Taskmaster (character)
Marvel Comics fictional character From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Taskmaster (Anthony "Tony" Masters) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer David Michelinie and artist George Pérez, the character made his debut in The Avengers #195 (May 1980).[2] Possessing photographic reflexes that allow him to mimic any fighting style at the cost of his long and short-term memory, he has served as an adversary of Marvel Universe superheroes such as Captain America, Ant-Man, and Spider-Man. He is usually depicted as a mercenary hired by criminal organizations to act as a training instructor.[3] He is the biological father of Finesse.
| Taskmaster | |
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | The Avengers #195 (May 1980)[1] |
| Created by | |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Anthony "Tony" Masters |
| Species | Human mutate |
| Team affiliations | |
| Notable aliases |
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| Abilities |
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The character has been adapted from the comics into various forms of media, including several animated television series and video games. A female version of Taskmaster named Antonia Dreykov appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Black Widow (2021) and Thunderbolts* (2025), portrayed by Olga Kurylenko.
Publication history
The Taskmaster first appeared briefly in The Avengers #195 (May 1980), created by writer David Michelinie and artist George Pérez.[4] making his full debut in Avengers #196 (June 1980).[5]
The Taskmaster appeared in his own limited series Taskmaster #1–4 (2002), which was followed by a supporting role in Agent X #1–15 (2002–2003). The character went on to feature prominently in Avengers: The Initiative as a supporting character in #8–19 (2008–2009) and Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 (2008) then later as a central character in #20–35 (2009–2010) during the Dark Reign and Siege storylines. Age of Heroes #3 (2010) provided the prologue for the Taskmaster's second limited series Taskmaster vol. 2 #1–4 (2010–2011). In 2011, Taskmaster received a solo graphic novel collecting a four-issue story—Taskmaster: Unthinkable.
In Marvel's 2012–2015 rebranding, Marvel NOW!, Taskmaster joins a new incarnation of the Secret Avengers.[5]
Fictional character biography
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Perspective
Taskmaster is a mysterious figure believed to have been born in the Bronx, New York City. He is able to mimic the physical movements of anyone he witnesses; writers differ on whether this counts as a "super power".[6] He claims to have had this ability since childhood. Initially a combat instructor for other villains and criminals, Taskmaster becomes a mercenary to continue making money after the Avengers shut down some of his academies.[7]
In "Civil War", Taskmaster joins the Thunderbolts and is given temporary amnesty to take down the Secret Avengers.[8] However, he is defeated by Invisible Woman and imprisoned in the Negative Zone.[9] Taskmaster is freed by Deadpool and pardoned for testing the security of the Helicarrier.[10][11] He is tasked with training registered superheroes for the Fifty State Initiative.[12]
During the "Dark Reign" storyline, Taskmaster becomes the leader of the Shadow Initiative, consisting of Constrictor, Bengal, Typhoid Mary, and Komodo.[13] After Norman Osborn's defeat, Taskmaster and Constrictor return to mercenary work.[14]
Avengers Academy student Finesse later seeks out Taskmaster, believing him to be her long-lost father. When she finds Taskmaster, Finesse ends up sparring with him. After much sparring, Taskmaster relents to tell Finesse that he likely is her father, but that his abilities have affected his memories. Knowing he likely will not remember the conversation in a couple days, Taskmaster tells Finesse that he wanted to fight her so he might remember her.[15]
In the "Carnage Reigns" storyline, Taskmaster joins Agent Gao's Cape-Killers.[16]
Powers and abilities
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Taskmaster injected himself with SS-Hauptsturmführer Horst Gorscht's primer, an elaborate modification of the adrenal steroid cortisol designed to unlock the mind's procedural memory potential.[17] This increased Taskmaster's natural ability to absorb knowledge. This ability is linked to his muscle memory, allowing Taskmaster to instantly replicate the physical movement of peak-level humans. Taskmaster cannot duplicate a physical feat that requires superhuman effort, like lifting a car. These "photographic reflexes" have made Taskmaster highly skilled in various forms of combat: martial arts, swordfighting, and marksmanship.[18] A side effect of the primer is severe declarative memory loss. As he gains implicit memories (i.e., knowledge and abilities), he loses explicit memories (i.e., personal experiences).[17]
By viewing a video in fast-forward, Taskmaster can learn to replicate human movement at near-superhuman speed. However, this puts his body under intense strain and can only be used for short periods of time. He can manipulate his vocal cords to mimic others' voices. The Taskmaster is skilled in meditation techniques that allow him to slow his breathing and heart rate, allowing him to play dead or and survive for extended periods of time without air. Taskmaster was once shown to have aquaphobia (fear of water), but later overcame his fears.[19]
Weaponry
Taskmaster carries many weapons. He most commonly uses a sword and a replica of Captain America's shield, but also carries a bow and a quiver of arrows, a billy club, a lasso, nunchaku, throwing darts, and various firearms. Taskmaster once used a stolen S.H.I.E.L.D. device that was able to create various forms of weaponry (such as arrows and shields) using solid energy.[20]
Other versions
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Age of Ultron
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-61112 appears in Age of Ultron. He works with Black Panther and Red Hulk to battle Ultron's drones, only for Red Hulk to kill Taskmaster after he attempts to take one of the drones for his own use.[21]
Avataars: Covenant of the Shield
Deathmaster, a fantasy-themed incarnation of Taskmaster from the artificial planet Eurth, appears in Avataars: Covenant of the Shield.[22]
Deadpool Max
A female version of Taskmaster from an unidentified universe appears in the Marvel Max series Deadpool Max. This version became a mother figure to a young version of Deadpool after kidnapping his Muskrat troop. She is later revealed to be a potential cult leader and child molester.[23]
House of M
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-58163 appears in House of M. This version is a member of the Brotherhood strike force.[24]
JLA/Avengers
Taskmaster appears in JLA/Avengers #4 as a brainwashed minion of Krona.[25]
Marvel Apes
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-38831 appears in Marvel Apes.[26]
Marvel Universe Millennial Visions 2001
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-22000 appears in the one-shot Marvel Universe: Millennial Visions. This version was hypnotized by the Ringmaster and forced to reform and become a member of the Thunderbolts.[27]
Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-11080 appears in Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher #4, where he is killed by a cannibalistic Red Hulk.[28]
Ultimate Marvel
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-1610 appears in Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. This version is African-American and possesses the ability to absorb and redirect energy.[29]
What If
An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-8909 appears in What If? #3. This version trained Super-Patriot to replace Captain America.[30]
In other media
Television
- Taskmaster appears in Ultimate Spider-Man, voiced by Clancy Brown.[31] This version is a founding member of the Thunderbolts.
