Agent Sitwell

Real Name
Jasper Sitwell

Occupation

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
Unknown

Known Relatives
Unknown

Group Affiliation
S.H.I.E.L.D.

Education
Top graduate in his class at S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy

Height

5' 11''

Weight
190 lbs.

Eyes

Blue

Hair
Blond

Powers
None

Abilities

Trained in espionage, firearms, and hand-to-hand combat

Other Info

The young and clean-cut Jasper Sitwell graduated at the top of his class at the SHIELD Academy, with particularly high marks in airborne jump school and underwater maneuvers. (To learn about SHIELD, just click on the highlighted name above.)

When first introduced to SHIELD Executive Director Nick Fury, Sitwell's new and eager-beaver attitude was met with initial mock (and occasionally real) frustration from Fury and second-in-command Dum Dum Dugan. However, soon afterward, Sitwell proved himself and earned his fellow agents' respect. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Fury and/or Dugan.)

At SHIELD, Sitwell was mentored by Fury himself and was occasionally appointed interim director when Fury was on solo missions in the field.

Later, Agent Sitwell was assigned to Stark Industries as liaison between SHIELD and Tony Stark's company--which designed and manufactured much of SHIELD's equipment. During this time, Sitwell confronted many costumed assassins and terrorists such as Spymaster (who shot Sitwell and put him in a coma for a time), the terrorist group AIM, directly saved CEO Tony Stark's life at one point, and even had a short-lived romance with Whitney Frost; however, she turned out to be the leader of the Maggia. (To learn about the company, character, and/or teams highlighted above, just click on their names.)

Sometime later, Sitwell--like most of the SHIELD leadership at the time--was seemingly killed by a self-aware, renegade "Deltan" variety of SHIELD artificial-human "Life Model Decoys" (LMD). However, Sitwell later turned out to be alive after he was brainwashed by a faction of the terrorist organization HYDRA. The agent had been placed in suspended animation and was released as part of a plot against Fury. Fortunately, Sitwell was eventually deprogrammed. (To learn about the LMDs and/or HYDRA, just click on their highlighted names.)

After some time, Agent Sitwell became SHIELD's top interrogator and successfully discovered the crime chain to link Latveria and Lucia von Bardas. Stiwell was often paired with fellow agent Jimmy Woo. In addition, he also worked closely with G.W. Bridge--mainly in an attempt to neutralize the threat of the Punisher. (Click on the names above to learn about the highlighted country and/or characters.)

More recently, when HAMMER replaced SHIELD, Sitwell left with other SHIELD agents and formed their own mercenary operations. (To learn about HAMMER, just click on the highlighted name above.)

There is nothing there, but here is the link to the Marvel.com bio of Agent Sitwell, http://marvel.com/universe/Sitwell,_Jasper.

Agent Sitwell appeared in the Thor movie and in the Marvel One-Shot short film, "The Consultant."

Destroyer

Real Name

None

Occupation
Destroyer

Citizenship
N/A

Place of Birth
Created in Asgard

Known Relatives
N/A

Group Affiliation

None

Education

N/A

Height
6’2” (normally), 2000’ (once when combined with all Asgardian life forces except Thor’s)

Weight
850 lbs. (normally)

Eyes
None

Hair
None

Powers

The Destroyer has superhuman strength that may have no limits since it has never been measured, it can travel through the air by means of self-levitation, and can project bolts of varying energies including magnetic and an unknown energy so powerful that it can shatter any known substance including uru metal. The Destroyer can also produce flames that can reach intense levels of heat and it can also transmute, rearrange and alter matter and its densities in order to convert it to its different forms: solid, liquid and gas. Aside from its other abilities, the most powerful weapon in the Destroyer’s arsenal is its disintegrator beam. The disintegrator beam is fired when the Destroyer lowers its visor and the energy builds up and projects, outward, from the top of the visor. It has been said that this beam is able to annihilate anything.

Abilities

N/A

Other Info
Long ago, the alien race of beings called the Celestials conducted genetic experiments on humanity of the planet Earth. The gods that looked after Earth knew that when the Celestials would return to Earth, they would judge humanity as to whether they were worthy or not of life and would destroy Earth with found unworthy. Therefore, by the command of Odin, the Destroyer was created, by the finest craftsmen of Asgard, as a weapon to use against the mighty Celestials. (The Destroyer armor is made from an unknown metal found on Asgard and was enchanted by Odin to make that metal harder than uru--the metal Mjolnir is made of--or adamantium and almost totally indestructible.) Once the Destroyer was finished, Odin, Zeus, and all other leading Earth gods transferred a portion of their power into the construct which gave it superhuman strength and energy manipulating powers. Odin then had the Destroyer sealed within a temple within a plateau until the purpose it was designed for could be implemented. (To learn about the above highlighted race, characters, place, object, and/or metal, just click on their names.)

