Avengers: The Initiative
Encyclopedia
Avengers: The Initiative was 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 dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War
crossover (It should not be confused with "The Initiative", a banner running across Marvel books from February 2007 to May 2007, similar to Marvel's earlier Decimation
banner after the House of M
event, or the Civil War: The Initiative
special by Brian Michael Bendis
). A preview of the title was shown in Civil War: The Initiative
.
initially used in solicitations was "Marvel's Army of Super Heroes
just became a Super Hero Army".
The series was originally solicited as a six issue limited series
, but prior to the publication of the first issue, Marvel announced that this had changed and that Avengers: The Initiative would become an ongoing series, the third regularly published 'Avengers' title from 2007 onwards, after The New Avengers and The Mighty Avengers.
Issues #20-22 dealt with Dark Reign
, the aftermath to Secret Invasion, and Christos Gage
moved to full writing duties.
The series was canceled after Avengers: The Initiative #35 (April 2010), at the conclusion of the Siege
storyline and replaced by Avengers Academy
.
which calls for one S.H.I.E.L.D.
-sponsored superhero team for each state. The series will focus on the training facility located at Camp Hammond, in Stamford
, Connecticut
. In addition the series will explore the people on those line-ups and the unique situations that come with these new locations. Each issue will reveal more about the teams from each state. It will also show these teams adapting and growing through different situations.
The first group of young heroes have been sent to Hero Boot Camp
in Stamford, the site of the explosion that launched the whole Civil War. The issue largely follows the young heroes MVP
, Cloud 9
, Armory
, and Trauma
, as well as their drill sergeant Gauntlet
. MVP is established as one of the most capable young heroes there, and begins to express some feelings for the shy and self-conscious Cloud 9. During a training exercise, however, Trauma's powers accidentally cause Armory to lose control of her powers, and MVP is apparently killed pushing Cloud 9 out of the way. In response, they get rid of Armory's powers, and kick her out of the camp. Henry Peter Gyrich
, who is overseeing the entire project, informs everyone present that the mishap "never happened."
While the recruits struggle to deal with the aftermath of MVP's death and Armory's wash out, Justice continues to be unhappy with Gauntlet's constant use of "New Warriors
" as an insulting term. As the young heroes finish the obstacle course, Trauma again loses control of his transformation, first feeding off of Cloud 9's guilt at being responsible for the death, and then transforming into an image of a beaten and bloody Janet Van Dyne
when Yellowjacket
(Henry Pym) attempts to intervene. As Justice and Gauntlet clean up the situation, Pym is called to the lab where Baron Von Blitzschlag
informs him and Gyrich of MVP's anatomy; instead of being enhanced by the Super Soldier Serum as everyone believed, he is actually an "Übermensch
", the ultimate human specimen. As Blitzschlag and Gyrich laud the benefits of such a test subject, Pym again has a crisis of conscience, only enhanced when the German scientist recounts his past "villainous" acts (such as the creation of Ultron
) and remarks "I am your greatest fan."
A crisis over Texas
occurs involving the President
and HYDRA
. Cloud 9, Komodo
, Hardball
, Gauntlet, War Machine
, Justice and Yellowjacket all arrive on the scene (with Hardball, Gauntlet and Komodo donning jet packs and Cloud 9 being revealed as the best marksman of the bunch when she receives a pulse rifle). As the attack escalates, Yellowjacket deploys a secret weapon he developed to infiltrate the shields of HYDRA's Terrorcarrier: a small vibranium
capsule inside of which he hides. When he breaches the shields, he grows to enormous size and forcibly redirects the carrier to crash, intentionally remaining onboard. Meanwhile, Trauma, who had wanted the program to strip him of his powers and become normal again, is instead escorted by Gyrich to a room holding Beast
and a "specialist" who can help Trauma learn to control his powers: the former mutant Danielle Moonstar
, who possessed powers similar to Trauma's.
Hardball speaks to Komodo about Justice apparently having learned of MVP's fate. While he talks, he turns to see not Komodo but a strange girl sleeping next to him. Though the locals give Hardball a decidedly cold reception, a mysterious individual takes him aside and asks for information on S.P.I.N. Tech
on which Komodo is currently being briefed. As the most promising of the new recruits, she is being given an official assignment to defeat Spider-Man
. S.P.I.N. Tech is a new type of nanotechnology
that, when fired in projectile form, can cause a superhuman to lose access to his or her superpowers instantly. One of the Scarlet Spiders spots Spider-Man fighting members of the Sinister Syndicate
: Hydro-Man
, The Shocker
, and Boomerang
. War Machine
and Komodo head to the scene of the battle, and their arrival cause the Sinister Syndicate to flee. Spider-Man battles the duo. He quickly incapacitates War Machine with a blast of webbing that shuts down his armor, but not before War Machine mysteriously states that even though Spider-Man will be stripped of his powers, another Spider-Man will exist. While Komodo fares much better, Spider-Man's wit and a threat that her failure will result in her losing her powers helps him defeat her and slip away easily.
A mysterious third party, which War Machine calls "Red Team" and which has been cloaked during the fight, is revealed to be a group of people in duplicate versions of Tony Stark's Spider-Man armor. The story ends with Komodo's desperate plea not to be stripped of her powers, as she dislikes being normal and considers her other self to be a nobody.
Shortly after the Hulk
returns from space with his Warbound, Hardball becomes involved in a covert operation to steal a piece of the S.P.I.N. technology. Meanwhile, Justice takes Cloud 9 to the Van Patrick home as part of her therapy, after the death of MVP. Upon reaching the home, both are shocked to discover MVP answering the door; though Justice and Cloud 9 are dispatched to where the Hulk's battleship appeared before inquiry can be given. With the missing cartridge of S.P.I.N. technology going undiscovered by Tony Stark; Stark's attempt to remove Hulk's powers during their conflict fail and Hardball is directly responsible for the early failure to contain the Hulk and prevent massive amounts of damage and casualties. Initiative members are assigned to protect the crowd and refrain from engaging the Hulk, though after Iron Man's failure; Rage
instructs the team to disregard orders and engage Hulk and his Warbound, while Henry Peter Gyrich orders his secret team containing Bengal
, Trauma
, Constrictor
, an unknown female Initiative recruit called Mutant Zero and the Scarlet Spiders to the conflict to save the Initiative trainees.
The Shadow Initiative sneaks into Madison Square Garden
, where the Hulk has built an arena to deliver captured heroes for their punishment. It is there where they are confronted by some of the Hulk's Death's Head
guards, and Mutant Zero defeats them all. Across Manhattan
, Hank Pym, along with Justice and O*N*E
Sentinels
, who left the X-Men, were setting up the devices that is a part of Iron Man's plan to fully send all of Manhattan and those who live in it into the Negative Zone
. Trauma then transforms himself into Thor; this was due to Korg's fear of the Thunder God, who had battled him in an attempted invasion of Earth by his race. While Cloud 9 nearly kills Elloe by filling her lungs with smoke, however, she is stopped by Trauma who sees this.
Soon the team is confronted by the Hulk, who then defeats almost all of the Shadow team members. Trauma tries to defeat the Hulk in various forms of the Hulk's enemies, but when the Hulk won't flinch at the sight of his old foes; this leaves Trauma as a weak human. He is thrown at a car by the Hulk, who tells him to tell the others 'I'm not afraid of anything.' Later on in the hospital where Trauma is recovering, he makes amends to his former teammates, especially Hardball and Cloud 9, while Danielle Moonstar shows Gyrich of Trauma's failure. In that move Gyrich then demotes Trauma from an Omega threat, which Gyrich first saw him as, to a Class 50.
, the camp's drill instructor, Gauntlet, was brutally attacked. His attacker left a mark on his body: 'NW'. Gauntlet had made several nasty remarks about the dead New Warriors, leading to speculation that the attacker was an Initiative recruit who was a former New Warrior. Justice, Debrii
, Slapstick
, Ultra Girl
and Rage were imprisoned and interrogated. When Gauntlet awoke he claimed he was attacked by the Ghost
, so the suspects were released. However, in a flashback it was revealed the attacker was a former New Warrior: Slapstick.
Taskmaster
is seen studying MVP's and Spider-Man's moves, in order to teach the MVP clones, in their role as Scarlet Spiders.
, Crusader (Skrull version), Melee
, Geldoff
, Dragon Lord (Tako Shamara)
, Geiger
, Red Nine
, and Diamondback
. These recruits will mainly be trained by the instructor Taskmaster.
Since the results of the previous clonings of MVP impressed Initiative administrators enough to attempt to fill places within the Fifty State Initiative with further clones of MVP.
clone is fitted with the Tactigon, Armory's former alien weapon and sets forth, under the name "KIA", on a murderous rampage throughout Camp Hammond in an attempt to seek revenge for MVP's death. The KIA clone causes destruction killing Dragon Lord (Tako Shamara)
, Trauma (who is later revealed to have survived) and Van (one of the Scarlet Spiders). KIA also caused injury to many initiative trainees and staff like Thor Girl
, Gauntlet, Constrictor and Crusader. He also killed eight S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in his rampage.
Justice, Debrii, Slapstick, Rage, MVP and the two remaining Scarlet Spiders left the Initiative to form Counter Force
, described as a counter-initiative that will dedicate themselves to keeping the government program honest.
