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Taskmaster (character)

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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).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite book[1]</ref> He is the biological father of Finesse.

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 historyEdit

The Taskmaster first appeared briefly in The Avengers #195 (May 1980), created by writer David Michelinie and artist George Pérez.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> making his full debut in Avengers #196 (June 1980).<ref name="CBTaskmaster">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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.<ref name="CBTaskmaster"/>

Fictional character biographyEdit

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".<ref name="Av196">The Avengers #196 (June 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> 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.<ref>Moon Knight (vol. 5) #3 (August 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In "Civil War", Taskmaster joins the Thunderbolts and is given temporary amnesty to take down the Secret Avengers.<ref>Civil War #4 (October 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref> However, he is defeated by Invisible Woman and imprisoned in the Negative Zone.<ref>Civil War #7 (January 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster is freed by Deadpool and pardoned for testing the security of the Helicarrier.<ref name="autogenerated1">Cable & Deadpool #36 (March 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>Marvel Comics Presents (vol. 2) #2 (December 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster is tasked with training registered superheroes for the Fifty State Initiative.<ref>Avengers: The Initiative Annual #1 (January 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "Dark Reign" storyline, Taskmaster becomes the leader of the Shadow Initiative, consisting of Constrictor, Bengal, Typhoid Mary, and Komodo.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After Norman Osborn's defeat during the Siege of Asgard, Taskmaster and Constrictor return to mercenary work.<ref>Avengers: The Initiative #35 (June 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref>

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.<ref>Avengers Academy #9 (April 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the 2011 "Fear Itself" storyline, Taskmaster comes to the aid of Alpha Flight when it comes to forming a resistance against the Unity Party that was formed by Master of the World.<ref>Alpha Flight (vol. 4) #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When Taskmaster and Black Ant (Eric O'Grady's Life Model Decoy counterpart) found out what was done to Captain America to be made into a Hydra sleeper agent, they planned to have a parley with Maria Hill to discuss this with only for the new Madame Hydra (Elisa Sinclair) to get to them first.<ref>Captain America: Steve Rogers #12. Marvel Comics.</ref> Impressed with the fighting skills of the two of them, Madame Hydra made them bodyguards.<ref>Captain America: Steve Rogers #14. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "Secret Empire" storyline, Taskmaster appears as a member of Hydra's Avengers.<ref>Secret Empire #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the battle in Washington DC, Taskmaster and Black Ant witness their teammate Odinson having enough of working for Hydra and striking them down. The two of them defect from Hydra and free the captive Champions. When Taskmaster and Black Ant asks for them to put in a good word for them, Spider-Man webs them up anyway.<ref>Secret Empire #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster and Black Ant later attack Empire State University where Curt Connors was teaching a class. As the inhibitor chip prevents Connors into turning into Lizard, Peter Parker sneaks off to become Spider-Man. During his fight with Black Ant and Taskmaster, Spider-Man is exposed to the Isotope Genome Accelerator that splits him from his Peter Parker side.<ref>The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 5) #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In a prelude to "Hunted", Taskmaster and Black Ant work with Kraven the Hunter and Arcade in capturing some animal-themed characters for his upcoming hunt. After Spider-Man thwarted the hunt, Taskmaster and Black Ant got away.<ref>The Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 5) #16-#23. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "King in Black" storyline, Taskmaster is among the villains recruited by Mayor Wilson Fisk to lead his Thunderbolts at the time of Knull's invasion.<ref>King in Black: Thunderbolts #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

At the conclusion of "The Chameleon Conspiracy" arc, Foreigner hired Taskmaster and Black Ant to help get revenge on Spider-Man.<ref>Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: The Chameleon Conspiracy #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "Sinister War" storyline, Taskmaster was with Foreigner, Black Ant, Chance, Jack O'Lantern, and Slyde when they are sent by Kindred to attack Spider-Man after Kindred had disrupted their armored car robbery.<ref>Sinister War #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "Devil's Reign" storyline, Taskmaster appears as a member of Mayor Wilson Fisk's latest incarnation of the Thunderbolts at the time when Mayor Fisk passed a law that forbids superhero activity.<ref>Devil's Reign #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the "Carnage Reigns" storyline, Taskmaster joins Agent Gao's Cape-Killers.<ref>Miles Morales: Spider-Man (vol. 2) #6 (July 2023). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster was at the Bar with No Name when Spider-Woman arrived. They went outside to fight as Spider-Woman gets the information on some of the thugs he recently trained.<ref>Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 6 #31. Marvel Comics.</ref>

