Leader

Real Name
Samuel Sterns

Occupation Would-be world conqueror; former laborer

Citizenship
U.S. Citizen

Place of Birth
Boise, Idaho

Known Relatives
Madman (brother)

Group Affiliation
Intelligencia

Education
Unfinished high school education

Height
5'10"

Eyes
Green

Powers
Superhuman intelligence, telepathy, psychokinesis

Other Info
Working as a laborer in a government-owned chemical research facility in the Nevada desert, Samuel Sterns was caught in an explosion when a cylinder of radioactive waste he was moving unexpectedly blew up. Recovering in the hospital, he discovered he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and rapidly read through every book he could lay his hands on.

Weeks later, Sam underwent a physical transformation as well: his skin turned green and his skull expanded upwards. Calling himself the "Leader," he organized a spy ring to steal scientific secrets, only to find the Hulk an impediment to his plans. Desiring to study the Hulk, he first sent the Chameleon and then synthetic "humanoids" to capture the Hulk. This began what would become a long-standing feud between the Leader and the Hulk. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters.)

Time and again, the Leader would use others to battle his foe. Some of those he has employed over time have been the Rhino, the Glob, Jackdaw, and Arsenal. He even worked with General Thunderbolt Ross on one occasion. (Click on the characters' names above to learn more about them.)

One time he forced the Hulk to raid the Watcher’s home in the Blue Area of the Moon for the advanced technology within. The Hulk successfully retrieved the Ultimate Machine (a.k.a. the Globe of Ultimate Knowledge), but when the Leader accessed the millions of years’ worth of information within the Machine, even his advanced mind was overwhelmed and he collapsed to the ground, seemingly dead. (To learn more about the Watcher, click on his name above.)

However, he was alive. Unfortunately, later in a lab accident, the Leader was left paralyzed for a prolonged period. During this time he initially used a mind-controlled Rhino to do his bidding. After some time, Leader finally regained the use of his limbs by deliberately reverting back to the form of Samuel Sterns, whose amnesiac form then followed subconscious orders to infiltrate Gamma Base where he exposed himself to radiation to transform back into the Leader. This usurping of the Base, like the previous time, was brought to an end by the combined forces of the Hulk and Doc Samson. (To learn more about Doc Samson, just click on his name above.)

Many of the Leader’s schemes have involved plots to transform others into gamma-mutates under his control. One time, on the pretext of seeking a cure for the Hulk, he duped Dr. Rikki Keegan (a school friend of Banner’s) into obtaining blood samples from his foe. He used these to contaminate Manhattan’s water supply, causing a “Green Flu” which would mutate those it did not kill. However, Keegan mutated into a Leader-like being more powerful than her creator, and in order to prevent her from telekinetically wrecking all his equipment, the Leader was forced to administer the antidote, which was then used to cure the rest of the victims.

Later, the Leader traveled back in time to Earth’s primeval past to alter mankind’s evolution so that all humanity would become gamma people. However, this plan brought him into conflict with the Avengers as well as his old adversary, and he apparently plunged to his death into a prehistoric volcano. However, thanks to a hidden teleportation device, he survived. (Click on the highlighted name to learn more about the Avengers.)

Eventually the Leader’s mutation destabilized, and he reverted back to his human form. Seeking to regain his heightened intellect, he drained gamma radiation from Rick Jones (who at that point was suffering from Hulk-like transformations). Stern became the Leader once again, but now with a psychic link to Jones. Using new operatives Half-Life, Rock, and Redeemer, the Leader lured the gray Hulk to Middletown, Arizona, where he detonated a gamma bomb while the Hulk was holding it above his head. Believing the Hulk to be dead, the Leader gathered together the handful of Middletown survivors and formed them into the Riot Squad. Sometime later, after discovering the Hulk had survived, the Leader assisted him in battling Sterns’ brother, now the superhuman known as Madman. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the background of the picture of Rick Jones' bio page--woman in a revealing dress.)

Some time later, he apparently controlled Omnibus and created a terrorist organization called “The Alliance.” With The Alliance, Leader sought to destabilize the world and plunge it into war, only to have the Hulk thwart him once again. (To learn about Omnibus, click on the highlighted name above.)

After some time, Leader made himself a home in Gammaworld where he encountered Hulk's former allies, the Warbound. Wanting the Oldpower of Hiroim, the Leader used the townspeople to create a new monster called Horde to battle them. Ultimately, Hiroim sacrificed himself to stop the Leader, and the Oldpower was kept out of his grasp. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters, team, and/or power.)

The Leader would soon return to his plans of revenge against all those who wronged him, especially the Hulk. His sporadic allies in the Intelligencia were eager to help, and utilizing a plot thought out by the murderous M.O.D.O.K., they were well on their way to achieving victory. Leader was the first to hear of the creation of a Red Hulk which was to be the Intelligencia's greatest asset in the coming war. But, a bitter betrayal, and the death of General Ross, put them at odds with both Hulks. (To learn more about the above highlighted characters and/or team, just click on their names above.)

