[[{“value”:”
Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Timeslide #1! The Avengers have faced no shortage of potentially world-ending threats, and have even conquered foes capable of obliterating vast portions of the cosmos, and even the entire universe. However, above them all, there’s one super-villain team that stands as the Avengers’ all-time greatest enemy. At least, that was the idea when they were first introduced. But, truth be told, that never really panned out. Now, after 60 years, Marvel finally has the chance to revive this team and actually make it a legitimate threat to the Avengers.
In Timeslide #1 by Steve Foxe and Ivan Fiorelli, Cable and Bishop are once again meddling with the timestream in the hopes that they can eliminate the greatest evils that plague the Marvel Universe – including and especially En Sabah Nur aka Apocalypse. But, while the comic is as exciting as it is entertaining, one of the biggest takeaways from this issue isn’t actually anything that happens in the story itself. At the end of the issue, Marvel Comics gives fans a sneak-peek at some upcoming comic issues, complete with the official cover art for each. And one of them is Avengers #25.
Right now, little is known about the upcoming Avengers #25, but the cover art shown at the end of Timeslide #1 does offer a really cool tease: the return of the Masters of Evil. The cover depicts Oubliette, Madcap, Mr. Hyde, and Dreadknight, sitting together in some sort of futuristic-looking lair (perhaps a spaceship or underground bunker). They’re all looking at an unseen visitor, who might be a member of the Avengers that has wandered into their grasp, or it could be a fifth member of the Masters of Evil. Either way, I’m very excited about seeing this team again.
Who Are the Masters of Evil? The Avengers’ Super-Villain Opposites, Explained
The Masters of Evil Made Its Debut in Avengers #6 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
The Masters of Evil were basically the ‘Evil Avengers’. The team was set up as the super-villain opposite of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, with superhumans who each mirror the original Avengers lineup, making this team their logical archenemy. But, the only problem with that was that the Masters of Evil were totally lame.
The original Masters of Evil lineup was: Baron Zemo (leader), Black Knight, Melter, and Radioactive Man.
While the team would eventually lead to the creation of Wonder Man (who is still an active member of the Avengers to this day), the Masters of Evil never did anything truly noteworthy, and the team consisted of villains who literally no one cared about. Sure, Marvel Comics could have taken the time to flesh out the members of the Masters of Evil, or perhaps just replace the less popular members with villains fans respond better to, but Marvel just kind of let the Masters of Evil sink into obscurity.
Upon looking back at the original Avengers comics, I found that the Masters of Evil was a really cool idea, it just lacked follow-through. I mean, come on, an evil version of the Avengers? That’s a great idea! And now, Marvel has the chance to make up for its previous mishandling with the reintroduction of the team in the upcoming Avengers #25 – and I can’t wait to see what happens.
Why the New Masters of Evil Could Mean the Team’s Marvel Comics Redemption
Avengers #25 has the Chance to Finally Make the Masters of Evil a Team that will Last
As previously mentioned, the new members of this presumed Masters of Evil team are: Oubliette, Madcap, Mr. Hyde, and Dreadknight – and that alone is an absolutely stacked lineup.
Oubliette was born from a poisoned womb which made her more physically and mentally advanced than practically anyone on Earth, and her commitment to evil was basically predetermined from the time she was born. Mr. Hyde is a Hulk-strength super-villain who has tangled with the likes of Ghost Rider, proving his power and villainy. Dreadknight was responsible for creating some of Doctor Doom’s deadliest pieces of tech before venturing off on his own villainous endeavors. And Madcap is the only Marvel character crazier (and more cartoony) than Deadpool, with a stronger healing factor and weapons that make people go insane.
Related
The Avengers Are Recruiting EVERY Marvel Villain, And Their Unbeatable Target Absolutely Justifies It
Against a foe they have no way to beat alone, the Avengers are recruiting Earth’s villains to make up the strongest version of the team to ever exist.
So, if these characters are actually allowed to thrive, and Marvel gives them the attention, development, and story arcs they deserve, this could be a fantastic Masters of Evil that can actually last. But, even if this new team falls victim to the ‘Masters of Evil curse’ and only lasts a few non-spectacular issues, I’m still excited to see them in action, because the members of this super-villain squad are insanely badass with near-limitless potential in Avengers continuity.
Timeslide #1 by Marvel Comics is available now.
“}]] Marvel is reintroducing a classic Avengers villain. Read More