Angels (Marvel Comics)

Angels
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
Characteristics
Notable members See:Known angels

An angel is a fictional entity within the Marvel Comics universe, based on the angels of the Abrahamic faiths. Their first Marvel Comics appearance was Marvel Tales #133. In the religious text of Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Zoroastriansim, angels are believed to be guardians of mankind and messengers of God; indeed, "angels" originates from the Greek word for messenger. In Hebrew they are mal'ach, (again messenger), Abbir (mighty) or Elohim (Godly beings).

Contents

Publication history

Angels are a relatively recent addition to the Marvel Universe - although demons have frequently appeared as villains in some Marvel titles, the comics had avoided featuring angels (or directly mentioning the presence of the Judeo-Christian God) until the 1990s.

Powers and abilities

The abilities and physical features of angels are widely varied and many seem able to alter their appearance at will, but most favor beautiful humanoid forms with large, birdlike wings growing from their backs. They are immortal and do not age. Most angels seem to have varying degrees of superhuman strength, and they often can fire bolts of heavenly fire from their hands or summon burning swords at will. They can make themselves invisible to humans, although rare sensitives may still see them. Many angels can generate illusions and compel humans to obey their will, and some can resurrect the dead by sharing their own divine essence with the deceased. When slain, the Grigori angels spontaneously combusted; whether other angels would likewise is uncertain.

Overview and Portrayal

The angels of the Marvel Universe tend to believe that the end justifies the means. When battling the forces of Hell, mortals are sometimes expendable. Many of the angels in the Marvel Universe, along with their "God", are portrayed negatively by certain writers, such as atheists Garth Ennis and Warren Ellis, such as the Archangel Ruth, who is deliberately portrayed as brutal, merciless and unhesitantly kills innocents to fulfill her mission, and the renegade Archangel Zadkiel (in real-life religion the Archangel of Mercy), who seeks to conquer all Creation by usurping the Highest Throne.

Important Storylines and Significant Appearances

Known angels

Known groups of Angels

Fallen angels

Possible angels

External links

References

  1. ^ Dr. Strange vol. 3 #89
  2. ^ Man-Thing #5
  3. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 2 #41
  4. ^ a b Wolverine vol. 3 #48
  5. ^ Wolverine vol. 3 #58
  6. ^ Gambit vol. 2 #1
  7. ^ a b Wolverine/Punisher: Revelations #1
  8. ^ a b c d e f Punisher vol. 4 #3
  9. ^ Hellstorm #7
  10. ^ a b c Ghost Rider vol. 5 #1
  11. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 4 #14
  12. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 4 #18
  13. ^ a b c Punisher vol. 4 #1
  14. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 5 #2
  15. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 2 #53
  16. ^ Terror Inc #1
  17. ^ Vampire Tales #4
  18. ^ Marvel Preview #7
  19. ^ Ghost Rider vol. 5 #6
  20. ^ Marvel Super-Action #1
  21. ^ Howard the Duck vol. 3 #3
  22. ^ Hellstorm #7
  23. ^ Marvel Comics Presents #18
  24. ^ a b Iron Man #56