Unofficial Handbook of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Part 2, Q-Z

updated 3/9/13

Reinstein, Dr.

First Appearance: In name only, Hulk (2008) on film, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Captain America Comics #1 (1941)

History: Dr. Reinstein’s was a German scientist who was working on increasing molecular density of cellular fibers through synthetic proteins that he made. While attempting to flee Germany, he his captured by Schmidt, who threatens to kill his family if he doesn’t continue his research for HYDRA. Unbenownst to him, his family dies in a camp near Dachau. In late 1940, he creates a super soldier serum which deforms Schmidt but gives him super human abilities. He is rescued by Agent 13 and escapes to America. There he perfected the Super Soldier Serum, which created Captain America, before being killed by a Nazi spy. His name appears on a cold storage unit for the Weapon Plus serum, which is like a super soldier serum.

Rhodes, Colonel James/War Machine

Played by: Terrance Howard (Iron Man) Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2)

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in comics: Iron Man 118 (1979)

History: Air Force Lia son to Stark Industries, James Rhodes is a long time friend to Tony Stark, and is often frustrated over Stark’s carefree reckless lifestyle. Tony Stark held a birthday party for himself where he got drunk while wearing the Iron Man suit. Concerned over everyone’s safety, Rhodes put on a different suit to try to subdue him. He kept the suit and upgraded it with heavy artillery. As War Machine, he aided Iron Man in battle against Whiplash and Hammer’s robot army.

Powers: The War Machine suit is similar to Iron Man’s but with heavy artillery included.

Rogers, Steve/Captain America

Played By: Chris Evans

First Appearance: Technically, the digital comic Captain America: First Vengeance, on 2/6/11. First film appearance, Captain America, The First Avenger. (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Captain America Comics #1, March 1941

History: Steve Rogers was a 90 pound sickly man whose father died in WWI. Due to strong moral convictions he desperately wanted to join the war effort against the Nazis, despite his physical weakness. These convictions got the attention of Dr. Erskine, who, through the Super Soldier project, turned Rogers into a muscular semi-superhuman. After at first being a propaganda tool, he eventually led a unit in battling Nazis. Late in the war he hijacked an experimental plane on route to attacking America. He crashed the plane into the arctic, where he was frozen until the next century. He is awakened and recruited to join the Avengers, who stop Loki from conquering Earth. After that adventure, he is allowed to go off on his own.

Romanoff, Natasha/Black Widow

Played by: Scarlet Johansson

First Appearance: Iron Man 2 (2010)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #52 (1964)

History: Natasha was born i Russia. At some point SHIELD agent Hawkeye was sent to kill her, but he instead recruited her for SHIELD. As  a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent she went undercover as Natalie Rushmen to keep tabs on Tony Stark. Her identity was later revealed to Tony and she fought Justin Hammer’s henchmen when Hammer’s robotic soldiers went haywire. She has also been involved in strikes against the Ten Rings terrorist group, and was secretly present while the Hulk fought the army at Culver University in Virginia. She then joined the Avengers initiative.

Ross, Elizabeth “Betty”

Played by: Liv Tyler

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Incredible Hulk #1 (1962)

History: Betty attended Harvard with Bruce Banner, where they both volunteered for induced hallucination experiments. Later they both worked at Culver University in Virginia. There they worked on a project for her father General “Thunderbolt” Ross. They thought the project was about radation resistance but it secretly was a rebirth of the WWII bio-tech force enhancement project, or super-soldier program. In an accident Banner became the Hulk and injured Betty. Betty did not see Bruce for 5 years, as he was a fugitive. She had a relationship with psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Samson. However, she united with Bruce and tried to help him find a cure. They were not successful, and Bruce fled again. Betty remains at Culver, and is still estranged from her father.

Ross, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt“

Played by: William Hurt

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Incredible Hulk #1 (1962)

History: General Ross revived the World War Two era bio-tech force enhancement (or super soldier) project. His daughter Dr. Betty Ross, and her boyfriend Bruce Banner worked on the project. However, General Ross told them it was really an experiment on radiation resistance. In an accident Banner became the Hulk, and General Ross and his daughter were injured. During the next 5 years Ross pursued Banner. One soldier under him, Emil Blonsky, encountered the Hulk and wanted to know more. Ross gave Blonsky a batch of super soldier serum, and they fought the Hulk again in Virginia, and captured him in New York. However, Blonsky, mixed Banner’s blood with the serum and became Abomination. Ross let Banner go so he could turn into the Hulk and defeat Abomination. Ross lost the Hulk again and is estranged from his daughter.

After the New York incident Tony Stark met General Ross at a bar. Tony told him of a team being put together.

Samson, Dr. Leonard

Played by” Ty Burrell

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Incredible Hulk #141 (1971)

History: Dr. Samson is a psychiatrist who dated Betty Ross. He learned of Banners return to Culver University and called the authorities. Upon meeting Betty’s father General Ross however, he came to regret that decision, as he could tell the General was lying to him.

Differences from the comics: In the Marvel universe he has green hair and super strength.

Selvig, Erik

Played by Stellan Skarsgard

First Appearance: Thor (2011) Note, this character is unique to film.

Erik Selvig is a sitting professor at Culver University, where he’s studied astrophysics for a decade. He was associated with Jane Fosters now deceased father, (name unknown) and helps Jane with the same research. While conducting that research in New Mexico they encountered Thor of Asgard. Selvig was skeptical of Thor’s claims but knew of Viking Mythology from his own upbringing in Norway. Erik knew Bruce Banner when Banner did Gamma research. All Erik knows of Banner’s current condition is that he disappeared. Selvig continues his research with help from SHIELD.

Schmidt, Johann/Red Skull

Played By: Hugo Weaving

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Captain America Comics #7, October 1941.

History: Schmidt was a German Physicist who believed the old Viking Mythology touched on an ancient science believed by many to be magic. He became the head of Hydra, the Nazi Deep Science division, and demanded Dr. Erskine continue his research into Super Soldier Serum. Schmidt used an early version of the serum on himself, which deformed his head, making it look like a Red Skull. Later he found the Tesseract, a cube of ancient power once used by Odin. He used this to make super-weapons and battled Captain America. He apparently was sucked into some void via the cube, his fate after that is unknown.

Differences from the Comics: It is a little known fact that technically the first Red Skull was an American business man named George Maxon, who appeared in Captain America Comics #1 in March of 1941.In the comics Scmhidt’s Red Skull is at first a mask. Later, he falls victim to his own biological weapon, called the Dust of Death, giving his head the same appearance.

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

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Strange Tales #135 (1965)

Known members: Nick Fury (Director) Agent Coulsen, and Natasha Romanoff

History: S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division. It is a secret organization that seems to be involved in tracking Super-humans. Howard Stark helped start the organization. They’ve had unknown dealings with super-humans in the past, and  developed the Avengers Initiative, which is to be a team of super-heroes. They’ve also been involved in combating the terrorist group known as the Ten Rings, and assist Jane Foster and Erik Selvig with astrophysics research in the hope of reaching the once though mythical realm of Asgard. SHIELD is run by a mysterious group called the World Security Council. The WSC has had conflicts of interest with SHIELD director Nick Fury. The WSC wanted most of SHIELD’s resources to study the Tesseract under Project Pegasus, but Fury wanted resources to recruit heroes like Hulk and Iron Man, along with the search for Captain America in the Arctic, to help fight off potential global threats.

Differences from the comics: In the Marvel Universe, S.H.I.E.L.D. stands for Supreme Headquarters International Espionage Law-enforcement Division. It also did not form the Avengers, they formed on their own.

Siff

Played By: Jamie Alexander

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #102 March 1964

History: Siff is an Asgardian who accompanies Thor on various adventures.

Sleeper

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in comics: Captain America #101 (1968)

History: The Sleeper is a giant robotic humanoid of unknown origins buried in the Bavarian mountains. It is made of unknown materials. The Zemo family discovered it and built Castle Zemo over it. For generations the Zemo family attempted to unearth it. The excavation was taken over by HYDRA during WWII. Hydra managed to briefly awaken the Sleeper, but it was defeated and presumably destroyed by Captain America and allied forces.

Differences from the comics: In the comics the Nazis created four giant robots called the Sleepers.

Stane, Obadiah (Iron Monger)

Played by: Jeff Bridges

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Iron Man #163 (1982)

History: Stane was a lifelong friend of Howard Stark, and helped Tony Stark run Stark Enterprises when Howard died. Tony did not know that Stane was secretly selling Stark weapons to the Ten Rings terrorist group. Stane in fact payed the group to kill Tony when he visited Afghanistan. Tony survived, an a series of related events led him to become Iron Man. Tony soon learned of Stane’s treachery, and fought Stane in California when Stane made his own Iron Man suit (Iron Monger). Stane was killed in the conflict, but the general public is not aware of his death or of his criminal activities.

Powers: The Iron Monger suit was physically larger that Iron Man, and had high caliber weaponry and the ability to fly.

