The idea that even the worst people can find redemption is a common theme in superhero fiction. It is the defining belief of Tony Stark, who tried to mend his wicked ways and save lives as Iron Man. However, Tony is testing that idea to the breaking point in the preview of West Coast Avengers #1 by recruiting a reformed Ultron to the team.
Written by Gerry Duggan with art by Danny Kim, West Coast Avengers #1 opens in the heat of the action. Tony Stark is on the run from the forces trying to take control of his company. However, this does not stop him from advising Ultron remotely on how to best deal with multiple bomb threats and fires.
Four pages from the first issue may be viewed below.
Reformed Ultron in West Coast Avengers explained
Villains reforming is nothing new in superhero comics. However, the West Coast Avengers #1 preview does not offer an explanation for how this reformed Ultron came into existence. This raises the question of whether Tony Stark reprogrammed an Ultron drone, which seems reckless even for Iron Man.
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A more likely answer may lay in the Avengers Inc. limited series. It was here that Ultron recently tried to revive himself by manipulating his creator, Dr. Hank Pym. Thankfully, Pym was able to subconsciously recreate the Ultron-12 personality with whom he reconciled. This variation, who adopted the name Vic Shade, was able to take over the new body and purge it of all other Ultron influences.
Avengers Inc. ended with Vic Shade still partnered with Wasp. However, with Janet Van Dyne having joined the ERS squad in Avengers Assemble, it would seem that team is now defunct. This would open the door for the new Ultron to join West Coast Avengers.
West Coast Avengers #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on November 27, 2024.
