List of criminal organizations in Marvel Comics
Encyclopedia
The following is a list of fiction
al government agencies, comic book
criminal organizations that have been published by Marvel Comics
and their imprints. This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completion. This page will attempt to provide a somewhat complete list and history of the many criminal and terrorist organizations present in Marvel Comics, you can help by expanding it with sourced additions.
to develop advanced weaponry for his subversive organization HYDRA
. They were close to developing and attaining nuclear weapons when HYDRA Island was invaded by American and Japanese troops. Although HYDRA suffered a major setback, it survived and grew in secret over the following decades.
(Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort), providing them with extremely advanced technology.
created Black Spectre by organizing his female followers, who disguised themselves as men using bulky armor. Beecham planned to use Black Spectre to confuse America through terrorism
and racism
, instilling chaos in the world and intending to rule it after anarchy
ensued.
supervillain
team devoted to mutant
superiority over normal humans. They are adversaries of the X-Men
. The original Brotherhood was created by writer Stan Lee
and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby
and first appeared in X-Men
#4 (March 1964).
Their roster has varied and has included many powerful and dangerous mutants. They are often at odds with the more peaceful X-Men but, on rare occasions, have worked alongside them to overcome some greater threat. The Brotherhood was founded by Magneto
and was his backing team in the 1960s. 1980s versions of the team were led by Mystique
and most 1990s versions by Toad
, who dropped much of the political message of the group in favor of petty crime and grasps for power. Various short-lived incarnations have appeared in the 2000s.
, a man infamous for his bigotry against mutants. Groups inspired by or splintered from the Friends of Humanity include the survivalist Humanity's Last Stand
and the religious fundamentalist Church of Humanity
.
, a horrific event in which Mr. Sinister's henchmen the Marauders
killed many Morlocks
, the members of the terrorist group known as Gene Nation reappeared in the main universe (Earth-616
). Their mission was to destroy one human for every Morlock life that was lost.
mystical
ninja
s who are heavily involved in organized crime
and mercenary
activities such as assassination
plots. The Hand covets power above all other objectives. They are primarily based in Japan
, but operate internationally. They were founded in the 16th century, and soon became servants of the primordial demon
known only as the Beast.
Members of the Hand are practitioners of powerful occult
magic
and can murder
a person and bring that person back to life as a servant of the Hand. Only Elektra
, Psylocke
, and Wolverine
are known to have reversed this programming. Wolverine was brainwashed in a combined operation by the Hand and Hydra. The Hand first appeared in Daredevil
volume 1 #168 (January 1981) and were created by writer/artist Frank Miller
. They are marked by their red costumes.
who try to influence world events for the accumulation of power. They dress in 18th century garb and rank themselves in a system of chess
pieces (Black Rook, White Queen, etc.). The group first battled the X-Men in the classic "The Dark Phoenix Saga" and the club, or branches of it, have since appeared periodically in various X-Men series. The club is based on the actual Hellfire Club
, a secret society
of 18th century England
. Created by writer Chris Claremont
and artist/co-writer John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men
#129 (January 1980).
. In the group's first appearance they were behind the creation of a false Mutant Liberation Front
, formed by human members of H.L.S. posing as mutants
through the use of mutagenic drugs and or technologically enhanced suits, in order to mimic mutant powers.
apparently crushed the organization. It soon returned, however, headed by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker
, under the aegis of the Nazi
Red Skull
; HYDRA's changing origin was one of the earliest Marvel retcon
s. After its initial defeat, several of its branches surfaced, appearing to be unrelated and independent. HYDRA's scientific branch was initially A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics)
, which later split off into its own organization. Other factions included THEM and the Secret Empire.
Despite the capitalization, the name is not an acronym, but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra
. The organization's motto references the myth of the Hydra, proclaiming that if a limb is cut off, two more will take its place, proclaiming their resilience and growing strength in the face of resistance. HYDRA agents often wear distinctive green garb featuring a serpent motif.
, but the Maggia differs in that it frequently hires supervillain
s and mad scientist
s to work for them. Count Nefaria
and his daughter Madame Masque
have both been leaders of an important Maggia family.