For many years the Destroyer remained lifeless until Loki destroyed the plateau and revealed the temple inside. Loki then led a hunter to the Destroyer in order to use the hunter’s life essence to animate the weapon and send it against his hated half-brother Thor. (Since the Destroyer is not a living entity, it is not affected by Odin’s magic that anyone unworthy can’t use it as with Thor’s hammer, and it can absorb the life essence of anyone. In addition, the Destroyer is not a suit of armor that can be physically worn or disassembled. A life force must be projected into the armor in order to animate it which leaves the possessor’s body in a catatonic state. The Destroyer is linked to the body of the individual inside which is why the person does not die due to lack of life force, but if the person’s essence is put back inside its body by a powerful spell directed at the person, the Destroyer will become inanimate once again. By the same token, if the person’s body is killed, the life force will leave the Destroyer and revert it back to its lifeless state. Normally, a person has to be close to the Destroyer and a willing participant to have their life essence transferred into it, but a person’s essence can also be transferred if that person is not mentally guarded for such a transfer--however, Odin or Loki can make the transferals over great distances due to their proficiency with magic. Also, the Destroyer was given its own intelligence but has been programmed to destroy, so when a life essence is absorbed into the armor, the Destroyer normally takes over and the person inside has no choice but to go along with its programming unless the will of the person is the same as the will of the Destroyer.) In Loki's case, both the hunter and the Destroyer wanted to destroy Thor; therefore, the hunter's consciousness acted as one with the Destroyer’s. Thor and the Destroyer battled within the temple; however, Thor emerged victorious when he used the hunter's body as a shield and tricked the Destroyer into transferring the life force of the hunter back into his body. In addition, Thor rescued the hunter, and destroyed the temple in order to bury the Destroyer under it. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or object. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Loki in his "woman-form" on his bio page.)

Loki later transferred his own consciousness into the Destroyer. This has happened many times. In fact, on one occasion, Loki was able to use the life force of the goddess, Sif to animate the Destroyer. However, Loki was never able to be victorious in his evil schemes. (To learn about Sif, just click on her highlighted name. Note: Beware of the very revealing outfit on Sif's bio page.)

Later, Thor finally gave the Destroyer to Galactus to act as his herald, but Loki eventually stole it back to use against Thor in another sinister plot by first using Balder and then Thor to animate the armor. However, while Thor’s essence animated the Destroyer, he was able to gain control of the Destroyer through tremendous will power. Thus, Odin, Thor, and Loki are the only individuals that have been able to suppress the Destroyer’s consciousness. (Click on the character's highlighted names above to learn more about them.)

Eventually, the Celestials did return to Earth ready to pass judgment, and that is when Odin thought the time had come for the Celestials to do battle with the Destroyer. Odin transferred all of the Asgardians (except Thor’s) life essences into himself and then into the armor causing it to grow to a tremendous size. However, even wielding the Odinsword, the Destroyer could not do much damage to the Celestials, and the alien race returned the attack with firing bolts of energy that ended up melting the Destroyer into slag. Afterward, the Celestials were then presented, by Gaea, with twelve humans that possessed incredible powers as an offering to illustrate the potential of humanity. These "Young Gods" were taken by the Celestials to be trained in the use of their powers, and the Earth was spared. However, Thor and the other Earth gods, were eventually able to revive the Asgardians. (To learn more about the race, object, characters, and/or team above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfits worn by some on the Young Gods bio page.)

Later, Loki sent the Destroyer’s melted form to a place where the Frost Giants would find it and tricked one of them into stepping on it. On impact, the Destroyer was immediately reverted to its normal form and began to attack the giants until it noticed the remains of Thor. At this time, Thor had been badly beaten and left in a horrible state after a battle with Jormungand (the Midgard serpent). In addition, Thor could not die because of a curse placed on him by Hela. The Destroyer thought that since Thor’s body could not be killed, his life force would be the perfect essence to animate it because none could threaten the body of Thor. However, upon taking in the life force of Thor, Thor once again was able to suppress the consciousness of the Destroyer and took control of the armor, invaded the realm of Hela, and forced Hela to lift her curse off Thor. After this, Thor trapped the Destroyer armor in a crystal in Hela's realm where it could not be used for evil. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Hela on her bio page.)

Later, the Destroyer battled the Avengers. However, Thor showed up and banished the Destroyer to a remote place.

Later on, Thor sought out the Destroyer armor again in order to form a partnership that would set them, and others, against the Dark Gods. After Thor and his allies were victorious in their battle, Odin transferred the life essence inside the Destroyer back to its rightful owner leaving him with no memory of the incident. (To learn about the characters and/or teams above, just click on their highlighted names.)

