Heroes for Hire
Heroes for Hire I
Luke Cage
Alter Ego: Carl Lucas
Notable Aliases: Power Man
First Appearance: Luke Cage, Hero For Hire #1 (June, 1972)
Luke Cage, wrongly convicted and unjustly imprisoned, was altered in a failed prison experiment that granted him unbreakable skin and superhuman strength. With his street smarts, and unending determination to do right, he fights for the common man! He eventually married Jessica Jones and had a daughter with her. Luke was also a member of The Avengers and the Leader of Thunderbolts for a time.
Iron Fist
Alter Ego: Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand-K’ai
Notable Aliases: Daredevil, The Living Weapon, Young Dragon, Daniel Thomas Rand, Daniel Rand-Kai
First Appearance: Marvel Premier #15 (May, 1974)
The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. He channels the soul of the dragon Shou-Lao making his fists into powerful weapons. He is among the best, if not the best fighter in the Marvel Universe. He has also been a member of The Defenders and the New Avengers.
Heroes for Hire II
Human Torch (Android)
Notable Aliases: Jim Hammond, The Torch
Team Affiliations: West Coast Avengers, The Avengers
First Appearance: Marvel Comics #1 (October, 1939)
The original Human Torch, who fought in the second World War and was a member of the Invaders, is an artificial human created by Professor Phineas T. Horton. He is also (publishing-wise) the first ever Marvel super-hero!
Ant-Man II
Alter Ego: Scott Edward Harris Lang
Team Affiliations: The Avengers
First Appearance: The Avengers #181 (March, 1979) note ; Marvel Premiere #47 (April 1979) note
Scott Lang is the second man to take up the mantle of Ant-Man. He has been a member of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four. He was notably killed during the events of Avengers: Disassembled and has struggled to get back on his feet ever since coming back from the dead.
Black Knight
Alter Ego: Dane Whitman
Team Affiliations: The Avengers
First Appearance: The Avengers #47 (December, 1967)
The latest wielder of the Ebony Blade in a long line of heroes and villains known as the Black Knight. Dane Whitman, at one point a member of the Avengers and leader of Ultraforce, is now the current king of Weirdworld.
Hercules
Alter Ego: Heracles
Notable Aliases: The Prince of Power, The Lion of Olympus, Victor Tegler, Harry Cleese
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, Mighty Avengers
First Appearance: Young Allies #16 (June, 1945) note ; Journey into Mystery Annual #1 (October, 1965) note
One of six Olympian sons of Zeus, Hercules was born the savior of the Gods and mankind. Known as the Prince of Power, Hercules is one of the strongest beings in existence, an Olympian God and a modern superhero recognized throughout the world for his might. He has been a champion of mankind since ancient times and continues to defend the world in the modern age - most frequently as a member of the Avengers.
Iron Fist
Alter Ego: Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand-K’ai
Notable Aliases: Daredevil, The Living Weapon, Young Dragon, Daniel Thomas Rand, Daniel Rand-Kai
First Appearance: Marvel Premier #15 (May, 1974)
The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. He channels the soul of the dragon Shou-Lao making his fists into powerful weapons. He is among the best, if not the best fighter in the Marvel Universe. He has also been a member of The Defenders and the New Avengers.
Luke Cage
Alter Ego: Carl Lucas
Notable Aliases: Power Man
First Appearance: Luke Cage, Hero For Hire #1 (June, 1972)
Luke Cage, wrongly convicted and unjustly imprisoned, was altered in a failed prison experiment that granted him unbreakable skin and superhuman strength. With his street smarts, and unending determination to do right, he fights for the common man! He eventually married Jessica Jones and had a daughter with her. Luke was also a member of The Avengers and the Leader of Thunderbolts for a time.
She-Hulk
Alter Ego: Jennifer Susan "Jen" Walters
Notable Aliases: Hulk
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, Mighty Avengers, A-Force (leader)
First Appearance: Savage She-Hulk #1 (February, 1980)
After being shot by mobsters, Jennifer Walter received a life-saving blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk. Due to Banner's irradiated blood, Jennifer gained the ability to transform into the Sensational She-Hulk. She is a recurring member of the Avengers.
Thena
Alter Ego: Azura (birth name)
Notable Aliases: Thena Eliot, Athena, Zura, Betty Sue Bialovsky, Prime Eternal
First Appearance: Red Raven Comics #1 (August 1940) note ; The Eternals #5 (November 1976) note ; New Eternals: Apocalypse Now #1 (February 2000) note
Thena is the daughter of Zuras and Cybele. Thena is also the niece of A'lars and cousin to Thanos and Eros Starfox. She is also the mother of Deborah and Donald Ritter, as well as Joey Eliot. Thena is the occasional lover of the Deviant Kro and once served as the Prime Eternal.
