The Young Masters are a
comic book
A comic book, also called comicbook, comic magazine or (in the United Kingdom and Ireland) simply comic, is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are of ...
supervillain
A supervillain or supercriminal is a variant of the villainous stock character that is commonly found in American comic books, usually possessing superhuman abilities. A supervillain is the antithesis of a superhero.
Supervillains are oft ...
team created by
Paul Cornell
Paul Douglas Cornell (born 18 July 1967) is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as ''Doctor Who'' fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield.
As well as ''Docto ...
and
Mark Brooks. The team first appeared in ''Dark Reign: Young Avengers'' #1 (May 2009) as the analog to the
Young Avengers
The Young Avengers are the names of two fictional superhero teams appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first team, created by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung, features numerous adolescent characters who typically have ...
.
Publication history
''Dark Reign: Young Avengers'' is a limited series written by
Paul Cornell
Paul Douglas Cornell (born 18 July 1967) is a British writer best known for his work in television drama as well as ''Doctor Who'' fiction, and as the creator of one of the Doctor's spin-off companions, Bernice Summerfield.
As well as ''Docto ...
, with artist
Mark Brooks, which introduces a new group of powered teens calling themselves the Young Masters, but controlled by
Norman Osborn
Norman Osborn is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, first appeared in ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #14 (July 1964) as the first ...
. The new team is a twisted version of the Young Avengers, much like the
Dark Avengers
''Dark Avengers'' is a 2009–2013 American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is part of a series of titles that features various iterations of the superhero team the Avengers, with this version of the team - unbeknownst to the pub ...
are to the original
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 ...
.
Fictional team biography
Originally assembled by Coat of Arms as an examination of superheroism art project during the ''
Dark Reign'' storyline, the group was largely motivated by
Melter
The Melter is the name of three fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Melter, Bruno Horgan, first appeared in Tales of Suspense #47 (Nov. 1963).
Publication history
The character debuted ...
's desire to be real heroes, but hindered significantly by unclear and conflicting ideals including
Executioner
An executioner, also known as a hangman or headsman, is an official who executes a sentence of capital punishment on a legally condemned person.
Scope and job
The executioner was usually presented with a warrant authorising or order ...
's
Punisher
The Punisher (Francis "Frank" Castle, born Castiglione) is an antihero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita Sr. and Ross Andru. The Punisher made ...
-style ruthlessness, Big Zero's racism and violent tendencies,
Egghead
In the U.S. English slang, egghead is an epithet used to refer to intellectuals or people considered out-of-touch with ordinary people and lacking in realism, common sense, sexual interests, etc. on account of their intellectual interests. It wa ...
's psychopathy and hedonism, and Coat of Arm's distorted view of ethics. Only Melter and
Enchantress showed much interest in actual altruistic heroism. The team began calling themselves the "Young Avengers," but were only active as superheroes a short time before being confronted by the actual Young Avengers. The Young Avengers fought their darker counterparts where they vetted each member. Although Enchantress was a possible candidate for the original Young Avengers, she was rejected due to having a history with
Loki
Loki is a god in Norse mythology. According to some sources, Loki is the son of Fárbauti (a jötunn) and Laufey (mentioned as a goddess), and the brother of Helblindi and Býleistr. Loki is married to Sigyn and they have two sons, Narfi or Na ...
. Displeased with the Young Avengers' decision, the team decided to become the Young Masters. Executioner contacts Norman Osborn to gain his support and the backing of the
Dark Avengers
''Dark Avengers'' is a 2009–2013 American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is part of a series of titles that features various iterations of the superhero team the Avengers, with this version of the team - unbeknownst to the pub ...
. When the Young Avengers return to their headquarters, the Dark Avengers arrive. The Young Masters aid the Young Avengers in fighting the Dark Avengers. After the Dark Avengers are repelled, the Young Masters leave.
Following the "
Siege of Asgard" storyline and the beginning of the ''
Heroic Age'' storyline, the Young Masters lay low following Osborn's defeat. They are compromised when Enchantress becomes weak and ill in the wake of Loki's death.