As Captain America is transporting a specific cargo, his futuristic helicopter gets Spider-Boy as a passenger due to his spider-senses stating that Captain America needs help from Taskmaster. Captain America figures out that one of the soldiers is actually Taskmaster using an Image Inducer as the cargo in question is Super-Adaptoid. Even though Captain America and Spider-Boy fend off Taskmaster, he makes off with Super-Adaptoid's left hand as he plans to give it to Killionaire.<ref>Spider-Boy Vol. 2 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Taskmaster was later seen at Empire Unlimited getting reprimanded by Killionaire for not bringing all of Super-Adaptoid to him so that Shannon Stillwell can rebuild it into a suit that would give him the powers of the Avengers. When Killionaire threatened to dox Taskmaster and Shannon Stillwell, Killionaire was impressed with the latter reverse-engineering it to make the Toy Soldier that still can copy the abilities of all the Avengers and be remote-controlled by Killionaire. When Taskmaster asks for his cut, Killionaire takes Toy Soldier out for a test drive by having it attack Taskmaster.<ref>Spider-Boy Vol. 2 #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "Gang War" storyline, Taskmaster was with Agent Gao's Cape-Killers at the time when Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Misty Knight, and Colleen Wing defeated Bumbler's group and Frost Pharaoh's group.<ref>Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #13. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Powers and abilitiesEdit

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.<ref name=":0">Taskmaster (vol. 2) #3 (January 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> 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.<ref>Taskmaster (vol. 2) #4 (February 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> 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).<ref name=":0" />

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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

WeaponryEdit

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.<ref>Taskmaster #1 (April 2002). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Other versionsEdit

Age of UltronEdit

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.<ref>Age of Ultron #3 - 4 (May - June 2013)</ref>

Avataars: Covenant of the ShieldEdit

Deathmaster, a fantasy-themed incarnation of Taskmaster from the artificial planet Eurth, appears in Avataars: Covenant of the Shield.<ref>Avataars: Covenant of the Shield #1 (September 2000)</ref>

Deadpool MaxEdit

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.<ref>Deadpool Max #5 (April 2011)</ref>

House of MEdit

An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-58163 appears in House of M. This version is a member of the Brotherhood strike force.<ref>House of M: Avengers #2 (February 2008)</ref>

JLA/AvengersEdit

Taskmaster appears in JLA/Avengers #4 as a brainwashed minion of Krona.<ref>JLA/Avengers #4 (February 2004)</ref>

Marvel ApesEdit

An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-38831 appears in Marvel Apes.<ref>Marvel Apes: Grunt Line Special one-shot (July 2009)</ref>

Marvel Universe Millennial Visions 2001Edit

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.<ref>Marvel Universe: Millennial Visions one-shot (February 2002)</ref>

Marvel Universe vs. the PunisherEdit

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.<ref>Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher #4 (September 2010)</ref>

Ultimate MarvelEdit

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.<ref>Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #26 - 27 (October - November 2013)</ref>

What IfEdit

An alternate universe variant of Taskmaster from Earth-8909 appears in What If? #3. This version trained Super-Patriot to replace Captain America.<ref>What If...? (vol. 2) #3 (May 1989)</ref>

In other mediaEdit

TelevisionEdit

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> This version is a founding member of the Thunderbolts.

  • Taskmaster appears in Avengers Assemble, voiced again by Clancy Brown.<ref name="btva"/>

FilmEdit

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="btva" />

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> This version is the disfigured daughter of General Dreykov named Antonia Dreykov.

    • In Black Widow, Taskmasters completes missions for the Red Room before Natasha Romanoff undoes her brainwashing.<ref name="KurylenkoTaskmaster">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Video gamesEdit

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  • Taskmaster appears in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.<ref name="btva" />
  • Taskmaster appears as a playable character in Marvel Heroes, voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref name="IGNtaskmaster" /><ref name="btva" />
  • Taskmaster appears as the final boss of Captain America's storyline in Avengers Initiative, voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="btva" />

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes, voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref name="IGNtaskmaster" />
  • Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Marvel: Avengers Alliance Tactics.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • Taskmaster appears as a boss in Captain America: The Winter Soldier - The Official Game, voiced by Roger Craig Smith.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="btva" />

|CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref><ref name="btva" />

  • Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="btva" />

  • Taskmaster appears as a boss in Spider-Man,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> voiced by Brian Bloom.<ref name="btva" />

  • Taskmaster appears as a boss in Marvel's Avengers,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> voiced by Walter Gray.<ref name="btva" /> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

MerchandiseEdit

Template:Unsourced-section

  • 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.

MiscellaneousEdit

  • The Marvel vs. Capcom 3 incarnation of Taskmaster appears in the game's one-shot tie-in comic.<ref>Marvel vs. Capcom: Fate of Two Worlds #1 (February 2011)</ref>
  • Taskmaster appears in the Marvel Rising motion comic, voiced again by Brian Bloom.<ref name="btva" />
  • Taskmaster appears in the HeroClix Collectible Miniatures game.
  • Taskmaster appears in the Marvel Crisis Protocol miniatures game.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Collected editionsEdit

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 Template:ISBNT
Taskmaster: Unthinkable Taskmaster (vol. 2) #1–4 May 18, 2011 Template:ISBNT
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 Template:ISBNT
Taskmaster: The Rubicon Trigger Taskmaster (vol. 3) #1–5 July 29, 2021 Template:ISBNT

ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

Template:Avengers characters Template:Black Widow Template:Captain America characters Template:Deadpool Template:Moon Knight Template:Spider-Man characters Template:Thunderbolts Template:Wolverine

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