Trophy Wife

One could easily see the parallels between the super-villain Ultron and the classic story of Frankenstein's Monster. A little mad scientist here, a little overpowered creation there, and you've got your comparison. But like all living creatures, monsters need mates. This mate just happens to be The Panel Biter's next long-awaited Z-Lister: Jocasta, The Bride of Ultron.

First appearing in 1977's "The Avengers #162", Jocasta was created by Ultron as his mate and named after Oedipus' mother/wife from Greek mythology. Ultron based Jocasta's mind off Janet Van Dyne, the wife of Ultron's creator Hank Pym. Ultron also brainwashed Pym into transferring Janet's lifeforce into Jocasta. This plan would've led to Janet's death, but Jocasta had alerted the Avengers of Ultron's plan just in time to save Janet and render the experiment incomplete. Because her mind is based off Janet-who also fought alongside the Avengers as Wasp-Jocasta was created with a high degree of morals. Although Jocasta did love Ultron as she was programmed to, she couldn't aid him in his destructive goals because of these morals. Jocasta's career with The Avengers would involve many self-sacrifices and run-ins with her former lover/creator. Her existence often bothered some Avengers, but she earned their trust enough to land her a position at The Avengers Academy and teach future heroes what it takes to be an Avenger.

Jocasta is another one of those Avengers I've seen, but never really heard about. For as many Avengers as there are, you'd think an Avenger connected to one of their greatest foes would get more attention. When you consider her origin, she is comparable to stray or adopted child, the creation of the world's greatest threat just sitting next to you on the couch. And also, not to sound prude, but Jocasta is always naked. I understand she's a robot and doesn't have skin, but come on we know what she was designed to look like. You can't tell me Wasp didn't have a dress or an oversized T-shirt she could wear. Regardless, Jocasta carries on the idea that despite where we come from or how we came to be what we are, following the righteous path is restricted to nobody, not even machines. Thanks for reading!

Facebook: The Panel Biter

Twitter: @ThePanelBiter