Stark, Howard

Played by: Gerard Sanders (Iron Man) John Slattery (Iron Man 2) Dominic Cooper (Captain America: The First Avenger)

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008) First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #39. March 1963

History: Howard Stark started Stark Enterprises, which made military weapons in World War Two. At the worlds fair in 1941 he made a presentation of technological advancements. Later he designed Captain America’s shield and costume. He unsuccessfully searched for Captain America who disappeared in the arctic, but on the way found the Tesseract, which is presumably the basis for Arc Reactor technology. In 1954 he began the Stark Expo, similar to the worlds fair. The last Stark Expo was in 1974, in Flushings New York. Stark married a woman named Marie and had a son named Tony, who showed genius at an early age. Around this time, he had a vision of working with scientists from both sides of the Iron Curtain for the betterment of humanity. He and Soviet scientist Anton Vanko, made theoretical developments in arc reactor technology, which possibly could have solved the energy crisis. He and Vanko had ideological disagreements, and Vanko ended up going back the the U.S.S.R. Arc reactor research came to a dead end. Stark on paper discovered a new element, and made a diorama of the 1974 Stark Expo, that held a code in it’s design. Some 30 years later, Tony Stark discovered the code, and with current technology, made the new element. Howard and his wife died in a car crash in December of 1991.

Stark, Tony/Iron Man

Played By: Robert Downey Jr.

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comic Books: Tales of Suspense #39 (1963)

History: Tony Stark is the son of Howard Stark, whose company Stark Industries provided weapons to the U.S. military since WWII. Tony is a born genius, who built his first circuit board at age 4, and at six built his first engine. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from M.I.T. at 17. In December of 1991 his parents died in a car crash, and at age 21 he took control of the company, with the help of Obadiah Stane. Stane was a lifelong friend of Howard. From there Tony grew in celebrity status and gained a reputation as a playboy.

Around 20 years later Tony was kidnapped by terrorists when he went to Afghanistan to demonstrate a new weapon. His convoy was attacked and he was wounded, with shrapnel floating close to his heart. Another captive, Yinsen, planted a small magnet in his chest to keep him alive. The two were ordered to make a new weapon. Tony secretly developed a small arc reactor, which was an energy source his father had worked on. The reactor powered an armored suit he designed to escape the terrorists, which he did.

Upon returning to America he announced that his company would no longer make weapons, which led him to clash with Stane. Stark soon learned that Stane had arranged his kidnapping, which in fact was suppose to be an assasination. Stane built his own armor suit and was defeated by Iron Man at a Stark factory in California.

The battle was witnessed by the general public, so the espionage group S.H.I.E.L.D provided an alibi for Tony which he was to use at a press conference. On a whim Tony revealed that he was in fact Iron Man, which only furthered his celebrity.

That night S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury came to Stark’s home to tell him about the Avengers Initiative.

6 months later Ivan Vankov, who made his own power suit, tried to kill Tony in Monaco. It was revealed that Ivan’s father Anton worked with Howard Stark, whom he had a falling out with. Ivan blamed the Stark family for his families misfortune. Business rival Justin Hammer secretly recruited Ivan to help build more Iron Man suits. Iron Man, and his partner James Rhoads/War Machine defeated Justin Ivan.

After this Nick Fury met with Tony again, telling him Iron Man was to on the Avengers, but Tony himself would be an adviser. Tony then met with General “Thunderbolt” Ross, after he’d lost pursuit of the Hulk. Tony told General Ross that a special team was being built. Stark did join the Avengers and helped defeat Loki who attempted to conquer Earth.

Powers: The Iron Man suit makes the wearer a one man army. It’s capable of jet-speed flight through the use of repulsion rays that can also serve as weaponry. Also included are various weapon and targeting systems, communications, and scanning abilities. The suit is always being upgraded.

Differences from the Comics: The original comics had Tony’s origin in Vietnam, as the comic came out in the 1960s.

Stern, Samuel (The Leader)

Played by: Tim Blake Nelson

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in comics: Tales to Astonish #62 (1964)

History: Sterns was in the Department of Cell Biology at Grayburn College in New York city. He was also known as Mr. Blue, when he communicated via email to fugitive Bruce Banner about Banner’s blood condition. Banner comes to New York and they attempt a cure. Banner was not aware that Sterns was also using a blood sample he’d previously sent to do other experiments. Soon after meeting Banner General Ross and his soldiers came and took Banner away. Emil Blonksy, one of those soldiers, had a super soldier serum in his body. Upon seeing Stern’s experiments, Emil told Stern he wanted what Banner had. Stern experimented on Emil, who became, what Stern called an Abomination. Sterns lab was wrecked, and some of Banner’s blood plasma fell into an open wound, bringing a metamorphosis in Stern. He is currently in SHIELD custody.

Differences from the Comics: In the comics he was a janitor at a chemical plant in Boise Idaho. The plant had an accident and he was exposed to gamma radiation, which turned his body green and gave him super intelligence.

Strucker: Baron Von Wolfgang:

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in comics: Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #5 (1964)

History: Strucker was the head of security when Hydra occupied a Bavarian Castle during WWII. He volunteered for Dr. Zola’s experiments and had a mechanical weapon grafted onto his hand. He was defeated by Captain America.