White Tiger II
First Appearance: Heroes for Hire #1
An actual white Bengal tigress evolved into a woman of East Indian descent.
Heroes for Hire III
Misty Knight
Alter Ego: Mercedes "Misty" Knight
First Appearance: Marvel Team-Up #1 (March, 1972)
A former NYPD cop with a bionic arm, martial arts skills, and an attitude who was involved with the Heroes for Hire operation for years.
Colleen Wing
Alter Ego: Colleen Wing
First Appearance: Marvel Premiere #19 (November, 1974)
Colleen Wing is a samurai and one half of the detective/bail-bond firm Daughters of the Dragon. She and Misty Knight co-own 'Heroes for Hire'.
Black Cat
Alter Ego: Felicia Hardy
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #194 (July 1979)
Former cat burglar Felicia Hardy became a crime fighter when she became romantically attracted to and involved with Spider-Man. Felicia has the ability to instill "bad luck" around others - this comes in handy when fighting crime!
Gargoyle
Alter Ego: Isaac Christians
First Appearance: The Defenders Vol. 1, #94 (April, 1981)
Joined Team In: The Defenders Vol. 1, #94 (April, 1981)
Trapped in the immortal body of a gargoyle, Isaac Christians tries to redeem his previous evil acts as one of the Earth's defenders.
Humbug
Alter Ego: Buchanan "Buck" Mitty
First Appearance: Web of Spider-Man #19 (October, 1986)
- "The insects of the island had much to tell me. New York is in danger. We must leave now."
Former villain who can communicate with insects.
Orka
Alter Ego:
Notable Aliases: Tooth-Face, Killer Whale
First Appearance: Sub-Mariner #23 (March, 1970)
Orka is an Atlantean who was augmented by Dr. Dorcas to fight Namor the Sub-Mariner.
Paladin
Alter Ego: Paul Dennis (alias)
First Appearance: Daredevil Vol. 1, #150
A benevolent and honorable mercenary. Paladin has frequently fought alongside superheroes against some of his dubious employers.
Shroud
Alter Ego: Maximillian Quincy Coleridge
First Appearance: Super-Villain Team-Up #5 (April, 1976)
After witnessing the murder of his parents in front of him, Maximillian Coleridge vowed to fight crime in any way he could. Initially undercover with a group of villains known as Night Shift, he worked alongside the Avengers, Spider-Woman and Moon Knight.
Tarantula
Alter Ego: Maria Vasquez
First Appearance: Heroes for Hire (Vol. 2) #1 (October, 2006)
María is the fourth and current superhuman known as Tarántula. She is an accomplished martial artist and highly skilled in using the blades on her wrists and toes of her boots.
- Anti-Hero: She has a bad attitude and if instructed not to kill, she will seriously injure an opponent instead, to the chagrin of her teammates.
- Armed Legs: She also has blades on the toes of her boots.
- Badass Bookworm: She has displayed knowledge of biology, engineering and biophysics.
- Badass Normal: She has no powers but is still an impressive fighter.
- Blade Below the Shoulder: She possesses blades attached to her gloves.
- Blood Knight: She enjoyed inflicting pain and death, and once licked her bloody blade after slicing through an enemy.
- Dating Catwoman: She was the Catwoman for Shang-Chi, sharing a passionate kiss, but their relationship wouldn't come to be since after he rejected her to return to his vow of celibacy.
- Distaff Counterpart: The first female to become Tarantula.
- Legacy Character: Fourth person to use the Tarantula moniker.
- Opposites Attract: You wouldn't expect a disciplined Martial Pacifist and a vicious Blood Knight to be attracted to each other. Despite this, Shang Chi and Maria have an undeniable mutual attraction and apparently have sex.
- The Smart Guy: See Badass Bookworm above. Her father was somewhat disappointed she became a superhero as he felt she would have been better
- Statuesque Stunner: She's 5'9"/175cm tall and quite attractive.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: Besides an offhanded mention that she joined the Underground during Secret Empire, she hasn't been seen much since she left the Heroes for Hire.
Vienna
Notable Aliases: Angela Tortelli
First Appearance: Master of Kung Fu #121 (February, 1983)
A master spy and manipulator.
- Master Actor: Talented and creative actress with improvisational and persuasive skills.
- Mysterious Past: Nothing is known about her beyond being a spy and thief.
- Only Known by Their Nickname: She's only known as Vienna.
- Spy Catsuit: Wears one, as expected from a spy.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: Hasn't reappeared since the end of Civil War.