, were originally seven mages
who in 987 sold their soul
s to the demon
Mephisto
in exchange for immortality
. The Mys-Tech board members must provide a steady stream of souls to the demon otherwise they will breech their contract and forfeit their own souls. Over the years the board accumulated power and wealth and in the modern age this power and wealth became a business empire.
. Faustus had recently captured William Burnside the fourth Captain America and his partner Jack Monroe, both heroes from the 1950s frozen in suspended animation. Faustus took control of the mind of the replacement Captain America in an attempt to use him against Steve Rogers, the original Captain America
, and later turned him into the Grand Director
.
group of Christian terrorists led by Reverend William Stryker. The group debuted in the X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
graphic novel. The Purifiers see themselves in a holy war against mutants, believing them to be the children of the Devil and thus deserving of extermination
.
corporation
notorious for its determination to make massive profits regardless of any laws or moral principles, often employing superhuman criminals in order to achieve their goals.
, which provided it with financial support. The Secret Empire served to distract the attention of authorities such as S.H.I.E.L.D.
from HYDRA’s activities, although the original Number One sought to break away from HYDRA.
universe. The group was initially formed from the membership of a previous supervillain team, the Serpent Squad. The group, like its predecessor, has been made up of longtime antagonists of Captain America
and his fellow Avengers
. The Serpent Society was the brainchild of Seth Voelker (Sidewinder), and is a descendant of sorts from the original Serpent Squads.
A member known as the Viper used the Society and its resources to poison the water supply of Washington DC, which turned its citizens into snake-men. The ensuing chaos nearly destroyed the capital. A member named Diamondback managed to escape with Sidewinder and solicited help from Captain America
(then known as "The Captain") and his allies D-Man
, Nomad
, the Falcon
, and Vagabond
. The team stormed Serpent Citadel, rescued the Society members that were loyal to Sidewinder, and captured the rest. The Viper, however managed to escape. In the end, Cobra subdued the Viper and turned her over to the Captain, with the provision that he allows the Serpent Society 24 hours to evacuate from their headquarters.
through hate crime
s and organized protest
s, and were opposed by the Avengers
and the Defenders
.
is the managing power of a supraorganization
which includes HYDRA
, A.I.M.
, and the Secret Empire
. THEM was founded by Nazi war criminal Baron Strucker after World War II. Later Strucker appointed a businessman named Arnold Brown to the position of Supreme Hydra; Hydra's highly visible operations served as a front for THEM.
universe
. It was founded by the Flag-Smasher
in his attempts to destroy nationalism
.
and is established as a criminal organization founded and funded by member Cornelius Van Lunt (who adopts the identity of Taurus
). The group's identity is based on the zodiac
from the discipline astrology
, with each member adopting the persona of a sign of the zodiac, being twelve in all. The group members share leadership of the organization, with the position rotating just as the astrological zodiac changes. When not united as a group, the members of Zodiac are all based in different cities throughout the United States
. Dedicated to economic and political domination of the world, the group uses any means to accomplish this, including subversion
, extortion
, and mass murder
.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al government agencies, comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
criminal organizations that have been published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
and their imprints. This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completion. This page will attempt to provide a somewhat complete list and history of the many criminal and terrorist organizations present in Marvel Comics, you can help by expanding it with sourced additions.
A.I.M.
Advanced Idea Mechanics first appeared in Strange Tales #146. A.I.M. is a conglomeration of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all governments by technological means. A.I.M. was organized late in World War II by Baron Wolfgang von StruckerBaron Strucker
Baron Wolfgang von Strucker is a fictional character created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #5...
to develop advanced weaponry for his subversive organization 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...
. They were close to developing and attaining nuclear weapons when HYDRA Island was invaded by American and Japanese troops. Although HYDRA suffered a major setback, it survived and grew in secret over the following decades.