Ten Rings

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

History: This is a terrorist organization with operatives from all around Asia. Obadiah Stane secretly sold Stark weapons to them, and arranged for Stark to be killed when he visited Afghanistan. However, when they realized Tony Stark was their target they held him for ransom. These events led to Tony becoming Iron Man. The ten rings have since clashed with Iron Man in Afghanistan, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in Yemen and elsewhere. To date they have not struck on American soil.

Differences from the comics: There is not a Ten Rings terrorist group in the Marvel Universe, but the name is a reference to the Iron Man villain Mandarin, who has ten powerful rings.

Thanos:

First Appearance: Avengers (2012) mid credit scene.

First Appearance in comics: Iron Man #55 (February 1973)

History: At this point not much is known about Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe except that he oversaw the Chitauri as they helped Loki invade Earth. When seeing how formidable the heroes of Earth can be, Thanos concludes that more extreme measures need to be taken.

Thor

Played by Chris Hemsworth

First Appearance; Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #83, August 1962

History: Thor is the Norse god of thunder, and son of Odin. Due to his arrogance and foolishness he was banished to Earth by Odin. There he was separated from his hammer until he became worthy. While on earth he met astrophysicist Jane Foster. He later returned to Earth to join the Avengers and stop Loki from conquering Earth. He did not get a chance to reunite with Foster, as he returned to Asgard with Loki so Loki could face Asgardian justice.

Differences from the Comics: While on Earth Thor took the civilian identity of Dr. Donald Blake. In the movie Dr. Blake was a former boyfriend of Jane Foster.

Vanko, Anton

Played by: Yevgeni Lazarev

First Appearance: Iron Man 2 (2010)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #46 (1963)

History: Anton was a Soviet scientist who worked with Howard Stark over Arc reactor technology. However, the two had ideological differences, as Howard wanted the technology for humanitarian reasons, and Anton wanted to use it to get rich. As a result he was sent back to the Soviet Union. Unable to make the technology on his own, he was imprisoned in Siberia for 15 years. By the time Tony Stark announced to the world he was Iron Man, Anton was very ill and close to death. Before dying, he gave Ivan his scientific papers. Ivan then sought to avenge his family.

Differences from the comics: In the Marvel universe, he was the Soviet version of Iron Man, known as Crimson Dynamo.

Vanko, Ivan/Whiplash

Played by: Mickey Rourke

First Appearance: Iron Man 2 (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Iron Man #146 (1981)

History: Ivan is the son of scientist Anton Vanko. Himself a physicist, he was arrested trying to sell Soviet era weapons grade plutonium to Pakistan. For this he served 15 years in Kopeisk Prison. Before Anton’s death, around the same time Tony Stark told the world he was Iron Man, he revealed to Ivan he once worked with Stark on Arc reactor technology. He had a falling out over ideological differences. He passed his knowledge and scientific papers onto Ivan. Ivan spent the next six months developing his own power suit with electric whips that could cut through steel. He attempted to kill Tony Stark, and together with Tony’s business rival Justin Hammer, conspired to kill Stark and ruin his legacy. Ivan died fighting Iron Man and War Machine, but not before the Stark Expo pavilion was destroyed.

Powers: His original suit had electric whips that could slice through steel. The suit did not cover his whole body. Later he made a more powerful full bodied suit.

Differences from the Comics: Whiplash was first known as Backlash, and his civilian identity was Mark Scarlotti.

Volstagg

Played By: Ray Stevenson

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #119 August 1965

History: Volstagg is an Asgardian who accompanied Thor on many adventures.

Warlock’s Eye

First  Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Asgard #131 (1966)

History: The Warlock’s Eye briefly appeared in Odin’s treasure room. In the comics it was stolen by Thor and the Warriors 3 from Harokin.

Wilson, Jim

Played By: P. J. Kerr

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: The Incredible Hulk #131 (1970)

History: Jim Wilson is a Sophomore at Culver University and, along with Jim McGee, witnessed the Hulk fight the military on campus. When interviewed by local media, he described the monster as a “Hulk”.

Differences from the Comics: Jim Wilson in the comics was a long time friend of the Hulk and Bruce Banner.

Yinsen

Played by: Shaub Toub

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #39 (1963)

History: Yinsen once met Tony Stark at a conference in Bern Switzerland. He met him again when they were both captured by the Ten Rings terrorist group. Tony was wounded, with shrapnel closing in on his heart. Yinsen put a magnet in his chest to keep him alive. While the terrorists wanted the to build weapons, they instead worked on an armored suit so they could escape. Tony was encouraged by Yinsen to be a better  person, and make his life count for something. Yinsen died in the escape, but had not planned to survive anyway. His family in the fictional Afghan village of Gulmira was killed by the Ten Rings. Yin wanted to meet his family in death.

Differences from the comics: In the movie he’s from Afghanistan, and only known as Yinsen. Iron Man’s origin story has him in Vietnam, where he’s known as Ho Yinsen.

