I remember the first time I saw a panel of the green-skinned, mysterious figure lurking in the background of an old comic.
I thought, “Is this some forgotten villain? Maybe an alternate Hulk?” Turns out, I was way off.
That green guy is Aarkus, better known as the Golden Age Vision, and his story is packed with fascinating twists and turns that many new Marvel fans don’t know.
Let me take you on a journey through Aarkus’s history, powers, and why this early superhero still matters today.
Contents
Aarkus – The Keeper of Law from Smokeworld
Aarkus isn’t just another hero from Marvel’s Golden Age – he’s something entirely unique. He comes from Smokeworld, a mysterious dimension where he served as a “Keeper of Law.”
His job? To maintain peace and justice in his realm.
He first crossed paths with Earth when a scientist named Markham Ericsohn accidentally summoned him while experimenting with dimensional barriers.
Aarkus originally arrived on Earth to deal with a criminal from his own world but quickly decided humanity needed his help.
After all, Earth in the 1940s was bursting with crime and chaos, especially with World War II looming. He embraced the opportunity to become a protector, staying to fight injustice on Earth.
Fighting Evil in the Golden Age
During his early days, Aarkus blended supernatural elements with traditional superhero crime-fighting.
He didn’t just go after bank robbers or petty thieves – he battled Nazis, monsters, and even supernatural threats.
His enemies were some of the most bizarre and terrifying foes you’ll come across in Marvel’s history.
Here are a few highlights of his Golden Age adventures:
- He rescued a professor from a Nazi concentration camp, striking a blow against the Axis powers.
- He fought creatures like werewolves, giant octopuses, and even carnivorous plants.
- He stopped saboteurs and Nazi agents who used experimental technology to spread terror.
Aarkus wasn’t the kind of hero to stick around for applause.
He’d appear, save the day, and vanish just as quickly – adding an air of mystery to his character, which made him feel larger-than-life, even compared to other Golden Age heroes.
What Makes Aarkus Special?
Aarkus’s powers are as unique as his origins. They’re tied to his Smokeworld heritage and revolve around manipulating smoke, gas, and vapor. Here’s what he could do:
- Control Smoke: Aarkus could bend smoke and gases to his will, shaping them into solid forms or even using them as weapons.
- Teleportation: By using smoke as a gateway, he could instantly travel across dimensions or vast distances.
- Super Strength and Durability: He could rip open train cars and survive gunfire without a scratch.
- Cold Generation: Aarkus had the ability to freeze enemies with just a thought.
- Immortality: Since he’s not human, Aarkus doesn’t age or weaken over time.
However, his abilities weren’t limitless. He needed smoke or gas as a medium to use many of his powers, so he was at a disadvantage in environments without them.
Still, his versatility and otherworldly nature made him stand out among Marvel’s earliest heroes.
Aarkus and the Invaders
Although Aarkus often operated solo, he occasionally teamed up with Marvel’s Invaders, a group of heroes including Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch.
Together, they took on Axis forces during World War II. While Aarkus wasn’t a full-time member, his contributions to the fight against Nazi Germany added to his legacy.
One of his most dramatic moments came when he was forced to battle the Invaders.
Under threat of being trapped on Earth forever by a villain named Dr. Death, Aarkus reluctantly fought his fellow heroes.
Ultimately, he redeemed himself by using his smoke powers to clear out a poison gas trap and return to his own dimension.
The Return of Aarkus in Modern Marvel
Like many Golden Age heroes, Aarkus eventually faded from the spotlight. However, Marvel brought him back in modern stories, showing him as a guide and ally to other heroes.
For example, he helped the Avengers during their quest for the Cosmic Cube and even supported Toro and the Human Torch during a tough battle with the Mad Thinker.
In the modern era, Aarkus’s character shifted a bit. He became more of a scholar, isolating himself on the moon and collecting knowledge.
The Green Guy We Shouldn’t Forget
Aarkus might not be as famous as Spider-Man or Iron Man, but his importance to Marvel’s history can’t be overstated.
As one of Marvel’s earliest supernatural heroes, he paved the way for characters like Doctor Strange and the android Vision.
In fact, the Vision we know today was inspired by Aarkus.
Roy Thomas, the writer who created the modern Vision in the 1960s, wanted to honor Aarkus’s legacy by borrowing his name and mysterious nature.
So, who is the green guy behind everyone? He’s Aarkus – the Golden Age “Vision”.
The next time someone brings up Aarkus, you can share his story with pride.
After all, he’s not just a green guy in the background – he’s a timeless figure who reminds us of Marvel’s adventurous beginnings.