Beyond Corporation©
What is now the Beyond Corporation© was once a high-tech terrorist cell known as S.I.L.E.N.T. which legitimized itself as the Beyond Corporation©, yet did not abandon their ulterior motive—the location, activation, distribution, and testing of various Unusual Weapons of Mass Destruction at various points throughout the United States of America. Also, through "faith-based bidding," the Beyond Corporation© became the sole financial backer of the H.A.T.E.H.A.T.E.
The Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort, better known by its acronym H.A.T.E., is one of two antagonistic organizations in Marvel Comics' Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E., a series created by Warren Ellis....
(Highest Anti-Terrorism Effort), providing them with extremely advanced technology.
Black Spectre
Jerome Beechman the MandrillMandrill (comics)
Mandrill is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. His first appearance was in Shanna the She-Devil #4. He was created by writer Carole Seuling and artist Ross Andru...
created Black Spectre by organizing his female followers, who disguised themselves as men using bulky armor. Beecham planned to use Black Spectre to confuse America through terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
and racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
, instilling chaos in the world and intending to rule it after anarchy
Anarchy
Anarchy , has more than one colloquial definition. In the United States, the term "anarchy" typically is meant to refer to a society which lacks publicly recognized government or violently enforced political authority...
ensued.
The Brotherhood of Mutants
The Brotherhood of Mutants, originally known as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and briefly as the Brotherhood, is a Marvel ComicsMarvel 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...
supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
team devoted to mutant
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
superiority over normal humans. They are adversaries of the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
. The original Brotherhood was created by writer Stan Lee
Stan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby , born Jacob Kurtzberg, was an American comic book artist, writer and editor regarded by historians and fans as one of the major innovators and most influential creators in the comic book medium....
and first appeared in X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
#4 (March 1964).
Their roster has varied and has included many powerful and dangerous mutants. They are often at odds with the more peaceful X-Men but, on rare occasions, have worked alongside them to overcome some greater threat. The Brotherhood was founded by Magneto
Magneto (comics)
Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
and was his backing team in the 1960s. 1980s versions of the team were led by Mystique
Mystique (comics)
Mystique is a fictional character associated with the Marvel Comics' franchise X-Men. Originally created by artist David Cockrum and writer Chris Claremont, she first appeared in Ms...
and most 1990s versions by Toad
Toad (comics)
Toad is a Marvel Comics supervillain, an enemy of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #4 ....
, who dropped much of the political message of the group in favor of petty crime and grasps for power. Various short-lived incarnations have appeared in the 2000s.
Friends of Humanity
The Friends of Humanity is a terrorist hate group started by Graydon CreedGraydon Creed
Graydon Creed is a fictional character created by writer Scott Lobdell and artist Brandon Peterson. The character is an enemy of the X-Men and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #299 .- Fictional character biography :...
, a man infamous for his bigotry against mutants. Groups inspired by or splintered from the Friends of Humanity include the survivalist Humanity's Last Stand
Humanity's Last Stand
Humanity's Last Stand was a Marvel Comics radical anti-mutant fringe group and enemies of the X-Men. The group's first appearance was in Uncanny X-Men Annual 1995. They were behind the creation of a false Mutant Liberation Front, formed by human members of H.L.S. posing as mutant. The humans use...
and the religious fundamentalist Church of Humanity
Church of Humanity (comics)
The Church of Humanity is an anti-mutant, Christian-based religious sect/hate group in the Marvel Universe. It was created by Joe Casey, though Uncanny X-Men writer Chuck Austen featured the cult in a controversial storyline which involved an elaborate plan to install the recently ordained...
.
Gene Nation
On the anniversary of the Mutant MassacreMutant Massacre
"Mutant Massacre" was a major Marvel Comics crossover storyline, which took place during the fall of 1986. It primarily involved the superhero teams the X-Men, X-Factor and the New Mutants...
, a horrific event in which Mr. Sinister's henchmen the Marauders
Marauders (comics)
The Marauders is a team of fictional supervillain characters in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist John Romita, Jr., the team first appear in Uncanny X-Men #210 The Marauders is a team of fictional supervillain characters in comic books published by...
killed many Morlocks
Morlocks (comics)
The Morlocks are a group of several fictional comic book mutants associated with the X-Men in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Paul Smith, they were named after the subterranean race of the same name in H. G. Wells' novel The Time Machine. They first appeared...
