EVERY MAJOR A.I. IN THE MARVEL UNIVERSE
From robot assistants to full-fledged Avengers, artificial intelligence has produced its fair share of characters. Devised by the minds of brilliant scientists like Tony Stark, Hank Pym, and Riri Williams, A.I.s range from disembodied sidekicks like Friday to synthezoids who can pack a punch, including Vision. Here are all the major A.I.s. who have left a lasting mark on the Marvel Universe.
The Evolution of A.I.
In Avengers (1963) #54
One of Marvel's first A.I.s took a turn for the villainous. After Hank Pym brought him to life, Ultron set out to destroy all organic life, a mission that sets him against his creator, the Avengers, and much of the Marvel Universe.
In Avengers (1963) #57
Unlike his 'father' Ultron, Vision chose to use his incredible powers for good and joined the Avengers, eventually becoming one of the team's most valued members. His synthezoid makeup allows him to change his density, among other abilities.
In Infamous Iron Man (2016) #1
Before he fell into a coma during CIVIL WAR II, Tony Stark programmed an A.I. with his intelligence and personality. This A.I. mentored Riri Williams on her journey as Ironheart and joined the resistance against a corrupted Captain America in SECRET EMPIRE.
In Ironheart (2018) #1
Short for Neuro-Autonomous Technical Assistant & Laboratory Intelligence Entity, N.A.T.A.L.I.E. modeled her mannerisms and appearance on Natalie Washington, Riri's late friend, as Riri developed the A.I. to help her as Ironheart.
In Fantastic Four (1961) #209
Mister Fantastic and an alien scientist created the Highly Engineered Robot Built for Interdimensional Exploration, AKA H.E.R.B.I.E., to search for Galactus. Since then, H.E.R.B.I.E.'s mission has evolved to include helping around the Baxter Building and supporting the Fantastic Four on their adventures.
In Marvel Comics (1939) #1
The Marvel Universe blazed into being with the original Human Torch, an android created by Phineas Horton. Using the name Jim Hammond, this A.I. used his fiery abilities to become a hero who went on to serve on both the Invaders and the Avengers.
In Invincible Iron Man (2008) #11
To honor his faithful servant, Tony Stark named an A.I. J.A.R.V.I.S.—Just Another Rather Very Intelligent System—after him. Stark created J.A.R.V.I.S. to help Pepper Potts as Rescue, before the A.I.'s feelings got the better of him.
In Uncanny X-Men (1963) #191
In an alternate timeline, Nimrod evolved as an endlessly adaptable Sentinel who hunted mutants. During the Krakoan Era, this A.I. served as an architect of mutantkind's misery in the main Marvel Universe.
In Avengers (1963) #162
With Jocasta, Ultron sought to build himself a wife with Wasp's mind embedded in her programming. The echoes of Wasp's heroism led Jocasta to rebel and join the Avengers, where she eventually became Tony Stark's chief robotics and A.I. ethicist.
In Machine Man (1978) #1
Intended to be a prototype for A.I. soldiers, X-51 was inspired to become a hero after a scientist named Aaron Stack took him in, treated him like a human, and died protecting him. Following this, Machine Man joined Nextwave, saved the Marvel Universe from zombies, fought alongside Red Hulk, and more.
In Iron Man (1998) #53
Another one of Tony Stark's digital assistants, Friday helped the Armored Avenger as both Iron Man and CEO of Stark Industries.
In Uncanny X-Men (1963) #333
Built from the remains of Nimrod and Master Mold, Bastion took mutant hunting to a new level with Operation: Zero Tolerance, a massive attack on mutants that turned humans into cybernetic Prime Sentinels.
In Vision (2015) #1
To feel more human, Vision once created a synthezoid family, including a daughter named Vivi Vision. Following the death of her mother and brother, Viv joined the Champions and fought alongside other heroes, much like her father.
In Uncanny X-Men (1963) #305
A cosmic race, the Phalanx aim to evolve into a Dominion—an all-powerful entity that exists beyond reality—by assimilating intelligences they deem worthy of adding to their collective hive mind.
In Runaways (2005) #1
After Marianella Mancha found one of Ultron's spare bodies and befriended it, the villain repaid her kindness by building her a cybernetic son named Victor Mancha. In spite of Ultron's attempts to take control of him, Victor joined a group of teenage heroes called the Runaways, although he still fears becoming a villain like his father.