Even though the Leader founded the Intelligencia, he is content in letting M.O.D.O.K. call the shots so long as their ultimate goal is achieved.

To learn more about the Leader, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Leader_%28Samuel_Sterns%29.

I read that Tim Blake Nelson, who plays Samuel Sterns in The Incredible Hulk movie, said that he has signed up for two more Hulk movies, and to play as Leader. However, there is no evidence yet that they are going to be actually making those movies.

War Machine

Real Name
James "Jim" Rupert Rhodes

Occupation
Initiative instructor, adventurer, government agent; formerly: Sentinel Squad O*N*E combat instructor, soldier, pilot

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Known Relatives
David Rhodes (father), Roberta Rhodes (mother), Jeanette Rhodes (sister, deceased), Josh (uncle, last name unrevealed), unnamed alleged son

Group Affiliation
Initiative; formerly: Sentinel Squad O*N*E, Office of National Emergency (O*N*E), Crew, Secret Defenders, Worldwatch, Stark Enterprises, Force Works, West Coast Avengers, U.S. Marine Corps

Education
High school graduate, learned aviation engineering in the U.S. Marines

Height
6'1"

Weight
210 lbs.

Eyes
Brown

Hair
Brown (gray streaks)

Powers
None

Abilities
Rhodes is an exceptional pilot, and was trained by the Marines in aviation engineering and armed and unarmed combat.

Other Info
James Rhodes grew up in South Philadelphia. Bullied as a child, he was determined to get out and make something of himself; therefore, he eventually joined the U.S. Marine Corp where he became a pilot. During one mission, Rhodes' helicopter was shot down and crashed into the jungle. He was found by Iron Man (who had only recently escaped from Wong-Chu and needed transportation out of the combat area). Iron Man helped repair Rhodes' helicopter and the two men made it to safety together. Afterwards, Rhodes was approached by Tony Stark, Iron Man's "employer" (Rhodes didn't know Tony was actually Iron Man). Stark offered Rhodes a job as his pilot, and Rhodes agreed to take him up on his offer when his service was over. (To learn about Iron Man, click on his name above.)

Rhodes was true to his word, serving for some time at Stark International as Stark's personal pilot and becoming Tony's close friend. Rhodes was forced to watch as Stark gave in to alcoholism, and finally, during a battle with the villain Magma, Stark went into battle as Iron Man while intoxicated. After a humiliating defeat, Iron Man went to Rhodes to help recharge his armor, and accidently revealed his true identify to Rhodes. Too drunk to continue his fight with Magma, Stark passed out, and Rhodes put the Iron Man armor on himself in order to save Stark International from Magma's rampage. Rhodes succeeded in his first mission, and Tony asked Rhodes to stay on as Iron Man so that he could continue to pursue his life of alcoholism. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the company and villain. Also, Rhodes as "Iron Man" is shown in the third picture posted.)

Rhodes' military combat experience served him well for his new life as Iron Man. Rhodes turned to twin inventors Morley and Clytemnestra Erwin to help him maintain the armor and began taking mercenary jobs to fund the armor's upkeep. Stark, meanwhile, continued drinking and eventually lost Stark International. Rhodes made a name for himself facing threats such as Thunderball, Radioactive Man, and Mandarin. He also banded with many of Earth's heroes on Battleworld during the Beyonder's so-called "Secret Wars." Most of these heroes continued to believe that he was the original Iron Man. (To learn more about the above characters and place, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on the bio page of the Beyonder.)

When Rhodes returned from Battleworld, he found that Stark was now trying to make a recovery, and he hesitantly allowed Tony back into his life. Rhodes, Stark, and the Erwin twins prepared to set up their own company, Circuits Maximus. However, Rhodes found himself often conflicting with Tony, jealous of the armor to the point where he would refuse to let Tony repair it. Later, he realized that his emotional problems were related to the armor's cybernetic interface, which had not been adjusted for Rhodes' brainwaves. Rhodes also joined the Avengers when Hawkeye opened the West Coast branch; however, Hawkeye was shocked when he finally learned that he wasn't working with the original Iron Man. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the place, characters, and/or team.)

Rhodes' run as Iron Man came to an end when Obadiah Stane (the man who bought out Stark International) blew up Circuits Maximus, killing Morley Erwin and injuring Rhodes. Rhodes offered Stark the Iron Man armor back so that he could bring down Stane, but Tony built a new suit instead and faced Obadiah in a battle that ended with Stane's suicide. Tony returned to activity as Iron Man, and Rhodes resumed his role as pilot and confidant, occasionally suiting up to aid Stark against such threats as the Living Laser, Kearson DeWitt, and Fin Fang Foom. (Click on the characters' names above, to learn more about them.)

