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<!--The golden-age Vision already has his own article, he doesn't need to be included in this one!-->:''This article is about Marvel Comics' modern-day character The Vision. For the original 1940s character, see [[Vision (Timely Comics)]]'' |
<!--The golden-age Vision already has his own article, he doesn't need to be included in this one!-->:''This article is about Marvel Comics' modern-day character The Vision. For the original 1940s character, see [[Vision (Timely Comics)]]'' |
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{{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> |
{{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics--> |
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image=[[Image: |
image=[[Image:Avengers-194.jpg|250px]] |
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|caption=The Vision. Art by |
|caption=The modern Vision appears in ''Avengers'' vol. 1, #194. Art by [[George Perez]]. |
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|character_name=The Vision |
|character_name=The Vision |
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|real_name='''(I)''' Inapplicable, brain patterns based on [[Wonder Man]] and Alex Lipton<br>'''(II)''' Inapplicable, brain patterns based on [[Iron Lad]] |
|real_name='''(I)''' Inapplicable, brain patterns based on [[Wonder Man]] and Alex Lipton<br>'''(II)''' Inapplicable, brain patterns based on [[Iron Lad]] |
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|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]] |
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|debut='''(I)''' ''Avengers'' #57 (Oct. 1968)<br>'''(II)''' ''Young Avengers'' #4 (July 2005) |
|debut='''(I)''' ''Avengers'' #57 (Oct. 1968)<br>'''(II)''' ''Young Avengers'' #4 (July 2005) |
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|creators='''(I)'''[[Roy Thomas]]<br>[[John Buscema]]<br>'''(II)'''[[Allan Heinberg]]<br>[[Jim Cheung]] |
|creators='''(I)''' [[Roy Thomas]]<br>[[John Buscema]]<br>'''(II)''' [[Allan Heinberg]]<br>[[Jim Cheung]] |
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|alter_ego= |
|alter_ego= |
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|homeworld= |
|homeworld= |
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|aliases='''(I)'''Victor Shade |
|aliases='''(I)'''Victor Shade |
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|supports= |
|supports= |
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|powers= |
|powers=Density control<br>Solar energy projection (eyes)<br>Superhuman strength and durability (at heavy density)<br>Super intelligence and computer interfacing |
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|}} |
|}} |
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'''The Vision''' is |
'''The Vision''' is the name of three [[fictional character|fictional]] [[comic book]] characters that appear in the [[Marvel Universe]]. The original is a [[superhero]] who first appears in the [[1940s]] period referred to as the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]]. The second is an [[android]] associated with the team the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]], while the third is a futuristic successor version that appears with the team [[Young Avengers]]. |
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Created by writer [[Roy Thomas]] and artist [[John Buscema]], the Vision first appeared in ''The Avengers'', volume 1, #57 (October 1968). |
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After the Vision's destruction in the "[[Avengers Disassembled]]" story-arc, a new Vision was introduced in ''[[Young Avengers]]'' by [[Allan Heinberg]] and [[Jim Cheung]] in 2005. |
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===Modern Vision=== |
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The modern Vision is an [[android]], and is created by the robot [[Ultron]]. Using the brain patterns of the then-deceased [[Wonder Man]], Ultron programs the artificial lifeform to attack Ultron's creator, [[Henry Pym]] and his wife, the [[Wasp (comics)|Wasp]]. The Wasp is the first to encounter the synthezoid, and describes it as a "vision" while trying to escape. The Vision is convinced by the superhero team the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] to turn against Ultron and becomes a member of the team. The Vision becomes a core member of the team for many years, and eventually forms a relationship with the [[Scarlet Witch]], <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1, #108</ref> who he later marries. <ref>''Giant-Size Avengers'' #4 (1975)</ref> The pair have twin sons, <ref>''Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' #12 (1985)</ref> but suffer a personal setback when it is revealed that their children are in fact two missing shards of the soul of the demonic entity [[Mephisto (comics)|Mephisto]]. This drives the Scarlet Witch insane, and while eventually recovering she and the Vision separate. <ref>''West Coast Avengers'' #51 - 52</ref> |
