TheRed Guardian(Russian:Красный страж,Krasnyy Strazh) is the name of severalfictionalcharactersappearing inAmerican comic bookspublished byMarvel Comics:Aleksey Lebedev,Alexei Shostakov,Tania Belinsky,Josef Petkus,Krassno Granitsky,Anton Ivanov,andNikolai Krylenko,as well as a villainousLife Model Decoyof Shostakov. The Red Guardian is an identity that was created as theSovietequivalent ofCaptain America,although its use has continued after thedissolution of the Soviet Union.In thecontinuityofUltimate Marvel,the Red Guardian is adapted as two separate characters:Captain RussiaandColonel Abdul al-Rahma.
Characters based on the Red Guardians have made scattered appearances in animated media and video games, withAnton IvanovandAlexei Shostakovappearing in media set in theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU), portrayed byZach McGowanandDavid Harbourrespectively.
Fictional character biography
editAleksey Lebedev
editAleksey Lebedev(Russian:Алексей Лебедев), the Golden Age version of the Red Guardian, first appeared inNamor, The Sub-Mariner Annual#1 (June 1991) as aretconof the history of the Red Guardian identity, establishing a version who appeared prior to the version first seen in 1967, created by writers Dana Moreshead and Mike Thomas, and artistPhil Hester.Very little is known of him, but he fought alongsideCaptain America(William Naslund) and theSub-Marinerat thePotsdam Conference,in July 1945.[1]He began his career during World War II, and met theAll-Winners Squad(formerly theInvaders) on only one recorded occasion, clashing with them shortly after the war's end where he taunted Captain America (secretly thePatriot) that he was 'slowing down' after he was able to catch Captain America's shield.[2]Like the other crusaders of the same name, he was created as a Soviet counterpart to Captain America.[volume & issue needed]He was later apparently killed during the purges of the 1950s, opposing the brutal experiments that would later create his successor.[3]
Alexei Shostakov
editAlexei Andreevich Shostakovwas the first version of the Red Guardian, and was created byRoy ThomasandJohn Buscema,first appearing inAvengers#43 (January 1967).
Alexei Shostakov was born in Moscow, and was the husband of Natasha Romanova. Both he and his wife were agents of the Soviets: the latter as theBlack Widowwhile the former became a test pilot and KGB agent and then trained as a Soviet counterpart to Captain America known as the "Red Guardian".[volume & issue needed]
Alexei Shostakov was one of the Soviet Union's most acclaimed pilots. During World War II on theEastern Front,he shot down a large number ofLuftwaffefighter planes in aerial battles and was credited for helping theSoviet Air Forceswin air supremacy over the skies ofStalingradandKursk.Because of his extraordinary skill, Shostakov was chosen for the most secret and dangerous tests and new aircraft for the Soviet Union. This included being the first pilot to test fly theMiG-15.The Soviet state controlled news media greatly publicized this and certain other missions of his such as his aerial battles against theU.S. Air ForceoverMiG Alleyduring theKorean War.As a result, Shostakov was decorated as a hero of the Soviet Union. Shostakov was also successful in his private life, having married the equally famous ballerina Natalia (familiarly known as Natasha) Romanova.