The Young Masters return with Executioner and Egghead, joined by new recruits Mako, Radioactive Kid, and a female Black Knight in a plot to target older villains for assassination. It is later revealed that they had a mysterious benefactor, the villain
Zodiac
The zodiac is a belt-shaped region of the sky that extends approximately 8° north or south (as measured in celestial latitude) of the ecliptic, the Sun path, apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. ...
. No explanation is given for the absence of the other founding members of the group, but at the conclusion of the storyline, Zodiac reveals that he only needed one of them to join him, and he selects Egghead.
Big Zero, Enchantress, and Coat of Arms are later employed by Jeremy Briggs. They battle the students of the
Avengers Academy
''Avengers Academy'' is a Marvel Comics comic book series that debuted in June 2010 as part of the " Heroic Age", and concluded after thirty-nine issues in November 2012. The series was written by Christos Gage, with artwork by Mike McKone and te ...
in order to allow Briggs to complete his goal of depowering all of Earth's superhumans and giving their powers to people who are worthy of receiving them.
In ''
Avengers Undercover
''Avengers Undercover'' is a comic book series published by Marvel Comics that debuted in March 2014 as part of wave three of the ''Marvel NOW!'' relaunch. It serves as a sequel to ''Avengers Arena'', and concluded with September's issue #10.
Pu ...
'', Black Knight, Coat of Arms, Egghead, Executioner, Mako, and Melter appear as members of the
Shadow Council
The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several fictional teams and organizations and this page lists them.
0–9 198
A A-Force
A-Next
A.I. Army
Because of his revelation that he is now a simulated A ...
's incarnation of the Masters of Evil. The Young Masters make their headquarters in
Constrictor's Snakepit in
Bagalia
The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several noteworthy concepts besides its fictional characters, such as unique places and artifacts. There follows a list of those features.
Places
Certain places fe ...
. During this time, Excavator, Snot, and Mudbug are shown to have joined up with the Young Masters. During the time when Constrictor had sent Chase Stein and Deathlocket to A.I.M. Island, Enchantress and Radioactive Kid are shown to be in the company of the Young Masters. At the close of the series,
Alex Wilder
Alex Wilder is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is introduced in the series ''Runaways''.
Alex Wilder was portrayed by Rhenzy Feliz in the Hulu television series ''Runaways'' which ...
joins the Young Masters.
Members
Original members:
*
Melter
The Melter is the name of three fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Melter, Bruno Horgan, first appeared in Tales of Suspense #47 (Nov. 1963).
Publication history
The character debuted ...
– A superhuman who can cause objects to melt. His real name is Chris Colchiss and he is the team leader.
*
Enchantress – She claims to be an
Asgardian and is Melter's girlfriend where she uses magic. Her real name is Sylvie Lushton.
*
Executioner
An executioner, also known as a hangman or headsman, is an official who executes a sentence of capital punishment on a legally condemned person.
Scope and job
The executioner was usually presented with a warrant authorising or order ...
– A vigilante with no superpowers. He is the son of
Princess Python
Princess Python is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
Princess Python, Zelda DuBois, is a snake charmer who controls a gigantic snake to help with her crimes. She first appeared in ''T ...
.
[''Dark Reign: Young Avengers'' #2]
*
Big Zero
Big or BIG may refer to:
* Big, of great size or degree
Film and television
* ''Big'' (film), a 1988 fantasy-comedy film starring Tom Hanks
* ''Big!'', a Discovery Channel television show
* ''Richard Hammond's Big'', a television show presente ...
– A Neo-Nazi who can alter her size and is in a relationship with Egghead. Her real name is Amity Hunter.
*
Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is a heraldry, heraldic communication design, visual design on an escutcheon (heraldry), escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard (the latter two being outer garments). The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central ele ...
– A swordswoman whose magic coat grants her six arms.
*
Egghead
In the U.S. English slang, egghead is an epithet used to refer to intellectuals or people considered out-of-touch with ordinary people and lacking in realism, common sense, sexual interests, etc. on account of their intellectual interests. It wa ...
– A robot who wants to understand humanity.
Later recruits:
*
Alex Wilder
Alex Wilder is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is introduced in the series ''Runaways''.