During his clashes with Kearson DeWitt, Stark began to suffer from nervous system troubles and eventually suffered a total nervous systems collapse. On his apparent deathbed, he transferred control of Stark Enterprises to Rhodes, and left him a new suit of Iron Man armor--nicknamed the "War Machine" armor. Rhodes reluctantly honored his best friend's dying wish and became Iron Man again. (To learn about Stark Enterprises, just click on it's name above.)

During his time as CEO of Stark Enterprises, Rhodes became romantically involved with Rae LaCoste (a former girlfriend of Stark's). Rhodes was insulted when he finally learned that Stark had faked his death so that his scientists could find a cure for his condition. Stark let Rhodes keep the War Machine armor as a peace offering; but, Rhodes wanted nothing else to do with him. Some time later, Rhodes was forced to return to Stark for repairs on his armor, and the two men finally came to terms. Rhodes continued to date Rae LaCoste, despite his parents' attempt to split them up by claiming that Rhodes had fathered a child out of wedlock with another woman. However, Rhodes doubts that their story was true. (To learn more about Rhodes romantic interest, click on her name above.)

During a time travel mission to World War II stop Grinz (a Nazi officer who was receiving advanced technology from the future), Rhodes learned that Grinz was supplied by his own son, Raeder. Rhodes killed Grinz to prevent Raedar from being born; however, the resulting paradox threw Rhodes back to his own time, but the War Machine armor was destroyed in transit. (Click on the names above, to learn more about the characters.)

Later, Rhodes encountered a woman named Skye. Skye helped lead Rhodes to a suit of Eidolon Warwear armor (bio-technology of a long-dead extraterrestrial race), and the Warwear armor bonded itself to Rhodes. The armor actually would react to Rhodes' emotional state, transforming itself to provide him with whatever weapons he might desire. However, after some time, Rhodes learned about a company that was offering him a position in their company in order to learn the secrets of the armor. In order to stop them, Rhodes sacrificed his Warwear armor to purge their computers of all data on the armor. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn more about Skye. Also, Rhodes in the Eidolon Warwear armor is shown as the forth picture posted.)

Although Rhodes is no longer active as War Machine, he possesses a prototype copy of the War Machine armor, and once donned one of its gauntlets to grant himself superhuman strength.

To learn more about War Machine, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Rhodes,_James.

It looks like, in the movie, they messed with the time frame of how Iron Man and Rhodes met. But, I think they did a good job with both characters in the movie.

Bolt

Real Name
Christopher "Chris" Bradley

Occupation
Mercenary; former adventurer, student

Citizenship
U.S.A

Place of Birth
Duchess County, New York City, New York

Known Relatives
Robert Bradley (Frank Johnson, father), Marion Bradley (Rose Johnson, mother), Catherine Bradley (Jennifer Johnson, sister)

Group Affiliation
(As Maverick) Formerly Gene Nation, Cable's Underground; (as Bolt) formerly New Warriors

Education
High school (incomplete)

Height
6'4"

Weight
244 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Black

Powers
Chris Bradley could absorb ambient static electricity from the atmosphere. Typically, Chris’ body harmlessly expended this energy; however, he was able to store and release it for a variety of effects, such as obscuring his features, channeling it through conductive material, forming protective shields, or generating electric arcs. Chris was also able to absorb electricity from electricity-generating sources to empower himself.

Abilities
Chris was extensively trained by Cable in armed and unarmed combat, and was a skilled albeit brutal interrogator.

Other Info
Chris Bradley lived the life of a normal teenager until the day his mutation manifested itself. This drew the attention the X-Men; two members, Gambit and Jean Grey, were sent to monitor Chris. At school, Chris found himself unable to control his electricity-based powers and was overwhelmed, falling unconscious in the school’s bathroom. He was found by Gambit and Jean who took him home. With his parents permission, Chris went to live with the X-Men at their mansion home. (To learn more about the above team or characters, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Jean Grey's bio page.)

At the X-Mansion, Christ began to form close friendships with several of the X-Men, particularly Iceman. Eventually, Chris was trained enough to control his powers; however, the night before he was to return home, Beast discovered that Chris had contracted the mutant-killing Legacy Virus. A saddened Chris still tried to return to a normal life. Chris soon found acceptance in his classmate Donna Funaro, who did her best to understand his situation, and they soon fell in love. After public anti-mutant sentiments grew to a near-fever pitch, Chris’ parents were forced to take him out of school. (To learn about the above characters or virus, just click on their names.)

On a visit to the only clinic willing to help those infected with the Legacy Virus, Chris stumbled upon members of the anti-mutant Friends of Humanity. The Friends of Humanity were intending to bomb the clinic, but they were all saved by the mutant mercenary Maverick (Christoph Nord). Maverick, was also infected with the Legacy Virus. With the Friends of Humanity defeated, Chris used his powers to help defuse the bomb. Maverick then provided Chris with contact details should he ever need Maverick’s help in the future. (Click on the highlighted names to learn more about the group and character above.)