, the members of the terrorist group known as Gene Nation reappeared in the main universe (Earth-616
Earth-616
In the fictional Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 or Earth 616 is the name used to identify the primary continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place.-Origin of Earth-616:...
). Their mission was to destroy one human for every Morlock life that was lost.
The Hand
The Hand is a cult of evilEvil
Evil is the violation of, or intent to violate, some moral code. Evil is usually seen as the dualistic opposite of good. Definitions of evil vary along with analysis of its root motive causes, however general actions commonly considered evil include: conscious and deliberate wrongdoing,...
mystical
Mysticism
Mysticism is the knowledge of, and especially the personal experience of, states of consciousness, i.e. levels of being, beyond normal human perception, including experience and even communion with a supreme being.-Classical origins:...
ninja
Ninja
A or was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in unorthodox arts of war. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination, as well as open combat in certain situations...
s who are heavily involved in organized crime
Organized crime
Organized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
and mercenary
Mercenary
A mercenary, is a person who takes part in an armed conflict based on the promise of material compensation rather than having a direct interest in, or a legal obligation to, the conflict itself. A non-conscript professional member of a regular army is not considered to be a mercenary although he...
activities such as assassination
Assassination
To carry out an assassination is "to murder by a sudden and/or secret attack, often for political reasons." Alternatively, assassination may be defined as "the act of deliberately killing someone, especially a public figure, usually for hire or for political reasons."An assassination may be...
plots. The Hand covets power above all other objectives. They are primarily based in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, but operate internationally. They were founded in the 16th century, and soon became servants of the primordial demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
known only as the Beast.
Members of the Hand are practitioners of powerful occult
Occult
The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus , referring to "knowledge of the hidden". In the medical sense it is used to refer to a structure or process that is hidden, e.g...
magic
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
and can murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
a person and bring that person back to life as a servant of the Hand. Only Elektra
Elektra (comics)
Elektra Natchios, usually referred to only by her first name Elektra, is a fictional character in publications from Marvel Comics.Elektra is a kunoichi – female ninja assassin – of Greek descent. She wields a pair of bladed sai as her trademark weapon. She is a love interest of the superhero...
, Psylocke
Psylocke
Psylocke is a fictional character depicted in comic books published by Marvel Comics, most notably those comics featuring the superhero team the X-Men. The character has also appeared in licensed adaptations. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe, she first appeared in the UK...
, and Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
are known to have reversed this programming. Wolverine was brainwashed in a combined operation by the Hand and Hydra. The Hand first appeared in Daredevil
Daredevil (Marvel Comics)
Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
volume 1 #168 (January 1981) and were created by writer/artist Frank Miller
Frank Miller (comics)
Frank Miller is an American comic book artist, writer and film director best known for his dark, film noir-style comic book stories and graphic novels Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300...
. They are marked by their red costumes.
Hellfire Club
Although the club appears to merely be an international social club for wealthy elites, its Inner Circle consists of mutantsMutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
who try to influence world events for the accumulation of power. They dress in 18th century garb and rank themselves in a system of chess
Chess
Chess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.Each player...
pieces (Black Rook, White Queen, etc.). The group first battled the X-Men in the classic "The Dark Phoenix Saga" and the club, or branches of it, have since appeared periodically in various X-Men series. The club is based on the actual Hellfire Club
Hellfire Club
The Hellfire Club was a name for several exclusive clubs for high society rakes established in Britain and Ireland in the 18th century, and was more formally or cautiously known as the "Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe"...
, a secret society
Secret society
A secret society is a club or organization whose activities and inner functioning are concealed from non-members. The society may or may not attempt to conceal its existence. The term usually excludes covert groups, such as intelligence agencies or guerrilla insurgencies, which hide their...
of 18th century England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Created by writer Chris Claremont
Chris Claremont
Chris Claremont is an award-winning American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on Uncanny X-Men, far longer than any other writer, during which he is credited with developing strong female characters, and with introducing complex literary themes into superhero...
and artist/co-writer John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
#129 (January 1980).