In another instance, Loki brought the Destroyer back to Earth, animating it with the soul of Tarene (the cosmic being known as the Designate). In the end, however, the Destroyer was defeated and Tarene was restored. (To learn about Thor Girl, click on her highlighted name above.)

Much later, Dr. Doom attempted to create his own version of the Destroyer; however, the whereabouts of the original is currently unknown. (To learn about Dr. Doom, just click on his name above.)

To learn a tiny bit more about the Destroyer, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Destroyer_%28construct%29.

Peggy Carter

Real Name
Margaret "Peggy" Carter

Occupation Communications specialist; former government agent

Citizenship
USA

Place of Birth
Unknown

Known Relatives Harrison and Amanda Carter (parents, deceased), Sharon Carter (younger sister → niece)

Group Affiliation
Captain America ally; former agent of SHIELD, former member of the Avengers ground crew

Education
Unrevealed

Height
5' 5"

Weight
101 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
White (formerly blonde)

Powers
None

Abilities
She has standard military training and is handy with a gun. She is also a competent spy and detective.

Other Info
Margaret "Peggy" Carter is the daughter of Harrison and Amanda Carter, and the older sister of Sharon Carter. Peggy was idealistically dedicated to ending Nazi oppression and therefore joined the French Resistance while she was still a teenager. During he time with the Resistance, she proved to be a valiant and highly capable agent. She even served on several Resistance operations alongside Captain America. Peggy Carter and Captain America even fell in love with each other. However, they had to part when Captain America went on to other assignments. (To learn about Sharon Carter and/or Captain America, just click on the highlighted names above.)

Later, Peggy was captured by the Gestapo and was being held captive in Paris when it was liberated by the Allies. However, a shell exploded near her during the battle and the shock gave her amnesia. This left Peggy with no memory of her and Captain America's relationship. However, soon after, Carter was found and identified by Resistance colleagues and sent home to her parents in Virginia.

Once back in Virginia, Peggy began to recover from her amnesia; however, she was suffering from mental and emotional distress, and kept calling for Captain America. And when the Daily Bugle newspaper reported the rumor that Captain America had apparently been killed just before the end of WWII, Peggy withdrew from the world, refusing to speak, dressing in mourning, and requiring hospitalization. In addition, believing that any additional shock, even a happy one, might make her incurably insane, her doctors did not tell her about the later "reappearance" of Captain America. (To learn about the Daily Bugle, just click on the highlighted name above.)

In more recent years, Carter began treatments from the criminal Doctor Faustus. Captain America learned of Carter's whereabouts when he freed her and others from Faustus' clutches. Over time, Carter eventually regained her mental bearings, and despite still having feelings for Cap kept her romantic feelings for him to herself. However, the two remain close friends. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Doctor Faustus.)

Later, Peggy joined the international espionage agency SHIELD and served for a long tenure. It was during her time in SHIELD that Peggy had a short romantic relationship with fellow SHIELD agent Gabe Jones. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the team and/or character.)

After some time, Carter joined the support staff of the hero team, the Avengers. However, when the Avengers disbanded after many of their number were believed killed, the support staff was similarly dismissed. (To learn about the highlighted team above, just click on their name.)

More recently, now being more aged, Peggy has ended up in a nursing home, apparently suffering from a form of Dementia--she did not recognize Sharon when she visited her.

There is nothing there, but here is the link to the Marvel.com bio of Peggy Carter, http://marvel.com/universe/Carter,_peggy.

In the original comic book continuity, Peggy was Sharon's older sister. But, she was later "retconned" (altering the storyline of a fictional character) as Sharon's aunt because of the unaging nature of comic book characters.

Arnim Zola

Real Name
Arnim Zola

Occupation
Criminal; scientist
 
Citizenship
Switzerland

Place of Birth
Weisshorn Mountain, Switzerland

Known Relatives
Unrevealed

Group Affiliation
Former agent of the Nazi Party and the Red Skull; leader of the Corpse Corp, Primus, Doughboy, personal physician to Adolf Hitler

Education
Advanced degree in 1930’s sciences

Height

5’10”

Weight
200 lbs

Eyes

Brown

Hair
None

Powers
All of Arnim Zola's powers are derived from his equipment. Zola houses his consciousness in an android body, complete with a television-like image of this face on his chest.

Abilities

Advanced scientific abilities in the fields of genetics, chemistry, biology

Other Info
The frail, dwarfish Arnim Zola was born in 1930’s Switzerland where he became the world’s leading biochemist. In his ancestral castle, Zola found some mysterious papers that were brought by his ancestors in the Crusades. (These documents originated from Deviants and contained secrets of genetic engineering that far surpassed even today’s level of technology.) Zola used the secrets to become one of the world’s first public genetic engineer. (To learn more about the Deviants, just click on their name above.)

