Vision (Aarkus) is a fictional

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a stock character that typically possesses ''superpowers'', abilities beyond those of ordinary people, and fits the role of the hero, typically using his or her powers to help the world become a better place, ...

appearing in American comic books published by

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...

. Created by the writer

Joe Simon Joseph Henry Simon (October 11, 1913 – December 14, 2011) was an American comic book writer, artist, editor, and publisher. Simon created or co-created many important characters in the 1930s–1940s Golden Age of Comic Books and served as the ...

and artist

Jack Kirby Jack Kirby (born Jacob Kurtzberg; August 28, 1917 – February 6, 1994) was an American comic book artist, writer and editor, widely regarded as one of the medium's major innovators and one of its most prolific and influential creators. He gre ...

, the character first appeared during the Golden Age of comic books in ''

Marvel Mystery Comics ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' (first issue titled simply ''Marvel Comics'') is an American comic book series published during the 1930s–1940s period known to fans and historians as the Golden Age of Comic Books. It was the first publication of Mar ...

'' #13 (Nov. 1940), published by Marvel predecessor

Timely Comics Timely Comics is the common name for the group of corporations that was the earliest comic book arm of American publisher Martin Goodman, and the entity that would evolve by the 1960s to become Marvel Comics. "Timely Publications became the name ...

Publication history

The Vision debuted in a short comic story in ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #13 (Nov. 1940), and continued as a regular feature in that superhero anthology through issue #48 (Oct. 1943). He also starred in an eight-page story in ''Kid Comics'' #3 (no month given; previous issue dated Summer 1943). Five decades later, he appeared in a flashback story in the superhero-team series ''

The Invaders ''The Invaders'' is an American science-fiction television series created by Larry Cohen that aired on ABC for two seasons, from 1967 to 1968. Roy Thinnes stars as David Vincent, who after stumbling across evidence of an in-progress invas ...

'' vol. 2, #3 (July 1993), set during

World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...

. He returns with the other Invaders in the miniseries ''Invaders Now!'', beginning with issue #1 (Nov. 2010). He appeared in several issues of the

Marvel NOW! Marvel Now! (stylized as Marvel NOW!) is a comic book branding for the relaunch of several ongoing comic books published by Marvel Comics, that debuted in October 2012 with new #1 issues. The relaunch also included some new titles, including '' U ...

relaunch of '' X-Men: Legacy'', before appearing in the ''All-New Invaders'' series in 2014.

Fictional character biography

The Golden Age Vision, also known as Aarkus, is an alien

law enforcement officer A law enforcement officer (LEO), or peace officer in North American English, is a public-sector employee whose duties primarily involve the enforcement of laws. The phrase can include campaign disclosure specialists, local police officers, ...

from a dimension called Smokeworld. While Aarkus is looking for a suitable place to exile a prisoner, he is accidentally contacted by an Earth scientist named Markham Erickson. Leaving the prisoner on the planet Jupiter, Aarkus accepts Erickson's invitation to fight crime on Earth. Aarkus does so for several years, although during World War II he is briefly manipulated by the

Axis An axis (plural ''axes'') is an imaginary line around which an object rotates or is symmetrical. Axis may also refer to: Mathematics * Axis of rotation: see rotation around a fixed axis * Axis (mathematics), a designator for a Cartesian-coordinat ...

powers into fighting the

Allies An alliance is a relationship among people, groups, or states that have joined together for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not explicit agreement has been worked out among them. Members of an alliance are called ...

. The superhero team the Invaders help Aarkus realize his mistake. A

simulacrum A simulacrum (plural: simulacra or simulacrums, from Latin '' simulacrum'', which means "likeness, semblance") is a representation or imitation of a person or thing. The word was first recorded in the English language in the late 16th century, u ...

of the Vision was temporarily created by Rick Jones, along with those of the

Blazing Skull The Blazing Skull (Mark Anthony Todd) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created during the Golden Age of Comic Books by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics, and first appear ...

, the

Fin A fin is a thin component or appendage attached to a larger body or structure. Fins typically function as foils that produce lift or thrust, or provide the ability to steer or stabilize motion while traveling in water, air, or other fluids. Fin ...

, and the Golden Age

Angel In various theistic religious traditions an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God. Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God (or Heaven) and humanity. Other roles inclu ...

and

Patriot A patriot is a person with the quality of patriotism. Patriot may also refer to: Political and military groups United States * Patriot (American Revolution), those who supported the cause of independence in the American Revolution * Patriot m ...