Humanity's Last Stand
Humanity's Last Stand is a radical anti-mutant terrorist fringe group and enemies of the X-MenX-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
. In the group's first appearance they were behind the creation of a false Mutant Liberation Front
Mutant Liberation Front
The Mutant Liberation Front, or MLF, is a Marvel Comics supervillain group, primarily enemies of X-Force. Created by writer Louise Simonson and artist/co-writer Rob Liefeld, the original MLF first fully appeared in The New Mutants #87 ....
, formed by human members of H.L.S. posing as mutants
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
through the use of mutagenic drugs and or technologically enhanced suits, in order to mimic mutant powers.
HYDRA
The fictional terrorist organization first appeared in Strange Tales #135. In its original continuity, it was headed by nondescript businessman Arnold Brown, who was killed as 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....
apparently crushed the organization. It soon returned, however, headed by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker
Baron Strucker
Baron Wolfgang von Strucker is a fictional character created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #5...
, under the aegis of the Nazi
Nazism
Nazism, the common short form name of National Socialism was the ideology and practice of the Nazi Party and of Nazi Germany...
Red Skull
Red Skull
The Red Skull is a name shared by several fictional characters, all supervillains from the Marvel Comics universe. All incarnations of the character are enemies of Captain America, other superheroes, and the United States in general....
; HYDRA's changing origin was one of the earliest Marvel retcon
Retcon
Retroactive continuity is the alteration of previously established facts in a fictional work. Retcons are done for many reasons, including the accommodation of sequels or further derivative works in a series, wherein newer authors or creators want to revise the in-story history to allow a course...
s. After its initial defeat, several of its branches surfaced, appearing to be unrelated and independent. HYDRA's scientific branch was initially A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics)
Advanced Idea Mechanics
A.I.M. is a fictional terrorist organization in the . The organization first appeared in Strange Tales #146 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
, which later split off into its own organization. Other factions included THEM and the Secret Empire.
Despite the capitalization, the name is not an acronym, but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra
Lernaean Hydra
In Greek mythology, the Lernaean Hydra was an ancient nameless serpent-like chthonic water beast, with reptilian traits, that possessed many heads — the poets mention more heads than the vase-painters could paint, and for each head cut off it grew two more — and poisonous breath so virulent even...
. The organization's motto references the myth of the Hydra, proclaiming that if a limb is cut off, two more will take its place, proclaiming their resilience and growing strength in the face of resistance. HYDRA agents often wear distinctive green garb featuring a serpent motif.
Maggia
The Maggia is an international crime syndicate, somewhat similar to the MafiaMafia
The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering...
, but the Maggia differs in that it frequently hires supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
s and mad scientist
Mad scientist
A mad scientist is a stock character of popular fiction, specifically science fiction. The mad scientist may be villainous or antagonistic, benign or neutral, and whether insane, eccentric, or simply bumbling, mad scientists often work with fictional technology in order to forward their schemes, if...
s to work for them. Count Nefaria
Count Nefaria
Count Nefaria is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Avengers #13 and was created by Stan Lee and Don Heck.- Fictional character biography :...
and his daughter Madame Masque
Madame Masque
Madame Masque is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. She is an occasional love interest, and sometimes enemy of Iron Man within the Marvel Universe...
have both been leaders of an important Maggia family.
Mys-Tech
The board of Mys-Tech, a multinational corporationMultinational corporation
A multi national corporation or enterprise , is a corporation or an enterprise that manages production or delivers services in more than one country. It can also be referred to as an international corporation...
, were originally seven mages
Magician (fantasy)
A magician, mage, sorcerer, sorceress, wizard, enchanter, enchantress, thaumaturge or a person known under one of many other possible terms is someone who uses or practices magic that derives from supernatural or occult sources...
who in 987 sold their soul
Soul
A soul in certain spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions is the incorporeal essence of a person or living thing or object. Many philosophical and spiritual systems teach that humans have souls, and others teach that all living things and even inanimate objects have souls. The...
s to the demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
Mephisto
Mephisto (comics)
Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Silver Surfer #3 and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, loosely modeled on Mephistopheles - a character from the Faust legend.Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books,...
in exchange for immortality
Immortality
Immortality is the ability to live forever. It is unknown whether human physical immortality is an achievable condition. Biological forms have inherent limitations which may or may not be able to be overcome through medical interventions or engineering...