Needing funds to continue his research, Zola presented his first invention--a device that would transfer someone’s essence to a cloned body--to Adolf Hitler, who agreed to become his patron. (This device, and partnership, allowed Hitler to actually survive World War II as the Hate-Monger). Arnim Zola also ended up using his invention on himself, not only allowing him to survive into modern times but to also replace his normally frail body with a stronger, android one. Arnim Zola's anroid body uses a ESP box in place of where the head would be which allows him to control his creations, emit powerful psionic blasts, animate inorganic material, or transfer Zola's consciousness to an available android body. Due to this, Zola is virtually immortal. In addition to Hitler and himself, Zola also found a patron in the Red Skull. Besides them, Zola has kept his existence a secret--performing experiments in a hidden fortress in the jungles of Central America. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names above.)

Later, Zola created some intelligent creations, including Man-Fish, Primus, and Doughboy. And at one point, Zola used Doughboy and Primus to capture Captain America and the woman Donna Maria Puentes, who he wished to use for genetic experimentation. However, he was overthrown, by Primus who had fallen in love with Donna Maria. Captain America used this distraction and battled Arnim Zola. The fight ended with Zola's castle being destroyed and all those in it having to flee. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about the different characters.)

Later on, Zola was able to create a cloned body of Captain America for the Red Skull. The Red Skull was able to use this cloned body to rejuvenate himself after his body died of old age.

At some point, however, Zola severed ties with the Red Skull to embark on his own agenda of experimentation and villainy. Although he prefers to work alone and in secret, Zola has been known to take on others as assistants. Also, when working on his own, it is usually for the pure fascination of genetic research, no matter how cruel or unusual his means. At one time, one of his assistants, who was named Edward Whelan, objected to Zola’s use of human test subjects and ended up becoming one of Zola's victims himself--becoming Vermin). (To learn about Vermin, just click on his name above.)

One time, Zola assembled several wolf-related heroes and villains, including John Jameson (aka Man-Wolf). When Captain America was trying to track Jameson, he was briefly captured by Zola and transformed into a wolfman himself. However, Cap ended up escaping and managed to destroy Zola’s schemes and rescue Jameson and the other victims. (To learn about Man-Wolf, click on the highlighted name above.)

As part of another experiment, Arnim Zola used the DNA of various people to create a group of "Proto-Husk" (clone) versions of the deceased to use as servants to help fund his genetic experiments (this group was known as the Corpse Corp). Some of the these Proto-Husks included Basilisk, Ben Parker, Bird-Man, Bucky, Cheetah, Cyclone, Egghead, Mirage, Porcupine, Red Raven, Thornn, and Vamp. However, when Vamp (Proto-Husk) stole the contents of a safe that Deadpool had intended on stealing himself, Deadpool followed her back to Arnim Zola’s base to get the contents back to use for barter to help his friend. This lead to a confrontation between the Corpse Corp and Deadpool, which ended with Deadpool killing the entire group. (To learn about the different Corpse Corp, the different Proto-Husks, and/or Deadpool, just click on their names above. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Vamp (Proto-Husk) on her bio page.)

Later, Zola re-created Doughboy to be used as his vehicle of transportation. He used it when he tried to capture the then-ruler of Madripoor, the Viper. However, this plan brought Arnim Zola into conflict with Wolverine and Cable. The two heroes battled Primus and others of Zola's creation, but Zola an many of his creations were able to escape. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the different characters.)

More recently, Arnim Zola was killed by a mentally unstable Grand Director. However, it is believed that his mind was teleported to another android body somewhere. (To learn about the Grand Director, click on his name above.)

To learn more about Arnim Zola, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Zola,_Arnim.

Arnim Zola appears in both Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. In the first film, Zola is in complete human form. However, in the second film, Zola appears more like the comic version with a computer face.

Heinz Kruger

Real Name
Heinz Kruger

Occupation

German Spy during WWII

Citizenship
Germany

Place of Birth
Unknown

Known Relatives
Elise (wife), unnamed children

Group Affiliation
Gestapo, Nazi Party

Education
Unknown

Height

5' 9"

Weight
160lbs.

Eyes

Blue

Hair
Black

Powers

None

Abilities
None

Other Info

Heinz Kruger is a Gestapo agent working for the Nazi Party during World War II. He is given the task to be a spy investigating Dr. Abraham Erskine and the American supersoldier experiment. (To learn about the Nazis and/or Dr. Abraham Erskine, just click on their highlighted names above.)

Kruger was able to infiltrate the top-secret military base and pass the formula to his superiors. Kruger also attends the experiment on Steve Rogers that turned Rogers into "Captain America." Kruger ends up crashing through the viewing window and assassinates Dr. Abraham Erskine (the scientist who developed the "Super-Soldier Serum," as well as the "Vita-Rays") after the serum was administered to Rogers. Kruger and Rogers then get into a stuggle (thus become the first enemy of Captain America). And as Kruger was trying to escape, he accidentally grasped an electrical wire on Professor Erskine's Omniverter and was electrocuted to death. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Captain America. Also, Heinz Kruger's final moments are shown in the fifth picture posted above.)

