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==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
The villain [[Mad Thinker]] creates an artificial lifeform based on the research notes of [[Fantastic Four]] leader [[Mister Fantastic]]. A synthesis of [[ape]] [[DNA]] and [[unstable molecules]] incorporated into an almost indestructible body with a [[microcomputer]] and a [[solar-power]] source, the newly christened ''Awesome Android'' is directed against the Fantastic Four, although the [[superhero]] team defeats both the Android and the Thinker.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #15 (June 1963). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Awesome Android, still as a pawn of the Thinker, returns to battle the combined efforts of the Fantastic Four and the [[mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] team the [[X-Men]] before being deactivated by X-Men leader [[Professor X]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #28 (July 1964). Marvel Comics.</ref>
The Awesome Android was created by the [[Mad Thinker]] using [[Mister Fantastic]]'s research, incorporating [[ape]] [[DNA]] and [[unstable molecules]] into an almost indestructible body with a [[microcomputer]] and a [[solar-power]] source.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #15 (June 1963). Marvel Comics.</ref> It battles the Fantastic Four and the [[mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] team the [[X-Men]] before being deactivated by X-Men leader [[Professor X]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #28 (July 1964). Marvel Comics.</ref>


The Thinker directs the Android to [[kidnap]] [[industrialist]] Tony Stark, which eventually leads to a battle with Stark's [[alter ego]] [[Iron Man]].<ref>''Tales of Suspense'' #72 (Dec. 1965)</ref> After an appearance during the "War of the Super Villains" storyline<ref>''Iron Man'' #77 (Aug. 1975)</ref> the Android is absent from Marvel continuity until directed by the Thinker to capture the [[Galador (comics)|Galadorian]] spaceknight ''Rom'' for further study. After a brief battle, Rom successfully deactivates the Android.<ref>''Rom'' #14 (Jan. 1981). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Android battles [[Captain America]], having been repaired by then abandoned by the Thinker.<ref>''Captain America'' #311 (Nov. 1985). Marvel Comics.</ref> Fellow artificial creation the [[Super Adaptoid]], posing as villain the [[Fixer (comics)|Fixer]], reprograms the Android and uses it as part of an assault team of advanced [[robot]]s called Heavy Metal, consisting of the Awesome Android; [[Machine Man]]; the [[Sentry (Kree)|Sentry 459]], and [[TESS-One]]. The group is eventually defeated by the Avengers with [[Namor the Sub-Mariner]] deactivating the Android by ripping off its head while in the water, causing his torso to flood and sink.<ref>''Avengers'' #286-289 (Feb.-May 1988). Marvel Comics.</ref>
The Thinker directs the Android to [[kidnap]] [[industrialist]] Tony Stark, which eventually leads to a battle with Stark's [[alter ego]] [[Iron Man]].<ref>''Tales of Suspense'' #72 (Dec. 1965)</ref> After an appearance during the "War of the Super Villains" storyline<ref>''Iron Man'' #77 (Aug. 1975)</ref> the Android is absent from Marvel continuity until directed by the Thinker to capture the [[Galador (comics)|Galadorian]] spaceknight ''Rom'' for further study. After a brief battle, Rom successfully deactivates the Android.<ref>''Rom'' #14 (Jan. 1981). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Android battles [[Captain America]], having been repaired by then abandoned by the Thinker.<ref>''Captain America'' #311 (Nov. 1985). Marvel Comics.</ref> Fellow artificial creation the [[Super-Adaptoid]], posing as villain the [[Fixer (Marvel Comics)|Fixer]], reprograms the Android and uses it as part of an assault team of advanced [[robot]]s called Heavy Metal, consisting of the Awesome Android; [[Machine Man]]; the [[Sentry (Kree)|Sentry 459]], and [[TESS-One]]. The group is eventually defeated by the Avengers with [[Namor the Sub-Mariner]] deactivating the Android by ripping off its head while in the water, causing his torso to flood and sink.<ref>''Avengers'' #286-289 (Feb.-May 1988). Marvel Comics.</ref>