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Aside from the Vision's partnership with the Scarlet Witch, he has been involved in four significant events that have impacted on the Avengers. The first was the belief that the Vision's body has been created from that of the [[Human Torch (android)|original Human Torch]], <ref>Hinted at ''Avengers'' vol. 1, 116 + 118</ref> but this is later proved to be false when the Human Torch returns. <ref>''Avengers West Coast'' #50</ref> On one occasion, however, the time lord [[Immortus]] uses the power of the Forever Crystal to split the original Human Torch into two separate entities:one remains the original Torch while the other is rebuilt as the Vision by Ultron. <ref>''Avengers Forever'' #1 - 12 (1998 - 2000)</ref> |
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===Publication history=== |
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Created by writer [[Roy Thomas]] and artist [[John Buscema]], this Vision first appeared in ''The Avengers'' vol. 1, #57 (Oct. 1968). The character's name and some incidental details were inspired by the 1940s character.{{Fact|date=March 2007}} |
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The second event begins when the Vision attempts to penetrate a null-field erected by the villain [[Annihilus]], and simply "shuts down". Some weeks later, the Vision regains consciousness but is still paralysed. Assuming a holographic form and able to take control of computer technology to assist the Avengers, the Vision eventually regains control of his body, but has been "unbalanced" by the incident and attempts to take control of the world's computers. With the aid of the Avengers, the Vision is restored to his normal self, but is now being closely monitored by the governments of the world. <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1, #233 + 238 + 242 - 243 + 251 + 253 - 254</ref> |
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====Origins==== |
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[[Image: Avengers57.png|left|thumb|The debut of the Vision in ''The Avengers'' #57 (Oct. 1968). Cover art by penciler-inker [[John Buscema]].]] |
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The modern Vision was created by the robot [[Ultron]], who intended to use the artificial lifeform against his creator [[Henry Pym]], and Pym's wife [[Wasp (comics)|Janet]].<ref name="avengers57">''Avengers'' # 57, 1968, Marvel Comics, writer Roy Thomas</ref> The Vision's body was created from the [[Human Torch (android)|original Human Torch's]], while the patterns of his synthetic brain were based on those of the then-deceased [[Wonder Man]], Simon Williams. The Vision rebelled against his "father" Ultron and joined the Avengers.<ref name="avengers58">''Avengers'' # 58, 1968, Marvel Comics, writer Roy Thomas</ref> |
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The third event occurs some months later when the Vision is abducted by a coalition of the world governments and dismantled to ensure that he is no longer a threat. Although rebuilt, a now conscious Wonder Man refuses to have his brain patterns used again as on the first instance it was done without his consent. Due to the this and extensive damage to the Vision's synthetic skin, he is recreated as a colourless, emotionless synthezoid. <ref>''West Coast Avengers'' #42 - 45</ref> The Vision eventually regains his emotions by adopting the brain patterns of the deceased scientist Alex Lipton, and gains a new body that resembles his original. Simon Williams's brain patterns also gradually reemerge and meld with Lipton's patterns, fully restoring the Vision. <ref>''Vision'' #1 - 3(1994)</ref> |
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It would later be revealed that the time lord [[Immortus]] used the power of the Forever Crystal to split the original Human Torch into two separate entities: one remained the original Torch while the other was rebuilt as the Vision by Ultron.<ref name="avengersforever8">''Avengers Forever'' #8, 1999, Marvel Comics, writers Roger Stern and Kurt Busiek</ref> |
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Shortly after a reformation of the Avengers, the Vision sustains massive damage in the final battle with the sorceress [[Morgan Le Fey]], <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 3, #4</ref> but is eventually rebuilt and recovers. <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 3, #12</ref> |
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====Romance==== |
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The Vision later became romantically involved with the [[Scarlet Witch]], Wanda Maximoff. The synthezoid and the [[Mutant (Marvel comics)|mutant]] eventually married,<ref name="GiantSizeAvengers4">''Giant-Size Avengers'' #4, 1975, Marvel Comics, writer Steve Englehart</ref> and appeared to somehow had twins via the Witch's mutant hex powers. <ref name="visionscarletwitchv2">''The Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' (vol. 2) #3 & 12, 1985 & 1986, Marvel Comics, writer Steve Englehart</ref> |