There is nothing there, but here is the Marvel.com bio page of Heinz Kruger, http://marvel.com/universe/Kruger,_Heinz.

The character of Heinz Kruger is just a little different for the movie, Captain America: The First Avenger. Similar to the comics, Kruger assassinates Dr. Abraham Erskine shortly after the Super Soldier Serum is administered, and also stole a copy of the perfected serum. However, unlike the comics, Kruger is pursued by Steve Rogers and is eventually captured. In addition, in the movie version, Kruger then deliberately kills himself with a cyanide pill to avoid capture. Also, in the movie, Kruger is an agent of HYDRA, which in the film is the Nazi's "Deep Science division" led by the Red Skull.

Battle Ultimate 3 Results

Our victor for the Battle Ultimate 3 was The Mighty THOR!!! The God of Thunder was always in the lead and received every single vote except one! Thor is now officially the "People's Choice of the Strongest Marvel Characters" (of the last 50 Marvel characters highlighted on the Marvel Madness blog!)

Thor will be going head-to-head with the winner of the next Battle Ultimate. Those two will face off in a one-on-one battle in the amazing Battle Supreme 2 in approximately one year's time!

Thank you for all those Marvel Maniacs that participated in the poll!

Banshee

Real Name

Sean Cassidy

Occupation
Adventurer; former paramilitary commander, academic headmaster, carnival barker, subversive, criminal, freelance operative, NYPD detective, INTERPOL inspector

Citizenship
Ireland

Place of Birth
Cassidy Keep, County Mayo, Ireland

Known Relatives
Maeve Rourke Cassidy (wife, deceased), Theresa Rourke Cassidy (Siryn, daughter), Thomas Cassidy (Black Tom, cousin), Victoria "Tori" Donnely (Maeve's cousin), Liam Cassidy (ancestor, deceased)

Group Affiliation

Formerly X-Men, X-Corps, Generation X, Factor Three, NYPD, INTERPOL

Education

Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity College, Dublin; police academy

Height
6'

Weight
170 lbs.

Eyes
Blue-green

Hair
Reddish-blond

Powers

Banshee's superhumanly powerful lungs, throat and vocal cords could produce a sonic scream for various effects, in concert with limited, reflexive psionic powers which directed his sonic vibrations. He could hover or fly at the speed of sound, and could carry at least one passenger. He could overwhelm listeners with deafening noise, stun them with tight-focus low-frequency sonic blasts (effective even against shielded ears by penetrating the skull via bone conduction), plunge them into a hypnotic trance, disorient them, nauseate them, or simply render them unconscious. Using sonic waves, he could rapidly vibrate himself or other masses at will. He could generate sonic blasts which struck with tremendous concussive force, liquefying or outright disintegrating targets at his highest levels of power. By radiating sound waves outward and reading the feedback, he could locate and analyze unseen objects in a sonar-like fashion. By modulating his scream's harmonics, he could confuse most scanning equipment. He could instinctively analyze, replicate, and block sonic waves or vibrations from other sources. Banshee generated a psionic field which protected him from the detrimental effects of his sonic vibrations, though his sonic powers could still injure him when pushed beyond safe limits. His physiology seemed fully vulnerable to conventional injury when his sonic powers were not engaged. Banshee had selective hearing, enabling him to focus upon, enhance, or totally block out any given sound in his environment; this shielded him from the deafening sound of his own screams, and made him a superhumanly acute eavesdropper in surveillance situations. Sean and his cousin Black Tom were immune to each other's natural mutant energy powers, though Sean's immunity did not extend to the new powers Tom later developed via artificial mutations.

Abilities

A gifted detective, veteran undercover operative, and formidable unarmed combatant, Cassidy was an excellent marksman and a competent amateur machinesmith, well-versed in combat strategy & tactics and teamwork drills. An effective educator, organizer and lobbyist, he was also an avid American country music aficionado and skillful amateur piano player.

Other Info
Ireland's storied Cassidy clan is an ancient and noble lineage. The family's ancestral home, Cassidy Keep, was built by Liam Cassidy over a thousand years ago to defend the Irish coast against Viking raiders. In addition, Cassidy Keep covertly sheltered the "Families" (diminutive enchanted leprechauns or elves). Born and raised in Cassidy Keep, Sean Cassidy had a happy boyhood there, fantasizing about fighting dragons and rescuing damsels. During adolescence, Sean discovered his mutant sonic powers; however, he concealed them (partly because his wail spooked the superstitious elders of the community, who likened it to the ghostly banshees of Irish lore).

