Uatu | |
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Uatu on the cover of Fantastic Four #48 Art by Jack Kirby & Joe Sinnott. |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #13 (April 1963) |
Created by | Stan Lee Jack Kirby |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Uatu |
Species | Watcher |
Notable aliases | The Watcher |
Abilities | Vast cosmic powers Superhuman intelligence and scientific knowledge beyond Earth measuring Immortality |
Uatu, often simply known as The Watcher, is a fictional character, created by writer Stan Lee and designed by artist Jack Kirby, who first appeared in Fantastic Four Volume 1 #13 (April 1963). He is a member of the Watchers, an extraterrestrial species who in the distant past stationed themselves across space to monitor the activities of other species. Uatu is the Watcher assigned to observe Earth and its solar system.
Contents |
Fictional character biography
The race of Watchers was an advanced civilization which sought (at the suggestion of Uatu's father, Ikor) to spread its knowledge to other races. Their first attempt, on the planet Prosilicus, ended when the recipient race, the Prosilicans, used the nuclear technology gained to create weapons and destroy itself. When the Watchers returned to Prosilicus, the survivors blamed them for the catastrophe by giving the Prosilicans nuclear technology before they were ready for it. The Watchers then took a vow never to interfere with other civilizations.[1]
Like other Watchers, Uatu is an observer sworn to an oath of non-interference; however, as an altruist he has bent or outright violated his oath on numerous occasions in order to aid humanity. Uatu left the Watchers' home world to dwell on the Blue Area of the Moon, an abandoned city built by the alien Cotati centuries ago. In his first appearance, in which he was introduced simply as The Watcher, he encountered the Fantastic Four and their enemy, the Red Ghost. When the latter entered his home, he repelled the invader with a thought and, breaking his oath for the first time, revealed himself to the Fantastic Four.[2] The Watcher, being youthful and rebellious in comparison to his brethren, would break his oath many more times in the future. He warned the Fantastic Four about the original Molecule Man, and took him into custody.[3] He also enabled Mister Fantastic to find a device to defeat a horde of enemies.[4] His most notable transgression was in Fantastic Four volume 1 #48, in which he tried, and failed, to prevent the Silver Surfer from bringing the world-devourer Galactus to the Earth.[5] He then witnessed the Avengers' battle against the Scarlet Centurion,[6] and witnessed the Avengers and Defenders battle against Dormammu and Loki.[7] He was once placed on trial by the Watchers for violating his oath; he was found guilty by the Watchers' High Tribunal of intervention in the affairs of humanity, but released under his own cognizance. His true name, Uatu, was revealed in this appearance.[8]
During The Trial of Galactus storyline, Uatu also served as Mister Fantastic's lawyer when he stood trial before the Shi'ar.[9]
The mini-series Marvel 1602 reveals that, although Fantastic Four #13 was the first time he broke his oath, the anomalous appearance of Marvel's superheroes more than 300 years early forced him to severely bend it, communicating with the 1602 version of Doctor Strange prior to the latter's death. As a result, he must maintain a pocket universe containing the 1602 world within himself.
Uatu has appeared countless times since, on several occasions narrating other characters' adventures. He also served as narrator for the What If...? series, which told tales of alternate versions of the Marvel Universe where certain events unfolded differently (and often disastrously). He also narrated and starred in Tales of the Watcher, a short-lived feature which ran in Tales of Suspense #49-#58 as backup stories to the main Iron Man feature. At least once, he has been removed from his duty as Watcher of the Earth, but he nevertheless returns to his true calling, observing the world he has become so fond of.