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<!--In the earliest stories, the Vision was described as, although artificial, physically identical to a human being in every other respect. As explained in his debut in Avengers #57(1968), "he's every inch a human being — except that all his body organs are constructed of synthetic materials!" This concept was varied somewhat by artist Neal Adams in Avengers #93, where he had Ant-Man shrink in size and travel inside the synthezoid body, displaying internal organs that had little in common with those of a human being. The nature of the Vision was changed even more radically by writer/artist John Byrne during his run on the West Coast Avengers, where he drew a scene of the Vision without clothing to illustrate that he was lacking in external genitalia, a break with previous continuity that was part of Byrne's reconceptualization of the relationship between the Vision and the Scarlet Witch.--> |
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Rogue agents of the [[United States]] government, manipulated by the [[time travel]]er [[Immortus]], abducted the Vision and dismantled him. Once his remains were recovered by the Avengers, Hank Pym rebuilt him as best he could. However, Simon Williams would not allow his brain patterns to be used again to provide a matrix for Vision's emotions, as he felt the original process had "ripped out his soul" and been done without his consent. |
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[[Image:Vsw3.png|''The Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' (Vol. 2) #3. Cover art by [[Richard Howell]].|thumb|right]] |
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Although his love for Wanda led him to feel guilt, he attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the Vision was never anything more than a copy of him, a claim which a number of other Avengers, including the Wasp, believed. This, along with damage to the Vision's synthetic skin when he was dismantled, resulted in his resurrection as a colorless, emotionless synthezoid.<ref name="westcoastavengers">''West Coast Avengers'' #42-44, 1989, Marvel Comics, writer John Byrne</ref> |
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The fourth and final event is orchestrated by the Scarlet Witch. Driven insane once more over the thought of her lost children, she uses her magic to rewrite reality, causing the Vision to crash an Avengers quinjet into their mansion. The Vision then emerges from the rubble and regurgitates five spheres - an act that shuts him down - that become versions of Ultron and attack the Avengers. Although the Avengers defeat the robots, She-Hulk becomes enraged and shreds the Vision's corpse. <ref>''Avengers'' vol.1, #500</ref> |
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Meanwhile, the [[Human Torch (android)|original Human Torch]] returned from apparent death, casting doubt on the Vision's identity. The Vision and the Scarlet Witch's children were then apparently revealed not to be children at all, but rather fragments of the soul of the [[demon]] [[Mephisto (comics)|Mephisto]], who had been broken apart by [[Franklin Richards]] shortly before the birth of the twins. The twins were absorbed back into Mephisto, which temporarily drove the Witch insane. Although she recovered, she and the Vision separated, each operating on a different Avengers team. <ref name="avengerswestcoast">''Avengers West Coast'' #51-52, 1989, Marvel Comics, writer John Byrne</ref> |
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The Vision gradually regained his emotions by adopting new brain patterns from the deceased scientist Alex Lipton, and gained a new body that resembled his original. In addition, Simon Williams's brain patterns gradually reemerged and melded with Lipton's patterns, restoring the Vision to full emotion once more.<ref name="visionmini">''The Vision'' #1-4, 1994-95, Marvel Comics, writer Bob Harras</ref> |
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The modern Vision is powered by solar energy absorbed via a gem on his forehead. In addition to his ability to discharge this energy via high-intensity solar-powered optic blasts, the Vision possesses the ability to manipulate his mass and density, which at its lowest allows flight and intangibility and at its highest provides superhuman strength and diamond-hard durability. On one occasion the Vision uses this extreme durability to render unconscious the villain [[Count Nefaria]]. <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1, #166</ref> The Vision often uses his ability to alter his density against foes, by phasing an intangible hand through them and then partially rematerializing it - a process he describes as "physical disruption." This effect typically causes great pain and results in incapacitation, as is the case when used against the [[Earth-712]] version of [[Hyperion (comics)|Hyperion]]. <ref>''Avengers'' vol. 1, #141</ref> The Vision is also capable of self-repair and interfacing with other technology. |