The Android reappears during the "[[Acts of Vengeance]]" storyline, being repaired by the robot [[Machinesmith]] and used to distract the Avengers while several villains escape confinement in the prison facility the [[Vault (Marvel Comics)|Vault]]. The Android is neutralized by [[Monica Rambeau|Captain Marvel]].<ref>''Avengers Spotlight'' #27 (Mid-Dec. 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref> After battles with the superhero teams the ''[[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]'',<ref>''Thunderbolts'' #2 (June 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> and the ''[[Heroes for Hire]]'',<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' #1 (July 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> and two more encounters with the Fantastic Four,<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 3, #23 (Nov. 1999); #43-44 (July-Aug. 2001). Marvel Comics.</ref> the Android is reclaimed by the Thinker.
The Android reappears during the "[[Acts of Vengeance]]" storyline, being repaired by the robot [[Machinesmith]] and used to distract the Avengers while several villains escape confinement in the prison facility the [[Vault (Marvel Comics)|Vault]]. The Android is neutralized by [[Monica Rambeau|Captain Marvel]].<ref>''Avengers Spotlight'' #27 (Mid-Dec. 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref> After battles with the superhero teams the ''[[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]'',<ref>''Thunderbolts'' #2 (June 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> and the ''[[Heroes for Hire]]'',<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' #1 (July 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> and two more encounters with the Fantastic Four,<ref>''Fantastic Four'' vol. 3, #23 (Nov. 1999); #43-44 (July-Aug. 2001). Marvel Comics.</ref> the Android is reclaimed by the Thinker.


The Thinker upgrades the Android to absorb additional abilities, which inadvertently gives him [[sentience]]. Subsequently, he rebels against the Thinker and joins Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway, the law firm that employs [[She-Hulk|Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk]]. However, he eventually returns to the Mad Thinker after being rejected by his coworker [[Mallory Book]].<ref>''She Hulk'' #2 (June 2004); #4 (Aug. 2004); #6-9 (Oct. 2004 - Jan. 2005); #11-12 (March - April 2005); #14 (February 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''She-Hulk'' #20 (Sept. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Exiles'' vol. 2, #4 (Sept. 2009). Marvel Comics.</ref> In subsequent appearances, he accompanies the Mad Thinker in his schemes before eventually joining Iron Man's [[A.I. Army]].<ref>''Fall of the Hulks: Alpha'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''FF'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #676. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Deadpool'' vol. 2 #55. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Captain America: Steve Rogers'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #3. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2. #4. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 4 #5. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>
The Thinker upgrades the Android to absorb additional abilities, such as [[music]]al talent and animal traits. Acquiring [[sentience]], the Android rebels against the Thinker and seeks legal aid from [[law firm]] Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway (the firm that employs [[Jennifer Walters]], the [[alter ego]] of heroine She-Hulk). The Android is legally [[emancipate]]d from the Thinker, with a court recognizing the being as a male with a new name, "Awesome Andy." Andy becomes a general office worker for the firm; lacking speech, he communicates via hand-gestures, body language, and a message board around his neck. The board, originally depicted as a chalk board, was [[retcon]]ned into a digital display screen with a [[Wi-Fi]] connection to his [[CPU]].

After a brief fight with a member of the [[Eternal (comics)|Eternals]], [[Starfox (comics)|Starfox]], Andy inadvertently absorbs Starfox's [[pheromone]]-like abilities, causing Andy to gain the affections of his coworker Mallory Book. Upon realizing she does not actually reciprocate these feelings, the character deactivates his powers, and, after being rejected by her, leaves the law firm.<ref>''She Hulk'' #2 (June 2004); #4 (Aug. 2004); #6-9 (Oct. 2004 - Jan. 2005); #11-12 (March - April 2005); #14 (February 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref> Andy reappears as the Awesome Android in the employ of the Thinker, having reset its system with no trace of the previous personality.<ref>''She-Hulk'' #20 (Sept. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Android also encounters the [[Parallel universe (fiction)|parallel universe]] team the ''[[Exiles (comics)|Exiles]]''.<ref>''Exiles'' vol. 2, #4 (Sept. 2009). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Awesome Android was with [[Mad Thinker]] when it was revealed that Mad Thinker was a member of Intelligencia.<ref>''Fall of the Hulks: Alpha'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Awesome Android was with Mad Thinker when he is invited to join the [[Future Foundation]]'s seminar on how to defeat Reed Richards with the Reed Richards in mind being the Council of Reeds.<ref>''FF'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Awesome Android was present with Intelligencia when they are attacked by the [[Sinister Six]]. He was shot into space by the Zero Cannon.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #676. Marvel Comics.</ref>

