Should Marvel Comics Allow John Wick to Become an Avenger?

The question of whether John Wick should be an Avenger in the Marvel Universe is an intriguing one. While on the surface, it may seem inviting due to his prowess as a tracker and fighter, the dynamics of the Marvel Universe and the nature of the Avenger team suggest that multiple aspects need to be explored to fully understand the answer.

Character Context: From Hitman to Avenger

John Wick, portrayed in the film franchise, is clearly a skilled and morally ambiguous character. He is a former CIA hitman engaged in solving the hit on his wife by taking out the responsible parties. However, his capabilities and ethical outlook diverge significantly from the traditional Marvel heroes such as Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Captain America, who are aligned with a greater good. This fundamental difference starkly contrasts with the hero-centric narrative of the Marvel Universe.

John Wick: A Criminal with Specialized Skills

John Wick is a character with a precise set of skills, including lethal combat abilities and the tactical use of firearms. However, these same skills that make him deadly in his universe do not translate directly into a coherent narrative within the broader fabric of the Marvel Universe. His methods, which prioritize efficiency and precision, are often in opposition to the moral and ethical codes that define superhero conduct. For example, the Marvel heroes would likely struggle to work alongside him, given the interconnections and relationships that exist among their ranks.

Compatibility with the Marvel Heros

Various clash points exist between John Wick and prominent Marvel heroes. Characters such as Daredevil, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Deadpool would likely find it challenging to coexist with someone whose primary role is eliminating targets, even in the absence of explicit antagonism.

Combat Capabilities and Limitations

While John Wick is undoubtedly a formidable fighter, his skills are more specialized than those of superheroes like Black Widow, who is a master of hand-to-hand combat, acrobatics, and espionage. In a close combat scenario, John Wick might best someone like Frank Castle (Punisher) in a straightforward fist fight but falls short in terms of strategic approach and situational awareness.

Role in the Marvel Universe

The Punisher, as another character who employs unconventional methods, serves as a useful comparison. Both characters operate outside traditional superhero boundaries and, while respectful of each other, confront the restrictions that superhero ethics impose. The Punisher, for instance, is often portrayed as taking down criminals with a calculated and cold approach, aligning more closely with the morally ambiguous roles seen in the John Wick series.

Internal Challenges and Plot Armor

Additionally, Marvel heroes are often equipped with their own forms of plot armor, which protect them from super-villains and unexpected threats. John Wick, as a non-superhuman, would face unique challenges in surviving in this environment. For example, heroes like Spider-Man, Daredevil, and even Black Widow would likely outmaneuver him through their enhanced abilities and extensive knowledge of supernatural threats.

Encounters and Potential Threats

John Wick would need to face threats like The Punisher, who would be a formidable opponent, or even secondary characters like Kraven the Hunter, who can contend with superheroes like Spider-Man. The Punisher, in particular, would be a considerable challenge due to his strategic mindset and peak human capabilities. Likewise, Moon Knight, equipped with his Egyptian powers, would pose a significant threat.

Unpopular But Informed Opinion

Based on the analysis above, it is highly unlikely that John Wick would fit well into the Marvel Universe. His niche as a cold and calculated hitman does not align with the values and interactions within the Avengers team and the broader superhero community. Additionally, the ethical boundaries and the dynamic of plot armor within the Marvel Universe would make his inclusion problematic.

In conclusion, while John Wick's skills are impressive, his role as a hitman and the nature of his missions make him an unsuitable candidate for membership in the Avenger team. The Marvel Universe, with its rich tapestry of interconnected heroes and more nuanced antagonists, would find it challenging to integrate a character of John Wick's ilk, whose methods and motivations do not align with the overarching narrative of heroism and justice.