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While recovering from a crippling injury, the Vision gave up his attempt to reconcile with his wife, yet remained a member of the Avengers, briefly becoming romantically involved with teammates [[Carol Danvers]] (Warbird) and [[Mantis (Marvel Comics)|Mantis]] before making another attempt at reconciliation with the Scarlet Witch. |
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| ⚫ | The newest incarnation of the Vision is in fact a fusion of the old Vision's operating systems and armour of teen adventurer [[Iron Lad]]. On arriving in the present, Iron Lad finds the Vision's mangled remains and downloads the operating system into his armour. With this information, Iron Lad is able to access plans the Vision had created in case the Avengers were ever rendered inactive and uses these plans to assemble a new team of [[Young Avengers]]. When Iron Lad is forced to remove his armour to stop master villain [[Kang the Conqueror]] from tracking him, the Vision's operating system causes the armour to become a sentient being. <ref>''Young Avengers'' #1 - 5</ref> |
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Examination by the hero [[Iron Man (comics)|Iron Man]] reveals that although the future Vision has all of the physical and emotional potential of the original, he lacks the first Vision's experience, and brain patterns based on Iron Lad as opposed to Wonder Man. While more advanced than the original, the Vision is unable to join the reformed Avengers due to their concern that he is still being controlled by Kang. The Vision then acts as a mentor to the Young Avengers. <ref>''Young Avengers'' #11</ref> During the events of [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]], the Vision opposes the new Superhuman Registration Act and sides with [[Captain America]] by joining the [[Secret Avengers]].<ref>''Civil War'' #2 - 3</ref> |
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====Avengers Disassembled==== |
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{{mainarticle|Avengers Disassembled}} |
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Recently, grief over the loss of the twins again drove the Scarlet Witch insane. She tried to rewrite reality to recreate them, causing a series of threats and incidents to inexplicably occur one after the other. The Vision crashed an Avengers Quinjet into the Avengers Mansion. |
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Walking out of the rubble, he apologized to the other Avengers, telling them he was no longer in control of his body before melting and expelling several spheres from his mouth. The spheres grew into five Ultrons, which were fought and destroyed by the assembled Avengers. During the fight, [[She-Hulk]] became enraged and tore apart the remains of the Vision. |
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The Avengers later believed that Ultron may have put a command in the Vision that would have been activated by the Avengers' Code White alert. It is unknown whether Wanda's magic or Ultron's command was responsible. |
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[[Image:Avengers-194.jpg|Cover to ''Avengers'' #194, by [[George Perez]].|right|thumb]] |
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The original Vision was powered by solar energy absorbed through the gem on his forehead. In addition to his ability to discharge this energy via high-intensity solar-powered optic blasts, the Vision possessed the ability to manipulate his mass and [[density]]. When the Vision decreased his mass and density to near-nothingness, he could fly by manipulating air currents; when he increased his density to his maximum, he possessed superhuman strength and diamond-like durability. The Vision's speed and agility suffered accordingly. |
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This version of the Vision often used his ability to alter his density to attack his opponents by sticking his intangible hand in their chests and then rematerializing it, a process he described as "physical disruption." The process caused opponents great pain, and typically resulted in their incapacitation. |
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In addition, his body was capable of self-repair, although massive injuries would leave him temporarily infirm. He also was capable of rapid analysis of data, and could access and communicate with other computer systems. Even as an artificial lifeform, however, the Vision's mind has been shown to be "close enough" to human to be affected by telepathy. |
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While not possessing as much raw strength as others like [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], [[Wonder Man]], and the [[Hulk]], the Vision's ability to manipulate his mass and density make him a formidable adversary. The Vision has defeated the [[Squadron Supreme]]'s [[Hyperion (comics)|Hyperion]], a being with strength rivaling that of Thor. On another occasion he used his density-altering powers to defeat [[Count Nefaria]], another highly powerful individual that also possesses an extremely high level of superhuman strength. |