MODOK Superior was able to revive Awesome Android and the other [[List of Marvel Comics teams and organizations#Intelligencia|Intelligencia]] members.<ref>''Deadpool'' vol. 2 #55. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Awesome Android later appears attacking the Museum of American History and battles Steve Rogers, the original Captain America.<ref>''Captain America: Steve Rogers'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Iron Man 2020 (event)|Iron Man 2020]]" event, Awesome Android appears as a member of the [[A.I. Army]].<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> He crashes a stability test at Brevoort Dynamics in Cambridge, Massachusetts and makes off with a robot that was being tested. During the raid, Arno Stark sent out a signal to keep the A.I. Army from escaping to the Thirteenth Floor. [[Machinesmith]] is entangled in wires that work to place the submission code in him as he begs for Awesome Android to help him.<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> H.E.R.B.I.E. reports to the rest of the A.I. Army that Quasimodo is deactivated and Mark One is facing off against Iron Man. He runs into Awesome Android who is carrying a tablet that Machinesmith transferred his consciousness into as they flee the Baintronics guards. After the three of them go through a wall, Awesome Android activates his retractable thrusters to slow the descent. When Mark One crashes to the ground, Awesome Android then picks up Mark One's body as the A.I. Army and other robots are left devastated at what happened.<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #3. Marvel Comics.</ref> As Awesome Android is carrying Mark One's body, H.E.R.B.I.E. states to Machinesmith that they have to flee. The three of them are contacted by Ghost in the Machine who states that they have not yet won the war and to get Mark One's body away from the battle. When Iron Man begins to descend on them, Machinesmith has Awesome Android mimic Iron Man's appearance and provide them with an escape underground. In New Jersey, Machinesmith, H.E.R.B.I.E., and Awesome Android have made use of a temporary lair as Machinesmith places his conscious into another body. Machine Man, Jocasta, and Dr. Bhang contact them stating that they found a way to block the obedience code.<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2. #4. Marvel Comics.</ref> H.E.R.B.I.E., Awesome Android, and Machinesmith accompany Rescue in the raid on Baintronics as Awesome Android carry in Mark One's body to one of the remaining bio-tubes that Dr. Andrew Bheng uses to restore Tony. On the Stark Space Station, Awesome Android is among those that confront Arno until the Extinction Entity arrives.<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 4 #5. Marvel Comics.</ref> As everyone partakes in the fight against the Extinction Entity, Awesome Android flies Machinesmith into battle where they are both taken out by one of the Extinction Entity's tentacles. It turns out that the Extinction Entity was just a simulation and was the result of the disease that Arno thought he cured himself of.<ref>''Iron Man 2020'' vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
The Awesome Android is created when the [[Mad Thinker]] steals and uses a technique invented by Mister Fantastic, involving splicing unstable molecules into the DNA patterns of an ape. It has limited artificial intelligence and no capacity for self-motivated activity, and is totally dependent on its programming or the programmer's spoken commands, and usually deactivates itself when not active.
The Awesome Android is created when the [[Mad Thinker]] steals and uses a technique invented by Mister Fantastic, involving splicing unstable molecules into the DNA patterns of an ape. It has limited artificial intelligence and no capacity for self-motivated activity, and is totally dependent on its programming or the programmer's spoken commands, and usually deactivates itself when inactive.