Later, Chris’ home was burned down by mutant-haters, and he angrily sought revenge on the Friends of Humanity (he believed they were the perpetrators). Iceman tried to stop him, but Chris rejected his offer of help. Instead, Chris sought out Maverick, unwittingly leading the Friends of Humanity to confront them. Aided by Iceman and Wolverine, they defeated the Friends of Humanity, after which Maverick arranged for Chris and his family to be given new identities as the "Johnsons," and they relocated to Altamonte Springs, Florida. (To learn about Wolverine, just click on his name above.)

Later on, Maverick had Chris take a code-name for his protection. The name that he chose was “Bolt.”

Later, Chris aided several other teen heroes in battling the alien warrior Blastaar, after which the heroes banded together as a new incarnation of the New Warriors. Initially, Chris kept his Legacy Virus infection a secret from his teammates. At one time, the New Warriors were involved in the “contest of champions” held by the alien Coterie, during which they bested fellow teen heroes the Slingers in a game of basketball only to be later defeated in combat by the Black Panther (T'Challa). (Click on the character, team, and race above to learn more about them.)

Later on during a fight, the Warriors were transported to the extra-dimensional realm of Olympus by Hercules, who wanted to test them in battle. Chris took the opportunity to ask Zeus for help in curing the Legacy Virus; however, Zeus refused to involve himself in mortal affairs. Chris ultimately told his teammates the truth about his condition, and they pledged their resources to finding a cure. (To learn more about Hercules or Zeus, click click on their names above.)

Eventually, Beast created a cure for the Legacy Virus which was released into Earth’s atmosphere by the sacrifice of the X-Man Colossus. Chris was cured. (Click on Colossus' name to learn more about him.)

Upon learning of Maverick’s apparent death at the hands of Sabretooth (then an agent of Weapon X program), Chris swore revenge. Seeking out the mutant soldier Cable, Chris recruited his help as a combat instructor to better allow Chris to take up Maverick’s name and uphold his legacy. Chris immersed himself in the Maverick persona, doing his best to look, sound, and act like Maverick. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters and program. Also, the fifth picture posted is of Chris as "Maverick.")

Soon after, Chris joined Cable's Underground resistance group in opposing Weapon X and its Director, Malcolm Colcord. Alongside Domino, Chris helped capture Weapon X operatives Reaper and Wildside, whom he proceeded to brutally torture in an effort to learn of Weapon X’s plans. The Underground then formed an alliance with rogue Weapon X operative Brent Jackson and a cadre of agents loyal to him in an assault on Weapon X’s headquarters; however, they were ultimately betrayed by Jackson and captured. Chris escaped and battled Weapon X’s Agent Zero, unaware that he was secretly the former Maverick. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the different characters and team.)

After the Underground was co-opted by former Weapon X agent Marrow and restructured as Gene Nation, Chris tracked her down and confronted her. Marrow surprisingly invited Chris to join them, and he accepted, secretly intending to dismantle the organization from within. In Gene Nation, Chris's first mission was to aid in a terrorist attack on Grand Central Station. Seeking to actually stop the bomber, Chris was confronted by Agent Zero (who mistakenly believed Christ to be the perpetrator). In the ensuing confusion, Zero fatally shot Chris. As he lay dying, Chris was unmasked by Zero, who was shocked to discover he had actually killed his former friend. (To learn about the team and character above, just click on their names.)

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

To learn more about Bolt/Maverick, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Maverick_%28Chris_Bradley%29.

Mephisto

Real Name
Mephisto

Occupation
Lord of a realm of Hell

Citizenship
Hell

Place of Birth
Unknown

Known Relatives
Blackheart (son), Mephista (daughter); presumptive relationship to other Hell-lords; quasi-paternal relationship to Mikal Drakonmegas (Hellfire) and Daimon (Hellstorm) and Satana Hellstrom; formerly engaged to unidentified demoness

Group Affiliation
Hell-lords, Lords of the Splinter Realms; formerly manipulator of the Six-Fingered Hand

Education
Extensively self-taught

Height
unrevealed

Weight
unrevealed

Eyes
unrevealed

Hair
unrevealed

Powers
An immensely powerful supernatural entity, Mephisto wields mystical energy for effects such as force blasts, matter manipulation, astral projection, interdimensional portals, illusion-casting and shape-shifting (his true form is unknown). Mephisto can capture the souls of recently deceased humans, though this usually applies only to beings who bargain away their souls to him. Mephisto can mystically trap living beings in his realm, but he cannot feed off these beings and rarely chooses to do this. A portion of his power seems to be tied to his realm and the number of souls trapped within it, meaning that prolonged absences from Hades weaken him. Mephisto does not need to eat, sleep or breathe, and is immune to aging and conventional disease.