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==Vision (Young Avengers, 2005-)== |
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===Fictional character biography=== |
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When Iron Lad leaves the time period, he leaves the armor behind with the Vision's operating system activated. Upon Iron Man's examination, it is determined that the new Vision is quite different from his predecessor. Although the Vision has all of the physical and emotional potential of the original, he lacks the first Vision's vast experience. Moreover, whereas the first Vision's brain patterns were based on [[Wonder Man]], the new Vision's brain patterns are based on those of Iron Lad. <ref name="youngavengers1">''Young Avengers'' #1-7, 2005, Marvel Comics, writer Allan Heinberg</ref> |
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The Vision is found to be technologically superior to the original, but is unable to join the reformed Avengers due to their concern that he is still controlled by [[Kang the Conqueror]]. |
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As a result, the Vision acts as something of a leader in the Young Avengers. The Vision also changes his appearance from his Iron Lad-like appearance to that of the original Vision to comfort Iron Lad's former crush, [[Cassie Lang]], the Young Avenger known as '''Stature''' and daughter of [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)|Scott Lang]]<ref name="youngavengers11">''Young Avengers'' #11, 2005, Marvel Comics, writer Allan Heinberg</ref> |
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During the events of [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]], the Vision opposes the new Superhuman Registration Act and sides with [[Captain America]] by joining the [[Secret Avengers]].<ref name="civilwar">''Civil War'' #2-3, 2006, Marvel Comics, writer Mark Millar</ref> Vision plays a major role in the final battle, disabling Iron Man's armor.<ref name="civilwar7">''Civil War'' #7, 2007, Marvel Comics, writer Mark Millar</ref>However, by series' end, Vision, along with the rest of the Young Avengers, have joined with Iron Man's forces as evidenced by his appearance on the cover to ''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'' #1. |
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===Mainframe=== |
===Mainframe=== |
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Mainframe is an alternate universe ([[Earth-691]]) version of Vision from the [[31st century]] who acts alongside the [[Guardians of the Galaxy]]. In this future, Mainframe is the chief operating system of an entire planet and controls everything from climate to planetary stability, and when first encountered, the guardian of the shield of Captain America. <ref> |
Mainframe is an alternate universe ([[Earth-691]]) version of Vision from the [[31st century]] who acts alongside the [[Guardians of the Galaxy]]. In this future, Mainframe is the chief operating system of an entire planet and controls everything from climate to planetary stability, and when first encountered, the guardian of the shield of Captain America. <ref> |
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''Guardians of the Galaxy'' #5 (1990)</ref> |
''Guardians of the Galaxy'' #5 (1990)</ref> |
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===Ultimate |
===Ultimate Visions=== |
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[[Image:Ultvis002 cov.jpg| |
[[Image:Ultvis002 cov.jpg|thumb|right|Ultimate Vision. Art by Brandon Peterson.]] |
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In the [[Ultimate Universe]], members of the [[Ultimates]] and the [[Ultimate X-Men]] discover a damaged, sentient robot, who states that the closest English translation to its name is "Vision". The robot warns of the coming of an invader from space - [[Galactus|Gah Lak Tus]], Eater of Worlds. After being repaired, the apparently feminine Vision assists the heroes by presenting a plan to repel Gak Lak Tus. After successfully repelling the invader, the Vision leaves Earth but en route is tricked and disabled by [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M]] and has yet to reappear. <ref>''Ultimate Nightmare'' (2004); ''Ultimate Secret'' (2005) & ''Ultimate Extinction'' (2006) </ref> |
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There have been two Vision robots that exist in the [[Ultimate Marvel]] Universe. |
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In ''[[Ultimate Nightmare]]'', members of the [[Ultimates]] and the [[Ultimate X-Men]] discovered a damaged, sentient robot, who stated that the closest English translation to its name was "Vision". The robot said it had come to Earth 100 years ago to warn them of a threat, but its ship malfunctioned, causing it to crash-land on Earth, in Russia. Under the auspices of the former Soviet Union, the Vision was partially disassembled by government scientists; that, plus damage done in the crash, had kept the robot immobile. It warns that [[Galactus|Gah Lak Tus]], Eater of Worlds is headed for Earth. |