, Prodigy
, Gorilla Girl
, Sunstreak
, Batwing and Boulder
Less enthusiastic than the first recruits, most of them with criminal records (except Butterball/Boulder who wanted to be there, and Batwing, who was just looking for a cure for his condition) they are there because their alternative to Camp Hammond is the Negative Zone
prison (however, the criminal charges against all but Sunstreak appear to be limited to non-registration). Taskmaster quickly renames Boulder "Butterball" in reference to his size. He has been challenged to make Butterball into a good soldier; but because of his invulnerability powers, his physical appearance could not be altered. The recruits break out of the camp due to boredom and decide to go to the beach where they drink and skinny dip
, since they would be recognized anywhere else. Sunstreak attempts to have relations with Butterball who refuses and takes their ride and heads back to the camp but encounters Constrictor, Taskmaster, War Machine and Yellowjacket. He lies, claiming to have gone AWOL alone. Although the recruits plan to use this distraction to sneak back on base, they instead help defeat Firebrand
, King Cobra
, Mister Hyde
and Mauler
, all of whom wanted revenge on the Taskmaster. Butterball washes out of the program when it is deemed he does not have the appropriate attitude to be a superhero. To ease his disappointment, Taskmaster and Constrictor allow him to take a picture that makes it look like he has defeated them.
, a member of Pennsylvania's Liberteens, is actually a Skrull in disguise. He's part of a plot to put "a Skrull
in every state" by infiltrating each superhero team of the Initiative. During Secret Invasion Crusader discovers that camp director Yellowjacket
is actually a Skrull impostor; he almost tells the camp's counselor Trauma
but changes his mind. When 3-D Man arrives in Camp Hammond to announce to everyone assembled that the Initiative has been infiltrated by Skrulls, Crusader fears that he will be exposed as a Skrull despite his good intentions. Crusader uses the Freedom Ring to reverse the goggles' power so that they cause 3-D Man to see Crusader as human and all humans as Skrulls.
Later 'Yellowjacket-Skrull' gives orders to Gauntlet to dispatch the cadets to help the Young Avengers
fight the Skrulls, and Proton is killed during the battle. The Skrulls defeat the cadets and Young Avengers, but then Nick Fury arrives with his "commandos." Meanwhile Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
, the only cadet still on Camp Hammond witnessed how "Yellowjacket" welcomed a Skrull commander to the base and during the big fight against the Skrull army, Crusader, (a Skrull who lives on Earth and an Initiative cadet) decided to fight for Earth.
After defeating a Skrull imposter looking like 'She-Thing', 3-D Man joined up with the Skrull Kill Krew
and found out that in every Initiative state team is one Skrull-imposter and decided to kill them all. Komodo joined the team as well, and they then added her lover Hardball. The Skrull Kill Crew thought they would not be able to track through all the states on time, but then former Avenger Jocasta
appeared with Devil-Slayer
, who is a member of the Hawaiian Initiative team, the Point Men. Devil-Slayer's teleportation ability will aid them in killing all Skrull imposters within the Fifty State Initiative.
The group move on to other Initiative bases, killing the Skrull imposters, Delroy Garret's goggles also identify Equinox
as a Skrull who is then killed by Cloud 9 and adding Cloud 9 and Gravity
to their group. The Skrull then send a broadcast throughout the world, telling their sleeper agents to activate themselves, which sows even more distrust among the remaining heroes. While in Philadelphia, the Revolutionary
is revealed as a Skrull and defeated by Gravity and Hope. When they come across a fight between Thor Girl
and Ultra Girl
, Delroy's goggles identify Thor Girl as a Skrull. With help from Gravity
, Delroy uses Thor Girl's own hammer to kill the Skrull imposter. Ant-Man manages to escape the Skrulls on the back of a Shock Trooper, and reveals to the Kill Crew the Skrulls' last resort plan; to use all the Initiative bases to create a massive Negative Zone portal that will take the entire country. With six bases left, the Crew split up, and use the still-living heads of Moonstomp, Catwalk and Dice to help point out Skrulls. Devil-Slayer teleports them to the bases, but collapses under the strain.
The Initiative members combat their Skrull opponents who have received their mission to activate themselves to start distrust amongst the teams. At the Battalion's HQ, Tigra
, Ryder, and Cloud 9 fight a Skrull posing as Razorback
. Hardball and Moonstomp help Action Pack fight a Skrull posing as Frog-Man. Gravity and Catwalk help the Great Lakes Avengers fight a Skrull posing as Grasshopper
. Komodo and Riot help the Command fight a Skrull posing as Conquistador (who assumed a Skrull/Devil Dinosaur
-like form). Dice and Jocasta fight their way through activists to get to the Skrull posing as Skyhawk who succeeds in his part of the mission. Delroy Garrett and Ant-Man join the Rangers in fighting a Skrull that posed as Red Wolf
's wolf companion Lobo. After it's shot by Shooting Star, a crowd uprising occurred when Delroy's goggles identify some of the crowd members as Skrulls. Delroy's goggles are hit by a thrown rock giving Delroy's allies a hard time figuring out who's a Skrull and who is not. During the struggle, Delroy discovers that he can see who is a Skrull without his goggles. This turns the tides against those Skrulls disguised as crowd members. During the fights across the USA, Spinner and Whiz-Kid both apparently die in various fights. At the final fight at Camp Hammond, Crusader kills Criti Noll and then 3-D Man shoots Crusader (who hid his Skrull heritage from the others, but was fighting for Earth). Before he disappeared, Crusader stated that it could've ended differently.
takes over.
Those that had been replaced by Skrulls (namely Dum Dum Dugan
, Edwin Jarvis
, Frog-Man
, Mockingbird
, Razorback
, She-Thing, Thor Girl
) alongside Alicia Masters meet with Doc Samson
at Camp Hammond as part of a support group. While noting the hostilities of Red Nine
, Annex
, Geiger
, Batwing, and Prodigy
over the shooting of Crusader, Delroy states that he is leaving the Initiative and joining up with Ryder
to hunt down any Skrulls still hiding out on Earth. Taskmaster confronts Mutant Zero and discovers that she is really Typhoid Mary
. The Gauntlet takes control as head of Camp Hammond because his position as the highest ranking officer left. Despite an offer by the Gauntlet, Hank Pym chooses to leave the camp, because he "was never here".
Next some of the latest recuits graduated and were assigned to different teams. Batwing became a member of the Shadow Initiative, Melee was assigned to additional training to become a Camp Hammond instructor for martial arts, Annex became member of the Mavericks (New Mexico) and Red Nine of The Cavalry, Georgia. Geiger also graduated, but it was not mentioned where she was to be stationed. Camp Hammond instructor Stingray became the new leader of the Point Men (Hawaii). Because of their villainous past Sunstreak and Prodigy were not assigned to an Initiative State Team yet, but have to remain under training at Camp Hammond. Since Gorilla Girl felt she was typical cannon fodder she decided to go home and be listed as a reserve member.
Meanwhile Baron von Blitzschlag encountered the Thor-clone (now dubbed Ragnarok), which was reactivated by a failsafe programmed by the Hank Pym Skrull, which required his access code to keep him contained. The clone apparently killed the Baron within a couple of minutes. Thereafter, Ragnarok was attacked by Thor-Girl who he beat after a long and heavy fight above Camp Hammond. Even a trick of Trauma (posing as the real Thor) was ineffective. Outside Gorilla Girl, on her way back home, got out of her car and opposed Ragnarok. As she was about to lose the fight a light appeared; The former New Warriors (now called Counter Force
) appeared, ready to fight.
The fight with the Thor clone rages on as Justice tells Ragnarok that he had worked with the REAL Thor and that Ragnarok is unworthy of that name. After Ragnarok knocks out Rage
and Slapstick
, Debrii
has the Scarlet Spiders hack into Ragnarok. However, Ragnarok kills Michael the Scarlet Spider. Ragnarok is about to vanquish Von Blitzschlag with pure physical force, when the crafty Baron dismisses the notion as futile. He states that while he could easily kill everyone here and everyone in the world, he would not change the fact he is, in fact, an android-clone based on the real Thor. Unconvinced, Ragnarok is shown proof that such methods are possible when one of the Scarlet Spiders reveals he and his "brothers" are all clones as well. Blitzschlag tells Ragnarok that the real Thor is living in Asgard, which is now physically in the realm of Earth (or Midgard) where it is floating above Oklahoma. Ragnarok resolves that it matters not whether he is or isn't a clone, but rather that his warrior's resolve is true. He flies off to presumably confront Thor and his fellow Asgardians.
Following Ragnarok's attack, Counter Force decides to bury Michael Van Patrick's body and confess to the world about Michael's death and the clones. This gives Norman Osborn the opportunity to shut down Camp Hammond.
Following his takeover of Camp Hammond, Norman Osborn later hires Taskmaster to help run the camp. Following the fight with Hardball's HYDRA faction.
Norman Osborn announces to the media that he has reopened the Initiative training camp under the name Camp H.A.M.M.E.R.
in New Mexico away from any populated areas. Osborn then begins to mould the Initiative to match his own vision. He transfers Gravity
to the Great Lakes Avengers
with Prodigy
taking his place as leader of the Heavy Hitters. He assigns the Force of Nature
to Oregon, the U-Foes
to North Carolina, the Psionex
to Maryland and the Women Warriors to Delaware. Penance, brainwashed at Osborn's command, is sent to Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. to assist Taskmaster. Trauma is kept on as the Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. counsellor. Gauntlet and Tigra leave their posts at the Initiative and join with the New Warriors to form the Avengers Resistance against Norman Osborn's new regime.
Avengers: The Initiative is slated to be cancelled in April with Issue #35 being its final issue.
, Trauma
, Constrictor
, Mutant Zero, and for a time, the Scarlet Spiders.