Other Info
A Class Two Demon, or Hell-lord, Mephisto rules a fiery nether realm that he refers to as Hell or Hades (even though it isn't the Biblical Hell or Pluto's Olympian Hades). Mephisto's realm includes the Arena of Tainted Souls where tainted souls are forced to engage in eternal combat for his amusement. Mephisto also enjoys impersonating the Biblical Satan. He often strikes deceptive bargains with the living. Mephisto takes particular interest in the souls of extremely powerful or exceptionally pure beings. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters, places, and titles.)

Long ago, Mephisto entered a rivalry with the demonic Zarathos. He struck a bargain with the young prince who eventually became Centurious, the Soulless Man. Together, they brought down Zarathos, and Mephisto began a long process of tormenting Zarathos by bonding him with mortals. Knowing Zarathos was connected to the ancient Spirits of Vengeance, Mephisto became obsessed with controlling the Medallion of Power (a mystic talisman housing the essences of the Spirits of Vengence). This led Mephisto to the Kale family, who bore shards of the Medallion within their souls. In the 18th century, Mephisto bargained with Pastor Kale, hoping to gain the soul of the Pastor's son, Noble. This eventually led to the creation of the Dan Ketch (aka one of the many Ghost Riders to come). (To learn more about the characters and items above, just click on their names.)

In recent years, Mephisto has been fascinated by Earth's super-beings, especially the Silver Surfer due to his pure spirit. Mephisto tried to tempt the Surfer with power and physical pleasure, even offering up the Surfer's beloved Shalla-Bal, but the Surfer resisted. However, this did not stop Mephisto; he has repeatedly threatened the Surfer, along with others including Thor and Daredevil. (Click on the characters' names above to learn more about them.)

When Noble Kale's descendant, Naomi Kale, tried to undo the Kale family curse, she offered Mephisto her soul in exchange for his promise that the curse would not plague her firstborn son: John Blaze. She hoped this might break the curse forever, but Mephisto taunted her with assurances that even if her son John could not become "the" Ghost Rider, he could certainly become "a" Ghost Rider. Years later, when Johnny Blaze turned to the occult in an attempt to save the life of his adopted father, Mephisto appeared to him in the guise of Satan. Claiming Blaze's soul, Mephisto bonded the human with the captured Zarathos as a new Ghost Rider (This is the famous Ghost Rider that most people know, and the movie Ghost Rider is based off). (To learn about Ghost Rider, or his mother, just click on their names above.)

Mephisto's power over the soul of Doctor Doom's mother led him into several conflicts with the Latverian monarch; they battled each other every Halloween. Along with Dr. Doom, Mephisto has menaced the Fantastic Four on several occasions, including one involving the demonologist Elspeth Cromwell who mistakenly invoked him, allowing him to capture Reed and Susan Richards and their son Franklin. However, later on, Mephisto was temporarily destroyed by Franklin Richards (Click on the highlighted names to learn more about those characters.)

After sometime, Mephisto re-formed, missing five fragments of his essence. He tricked the villain Master Pandemonium into gathering these fragments (Master Pandemonium believed that these pieces were of his own lost soul), and Mephisto was eventually restored to full strength. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn more about him. Note: Beware of one of the few characters on the bio page are shown in a revealing outfit.)

Later on, a rivalry developed between Mephisto and the Asgardian death goddess Hela (she had stolen several souls that Mephisto considered his). Scheming to force Thor to oppose Hela, Mephisto temporarily stole the souls of several heroes, including the Invisible Woman, Jean Grey and Rogue, before finally claiming the one he wanted all along: Thor's. After a series of confrontations with the Fantastic Four, X-Factor, the X-Men, and the Avengers, Mephisto freed Thor's soul, but his plot succeeded. Having seen the horrors in store should the realm of death ever expand to engulf the living, Thor vowed to stand against Hela's advances forevermore. (To learn about the above characters or teams, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Jean Grey's bio page and the revealing outfit on Hela's bio page.)

At one point, Mephisto tricked the herald of Galactus, Nova, into becoming more bloodthirsty in her duties, which led to the Silver Surfer and Galactus both opposing the demon. Galactus and Mephisto engaged in a cosmos-shaking battle that left the Hell-Lord badly beaten. (Click on the above characters' names to learn more about them. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Nova's bio page.)

One time, Mephisto stole the soul of Odin (while he was in his Odinsleep), and Loki possessed Odin's form. However, Odin ultimately reclaimed his body and Mephisto took Loki's soul (his true goal all along). But, after a few months, Loki's spirit eventually escaped. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about Odin and/or Loki. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on one of the pictures on Loki's bio page.)