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In a four-page-per-installment back-up story running in several ''Ultimate'' series, the first Ultimate Vision reappears, in United States government custody and under repair. Those repairs enable the Vision to activate its own self-repair systems and restore itself fully, revealing a true form that is, from a human perspective, decidedly female. It then proceeds to use its restored abilities to show holographic records of its travels as it warned planets of Gah Lak Tus' approach, only to see each planet in turn fail in its own defense and fall to the Eater of Worlds. The story ends with ninety-six hours remaining until Gah Lak Tus arrives, leading directly into the ''[[Ultimate Extinction]]'' series. Vision has downloaded a complete record of Earth and is repairing its ship so it may move on to the next system in the path of Gah Lak Tus. In ''Ultimate Extinction'' #4, the Vision is convinced by [[Jean Grey#Ultimate Jean Grey/Marvel Girl|Jean Grey]] to help with a plan Jean has formulated to repel Gah Lak Tus, roughly a day before the Eater of Worlds is expected to reach Earth orbit. |
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Gah Lak Tus was driven away from the Earth after it was [[telepath]]ically overloaded with human thoughts and 20% of its mass was destroyed with the Ultimates version of the [[Ultimate Nullifier]] - a cannon that fired the energy from an alternate universe's Big Bang. Gah Lak Tus quickly left the solar system in search of weaker prey. The Ultimates decided to upload the Ultimate Vision robot with the plans for the cannon and dispatch it to other worlds, enabling them to defend themselves should Gah Lak Tus threaten again. |
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However, as she left Earth, Vision detected a Gah Lak Tus signal emanating from a space station in Earth orbit. [[List of comic book superpowers#Intangibility or phasing|Phasing]] into the command center which sent it, she discovered it was a ruse meant to attract her to the station. The [[MODOK#Ultimate_Marvel|station's commander]] leads her through the corridors, where she is shown several experiments. She is then brought to a chamber holding a Gah Lak Tus module, where the station's commander tells her the reason she was brought there was to communicate with the module in order to send a command for all the other modules to destroy themselves. She hesitates, but agrees, mainly out of guilt for having recorded dying worlds while being helpless to save them. However, this too turns out to be a ruse: Vision is being made to communicate with the module in an attempt to control it, not to shut it down. As she realizes this, the module fires, disabling her. The station's commander then gives the order to contact [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M]] and hints at some vast game. |
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===MC2=== |
===MC2=== |
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An older version of |
An older version of the modern Vision appears in the [[MC2]] universe. Stepping out of earlier retirement, Vision chose to rejoin the young heroes in [[A-Next]]. <ref>''Spider-Girl'' #94 (2006)</ref> |
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==In other media== |
==In other media== |
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===Video games=== |
===Video games=== |
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* The first android Vision appears as a playable character in the 1991 [[arcade game]], ''[[Captain America and the Avengers]]'', developed by [[Data East]]. |
* The first android Vision appears as a playable character in the 1991 [[arcade game]], ''[[Captain America and the Avengers]]'', developed by [[Data East]]. |
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Revision as of 07:50, 24 May 2007
- This article is about Marvel Comics' modern-day character The Vision. For the original 1940s character, see Vision (Timely Comics)
| The Vision | |
|---|---|
| File:Avengers-194.jpg The modern Vision appears in Avengers vol. 1, #194. Art by George Perez. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | (I) Avengers #57 (Oct. 1968) (II) Young Avengers #4 (July 2005) |
| Created by | (I) Roy Thomas John Buscema (II) Allan Heinberg Jim Cheung |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | (I) Inapplicable, brain patterns based on Wonder Man and Alex Lipton (II) Inapplicable, brain patterns based on Iron Lad |
| Team affiliations | (I) Avengers, West Coast Avengers (II) Young Avengers |
| Notable aliases | (I)Victor Shade |
| Abilities | Density control Solar energy projection (eyes) Superhuman strength and durability (at heavy density) Super intelligence and computer interfacing |
The Vision is the name of three fictional comic book characters that appear in the Marvel Universe. The original is a superhero who first appears in the 1940s period referred to as the Golden Age of Comic Books. The second is an android associated with the team the Avengers, while the third is a futuristic successor version that appears with the team Young Avengers.