Zemo: Baron Heinrich

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in Comic books: Avengers #4 (1964)

History: Zemo does not actually appear in the video game but during the course of the game Zemo’s diaries are collected. Zemo’s ancestors discovered the Sleeper, a giant robotic like humanoid buried in the Bavarian mountains. Generations of the Zemo family attempted to unearth it. During WWII HYDRA, the Nazi deep science division, took over the castle and unearthed it. Baron Heinrich Zemo, the 14th Baron Zemo, first cooperated but
later grew weary of Hydra. One personal project he worked on was called Adhesive X. HYDRA scientist Arim Zola assisted him on this project, but there was a laboratory accident which disfigured Zemo. Zemo believed the accident was an attempt to kill him. He gathered some, but not all of his family treasures and hid them in various family safe houses around the world. Then he challenged the Red Skull to a fencing duel, which Zemo lost. Zemo then escaped the castle, his whereabouts afterwords are unknown. Zemo kept a diary of these events, the diaries whereabouts are unknown. His castle was destroyed when the Sleeper briefly awoke, but was defeated by Captain America and allied forces.

Zola, Arnim

Played By: Toby Jones

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger

First Appearance in Comics: Captain America #208, April 1977.

History: Zola is a scientist who works for Hydra, the Nazi deep science division. He helps develop super science weapons before being captured by the Americans. He is also apparently the first to understand the human genome. Before he did this he was working on Exo-skeleton technology. At one point he created super soldiers for Hydra while they occupied a castle in the Bavarian mountains. HYDRA was at this location to attempt to unearth a Sleeper, a giant robotic like humanoid that was buried under the castle. After Captain America defeated HYDRA at the castle, Zola considered resuming his robotic experiments.

Differences from the comics: Later in the comics he gets a suit of armor.

Unofficial Handbook of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Part 1, A-P

(Updated 3/9/13) 

Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM)

First Appearance: Iron Man 3 (2013)

First Appearance in comics: Strange Tales #146, (July 1966)

AIM is a scientific think-tank developed by Aldrich Killian. They developed Extremis, which was developed to help people recover from injuries, but also gave them superhuman abilities. They were involved with the Mandarin in launching terrorist attacks against the United States which were stopped by Iron Man and War Machine.

Difference from the comics: In the comics AIM is a group of scientists originally formed to make weapons for the terrorist group Hydra.

Arc Reactor technology:

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

This is an experimental form of seemingly limitless energy. It was developed by Howard Stark and his Russian colleague Anton Vanko, presumably through the use of the Tesseract, which Stark recovered at the end of or after WWII. Most of the technology was theoretical. A large reactor using this technology was in a Stark factory in California, but it was destroyed in a fight between Iron Man and Iron Monger. Apparently it was not cost effective, and no breakthroughs were made for since the 1970s. Tony Stark managed to make a small arc reactor device while in captivity in Afghanistan, which powers his Iron Man suit.

Avengers Initiative:

First Mention: Iron Man, post credit scene. (2008)

The Avengers Initiative is overseen by Nick Fury, and is a plan for a team of super-heroes. Nick Fury revealed that he wants Iron Man on the team, but Tony Stark is to be an adviser. Stark talked to General “Thunderbolt” Ross about this special team as well. The team ends up being Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and possibly others.

Banner, Bruce (The Incredible Hulk)

Played by: Edward Norton

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in comics: Incredible Hulk #1 1962

History: Banner is a  Harvard graduate who worked on experiments at Culver University in Virginia. He worked with his girlfriend, Dr. Betty Ross, on what he thought were experiments on radiation resistance. Betty’s father, General “Thunderbolt” Ross, was in charge of the project, which secretly was bio tech force enhancement, or a revived super-soldier project from WWII. An accident occurred, after which, whenever Banner’s pulse quickened through anger or stress, he became a giant green monster called the Hulk. Betty was severely injured by the Hulk, and Banner became a fugitive for 5 years. Various incidents occurred while on the run. He is blamed for the deaths of 2 scientists, a military officer, an Idaho State Trooper, and 2 Canadian Hunters.

For 5 months Banner worked at a bottle plant in South America, while looking for a rare flower that might cure him. He also practiced breathing and relaxing techniques with a jujitsu master (One of the Gracies actually). In the meantime he communicated via computer with a “Mr Blue” about his condition. Ross found Banner and Bruce then fled to America. There he re-united with his girlfriend and found “Mr. Blue” who was New York professor Samuel Stern. Stern attempted to cure Banner when his lab was raided by Ross’s soldiers, one of them being Emil Blonsky. Banner was captured, but Blonsky used Stern’s lab to become a gamma beast himself (Abomination). Ross released Banner so he could become the Hulk and defeated Abomination, then fled. He is last known to be in Bella Coola, British Columbia, in Canada. He apparently now has some control over his Hulk form. He continued travelling the world and was recruited by the Black Widow in India to join the Avengers, which he did. However, after and adventure with the Avengers he again continued his nomadic lifestyle.

