Voyager (comics)

Last updated
Voyager
Avengers 675 Voyager.jpg
Voyager in her human disguise from The Avengers #675 (November 2018).
Art by Pepe Larraz and David Curiel.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Marvel Legacy #1
(March 2018) (cameo)
Avengers #675
(November 2018)
Created by Mark Waid (writer)
Al Ewing (writer)
Jim Zub (writer)
Michael Allred (artist)
Laura Allred (colorist)
In-story information
Alter egoVa Nee Gast
Species Elder of the Universe
Team affiliations Avengers
Elders of the Universe
Notable aliasesValerie Vector
Abilities

Voyager (Va Nee Gast), initially known by the alias Valerie Vector, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Mark Waid, Al Ewing, Jim Zub, Michael Allred, and Laura Allred, the character first appeared in The Avengers #675 as part of the Avengers: No Surrender storyline. Voyager was presented as a "lost" founding member of the Avengers, but was subsequently revealed to be the daughter and ally of the Grandmaster, one of the Elders of the Universe, before truly defecting to the Avengers' side. [1] [2]

Contents

Publication history

Concept and creation

The concept of a "lost founder" of the Avengers was suggested during the planning of Marvel Legacy , with writers tentatively attributing the idea to Tom Brevoort. The concept is similar to that of Triumph, a retroactively established founding member of the Justice League of America co-created by Mark Waid, one of the creators of Voyager; as a result, Waid was insistent that Voyager not be a "real" founder, not wanting to repeat his work on Triumph. [3] The similarity between the two was alluded to in Voyager's fictional backstory, in which she claims to have been erased from history while fighting "Victory, the Electromagnetic Man", a pastiche of Triumph and member of the Squadron Sinister. [4]

Voyager's powers of teleportation were suggested by Jim Zub as abilities that were not widely represented among the Avengers, as well as being useful as a plot device for the story of No Surrender. [3] Her name was suggested both to relate to her powers and allude to the naming conventions of the Elders of the Universe; other names considered included "Legacy", "Vector", "Apex", "Transit" and "Portal Princess". [5] Her design was created by Mike Allred and Laura Allred, and was specifically intended to fit alongside the designs of Marvel characters from the 1960s, the era which Voyager supposedly hailed from. [6]

Fictional character biography

A young Voyager and her father Grandmaster. Avengers 684 Voyager and Grandmaster.jpg
A young Voyager and her father Grandmaster.

Va Nee Gast was the daughter of the Grandmaster, travelling the galaxy with him and gambling for the fates of planets. However, she came to resent her father for treating her as a playing piece in his games. [7]

When Earth was chosen as the battleground for a contest between the Grandmaster and his brother, the Challenger, Voyager was secretly planted on the planet as the Grandmaster's "secret weapon", [7] using her newly-granted powers to implant false memories in order to adopt the guise of "Valerie Vector", a founding member of the Avengers who was lost fighting Squadron Sinister member Victory the Electronic Man. [4] When the truth of her identity was revealed by the Vision and Edwin Jarvis, Voyager turned on her allies and claimed the fifth "pyramoid" target of the contest for herself; [8] however, during the Avengers' defense of their headquarters against the Hulk, Voyager found herself moved by their bravery and heroism, leading her to aid them in restoring Earth to its proper place and in defeating the Challenger, whose anger had been provoked by the Grandmaster's duplicity. [9] [10]

In the aftermath, the Avengers offered her membership, but she declined, feeling she had not truly earned it yet and vowed to return if the Grandmaster ever threatened Earth again. Wishing to make amends for her actions, Voyager took it upon herself to watch over the newly-imprisoned Challenger on the Far Shore of life and death, showing him the adventures of the Avengers in the hope that he would find the same inspiration in them that she did. [11]

Voyager returns in Avengers: No Road Home after the goddess Nyx is released from her imprisonment by the contest between the Grandmaster and Challenger, causing global night to fall across the universe. [12] Feeling responsible for Nyx's release, Voyager assembles a team of Avengers consisting of Spectrum, the Vision, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, and Hercules, but they are too late to stop Nyx from slaughtering the Olympian Gods. [13] Voyager sends the Avengers across dimensions to stop Nyx's children from reclaiming the three shards of her power, but is captured by Nyx in the process and enslaved by the powers of Oizys, goddess of misery. [14] Though Voyager is able to temporarily keep the shard kept in Omnipotence City away from Nyx by teleporting it, and the Scarlet Witch, through time to the Hyborian Age, Nyx follows them to the past and reclaims the shard. [15] [16]