. The Mys-Tech board members must provide a steady stream of souls to the demon otherwise they will breech their contract and forfeit their own souls. Over the years the board accumulated power and wealth and in the modern age this power and wealth became a business empire.
National Force
The National Force is a neo-fascist organization founded by Doctor FaustusDoctor Faustus (comics)
Doctor Faustus is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain.An Austrian by birth, he is most commonly associated with Captain America, first appearing in issue #107 of his first series.-Creative origins:...
. Faustus had recently captured William Burnside the fourth Captain America and his partner Jack Monroe, both heroes from the 1950s frozen in suspended animation. Faustus took control of the mind of the replacement Captain America in an attempt to use him against Steve Rogers, the original Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, and later turned him into the Grand Director
Grand Director
The Grand Director , also known as the Captain America of the 1950s is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe...
.
Purifiers
The Purifiers, also known as the "Stryker Crusade", are a paramilitaryParamilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
group of Christian terrorists led by Reverend William Stryker. The group debuted in the X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills is a graphic novel published in 1982 by Marvel Comics, starring their popular superhero team the X-Men...
graphic novel. The Purifiers see themselves in a holy war against mutants, believing them to be the children of the Devil and thus deserving of extermination
Genocide
Genocide is defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group", though what constitutes enough of a "part" to qualify as genocide has been subject to much debate by legal scholars...
.
Roxxon
Roxxon Oil is a massive petroleumPetroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
corporation
Corporation
A corporation is created under the laws of a state as a separate legal entity that has privileges and liabilities that are distinct from those of its members. There are many different forms of corporations, most of which are used to conduct business. Early corporations were established by charter...
notorious for its determination to make massive profits regardless of any laws or moral principles, often employing superhuman criminals in order to achieve their goals.
Secret Empire
The subversive organization known as the Secret Empire has followed a number of different leaders, always known as “Number One”. The Secret Empire began as a subsidiary of HYDRAHYDRA
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...
, which provided it with financial support. The Secret Empire served to distract the attention of authorities such as 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....
from HYDRA’s activities, although the original Number One sought to break away from HYDRA.
The Serpent Society
The Serpent Society an organization of snake-themed terrorists in the Marvel ComicsMarvel 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...
universe. The group was initially formed from the membership of a previous supervillain team, the Serpent Squad. The group, like its predecessor, has been made up of longtime antagonists of Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
and his fellow Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
. The Serpent Society was the brainchild of Seth Voelker (Sidewinder), and is a descendant of sorts from the original Serpent Squads.
A member known as the Viper used the Society and its resources to poison the water supply of Washington DC, which turned its citizens into snake-men. The ensuing chaos nearly destroyed the capital. A member named Diamondback managed to escape with Sidewinder and solicited help from Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
(then known as "The Captain") and his allies D-Man
Demolition Man (comics)
Demolition Man , also known as D-Man, is a fictional character in the .-Publication history:Dennis Dunphy first appeared in The Thing #28 , written by Mike Carlin and illustrated by Ron Wilson...
, Nomad
Nomad (comics)
Nomad is the name of a number of superhero characters who have appeared in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Nomad name and costume was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Sal Buscema as an alternate identity for the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, in Captain America #180...
, the Falcon
Falcon (comics)
The Falcon is a fictional comic book superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics.Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, and introduced in Captain America #117 , the character is mainstream comics' first African-American superhero...
, and Vagabond
Vagabond (comics)
Vagabond, the alter ego of Priscilla Lyons, is a superhero that has appeared in different books published by Marvel Comics. She has primarily appeared in series associated in some way with Captain America.-Fictional character biography:...