Uatu also has a history with the X-Men, having witnessed the physical demise of the Phoenix.[10] Much later, Uatu enlisted Quasar's aid in gathering the renegade Living Lasers.[11] Regarding the X-Men, Uatu most commonly appears when Jean Grey is experiencing enhancements to her Phoenix powers.[original research?] He is also seen in Uncanny X-Men #473, where he reveals the true story of Jamie Braddock, the brother of X-Man Psylocke, and how he got involved with the villain group called "the Forsaken." He also appears to have some sort of history with the centuries-old mutant Apocalypse. During the Onslaught saga, he and Apocalypse observed and discussed the conflict from afar. When the Dreaming Celestial was awakened, the Watcher, for just an instant, turned away, unwilling to watch.[12]
The Dreaming Celestial later scans Uatu and learns the Watcher has broken his pact of non-interference almost 400 times [13]
Uatu later appeared before the Illuminati during their accidental misuse of the Infinity Gauntlet and its gems. Reed Richards pleads with Uatu to take the Gauntlet but he refuses, stating that not even he can handle such power. So therefore, the Illuminati split the gems among themselves.[14]
Civil War
Uatu revealed himself during the "Civil War" story arc, as well as during the wedding of the Black Panther and Storm. He also spoke briefly with the meditating Doctor Strange on the eve of the final battle between the two sides of the war. He asks Doctor Strange why he does not use his immense power to end the conflict with a wave of his hand. Strange answers that a Sorcerer Supreme cannot take sides in this matter, especially since there is no clear right or wrong, but he will pray for an outcome that will benefit mankind and spill the least amount of blood. Uatu reflects that this is much like his own situation. Uatu later shows two possible versions of the Civil War to Tony Stark as the latter visits the grave of his fallen friend and fellow hero, Steve Rogers.[volume & issue needed]
The Hulk
During his fight with the Hulk, the Red Hulk attacked Uatu who was watching the fight.[15]
Secret Invasion
In issue #7 of the Secret Invasion Mini-series, Uatu made himself known during the midst of the fight between the heroes and the Skrull army, warning them of a cosmic battle that is yet to come.[16]
Powers and abilities
As a member of the race of Watchers, Uatu possesses vast psionic abilities which have been further developed through training. These abilities include flight, telepathy, energy-manipulation powers, power-negating force-field projection, illusion casting, the ability to psionically alter his appearance at will, and highly advanced cosmic senses allowing him to be aware of countless events of Earth. His superhumanly complex intelligence enables him to monitor activities throughout Earth's solar system simultaneously. Uatu can convert his body into an unknown form of energy while still retaining his sentience for travel through hyperspace, and then return to his physical form. Bolstered by treatment with "delta-rays", Uatu possesses virtual immortality, although he can die by losing the will to live. Watchers can augment their strength with cosmic psionic energy if they choose to; however they tend to minimize their physical activities.
The 1985 edition of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe compared Uatu's scale of power to that of Galactus, the Stranger, Odin, and Zeus.
Uatu has received a highly extensive education in his youth on his home world. Uatu has devoted himself to the study of Earth's solar system and its sentient beings for millions of years. His home on the Blue Area of the Moon contains an enormous array of weaponry, artifacts, and technology created by various alien races from throughout the universe.
In recent years Uatu has undertaken the study of the Earths of alternate realities. With permission from the Timekeepers, he possesses a portal through which he can observe alternate realities. He has acquired extraordinary knowledge of the history of both the sentient beings on "mainstream" Earth and numerous alternate Earths.
Other versions
1602
The mini-series Marvel 1602 reveals that, although Fantastic Four #13 was the first time he broke his oath, the anomalous appearance of Marvel's superheroes more than 300 years early forced him to severely bend it, communicating with the 1602 version of Doctor Strange prior to the latter's death. As a result, he must maintain a pocket universe containing the 1602 world within himself.
Earth X
In the alternate universe of Earth X, Uatu is portrayed as a cold, nihilistic manipulator who feels far superior to the people of earth whom he watches. This is partially because of the fact that he has been blinded by Black Bolt.[volume & issue needed] Also, Uatu (who watches the events on Earth from a base on the moon) is the original inspiration for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu who is associated with the origins of the Marvel superhero Moon Knight.[volume & issue needed]
JLA/Avengers
In JLA/Avengers, Uatu makes a wordless cameo, as he watched the Justice League in the DC Universe, the only time a Watcher ever appeared there.[volume & issue needed]
Marvel Zombies Return
A version of Uatu witnesses the Zombie Spider-Man's arrival in his universe. After being horrified by the nature of the infection, he decides to travel to other universes to warn others of the infection, but the zombie Giant-Man appears and bites off Uatu's head, planning to use his communicator to traverse the multiverse and satiate his hunger.[17] At the end of the series, Uatu returns stating he was pure energy, and thus could not be infected by the virus. He then proceeds to trap the last zombie, the Sentry, in a time-loop paradox by sending him back in time to Earth-2149, starting the entire Marvel Zombies Saga from the beginning.[18]
MC-2 Universe
In the alternate MC-2 Universe, Uatu made several appearances regarding its last two mini-series, Last Hero Standing, and Last Planet Standing. In the former, he briefly related the history of the MC-Universe; in the latter he died while standing in the way of Galactus and his herald.[volume & issue needed]
Powerless
In the Powerless limited series, reality is turned upside down and Uatu plays the role of psychiatrist William Watts. Watts (whose name recalls "Uatu" and "Watcher") encounters non-powered versions of Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Daredevil, who face problems similar to their super-powered counterparts from Earth 616. Just like in Earth 616, Uatu finds that he cannot just stand by and watch as his patients' lives are ruined, and tries to come to their aid.[volume & issue needed]
Star Trek/X-Men
At the end of the Planet X Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men crossover novel, the crossing of dimensions is revealed to have been due to the interference of both Q and The Watcher.[volume & issue needed]
Ultimate Uatu
In #4 of Ultimate Origins, the Ultimate counterpart of Uatu is revealed. Ultimate Uatu is not a person, but rather a highly advanced alien computer that "Watches" everything. Ultimate Watcher resembles a stone totem of sorts with a glowing red eye. However, it appears that there is more than one Watcher in the Ultimate universe, for in Ultimate X-Men #96 Jean Grey attempts to find heaven to resurrect her father, only to be stopped by a Silver Surfer that is stationed in front of thousands of Watchers in a hive colony.[volume & issue needed]
Marvel Apes
At the end of the main story of each Marvel Apes issue, a Gorilla version of The Watcher can be seen telling us about stories from the past and trying to get around to a story of the "MARVEL APES AGE". In issue two he becomes drunk after drinking an "Ultimate Nullifier", which he claims is like a martini only mixed with "Kirby Dots". in his drunken state he vents, complaining about how boring it is to watch everything all the time. He also reveals that he is infatuated with the ape version of the Wasp. In his drunken ranting he goes so far as to ask the reader if they "Wanna make out" then after realizing what he has said, he apologizes and tries to explain himself. He usually picks stories to tell that entertain him, such as the story of giant cowboy rat men, or homosexual cowboy-apes, or the story of how Odin sentenced the Thorangutang to learn humility by becoming a doctor in the upbeat, rich city of Manhattan.[volume & issue needed]
In other media
Television
- Uatu made two appearances in the Fantastic Four TV series voiced by Paul Frees.