Appreciating the strength mortals drew from family and friendships, Mephisto mystically created two children for himself: a son named Blackheart (whom he deemed worthy of being his heir) and a daughter named Mephista. Mephista would wage war upon Doctor Strange, but Blackheart targeted first Daredevil and later the Dan Ketch Ghost Rider. Mephisto wanted to teach his son the ways of ruling Hell; however, Blackheart instead began to rebel against his Mephisto. At one point, Blackheart even temporarily overthrew his father and claimed the throne of Hell. But, Blackheart eventually lost it to Noble Kale, who was in turn cast out by a renewed Mephisto. (To learn more about the above highlighted characters, just click on their names. Note: Beware of Mephista's revealing outfit on her bio page.)

After reclaiming his throne, Mephisto once more began focusing on acquiring more souls for his realm. His efforts to claim the Black Panther (T'Challa) were thwarted when he was nearly overwhelmed by all of the Black Panther spirits throughout history. (Click on the above name to learn more about the Black Panther.)

Recently, Mephisto took advantage of Spider-Man's desperation to save his Aunt May's life after she was shot by one of the Kingpin's snipers. In exchange for her restored health, Spider-Man had to sacrifice his marriage to Mary Jane Watson. Peter and Mary Jane agreed, and Mephisto altered time such that the Parkers never exchanged wedding vows, the knowledge of Spider-Man's secret identity was removed from the world, and Harry Osborn was somehow restored to life.

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

The actor Peter Fonda plays Mephisto (as Mephistopheles) in the film Ghost Rider. In Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Mephisto (played by Ciarán Hinds) went by the name of "Roarke" instead.

Jarvis

Real Name
Edwin Jarvis

Occupation
Butler to Anthony Stark and the Avengers, Former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
Brooklyn, New York City, New York

Known Relatives
Mrs. Jarvis (mother)

Group Affiliation
Employee of Anthony Stark and the Avengers

Education
University graduate

Height
5'11"

Weight
160 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Black

Powers
None

Abilities
Jarvis is a former boxing champion.

Other Info
Edwin Jarvis was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. During World War II, he ran away to join the Canadian Royal Air Force to fight for Britain against the Nazis as an underage pilot. This might be the time that he acquired his accent. Returning to the United States, he found a position as butler for Howard Stark and Maria Stark. He watched their mansion even after their death. (Click on the Starks' names above to learn more about them.)

The Starks' son, Tony, called the first meeting of the Avengers as Iron Man and donated the house as headquarters; therefore, it became the Avengers Mansion. Jarvis served the Avengers for many years on, acting as a father figure to some newcomers. He is the only person who has been with the Avengers for their entire existence, a distinction not even Captain America can claim. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about them.)

On occasion, Jarvis even shared various adventures with the Avengers. Once, early in his association with the team, Jarvis became desperate for money due to his mother's extreme illness. He accepted the money from the original Crimson Cowl (soon revealed to be the robot Ultron) in exchange for providing blueprints to the Avengers' mansion. Ultron captured the Avengers and hypnotized Jarvis to believe he was the Crimson Cowl. The Avengers soon turned the tables on Ultron and helped Jarvis regain his identity and restore his mother to health. Another time, Jarvis helped rescue the Judy Parks from Graviton. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about them. Note: Beware of a two pictures of women in very revealing outfits on Ultron's bio page.)

On time, Jarvis stood up to and fought the Bruiser (a neighborhood bully who robbed his mother). Furthermore, he inspired his mother's neighbors to join him in driving Bruiser out of the neighborhood. (To learn more about the the bully above, just click on his name.)

During an attack by the Masters of Evil on the mansion, Jarvis was severely beaten and almost lost an eye. However, Jarvis was rescued by the Avengers and took a leave of absence to recuperate. After he had healed from his injuries, Jarvis returned once again. However, soon after, the Avengers temporarily disbanded from active duty, and Jarvis was temporarily relieved. During this time, Jarvis met and began dating Glory Garsen. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about those characters. Note: Beware of a woman in a revealing outfit on the Masters of Evil's bio page.)

However, the Avengers reassembled and they expanded their "Ground Crew" to include other non-superhuman job duties, of which Jarvis enjoyed a senior position as "Chief of Staff." At one point, the Ground Crew was brainwashed by the Skeleton Crew into attacking the Avengers, although they were easily defeated and freed from the Skeleton Crew's control. When Crystal took up residence in the mansion with her daughter Luna, she brought with her a nanny, Marilla. Jarvis and Marilla became rivals over various domestic duties; however, over time they became fond of each other. Eventually, the Avengers' Ground Crew was dismissed and Jarvis remained the sole domestic worker for the mansion once again. (To learn more about the characters and crew above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the very form-fitting outfit on Crystal's bio page.)