This Shadow Initiative was sent out by Henry Gyrich to free the Initiative members captured by the Hulk's Warbound; Rage, Cloud 9, Ultra Girl, Thor Girl, Slapstick and Hardball. (On this assignment Bengal
showed to be a perfect field leader of this Shadow Initiative.) The black ops group successfully rescues these captured trainees, while Trauma
, their "secret weapon" tries to use his powers to scare the Hulk (becoming, in turn, the Abomination
, Juggernaut
, Brian Banner
, and Bruce Banner). He fails to beat the Hulk, and the Hulk beats him into unconsciousness, leaving Terrance alive to pass the message on to the others. Trauma is later seen recuperating in the Initiative's medical bay.
It is later revealed that the Scarlet Spiders are clones of Michael Van Patrick (MVP), a deceased initiative recruit accidentally killed. The Scarlet Spiders are later taken off the Black Ops team after revealing themselves to the public and placed with the other trainees.
Gyrich called them to protect him from K.I.A., but they lost and one of the Scarlet Spiders was killed, and Constrictor was badly maimed. Mutant Zero saved Gyrich and Scarlet Spiders continued the battle for their brother. After KIA was defeated, the two remaining Scarlet Spiders left the Initiative to join Counter Force
, a team of former New Warriors led by Justice, while Constrictor was healed with two bionic hands.
During Secret Invasion, the Shadow Initiative stayed at Camp Hammond while most others at Camp Hammond went to fight the Skrulls in New York. Later the Skrulls used Camp Hammond as a base, which Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
, discovers, having stayed behind out of cowardice. The Shadow Initiative tries to assassinate the Skrull Queen Veranke
, but is defeated and captured, except for Ant-Man. During this story it was revealed Mutant Zero is a red haired woman.
After Secret Invasion, Taskmaster
is added by Gauntlet to the Black-Ops team as their field leader. The Shadow Initiative, joined by Komodo, are assigned to take down a HYDRA cell, led by former Initiative member Hardball, in Madripoor
. After the mission briefing, Taskmaster senses something familiar about Mutant Zero and later confronts her. A fight ensues and Taskmaster goads Mutant Zero into revealing her true identity: Typhoid Mary
.
The Shadow Initiative are dropped into in Madripoor by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. During the mission, Taskmaster, Constrictor, Bengal, Typhoid Mary and Komodo are confronted by Hardball, Scorpion and HYDRA agents. Komodo is shot with HYDRA modified S.P.I.N technology by Hardball, forcing the Shadow Initiative into a hasty retreat. They manage to escape, but are forced to leave a depowered Komodo behind. Taskmaster decides to call off the mission in the light of HYDRA gaining S.P.I.N Tech. But before they can pull out of Madripoor, the Shadow Initiative learn that S.H.I.E.L.D. has since become defunct, leaving the team alone with no way out the country. They then infiltrate HYDRA, send a wire for help, and continue their mission to capture Hardball and shutdown the HYDRA cell. During the fight, Typhoid Mary relapses into her dangerous personality and escapes, leaving the rest of the Shadow Initiative in trouble. But then help arrives in the form of Ant-Man and H.A.M.M.E.R. agents. Hardball then surrenders himself to Constrictor, citing that everything that he has done was to protect Komodo. Constrictor understands, given his similar relationship with his daughter, and arrests Hardball.
Batwing graduates from the Initiative programme and is assigned to the Shadow Initiative.
(Barracuda, Blackwing, Riot, Stronghold and Warbow) join Bengal, Komodo and Batwing in a new look Shadow Initiative. But as Norman Osborn already has a covert team in the shape of the Thunderbolts, the Shadow Initiative is turned into a "cannon fodder" unit, purposely sent on suicide missions, a fact that is hidden from the Shadow Initiative members.
Before their first mission to take back Prison 42 from Blastaar's alien forces, Johnny Guitar overhears the Taskmaster and learns the Shadow Initiative's true purpose. After some consideration, he bravely goes through with the mission. But not before guaranteeing his family's compensation in the event of his death and deliberately injuring his best friend Doctor Sax, washing him out of the Initiative and in turn saving his life. During the siege to take back Prison 42 along with several other members of the Shadow Initiative, Johnny Guitar is killed in action. Also confirmed killed are Blackwing, Slaughterboy, and Firearms. Bengal, Komodo, Batwing, Butterball and the surviving members of the Shadow Initiative fight against the odds and manage to take back prison 42. They are aided by Hardball, a Prison 42 detainee forced to join Blastaar's army, who suggests to Dr. Arthur Nagan that they should release Dragon Man, knowing that the creature would side with Komodo. Taskmaster, Constrictor, Penance, Living Laser and Scorcher arrive shortly after to finish off the enemy. Bengal and the rest of the Shadow Initiative become painfully aware of the true nature of their mission.
Osborn orders members of the Shadow Initiative (Badd Axe, Ringer, and Warbow) to attack the Heavy Hitters
after they secede from the Initiative. They help the other Initiative teams to defeat and capture the Heavy Hitters' leader, Prodigy
. The attack upon Prodigy is then uploaded onto YouTube
by Telemetry and Non-Stop.
is apparently killed by a hail of arrows. Badd Axe and Ringer are among those defending Camp HAMMER when it is invaded by the Avengers Resistance.
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...
series from 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...
. Written by Dan Slott
Dan Slott
Dan Slott is an American comic book writer best known for The Amazing Spider-Man, Arkham Asylum: Living Hell and She-Hulk. He is the current writer of the twice monthly The Amazing Spider-Man.-Early writing:...
and Christos Gage
Christos Gage
Christos N. "Chris" Gage is an American comic book writer and screenwriter.-Early life:Gage is the son of author and journalist Nicholas Gage. He was born in New York, and grew up in Athens, Greece, and then North Grafton, Massachusetts...
with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli
Stefano Caselli
Stefano Caselli is an Italian comic book artist best known for his work on the Marvel Comics title Avengers: The Initiative, the mini-series Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways and Secret Warriors...
, Steve Uy
Steve Uy
Steve Uy is an American comic book artist and writer.-Career:Steve Uy began working for Marvel Comics after graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York...
and Harvey Tolibao, the series dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War
Civil War (comics)
Civil War is a 2006-2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline built around a self-titled seven-issue limited series written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven, which ran through various other titles published by Marvel at the time...
crossover (It should not be confused with "The Initiative", a banner running across Marvel books from February 2007 to May 2007, similar to Marvel's earlier Decimation
Decimation (comics)
Decimation is the late 2005 Marvel Comics storyline spinning off from the House of M limited series. It focuses on the ramifications of the Scarlet Witch stripping nearly all of the mutant population of their powers, thereby reducing a society of millions to one of scant hundreds.This event, which...
banner after the House of M
House of M
House of M is an eight-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics in 2005. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, its first issue debuted in June 2005 as a follow-up to the events of the Planet X and Avengers Disassembled...
event, or the Civil War: The Initiative
Civil War: The Initiative
"Civil War: The Initiative" is the name of a comics crossover storyline as well as a one-shot comic book starting this event, published by Marvel Comics...
special by Brian Michael Bendis
Brian Michael Bendis
Brian Michael Bendis is an American comic book writer and erstwhile artist. He has won critical acclaim for his self-published, Image Comics and Marvel Comics work, and is one of the most successful writers working in mainstream comics, with his books selling consistently highly for over a...
). A preview of the title was shown in Civil War: The Initiative
Civil War: The Initiative
"Civil War: The Initiative" is the name of a comics crossover storyline as well as a one-shot comic book starting this event, published by Marvel Comics...
.
Publication history
The first issue of Avengers: The Initiative was released on 4 April 2007. The taglineTagline
A tagline is a variant of a branding slogan typically used in marketing materials and advertising. The idea behind the concept is to create a memorable phrase that will sum up the tone and premise of a brand or product , or to reinforce the audience's memory of a product...
initially used in solicitations was "Marvel's Army of Super Heroes
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
just became a Super Hero Army".
The series was originally solicited as a six issue 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....
, but prior to the publication of the first issue, Marvel announced that this had changed and that Avengers: The Initiative would become an ongoing series, the third regularly published 'Avengers' title from 2007 onwards, after The New Avengers and The Mighty Avengers.
Issues #20-22 dealt with Dark Reign
Dark 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...
, the aftermath to Secret Invasion, and Christos Gage
Christos Gage
Christos N. "Chris" Gage is an American comic book writer and screenwriter.-Early life:Gage is the son of author and journalist Nicholas Gage. He was born in New York, and grew up in Athens, Greece, and then North Grafton, Massachusetts...
moved to full writing duties.
The series was canceled after Avengers: The Initiative #35 (April 2010), at the conclusion of the Siege
Siege (comics)
Siege is a fictional character, owned by Marvel Comics, who exists in the Marvel Universe.-Creative origins:John Kelly was initially created by Dwayne McDuffie and Gregory Wright as a pseudo-preview of their then-upcoming relaunch of Deathlok as well as to provide existing in-continuity backstory...
storyline and replaced by Avengers Academy
Avengers Academy
Avengers Academy is a Marvel Comics comic book series that debuted in June 2010 as part of the "Heroic Age". The series is written by Christos Gage, with artwork by Mike McKone and tells the story of a group of young super-powered persons who were selected to join a training academy for the...
.
Start
In the aftermath of the Civil War, the pro-registration side stands victorious and has launched the Fifty State InitiativeFifty State Initiative
The Fifty State Initiative, often referred to as simply The Initiative, is a fictional governmental plan that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to The Avengers...
which calls for one S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
-sponsored superhero team for each state. The series will focus on the training facility located at Camp Hammond, in Stamford
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
, Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
. In addition the series will explore the people on those line-ups and the unique situations that come with these new locations. Each issue will reveal more about the teams from each state. It will also show these teams adapting and growing through different situations.