The Android has inhuman physical attributes and can mimic an ability (one at a time) after touching an opponent, such as the [[Thing (comics)|Thing]]'s rock-like epidermis or [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]]'s frost coating. It can also emit close-range blasts of [[gale|gale-force wind]] from its mouth. The Android is given one weakness by the Thinker: a collection of [[Nervous system|nerve]] [[Ganglion|ganglia]] underneath the left armpit that if struck will cause the Android to shut down.<ref>''Avengers'' #286 (May 1988). Marvel Comics.</ref>
The Android has inhuman physical attributes and can mimic an ability (one at a time) after touching an opponent, such as the [[Ben Grimm|Thing]]'s rock-like skin or [[Iceman (comics)|Iceman]]'s frost coating. It can also emit close-range blasts of [[gale|gale-force wind]] from its mouth. The Android is given one weakness by the Thinker: a collection of [[Nervous system|nerve]] [[Ganglion|ganglia]] underneath its arms that will deactivate it if struck.<ref>''Avengers'' #286 (May 1988). Marvel Comics.</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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* In 2017, ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked the Awesome Android 10th in their "15 Best Thors In Marvel Comics" list.
* In 2017, ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked the Awesome Android 10th in their "15 Best Thors In Marvel Comics" list.
* In 2018, ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked the Awesome Android 12th in their "20 Most Powerful Androids Of The Marvel Universe" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Gary |date=2018-12-25 |title=Epic Synthetics: The 20 Most Powerful Androids Of The Marvel Universe, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-androids-powerful-ranked/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2018, [[Comic Book Resources]] (CBR) ranked the Awesome Android 12th in their "20 Most Powerful Androids Of The Marvel Universe" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Gary |date=December 25, 2018 |title=Epic Synthetics: The 20 Most Powerful Androids Of The Marvel Universe, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-androids-powerful-ranked/ |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2021, ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked the Awesome Android 6th in their "10 Strongest Robots In The Marvel Universe" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faraci |first=Derek |date=2021-01-26 |title=Heavy Metal: 10 Strongest Robots In The Marvel Universe, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-marvel-universe-robots-ranked/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In 2021, CBR ranked the Awesome Android 6th in their "10 Strongest Robots In The Marvel Universe" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faraci |first=Derek |date=January 26, 2021 |title=Heavy Metal: 10 Strongest Robots In The Marvel Universe, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-marvel-universe-robots-ranked/ |access-date=November 17, 2022 |website=CBR |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Other versions==
==Other versions==


===Ultimate Marvel===
===Ultimate Marvel===
In the [[Ultimate Marvel]] imprint, a version of the character named '''Bobby Burchill''' appears in ''[[Ultimate Fantastic Four]]''. The character is the younger brother and slave of Rhona Burchill (the Ultimate Marvel version of [[Mad Thinker#Ultimate Thinker|Mad Thinker]]).<ref>''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' #19-20 (July-Aug. 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref>
An alternate version of the Awesome Android named '''Bobby Burchill''' appears in ''[[Ultimate Fantastic Four]]''. He is the younger brother and slave of [[Mad Thinker|Rhona Burchill]].<ref>''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' #19-20 (July-Aug. 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref>


===JLA/Avengers===
===JLA/Avengers===
In the last issue of ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'', the Awesome Android is among the enthralled villains defending [[Krona (comics)|Krona]]'s stronghold, and is defeated by Superman.<ref>''JLA/Avengers'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>
The Awesome Android appears in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' #4 as a brainwashed minion of [[Krona (comics)|Krona]].<ref>''JLA/Avengers'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
===Television===
* The Awesome Android appears in the "[[Namor]]" segment of ''[[The Marvel Super Heroes]]''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The Awesome Android appears in the "[[Namor]]" segment of ''[[The Marvel Super Heroes]]''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}
* The [[Ultimate Marvel]] incarnation of the Awesome Android appears in ''[[Iron Man: Armored Adventures]]''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} This version, renamed '''Andy Erwin''', is an android that [[Mad Thinker#Ultimate Marvel|Rhona Burchill]] designed to resemble a [[Goth subculture|goth]] and act as her "brother". In their most notable appearance in the episode "All the Best People are Mad", Burchill and Andy trap [[Tony Stark]]'s friends in various death traps and force him to save them as part of her Deadly Aptitude Tests (D.A.T.s). After Tony succeeds in doing so, Rhona sends Andy to eliminate them, but contends with Iron Man instead. During their fight, the latter discovers Andy is an android and damages him, causing Andy to shut down in Rhona's arms.
* The Ultimate Marvel incarnation of the Awesome Android appears in ''[[Iron Man: Armored Adventures]]''.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}} This version, renamed '''Andy Erwin''', is an android that Rhona Burchill designed to resemble a [[Goth subculture|goth]] and act as her "brother" before being killed by Iron Man.
* Awesome Android "Andy" appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=853 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200300/http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=853 |archive-date=2013-10-29 |title=Marvel Animation Age - The Marvel Animation News Resource}}</ref> with vocal effects provided by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Voice Of Awesome Android – Behind The Voice Actors |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Ultimate-Spider-Man/Awesome-Android/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. Check marks indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources}}</ref> This version is an experiment kept in Dr. [[Lizard (character)|Curt Connors]]' lab on the [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] [[Helicarrier]] in brick form. Additionally, it is an artificial intelligence that eats inorganic matter, but is vulnerable to cold temperatures.
* The Awesome Android appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=853 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200300/http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=853 |archive-date=2013-10-29 |title=Marvel Animation Age - The Marvel Animation News Resource}}</ref> with vocal effects provided by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Awesome Android Voice - ''Ultimate Spider-Man'' (TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Ultimate-Spider-Man/Awesome-Android/ |website=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> This version is an experimental robot with a rudimentary, child-like artificial intelligence that can ingest inorganic matter to increase its size and is kept in Dr. [[Lizard (character)|Curt Connors]]' lab on the [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] [[Helicarrier]] in a brick-like state.