In young adulthood, Sean had been hitchhiking home from a concert in Northern Ireland when he was harassed by corrupt policeman who seemed keen on arresting Sean as a supposed terrorist, despite lacking evidence. A passing motorcyclist named Maeve Rourke rescued Sean; however, the policeman chased them across the Irish border and sent their motorcycle off a cliff. This forced Sean to use his sonic scream to fly him and Maeve to safety. Sean took Maeve back to Cassidy Keep, where she adapted surprisingly quick to her discovery of Sean's bizarre powers. Also, Maeve quickly grew fond of both Sean and his cousin Tom Cassidy, each of whom was quite smitten with her. In fact, Maeve dated both cousins for months, apparently genuinely torn between the two; however, she soon realized that her heart belonged to Sean. But, she still considered Tom her dearest friend. Stepping aside gracefully, Tom later served as best man at their wedding; however, losing Maeve to Sean accelerated Tom's gradual, secret descent into immoral, dangerous, and increasingly criminal acts as he dabbled in mercenary work and various illegal ventures. (To learn about Black Tom, click on the highlighted name above.)

Meanwhile, Sean graduated college with a science degree and eventually went into law enforcement as an agent of the international police organization INTERPOL. During his time with INTERPOL, Cassidy hunted down the Russian mutant serial killer Arkady Rossovich (the future Omega Red) with the aid of Magneto and INTERPOL colleague Magrite Deveraux (who was slain by Rossovich). In addition, he also teamed with fellow agent Daniel Peyer to infiltrate the offices of mob boss Almadavor until the mercenary Deadpool interfered, saving Sean's life but ruining the operation by killing Almadavor. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the team and/or characters.)

Later, while Sean was on a long-term assignment that kept him away from home with no contact for many months, Maeve gave birth to their baby daughter Theresa. However, both mother and child were soon caught in a terrorist bombing and apparently killed. Sean had not known Maeve was pregnant. However, the baby girl had secretly survived, and was rescued and adopted by her "uncle" Tom. When Sean finally returned and learned of Maeve's death, Tom considered telling his cousin the truth about Theresa, but a grief-crazed Sean lashed out at Tom and blamed him for not protecting Maeve in his absence, and accidentally gave Tom a crippling leg injury. Further embittered, Tom decided to raise Theresa himself in secret. After this, Sean became an obsessive workaholic and, perhaps hoping distance would help ease the pain, he briefly transferred to New York City and joined the NYPD. (To learn about Siryn, click on her highlighted name above.)

Soon afterward, Sean rejoined INTERPOL. And after years of international assignments, Sean came home to Ireland and led an undercover operation targeting his cousin, Black Tom, who was now a major criminal. Tom was caught and sentenced to life in prison.

Later, still mourning Maeve death, Sean actually quit INTERPOL for good and became a freelancer, secretly dabbling in minor crimes. This attracted the attention of Factor Three (a group of mostly mutant criminals), and their deputy leader Changeling who tried to recruit Cassidy. When Sean refused, they forced him to wear a remote-controlled explosive headband which would detonate if tampered with. Therefore, Cassidy (code-named "Banshee") became enslaved and performed criminal missions for Factor Three. In a bitter twist, Cassidy soon found himself on INTERPOL's wanted list. Ultimately, Banshee was defeated by the X-Men, who were able to free him from Factor Three's service. And later, with the X-Men's help, Banshee was able to bring down Factor Three and expose its "Mutant Master" leader as an extraterrestrial. (Click on the highlighted characters and/or team above to learn more about them.)

A diehard country music fan, Cassidy was in Nashville, Tennessee when Charles Xavier recruited him and several other mutants to form a new squad of X-Men to rescue the previous X-Men from the living island Krakoa. After the successful completion of this mission, Banshee considered leaving, since he felt too old for the mostly-youthful group; however, Xavier and team leader Cyclops convinced him to stay. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing/form-fitting outfit worn by Emma Frost on Cyclops' bio page.)

Being of similar age with Professor X, Banshee sometimes served as a confidant of sorts to Xavier. And, being one of the new team's more experienced and stable members, he occasionally assumed an informal leadership role in the absence of Xavier and Cyclops. (The team's foremost foe, Sean's former ally Magneto, once referred to the formidable Banshee as the only worthy opponent among the new X-Men). It was also during this time, that Banshee began a long-running romance with Xavier's silent partner, geneticist Moira MacTaggert. (To learn about Moria MacTaggert, click on her highlighted name above.)

When Sean finally inherited his family's estate, he and the X-Men were ambushed at Cassidy Keep by a vengeful Black Tom and his new ally Juggernaut--both of whom had been paid to destroy the X-Men by Shi'ar agent Eric the Red. The X-Men defeated the villains with the aid of Cassidy Keep's leprechauns. (Click on highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or race.)