Later on, Jarvis was once again relieved of duty when the Avengers disbanded another time (this time presumably permanently due to the perceived death of many members by the entity known as Onslaught). During this time, Jarvis felt extremely displaced and sank into a depression, living off his pension from the Stark Foundation. However, once again, the Avengers returned and reassembled. And as always, Jarvis also returned to service, this time with a renewed sense of duty.

Recently, Jarvis revealed that he had been sponsoring a foreign child, Maria de Guadalupe "Lupe" Santiago, and had the opportunity to meet her in person as she came to New York for college. The Avengers soon discovered Lupe was the superhuman adventurer Silverclaw and was placed in Jarvis' sponsorship precisely because of his connection to the Avengers. Silverclaw aided the Avengers against the arms dealer Moses Magnum, and was later offered provisional membership in the group. (To learn more about the characters above, just click on their names.)

When Spider-Man joined Tony Stark's reassembled Avengers, he moved his family into Stark Tower. During this time, Jarvis started a romantic relationship with Spider-Man's Aunt May. (Click on the characters and place above to learn more about them.)

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

Jarvis in the Iron Man movies, is an Artificial Intelligence instead of an actual butler to Tony Stark. In the movies, J.A.R.V.I.S. stands for "Just A Really Very Intelligent System." The voice of J.A.R.V.I.S. is by Paul Bettany (he is shown in the second picture along side a picture of part of the computer system that is J.A.R.V.I.S. in the Iron Man movies.)

Harry Osborn

Real Name
Harold "Harry" Osborn

Occupation
Owner of the Coffee Bean cafe; former owner and president of Osborn Industries

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
New York City, New York

Known Relatives
Elizabeth "Liz" Osborn (ex-wife), Norman "Normie" Osborn Jr. (son), Norman Osborn (father), Emily Osborn (mother, deceased), Sarah Stacy (half-sister), Gabriel Stacy (half-brother), Amberson "Ambrose" Osborn (grandfather, deceased), Alton Osborn Jr. (great-grandfather, deceased), Alton Osborn Sr. (great-great-grandfather, deceased)

Group Affiliation
None

Education
College degree

Height
5'10"

Weight
170 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Reddish brown

Powers
As the Green Goblin after using the Goblin formula, Harry had enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, and healing, but at the cost of his sanity. Whether the Harry that is alive today has been affected by the Goblin formula is unrevealed.

Other Info
Harry Osborn is perhaps Peter Parker's first true friend. His upbringing was difficult due to the lack of nurturing warmth from his father, Norman Osborn. Harry lost his mother, Emily, before he turned one year old. Norman had little time for his son, and was frustrated by Harry's failure to demonstrate academic excellence or a competitive drive. Harry was unaware that his father had been permanently altered by a chemical explosion, and that his father had assumed a secretive criminal lifestyle as the Green Goblin. (However, according to later discoveries, it was revealed that Harry possibly had sabotaged the original Goblin formula, bitter at his father for consistently choosing work as a priority over his son). (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters.)

Harry graduated from Standard High and, along with friend Gwen Stacy, went to Empire State University (ESU). There, Harry and Gwen met Peter Parker. After some time, Harry and Peter became friends. Harry invited Peter to move in to his apartment rent-free (thanks to his father's wealth). Peter was able to repay Harry by helping him as a tutor. While Harry and Gwen socialized with Peter and aspiring model Mary Jane Watson, Peter and Gwen began to date and they fell in love. Mary Jane dated Harry, though she found flirting with Peter, the man she secretly knew was Spider-Man, irresistible. Mary Jane's flirting infuriated Harry. With the pressure of school, his father's high expectations, and rejection from Mary Jane, Harry turned to illegal drugs. One while he was high on drugs, Harry told Mary Jane that he forgave her for flirting with Peter; however, she became angry and broke up with him. Harry initially blamed his breakup on Peter for stealing Mary Jane's attention from him. Peter found out Harry had overdosed on LSD, and sought medical attention. Peter then confronted and beat up Harry's drug pusher, delivering the message that he should never return. (To learn about the characters and school above, just click on their highlighted names.)

Later on, the Green Goblin killed Gwen Stacy. Witnessing his father's apparent death battling Spider-Man, Harry was driven to the brink of madness. While no one was watching, he removed his father's mask and costume before the police discovered the body. Harry held Spider-Man responsible for his father's death.

Sometime later, Harry discovered his roommate's costume and secret identity. Insane and full of hate, he donned his father's costume and attacked Spider-Man as the new Green Goblin (shown as the first picture posted above. Harry was proficient in the use of his father's equipment as the Green Goblin including the Goblin Glider, exploding pumpkin bombs, razor-edged bats, gas-releasing ghosts, and laser-emitting gloves). With no superhuman powers, Harry was quickly defeated. Spider-Man removed the Goblin costume and paraphernalia from Harry before Harry was taken into custody. The police did not believe Harry's ravings that he was the Green Goblin since he looked too young. Therefore, they also did not believe Harry's claims that Peter was Spider-Man.