- Uatu the Watcher appeared in The Incredible Hulk portion of The Marvel Superheroes.
- Uatu made a cameo appearance in the X-Men TV series.
- Uatu made an appearance in the 1994 Fantastic Four TV series voiced by Alan Oppenheimer.
- Uatu made appearances on the Silver Surfer cartoon voiced by Colin Fox.
- Uatu appears in The Super Hero Squad Show episode "Tremble at the Might of...MODOK" voiced by Dave Boat.[19] He makes an appearance at the Big Really Amazing Immese Noggin Convention telling MODOK what happens in "Big Head Super Team-Up" #141 until MODOK interrupts him stating that he will obtain the Infinity Fractal and use it to overthrow Doctor Doom and defeat the Super Hero Squad. Uatu just quotes "Well, this I have got to see." Around the end of the episode, Uatu looks into the window as Doctor Doom uses MODOK as a test subject in his Weapons Testing Chamber. He's later seen in "This Al Dente Earth" sitting in a recliner, eating popcorn, and taking pictures of the battle between the heroes and Galactus with his cell phone.
Video games
- Uatu shows up in What If...? mode on the PlayStation Spider-Man video game voiced by Laurence Fishburne.
- Uatu is one of 140 characters in the Marvel: Ultimate Alliance and is video game voiced by Phil LaMarr. He has special dialogue with each member of the Fantastic Four.
Other comics
- In Scarlet Traces: The Great Game, he is shown in a cave drawing on Mars as one of the original inhabitants of the Moon, along with the Selenites from The First Men in the Moon.
Internet
- The Watcher Uatu has also been parodied in the webcomic PvP, coming down to Earth to observe the trial of the lawsuit put forth by Marvel Comics against the creators of City of Heroes (in a rather annoying fashion). In the end of the storyline (when the judge declares a mistrial) Uatu appears one last time to show the outcome of the case: Galactus devouring Earth.
Books
- Uatu appears in the X-Men/Star Trek crossover novel Planet X. In it, he appears to be an acquaintance of Q.
Miscellaneous
- Uatu the Watcher appears in the Robot Chicken episode "Tapping a Hero" voiced by Tom Root. In the "Superheroes Tonight" segment, Uatu is arrested for "watching" girls in a YWCA locker room.
- On the Fox show Fringe, the mysterious bald, eyebrow-less, detached character called simply "The Observer" seems to be an homage to the role/appearance/demeanor of the Watcher.
- In the Titan Maximum episode "Dirty Lansbury," Uatu is parodied as The Peeper.
References
- ^ Tales of Suspense #52-#53
- ^ Fantastic Four #13
- ^ Fantastic Four #20
- ^ Fantastic Four Annual #3
- ^ Fantastic Four #48
- ^ Avengers Special #2
- ^ Avengers #118
- ^ Captain Marvel #39
- ^ Fantastic Four #262
- ^ X-Men #137
- ^ Quasar #30
- ^ The Eternals (2006) #6
- ^ Eternals vol. 7, (Oct. 2008)
- ^ New Avengers Illuminati Vol.2, #2
- ^ Hulk #4 (June 2008)
- ^ Secret Invasion #7
- ^ Marvel Zombies Return #1
- ^ Marvel Zombies Return #5
- ^ Comics Continuum
External links
- Uatu the Watcher at Marvel.com
- Comic strip featuring Uatu on pvponline.com
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