The War Machine’s Hidden Identity: How Long has War Machine been a Skrull?
For decades, James "Rhodey" Rhodes has been a trusted ally to Tony Stark, better known as Iron Man. But, unbeknownst to many, Rhodey’s identity has been hijacked by an alien infiltrator. War Machine, the Skrull, has been masquerading as Rhodey since 2009.
The Initial Deception
In Secret Invasion #1 (2008), a massive alien invasion of Earth occurs, with the Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien species, impersonating various superheroes and supervillains. Among those targeted was James "Rhodey" Rhodes, Iron Man’s trusted friend and pilot. The Skrull, named "Rygg", replaced Rhodey, using his advanced technology to mimic his appearance and behavior.
The Impostor Takes Hold
Rhodey’s Skrull impersonator, Rygg, continued to carry out his duties as War Machine, even participating in battles alongside Iron Man and the Avengers. It wasn’t until the end of the Secret Invasion saga (2009) that the truth began to unravel. The actual Rhodey was found to be in a Skrull prison, replaced by Rygg.
The Skrull’s Prolonged Reign
For over a year, Rygg, as War Machine, remained a member of the Avengers, secretly working against the team’s interests. During this period, he even had a relationship with Black Widow. It wasn’t until The Incredible Hulks #612 (2011) that the real Rhodey was rescued and Rygg’s true nature was revealed.
A Skrull Among Us
The Skrulls’ infiltration of Earth was a massive conspiracy, and Rygg’s impersonation of Rhodey was just one of many. The Skrulls even replaced other high-ranking government officials and superheroes. The Secret Invasion’s aftermath led to a complete overhaul of the superhero community, with many heroes forced to re-evaluate their trust in each other.
The Consequences
The Skrulls’ manipulation of Rhodey and other heroes had significant consequences. The Avengers’ unity was shattered, and Iron Man’s confidence in his friends was rocked. The entire world was left wondering how many other Skrulls were still hiding in plain sight.
In Conclusion
War Machine’s Skrull impersonation lasted for over a year, from 2008 to 2009, with the Skrull, Rygg, mimicking Rhodey’s actions and appearances. This deception had far-reaching consequences, affecting the superhero community and the world at large. The revelation of Rygg’s true identity served as a reminder of the importance of trust and vigilance in the fight against evil.
Table: Timeline of War Machine’s Skrull Impersonation
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Secret Invasion | Skrulls, led by Rygg, impersonate Rhodey and become War Machine |
| 2009 | Secret Invasion | Rhodey is captured and replaced by Rygg; the truth begins to unravel |
| 2010 | The Incredible Hulks #612 | The real Rhodey is rescued, and Rygg’s true nature is revealed |
| 2011 | Avengers’ Rebuilding | The superhero community begins to recover from the Skrulls’ infiltration |
Important Points:
• 2009: Rygg’s impersonation of Rhodey is revealed, and the real Rhodey is rescued.
• The Skrulls’ infiltration lasted over a year, from 2008 to 2009.
• War Machine, the Skrull, had a significant impact on the superhero community, causing unity to shatter and trust to be broken.
• Rygg’s impersonation had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the Avengers but the world at large.