, to aid the superhero team the

Avengers Avenger, Avengers, The Avenger, or The Avengers may refer to: Arts and entertainment In the Marvel Comics universe * Avengers (comics), a team of superheroes **Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe), a central team of protagonist superheroes of ...

during the Kree-Skrull War. A later story presents the character as inhabiting the sewers under New York, taking care of a Cosmic Cube that is feeding off the feelings of people affected by the death of Captain America. Following a period in which he traveled through time, he is seen with the newly resurrected Toro. He plays a supporting role in 2012's '' X-Men: Legacy'', first opposing and later aiding main character

Legion Legion may refer to: Military * Roman legion, the basic military unit of the ancient Roman army * Spanish Legion, an elite military unit within the Spanish Army * Legion of the United States, a reorganization of the United States Army from 179 ...

. During the story, he falls into a coma and is confined to the medical wing of the

Jean Grey School for Higher Learning The X-Mansion or Xavier Institute is the common name for a mansion and research institute appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The mansion is depicted as the private estate of Charles Francis Xavier, a character in X ...

. After awaking from his coma, Aarkus is approached by the Winter Soldier for help in getting the surviving members of the Invaders to the

Kree The Kree, briefly known as the Ruul, are a fictional scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic alien race appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are native to the planet Hala in the Large Magellanic Cl ...

home world to rescue

Namor Namor (), also known as the Sub-Mariner, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Debuting in early 1939, the character was created by writer-artist Bill Everett for comic book packager Funnies Inc ...

. The story presents events from World War II, portraying Aarkus as erasing the memories of the Invaders (with their consent) in order to hide the location of an ancient Kree weapon called the God's Whisper, that had granted

Baron von Strucker Baron Wolfgang von Strucker () is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A former Nazi officer, he is one of the leaders of the Hydra terrorist organization and an enemy of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Avengers, and ...

the power to control gods. The Invaders then attack Kree in order to free Namor and recover the weapon. A later story presents Aarkus as working with the Eternals on using the God's Whisper to manipulate

Galactus Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, Galactus is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of t ...

Powers and abilities

The Vision can generate illusory images of himself, fly, generate ice and extreme cold, and teleport wherever there is smoke.

''Vision'' reprints

Some of the original stories of the original Vision have been reprinted in other publications. * ''Golden Age Marvel Comics Vol. 4'', Roy Thomas editor, (2009, hardcover, ) reprints Marvel Mystery Comics' #13-16, 1940-41 * ''Golden Age Marvel Comics Vol. 5'', Roy Thomas editor, (2010, hardcover, ) reprints Marvel Mystery Comics' #17-20, 1941 * ''Golden Age Marvel Comics Vol. 6'', Roy Thomas editor, (2011, hardcover, ) reprints Marvel Mystery Comics' #21-24, 1941 * ''Golden Age Marvel Comics Vol. 7'', Roy Thomas editor, (2012, hardcover, ) reprints Marvel Mystery Comics' #25-28, 1941-42 *''Marvel Visionaries: Jack Kirby Vol. 1'' (2004, hardcover, ) reprints "The Vision" from Marvel Mystery Comics 13, Nov 1940 *''Marvel Visionaries: Jack Kirby Vol. 2'' (2006, hardcover, ) reprints "The Vision" from Marvel Mystery Comics 23, Sept 1941 * The comic '' Marvel Super-Heroes'', March 1968, reprints the Vision story from Marvel Mystery Comics 25

In other media

Vision (Aarkus) was made a playable character in ''

Marvel Contest of Champions ''Marvel Contest of Champions'' is a 2014 fighting video game developed and published by Kabam. It was released on December 10, 2014, for iOS and Android. The fighting game is primarily set in the Marvel Universe. The game is strongly based o ...

''.

References

External links

Vision
at Nevins, Jess
A Guide to Golden Age Marvel Characters
of latter.

at Don Markstein's Toonopedia *Theakston, Greg
''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #13
at the

Grand Comics Database The Grand Comics Database (GCD) is an Internet-based project to build a database of comic book information through user contributions. The GCD project catalogues information on creator credits, story details, reprints, and other information useful ...

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vision (Golden Age) Comics characters introduced in 1940 Characters created by Jack Kirby Characters created by Joe Simon Fictional characters with ice or cold abilities Fictional illusionists Fictional World War II veterans Golden Age superheroes Marvel Comics aliens Marvel Comics characters who can teleport Marvel Comics extraterrestrial superheroes Marvel Comics superheroes Marvel Comics male superheroes Timely Comics characters fr:Vision (comics)