The first group of young heroes have been sent to Hero Boot Camp
Boot camp
Boot camp refers colloquially to military recruit training.Boot camp can also refer to:-Music:* Bootcamp , a 1980s band* Boot Camp , from Lil Soldiers...
in Stamford, the site of the explosion that launched the whole Civil War. The issue largely follows the young heroes MVP
Michael Van Patrick
Michael "Mike" Ian Van Patrick is a fictional comic book character created by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Although the character himself is deceased, and in fact died in the issue he first appeared in, the character is said to have been cloned after his death, with his clones continuing to play...
, Cloud 9
Cloud 9 (comics)
Cloud 9 is a fictional teenage comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. She was created by writer Dan Slott and artist Stefano Caselli, and first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative #1 ....
, Armory
Armory (comics)
Armory is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. Armory was one of the new Initiative recruits that arrived at Camp Hammond with Cloud 9, Hardball, Komodo, MVP, Trauma and others.-Fictional character biography:...
, and Trauma
Trauma (comics)
Trauma is a fictional comic book character. He is a teenage superhero in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe...
, as well as their drill sergeant Gauntlet
Gauntlet (comics)
The Gauntlet , is a comic book superhero in the . Created by Dan Slott, he first appeared in She-Hulk #100.-Publication history:...
. MVP is established as one of the most capable young heroes there, and begins to express some feelings for the shy and self-conscious Cloud 9. During a training exercise, however, Trauma's powers accidentally cause Armory to lose control of her powers, and MVP is apparently killed pushing Cloud 9 out of the way. In response, they get rid of Armory's powers, and kick her out of the camp. Henry Peter Gyrich
Henry Peter Gyrich
Henry Peter Gyrich is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers Vol. 1 #165 and was created by Jim Shooter and George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
, who is overseeing the entire project, informs everyone present that the mishap "never happened."
While the recruits struggle to deal with the aftermath of MVP's death and Armory's wash out, Justice continues to be unhappy with Gauntlet's constant use of "New Warriors
New Warriors
The New Warriors is a Marvel Comics superhero team, traditionally consisting of young adult heroes. They first appeared in The Mighty Thor #411 .-General publication history:...
" as an insulting term. As the young heroes finish the obstacle course, Trauma again loses control of his transformation, first feeding off of Cloud 9's guilt at being responsible for the death, and then transforming into an image of a beaten and bloody Janet Van Dyne
Wasp (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 ....
when Yellowjacket
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
(Henry Pym) attempts to intervene. As Justice and Gauntlet clean up the situation, Pym is called to the lab where Baron Von Blitzschlag
Baron Von Blitzschlag
Baron Werner Von Blitzschlag is a comic book character in Marvel Comics' main shared universe. Created by writer Dan Slott and artist Stefano Caselli, the Baron's last name is German for "Lightning-Strike."-Publication history:...
informs him and Gyrich of MVP's anatomy; instead of being enhanced by the Super Soldier Serum as everyone believed, he is actually an "Übermensch
Übermensch
The Übermensch is a concept in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche posited the Übermensch as a goal for humanity to set for itself in his 1883 book Thus Spoke Zarathustra ....
", the ultimate human specimen. As Blitzschlag and Gyrich laud the benefits of such a test subject, Pym again has a crisis of conscience, only enhanced when the German scientist recounts his past "villainous" acts (such as the creation of 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...
) and remarks "I am your greatest fan."
A crisis over Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
occurs involving the President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
and HYDRA
HYDRA
HYDRA is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Universe.Despite the name's capitalization per Marvel's official spelling, the name is not an acronym but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra...
. Cloud 9, Komodo
Komodo (comics)
Komodo is the name of two fictional characters in the Marvel Comics Universe.-New Men:The first Komodo is one of the New Men, creatures evolved by the High Evolutionary from a lizard. He accompanied the Ani-Men on their clean-up mission at the Jackal's laboratory and fought the Scarlet Spider...
, Hardball
Hardball (comics)
Hardball is a fictional comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by writer Dan Slott and artist Stefano Caselli, and first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative #1 ....
, Gauntlet, War Machine
War Machine
War Machine is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton...
, Justice and Yellowjacket all arrive on the scene (with Hardball, Gauntlet and Komodo donning jet packs and Cloud 9 being revealed as the best marksman of the bunch when she receives a pulse rifle). As the attack escalates, Yellowjacket deploys a secret weapon he developed to infiltrate the shields of HYDRA's Terrorcarrier: a small vibranium
Vibranium
Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America's shield, but it is also noted for its connection to the Black Panther and his native homeland of Wakanda .-Publication history:Vibranium first...
capsule inside of which he hides. When he breaches the shields, he grows to enormous size and forcibly redirects the carrier to crash, intentionally remaining onboard. Meanwhile, Trauma, who had wanted the program to strip him of his powers and become normal again, is instead escorted by Gyrich to a room holding Beast
Beast (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...
and a "specialist" who can help Trauma learn to control his powers: the former mutant Danielle Moonstar
Danielle Moonstar
Danielle "Dani" Moonstar, originally codenamed Psyche and later Mirage, is a fictional Marvel Comics superheroine associated with the X-Men....
, who possessed powers similar to Trauma's.
Hardball speaks to Komodo about Justice apparently having learned of MVP's fate. While he talks, he turns to see not Komodo but a strange girl sleeping next to him. Though the locals give Hardball a decidedly cold reception, a mysterious individual takes him aside and asks for information on S.P.I.N. Tech
S.P.I.N. (Super-Power-Inhibiting Nanobots) Technology
S.P.I.N. Technology or S.P.I.N. Tech is a fictional type of nanotechnology found in Marvel Comics.-History:...
on which Komodo is currently being briefed. As the most promising of the new recruits, she is being given an official assignment to defeat 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...
. S.P.I.N. Tech is a new type of nanotechnology
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology deals with developing materials, devices, or other structures possessing at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres...
that, when fired in projectile form, can cause a superhuman to lose access to his or her superpowers instantly. One of the Scarlet Spiders spots Spider-Man fighting members of the Sinister Syndicate
Sinister Syndicate
The Sinister Syndicate is a group of supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe, who serve as a collection of lesser-known Spider-Man's villains...
: Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man
Hydro-Man, also spelled Hydro Man , is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics...
, The 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...
, and Boomerang
Boomerang (comics)
Boomerang is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #81....
. War Machine
War Machine
War Machine is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton...
and Komodo head to the scene of the battle, and their arrival cause the Sinister Syndicate to flee. Spider-Man battles the duo. He quickly incapacitates War Machine with a blast of webbing that shuts down his armor, but not before War Machine mysteriously states that even though Spider-Man will be stripped of his powers, another Spider-Man will exist. While Komodo fares much better, Spider-Man's wit and a threat that her failure will result in her losing her powers helps him defeat her and slip away easily.
A mysterious third party, which War Machine calls "Red Team" and which has been cloaked during the fight, is revealed to be a group of people in duplicate versions of Tony Stark's Spider-Man armor. The story ends with Komodo's desperate plea not to be stripped of her powers, as she dislikes being normal and considers her other self to be a nobody.
World War Hulk
Gyrich tries to persuade Trauma to join his Shadow Initiative, thinking he could be a powerful member. However, Trauma's trainer, the former mutant, Danielle Moonstar, objects to Gyrich's claims.Shortly after the Hulk
Hulk (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 ....
returns from space with his Warbound, Hardball becomes involved in a covert operation to steal a piece of the S.P.I.N. technology. Meanwhile, Justice takes Cloud 9 to the Van Patrick home as part of her therapy, after the death of MVP. Upon reaching the home, both are shocked to discover MVP answering the door; though Justice and Cloud 9 are dispatched to where the Hulk's battleship appeared before inquiry can be given. With the missing cartridge of S.P.I.N. technology going undiscovered by Tony Stark; Stark's attempt to remove Hulk's powers during their conflict fail and Hardball is directly responsible for the early failure to contain the Hulk and prevent massive amounts of damage and casualties. Initiative members are assigned to protect the crowd and refrain from engaging the Hulk, though after Iron Man's failure; Rage
Rage (comics)
Rage is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American. Rage was created by Larry Hama and Paul Ryan in The Avengers vol. 1 #326...
instructs the team to disregard orders and engage Hulk and his Warbound, while Henry Peter Gyrich orders his secret team containing Bengal
Bengal (comics)
Bengal is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe who first appeared in Daredevil #258 in September 1988. He was created by Fabian Nicieza and artist, Ron Lim.-Fictional character biography:...
, Trauma
Trauma (comics)
Trauma is a fictional comic book character. He is a teenage superhero in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe...
, 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...
, an unknown female Initiative recruit called Mutant Zero and the Scarlet Spiders to the conflict to save the Initiative trainees.
The Shadow Initiative sneaks into Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
, where the Hulk has built an arena to deliver captured heroes for their punishment. It is there where they are confronted by some of the Hulk's Death's Head
Death's Head
Death's Head is a fictional comic book character, a robotic bounty hunter appearing in the books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Simon Furman and artist Geoff Senior for the company's Marvel UK imprint...
guards, and Mutant Zero defeats them all. Across Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, Hank Pym, along with Justice and O*N*E
Office of National Emergency
The Office of National Emergency, most commonly referred to as O*N*E, is a fictional government agency in the Marvel Universe. It is best known as the originator of the Sentinel squads that were assigned to protect/observe the X-Men and the remaining mutants after the event known as M-Day, which...
Sentinels
Sentinel (comics)
Sentinels are a fictional variety of mutant-hunting robots, appearing in the Marvel Comics Universe. They are usually portrayed as antagonists to the X-Men. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, they first appeared in The X-Men #14 .According to Marvel canon, Sentinels are programmed to locate...