===Miscellaneous===
===Miscellaneous===
Awesome Android appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' tie-in comic.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=October 2022}}
The Awesome Android appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' #2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #2 - Obsession; Mutual Respect (Issue) |url=https://comicvine.gamespot.com/avengers-earths-mightiest-heroes-2-obsession-mutua/4000-247613/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=Comic Vine |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1963]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1963]]
[[Category:Fictional androids]]
[[Category:Fictional androids]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters who are shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]

Latest revision as of 18:20, 20 October 2024

Awesome Android
The Awesome Android on the cover (background) of Rom #14 (Feb. 1981). Art by Dave Cockrum.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Fantastic Four #15 (June 1963)
Created byStan Lee (writer)
Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
SpeciesRobot
Team affiliationsA.I. Army
Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg, & Holliway
Heavy Metal
Intelligencia
PartnershipsMad Thinker
Notable aliasesAwesome Andy
Abilities

The Awesome Android (also briefly known as Awesome Andy) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #15 (June 1963) and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby.

Debuting in the Silver Age of Comic Books, the character has made appearances in Marvel titles for over four decades, and also appeared in Marvel-related products including animated television series and trading cards.

Publication history

[edit]

The Awesome Android debuted in Fantastic Four #15 (June 1963) as the creation of the Mad Thinker.[1] "Since then, [the Mad Thinker] and his 15-foot-tall (4.6 m) artificial being ... have had run-ins with most of Marvel's major superheroes.[2]

The pair reappeared in Fantastic Four #28 (July 1964) to battle both the titular superhero team and the mutant superheroes the X-Men. The Android continued in the role of antagonist, appearing in Tales of Suspense #72 (Dec. 1965) as an opponent for Iron Man; Rom #14 (January 1981) against the Parker Brothers-licensed hero Rom; and in Captain America #311 (Nov. 1985). The Android reappeared as part of a supervillain team in The Avengers #286-289 (Feb.-May 1988); featured in the Acts of Vengeance storyline in Avengers Spotlight #27 (Mid-Dec. 1989); battled several Marvel heroes in Thunderbolts #2 (June 1997) and Heroes for Hire #1 (July 1997) and had two further encounters with the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four vol. 3, #23 (Nov. 1999) and #43-44 (July-Aug. 2001). The Android was reclaimed and upgraded by the Thinker in a humorous storyline in the 2004–2005 series She-Hulk; and made a brief appearance in Exiles vol. 2 #4 (Sept. 2009).