. The team stormed Serpent Citadel, rescued the Society members that were loyal to Sidewinder, and captured the rest. The Viper, however managed to escape. In the end, Cobra subdued the Viper and turned her over to the Captain, with the provision that he allows the Serpent Society 24 hours to evacuate from their headquarters.
Sons of the Serpent
The Sons of the Serpent are a subversive organization of costumed American racist super-patriots who oppose all racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. They sought to subvert AmericaUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
through hate crime
Hate crime
In crime and law, hate crimes occur when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his or her perceived membership in a certain social group, usually defined by racial group, religion, sexual orientation, disability, class, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, social status or...
s and organized protest
Protest
A protest is an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations...
s, and were opposed by the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
and the Defenders
Defenders (comics)
The Defenders is the name of a number of Marvel Comics superhero groups which are usually presented as a "non-team" of individualistic "outsiders," each known for following their own agendas...
.
THEM
THEM through its founder Baron StruckerBaron Strucker
Baron Wolfgang von Strucker is a fictional character created for Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #5...
is the managing power of a supraorganization
Supraorganization
A supraorganization is an organization whose members are organizations rather than individuals....
which includes 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...
, A.I.M.
Advanced Idea Mechanics
A.I.M. is a fictional terrorist organization in the . The organization first appeared in Strange Tales #146 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
, and the Secret Empire
Secret Empire
-Fictional organization history:This subversive organization has been headed by a number of different leaders, always known as “Number One,” with each iteration's goals following the desires of its current leader. The Secret Empire was originally founded by a scientist who felt like an anonymous...
. THEM was founded by Nazi war criminal Baron Strucker after World War II. Later Strucker appointed a businessman named Arnold Brown to the position of Supreme Hydra; Hydra's highly visible operations served as a front for THEM.
U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.
The Underground Liberated Totally Integrated Mobile Army To Unite Mankind) is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel ComicsMarvel 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...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
. It was founded by the Flag-Smasher
Flag-Smasher
The Flag-Smasher is the name used by two fictional supervillains appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. The original was most often a foe of Captain America while other adversaries of the Flag-Smasher include The Punisher, Moon Knight, Ghost Rider, The Runaways, and The Liberteens.-Fictional...
in his attempts to destroy nationalism
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what...
.
Zodiac Cartel
The original Zodiac group debuted in the title the AvengersAvengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
and is established as a criminal organization founded and funded by member Cornelius Van Lunt (who adopts the identity of Taurus
Taurus (comics)
Taurus is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe.-Cornelius Van Lunt:Cornelius Van Lunt was a multimillionaire businessman, and professional criminal mastermind. He was also the founder and financer of the original Zodiac cartel, chose its eleven other leaders, and succeeded Marcus Lassiter,...
). The group's identity is based on the zodiac
Zodiac
In astronomy, the zodiac is a circle of twelve 30° divisions of celestial longitude which are centred upon the ecliptic: the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year...
from the discipline astrology
Astrology
Astrology consists of a number of belief systems which hold that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world...
, with each member adopting the persona of a sign of the zodiac, being twelve in all. The group members share leadership of the organization, with the position rotating just as the astrological zodiac changes. When not united as a group, the members of Zodiac are all based in different cities throughout the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Dedicated to economic and political domination of the world, the group uses any means to accomplish this, including subversion
Subversion
Apache Subversion is a software versioning and a revision control system distributed under a free license. Developers use Subversion to maintain current and historical versions of files such as source code, web pages, and documentation...
, extortion
Extortion
Extortion is a criminal offence which occurs when a person unlawfully obtains either money, property or services from a person, entity, or institution, through coercion. Refraining from doing harm is sometimes euphemistically called protection. Extortion is commonly practiced by organized crime...
, and mass murder
Mass murder
Mass murder is the act of murdering a large number of people , typically at the same time or over a relatively short period of time. According to the FBI, mass murder is defined as four or more murders occurring during a particular event with no cooling-off period between the murders...
.
See also
- List of criminal organizations in comics
- List of government agencies in Marvel Comics
- List of Marvel Comics teams and organizations