I also want to note that when in Harvard he and Betty volunteered for induced hallucination experiments.

Powers: When Banner is the Hulk he has an incredible amount of strength, endurance, and invulnerability. He can leap great distances, and has some limited speech. He is vulnerable to sonar attacks.

Blonsky, Emil (Abomination) 

Played by: Tim Roth

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in comics: Tales to Astonish #90, 1967

History: Born in Russia and raised in England, he joined General Ross’s army to hunt the fugitive Bruce Banner. Upon seeing Banner turn to the Hulk, he asked Ross to tell him what Banner was. Ross informed him of a WWII super soldier project he’d revived, and offered to give Blonsky the experimental serum. He took it, and gained great athletic ability, still after his next encounter with the Hulk he was crippled. Thanks to the serum he had a miraculous recovery. He captured Banner in New York, in the laboratory of Professor Stern. Stern was working on experiments with Bruce’s blood and tried to cure Banner. Emil had Stern mix Banners blood with the serum already in his body and became another monster, (Abomination). He challenged the Hulk but was defeated. He is currently is SHIELD custody.

Powers: Abomination is possibly stronger than the Hulk, Blonsky can completely control this form.

Difference from the comics: In the comics he was a Russian agent.

Carter, Peggy

Played By: Hayley Atwell

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in comics:

History: Peggy is apparently an English lia-son  for America’s SSR, Scientific Strategic Reserve. She helps Captain America and a team of soldiers fight Hydra, the Nazi deep science division, during WWII. She previously rescued Dr. Erskine from HYDRA, under the code-name Agent 13.

Differences from the Comics: In the comics she was a member of the French Resistance during WWII.

Chitauri: 

First Appearance: The Avengers (2012)

First Appearance in comics: Ultimates #8, November 2002

History: The Chitauri are an alien race that planned to conquer Earth with the Asgardian Loki. They were later revealed to also be in league with Thanos.

Differences from the comics. In Marvel Comics Ultimate line, which features the Marvel characters with more contemporary origins, the Chitauri were like the Skrulls, a shape shifting alien race. They do not appear to have these abilities in the Avengers film.

Coulson, Phil

Played By: Clark Gregg

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008) Note, this character is unique to film.

History: Agent Coulson is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. who was assigned to Tony Stark when he became Iron Man. He also operated at a base in New Mexico investigating Thor’s hammer which fell there from Asgard and was immovable. He also had a hand in forming the Avengers, but died during their first adventure.

Eternal Flame 

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in comics.: Thor #349 (1984)

History: This item in briefly seen in Odin’s Treasure room. In the comics  Thor and Odin stole this from the Demon Surtur so Surtur could not light his sword on fire and destroy Asgard.

Eye of Agamotto

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Strange Tales #115 (1963)

History: The Eye of Agamotto appears briefly in Odin’s treasure room. It is a mystical item used by sorcerer Dr. Strange, named after a previous sorcerer.

Fandral

Played By: Joshua Dallas

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #119, August1965

History: Fandral is an Asgardian and friend of Thor who accompanied Thor on many adventures.

Frigga: 

Played By: Rene Russo

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #92, May1963

History: Frigga is Odin’s wife and mother to Thor.

Foster, Jane:

Played By: Natalie Portman

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #84, September 1962

History: Jane Foster studies Physics at Culver University, where her father previously worked. She did Post Doctorate work in Astrophysics, and applied for a grant to study particle phenomenon in New Mexico. She formerly dated a Dr. Donald Blake. In New Mexico she met Thor, who was banished from Asgard and separated from his hammer. After Thor returned to Asgard, Foster continued her research with cooperation from SHIELD, and attempts to find a way to get to Asgard.

Differences From the Comics: Jane Foster was a nurse who met Thor’s Earth-bound identity Dr. Donald Blake.

Fury, Nick:

Played By: Samuel L. Jackson

First appearance: Iron Man-post credit scene. (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Sergeant Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 (1963)

Ultimate Fury first appearance: Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #5. (2001)

History:  Not much is currently known about Nick Fury. He’s director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and spoke to Tony Stark personally about the Avenger Initiative. He wanted Iron Man on the Avengers but wanted Tony Stark  to be just an adviser. However, he soon formed the Avengers with Tony Stark as Iron Man, along with Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. He has an eye patch and scars over his left eye, due to an unknown injury.

Differences from comics: Ultimate Fury was designed to look like Samuel L. Jackson, who ultimately plays him on film. In the Ultimate Universe Fury lost his eye to Wolverine of the X-men. The movie version has his claw scars by his missing eye, but the film rights to Wolverine are owned by Fox. Hence no references to Wolverine will be made in the Marvel Movie Universe in the foreseeable future.