As the Cold War flared up in the 1950s, Soviet PremierNikita Khrushchevrealized that the Soviet Union needed its own equivalent to Captain America. Khrushchev chose Alexei Shostakov overYuri Gagarinwho would later become the first man in space. The KGB faked his death and trained him in secret, keeping his survival a secret from Natasha. He became a master of hand-to-hand combat and a highly skilled athlete. In addition, he carried a throwing disc on his belt which could be used against an opponent. Magnetic force returned the disc after throwing. The disc had the yellow hammer and sickle symbol on it and his costume was red with a star on his chest to symbolise the Soviet flag. While the Black Widow became disillusioned with KGB masters and defected to the United States, the Red Guardian remained loyal and became more ruthless and vindictive. The Red Guardian battled theAvengerswith his Chinese ally Colonel Ling, to protect a Communist Chinese secret weapon located at a secret military base at an unrevealed location in the People's Republic of China, encountering the Black Widow andCaptain America(Steve Rogers). When the Black Widow noticed "something familiar" about him, Shostakov revealed his identity. He was shot and mortally wounded minutes later by Colonel Ling while saving the lives of the Black Widow and Captain America. He was buried under molten lava when a laser blast caused the eruption of a long-dormant volcano.[4]
Shostakov was later revealed to be alive and had risen very high up in power withinBulgaria.He was responsible for a plot to capture and try his former wife for crimes as a Soviet super soldier, but his plan was foiled with the help ofDaredeviland the Avengers.[5]
Alexei resurfaces as the newRoninand joins forces with theDark Ocean Societyto instigate a war betweenJapanandRussiato restore the latter's former glory. He and the Society are defeated byHawkeye,Mockingbirdand Black Widow with the help ofFantasma,and is taken intoS.H.I.E.L.D.custody.[6]
Shostakov remains in captivity inAntarctica,even afterS.H.I.E.L.D. is disbandedand the prison falls under the ownership a black arms dealer. He is rescued byYelena Belovaand escapes prison.[7]
Shostakov is approached by a cadre of several of Black Widow's enemies, who implanted her with fake memories force her to live out a peaceful, simulated life as a married architect inSan Francisco.Having already moved on from his hatred towards his ex-wife, Shostakov reluctantly joins the cadre and plans to usurp the group to rescue Natasha. When Black Widow regains her memories and the cadre decides to have her killed, Alexei saves Nat by taking a bullet meant for her.[8]
Shostakov reunites with Belova to recover fourhard drivescontaining records of an old military operation called Operation Snowblind. The two's activities puts them conflict with theWinter GuardandDracula,who owns the final hard drive. Shostakov betrays Belova to escape with the drives, but the Winter Guard are able to destroy his quarry, forcing him to leave empty handed.[9]
Shostakov is later recruited byBucky Barnesto be part of his newThunderboltsteam.[10]
Dr. Tania Belinsky
editDr. Tania Belinsky, a neurosurgeon from the USSR, later adopted the Red Guardian identity and joined theDefenders.Created bySteve GerberandSal Buscema,she first appeared inThe Defenders#35 (May 1976).
Josef Petkus
editJosef Petkusis the fourth version of the Red Guardian, first appearing inCaptain America#352 (April 1989), and was created by writerMark Gruenwaldand artistKieron Dwyer.The character subsequently appears inThe Avengers#319–324 (July–October 1990),The Incredible Hulk(vol. 2) #393 (May 1992), andSoviet Super-Soldiers#1 (November 1992). The character subsequently appears as theSteel GuardianinIron Man(vol. 2) #9 (October 1998). Petkus appeared as part of the "Supreme Soviets" entry in theOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe Update '89#7.
Josef Petkus was a special operative for the intelligence agencies of the Soviet Union, and appeared as a member of the militantSupreme Soviets.Alongside the Supreme Soviets, he attacked theSoviet Super-Soldiersfor defecting from the Soviet Union. Alongside Captain America, he later battled a bear-like creature composed of theDarkforce.[11]The Supreme Soviets were later renamed the post-SovietRussiansuper-team called theWinter Guard.Alongside this confederacy, he teamed with theAvengersandAlpha Flightto battle the Peace Corpse, theAtlanteanArmy, and the Combine.[12]Petkus later joined a Winter Guard splinter group called thePeople's Protectorate,now calling himself the "Steel Guardian".[13]He and his team went off in search of the timelordImmortus,hoping to find a way to resurrect Vanguard's sister Lanyia. They agreed to fight off Dire Wraiths invading Immortus' realm in exchange for this favor; Josef being killed while in the line of duty.[14]
Krassno Granitsky
