Has war machine always been a skrull?

The Question of War Machine’s Identity: Has War Machine Always Been a Skrull?

For decades, James "Rhodey" Rhodes, a.k.a. War Machine, has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe, serving as Tony Stark’s trusted friend and sidekick. However, a significant plot twist in 2010’s "Secret Invasion" storyline raised questions about War Machine’s true nature. Has War Machine always been a Skrull? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of War Machine’s identity and explore the revelations that have led to this inquiry.

War Machine’s Origins

Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck, War Machine first appeared in Iron Man Vol. 1 #55 (1968). Originally, Rhodey was introduced as a rival and occasional enemy of Tony Stark, but over time, he became a close friend and ally. Rhodey’s transformation into War Machine began when he was wounded during a battle with Iron Monger, and Tony Stark equipped him with an armor similar to his own. Table 1: War Machine’s Evolution

The Secret Invasion

In Secret Invasion (2008-2009), Marvel revealed that the Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien species, had been infiltrating Earth for years. The Skrulls had replaced key members of the Marvel Universe, including the Avengers, X-Men, and even high-ranking government officials. One of the most shocking revelations came when it was discovered that War Machine, also known as James Rhodes, was a Skrull impersonating the real Rhodey.

Was Rhodey Always a Skrull?

While Rhodey’s Skrull persona was a replacement for the real James Rhodes, it’s unclear if this was the first instance of Skrull infiltration. In Captain Marvel Vol. 6 #6 (2001), a Skrull impersonating Captain Marvel’s girlfriend, Carol Danvers, was introduced. This storyline hints at a possible Skrull plot to infiltrate Earth, potentially dating back to the early 2000s. Figure 1: Skrull Timeline

• 2000s: Skrulls begin infiltrating Earth, including impersonating Captain Marvel’s girlfriend.
• 2010s: The Secret Invasion reveals widespread Skrull infiltration, including Rhodey’s replacement.
• Present Day: The identity of War Machine remains unclear, with some speculating that the current Rhodey is still a Skrull.

The Mystery of War Machine’s Identity

In the aftermath of Secret Invasion, Rhodey’s true identity was unclear. He was eventually confirmed as the real James Rhodes, but the question of whether he was always a Skrull remained unanswered. In Iron Man 2 (2010), Rhodey donned the War Machine armor to fight alongside Iron Man against the Whiplash twins. Figure 2: War Machine’s armor evolution

• Arc II armor (1970s-1980s)
• Mark II armor (1990s-2000s)
• Iron Legion armor (2010s)

Conclusion

War Machine’s identity has been a topic of discussion among Marvel fans since the reveal in Secret Invasion. While it’s unclear if Rhodey was always a Skrull, the plot twist has raised important questions about the nature of his relationship with Tony Stark and the extent of Skrull infiltration. The Mystery of War Machine’s Identity remains unsolved, leaving fans to ponder the possibilities. The Search for Truth may continue in future Marvel storylines, shedding more light on the enigmatic past of War Machine.

Key Takeaways:

• War Machine was originally introduced as a rival of Tony Stark in Iron Man Vol. 1 #55 (1968).
• The character’s evolution has led to multiple armor designs and identities.
• The Secret Invasion storyline (2008-2009) revealed that War Machine, a.k.a. James Rhodes, was replaced by a Skrull impersonator.
• The possibility of Skrull infiltration dates back to the early 2000s, potentially making Rhodey a Skrull at some point in his past.

In conclusion, the mystery surrounding War Machine’s identity is a testament to the complexities of the Marvel Universe. As fans continue to explore the vast array of characters and storylines, the question of whether War Machine has always been a Skrull will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion.