The First Avenger to Die: An Exploration of Comic Book Legends

Throughout the rich and complex history of the Avengers, the question of who was the first Avenger to die has puzzled fans and scholars alike. The answer is not straightforward due to the complex narrative threads and frequent retcons found in the comic books. However, by examining the evidence meticulously, we can identify several compelling candidates for this distinction.

Simon Williams: Wonder Man's Turbulent Journey

The first Avenger to die, in a sense, is often attributed to Simon Williams, a.k.a. Wonder Man. Wonder Man first appeared in Avengers #9, where he was an inventor whose company went bankrupt after losing a competition with Stark Industries. Desperate and panicking, he turned to illegal activities, but ultimately ended up on the wrong side of the law. The Enchantress recruited him to Baron Zemo's Masters of Evil, and he was subjected to Zemo's ionic ray, gaining superpowers but dying a short while later.

In Avengers #151-152 and Annual #6, Wonder Man was seemingly brought back as a zuvembie, a zombie-like creature revived by Black Talon. This scenario implies that Wonder Man was indeed dead before his resurrection, making him a strong candidate for the first Avenger to die.

The Green Door of the Hulk

Another contender for the title of the first Avenger to die is Bruce Banner, the Hulk. Initially joining the Avengers in issue #1 and leaving in the second, the Hulk's history with death is extensive. The Immortal Hulk series delves into the core idea that every time Banner or the Hulk dies, they pass into the Below-Place, a hell dimension where they reside until they return through the Green Door.

Issue #684 of Avengers offers a flashback revealing that Banner's first death occurred when he attempted to save Rick Jones from an explosion that created the Hulk. This makes it conceivable that the Hulk is the first Avenger to die, even though he wasn't an official team member at the time of his initial death.

The Holy Grail of Avenger Mortality: Jacques Duquesne, Swordsman

Jacques Duquesne, a.k.a. Swordsman, is a lesser-known Avenger with a tragic fate. Born in France, Swordsman was a prolific combatant, a sharp weapons expert, and a mentor to Hawkeye. After parting ways with Hawkeye, he became a mercenary. This was exploited by the Mandarin, who used Swordsman's skills to disrupt the Avengers. In issues Avengers #20 and Giant-Size Avengers #3, Swordsman died heroically to save Mantis from Kang's deadly ray.

Unlike Wonder Man and the Hulk, Swordsman has not been revived in the comics. His legacy lives on in new series, promising a fresh take on his story. In summary, while Wonder Man and the Hulk have compelling claims, Swordsman's actual and sustained death makes him a strong candidate for the first Avenger to die while an active member of the team.

This exploration of these iconic characters has highlighted the intricate nature of superhero continuity and the importance of delving into the rich tapestry of comic book stories for definitive answers. Whether it is Wonder Man, the Hulk, or Swordsman, their legacy remains a central part of the Avengers' storied history.

Keywords: Avengers, First Avengers, Avenger Deaths