After many more adventures with the X-Men, Banshee burned out his sonic powers while saving Japan from destruction by Moses Magnum. Sean continued to assist the X-Men as best he could, notably aiding them against Moira's murderous mutant son, Proteus. Realizing his injuries might be permanent and knowing Moira needed him, Sean retired from the X-Men and moved into Moira's Muir Island research complex, where he convinced a grieving Moira to abandon plans to resurrect her monstrous son. (To learn about the characters and/or place above, just click on their highlighted names,)

Sean Cassidy lived a mostly quiet life for the next several years, though his lack of super-powers did not stop him from assisting the X-Men on occasion in various support capacities. In fact, it was through this, that Sean finally met his daughter Theresa--now the young adventurer "Siryn." Her true parentage was belatedly revealed to both Sean and Theresa by Black Tom. It was a joyful discovery for both, but Sean's complete absence from Theresa's early life has occasionally made their relationship an uneasy one.

Later on, Banshee teamed up with Jubilee, Emma Frost, and a reluctant Sabretooth to rescue a group of mutant teens from the extraterrestrial Phalanx. One of the teens, Blink, sacrificed herself to make the victory possible. The survivors, Jubilee, and various other young mutants all enrolled in Xavier's new youth education program at the Massachusetts Academy, with Sean and a newly reformed Emma as co-headmasters. Cassidy and Frost worked together uneasily at first, and experienced several severe falling-outs, but gradually forged a mutually respectful working relationship and a strong bond with their students, Generation X. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters, place, and/or team. Note: Beware of the really revealing and/or form-fitting outfits on Emma Frost's bio page. Also, Banshee when he was headmaster of Generation X is shown in the forth picture posted.)

Sometime later, Moira MacTaggert placed herself in quarantine after contracting the Legacy Virus, and she eventually died when Mystique bombed Muir Island. Sean took the news hard and began drinking heavily. This alcoholic downslide eventually lead to the disbanding of the Generation X program. (To learn the virus and/or character above just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Mystique on her bio page.)

After this, Sean retreated back to Ireland, quit drinking, and channeled his grief into creating and leading the international paramilitary mutant police force known as the X-Corps. Banshee recruited various volunteer mutant adventurers (including former Generation X students). He also pressed criminal mutants into X-Corps service through the mental powers of captive criminal mutant mentalist Mastermind. However, it was later revealed that Mastermind was secretly working for Mystique when one day, Mystique infiltrated the group, freed the criminal members from Banshee's control, slit Banshee's throat, and tried to take over the Corps. However, the X-Men and the benevolent members of X-Corps soon halted the freed criminals' rampage, and a wounded Banshee managed to defeat Mystique with the aid of Abyss. Unfortunately, Banshee was stripped of his sonic power by his injuries. (To learn about the above highlighted team and/or characters, just click on their highlighted names. Also, Banshee as leader of the X-Corps is shown in the fifth picture posted. Note: Beware of the form-fitting outfit on Mastermind's bio page.)

Banshee had barely begun to heal, both emotionally and physically, when he uncovered vital information regarding the recent disappearance of Charles Xavier. Unwilling to entrust this information to electronic communication, he flew back to America via commercial aircraft, but Vulcan had seized control of the X-Men's Blackbird jet and set it on a collision course with Sean's plane. Healed enough to fly short distances under his own power, Banshee exited the plane and could have flown to safety, but instead tried to save his fellow passengers by sonically deflecting the Blackbird. However, the injured Banshee lacked the power to accomplish this feat, and was caught between the two planes in a mid-air explosion, sacrificing himself to protect innocent human lives. (To learn about Vulcan and/or the Blackbird, just click on the highlighted names above.)

Recently, Banshee was revived with an alien techno organic virus.

To learn more about Banshee, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Banshee.

Battle Ultimate 3

We've had Battle Royal 9, 10, 11, and 12! That means that another 50 Marvel characters have been highlighted since Battle Ultimate 2...THUS, BATTLE ULTIMATE 3 BEGINS!!!

We will take the top 2 winners of the past four Battle Royals and put them head-to-head in a giant Battle Ultimate! Put the good and evil notion to the side. It's EVERYONE vs. EVERYONE. No alliances! Just pure power and abilities versus others' powers and abilities! Only ONE can be left standing! Please choose who you think would win among your chosen 8 strongest Marvel characters. Also, if you have time, please leave the reason why you think the character you chose would win in the "Comment" section below. This way, we can all see your reasoning in choosing your winner. Who will be the victor? Only you can decide!

The people's chosen 8 strongest characters in the past 50 highlighted characters are... Azazel, Frigga, Captain America, Darwin, Thor, Loki, Dracula, and Nova. (If you have forgotten some of these characters' powers/abilities, go ahead and check out their bios right here on the Marvel Madness blog.)