, who left the X-Men, were setting up the devices that is a part of Iron Man's plan to fully send all of Manhattan and those who live in it into the Negative Zone
Negative Zone
The Negative Zone is a fictional setting, an antimatter universe depicted in publications from Marvel Comics, most frequently in Fantastic Four and Captain Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #51 .-Fictional description:The Negative Zone in the Marvel...
. Trauma then transforms himself into Thor; this was due to Korg's fear of the Thunder God, who had battled him in an attempted invasion of Earth by his race. While Cloud 9 nearly kills Elloe by filling her lungs with smoke, however, she is stopped by Trauma who sees this.
Soon the team is confronted by the Hulk, who then defeats almost all of the Shadow team members. Trauma tries to defeat the Hulk in various forms of the Hulk's enemies, but when the Hulk won't flinch at the sight of his old foes; this leaves Trauma as a weak human. He is thrown at a car by the Hulk, who tells him to tell the others 'I'm not afraid of anything.' Later on in the hospital where Trauma is recovering, he makes amends to his former teammates, especially Hardball and Cloud 9, while Danielle Moonstar shows Gyrich of Trauma's failure. In that move Gyrich then demotes Trauma from an Omega threat, which Gyrich first saw him as, to a Class 50.
Post World War Hulk
After World War HulkWorld War Hulk
"World War Hulk" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and various other titles published by Marvel Comics in 2007, featuring the Hulk....
, the camp's drill instructor, Gauntlet, was brutally attacked. His attacker left a mark on his body: 'NW'. Gauntlet had made several nasty remarks about the dead New Warriors, leading to speculation that the attacker was an Initiative recruit who was a former New Warrior. Justice, Debrii
Debrii
Debrii is a fictional character, a superhero from Marvel Comics. She debuted in New Warriors Vol. 3 Issue 4. She was created by artist Skottie Young with the help of writer Zeb Wells. Little is known about her at this time...
, Slapstick
Slapstick (comics)
Slapstick is a Marvel Comics superhero created in the early nineties. He debuted in Slapstick #1, November , created by Len Kaminski and James Fry...
, Ultra Girl
Ultra Girl
Ultra Girl , also known as Ultra-Girl, is a fictional superhero published by Marvel Comics...
and Rage were imprisoned and interrogated. When Gauntlet awoke he claimed he was attacked by the Ghost
Ghost (Marvel Comics)
Ghost is a fictional character appearing in comics books set in the . He first appears in Iron Man #219 and was created by David Michelinie and Bob Layton. Originally portrayed as a supervillain, the character is later portrayed as more of an anti-hero or mercenary.-Fictional character...
, so the suspects were released. However, in a flashback it was revealed the attacker was a former New Warrior: Slapstick.
Taskmaster
Taskmaster
Taskmaster 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...
is seen studying MVP's and Spider-Man's moves, in order to teach the MVP clones, in their role as Scarlet Spiders.
Second recruit group
Several new Initiative recruits arrive at Camp Hammond, including Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
Ant-Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . He is the third character to use the name Ant-Man. He first appears in The Irredeemable Ant-Man #1 and was created by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester....
, Crusader (Skrull version), Melee
Melee (comics)
Melee is the code name of a fictional comic book character within Marvel Comics' shared universe the Marvel Universe. She first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative #8 and was created by Dan Slott, Christos N...
, Geldoff
Geldoff
Geldoff is a fictional character in Marvel Comics who first appeared in the Ultimate Marvel Universe's Ultimate Spider-Man #40 written by Brian Michael Bendis with art from Mark Bagley. Geldoff was brought into the main Marvel Universe by Dan Slott and Christos N...
, Dragon Lord (Tako Shamara)
Dragon Lord (comics)
Dragon Lord is the name of several unrelated fictional characters in the Marvel Universe.-Dragon Lord I:-Publication history:The first Dragon Lord appeared in Sub-Mariner #52-54 , and was created by Bill Everett and Mike Friedrich....
, Geiger
Geiger (comics)
Geiger is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. She first appeared in Doc Samson #1 , created by Dan Slott.-Fictional character biography:...
, Red Nine
Red Nine
Red Nine is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #264 .-Publication history:...
, and Diamondback
Diamondback (comics)
Diamondback is the name of four fictional characters appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Diamondback first appeared in Captain America #310 , written by Mark Gruenwald and illustrated by Paul Neary.-Willis Stryker:The first Diamondback was a foe of Luke Cage...
. These recruits will mainly be trained by the instructor Taskmaster.
Since the results of the previous clonings of MVP impressed Initiative administrators enough to attempt to fill places within the Fifty State Initiative with further clones of MVP.
Killed in Action
In Avengers: The Initiative's first multi-part story Killed in Action (starting issue #8), a new Michael Van PatrickMichael Van Patrick
Michael "Mike" Ian Van Patrick is a fictional comic book character created by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Although the character himself is deceased, and in fact died in the issue he first appeared in, the character is said to have been cloned after his death, with his clones continuing to play...
clone is fitted with the Tactigon, Armory's former alien weapon and sets forth, under the name "KIA", on a murderous rampage throughout Camp Hammond in an attempt to seek revenge for MVP's death. The KIA clone causes destruction killing Dragon Lord (Tako Shamara)
Dragon Lord (comics)
Dragon Lord is the name of several unrelated fictional characters in the Marvel Universe.-Dragon Lord I:-Publication history:The first Dragon Lord appeared in Sub-Mariner #52-54 , and was created by Bill Everett and Mike Friedrich....
, Trauma (who is later revealed to have survived) and Van (one of the Scarlet Spiders). KIA also caused injury to many initiative trainees and staff like Thor Girl
Thor Girl
Thor Girl is a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Dan Jurgens and artist John Romita, Jr., she first appeared in Thor vol...
, Gauntlet, Constrictor and Crusader. He also killed eight S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in his rampage.
First graduations
Some of the first installment trainees made it to graduation. The graduating class and their assignments were as follows:- Triathlon (now going by 3-D Man3-D Man-Publication history:Although his adventures take place in the 1950s, the character was created by Roy Thomas in the 1970s in the anthology series Marvel Premiere...
and sporting the costume of his namesake): HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
- Point Men - Ultra Girl (now wearing Ms. Marvel's original costume): GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
- The CavalryThe CavalryThe Cavalry is a fictional superhero team appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those associated with The Avengers. The group of heroes first appear as the official Georgia Fifty State Initiative team and were created by Christos Gage and Stefano Caselli.-Publication... - Thor Girl: Georgia - The Cavalry
- Hardball: NevadaNevadaNevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
- Heavy HittersHeavy Hitters (comics)Heavy Hitters is a fictional superhero team in the Marvel Comics universe. The group of heroes first appear as the official Nevada Fifty State Initiative team and were created by Christos Gage and Stefano Caselli.-Fictional history:... - Komodo: ArizonaArizonaArizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
- Desert StarsDesert StarsDesert Stars is a fictional superhero team in the Marvel Comics universe. The group of heroes are the official Arizona Fifty State Initiative team and were created by Christos Gage and Stefano Caselli.-Fictional history:... - Cloud 9: MontanaMontanaMontana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
- Freedom ForceFreedom Force (comics)Freedom Force is the name of two teams within Marvel Comics' universe.The original was a supervillain team, though they occasionally acted in a heroic capacity as well. It was a government-sponsored team originally composed mainly of Mystique's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants... - Trauma: remains on base as a counselor
Justice, Debrii, Slapstick, Rage, MVP and the two remaining Scarlet Spiders left the Initiative to form Counter Force
Counter Force (Marvel Comics)
This second team of New Warriors is a superhero team in the Marvel Comics continuity composed mostly of former members of the original team of New Warriors.-Fictional history:...
, described as a counter-initiative that will dedicate themselves to keeping the government program honest.
More recruits
Starting with issue #13, the series features new recruits that will join the squad assembled before the coming of KIA. They are: AnnexAnnex (comics)
Annex is a fictional character of the Marvel Universe, associated with Spider-Man. His first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #27. Annex' powers were the result of prosthetics through computer technology. After losing a leg, he volunteered for this program...
, Prodigy
Prodigy (Ritchie Gilmore)
Prodigy is the name of a superhero in Marvel Comics.-Fictional character biography:Ritchie Gilmore is a typical jock, captain of his college wrestling team, and one of the most popular guys in school. But Ritchie wants more from life; he wants to be stronger and more powerful...
, Gorilla Girl
Gorilla Girl
Fahnbullah Eddy, also known as Gorilla Girl, is a fictional comic book character within Marvel Comics' shared universe the Marvel Universe...
, Sunstreak
Sunstreak
Sunstreak is the code name of a fictional comic book character within Marvel Comics' shared universe the Marvel Universe. She first appeared in Iron Man #330 , and was created by Terry Kavanagh and Jim Cheung.-Fictional character biography:...
, Batwing and Boulder
Emery Schaub
Emery Schaub is a fictional character of the Marvel Universe. He was created by Christos N. Gage and Steve Uy. Schaub's first appearance is in Avengers: The Initiative #13 .-Publication history:...