Fictional character biography
Modern Vision
The modern Vision is an android, and is created by the robot Ultron. Using the brain patterns of the then-deceased Wonder Man, Ultron programs the artificial lifeform to attack Ultron's creator, Henry Pym and his wife, the Wasp. The Wasp is the first to encounter the synthezoid, and describes it as a "vision" while trying to escape. The Vision is convinced by the superhero team the Avengers to turn against Ultron and becomes a member of the team. The Vision becomes a core member of the team for many years, and eventually forms a relationship with the Scarlet Witch, [1] who he later marries. [2] The pair have twin sons, [3] but suffer a personal setback when it is revealed that their children are in fact two missing shards of the soul of the demonic entity Mephisto. This drives the Scarlet Witch insane, and while eventually recovering she and the Vision separate. [4]
Aside from the Vision's partnership with the Scarlet Witch, he has been involved in four significant events that have impacted on the Avengers. The first was the belief that the Vision's body has been created from that of the original Human Torch, [5] but this is later proved to be false when the Human Torch returns. [6] On one occasion, however, the time lord Immortus uses the power of the Forever Crystal to split the original Human Torch into two separate entities:one remains the original Torch while the other is rebuilt as the Vision by Ultron. [7]
The second event begins when the Vision attempts to penetrate a null-field erected by the villain Annihilus, and simply "shuts down". Some weeks later, the Vision regains consciousness but is still paralysed. Assuming a holographic form and able to take control of computer technology to assist the Avengers, the Vision eventually regains control of his body, but has been "unbalanced" by the incident and attempts to take control of the world's computers. With the aid of the Avengers, the Vision is restored to his normal self, but is now being closely monitored by the governments of the world. [8]
The third event occurs some months later when the Vision is abducted by a coalition of the world governments and dismantled to ensure that he is no longer a threat. Although rebuilt, a now conscious Wonder Man refuses to have his brain patterns used again as on the first instance it was done without his consent. Due to the this and extensive damage to the Vision's synthetic skin, he is recreated as a colourless, emotionless synthezoid. [9] The Vision eventually regains his emotions by adopting the brain patterns of the deceased scientist Alex Lipton, and gains a new body that resembles his original. Simon Williams's brain patterns also gradually reemerge and meld with Lipton's patterns, fully restoring the Vision. [10]
Shortly after a reformation of the Avengers, the Vision sustains massive damage in the final battle with the sorceress Morgan Le Fey, [11] but is eventually rebuilt and recovers. [12]
The fourth and final event is orchestrated by the Scarlet Witch. Driven insane once more over the thought of her lost children, she uses her magic to rewrite reality, causing the Vision to crash an Avengers quinjet into their mansion. The Vision then emerges from the rubble and regurgitates five spheres - an act that shuts him down - that become versions of Ultron and attack the Avengers. Although the Avengers defeat the robots, She-Hulk becomes enraged and shreds the Vision's corpse. [13]
Powers and abilities
The modern Vision is powered by solar energy absorbed via a gem on his forehead. In addition to his ability to discharge this energy via high-intensity solar-powered optic blasts, the Vision possesses the ability to manipulate his mass and density, which at its lowest allows flight and intangibility and at its highest provides superhuman strength and diamond-hard durability. On one occasion the Vision uses this extreme durability to render unconscious the villain Count Nefaria. [14] The Vision often uses his ability to alter his density against foes, by phasing an intangible hand through them and then partially rematerializing it - a process he describes as "physical disruption." This effect typically causes great pain and results in incapacitation, as is the case when used against the Earth-712 version of Hyperion. [15] The Vision is also capable of self-repair and interfacing with other technology.