Heroes for Hire IV
Misty Knight
Alter Ego: Mercedes "Misty" Knight
First Appearance: Marvel Team-Up #1 (March, 1972)
A former NYPD cop with a bionic arm, martial arts skills, and an attitude who was involved with the Heroes for Hire operation for years.
Colleen Wing
Alter Ego: Colleen Wing
First Appearance: Marvel Premiere #19 (November, 1974)
Colleen Wing is a samurai and one half of the detective/bail-bond firm Daughters of the Dragon. She and Misty Knight co-own 'Heroes for Hire'.
Black Widow
Alter Ego: Natalia Alianovna Romanova (Natasha Romanoff)
Notable Aliases: Natalie Rushman, Laura Matthers, Mary Farrell, Natasha Romanoff, Oktober, Yelena Belova
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, Secret Avengers, Mighty Avengers
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense #52 (April, 1964)
A former KGB agent Natasha Romanova, better known as Black Widow, is one of the best agents S.H.I.E.L.D. has ever had. She's a longtime member of the Avengers as well as the leader of the short-lived Los Angeles-based superhero team called the Champions.
Elektra
Alter Ego: Elektra Natchios
First Appearance: Daredevil #168
The lethal scarlet assassin. Daredevil's most fearsome enemy as well as his former lover and most renowned as being the greatest assassin in the world.
The Falcon
Alter Ego: Samuel Thomas "Sam" Wilson
Notable Aliases: "Snap" Wilson, Falcon, Blackwing, Blackbird, Captain America
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Secret Avengers, All-New, All-Different Avengers
First Appearance: Captain America #117 (September, 1969) note ; All-New Captain America #1 (November, 2014) note
A social worker turned hero, Sam Wilson's bleak outlook on life was wiped away the day he met Captain America. Using a winged costume and his remarkable combat prowess and avian telepathy, he became the Falcon - defender of Harlem.
Ghost Rider
Alter Ego: Johnathon "Johnny" Blaze
Notable Aliases: Ghost Rider, Bonehead, Brimstone Avenger, Brimstone Biker, Brother Blaze, The Burning Man, Devil, Frank Ryder, Ghost Toasty, J.B., Johnny-Cakes, Matchstick, Skullhead, Spirit of Vengeance, The Riding Ghost, "Whore of Heaven"
First Appearance: Marvel Spotlight #5 (May, 1972)
Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stuntman, became bound to the Spirit of Vengeance known as Zarathos after making a deal with Mephisto to spare the life of his surrogate father. With the power to control hellfire and to inflict pain on those he deems evil with his Penance Stare, Johnny seeks vengeance as Ghost Rider.
Iron Fist
Alter Ego: Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand-K’ai
Notable Aliases: Daredevil, The Living Weapon, Young Dragon, Daniel Thomas Rand, Daniel Rand-Kai
First Appearance: Marvel Premier #15 (May, 1974)
The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. He channels the soul of the dragon Shou-Lao making his fists into powerful weapons. He is among the best, if not the best fighter in the Marvel Universe. He has also been a member of The Defenders and the New Avengers.
Moon Knight
Alter Ego: Marc Spector
Notable Aliases: Steven Grant, Jake Lockley, Fist of Khonshu, Mr. Knight
Team Affiliations: West Coast Avengers, Secret Avengers
First Appearance: Werewolf by Night #32 (August, 1975)
Moon Knight, Marc Spector, Steven Grant, and Jake Lockley: four different aspects of the same man who was resurrected by Khonshu (the Egyptian Lunar-God of Vengeance and Justice) to serve as his "avatar." Those unjust mortals who prey upon the innocents traveling at night, with powers that come from the moon, beware the Vengeance of the Moon Knight!
The Punisher
Alter Ego: Frank G. Castle (born Francis Castiglione)
Notable Aliases: Mr. Smith, Charles Fort, Frank Rook, Johnny Tower, Franken-Castle, War Machine
First Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #129
The Punisher is an anti-hero originating from Marvel Comics. When U.S. Marine veteran Frank Castle's family's was murdered for witnessing a mob hit, the man vowed to avenge their deaths and became a one-man army in his personal war against the criminal underworld. With a distinct death's head skull adorning his chest, Frank Castle became the vigilante known as the Punisher.
Shang-Chi
Alter Ego: Shang-Chi
Notable Aliases: Master of Kung-Fu
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, Secret Avengers, New Avengers
First Appearance: Special Marvel Edition #15 (December, 1973)
Shang-Chi is the son of a sinister Chinese mastermind. He was raised and trained in the martial arts by his father and his instructors. A spy, a romantic, a philosopher and an Avenger. As one of the best martial artists in the Marvel universe, Shang chooses to use his talents to fight evil and defend the innocent.
