Even the noblest heroes can fall from grace. It's a harsh reality, but the world of the Avengers isn't always sunshine and rainbows. While they're known for saving the day, even these mighty heroes have stumbled, succumbing to darkness. Let's dive into some shocking instances where our favorite Avengers traded their capes for villainous intentions.
Hank Pym Fuses With Ultron
Remember the guilt Hank Pym carried over creating Ultron? Well, in Avengers: Rage of Ultron (2015), his nightmares became a horrifying reality. During a battle against Ultron's forces, Pym attempts to reason with his creation, but instead, Ultron assimilates him. The result? "Pymtron," a fusion of man and machine, embodying both Pym's intellect and Ultron's ruthlessness. Pym's darkest qualities surface, transforming him into a full-fledged villain. But here's where it gets controversial: Iron Man later reveals that Ultron only used Pym's body as a vessel. Though Pym survived, the experience left a lasting scar.
Thor Conquers The Earth And Rules As God-King
In Thor: The Reigning (2003), the God of Thunder, believing he could bring peace, merges Asgard and Earth under his iron rule. Guided by good intentions, Thor's utopia decays into tyranny, as mortals and gods alike live under divine oppression. Thor's idealistic vision collapses into a theocratic nightmare. This storyline is a powerful lesson about absolutist philosophies and a key stepping stone in Thor's journey as a selfless god hero.
Hulk Returns To Earth With A Vengeance Against His Fellow Heroes
Exiled by the Illuminati, Hulk returns in World War Hulk (2007), consumed by rage. He declares war on Earth's heroes, conquers Manhattan, and forces his former allies into gladiatorial battles. While Hulk's vengeance may seem justified, his cruelty and cunning are on full display. After his calculated revenge, Hulk surrenders, but the unnecessary destruction leaves no clear victor. This raises a critical question: who is truly to blame for the chaos?
Captain America Becomes A Hydra Dictator
In Secret Empire (2017), Captain America shockingly reveals himself as a Hydra agent, seizing control of the United States. This "Captain Hydra" is a version rewritten by the Cosmic Cube, Kobik. This dark era challenges readers to separate the man from the myth. This storyline is a controversial one, forcing us to reexamine the dangers of blind faith in icons. Even after the original was cleared, Hydra Cap's infamy has lingered.
Iron Man
Tony Stark has always had a dark side, but his most infamous turn occurs in The Crossing. He's revealed as a sleeper agent for Kang the Conqueror, turning against his teammates. This storyline is now widely considered one of Marvel’s worst retcons. The idea that Tony Stark had always been Kang’s pawn undermined decades of character development. This begs the question: can a character's history be so drastically altered without consequence?
Scarlet Witch Kills Avengers And Rewrites Reality
Wanda Maximoff's "No More Mutants" moment is one of the most important events in Scarlet Witch's comic history. Though her emotional instability and external manipulation mitigate her culpability, Scarlet Witch still bears moral responsibility for erasing nearly all mutant powers and reshaping reality on a whim. Wanda's later redemption arcs center on her effort to atone for her sin. This sparks debate: does redemption fully erase past sins?
Quicksilver Pulls The Strings Of Wanda Maximoff’s Evil Turn
Also in House of M (2005), Quicksilver is revealed as the true catalyst behind Scarlet Witch's actions. Desperate to protect his sister, Pietro instills the idea of a new reality where the Maximoffs are happy, regardless of the cost. Quicksilver's manipulation leads to the Decimation, stripping millions of mutants of their powers. This controversial decision transformed Quicksilver from a hero into a full-fledged supervillain.
All The Avengers Temporarily Become Supervillains
When Scarlet Witch and Doctor Doom's spell to stop the Red Onslaught goes wrong in AXIS (2014), it inverts the moral compass of heroes and villains alike. The Avengers who are affected become ruthless and self-righteous. This raises a crucial point: how thin is the line between hero and villain? What do you think?
