Avengers #18: The Race to Stop Hyperion’s Earth-Shattering Plan

In Avengers (2023) #18, the Avengers face a colossal threat from Hyperion, a Superman-like entity from an alternate reality, who intends to destroy Earth. With the recent addition of Storm, an Omega Level mutant, the team hopes to counter his unstoppable power. Meanwhile, the multiverse hints at a possible solution with the potential return of a heroic Hyperion from past storylines.
SummaryIn Avengers (2023) #18, Earth faces a dire threat from Hyperion, a powerful being reminiscent of Superman, who plans to destroy the planet. This version of Hyperion, from an alternate reality where the Avengers never formed, sees Earth as a blemish on his ideal world. The Avengers, with their recent recruit Storm, must find a way to counter his immense power. While Storm’s limitless potential as an Omega Level mutant offers hope, the multiverse presents another potential solution: a heroic version of Hyperion from a previous storyline might emerge to stop him. The Avengers must navigate this complex scenario as Hyperion’s destructive intent looms large.

A Powerful Threat Looms Over Earth: Hyperion’s Wrath in Avengers #18

Contains possible spoilers for Avengers (2023) #18! Marvel’s universe faces a potentially catastrophic threat from their version of Superman: Hyperion. Unstoppable and relentless, he is poised to shatter the planet unless the Avengers can thwart his plans. Fortunately, they’ve enlisted a formidable ally, but even with this addition, the challenge remains daunting.

Hyperion’s Destructive Intentions

In the upcoming Avengers #18, penned by Jed MacKay with art by Valerio Schiti, Hyperion’s threat is laid bare. With a single, forceful strike, he possesses the capability to split Earth in two. Hyperion, hailing from an alternate reality, deems this Earth’s existence as an imperfection against his own ideal world. He has declared his intentions and is now on a collision course with Earth’s defenders. The Avengers, having just recruited the powerful Storm, must rise to the occasion.

Hyperion: A Missile Aimed at Earth

Avengers #18

– Written By: Jed MacKay

– Art By: Valerio Schiti

– Color By: Bryan Valenza

– Lettering By: Corey Petit

This version of Hyperion originates from the Heroes Reborn (2021) timeline, a world where the Avengers never existed, and the tyrannical Squadron Supreme ruled with an iron fist. Hyperion’s character has a storied history, having first appeared in Avengers (Vol 1) #69, a creation of the Grandmaster inspired by Superman. Hyperion is traditionally depicted as the sole survivor of a doomed world, and many iterations of him share this tragic backstory.

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Storm: The Omega Level Savior?

Storm’s inclusion in the Avengers might be the pivotal factor needed to counter Hyperion. Despite having cosmic powerhouses like Captain Marvel on their side, the Avengers face a daunting challenge. Even Thor, another key member, is hampered by a curse affecting his intellect. Storm, however, as an Omega Level mutant, possesses limitless potential, offering a glimmer of hope against Hyperion’s immense power.

A Marvelous Twist: Another Hyperion?

Marvel’s Multiverse Offers a Solution

Fascinatingly, another potential savior could be none other than Hyperion himself. Marvel’s multiverse includes several versions of the character. Notably, Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers (2013) featured a heroic Hyperion who survived the annihilation of both his universe and the entire Multiverse. Despite his absence in recent years, his return could tip the scales. Furthermore, an Earth-616 Hyperion could emerge, although past iterations have been exposed as impostors.

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The Dual Nature of Hyperion

The complex history of Hyperion adds layers to this unfolding saga. Squadron Supreme Vol 1 #9 introduced the idea that the Grandmaster’s Hyperion was modeled after the Hyperion of Earth-712, making him a replicated entity. Additionally, Jason Aaron’s Avengers run also depicted a false Hyperion, this time created by Mephisto. Thus, with Hyperion hurtling towards Earth, the Avengers face a paradox where their greatest threat might also be their salvation.

Avengers (Vol. 1) #69

– Writer: Roy Thomas

– Penciler: Sal Buscema

– Inker: Sam Grainger

– Letterer: Artie Simek

Squadron Supreme (Vol. 1) #9

– Writer: Mark Gruenwald

– Penciler: Paul Ryan

– Inker: Sam de la Rosa

– Colorist: Max Scheele

– Letterer: Rick Parker

Avengers (2023) #18 will be available on September 18, 2024, from Marvel Comics.

Superman

    The icon who launched the entire world of superheroes, the last son of Krypton escaped his dying world to crash land on Earth and be raised as Clark Kent. The world knows him better as Superman, the Man of Steel, the leader of the Justice League, and the most well-known hero in the DC Comics Universe. Blessed with the powers of a demigod, Kal-El of Krypton fights enemies both small and cosmic in his endless pursuit of truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.