- Taskmaster appears in Avengers Assemble, voiced again by Clancy Brown.[31]
Film
- Taskmaster makes a cameo appearance in Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher as a member of Leviathan.[32][31]
- Taskmaster appears in Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United, voiced again by Clancy Brown.[31]
- A female incarnation of Taskmaster named Antonia Dreykov appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Black Widow (2021), portrayed by Olga Kurylenko. This version is the disfigured daughter of General Dreykov who completes missions for the Red Room before Natasha Romanoff undoes her brainwashing.[33]
- Antonia Dreykov / Taskmaster appears in the MCU film Thunderbolts* (2025), portrayed by Olga Kurylenko.[34] By this time, she came to work for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine before Antonia is killed by Ghost.
Video games
- Taskmaster appears as a playable character in Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, voiced by Steve Blum.[35][31]
- Taskmaster appears in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.[31]
- Taskmaster appears as a playable character in Marvel Heroes, voiced again by Steve Blum.[35][31]
- Taskmaster appears as the final boss of Captain America's storyline in Avengers Initiative, voiced again by Steve Blum.[36][31]
- Taskmaster appears as a boss and unlockable playable character in Marvel: Avengers Alliance.[37]
- Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes, voiced again by Steve Blum.[35]
- Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel: Avengers Alliance Tactics.[38]
- Taskmaster appears as a boss in Captain America: The Winter Soldier - The Official Game, voiced by Roger Craig Smith.[39][31]
- Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel Avengers Academy, voiced by Adam Montoya.[40][31]
- Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.[41][31]
- Taskmaster appears as a boss in Spider-Man,[42] voiced by Brian Bloom.[31]
- Taskmaster appears as a boss in Marvel's Avengers,[43] voiced by Walter Gray.[31] This version is a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who runs a private mercenary group and has history with Black Widow. Additionally, clones of Taskmaster created by A.I.M. appear in side missions.
- Taskmaster appears as a playable character in Marvel: Future Fight as part of the Secret Empire update.[44]
- Taskmaster appears as a purchasable outfit in Fortnite Battle Royale.[45]
Merchandise
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- Taskmaster received a figurine in The Classic Marvel Figurine Collection.
- Taskmaster received a figurine in Funko's "Marvel Pop!" line.
- Taskmaster received a figure in Toy Biz's Marvel Legends line.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Minimates line.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Super Hero Squad line as part of a two-pack with Deadpool.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Universe line's "Marvel's Greatest Battles" sub-line as part of a two-pack with Deadpool.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Lego Marvel Super Heroes "Hulk Lab Smash" set.
- Taskmaster, based on his second design in Ultimate Spider-Man, received a figure in Hasbro's Marvel Legends line via the "Mercenaries of Mayhem" sub-line.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Legends Avengers: Infinity War Thanos Build-A-Figure line.
- The MCU incarnation of Taskmaster received a figure in Marvel Legends Black Widow line.
- Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Legends "Cabal" three-pack of figures alongside Iron Patriot and Doctor Doom.
Miscellaneous
- The Marvel vs. Capcom 3 incarnation of Taskmaster appears in the game's one-shot tie-in comic.[46]
- Taskmaster appears in the Marvel Rising motion comic, voiced again by Brian Bloom.[31]
- Taskmaster appears in the HeroClix Collectible Miniatures game.
- Taskmaster appears in the Marvel Crisis Protocol miniatures game.[47]
Collected editions
| Title | Material Collected | Published Date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taskmaster: Anything You Can Do... | Avengers #195–196, 223; Marvel Team-Up #103 and 146; Thing #26; Amazing Spider-Man #308; Iron Man #254; Daredevil #292–293; Deadpool (vol. 2) #2; Hawkeye: Earth's Mightiest Marksman #1; Avengers (vol. 2) #26; Captain America (vol. 2) #44; material from Captain America Annual #11 | March 3, 2020 | 978-1302921316 |
| Taskmaster: Unthinkable | Taskmaster (vol. 2) #1–4 | May 18, 2011 | 978-0785152606 |
| Taskmaster: The Right Price | Taskmaster (vol. 1) #1–4, Taskmaster (vol. 2) #1–4, and material from Marvel Comics Presents (vol. 2) #2, Age of Heroes #3 | March 31, 2020 | 978-1302921323 |
| Taskmaster: The Rubicon Trigger | Taskmaster (vol. 3) #1–5 | July 29, 2021 | 978-1302921712 |
References
External links
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