Sentry: The Hero Shaping Marvel’s Future, And Why We Can’t Get Enough

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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character known as Sentry has only recently made its debut, but it’s already playing a significant role in shaping the bold, new direction of the franchise. The unpredictable member of the Thunderbolts team has captivated audiences worldwide, and now that fans have been introduced to this powerful, almost divine hero, his co-creator is sharing insights about Sentry.

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The Sentry is a captivating yet puzzling hero in the Marvel Universe, who made his debut in a miniseries titled ‘Sentry’ under the Marvel Knights banner. He was initially portrayed as a hero who had fought alongside other Marvel heroes for years but had been completely overlooked. With Sentry now set to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (with Lewis Pullman playing the character in Thunderbolts*), co-creator Paul Jenkins discussed how Bob Reynolds transformed the storyline during Brian Michael Bendis’ run on ‘New Avengers’ and how Reynolds’ battles with his own struggles make him a highly relatable, contemporary superhero for the MCU.

Sentry’s Co-Creator on The Mental Health Struggles Behind the Sentry

How the Breakout Thunderbolts* Character Became Marvel’s Newest Icon

In cinemas (and raking in impressive profits), Thunderbolts* is running. Following this success, Paul Jenkins, one of Sentry’s co-creators, had an engaging conversation with Comicbook.com about the character. Jenkins openly shares insights into Sentry’s past, revealing that the original concept was pitched to DC Comics for an Hourman series. Although the proposal wasn’t accepted, the idea of a hero grappling with addiction intrigued Jenkins. He refined this concept and transformed it into what is now known as The Sentry within Marvel Comics.

Initially conceived as a miniseries, The Sentry caught Brian Michael Bendis’ attention when he was planning to redefine the Avengers through his New Avengers series. As per Jenkins, Bendis sought fresh characters and found appeal in The Sentry. Jenkins praised the character’s integration into New Avengers, stating that it offered insights into our vulnerable mental states. Jenkins particularly admired how the Sentry’s internal battle with his dark side, the Void, provided an intriguing foundation for the character.

In addition, Jenkins talked about his function as a script advisor on the project “*Thunderbolts*”, collaborating closely with director Jake Schrier to ensure the portrayal of Bob’s character was accurate. Jenkins emphasized that he thinks the Sentry could serve as a symbol for individuals dealing with mental health issues, similar to how Black Panther might resonate with people of color. He has received numerous letters from fans expressing their appreciation for the Sentry, and he admits that he’s lost count. The comic creator stresses the significance of depicting the challenges faced by those with mental health issues and believes that “*Thunderbolts*” does an excellent job representing these sensitive topics through the character of the Sentry.

Paul Jenkins is Right, The Sentry is Perfect for a New Marvel Era

The MCU’s Bob Reynolds Can Do Just as Good Work as the Comics

For close to two decades, the Marvel Universe has held sway over pop culture, yet it’s only recently that they’ve made significant strides in depicting a diverse range of characters. Despite Marvel Studios’ efforts to include various demographics, there seems to be a hesitancy when it comes to portraying heroes battling mental health issues. Although some series and films have addressed topics like depression and anxiety, none have delved as deeply as the Sentry has done.

It’s a fact that many individuals worldwide deal with mental health issues, some more severely than others. Generally speaking, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has avoided tackling such topics extensively. But the character Sentry doesn’t shy away. In the series Thunderbolts*, they openly and honestly portray Bob’s battles and their effects on his life. This candid approach is precisely what fans are longing for in the MCU, especially at this stage when the franchise’s audience is yearning for something fresh and different.

In Paul Jenkins’ discussion, it’s noted that the Sentry was a groundbreaking character for comic book enthusiasts who found relatability in him as he fought through intense, real-life struggles. It’s commendable that Marvel Studios is venturing into new territory by authentically portraying such a character, rather than glossing over his hardships. This marks a fresh era for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and with the Sentry on board, it’ll be intriguing to see where the story unfolds next.

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2025-05-07 01:36