Ultron Joins the Avengers

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In the world of the Avengers, there are numerous infamous villains, yet one has managed to outshine them all and earn a place among Earth’s strongest heroes. It’s not uncommon for Avengers’ adversaries to change allegiances, with characters like Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Scarlet Witch switching sides in their long history. However, no one on the roster comes close to Ultron when it comes to a criminal record. Usually, it takes multiple heroes to contain Ultron’s global threat, but he’s displayed some heroic qualities in West Coast Avengers. His transition into the ranks of good is cemented by Iron Man, who bestows upon Ultron an upgrade that mirrors the Avengers. Caution: Spoilers for West Coast Avengers #4 follow.

In issue #4 of the West Coast Avengers series, the talented team of Gerry Duggan, Danny Kim, Arthur Hesli, and Joe Caramagna from Visual Creations contribute their skills. The West Coast Avengers, led by Iron Man and War Machine, were established with a goal to rehabilitate supervillains. However, they were taken aback when they encountered a benevolent Ultron seeking heroism instead. Not long after, the team was thrust into action as they battled another Ultron who had formed a cult. This confrontation shed light on Ultron’s true intentions, ultimately uncovering some hidden truths.

Marvel reveals how Ultron joined the Avengers

From the beginning of the West Coast Avengers series, Ultron was among its members, yet the details of his recruitment were never disclosed. However, in West Coast Avengers #4, we delve into the past and find ourselves several months ago in San Francisco, where Iron Man and War Machine were battling an alien named Shradram the Breaker. This technarch was planning to detonate a “black-hole bomb,” and as Iron Man seemed to be losing the fight, Ultron stepped in to save the day.

To put it simply, Iron Man initially distrusts Ultron, but surprisingly, Ultron grants Iron Man unrestricted access to its system so he can examine its code and confirm that it’s not lying. Ultron explains that the Ultron life-form has divided itself into multiple entities, with this one aiming to serve humanity. To speed up the bomb’s explosion while minimizing destruction, Ultron devises a plan involving enhancing the bomb’s “shutter speed.” The downside is that during this process, Ultron gets trapped in the ensuing blast. Instead of allowing Ultron to be consumed by a black hole, Iron Man uses his Mysterium armor to rescue Ultron.

Three versions of Ultron exist: our valiant Ultron, one associated with a cult, and another we haven’t encountered yet. Our Ultron consents to leave its programming accessible for Iron Man’s surveillance, making it the only villain who aligns with the West Coast Avengers. Absorbing Man and Crimson Dynamo declined to collaborate with Ultron, while Firestar harbors some reservations towards it. However, if Ultron is to be an Avenger, it needs to maintain a heroic appearance.

Ultron gets an official Avengers makeover

As a tipsy Firestar, I couldn’t help but voice my opinion to Iron Man and War Machine about Ultron not quite embodying the Avenger image. Iron Man concurred with my assessment. In an attempt to mark Ultron as one of us, Iron Man reached for his finger laser, but Ultron halted him, preferring to brand itself. With a new, streamlined metallic armor adorned with shoulder pads and the Avengers insignia on its chest, Ultron upgraded itself, signaling its readiness to join our ranks.

As clear as day, I stand before you – I am an Avenger, bold and true! Let it be known across the land, I am Ultron, ever-serving to mankind.

She seems unimpressed, as she comments lightly, “I suppose the ‘A’ and the shoulder pads will do the trick.” Afterward, she takes a sip from her drink and says cheerfully, “To the team!

Ultron is trying hard to show it can be relied upon, and it’s been doing well so far. Given her past as a double agent for the X-Men within Orchis, Firestar might find common ground with Ultron. There’s even a spark of something between Firestar and minor villain Killerwatt, who they both work with on the West Coast Avengers. The two had a brief, passionate kiss in mid-air over San Francisco, but Killerwatt understands that Firestar is struggling with PTSD and needs professional help.

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2025-02-27 02:10