Voyager is freed from Oizys' control when Hercules overcomes his despair and offers her his aid, crushing Oizys to death in the process and allowing the Avengers and Conan the Cimmerian to follow Nyx to the final shard, on the planet Euphoria. [17] Though Voyager is brought to the point of collapse by overuse of her powers, she manages to transport the Avengers one final time, following the fully powered Nyx to the House of Ideas, the dwelling place of the One-Above-All, and allowing the Vision to enter the House and stop Nyx from rewriting creation in her image. [18] With Nyx defeated, Voyager returned to the Far Shore, only to discover that the Challenger had escaped his imprisonment and disappeared. [19]

Powers and abilities

Voyager has the ability to create portals that teleport herself and others through time and space with no apparent limitations on distance. She was able to take the Challenger to the Far Shore, the "furthest point of life and death." [11] She also transported the Avengers through time to the Hyborian Age. [15] However, use of these powers repeatedly or on large numbers of people is draining on Voyager. It required her to rest before using them again. [20] [21] Her powers also extend to the ability to "travel" through memories. [22] She can implant new memories and altering existing ones. [7] [23] Voyager is also able to fly through her quantum powers. [4]

Other versions

The fictional backstory that Voyager gave to the Avengers is true in the alternate reality of Earth-17122. On this Earth, Valerie Vector was the daughter of scientist Arthur Vector, who gained her quantum powers when she ran into the path of one of her father's experiments after hearing that her mother wanted a divorce. Voyager served as a superhero and Avenger for years until she was seemingly killed during a fight with the Squadron Sinister. [4] [24]

Reception

Accolades

In other media

Video games

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Invisible Woman</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

The Invisible Woman is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Fantastic Four #1. Susan Storm is a founding member of the Fantastic Four and was the first female superhero created by Marvel during the Silver Age of Comic Books.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medusa (comics)</span> Fictional character in Marvel Comics

Medusa is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Fantastic Four #36 (1965).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyperion (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Hyperion is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable versions. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Sal Buscema, the original Hyperion made his debut in The Avengers #69. The alternate versions are each from a different dimension of the Marvel Multiverse, and consist of both heroes and villains. Thomas says that the character was intended as a pastiche of DC's iconic hero Superman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onslaught (Marvel Comics)</span> Character from Marvel Comics

Onslaught is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared as a cameo in X-Men: Prime #1 before making his first full appearance in X-Men vol. 2, #53, where he would eventually serve as the main antagonist of the "Onslaught" storyline from then onward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Captain Universe</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Captain Universe is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden, the character first appeared in Micronauts #8. Captain Universe is the guardian and protector of Eternity. Rather than a character with a single identity, it is a persona that has merged with several hosts during its publication history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elders of the Universe</span> Fictional comic book supervillains

The Elders of the Universe are a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Collector was the first Elder to appear, and featured in The Avengers #28, but the idea that he was a member of a group known as the Elders was not introduced until The Avengers #174.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grandmaster (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics

The Grandmaster is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Avengers #69. The Grandmaster is one of the ageless Elders of the Universe and has mastered most civilizations' games of skill and chance. Different media appearances depict him as the Collector's brother.

<i>Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions</i> Comic book limited series

Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions is a three-issue comic book limited series published from June to August 1982 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Mark Gruenwald, with art by John Romita Jr. and Bob Layton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zeus (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Zeus is a fictional deity, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is based on the god Zeus in Greek mythology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devil Dinosaur</span> Marvel Comics character

Devil Dinosaur is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Devil Dinosaur #1. Devil Dinosaur is depicted as resembling an enormous, crimson Tyrannosaurus-like dinosaur. The character and his inseparable ape-like friend, Moon-Boy, are natives of "Dinosaur World," a version of Earth in a parallel universe where dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures co-exist with tribes of primitive humanoid beings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super-Adaptoid</span> Supervillain in Marvel comics

