Force Works
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Force Works was a short-lived Marvel Comics superhero team. It first appeared in Force Works #1 (July 1994).
The group was formed from the remains of the West Coast Avengers, after leader Iron Man left the Avengers due to an internal dispute. Force Works maintained a different outlook than the Avengers, trying to preempt natural and manmade disasters.
[edit] History
The title was written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning and initially drawn by Tom Tenney; picked up right after the West Coast Avengers disbanded. Stark sought to form a superhero group with a different philosophy than its predecessors: they would not just stop disasters, but prevent them. The team was initially comprised of Iron Man, USAgent, Spider-Woman (Julia Carpenter), Scarlet Witch and Wonder Man. By the end of their first mission, Wonder Man was thought dead and Century took his place. The group used a combination of The Chaos Computer, a supercomputer that used incoming information to predict future events, and the hex powers of the Scarlet Witch to attempt to prevent major world problems.
Force Works used a Stark Enterprises facility known as The Works as their base. The building was fully equipped for the team's use; it featured powerful security and stealth systems and incorporated nanotechnology that would repair the building if it was damaged. It was maintained by a Stark Industries staff, leaving Force Works to focus on its duties. The facility was also administered by an artificial intelligence system called P.L.A.T.O. (Piezo-electrical Logistic Analytical Tactical Operator). The Works also included living and training accommodations and could also produce hard-light holographs.
Although Force Works was officially led by the Scarlet Witch, Iron Man would often act insubordinately and make his own decisions during their missions. Later it was revealed that Iron Man was under the influence of the time-traveling villain Kang the Conqueror (even later revealed to be his future self Immortus in disguise). This revelation may have led to Force Works' ultimate demise. The team fought several battles, existed for just under two years, and disbanded. Most of its members rejoined the Avengers or sank into obscurity. Intended as the more aggressive offspring of the Avengers, Force Works was a failed attempt at a more proactive group of superheroes.
Shortly after the disintegration of the group, Tony Stark died in his attempts to regain control of himself from "Kang". Stark did not remain dead for long, due to the events that culminated in the Heroes Reborn storyline.
The team was mentioned as being active and sent to Iowa in Civil War #6, although no members were shown or even named. According to editor Tom Brevoort on a Newsarama interview it could be that the team consists of new super-heroes, some could be existing "Pro-reg" heroes and some could be established heroes "with an upgrade". It is possible that none of the old team may appear - especially since only Century and Dreamguard (who was never really a member) would be available for duty at this time.
[edit] Bibliography
- Force Works Ashcan Edition (1994; Prelude to series)
- Force Works #1-22 (July 1994 - April 1996)
- Marvel Comics Presents #169-172 (December 1994 - January 1995; Tie-in to the "Hands of the Mandarin" crossover)
[edit] In Other Media
The group was adapted into the supporting cast of the 1994-1996 Iron Man animated series. For the series, Hawkeye appeared in place of U.S. Agent (though he did appear in the 8 issue adaptation of the cartoon). Shortly after the characters were written out of the series, Force Works was cancelled at issue #22 (April 1996).
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