<strong>Gruler, Helmet (Iron Cross)

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Invaders #35 (1978)

History: During WWII in the Bavarian mountains Dr. Zola is experimenting on making super soldiers. While Captain America sabotages these plans he fights and defeats Iron Cross, a which is a soldier in a suit of armor like Iron Man.

Hammer, Justin

Played by: Sam Rockwell

First appearance: Iron Man 2 (2010)

First Appearance in comics: Iron Man #120 (1979)

History: Hammer is a younger much less hip version of Tony Stark. A rival business man Hammer tried to replicate the Iron Man technology for the government. He secretly had the assistance of Ivan Vanko (Whiplash) and build an army of robots that he debuted at the Stark expo. He was arrested after the robots attacked the expo causing massive destruction.

Difference from the comics: The comics have him older and British.

 

Hansen, Maya

First Appearance: Iron Man 3

First Appearance in Comics: Iron Man Vol 4#1. (January 2005)

History: Maya met and had a fling with Tony Stark at a New Years party in 1999. She developed a project called Extremis designed to help people recover from injuries. She further develops the plan with the aid of Aldrich Killian who later kills her after she has a change of heart.

Howling Commandos

First Appearance:Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Sergeant Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 May 1963. (Different characters first appearances will be listed below.)

Members:

James”Bucky” Barnes (Captain America Comics #1, March 1941) Played by Stan Sebastian

Jacques Dernier (Sergeant Fury and his Howling Commandos #21 August 1965) Played by Bruno Ricci.

“Dum Dum” Dugan Played by Neal McDonough.

James Montgomery Falsworth (The Invaders #7 July 1976) Played by J. J. Field.

Gabe Jones, played by Derek Luke

Jim Morita (Sergent Fury and his Howling Commandos, #38 January 1967) Played by Kenneth Choi

History: After Captain America freed the above men from a secret Hydra base, he personally picked them as his team to fight Hydra. Note, they are not actually called Howling Commandos in the film, and in the tie in video game Captain America: Super Soldier, they’re mistakenly called The Invaders, which was a WWII superhero team with Captain America, Namor, the Original Human Torch, and others.

Differences from the comics: In the comics Nick Fury led the team. Additional members included  Robert “Rebel” Ralston, Dino Manelli, Isadore “Izzy” Cohen, Jonathan “Junior” Juniper, Percival “Pinky” Pinkerton, Eric Koenig, and many others.Not included were James Barnes, who instead was Captain America’s sidekick Bucky, and James Falsworth, who was the British costumed hero Union Jack.

Heimdall

Played By: Idris Elba

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

Journey Into Mystery #85 October 1962

History: Heimdall is an Asgardian who guards the gateway between Asgard and the other 9 realms.

Hill, Maria

Played by: Cobie Smulders

First Appearance: The Avengers (2012)

First Appearance in Comics: New Avengers #4 (March 2005)

History: Maria Hill ranks just under Nick Fury under the SHIELD organization

Hogan (Happy)

Played by: Jon Favreau (Who also directed Iron Man 1 and 2)

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #45 (1963)

History: Hogan is the chauffeur and bodyguard to Tony Stark.

Hogun

Played By: Tadanobu Asano

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #119 August 1965 History:

Hogun is a life long friend of Thor and accompanied him on many adventures.

Hydra

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in comics: Strange Tales #135 (1965)
Note: HYDRA was also mentioned in a story Menace #10 in 1954, but this was before the proper Marvel Universe came to be.

History: HYDRA was the Nazis deep scientist division, started by Johann Schmidt/The Red Skull. After acquiring the Tesseract, a Viking artifact with untold power, they made advanced weaponry. They also attempt to awaken a Sleeper, a giant mechanical humanoid of unknown origin that is buried in the Bavarian mountains. They are defeated by Captain America and allied forces.

Differences from the comics: In the comics Hydra originally began near the end of WWII, but later it was retconned to actually be an ancient organization.

Infinity Gauntlet

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Avengers Annual #7 (1977)

History: The Infinity Gauntlet briefly appears in Odin’s treasure room. The Infinity Gauntlet contains 6 infinity gems of incredible power. It should be noted that the book The Art of Thor shows a closer look at it, and it appears not all of the gems are present. The Power, Mind, and possibly time gems are included, but the reality, space, and soul gems are missing.

Jones, Rick

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First Appearance in comics: Incredible Hulk #1 May 1962

History: Rick Jones has not appeared on film but his name was visible on a document as a student at Culver University, where Banner worked and became the Hulk.

Differences from the Comics: He’s a bigger character in the comics, as he’s a friend of Banner and the Hulk.

Killian, Aldrich

First Appearance: Iron Man 3

First Appearance in Comics: Iron Man vol. 4 #1 (Janurary 2005) 

History: Killian was a disabled scientist who briefly met and was embarrassed by Tony Stark at a New Years Party in 1999. He created a scientific think thank called Advanced Idea Mechanics, or AIM. 13 years later he was involved with a plan with the Mandarin to launch terrorist attacks against the United States, and sought revenge against Tony Stark. Eventually he was killed while fighting Iron man/Tony Stark and War Machine.