Alex Wilder was portrayed by Rhenzy Feliz in the Hulu television series ''Runaways'' which ...
- A former member of the
Runaways
Runaway, Runaways or Run Away may refer to:
Engineering
* Runaway reaction, a chemical reaction releasing more heat than what can be removed and becoming uncontrollable
* Thermal runaway, self-increase of the reaction rate of an exothermic proce ...
who was resurrected by
Daimon Hellstrom
Daimon Hellstrom, also known as the Son of Satan and Hellstorm, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Daimon made his live-action debut in the Hulu television series '' Helstrom'', played by Tom ...
.
*
Black Knight
The black knight is a literary stock character who masks his identity and that of his liege by not displaying heraldry. Black knights are usually portrayed as villainous figures who use this anonymity for misdeeds. They are often contrasted with t ...
- A female incarnation of the Black Knight. She deserted the Young Masters, but later returned to the group.
*
Death Locket
Death Locket (Rebecca Ryker) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
Death Locket first appeared in issue #1 of the ''Avengers Arena'' series as part of the ''Marvel NOW!'' event, ...
- Rebecca Ryker is the daughter of a brilliant cyberneticist who saved her life after an explosion by merging her with Deathlok technology. Survivor of Murder World/Avenger's Arena.
* Excavator - The teenage son of
Piledriver and a temporary member of the
Wrecking Crew. Excavator wielded an enchanted shovel. He later appeared as a member of the Young Masters in the pages of ''Avengers Undercover''.
* Mako - A test tube
Atlantean
As an adjective, Atlantean (or Atlantian) means "of or pertaining to Atlas or Atlantis".
Atlantean may also refer to:
* Atlantean figures, a type of ancient artifacts
* ''Atlantean'' (documentary series), a trilogy of TV films discussing the ori ...
who was grown from the cells of
Attuma
Attuma is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is an Atlantean nomadic warlord who is usually depicted as an enemy of Namor the Sub-Mariner, and is the father of the superhero Andromeda. He believes he i ...
,
Orka,
Tyrak
''Homo mermanus'' is a fictional race of gilled aquatic humanoids appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. This race is best known as the inhabitants of Atlantis in the Marvel Universe. Namor the Sub-Mariner is the most n ...
, and
U-Man
U-Man (Meranno) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history
U-Man first appears in ''Invaders'' #3 (Nov. 1975) and was created by Roy Thomas and Frank Robbins.
Fictional character bi ...
. Mako was killed by
Lady Bullseye
Lady Bullseye (Maki Matsumoto) is a supervillainess appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A female counterpart of Bullseye, she was created by Ed Brubaker, Marko Djurdjevic, and Clay Mann, first appearing in '' Daredevil'' ...
. He later turned up alive in the pages of ''Avengers Undercover''.
* Mudbug - A mutant with a
crayfish
Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the clade Astacidea, which also contains lobsters. In some locations, they are also known as crawfish, craydids, crawdaddies, crawdads, freshwater lobsters, mountain lobsters, rock lobsters, mu ...
physiology who was a former student of the
Hellfire Club
Hellfire Club was a name for several exclusive clubs for high-society rakes established in Britain and Ireland in the 18th century. The name most commonly refers to Francis Dashwood's Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe. Such clubs, ...
's Hellfire Academy. He later appeared as a member of the Young Masters in the pages of ''Avengers Undercover''.
* Radioactive Kid - A young criminal in a hazmat suit has demonstrated the ability to melt and mutate human flesh with a touch. His very flesh glows and his eyes glow visibly through the visor of his suit.
* Snot - A former student of Hellfire Academy. He can propel large amounts of
snot
Snot may refer to:
* Snot, slang for nasal mucus or dried nasal mucus
* Snotter, Scottish slang for nasal mucus or dried nasal mucus
* Snot, a character from the US television show ''American Dad!''
* Sid Snot, an ageing biker character performed ...
from his nose.
References
External links
Young Mastersat Marvel Wiki
Young Mastersat Comic Vine
{{Young Avengers
2005 comics debuts
Avengers (comics) titles
Marvel Next
Harvey Award winners for Best New Series
Marvel Comics supervillain teams
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