Fictional character biography

[edit]

The Awesome Android was created by the Mad Thinker using Mister Fantastic's research, incorporating ape DNA and unstable molecules into an almost indestructible body with a microcomputer and a solar-power source.[3] It battles the Fantastic Four and the mutant team the X-Men before being deactivated by X-Men leader Professor X.[4]

The Thinker directs the Android to kidnap industrialist Tony Stark, which eventually leads to a battle with Stark's alter ego Iron Man.[5] After an appearance during the "War of the Super Villains" storyline[6] the Android is absent from Marvel continuity until directed by the Thinker to capture the Galadorian spaceknight Rom for further study. After a brief battle, Rom successfully deactivates the Android.[7] The Android battles Captain America, having been repaired by then abandoned by the Thinker.[8] Fellow artificial creation the Super-Adaptoid, posing as villain the Fixer, reprograms the Android and uses it as part of an assault team of advanced robots called Heavy Metal, consisting of the Awesome Android; Machine Man; the Sentry 459, and TESS-One. The group is eventually defeated by the Avengers with Namor the Sub-Mariner deactivating the Android by ripping off its head while in the water, causing his torso to flood and sink.[9]

The Android reappears during the "Acts of Vengeance" storyline, being repaired by the robot Machinesmith and used to distract the Avengers while several villains escape confinement in the prison facility the Vault. The Android is neutralized by Captain Marvel.[10] After battles with the superhero teams the Thunderbolts,[11] and the Heroes for Hire,[12] and two more encounters with the Fantastic Four,[13] the Android is reclaimed by the Thinker.

The Thinker upgrades the Android to absorb additional abilities, which inadvertently gives him sentience. Subsequently, he rebels against the Thinker and joins Goodman, Lieber, Kurtzberg & Holliway, the law firm that employs Jennifer Walters / She-Hulk. However, he eventually returns to the Mad Thinker after being rejected by his coworker Mallory Book.[14][15][16] In subsequent appearances, he accompanies the Mad Thinker in his schemes before eventually joining Iron Man's A.I. Army.[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

The Awesome Android is created when the Mad Thinker steals and uses a technique invented by Mister Fantastic, involving splicing unstable molecules into the DNA patterns of an ape. It has limited artificial intelligence and no capacity for self-motivated activity, and is totally dependent on its programming or the programmer's spoken commands, and usually deactivates itself when inactive.

The Android has inhuman physical attributes and can mimic an ability (one at a time) after touching an opponent, such as the Thing's rock-like skin or Iceman's frost coating. It can also emit close-range blasts of gale-force wind from its mouth. The Android is given one weakness by the Thinker: a collection of nerve ganglia underneath its arms that will deactivate it if struck.[28]

Reception

[edit]

Accolades

[edit]
  • In 2017, Screen Rant ranked the Awesome Android 10th in their "15 Best Thors In Marvel Comics" list.
  • In 2018, Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked the Awesome Android 12th in their "20 Most Powerful Androids Of The Marvel Universe" list.[29]
  • In 2021, CBR ranked the Awesome Android 6th in their "10 Strongest Robots In The Marvel Universe" list.[30]

Other versions

[edit]

Ultimate Marvel

[edit]

An alternate version of the Awesome Android named Bobby Burchill appears in Ultimate Fantastic Four. He is the younger brother and slave of Rhona Burchill.[31]

JLA/Avengers

[edit]

The Awesome Android appears in JLA/Avengers #4 as a brainwashed minion of Krona.[32]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Miscellaneous

[edit]

The Awesome Android appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #2.[35]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ Conroy, Mike. 500 Comicbook Villains (Collins & Brown, 2004), p.#179, ISBN 1-84340-205-X, ISBN 978-1-84340-205-3
  3. ^ Fantastic Four #15 (June 1963). Marvel Comics.
  4. ^ Fantastic Four #28 (July 1964). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Tales of Suspense #72 (Dec. 1965)
  6. ^ Iron Man #77 (Aug. 1975)
  7. ^ Rom #14 (Jan. 1981). Marvel Comics.
  8. ^ Captain America #311 (Nov. 1985). Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ Avengers #286-289 (Feb.-May 1988). Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ Avengers Spotlight #27 (Mid-Dec. 1989). Marvel Comics.
  11. ^ Thunderbolts #2 (June 1997). Marvel Comics.
  12. ^ Heroes for Hire #1 (July 1997). Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ Fantastic Four vol. 3, #23 (Nov. 1999); #43-44 (July-Aug. 2001). Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ She Hulk #2 (June 2004); #4 (Aug. 2004); #6-9 (Oct. 2004 - Jan. 2005); #11-12 (March - April 2005); #14 (February 2007). Marvel Comics.
  15. ^ She-Hulk #20 (Sept. 2007). Marvel Comics.
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