editKrassno Granitsky,a fifth version of the Red Guardian, appeared inMaverick#10 (June 1998), and was created by writer Jorge Gonzales and artist Leo Fernandez. The name "Krassno Granitsky" comes from theJames BondnovelFrom Russia With Love;it is the Russianized name of the assassinDonovan"Red"Grant.[citation needed]He teamed up with the mercenary superhero Maverick to battle a crime lord. He also appeared in the first issue ofEd Brubaker'sCaptain America,where he was executed byAleksander Lukin.[15]
Anton Ivanov
editAnton Ivanov,the sixth version of the Red Guardian,[16]made his first appearance in the first issue ofJeph Loeb'sHulkseries (co-created withEd McGuinness) as a member of the Winter Guard.[17]Anton claims to be an engineer and a former pilot of theCrimson Dynamoarmor, and was later revealed to be (at least partially) aLife Model Decoy(LMD).[18]He was decapitated by aDire Wraith,although his head was kept in storage, seemingly still alive, and in control of other LMDs.[19]
Nikolai Krylenko
editNikolai Krylenko(also known asVanguard) is the seventh version of the Red Guardian, and leads the Winter Guard.[19]Created byBill MantloandCarmine InfantinoforIron Man#109 (April 1978), he was redeveloped as the Red Guardian byDavid GallaherandSteve EllisfromDarkstar and the Winter Guard#2 (July 2010) onward.[19]
Powers and abilities
editNone of the Red Guardian's various identity users have been revealed to possesssuperhumanpowers or abilities, with the exception of Tania Belinsky after her mutation by the Presence,Ultimate Marvelversions, Krylenko, the seventh Red Guardian, and adaptations of the character to theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU). All are highly skilled athletes. Shostakov was an expert pilot, a master hand-to-hand combatant, and was trained in espionage techniques by theKGB.[20]All of the Guardians but Tania have used a steel shield similar to that used by Captain America. Alexei and Tania used a "belt-buckle" disc, a hurling weapon which magnetically returned to the wearer's hand when thrown, and was a part of their costume'sbelt buckle.The fourth Red Guardian, Josef Petkus, often employed an energized sword as a secondary weapon alongside his shield.[21]The sixth Red Guardian was an LMD named Anton Ivanov, whose powers are cybernetic based. His falsified backstory was that he was an expert engineer and former Crimson Dynamo pilot; his real strength lies in his moderate degree of enhanced cybernetic physicality. The latest Red Guardian is Nikolai Krylenko/Vanguard, brother to Laynia Petrovna, whose powers are derived from his mutation.[22]which stems to a fullbody force field that repels electromagnetic and kinetic energy, forces he can best guide and direct through a medium like the technically advanced vibranium shield supplied to him by the Executive Security Committee.[23]or through a crux like the former symbol of his home country, a hammer and sickle.[24]He also directs this force against the earth itself to obtain flight. Nikolai wears a more advanced suit than previous Red Guardians, which is lined with circuitry that works in conjunction with the compact computer on his shield, not only enabling the guided flight and return through their digital connection, but the amplification of the effects of his own energy field.[25]
Other versions
editExiles
editIn one of theExilesrealities, a Red Guardian in full body armor on Earth-3470 appears.[26]
Civil War: House of M
editInCivil War: House of M,the Red Guardian was seen as a member of the Soviet Super Soldiers.[27]
Ultimate Marvel
editCaptain Russia
editTheUltimate Marvelversion of Alexei Shostakov is a Russian super soldier codenamed "Captain Russia".Meant to be the Russian counterpart ofCaptain America,this version is certifiably insane and uses a makeshift shield created partially from human remains, and possesses superhuman strength and durability. A fight between the two results in Captain America defeating him, by stabbing him with splintered wood that acts as a stake through the chest, declaring "Fighting is about winning."[28]Shostakov was once married toBlack Widowand is now deceased.[29]
Colonel Abdul al-Rahma
editFurther reading
|
Colonel Abdul al-RahmanfromAzerbaijan(leader of theLiberators) was also based on the Red Guardian. A parallel to Captain America, he was transformed into a super-soldier byRussianscientists, sporting a predominantly red costume and wielding alightsaber-like weapon. He battles Captain America in front of the White House but is defeated when theHulkthrows theshieldto sever his hands and Rogers kills him with his own weapon. Shocked at learning Abdul was a teenager who wanted to free his country from American occupation, Rogers looks on as his body is later taken intoS.H.I.E.L.D.custody.[30]
Bullet Points
editIn theBullet Pointsreality, Alexei Shostakov was shown among many of the heroes stoppingGalactus.[31]
In other media
editTelevision
edit- The Nikolai Krylenko incarnation of the Red Guardian appears in theAvengers Assembleepisode "Secret Avengers", voiced byTroy Baker.[32]This version is a member of theWinter Guard.