Less enthusiastic than the first recruits, most of them with criminal records (except Butterball/Boulder who wanted to be there, and Batwing, who was just looking for a cure for his condition) they are there because their alternative to Camp Hammond is the Negative Zone
Negative Zone
The Negative Zone is a fictional setting, an antimatter universe depicted in publications from Marvel Comics, most frequently in Fantastic Four and Captain Marvel. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it first appeared in Fantastic Four #51 .-Fictional description:The Negative Zone in the Marvel...
prison (however, the criminal charges against all but Sunstreak appear to be limited to non-registration). Taskmaster quickly renames Boulder "Butterball" in reference to his size. He has been challenged to make Butterball into a good soldier; but because of his invulnerability powers, his physical appearance could not be altered. The recruits break out of the camp due to boredom and decide to go to the beach where they drink and skinny dip
Skinny Dip
Skinny Dip is a caper novel by Carl Hiaasen first published in 2004.-Plot introduction:Set in South Florida in the course of April, 2003, it is about a woman, Joey Perrone, who takes revenge on her cheating husband after he has tried to murder her...
, since they would be recognized anywhere else. Sunstreak attempts to have relations with Butterball who refuses and takes their ride and heads back to the camp but encounters Constrictor, Taskmaster, War Machine and Yellowjacket. He lies, claiming to have gone AWOL alone. Although the recruits plan to use this distraction to sneak back on base, they instead help defeat Firebrand
Firebrand (Marvel Comics)
Firebrand is the codename of three fictional supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. All three were normal humans inside powered armor and relied on fire-based weapons...
, King Cobra
Cobra (comics)
The Cobra is the alias of two fictional comic-book supervillains that appear in the Marvel Comics universe.-Klaus Voorhees:Klaus Voorhees, the original Cobra, was also known as The Human Cobra and is currently known as the original King Cobra...
, 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:...
and Mauler
Mauler (comics)
Mauler is a name used by two fictional characters that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version appears in Daredevil #167 and was created by David Michelinie and Frank Miller...
, all of whom wanted revenge on the Taskmaster. Butterball washes out of the program when it is deemed he does not have the appropriate attitude to be a superhero. To ease his disappointment, Taskmaster and Constrictor allow him to take a picture that makes it look like he has defeated them.
Secret Invasion
The RevolutionaryRevolutionary (comics)
The Revolutionary is a fictional superhero published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 , and was created by Dan Slott, Christos Gage and Patrick Scherberger.-Fictional character biography:...
, a member of Pennsylvania's Liberteens, is actually a Skrull in disguise. He's part of a plot to put "a Skrull
Skrull
The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
in every state" by infiltrating each superhero team of the Initiative. During Secret Invasion Crusader discovers that camp director Yellowjacket
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
is actually a Skrull impostor; he almost tells the camp's counselor Trauma
Trauma (comics)
Trauma is a fictional comic book character. He is a teenage superhero in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe...
but changes his mind. When 3-D Man arrives in Camp Hammond to announce to everyone assembled that the Initiative has been infiltrated by Skrulls, Crusader fears that he will be exposed as a Skrull despite his good intentions. Crusader uses the Freedom Ring to reverse the goggles' power so that they cause 3-D Man to see Crusader as human and all humans as Skrulls.
Later 'Yellowjacket-Skrull' gives orders to Gauntlet to dispatch the cadets to help the Young Avengers
Young Avengers
Young Avengers is an American comic book series written by Allan Heinberg and published by Marvel Comics. It follows a group of young superheroes, each of whom patterns themselves after a member of the long-established Marvel superhero team the Avengers....
fight the Skrulls, and Proton is killed during the battle. The Skrulls defeat the cadets and Young Avengers, but then Nick Fury arrives with his "commandos." Meanwhile Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
Ant-Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . He is the third character to use the name Ant-Man. He first appears in The Irredeemable Ant-Man #1 and was created by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester....
, the only cadet still on Camp Hammond witnessed how "Yellowjacket" welcomed a Skrull commander to the base and during the big fight against the Skrull army, Crusader, (a Skrull who lives on Earth and an Initiative cadet) decided to fight for Earth.
After defeating a Skrull imposter looking like 'She-Thing', 3-D Man joined up with the Skrull Kill Krew
Skrull Kill Krew
The Skrull Kill Krew are a fictional group from Marvel Comics who first appeared in their own limited series published in 1995. They were created by Grant Morrison, Mark Millar and Steve Yeowell.The group are humans modified by eating Skrull-infected beef...
and found out that in every Initiative state team is one Skrull-imposter and decided to kill them all. Komodo joined the team as well, and they then added her lover Hardball. The Skrull Kill Crew thought they would not be able to track through all the states on time, but then former Avenger Jocasta
Jocasta (comics)
Jocasta is a fictional, comic book superhero appearing books published by Marvel Comics. A member of the Avengers, the character is a robot created by the villain Ultron.-Publication history:Jocasta first appears in The Avengers Jocasta is a fictional, comic book superhero appearing books published...
appeared with Devil-Slayer
Devil-Slayer (comics)
Devil-Slayer is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The character exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe...
, who is a member of the Hawaiian Initiative team, the Point Men. Devil-Slayer's teleportation ability will aid them in killing all Skrull imposters within the Fifty State Initiative.
The group move on to other Initiative bases, killing the Skrull imposters, Delroy Garret's goggles also identify Equinox
Equinox (comics)
Equinox is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in publications from Marvel Comics.-Publication history:...
as a Skrull who is then killed by Cloud 9 and adding Cloud 9 and Gravity
Gravity (comics)
Gravity is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Gravity #1 and was created by Sean McKeever and Mike Norton.-Publication history:...
to their group. The Skrull then send a broadcast throughout the world, telling their sleeper agents to activate themselves, which sows even more distrust among the remaining heroes. While in Philadelphia, the Revolutionary
Revolutionary (comics)
The Revolutionary is a fictional superhero published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 , and was created by Dan Slott, Christos Gage and Patrick Scherberger.-Fictional character biography:...
is revealed as a Skrull and defeated by Gravity and Hope. When they come across a fight between Thor Girl
Thor Girl
Thor Girl is a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Dan Jurgens and artist John Romita, Jr., she first appeared in Thor vol...
and Ultra Girl
Ultra Girl
Ultra Girl , also known as Ultra-Girl, is a fictional superhero published by Marvel Comics...
, Delroy's goggles identify Thor Girl as a Skrull. With help from Gravity
Gravity (comics)
Gravity is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Gravity #1 and was created by Sean McKeever and Mike Norton.-Publication history:...
, Delroy uses Thor Girl's own hammer to kill the Skrull imposter. Ant-Man manages to escape the Skrulls on the back of a Shock Trooper, and reveals to the Kill Crew the Skrulls' last resort plan; to use all the Initiative bases to create a massive Negative Zone portal that will take the entire country. With six bases left, the Crew split up, and use the still-living heads of Moonstomp, Catwalk and Dice to help point out Skrulls. Devil-Slayer teleports them to the bases, but collapses under the strain.
The Initiative members combat their Skrull opponents who have received their mission to activate themselves to start distrust amongst the teams. At the Battalion's HQ, Tigra
Tigra
Tigra is a fictional American comic book superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe. Introduced as the non-superpowered crime fighter The Cat in Claws of the Cat #1 , she was co-created by writer-editor Roy Thomas, writer Linda Fite, and penciller Marie Severin...
, Ryder, and Cloud 9 fight a Skrull posing as Razorback
Razorback (comics)
Razorback is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character first appeared in shadow in Spectacular Spider-Man vol. 1 #12. His first full appearance is in Spectacular Spider-Man vol...
. Hardball and Moonstomp help Action Pack fight a Skrull posing as Frog-Man. Gravity and Catwalk help the Great Lakes Avengers fight a Skrull posing as Grasshopper
Grasshopper (comics)
The Grasshopper is the name of multiple humorous Marvel Comics superheroes, all created by Dan Slott. No Grasshopper to date has survived past the issue they first appeared in. The Grasshoppers are a simultaneous homage to and satire of stereotypical superheroes and Marvel's tendency towards...
. Komodo and Riot help the Command fight a Skrull posing as Conquistador (who assumed a Skrull/Devil Dinosaur
Devil Dinosaur
Devil Dinosaur is a Marvel Comics character who resembles a red Tyrannosaurus rex. He first appeared in Devil Dinosaur #1...
-like form). Dice and Jocasta fight their way through activists to get to the Skrull posing as Skyhawk who succeeds in his part of the mission. Delroy Garrett and Ant-Man join the Rangers in fighting a Skrull that posed as Red Wolf
Red Wolf (comics)
Red Wolf is the name of a number of fictional characters in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe.-Johnny Wakeley:Johnny Wakeley was the adopted name of a Cheyenne man who was raised from childhood by a white couple in the late 19th century. His adoptive parents were killed by Native...
's wolf companion Lobo. After it's shot by Shooting Star, a crowd uprising occurred when Delroy's goggles identify some of the crowd members as Skrulls. Delroy's goggles are hit by a thrown rock giving Delroy's allies a hard time figuring out who's a Skrull and who is not. During the struggle, Delroy discovers that he can see who is a Skrull without his goggles. This turns the tides against those Skrulls disguised as crowd members. During the fights across the USA, Spinner and Whiz-Kid both apparently die in various fights. At the final fight at Camp Hammond, Crusader kills Criti Noll and then 3-D Man shoots Crusader (who hid his Skrull heritage from the others, but was fighting for Earth). Before he disappeared, Crusader stated that it could've ended differently.
Dark Reign
Following the aftermath of the Secret Invasion, the Fifty-State Initiative is shut down and the Thunderbolts Initiative is established when Norman OsbornGreen 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 ....
takes over.
Those that had been replaced by Skrulls (namely Dum Dum Dugan
Dum Dum Dugan
Timothy Aloysius Cadwallader "Dum Dum" Dugan is a fictional character in the . He is an officer of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is one of the most experienced members of Nick Fury's team, known for his marksmanship with rifles and for his impressive physique...
, Edwin Jarvis
Edwin Jarvis
Edwin Jarvis is a fictional supporting character in the Marvel Comics titles, The Avengers, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.-Publication history:...