Gabe Jones

Real Name

Gabriel "Gabe" Jones

Occupation
Jazz trumpet player, US Army Private (World War II), US Army Sergeant (Korean War), Field Officer (SHIELD), paintball range director, Executive Officer (SHIELD)

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
New York, New York

Known Relatives
Bill Leonard (uncle), Phil Leonard (nephew)

Group Affiliation

Howling Commandos (World War II), Howling Commandos (Korean War), SHIELD, double agent for SHIELD within the Secret Empire

Education

Unknown

Height
6'2"

Weight
225 lbs.

Eyes
Brown

Hair
Black, (graying)

Powers

None

Abilities

Gabe Jones was a good hand-to-hand combatant in his prime. He is an excellent marksman with a rifle. Jones has considerable knowledge of commando tactics. He is highly skilled in espionage and in the infiltration of enemy organizations. Jones is unequaled as a jazz trumpeter.

Other Info
Gabriel "Gabe" Jones grew up in New York City, spending his youth playing at his uncle Bill's jazz club in upper Manhattan. After winning local acclaim as an accomplished jazz trumpeter, Gabe became exceptionally lucky and began receiving coaching in trumpet playing from the legendary Louis Armstrong. Gabe also gained another teacher in Danny "Drummer" Bellaman, a Harlem-born jazz musician, playing drums. The pair became fast friends and played in many nightclubs gigs.

After some time, Army Intelligence took note of both men joining the war effort. Gabe's interest in music gained the attention of the Army and they sent him to a high specialty school where he became an expert in German classical music. Despite the segregation in the armed forces, Jones found himself hand picked by Captain "Happy" Sam Sawyer to enlist in the First Attack Squad (aka the famous Howling Commandos) lead by Nick Fury. Jones distinguished himself both with weapons of war and his handy trumpet, which he used to jazz countless Howler parties in the barracks and to unusual and effective use in battle. (To learn about Nick Fury and/or his Howling Commandos, just click on their names above. Also, Beware of the revealing outfit of one in the background of Nick Fury's bio page.)

During his time with the Howler Commandos, Jones faced some of the Nazi's worst menaces, including Baron Zemo, Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, and Colonel Klaue. In fact, the Howling Commandos were feared by the Third Reich so much, that a counter squad of elite fighters known as the Blitzkrieg Squad was formed. In the Blitzkrieg Squad, there was a flute-playing machine gunner named Otto who designated Gabe Jones' nemesis. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or team.)

After World War II came to an end, Jones presumably continued his career as a jazz musician until he reenlisted for the Korean War. Now back in armed forces, Jones was once again recruited into the Howling Commandos with his former team mates.

Some time after the Korean War ended, Jones joined SHIELD. However, once he was in, Jones became one of Fury's closest aides and assisted Fury in running the entire organization and acted as an operative on major missions. In fact, Jones' most celebrated solo assignment was his infiltration of the first subversive organization known as the Secret Empire, which he succeeded in defeating, from within. Jones also served at the front lines of many of SHIELD's early battles with known villains such as HYDRA, A.I.M., the Maggia, Mentallo, and the Fixer. In addition to villains, Jones also came to know many of the world's famous heroes, including the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Captain America--whom he first met during World War II. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the many teams and/or characters.)

For a time, Jones was romantically involved with Peggy Carter (a former member of the French Resistance). Meeting during the war, Carter and Jones were reunited when both served as SHIELD agents in the 1970s. As the decade wore on, Jones was placed on special assignment with Dum Dum Dugan and Jimmy Woo aboard the helicarrier Behemoth IV to retrieve and capture the creature known as Godzilla. Jones was second-in-command of the task force, named "Godzilla Strike Force." However, he performed this job with considerable reluctance because he personally felt a less aggressive strategy was needed to stop the giant creature. In fact, Jones was pleased to see Godzilla return to the sea unharmed. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names.)

After some time, Gabe Jones retired and went into business running paint ball games in New England.

Much later, in the 90's, Jones rejoined SHIELD in order to help train a new crop of recruits as a favor to Nick Fury. However, tragically the first graduating class of 1,500 agents were massacred by a HYDRA surprise attack which Jones witnessed from the helicarrier.

During World War Hulk, Gabriel Jones was the SHIELD agent in charge of trying to bring in renegade Hulk allies Amadeus Cho and Hercules. (To learn about the event and/or characters highlighted above, just click on their names.)

Later, after S.H.I.E.L.D was decommissioned and restructured into HAMMER, Gabe left SHIELD along with Dum Dum Dugan to form their own private mercenary operations in memory of the Howling Commandos. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about H.A.M.M.E.R.)

More recently, during a battle with HYDRA, Gabe Jones was killed by the villain, Gorgon. (To learn about Gorgon, click on his highlighted name above.)

There is nothing there, but here is the Marvel.com bio page of Gabe Jones, http://marvel.com/universe/Jones,_Gabe.