Now that WandaVision has begun streaming
on Disney+ it feels like a good time to take a look at the MC2
incarnations of the show’s protagonists. For this next entry, we’ll be taking a
look at the density-changing synthezoid Avenger known simply
as The Vision.
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The Vision first appears in the MC2 when the MC2
itself first appeared in the pages of What If #105. This was in the form
a one-panel cameo appearance on a screen communicating with an Avengers team
comprised of Jolt, J2, Jubilee, Speedball and Thunderstrike.
Most people tend to brush this off as an oddity that doesn’t fit the canon due
to the team’s membership including characters who declined to stick around
following the events of A-Next #1. However, I like to think this brief
scene took place shortly after the end of that issue, with the older members
being summoned back to Avengers Compound to give a formal report to The
Vision about their adventure.
The first proper appearance of The Vision comes in the form of a flashback in A-Next #7. By this point, I’m sure you know the one: the last days of the original Avengers team. We learn that not only did The Vision join the team on their final mission, he was among the few to return alive. I’m speculating here, but I think this traumatic event took its toll on the synthezoid, as he seemingly retires from super heroics after making it home.
It takes a very long time to see The Vision in the
synthetic-flesh, with him finally appearing in the pages of Last Hero
Standing #3. It’s here we get the explicit mention of his current occupation
as a special advisor to President
G.W. Bridge. In this role, Vision is sent to investigate the
possibility the disappearances present a threat to nation security. Once again,
I want to point out the interaction between the Scarlet
Witch and The Vision here. This probably warrants it’s own entire
post.
When Loki mind-controls the Hulk to
keep the assembled heroes from uncovering his plans, Vision attempts to
stop him using his density manipulation abilities. It does not go well for him
(Last Hero Standing #4).
The Vision does manage to stick around long enough to
witness the passing of his fellow Avenger, Captain
America and thanks to the magic of Thor, his ‘rebirth’
in the form of a star to inspire future generations (Last Hero Standing #5).
In Last Planet Standing #1, The Vision is
placed in charge of the Avengers by G.W. Bridge following Reed
Richards deep space warning message about a planetary threat. The Vision
delivers the news to the assembled team of Avengers, who do not respond
well to political interference (Last Planet Standing #2).
With the Fantastic Five back on Earth, Vision
places the Avengers on standby much to the team’s chagrin. When the Fantastic
Five engage Galactus’ herald Dominas, the Avengers
ignore The Vision’s direction to remain on standby and head out
to assist (Last Planet Standing #3).
With Galactus now on on Earth and the combined forces
of the super hero community working to penetrate his force field and combat his
doomsday weapon’s launch, Vision decides to join the fray. Tragically,
will attempting to phase through the force field to shut it down, The Vision
is killed (Last Planet Standing #4).
While not seen on-panel, following the birth of a new entity
composed of the Silver Surfer and Galactus which could harness a
new form of energy known as The Power Essential, The Vision was
reassembled alongside others killed during the battle and the destruction repaired.
He was said to be convening with Mr Fantastic, Mainframe and President
Bridge (Last Planet Standing #5).
The Vision next appears at a secret meeting
discussing the grave threat posed by the newly-returned Doctor Doom with
the President of the United States G.W. Bridges, Mainframe and
Tony Stark. After the crisis is ended, The Vision assesses the
situation, noting Doctor Doom’s robot army have suffered a planet-wide
systems failure, which Stark concludes is the work of Reed Richards
(Fantastic Five vol 2 #5).
The final appearance to-date for The Vision in the MC2
is a tiny cameo in American Dream #4 where he is seen on a screen alongside
other Avengers and reserve members searching for American Dream, though
he does not take part in their later rescue mission.
I think the MC2’s Vision is a great character who we’d
only scratched the surface with in terms of character exploration. There is a
lot left unsaid between him and Wanda aka The Scarlet Witch and it appears The
Vision feels he can continue to be of service by working with the President of
the United States rather than as an active super hero. I can’t be the only
person to notice he still demonstrates emotion more than once. I feel he’s
suppressed a lot of his past trauma.
Until I manage to phase through solid matter like a wraith,
I remain
frogoat