Silver Sable
Alter Ego: Silver Sablinova
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #265 (June, 1985)
Symkarian ruler and leader of a band of mercenaries known as the Wild Pack. More recently she has allied herself with Misty Knight, Paladin and the Heroes for Hire operation.
Spider-Man
Alter Ego: Peter Benjamin Parker
Notable Aliases: Bombastic Bag-Man, Ricochet, Dusk, Prodigy, Hornet, Ben Reilly, Scarlet Spider, Captain Universe, Liar
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Secret Avengers, Uncanny Avengers, Fantastic Four, The Defenders, Future Foundation, Daily Bugle, Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, League of Realms, S.H.I.E.L.D., Spider-Army / Web-Warriors
First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15 (August, 1962)
Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider as a teenager, granting him spider-like powers. After the death of his Uncle Ben, Peter learned that "with great power, comes great responsibility." Swearing to always protect the innocent from harm, Peter Parker became Spider-Man.
Heroes For Hire V
The Hulk
Alter Ego: Dr. Robert Bruce Banner
Notable Aliases: Joe Fixit, War, World-Breaker, Doc Green, Devil Hulk
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, The Defenders, Horsemen of Apocalypse, Fantastic Four, The Pantheon, Warbound, Secret Avengers
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #1 (May, 1962)
After being bombarded with a massive dose of gamma radiation while saving a young man's life during an experimental bomb testing, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was transformed into the Incredible Hulk: a green behemoth who is the living personification of rage and pure physical strength.
Iron Fist
Alter Ego: Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand-K’ai
Notable Aliases: Daredevil, The Living Weapon, Young Dragon, Daniel Thomas Rand, Daniel Rand-Kai
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, New Avengers
First Appearance: Marvel Premier #15 (May, 1974)
The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. He channels the soul of the dragon Shou-Lao making his fists into powerful weapons. He is among the best, if not the best fighter in the Marvel Universe. He has also been a member of The Defenders and the New Avengers.
Black Panther
Alter Ego: T'Challa
Notable Aliases: King of the Dead; Mr. Okonkwo
Team Affiliations: The Avengers, New Avengers, The Ultimates (co-leader)
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #52 (July, 1966)
T'Challa is the Black Panther, king of Wakanda, one of the most technologically advanced nations on Earth. He is among the top intellects and martial artists of the world, a veteran Avenger, and a member of the Illuminati. Using his powers and abilities, he has pledged his fortune, powers, and life to the service of all mankind.
Doctor Strange
Alter Ego: Stephen Vincent Strange
Notable Aliases: Master of the Mystic Arts, Master of Black Magic, Sorcerer Supreme, Strange, Stephen Sanders, Captain Universe, Vincent Stevens, Void
Team Affiliations: New Avengers
First Appearance: Strange Tales #110 (July, 1963)
Dr. Stephen Strange was once a gifted but egotistical surgeon who sought out the Ancient One to heal his hands after they were wounded in a car accident. Instead, the Ancient One trained him to become Master of the Mystic Arts and the Sorcerer Supreme of Earth.
Heroes for Hire VI
Luke Cage
Alter Ego: Carl Lucas
Notable Aliases: Power Man
First Appearance: Luke Cage, Hero For Hire #1 (June, 1972)
Luke Cage, wrongly convicted and unjustly imprisoned, was altered in a failed prison experiment that granted him unbreakable skin and superhuman strength. With his street smarts, and unending determination to do right, he fights for the common man! He eventually married Jessica Jones and had a daughter with her. Luke was also a member of The Avengers and the Leader of Thunderbolts for a time.
Iron Fist
Alter Ego: Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand-K’ai
Notable Aliases: Daredevil, The Living Weapon, Young Dragon, Daniel Thomas Rand, Daniel Rand-Kai
First Appearance: Marvel Premier #15 (May, 1974)
The latest in a long line of warriors who wielded the power, Danny Rand is the immortal Iron Fist: protector of the mystical city of K'un Lun. He channels the soul of the dragon Shou-Lao making his fists into powerful weapons. He is among the best, if not the best fighter in the Marvel Universe. He has also been a member of The Defenders and the New Avengers.
White Tiger
Alter Ego: Angela del Toro
First Appearance: Daredevil (Vol. 2) #40 (February, 2003)
An ex-FBI Agent who worked on the Daredevil case. She became the White Tiger after the death of her uncle, Hector Ayala, the previous White Tiger, when she inherited his Jade Amulets.