, Frog-Man
Frog-Man
Frog-Man is a minor comedic superhero created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Kerry Gammill for Marvel Comics. His first appearance was in Marvel Team-Up #121.- Fictional character biography :...
, Mockingbird
Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)
Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
, Razorback
Razorback (comics)
Razorback is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character first appeared in shadow in Spectacular Spider-Man vol. 1 #12. His first full appearance is in Spectacular Spider-Man vol...
, She-Thing, Thor Girl
Thor Girl
Thor Girl is a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Dan Jurgens and artist John Romita, Jr., she first appeared in Thor vol...
) alongside Alicia Masters meet with Doc Samson
Doc Samson
Doc Samson is a fictional character, a superhero and psychiatrist in the Marvel Comics universe, known as a supporting character in stories featuring the Hulk.-Publication history:...
at Camp Hammond as part of a support group. While noting the hostilities of Red Nine
Red Nine
Red Nine is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #264 .-Publication history:...
, Annex
Annex (comics)
Annex is a fictional character of the Marvel Universe, associated with Spider-Man. His first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #27. Annex' powers were the result of prosthetics through computer technology. After losing a leg, he volunteered for this program...
, Geiger
Geiger (comics)
Geiger is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. She first appeared in Doc Samson #1 , created by Dan Slott.-Fictional character biography:...
, Batwing, and Prodigy
Prodigy (comics)
Prodigy, in comics, may refer to:*Prodigy , a character featured prominently in various X-Men titles*Prodigy , a character who first appeared in Slingers*Spider-Man has gone by the name Prodigy...
over the shooting of Crusader, Delroy states that he is leaving the Initiative and joining up with Ryder
Ryder (comics)
Ryder is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He was the leader and founder of the Skrull Kill Krew.-Fictional character biography:...
to hunt down any Skrulls still hiding out on Earth. Taskmaster confronts Mutant Zero and discovers that she is really Typhoid Mary
Typhoid Mary (comics)
Typhoid Mary , also known as Typhoid, Walker, Bloody Mary and Mutant Zero, is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Daredevil and Deadpool in the Marvel Comics Universe. She first appeared in Daredevil #254, and was created by Ann Nocenti and John Romita, Jr....
. The Gauntlet takes control as head of Camp Hammond because his position as the highest ranking officer left. Despite an offer by the Gauntlet, Hank Pym chooses to leave the camp, because he "was never here".
Next some of the latest recuits graduated and were assigned to different teams. Batwing became a member of the Shadow Initiative, Melee was assigned to additional training to become a Camp Hammond instructor for martial arts, Annex became member of the Mavericks (New Mexico) and Red Nine of The Cavalry, Georgia. Geiger also graduated, but it was not mentioned where she was to be stationed. Camp Hammond instructor Stingray became the new leader of the Point Men (Hawaii). Because of their villainous past Sunstreak and Prodigy were not assigned to an Initiative State Team yet, but have to remain under training at Camp Hammond. Since Gorilla Girl felt she was typical cannon fodder she decided to go home and be listed as a reserve member.
Meanwhile Baron von Blitzschlag encountered the Thor-clone (now dubbed Ragnarok), which was reactivated by a failsafe programmed by the Hank Pym Skrull, which required his access code to keep him contained. The clone apparently killed the Baron within a couple of minutes. Thereafter, Ragnarok was attacked by Thor-Girl who he beat after a long and heavy fight above Camp Hammond. Even a trick of Trauma (posing as the real Thor) was ineffective. Outside Gorilla Girl, on her way back home, got out of her car and opposed Ragnarok. As she was about to lose the fight a light appeared; The former New Warriors (now called Counter Force
Counter Force (Marvel Comics)
This second team of New Warriors is a superhero team in the Marvel Comics continuity composed mostly of former members of the original team of New Warriors.-Fictional history:...
) appeared, ready to fight.
The fight with the Thor clone rages on as Justice tells Ragnarok that he had worked with the REAL Thor and that Ragnarok is unworthy of that name. After Ragnarok knocks out Rage
Rage (comics)
Rage is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He is African American. Rage was created by Larry Hama and Paul Ryan in The Avengers vol. 1 #326...
and Slapstick
Slapstick (comics)
Slapstick is a Marvel Comics superhero created in the early nineties. He debuted in Slapstick #1, November , created by Len Kaminski and James Fry...
, Debrii
Debrii
Debrii is a fictional character, a superhero from Marvel Comics. She debuted in New Warriors Vol. 3 Issue 4. She was created by artist Skottie Young with the help of writer Zeb Wells. Little is known about her at this time...
has the Scarlet Spiders hack into Ragnarok. However, Ragnarok kills Michael the Scarlet Spider. Ragnarok is about to vanquish Von Blitzschlag with pure physical force, when the crafty Baron dismisses the notion as futile. He states that while he could easily kill everyone here and everyone in the world, he would not change the fact he is, in fact, an android-clone based on the real Thor. Unconvinced, Ragnarok is shown proof that such methods are possible when one of the Scarlet Spiders reveals he and his "brothers" are all clones as well. Blitzschlag tells Ragnarok that the real Thor is living in Asgard, which is now physically in the realm of Earth (or Midgard) where it is floating above Oklahoma. Ragnarok resolves that it matters not whether he is or isn't a clone, but rather that his warrior's resolve is true. He flies off to presumably confront Thor and his fellow Asgardians.
Following Ragnarok's attack, Counter Force decides to bury Michael Van Patrick's body and confess to the world about Michael's death and the clones. This gives Norman Osborn the opportunity to shut down Camp Hammond.
Following his takeover of Camp Hammond, Norman Osborn later hires Taskmaster to help run the camp. Following the fight with Hardball's HYDRA faction.
Norman Osborn announces to the media that he has reopened the Initiative training camp under the name Camp H.A.M.M.E.R.
Camp H.A.M.M.E.R.
Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. is a training camp in the fictional Marvel Comics universe, Marvel Universe, the Dark Reign equivalent to its predecessor Camp Hammond which aimed to train a superhero team for every state of the United States as part of the Fifty State Initiative...
in New Mexico away from any populated areas. Osborn then begins to mould the Initiative to match his own vision. He transfers Gravity
Gravity (comics)
Gravity is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in Gravity #1 and was created by Sean McKeever and Mike Norton.-Publication history:...
to the Great Lakes Avengers
Great Lakes Avengers
The Great Lakes Initiative, originally known as The Great Lakes Avengers , are a fictional superhero team that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The characters were first introduced in West Coast Avengers vol. 2, #46 , and were created by John Byrne.-Publication history:The team...
with Prodigy
Prodigy (Ritchie Gilmore)
Prodigy is the name of a superhero in Marvel Comics.-Fictional character biography:Ritchie Gilmore is a typical jock, captain of his college wrestling team, and one of the most popular guys in school. But Ritchie wants more from life; he wants to be stronger and more powerful...
taking his place as leader of the Heavy Hitters. He assigns the Force of Nature
Force of Nature (comics)
The Force of Nature is a group of super villains in the Marvel Comics Universe who each have elemental themed powers: earth, fire, water, and wind...
to Oregon, the U-Foes
U-Foes
U-Foes are a fictional comic book supervillain team appearing in various series published by Marvel Comics. The group first appeared in Incredible Hulk #254...
to North Carolina, the Psionex
Psionex
Psionex are a team of comic book supervillains and occasional anti-heroes in the Marvel Comics universe. They were created by Fabian Nicieza and Mark Bagley, first appearing in New Warriors vol. 1 #4.-Profiles:*Pretty Persuasions - Heidi P...
to Maryland and the Women Warriors to Delaware. Penance, brainwashed at Osborn's command, is sent to Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. to assist Taskmaster. Trauma is kept on as the Camp H.A.M.M.E.R. counsellor. Gauntlet and Tigra leave their posts at the Initiative and join with the New Warriors to form the Avengers Resistance against Norman Osborn's new regime.
Avengers: The Initiative is slated to be cancelled in April with Issue #35 being its final issue.
Shadow Initiative
It has been revealed that there is a special "black ops" team within the Initiative, answerable only to Gyrich and known as the Shadow Initiative. This team consists of BengalBengal (comics)
Bengal is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe who first appeared in Daredevil #258 in September 1988. He was created by Fabian Nicieza and artist, Ron Lim.-Fictional character biography:...
, Trauma
Trauma (comics)
Trauma is a fictional comic book character. He is a teenage superhero in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe...
, 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...
, Mutant Zero, and for a time, the Scarlet Spiders.
This Shadow Initiative was sent out by Henry Gyrich to free the Initiative members captured by the Hulk's Warbound; Rage, Cloud 9, Ultra Girl, Thor Girl, Slapstick and Hardball. (On this assignment Bengal
Bengal (comics)
Bengal is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe who first appeared in Daredevil #258 in September 1988. He was created by Fabian Nicieza and artist, Ron Lim.-Fictional character biography:...
showed to be a perfect field leader of this Shadow Initiative.) The black ops group successfully rescues these captured trainees, while Trauma
Trauma (comics)
Trauma is a fictional comic book character. He is a teenage superhero in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe...
, their "secret weapon" tries to use his powers to scare the Hulk (becoming, in turn, the Abomination
Abomination (comics)
The Abomination is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
, Juggernaut
Juggernaut (comics)
The Juggernaut is a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men #12 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
, Brian Banner
Brian Banner
Brian Banner is a fictional villain from the Marvel Comics Universe created by Bill Mantlo and Mike Mignola and first appearing in print in late 1985...