Young Avengers Vision
The newest incarnation of the Vision is in fact a fusion of the old Vision's operating systems and armour of teen adventurer Iron Lad. On arriving in the present, Iron Lad finds the Vision's mangled remains and downloads the operating system into his armour. With this information, Iron Lad is able to access plans the Vision had created in case the Avengers were ever rendered inactive and uses these plans to assemble a new team of Young Avengers. When Iron Lad is forced to remove his armour to stop master villain Kang the Conqueror from tracking him, the Vision's operating system causes the armour to become a sentient being. [16]
Examination by the hero Iron Man reveals that although the future Vision has all of the physical and emotional potential of the original, he lacks the first Vision's experience, and brain patterns based on Iron Lad as opposed to Wonder Man. While more advanced than the original, the Vision is unable to join the reformed Avengers due to their concern that he is still being controlled by Kang. The Vision then acts as a mentor to the Young Avengers. [17] During the events of Civil War, the Vision opposes the new Superhuman Registration Act and sides with Captain America by joining the Secret Avengers.[18]
Powers and abilities
The futuristic Vision is able to use Iron Lad's neuro-kinetic armour to recreate the former Vision's abilities and is also capable of energy and holographic manipulation; shapeshifting and time-travel.
Other versions
Mainframe
Mainframe is an alternate universe (Earth-691) version of Vision from the 31st century who acts alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy. In this future, Mainframe is the chief operating system of an entire planet and controls everything from climate to planetary stability, and when first encountered, the guardian of the shield of Captain America. [19]
Ultimate Visions
In the Ultimate Universe, members of the Ultimates and the Ultimate X-Men discover a damaged, sentient robot, who states that the closest English translation to its name is "Vision". The robot warns of the coming of an invader from space - Gah Lak Tus, Eater of Worlds. After being repaired, the apparently feminine Vision assists the heroes by presenting a plan to repel Gak Lak Tus. After successfully repelling the invader, the Vision leaves Earth but en route is tricked and disabled by A.I.M and has yet to reappear. [20]
MC2
An older version of the modern Vision appears in the MC2 universe. Stepping out of earlier retirement, Vision chose to rejoin the young heroes in A-Next. [21]
In other media
Television
- The first android Vision is one of several Avengers to make cameo appearances in the mid-90s Fantastic Four syndicated animated series.
- The first android Vision appears in Fox Kids' short-lived Avengers animated series (thirteen episodes in 1999 - 2000). The Vision was voiced by Ron Ruben.
Video games
- The first android Vision appears as a playable character in the 1991 arcade game, Captain America and the Avengers, developed by Data East.
- The first android Vision is a NPC in the videogame Marvel Ultimate Alliance.
References
- ^ Avengers vol. 1, #108
- ^ Giant-Size Avengers #4 (1975)
- ^ Vision and the Scarlet Witch #12 (1985)
- ^ West Coast Avengers #51 - 52
- ^ Hinted at Avengers vol. 1, 116 + 118
- ^ Avengers West Coast #50
- ^ Avengers Forever #1 - 12 (1998 - 2000)
- ^ Avengers vol. 1, #233 + 238 + 242 - 243 + 251 + 253 - 254
- ^ West Coast Avengers #42 - 45
- ^ Vision #1 - 3(1994)
- ^ Avengers vol. 3, #4
- ^ Avengers vol. 3, #12
- ^ Avengers vol.1, #500
- ^ Avengers vol. 1, #166
- ^ Avengers vol. 1, #141
- ^ Young Avengers #1 - 5
- ^ Young Avengers #11
- ^ Civil War #2 - 3
- ^ Guardians of the Galaxy #5 (1990)
- ^ Ultimate Nightmare (2004); Ultimate Secret (2005) & Ultimate Extinction (2006)
- ^ Spider-Girl #94 (2006)
External links
- Greg Theakston at Grand Comics Database: Marvel Mystery Comics #13
- The Vision at Don Markstein's Toonopedia
- Jess Nevins' "Pulp and Adventure Heroes of the Pre-War Years": The Golden Age Vision
- The Invaders profile on the Golden Age Vision