Kruger, Heinz

Played By: Richard Armitage

First Appearance: Captain America: First Vengeance

First Appearance in Comics Captain America Comics #1, March 1941. (Named in Captain America 109, January 1969)

History: Kruger is a Nazi/Hydra spy who assassinates Dr. Erskine after Rogers became Captain America. Rogers pursues him but Kruger kills himself before he could be captured.

Laufey

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #112 (January 1965)

Played By: Colm Feore

History: Laufey is King of the Frost Giants who has an uneasy peace with Odin of Asgard.

Lewis, Darcy

Played By: Kat Dannings

First Appearance: Thor (2011) Note, original film character.

History: Darcy Lewis is a poli-sci major who interns with Jane Foster on her astrophysics research.

Loki

Played By: Tom Hiddleston

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Journey Into Mystery #85 October 1962

Note: Technically his first Marvel comic was the then Timely publication Venus #6, October of 1949. However, the Marvel Universe as we know it didn’t exist at this time.

History: Loki was of the race of Frost Giants, but, unbeknownst to him, was adopted by Odin of Asgard as a baby. Always jealous of older brother Thor, Loki manipulated a series of events to become King of Asgard. He was thwarted by Thor and banished to Earth. It was during the course of these events that he learned of his adoption. He then allied with the alien race known as the Chitauri an attempted to conquer earth using the Tesseract. He was thwarted by the Avengers and is currently in Asgard being tried according to Asgardian law.

Madame Hydra

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Captain America #110 1969

History: Madame Hydra was given her name by Arim Zola. She was in charge of the prisoners in a Castle in the Bavarian Mountains in WWII. She was defeated by Captain America.

Differences from the comics: In the comics she is a modern day terrorist working for Hydra.

Mandarin

First Appearance: Iron Man 3

First Appearance in comics: Tales of Suspense #50 (February 1964)

History: Mandarin, in reality, is British Actor Trevor Slattery. The Mandarin character is a creation of Aldrich Killian, the head of AIM, and part of Killian’s plan to attack the United States as well as get revenge on Tony Stark.. Slattery records videos that are message to America stating terrorist attacks are coming. Trevor is kept in a mansion by Killian and is actually unaware of the actual terrorist attacks, believing himself to simply be part of an acting job.

Differences from the comics: Mandarin is a legitimate super villain in the Marvel Universe. He is Chinese and has ten rings that he got from a crashed alien spacecraft.

Master Man Project

First Appearance: Captain America: Super Soldier Video Game (2011)

First Appearance in the comics (for the character Master Man) Giant Sized Invaders #1 (1975)

History: Hydra scientist Arim Zola headed the Master Man project, which was an attempt to re-create the Super Soldier Serum from the blood of the Red Skull. It was thwarted by Captain America.

Differences from the comics: In the comics Master Man was a specific character, an American who was a Nazi sympathizer. He was given a Nazi version of the Super Soldier serum and became a super soldier.

McGee, Jack

First Appearance: Hulk (2008)

First appearance else-where: The Incredible Hulk TV series pilot. (1977)

History: Mr. McGee is a Sophomore at Culver University in Virginia, and witnessed the Hulk fight the military on campus. He’s also a college journalist.

Media Note: This was a nod to the 1970s TV show, where his character debuted. McGee in the TV show was a reporter who tried to expose the Hulk. This sets up Bruce Banner’s famous line, “Mr McGee, don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.”

Odin

Played By: Anthony Hopkins

First Appearance: Thor (2011)

Journey Into Mystery #85 October 1962

History: Odin is the ruler of the mythical realm of Asgard. He and his army once saved Earth from the Frost Giants, whom they warred with. Odin slayed the Frost Giant King, and in battle lost an eye. After the war he adopted an abandoned Frost Giant baby he’d found. He raised the baby to be his son, Loki. He and wife Frigga also had a son named Thor. Thor grew to be headstrong and arrogant, and was banished to Earth by Odin to learn humility.

Phiilips, Chester, COL:

Played By: Tommy Lee Jones

First Appearance: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #63, March 1965

History:  Colonel Chester Phillips led the Strategic Scientific Reserve in WWII, set up to fight Hydra. He oversaw the Super Soldier Project which led to the creation of Captain America.

Differences from the comics: In the comics he was a General.

Potts, Virginia “Pepper”

Played by: Gwynth Paltrow

First Appearance: Iron Man (2008)

First Appearance in Comics: Tales of Suspense #45 (1963)

History: “Pepper” Potts is Stark’s most trusted aid. She helps run the affairs of Stark Industries. Tony appointed her CEO of Stark Industries, but she soon resigned after a disaster at the Stark Expo.