- The Nikolai Krylenko incarnation of the Red Guardian appears inMarvel Future Avengers,voiced bySatoshi Mikamiin Japanese andFred Tatasciorein English.[32]This version is a member of the Winter Guard.
- The Alexei Shostakov incarnation of the Red Guardian appears inLego Marvel Avengers: Code Red,voiced byTrevor Devall.[32]
Marvel Cinematic Universe
edit
Characters based on the Red Guardian appear in media set in theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU):
- Anton Ivanov appears in thefourthandfifth seasonsof the live-action television seriesAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.(2016–2018), portrayed byZach McGowan.[33][34]This version is a reclusive Russian industrialist known as "The Superior", who believesInhumansto be monsters. He works with theWatchdogs,SenatorEllen Nadeer,andHolden Radcliffeto fightS.H.I.E.L.D.until he is crippled byDaisy Johnson.Following this, Ivanov is decapitated byAIDA,who keeps him alive as abrain in a vatand gives him a series ofLife-Model Decoys Designed Only for Killing(L-MODOKs) for his mind to remotely control. After finding Ivanov's head, leadingHydramemberGeneral Halepersuades him to join her before S.H.I.E.L.D. agentElena "Yo-Yo" Rodriguezdefeats him.ShowrunnersJed Whedon,Maurissa Tancharoen,andJeffrey Bellintroduced Ivanov with the intention of turning him intoMODOK,[35]beforeMarvel Studiosretracted access to the latter for use in theNew Warriorspilot (2018) and the filmAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania(2023).[35][36][37]
- The Alexei Shostakov incarnation of the Red Guardian appears in the live-action filmBlack Widow(2021), portrayed byDavid Harbour.[38][39]This version is the Russian super-soldier counterpart toCaptain Americaand a father-figure toNatasha RomanoffandYelena Belova.[40][41]Harbour said Shostakov has "tons of cracks all over him. And he's not the heroic, noble man that [people] want him to be. He both comically and tragically has a lot of flaws".[42]For Harbour's portrayal, he andBlack WidowdirectorCate ShortlanddiscussedRicky Gervais' performance inThe OfficeandPhilip Seymour Hoffman's inThe Savages(2007), "comedy that comes out of real domestic need".[43]
- InBlack Widow(2021), years prior to the film's main events, Shostakov allies with GeneralDreykovof theRed Room,who sends him on an undercover mission to the United States alongsideMelina Vostokoff,Romanoff, and Belova. After concluding the mission however, Dreykov has Shostakov incarcerated in the Seventh Circle Prison. In the present, Romanoff and Belova free Shostakov to help them and Vostokoff destroy the Red Room.[43]
- An alternate timeline variant of Shostakov will appear in the third season of the animated seriesWhat If...?.[44]
- A separate variant of Shostakov will appear in the upcoming animated seriesMarvel Zombies.[45]
- Harbour will reprise his role as Shostakov in the upcoming live-action filmThunderbolts*(2025), as a member of thetitular teamalongside Belova.[46]
Video games
edit- The Alexei Shostakov incarnation of the Red Guardian appears inLego Marvel Super Heroes 2.[citation needed]
- The MCU incarnation of Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian appears as a playable character inMarvel: Future Fightas part of theBlack Widowfilm tie-in update.[47]
- The MCU incarnation of Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian appears as a playable character inMarvel Puzzle Quest.[48]
- The MCU incarnation of Alexei Shostakov / Red Guardian appears as a playable character inMarvel Strike Force.[49]
References
edit- ^"Red Guardian (Russian, World War II, Captain America ally)".Marvunapp.com.Retrieved2011-01-12.
- ^Captain America: Patriot#2
- ^The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A–Z Update 2010#4
- ^The Avengers#43–44
- ^Daredevil(vol. 2) #64
- ^Widowmaker#1-4 (February 2011)
- ^Widowmakers: Red Guardian and Yelena Belova#1 (November 2020)
- ^Black Widowvol. 8 #2-5
- ^Winter Guard#1-4
- ^Thunderboltsvol. 5 #1
- ^Captain America#352–353
- ^The Avengers#319–324
- ^Iron Man(vol. 3) #9
- ^Darkstar and the Winter Guard#2
- ^Captain America(vol. 5) #1
- ^She-Hulk(vol. 2) #35
- ^Hulk(vol. 2) #1 (January 2008)
- ^Hulk: Winter Guard,no. 1 (December 2009). Marvel Comics.