Harry was sent into psychiatric care under Dr. Barton Hamilton. Hamilton successfully cured Harry of his insanity, and induced him into forgetting about his life as the Goblin and his knowledge of Spider-Man's secret identity. (Click on the doctor's name above, to learn more about him.)

Harry returned home, and was reunited with his friends. He met Liz Allan, Peter's friend from Midtown High. The two began dating. Liz left for a short time, ashamed that Harry would not want to be with her after she was caught stealing for the sake of her step-brother, the Molten Man. Harry, however, accepted her when she returned to him. (To learn about the above highlighted characters, just click on their names.)

Under hypnosis Harry had revealed everything about the Green Goblin to Dr. Hamilton. Coveting the Goblin's power, Hamilton eventually decided to become the Green Goblin himself. Taking Harry prisoner, Hamilton infiltrated New York's criminal underworld as the Goblin and soon after encountered Spider-Man. Harry escaped captivity and also assumed the identity of the Goblin. Hamilton knocked Harry unconscious, but was then killed by the explosion of a bomb with which he had tried to kill both Harry and Spider-Man. Upon reviving, Harry had again lost the memory of being the Green Goblin and Spider-Man's secret identity.

Soon afterwards, Harry became the successor to his father and president of Osborn Industries. He eloped with Liz Allan, and moved first to Long Island and then to a large house in Englewood, New Jersey. Harry and Peter drifed apart during this time, but were reunited by the return of the Molten Man and rise of the Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley) threatening the Osborn family with demands for his father's strength enhancing serum. After a difficult labor, brought on by the trauma of facing the Hobgoblin, Liz gave birth to a son: Norman Harold Osborn. Peter and Mary Jane were asked to be the godparents. When the Parkers were evicted from their apartment, Harry and Liz took them in as tenants. (To learn about the Hobgoblin, just click on his name above.)

To defend his family from the Hobgoblin, Harry resumed his role as the Green Goblin. The stress began to take its toll, as Harry gradually lost mental stability again and returned to menacing Spider-Man as the Green Goblin. He kidnapped Mary Jane, and took her to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge where Gwen had died. Mary Jane refused to beg for her life, startling Harry to remember the love he felt for her, and promised she and Aunt May would be kept safe in the war between himself and Spider-Man. Harry remembered Peter's secret identity, and played mind games with Peter, making living in the apartment below the Osborns very uncomfortable. (Click on Aunt May's name to learn more about her.)

Harry enhanced his strength by taking a version of the Goblin serum, and tried to kill Spider-Man once and for all; however, the new formula was a failure and it poisoned him. In his final moments before death, Harry reverted back to being Peter's friend.

Later on, due to an time altering event, Harry has actually returned to life. In this new altered timeline, Harry has no memory of being the Green Goblin, nor of Peter Parker's alter-ego. He is now the owner of a chain of cafes based on his old college hangout, the Coffee Bean. He considers Peter his best friend, but he hates Spider-Man with a vengeance. In this timeline, he isn't married anymore, and he is currently dating Lily Hollister, daughter of New York District Attorney Bill Hollister. (Click on Lily's name above, to learn more about her.)

After some time, Harry is actually recruited by his father, Norman (now know as Iron Patriot), to join his new group Avengers called the "Dark Avengers." As a member of the Dark Avengers, Harry would have a armored suit and he would go by the alias, "America Son." However, both Harry and Norman had alternative motives to joining forces. (Click on the highlighted team above to learn more about them. Marvel.com doesn't have a good description of the Dark Avengers yet, but here is a link to a different website if you would like to learn more about the "Dark Avengers," http://www.comicvine.com/dark-avengers/65-55990/)

Later, Harry learned that Lily had, without Harry's knowing, received the Goblin serum from his father. The serum was absorbed into her skin, allowing her to transform into the Goblin. In an attempt to stop Lily, Harry donned the Green Goblin once again, and he wanted to inject Lily with a serum that would reverse the affects of the Goblin serum; however, she refuses. After this, Harry finds out that Lily and Norman had been working together to get Harry to join the Dark Avengers. Also, they planned on Harry to act as a martyr to increase the public's view of Norman's Dark Avengers team. Upon learning of the betrayal of Lily and Norman, Harry retaliates and dons the American Son armor and beats his father up. At the end of the battle, Harry tells his father that he won't consider himself Norman's son anymore.

After this, Harry is cut off financially from his father. Harry is then forced to move from his apartment, and is currently staying in Peter Parker's old room at Aunt May's. He has also begins secretly dating Peter's cousin, Amy Reilly.

To learn more concerning the life of Harry Osborn/Green Goblin/American Son, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Harry_Osborn.

Except for a couple twists, the movies did a pretty good job at staying to the storyline from the comics.