The Super-Adaptoid is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has appeared in over five decades of Marvel continuity and featured in other Marvel-endorsed products such as animated television series and merchandise such as trading cards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enchantress (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Enchantress is the common primary alias of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first of these is a powerful sorceress with the real name of Amora, one of Thor's greatest enemies. The second Enchantress is the young Sylvie Lushton, who was given great mystic powers by Loki when he created her as a tool for chaos. She models herself after the original Enchantress, Amora.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collector (character)</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

Collector is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck, the character first appeared in The Avengers #28, during the Silver Age of Comic Books, and has been a recurring antagonist in various storylines over the course of the ensuing decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valkyrie (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Valkyrie is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Englehart and Sal Buscema, the character first appeared in Defenders #4. She is based on the Norse mythological figure Brynhildr. Valkyrie became a mainstay of the superhero team known as the Defenders and a close ally and one-time love interest of the god Thor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daisy Johnson</span> Fictional superhero

Daisy Johnson, also known as Quake, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Gabriele Dell'Otto, the character first appeared in Secret War #2. The daughter of the supervillain Mister Hyde, she is a secret agent of the intelligence organization S.H.I.E.L.D. with the power to manipulate vibrations.

Battleworld is a fictional patchwork planet appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It serves as the setting in Secret Wars comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neptune (Marvel Comics)</span> Comics character

Neptune, also called Poseidon, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is based on the Roman God with the same name and his Greek counterpart. Neptune is the god of the sea in the Olympian pantheon, as well as patron god over Atlantis. Neptune first appeared in Tales to Astonish #70 and was adapted by Stan Lee and Gene Colan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metal Master (comics)</span> Fictional character in the Marvel Universe

Metal Master is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shamrock (comics)</span> Comics character

Shamrock is a fictional comic book superheroine appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Mark Gruenwald, Bill Mantlo, Steven Grant, and John Romita Jr., the character first appeared in the comic book Marvel Super-Heroes: Contest of Champions #1.

Nyx is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is based on the Greek goddess of the same name. She first appeared in Avengers: No Road Home #1 and was created by Al Ewing, Jim Zub, Mark Waid, and Paco Medina.

References

  1. Traves, Lindsay (2018-12-04). "Bad Gone Good: 10 Times Villains Took Became Heroes And It Worked (And 10 Times it Didn't)". CBR. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  2. Iacobucci, Jordan (2022-03-28). "10 Avengers Who Deserve To Join The MCU, According To Reddit". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  3. 1 2 Avengers: No Surrender Writers Talk Hulk's Return & Voyager's True Identity
  4. 1 2 3 4 Avengers #676. Marvel Comics.
  5. Avengers #687. Marvel Comics.
  6. Avengers #685. Marvel Comics.
  7. 1 2 3 Avengers #684. Marvel Comics.
  8. Avengers #683. Marvel Comics.
  9. Avengers #689. Marvel Comics.
  10. Baggett, Christopher (2018-05-01). "10 Heroes Who Became Villains (And 10 Villains Who Became Heroes)". CBR. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  11. 1 2 Avengers #690. Marvel Comics.
  12. Avengers: No Road Home #3. Marvel Comics.
  13. Avengers: No Road Home #1. Marvel Comics.
  14. Avengers: No Road Home #4. Marvel Comics.
  15. 1 2 Avengers: No Road Home #5
  16. Avengers: No Road Home #6. Marvel Comics.
  17. Avengers: No Road Home #8. Marvel Comics.
  18. Avengers: No Road Home #9. Marvel Comics.
  19. Avengers: No Road Home #10. Marvel Comics.
  20. Avengers #677. Marvel Comics.
  21. Stone, Sam (2019-09-11). "Valerie Vector: Who is the Avengers' Voyager?". CBR. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  22. Shiach, Kieran (2018-03-14). "The Impact of Voyager's Origin on the Entire Marvel Universe". CBR. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  23. Bacon, Thomas (2018-03-15). "A Marvel Avenger Revealed To Be Grandmaster's Child". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  24. 'Avengers: No Road Home': Who is Voyager?
  25. Allan, Scoot (2019-11-24). "The 10 Best New Avengers Of The Decade, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  26. Marvel Avengers Academy - "Voyager!"