, and Bruce Banner). He fails to beat the Hulk, and the Hulk beats him into unconsciousness, leaving Terrance alive to pass the message on to the others. Trauma is later seen recuperating in the Initiative's medical bay.
It is later revealed that the Scarlet Spiders are clones of Michael Van Patrick (MVP), a deceased initiative recruit accidentally killed. The Scarlet Spiders are later taken off the Black Ops team after revealing themselves to the public and placed with the other trainees.
Gyrich called them to protect him from K.I.A., but they lost and one of the Scarlet Spiders was killed, and Constrictor was badly maimed. Mutant Zero saved Gyrich and Scarlet Spiders continued the battle for their brother. After KIA was defeated, the two remaining Scarlet Spiders left the Initiative to join Counter Force
Counter Force (Marvel Comics)
This second team of New Warriors is a superhero team in the Marvel Comics continuity composed mostly of former members of the original team of New Warriors.-Fictional history:...
, a team of former New Warriors led by Justice, while Constrictor was healed with two bionic hands.
During Secret Invasion, the Shadow Initiative stayed at Camp Hammond while most others at Camp Hammond went to fight the Skrulls in New York. Later the Skrulls used Camp Hammond as a base, which Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
Ant-Man (Eric O'Grady)
Ant-Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . He is the third character to use the name Ant-Man. He first appears in The Irredeemable Ant-Man #1 and was created by Robert Kirkman and Phil Hester....
, discovers, having stayed behind out of cowardice. The Shadow Initiative tries to assassinate the Skrull Queen Veranke
Veranke
Veranke is a fictional character created by Marvel Comics who serves as the queen of the Skrull empire in the Marvel Universe. She plays a significant role in the events of Secret Invasion as she leads her empire to invade and conquer Earth....
, but is defeated and captured, except for Ant-Man. During this story it was revealed Mutant Zero is a red haired woman.
After Secret Invasion, Taskmaster
Taskmaster
Taskmaster 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...
is added by Gauntlet to the Black-Ops team as their field leader. The Shadow Initiative, joined by Komodo, are assigned to take down a HYDRA cell, led by former Initiative member Hardball, in Madripoor
Madripoor
The Principality of Madripoor is a fictional island located in Southeast Asia in the Marvel Comics universe. Based on illustrations, it is in the southern portion of the Strait of Malacca, southwest of Singapore.-Publication history:...
. After the mission briefing, Taskmaster senses something familiar about Mutant Zero and later confronts her. A fight ensues and Taskmaster goads Mutant Zero into revealing her true identity: Typhoid Mary
Typhoid Mary (comics)
Typhoid Mary , also known as Typhoid, Walker, Bloody Mary and Mutant Zero, is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Daredevil and Deadpool in the Marvel Comics Universe. She first appeared in Daredevil #254, and was created by Ann Nocenti and John Romita, Jr....
.
The Shadow Initiative are dropped into in Madripoor by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. During the mission, Taskmaster, Constrictor, Bengal, Typhoid Mary and Komodo are confronted by Hardball, Scorpion and HYDRA agents. Komodo is shot with HYDRA modified S.P.I.N technology by Hardball, forcing the Shadow Initiative into a hasty retreat. They manage to escape, but are forced to leave a depowered Komodo behind. Taskmaster decides to call off the mission in the light of HYDRA gaining S.P.I.N Tech. But before they can pull out of Madripoor, the Shadow Initiative learn that S.H.I.E.L.D. has since become defunct, leaving the team alone with no way out the country. They then infiltrate HYDRA, send a wire for help, and continue their mission to capture Hardball and shutdown the HYDRA cell. During the fight, Typhoid Mary relapses into her dangerous personality and escapes, leaving the rest of the Shadow Initiative in trouble. But then help arrives in the form of Ant-Man and H.A.M.M.E.R. agents. Hardball then surrenders himself to Constrictor, citing that everything that he has done was to protect Komodo. Constrictor understands, given his similar relationship with his daughter, and arrests Hardball.
Batwing graduates from the Initiative programme and is assigned to the Shadow Initiative.
Dark Reign
Butterball, Ringer, Doctor Sax, Johnny Guitar, Badd Axe, Firearms, Slaughter Boy and Heavy MettleHeavy Mettle
Heavy Mettle is a fictional team of supervillains in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional organization history:Heavy Mettle was formed by Joseph Manfredi, who orders Firestrike to obtain Turbo's costume. Heavy Mettle attacks the New Warriors; they are defeated but escape. Nova disguises himself as...
(Barracuda, Blackwing, Riot, Stronghold and Warbow) join Bengal, Komodo and Batwing in a new look Shadow Initiative. But as Norman Osborn already has a covert team in the shape of the Thunderbolts, the Shadow Initiative is turned into a "cannon fodder" unit, purposely sent on suicide missions, a fact that is hidden from the Shadow Initiative members.
Before their first mission to take back Prison 42 from Blastaar's alien forces, Johnny Guitar overhears the Taskmaster and learns the Shadow Initiative's true purpose. After some consideration, he bravely goes through with the mission. But not before guaranteeing his family's compensation in the event of his death and deliberately injuring his best friend Doctor Sax, washing him out of the Initiative and in turn saving his life. During the siege to take back Prison 42 along with several other members of the Shadow Initiative, Johnny Guitar is killed in action. Also confirmed killed are Blackwing, Slaughterboy, and Firearms. Bengal, Komodo, Batwing, Butterball and the surviving members of the Shadow Initiative fight against the odds and manage to take back prison 42. They are aided by Hardball, a Prison 42 detainee forced to join Blastaar's army, who suggests to Dr. Arthur Nagan that they should release Dragon Man, knowing that the creature would side with Komodo. Taskmaster, Constrictor, Penance, Living Laser and Scorcher arrive shortly after to finish off the enemy. Bengal and the rest of the Shadow Initiative become painfully aware of the true nature of their mission.
Osborn orders members of the Shadow Initiative (Badd Axe, Ringer, and Warbow) to attack the Heavy Hitters
Heavy Hitters (comics)
Heavy Hitters is a fictional superhero team in the Marvel Comics universe. The group of heroes first appear as the official Nevada Fifty State Initiative team and were created by Christos Gage and Stefano Caselli.-Fictional history:...
after they secede from the Initiative. They help the other Initiative teams to defeat and capture the Heavy Hitters' leader, Prodigy
Prodigy (Ritchie Gilmore)
Prodigy is the name of a superhero in Marvel Comics.-Fictional character biography:Ritchie Gilmore is a typical jock, captain of his college wrestling team, and one of the most popular guys in school. But Ritchie wants more from life; he wants to be stronger and more powerful...
. The attack upon Prodigy is then uploaded onto YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
by Telemetry and Non-Stop.
Siege
Several members of the Shadow Initiative take part in Osborn's invasion of Asgard. During the battle, Warbow of Heavy MettleHeavy Mettle
Heavy Mettle is a fictional team of supervillains in the Marvel Universe.-Fictional organization history:Heavy Mettle was formed by Joseph Manfredi, who orders Firestrike to obtain Turbo's costume. Heavy Mettle attacks the New Warriors; they are defeated but escape. Nova disguises himself as...
is apparently killed by a hail of arrows. Badd Axe and Ringer are among those defending Camp HAMMER when it is invaded by the Avengers Resistance.
Details
- Cadets are trained in combat, search and rescue, power control, first aid, and superhuman ethics.
- The training that Initiative cadets undergo is structured like basic recruit trainingRecruit trainingRecruit training, more commonly known as Basic Training and colloquially called Boot Camp, is the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel, enlisted and officer...
. - Cadets are issued uniforms consisting of palm gloves, traction boots and military fatigue cargo pants. A t-shirtT-shirtA T-shirt is a style of shirt. A T-shirt is buttonless and collarless, with short sleeves and frequently a round neck line....
with some kind of logo (often with the first letter of the cadet's codename) on it is provided if the cadet does not already have a costume. If the cadet has a secret identity they are required to somehow conceal their identity (i.e. a mask, goggles, a helmet, shape-changing or some form of concealment). - While the "Avengers Assemble!" battle cry is used by instructors and cadets in battle and many instructors and cadets are former or current members, being a recruit does not automatically award one membership in the Avengers. Use of the Avengers name is an informal one meant to act as an inspirational tool.
Collected editions
| Title | Material collected | Softcover ISBN | Hardcover ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1: Basic Training | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #1-6 | ISBN 0-7851-2516-7 | ISBN 0-7851-2160-9 |
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 2: Killed in Action | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #7-13, Annual #1 | ISBN 0-7851-2861-1 | ISBN 0-7851-2868-9 |
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 3: Secret Invasion | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #14-19 | ISBN 0-7851-3167-1 | ISBN 0-7851-3150-7 |
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 4: Disassembled | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #20-25, Avengers: The Initiative feat. Reptil | ISBN 0-7851-3168-X | ISBN 0-7851-3151-5 |
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 5: Dreams & Nightmares | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #26-30 | ISBN 0-7851-3905-2 | ISBN 0-7851-3904-4 |
| Avengers: The Initiative vol. 6: Siege | Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #31-35 | ISBN 0-7851-4818-3 | ISBN 0-7851-4817-5 |
Television
- The Initiative was referenced in The Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad ShowThe Super Hero Squad Show is an American cartoon series by Marvel Animation. It is based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad action figure line from Hasbro, which portray the characters of the Marvel Universe in a cartoonish super-deformed-style...
episode "Tales of Suspense." War Machine tells Iron Man that he had to cover for him when handling the Initiative.
External links
- Avengers: The Initiative #1 at Marvel.com
- Avengers: The Initiative #2 at Marvel.com
- Avengers: The Initiative #3 at Marvel.com