Marvel Comics, often as an enemy of Thor, Iron Man, She-Hulk or the Fantastic Four. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #107 The Grey Gargoyle (Paul Pierre Duval) is a fictional comic...
, ChemistroChemistroThree people have taken the moniker of the supervillain Chemistro in the fictional Marvel Comics universe.-Curtis Carr:The first Chemistro, Curtis Carr, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. While working as a chemist and research scientist for Mainstream Motors, he created an "alchemy gun" capable of...
, and 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:...
to help them when Enchantress steals the Norn Stones from Karnilla. The Masters of Evil are each positioned at different parts of the world to guard a Norn Stone in order to make Earth one with the different Asgardian kingdoms. - In the Iron Man: Armored AdventuresIron Man: Armored AdventuresIron Man: Armored Adventures is a 3D CGI cartoon series based on the Marvel Comics superhero Iron Man. It debuted in the USA on the Nicktoons on April 24, 2009, and has already begun airing on Canadian network Teletoon. The series is story edited by showrunner Christopher Yost, who also worked on...
episode "Titanium vs. Iron," Pepper hacked into the S.H.I.E.L.D. Database and tells Tony that S.H.I.E.L.D. has suspected Justin Hammer has done illegal businesses with the Masters of Evil.
Video games
- The Masters of Evil appear in the video game Marvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate AllianceMarvel: Ultimate Alliance is an action role-playing game developed for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox and Xbox 360 by Raven Software and published by Activision. The game was simultaneously ported to the PlayStation Portable and Wii by Vicarious Visions, and to Microsoft Windows by Beenox...
. They are led by 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...
and members of the group include Baron MordoBaron MordoBaron Karl Amadeus Mordo is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by Marvel Comics and appearing as an enemy of Doctor Strange...
, LokiLoki (comics)Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology...
, EnchantressEnchantress (Marvel Comics)The Enchantress is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe, the first of which is a powerful sorceress named Amora and is one of the most notable antagonists of Thor.-Publication history:...
and UltronUltronUltron is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 , and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist John Buscema...
as their lieutenants. Other members include ArcadeArcade (comics)Arcade is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe created by Chris Claremont and John Byrne. Arcade first appeared in Marvel Team-Up, vol...
, AttumaAttumaAttuma is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He is an Atlantean nomadic warlord who is the nemesis of Namor the Sub-Mariner, and is the father of the superhero Andromeda. He believes he is the prophesied conqueror of the Atlantean Empire...
, BullseyeBullseye (comics)Bullseye is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe.A psychopathic assassin, Bullseye uses the opportunities afforded by his line of work to exercise his homicidal tendencies and to work out his own personal vendetta against Daredevil.Although he possesses no...
, ByrrahByrrahByrrah is a Marvel Comics character. He is a prince of Atlantis, and cousin to Namor the Sub-Mariner. He first appeared in Marvel: Mystery Comics #82.- Fictional character biography :...
, Crimson DynamoCrimson DynamoThe Crimson Dynamo is the name of several fictional characters in the Marvel Comics Universe, most of whom have been supervillains. The various Crimson Dynamos have been powered armor-wearing Russian or Soviet agents who have clashed with the superhero Iron Man over the course of his heroic career...
, DestroyerDestroyer (Thor)The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The Destroyer is a fictional object that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The object first appears in Journey into Mystery #118 The...
, Fin Fang FoomFin Fang FoomFin Fang Foom is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #89 Fin Fang Foom is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #89 Fin Fang...
, KurseKurseKurse is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears as the Dark Elf Algrim the Strong in Thor #347 , is transformed into Kurse in Secret Wars #4 Kurse (Algrim) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel...
, LizardLizard (comics)The Lizard is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe and enemy of Spider-Man. The Lizard first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #6 , and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko...
, MODOKMODOKMODOK is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #93 MODOK (acronym for Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character...
, 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...
, Radioactive Man, RhinoRhino (comics)The Rhino is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr., the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #41 The Rhino (Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich) is a fictional character that appears in comic...
, Scorpion, ShockerShocker (comics)The Shocker or just Shocker is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #46 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr.-Fictional character biography:Herman Schultz was born in New York...
, UlikUlikUlik is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Ulik was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appears in Thor #137 ....
, Warlord KrangKrang (comics)Warlord Krang is a fictional character, in the Marvel Comics universe. He was a high-ranking member of the Atlantean military.-Fictional character biography:...
, Winter SoldierBuckyBucky is the name of several fictional characters, masked superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe. The original, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as a sidekick character in Captain America Comics #1 , published by Marvel's 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics...
, the Wrecking CrewWrecking Crew (comics)The Wrecking Crew is a team of four fictional supervillains — Bulldozer, Piledriver, Thunderball, and the Wrecker — that appears in Marvel Comics. While not featured on the cover, the Wrecking Crew's first appearance is in Defenders vol. 1, #17 in November 1974.-Fictional biography:The Wrecking...
and Ymir. MandarinMandarin (comics)The Mandarin is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain and the archenemy of Iron Man.In 2009, Mandarin was ranked as IGN's 81st Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.-Publication history:...
was a member of this group as well, but left when he failed to take leadership from Doctor Doom.
External links
- Masters of Evil at Marvel.com