- ^abcDarkstar and the Winter Guard#2–3
- ^Marvel Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded.
- ^The Incredible Hulk(vol. 2) #393 (May 1, 1992)
- ^Soviet Super Soldiers#1 (November 1992)
- ^Darkstar and the Winter Guard#2–3 2010
- ^Iron Man#109–112 (1978)
- ^Age of Heroes#3 (July 21, 2010)
- ^Exiles#84
- ^Civil War: House of M#2
- ^Ultimate Nightmare#1–4
- ^The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe#1–2
- ^The Ultimates 2#1–13
- ^Bullet Points#5
- ^abc"Red Guardian Voices (Marvel Universe)".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedJanuary 30,2024.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.
- ^Blossom, Aaron (March 1, 2020)."Black Widow:WhichRed GuardianComics Marvel Fans Should Read ".Screen Rant.RetrievedMarch 1,2020.
- ^Pillar of Garbage (February 17, 2023).The MCU's Other M.O.D.O.K..Pillar of Garbage.RetrievedFebruary 17,2023– viaYouTube.
- ^abMitovich, Matt Webb (August 18, 2020)."Yep,Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.Was Going to Introduce Crazy-Looking M.O.D.O.K. "TVLine.Archivedfrom the original on August 18, 2020.RetrievedAugust 18,2020.
- ^McLevy, Alex (August 12, 2020)."TheAgents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.showrunners reveal the plan behind that grand series finale ".The A.V. Club.Archivedfrom the original on August 13, 2020.RetrievedAugust 13,2020.
- ^Fink, Richard (January 11, 2023)."MODOK's Long Road to the MCU".MovieWeb.RetrievedJanuary 11,2023.
- ^Hayes, Jackson (July 21, 2019)."Red Guardian: David Harbour'sBlack Widowmovie role, Explained ".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on July 22, 2019.RetrievedAugust 24,2019.
- ^Nerdist Staff(March 23, 2021)."Everything We Know AboutBlack Widow".Nerdist.RetrievedMarch 23,2021.
- ^Coggan, Devan (July 20, 2019)."Black Widowhits Comic-Con with first details of Scarlett Johansson film ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on July 21, 2019.RetrievedJuly 20,2019.
- ^N'Duka, Amanda (April 3, 2019)."David Harbour Set For Disney/Marvel'Black Widow'Standalone ".Deadline Hollywood.Archived fromthe originalon April 3, 2019.RetrievedApril 3,2019.
- ^Gonzales, Umberto; Mass, Jennifer (January 12, 2020)."David Harbour Says Red Guardian in'Black Widow''Was the Captain America of His Day for Russia'".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on January 11, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 12,2020.
- ^abO'Hara, Helen. "Against the Odds".Empire.No. May 2020. United Kingdom:Bauer Media Group.pp. 58–65.
- ^Dick, Jeremy (December 29, 2023)."What If...? Season 3 Gets First Look Trailer From Marvel".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on December 30, 2023.RetrievedDecember 29,2023.
- ^Nolan, Liam (July 22, 2022)."SDCC Live: Marvel Studios Animation Panel Reveals Future ofX-Men '97,What IfandMarvel Zombies".Comic Book Resources.Archivedfrom the original on July 22, 2022.RetrievedJuly 22,2022.
- ^Panaligan, EJ (September 10, 2022)."Marvel's'Thunderbolts'Recruits Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and More ".Variety.RetrievedSeptember 10,2022.
- ^"Tier List forMarvel Future Fight".Archived fromthe originalon 2020-07-26.Retrieved2020-05-19.
- ^"New Character – Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov)".Archived fromthe originalon 2021-12-24.Retrieved2021-12-24.
- ^"Marvel Strike Force: Winter StormWarning ".
External links
edit- Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov)at Marvel.com
- Red Guardianat The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe