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{{Short description|Fictional character from Marvel Comics}}
{{Short description|Fictional character from Marvel Comics}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=[[Image:Uxm140.png|250px]]
|image=Image:Uxm140.png
|caption=The Wendigo on the cover to ''Uncanny X-Men'' #140.<br />Art by John Byrne and Terry Austin.
|caption=The Wendigo on the cover to ''The Uncanny X-Men'' #140, art by John Byrne and Terry Austin.
|character_name=Wendigo
|character_name=Wendigo
|real_name=Several individuals
|real_name=Several individuals
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|debut=''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' #162 (April 1973)
|debut=''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Misiroglu |first1=Gina Renée |last2=Eury |first2=Michael |title=The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood |date=2006 |publisher=Visible Ink Press |isbn=9780780809772 |url=https://archive.org/details/supervillainbook0000gina/page/400/mode/2up |language=en}}</ref>
|creators=[[Steve Englehart]]<br /> [[Herb Trimpe]]
|creators=[[Steve Englehart]]<br /> [[Herb Trimpe]]
|alliances=Varies per individual
|alliances=Varies per individual
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}}
}}


The '''Wendigo''' (occasionally: '''Wen-Di-Go''') is a fictional monster appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The Marvel character is based on the [[Wendigo]] legend of the [[Algonquian peoples]]. The monster first appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' #162 (April 1973), created by writer [[Steve Englehart]] and artist [[Herb Trimpe]], fighting the Incredible Hulk.<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=405}}</ref>
The '''Wendigo''' (occasionally: '''Wen-Di-Go''') is a fictional monster appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The Marvel character is based on the [[Wendigo]] legend of the [[Algonquian peoples]]. The monster first appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973), created by writer [[Steve Englehart]] and artist [[Herb Trimpe]], fighting the Incredible Hulk.<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=405}}</ref>


The Wendigo is not one specific person, but instead is the manifestation of a curse that can strike anyone who commits an act of [[cannibalism]] in the Canadian North Woods. Originally only one person can become the Wendigo at the time, which has led to one Wendigo being cured if another person was struck with the curse. In later years it has been revealed that a pack of Wendigos lived in the [[Bering Strait]]. At one point the Wendigo curse infected the Hulk, turning him into Wendihulk, although he was later cured.
The Wendigo is not one specific person, but instead is the manifestation of a curse that can strike anyone who commits an act of cannibalism in the Canadian North Woods. Originally only one person can become the Wendigo at the time, which has led to one Wendigo being cured if another person was struck with the curse. In later years it has been revealed that a pack of Wendigos lived in the [[Bering Strait]]. At one point the Wendigo curse infected the [[Hulk]], turning him into Wendihulk, although he was later cured.


While normally depicted as a savage beast with no control, Wendigos have appeared as part of various villainous groups, showing some restraint when not fighting. The Wendigo character has also appeared in several Marvel cartoon series.
While normally depicted as a savage beast with no control, Wendigos have appeared as part of various villainous groups, showing some restraint when not fighting. The Wendigo character has also appeared in several Marvel cartoon series.
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==Publication history==
==Publication history==
{{Expand section|date=December 2012}}
{{Expand section|date=December 2012}}
The Wendigo first appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' #162 (April 1973), and was created by [[Steve Englehart]] and [[Herb Trimpe]]. Englehart recalled, "I knew about the legend of the [[Wendigo]], and thought, between his strength and his sad story, that he sounded like a good [[Hulk]] opponent."<ref>{{cite journal|last= Buttery|first= Jarrod|date= February 2014|title= Hulk Smash!: The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s|journal= [[Back Issue!]]|issue= 70|page= 7|publisher= [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]}}</ref>
The Wendigo first appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973), and was created by [[Steve Englehart]] and [[Herb Trimpe]]. Englehart recalled: "I knew about the legend of the [[Wendigo]], and thought, between his strength and his sad story, that he sounded like a good [[Hulk]] opponent".<ref>{{cite journal|last= Buttery|first= Jarrod|date= February 2014|title= Hulk Smash!: The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s|journal= [[Back Issue!]]|issue= #70|page= 7|publisher= [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]}}</ref>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
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The curse is regional to the woods of Northern Canada and takes place, under the right conditions, when a person in the forests of Canada feeds on human flesh. This "curse of the Wendigo" was created by the Northern Gods (also known as "the Inua") in an effort to deter human cannibalism.<ref>''Thor/Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica'', ''Chaos War: Alpha Flight'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
The curse is regional to the woods of Northern Canada and takes place, under the right conditions, when a person in the forests of Canada feeds on human flesh. This "curse of the Wendigo" was created by the Northern Gods (also known as "the Inua") in an effort to deter human cannibalism.<ref>''Thor/Hercules: Encyclopaedia Mythologica'', ''Chaos War: Alpha Flight'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


The cannibal transforms into a superhumanly strong, nearly indestructible, fur-covered monster: the Wendigo. He or she then roams the woods eating human beings. The Wendigo frequently fights the [[Hulk]], [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], and [[Alpha Flight]]. Paul Cartier transformed into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk, and escaped.<ref>''Hulk'' #162. Marvel Comics.</ref> He battles the Hulk again and encountered Wolverine,<ref>''Hulk'' #180. Marvel Comics.</ref> and then battles the Hulk and Wolverine; Paul Cartier is cured as college professor Georges Baptiste became the Wendigo.<ref>''Hulk'' #181. Marvel Comics.</ref>
The cannibal transforms into a superhumanly strong, nearly indestructible, fur-covered monster: the Wendigo. He or she then roams the woods eating human beings. The Wendigo frequently fights the [[Hulk]], [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], and [[Alpha Flight]]. Paul Cartier transformed into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk, and escaped.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #162. Marvel Comics.</ref> He battles the Hulk again and encountered Wolverine,<ref>''Hulk'' #180. Marvel Comics.</ref> and then battles the Hulk and Wolverine; Paul Cartier is cured as college professor Georges Baptiste became the Wendigo.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #181. Marvel Comics.</ref>


Baptiste as the Wendigo later terrorizes a snowbound group.<ref>''Monsters Unleashed'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref> He battles Wolverine, [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]], and members of Alpha Flight; the Baptiste Wendigo is captured and cured by [[Shaman (comics)|Shaman]], although Baptiste is arrested by Department H.<ref>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #140. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Baptiste as the Wendigo later terrorizes a snowbound group.<ref>''Monsters Unleashed'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref> He battles Wolverine, [[Nightcrawler (character)|Nightcrawler]], and members of Alpha Flight; the Baptiste Wendigo is captured and cured by [[Shaman (comics)|Shaman]], although Baptiste is arrested by Department H.<ref>''The Uncanny X-Men'' #140. Marvel Comics.</ref>


Fur trapper Francois Lartigue later transforms into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk when Bruce Banner stumbled across a cabin belonging to him, and [[Sasquatch (comics)|Sasquatch]], and is taken to be cured by Shaman.<ref>''Hulk'' #272. Marvel Comics.</ref>
Fur trapper Francois Lartigue later transforms into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk when Bruce Banner stumbled across a cabin belonging to him, and [[Sasquatch (comics)|Sasquatch]], and is taken to be cured by Shaman.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #272. Marvel Comics.</ref>


A reporter named Anna Brooks goes on the search for [[Bigfoot]] at the time when some children are missing where she stumbles upon a Wendigo. This sighting causes [[J. Jonah Jameson]] to dispatch [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] to British Columbia, though the Wendigo's actions also attract the attention of Wolverine. This led to Spider-Man and Wolverine working together to stop the Wendigo.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #8-12 (1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>
A reporter named Anna Brooks goes on the search for [[Bigfoot]] at the time when some children are missing where she stumbles upon a Wendigo. This sighting causes [[J. Jonah Jameson]] to dispatch [[Spider-Man|Peter Parker]] to British Columbia, though the Wendigo's actions also attract the attention of Wolverine. This led to Spider-Man and Wolverine working together to stop the Wendigo.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #8-12 (1991). Marvel Comics.</ref>


One Wendigo battles the [[Werewolf by Night|Werewolf]] in an issue of ''[[Marvel Comics Presents]]''.<ref>''Marvel Comics Presents'' #113 (October 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> Its most frequent appearances were in the limited series ''[[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth]]: Open Season'' #1–4, where Sabretooth is hired to kill a Wendigo, ultimately succeeding.<ref>''[[Sabretooth (comics)|Sabretooth]]: Open Season'' #1–4. Marvel Comics.</ref>
One Wendigo battles the [[Werewolf by Night|Werewolf]] in an issue of ''[[Marvel Comics Presents]]''.<ref>''Marvel Comics Presents'' #113 (October 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> Its most frequent appearances were in the limited series ''[[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]]: Open Season'' #1–4, where Sabretooth is hired to kill a Wendigo, ultimately succeeding.<ref>''[[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]]: Open Season'' #1–4. Marvel Comics.</ref>


A few years later, a new Wendigo emerges, leading to a fight with Wolverine and [[She-Hulk]].<ref name="She-Hulk vol.4, #16">''She-Hulk'' (vol. 4) #16. Marvel Comics.</ref> A local Canadian super-hero, [[Talisman (Alpha Flight)|Talisman]], arrives and claims to have a magical cure for the Wendigo's condition. After a long battle, the Wendigo is defeated by a combined attack from his two opponents, and placed into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody.{{Issue|date=June 2009}} This Wendigo is apparently later taken in by the Canadian-based Department K and is given an electric collar that keeps the usually mindless beast under control and is integrated as a member of Weapon: P.R.I.M.E., a team of operatives each with a personal grudge against Cable.<ref>''X-Force'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> Their first mission is to take down Cable, but X-Force proves to be more than capable, as Cable teleports all their belongings out of the base and triggers the autodestruct device, though the device malfunctions and blows up early. Cut off from Cable, X-Force helps Kane, Bridge and Rictor escape the exploding base, while Grizzly, Wendigo (now referred to as Yeti) and Tigerstryke are missing. Bridge and Kane still want to arrest X-Force and calls in S.H.I.E.L.D. reinforcement, but Rictor sides with X-Force, since his grudge is only against Cable, not his former teammates.<ref>''X-Force'' #13-14. Marvel Comics.</ref> Later the Wendigo's collar is exchanged with a neurological implant which gives more control to the man inside the beast, even allowing him to speak.<ref>''X-Force'' #22-23. Marvel Comics.</ref>
A few years later, a new Wendigo emerges, leading to a fight with Wolverine and [[She-Hulk]].<ref name="She-Hulk vol. 4, #16">''She-Hulk'' (vol. 4) #16. Marvel Comics.</ref> A local Canadian super-hero, [[Talisman (Alpha Flight)|Talisman]], arrives and claims to have a magical cure for the Wendigo's condition. After a long battle, the Wendigo is defeated by a combined attack from his two opponents, and placed into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody.{{Volume needed|c=y|date=June 2009}} This Wendigo is apparently later taken in by the Canadian-based Department K and is given an electric collar that keeps the usually mindless beast under control and is integrated as a member of Weapon: P.R.I.M.E., a team of operatives each with a personal grudge against Cable.<ref>''X-Force'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> Their first mission is to take down Cable, but X-Force proves to be more than capable, as Cable teleports all their belongings out of the base and triggers the autodestruct device, though the device malfunctions and blows up early. Cut off from Cable, X-Force helps Kane, Bridge and Rictor escape the exploding base, while Grizzly, Wendigo (now referred to as Yeti) and Tigerstryke are missing. Bridge and Kane still want to arrest X-Force and calls in S.H.I.E.L.D. reinforcement, but Rictor sides with X-Force, since his grudge is only against Cable, not his former teammates.<ref>''X-Force'' #13-14. Marvel Comics.</ref> Later the Wendigo's collar is exchanged with a neurological implant which gives more control to the man inside the beast, even allowing him to speak.<ref>''X-Force'' #22-23. Marvel Comics.</ref>


During the ''[[Chaos War]]'' storyline, it is revealed that a pack of Wendigos exist in the [[Bering Strait]] after [[Thunderbolt Ross|Red Hulk]] is attacked by a Wendigo, attracted by his camp fire while cooking a meal. A Wendigo bites the Red Hulk on the shoulder and he bleeds hot radioactive blood. The Red Hulk kills one Wendigo, while the others come to claim the body and eat it. It is also revealed that the Great Beasts are forced to manipulate the curse of the Wendigo to allow the transformation of several people instantly instead of only one, in order to create an army to fight with them against the Chaos King Amatsu-Mikaboshi.<ref>[[Jeph Loeb|Loeb, Jeph]] (w), [[Arthur Adams (comics)|Adams, Arthur]] (a). "Where Monsters Dwell", ''King Size Hulk'' #1 (July 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>
During the ''[[Chaos War]]'' storyline, it is revealed that a pack of Wendigos exist in the [[Bering Strait]] after [[Thunderbolt Ross|Red Hulk]] is attacked by a Wendigo, attracted by his camp fire while cooking a meal. A Wendigo bites the Red Hulk on the shoulder and he bleeds hot radioactive blood. The Red Hulk kills one Wendigo, while the others come to claim the body and eat it. It is also revealed that the Great Beasts are forced to manipulate the curse of the Wendigo to allow the transformation of several people instantly instead of only one, to create an army to fight with them against the Chaos King [[Amatsu-Mikaboshi (character)|Amatsu-Mikaboshi]].<ref>[[Jeph Loeb|Loeb, Jeph]] (w), [[Arthur Adams (comics)|Adams, Arthur]] (a). "Where Monsters Dwell", ''King Size Hulk'' #1 (July 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>


These Wendigos are later somehow able to invade Las Vegas.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #7. Marvel Comics.</ref> where they are confronted by the Grey Hulk. The Grey Hulk gets help in the fight against them from the [[Moon Knight]], [[Ms. Marvel]], and the [[Sentry (Robert Reynolds)|Sentry]]. Knocked into some debris, later on the Green Hulk appears.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #8. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, the Wendigos infect Hulk, turning him into the "Wendihulk" who attacks the superheroes. The sorcerer [[Brother Voodoo]] appears and cures Hulk and the other Wendigos.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>
These Wendigos are later somehow able to invade Las Vegas.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #7. Marvel Comics.</ref> where they are confronted by the Grey Hulk. The Grey Hulk gets help in the fight against them from the [[Moon Knight]], [[Ms. Marvel]], and the [[Sentry (Robert Reynolds)|Sentry]]. Knocked into some debris, later on the Green Hulk appears.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #8. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, the Wendigos infect Hulk, turning him into the "Wendihulk" who attacks the superheroes. The sorcerer [[Brother Voodoo]] appears and cures Hulk and the other Wendigos.<ref>Loeb, Jeph (w), Adams, Arthur (a). ''Hulk'' (vol. 2) #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>
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A Wendigo is later recruited by Kade Kilgore to join the faculty of the [[Hellfire Club (comics)|Hellfire Club]]'s Hellfire Academy.<ref>''Wolverine and the X-Men'' #20. Marvel Comics.</ref>
A Wendigo is later recruited by Kade Kilgore to join the faculty of the [[Hellfire Club (comics)|Hellfire Club]]'s Hellfire Academy.<ref>''Wolverine and the X-Men'' #20. Marvel Comics.</ref>


A Wendigo is summoned to Las Vegas through the wishing well of [[Tyrannus (comics)|Tyrannus]] along with the [[Bi-Beast]], [[Fin Fang Foom]], [[Umar (Marvel Comics)|Umar]], and Arm'Cheddon to fight the Hulk. This Wendigo is capable of minimalistic human speech and teams up with the Bi-Beast to use the well's powers to allow them to grow to about 30 feet tall for fighting the Hulk.<ref>''Incredible Hulk'' #631. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, both creatures are easily defeated by the Hulk and are imprisoned along with Arm'Cheddon in the Dark Dimension by Umar until Tyrannus and Fin Fang Foom raid the dimension, allowing them to escape in the chaos.<ref>''Incredible Hulk'' #633. Marvel Comics.</ref>
A Wendigo is summoned to Las Vegas through the wishing well of [[Tyrannus (comics)|Tyrannus]] along with the [[Bi-Beast]], [[Fin Fang Foom]], [[Umar (Marvel Comics)|Umar]], and Arm'Cheddon to fight the Hulk. This Wendigo is capable of minimalistic human speech and teams up with the Bi-Beast to use the well's powers to allow them to grow to about 30 feet tall for fighting the Hulk.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #631. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, both creatures are easily defeated by the Hulk and are imprisoned along with Arm'Cheddon in the Dark Dimension by Umar until Tyrannus and Fin Fang Foom raid the dimension, allowing them to escape in the chaos.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #633. Marvel Comics.</ref>


A later confrontation between two Canadian meat packing plant employees resulted in one accidentally killing the other, and the perpetrator trying to cover it up by running the body through the meat grinder. This resulted in a mass outbreak of the Wendigo curse, which was greatly exacerbated by the curse being transmitted via bite wounds inflicted by the Wendigos, in a process akin to [[lycantrophy]].<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #8. Marvel Comics.</ref> An infection of this phenomenon beyond Canada's borders is initially prevented by the mystical limitations of the Wendigo curse.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #9-10. Marvel Comics.</ref> With the uncontrollably of the outbreak, the [[Great Beasts|Great Beast]] Tanaraq (the "father" of the Wendigo) gains enough power to overthrow his fellows and intends to spread the curse across the entire world.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, the combined efforts of the X-Men, the other Beasts, and Guardian defeat his plan, resulting in the elimination of the curse.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref>
A later confrontation between two Canadian meat packing plant employees resulted in one accidentally killing the other, and the perpetrator trying to cover it up by running the body through the meat grinder. This resulted in a mass outbreak of the Wendigo curse, which was greatly exacerbated by the curse being transmitted via bite wounds inflicted by the Wendigos, in a process akin to [[lycantrophy]].<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #8. Marvel Comics.</ref> An infection of this phenomenon beyond Canada's borders is initially prevented by the mystical limitations of the Wendigo curse.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #9-10. Marvel Comics.</ref> With the uncontrollably of the outbreak, the [[Great Beasts|Great Beast]] Tanaraq (the "father" of the Wendigo) gains enough power to overthrow his fellows and intends to spread the curse across the entire world.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> However, the combined efforts of the X-Men, the other Beasts, and Guardian defeat his plan, resulting in the elimination of the curse.<ref>''Amazing X-Men'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref>


[[Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)|Spider-Woman]], with the help of [[Carol Danvers|Captain Marvel]] and [[Porcupine (comics)#Roger Gocking|Porcupine]], later shuts down a Canadian restaurant that had been secretly serving its customers human flesh in an attempt to instigate another outbreak of Wendigos.<ref>{{Cite comic|writer = Dennis Hopeless|penciller = Javier Rodriguez|inker = Javier Rodriguez|colorist = Alvaro Lopez|letterer = VC's Travis Lanham|editor = Devin Lewis|title = Spider-Woman|volume = 6|issue = #9|date = 6 July 2016|publisher = Marvel Comics|location = United States}}</ref>
[[Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew)|Spider-Woman]], with the help of [[Carol Danvers|Captain Marvel]] and [[Porcupine (character)#Roger Gocking|Porcupine]], later shuts down a Canadian restaurant that had been secretly serving its customers human flesh in an attempt to instigate another outbreak of Wendigos.<ref>{{Cite comic|writer = Dennis Hopeless|penciller = Javier Rodriguez|inker = Javier Rodriguez|colorist = Alvaro Lopez|letterer = VC's Travis Lanham|editor = Devin Lewis|title = Spider-Woman|volume = 6|issue = #9|date = 6 July 2016|publisher = Marvel Comics|location = United States}}</ref>


When [[Jimmy Hudson]] appears on Earth-616 following the 2015 "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" storyline, the townspeople mistake him for a Wendigo and shoot him before an actual Wendigo attack occurs. Recovering from the gunshot wound, Hudson fights the Wendigo.<ref>''X-Men: Blue'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
When [[Jimmy Hudson]] appears on Earth-616 following the 2015 "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" storyline, the townspeople mistake him for a Wendigo and shoot him before an actual Wendigo attack occurs. Recovering from the gunshot wound, Hudson fights the Wendigo.<ref>''X-Men: Blue'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>


[[Roxxon Energy Corporation|Roxxon]] later goes on an archaeological expedition to find a Wendigo. When a Wendigo attacks a scientist named Ella Sterling, she is saved by [[Weapon H]].<ref>''Weapon H'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> It was revealed that Roxxon executive Mr. Banks had a miner named Philips Waggoner eat Wendigo meat at the site where the Avingnon Party resided during a blizzard. The result of this turned Waggoner into an Ur-Wendigo which is more powerful than any normal Wendigo and can grow larger when it ate flesh. The Ur-Wendigo caught up to Weapon H and tried to eat him whole only for [[Doctor Strange]] to appear. As the Ur-Wendigo is immune to enchantments, Weapon H borrowed Doctor Strange's Ax of Angarruumus and allowed himself to be eaten by the Ur-Wendigo in order to kill it from within.<ref>''Weapon H'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>
[[Roxxon Energy Corporation|Roxxon]] later goes on an archaeological expedition to find a Wendigo. When a Wendigo attacks a scientist named Ella Sterling, she is saved by [[Weapon H]].<ref>''Weapon H'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> It was revealed that Roxxon executive Mr. Banks had a miner named Philips Waggoner eat Wendigo meat at the site where the Avingnon Party resided during a blizzard. The result of this turned Waggoner into an Ur-Wendigo which is more powerful than any normal Wendigo and can grow larger when it ate flesh. The Ur-Wendigo caught up to Weapon H and tried to eat him whole only for [[Doctor Strange]] to appear. As the Ur-Wendigo is immune to enchantments, Weapon H borrowed Doctor Strange's Ax of Angarruumus and allowed himself to be eaten by the Ur-Wendigo to kill it from within.<ref>''Weapon H'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
{{More citations needed section|date=December 2006}}
{{More citations needed section|date=December 2006}}
The Wendigo possesses a variety of superhuman physical abilities as a result of transformation by an ancient mystical [[curse]]. The curse causes anyone that ingests the flesh of another human, while within the Canadian wilderness, to transform into the Wendigo.
The Wendigo possesses a variety of superhuman physical abilities and powerful claws as a result of transformation by an ancient mystical [[curse]]. However, Wendigos usually retain little of their former human personas.<ref name="She-Hulk vol. 4, #16" /> Sorcerers such as Mauvais and Lorenzo have been able to avoid this aspect of the curse, using magic to gain the power of the Wendigo while maintaining their intelligence.


⚫
==Other Wendigos==
The Wendigo possesses superhuman strength of an unknown limit. It is known that the Wendigo possesses sufficient strength to be able to go head-on against the Hulk.
In ''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #277, a creature called Wendigo appears. It is a reptilian, ghost-like being who can become invisible and generate intense cold.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' #277</ref>


⚫
In ''Spider-Man'' #8–12 (the "Perceptions" story arc), a Wendigo-like creature is blamed for killing several children near [[Hope, British Columbia]]. Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker, is sent to take pictures during the media frenzy that follows. [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], having previous experience with Wendigos and having concern for the creature's welfare, comes to the town and contacts Peter Parker directly, seeking Spider-Man's assistance. Together, Spider-Man and Wolverine determine the real cause of death among the children. The Wendigo in "Perceptions" has an appearance similar to other incarnations of the Wendigo, but is less aggressive, not cannibalistic, and not as durable.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #8</ref>
Aside from its vast strength, the [[Tissue (biology)|tissues]] of the Wendigo's body are considerably stronger than those of a normal human, providing it with superhuman durability. A Wendigo's body can resist high [[caliber]] [[machine gun]] rounds without sustaining injury. If a Wendigo is injured, it can recover from the physical trauma with tremendous speed and efficiency, giving rise to the quote "strike him down and he shall only rise again". The dense fur covering the Wendigo's body grants it immunity to the harsh conditions of the extreme cold weather common in the areas in which the Wendigo has appeared. The Wendigo can be rendered unconscious by sufficient force, such as severe physical injury and trauma, but it has even been able to regenerate from being completely disemboweled. It has even survived its heart being ripped from its chest.<ref name="She-Hulk vol.4, #16"/> However, consumption of a removed heart will confer all powers and even the form of the Wendigo on whoever consumes it. It is not known what effect psionic attacks would have on or against a Wendigo.

Despite the Wendigo's great size, it can run at speeds greater than that of an [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] level athlete. The enhanced [[Muscular system|musculature]] of the Wendigo generates less [[lactic acid]] than the muscles of a human being, granting it superhuman levels of stamina.

The Wendigo's fingers and toes are tipped with razor sharp, retractable claws that are capable of piercing even the Hulk's skin, a feat usually reserved for [[adamantium]], due to a combination of the toughness of the claws and the Wendigo's massive physical strength.

Even though each Wendigo was once a normal human, in most cases very little is left of the person it once was. It possesses little intelligence and can be considered non-sentient, and with the exception of brief and rare instances, is unable to remember things about its former life. It also lacks the ability to speak anything other than its own name, which it often will yell and repeat during its attacks. Sorcerers; such as Mauvais and Lorenzo have been able to avoid this aspect of the curse, using magic to gain the power of the Wendigo while keeping their intelligence and their power of speech.

⚫
==Other Wendigo==
In ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #277, a creature called Wendigo appears. This Wendigo seemed to be a ghost-like being whose very presence in New York caused a blizzard to strike. Though the creature only makes its appearance at the end of the comic, the story makes it obvious that it is stalking [[Spider-Man]] the entire time he was chasing a group of kidnappers. This Wendigo seemed to be able to change size and become invisible; it was also reptilian in appearance and pale green in color.<ref>''Amazing Spider-Man'' #277</ref>

⚫
In ''Spider-Man'' issues #8–12 (the "Perceptions" story arc), a Wendigo-like creature is blamed in the deaths of several children near [[Hope, British Columbia]] and terrorizing the town. Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker, is sent to take pictures during the media frenzy that follows. [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], having previous experience with Wendigos and having concern for the creature's welfare, comes to the town and contacts Peter Parker directly, seeking Spider-Man's assistance. Together, Spider-Man and Wolverine are able to determine the real cause of death among the children. The Wendigo in "Perceptions" has an appearance very similar to other incarnations of the Wendigo, yet seems to be a different manifestation. For example, this version of the Wendigo is more vulnerable to harm than those that battled the Hulk, as it suffers a significant wound from a hunter's bullet and sustains injury when struck by a car. Additionally, it does not appear very aggressive, unless provoked, nor is it interested in consuming human flesh, feeding primarily on deer. In fact, when the Wendigo comes across the corpse of a child, the creature attempts to return the body to town instead of consuming it.<ref>''Spider-Man'' #8</ref>


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
===Earth X===
In the [[Earth X]] continuity, an army of Wendigos is formed due to the curse afflicting [[Jamie Madrox]] after he chooses to eat one of his own duplicated bodies in response to the strict rationing of food that came with the declining animal population.{{Issue|date=April 2009}}


* In the [[Earth X]] continuity, [[Jamie Madrox]] becomes a Wendigo after killing and cannibalizing one of his clone bodies.<ref>''Universe X'' #0</ref>
===MC2===
The Wendigo makes another appearance in the [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]] of Marvel Comics, an alternate future featuring, among others, the children of existing Marvel superheroes. In an issue of ''[[Wild Thing (comics)|Wild Thing]]'', the Hulk, [[Doctor Strange]], Wolverine, and Wolverine's daughter Wild Thing encounter a large number of Wendigos, which turn out to be a lost Cub Scout troop that had eaten its scoutmaster. Doctor Strange is able to remove the curse from the children and remove their memory of the events.<ref>''Wild Thing'' #0</ref>
* In the [[Marvel Comics 2|MC2]] [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]], the Hulk, [[Doctor Strange]], Wolverine, and Wolverine's daughter Wild Thing encounter a large number of Wendigos who were transformed from a lost Cub Scout troop. However, Strange ultimately removes the curse and their memory of the events.<ref>''Wild Thing'' #0</ref>


* '''Greer Baptise / Wentigra''', an amalgamation of the Wendigo and [[Tigra]] created by the [[Infinity Stones]], appears in the ''[[Infinity Wars]]'' storyline.<ref>''Secret Warps: Weapon Hex'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics</ref>
===Infinity Warps===
In Warp World, a copy of the [[Marvel Universe]] which was folded in half during the ''[[Infinity Wars]]'' storyline, the Wendigo was fused with [[Tigra]], creating Wentigra. Greer Baptise was a detective who was mortally wounded by a gunshot and was retrieved by a cult known as the [[Cat People (comics)|Cat People]]. In order for her to survive, they offered her to eat human meat, which cursed her into becoming Wentigra. She was then unwillingly cured by Weapon Hex (a fusion of [[X-23]] and the [[Scarlet Witch]]).<ref>''Secret Warps: Weapon Hex Annual'' #1. Marvel Comics</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
===Television===
*The Wendigo appeared in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1996 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' animated series episode "And the Wind Cries...Wendigo!", with vocalizations provided by Leeza Miller McGee.<ref name="btva">{{cite web | title=Wendigo Voice – Marvel Universe franchise <nowiki>|</nowiki> Behind The Voice Actors | url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Marvel-Universe/Wendigo/ | work=Behind The Voice Actors | access-date=December 20, 2019| postscript=. Check mark indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources.}}</ref> This version is the result of a curse placed upon a Native American warrior. When it captured [[Betty Ross]], the [[Hulk]] and [[Thunderbolt Ross]] had to work together to save her. After being defeated by the Hulk, the Wendigo reverted to its human form.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
* The Wendigo appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1996 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' episode "And the Wind Cries...Wendigo!", voiced by Leeza Miller McGee.<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Wendigo Voices (Marvel Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Marvel-Universe/Wendigo/ |access-date=December 20, 2019 |work=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> This version is the result of a curse placed upon a Native American warrior, who is eventually defeated and restored by the Hulk.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
*The Wendigo appears in the ''[[Wolverine and the X-Men (TV series)|Wolverine and the X-Men]]'' animated series episode "Wolverine vs. Hulk".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} This version is shown to have horns, can turn others into Wendigos via its bite, and is the result of super-soldier experiments conducted by [[Nick Fury (Ultimate Marvel character)|Nick Fury]]. After being recruited by Fury to defeat the Hulk, [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] discovers that [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] agents had previously enlisted Bruce Banner to aid in capturing and curing the Wendigo, but fell victim to it instead. Wolverine and the Hulk worked together to cure the agents before defeating the original Wendigo.<ref>''Wolverine and the X-Men'' – "Wolverine vs. Hulk"</ref>
* A pack of Wendigos appear in the ''[[Wolverine and the X-Men (TV series)|Wolverine and the X-Men]]'' episode "Wolverine vs. Hulk".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} This version was created by super-soldier experiments conducted by [[Nick Fury (Ultimate Marvel character)|Nick Fury]] and can convert others into Wendigos via its bite.<ref>''Wolverine and the X-Men'' – "Wolverine vs. Hulk"</ref>
*The Wendigo makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''[[Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' animated series episode "Breakout Part 1" while escaping the [[Raft (comics)|Raft]].{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
* The Wendigo makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'' episode "[[Breakout (The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes)|Breakout]]".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
*The Wendigo appears in the ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'' animated series episode "Avengers: Impossible".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} It was among several supervillains that the [[Impossible Man]] summoned to [[Avengers Tower]] as part of his show about the [[Falcon (comics)|Falcon]] before he later makes the Wendigo and the other supervillains disappear.
* The Wendigo appears in the ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'' episode "Avengers: Impossible".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
*The Wendigo appears in the ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'' animated series episode "Wendigo Apocalypse".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} While on a Canadian vacation, the eponymous agents encounter Wolverine after he had been bitten by a Wendigo.
* The Wendigo appears in the ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'' episode "Wendigo Apocalypse", voiced by [[Dee Bradley Baker]].<ref name="btva" /> This version possesses the ability to convert others into Wendigos.
*A Wendigo King appears in the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors]]'' animated series episode "Contest of Champions" Pt. 1.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} As part of the titular contest, the [[Collector (character)|Collector]] and [[Grandmaster (Marvel Comics)|Grandmaster]] pit [[Spider-Man]], [[Iron Man]], and the Hulk against the Wendigo King, [[Kraven the Hunter]], and the [[Molten Man]], respectively in a game of "Last Man Standing". With advice from the Hulk, Spider-Man defeated the Wendigo King using his electrified webbing and one of Kraven's traps.
* A Wendigo King appears in the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' episode "Contest of Champions", voiced again by Dee Bradley Baker.<ref name="btva" />
* A pack of Wendigos appear in ''Lego Marvel Avengers: Code Red'', voiced by [[Travis Willingham]] and [[Fred Tatasciore]].<ref name="btva2">{{cite web |title=Wendigos Voice - ''LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red'' (TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/LEGO-Marvel-Avengers-Code-Red/Wendigos/ |access-date=October 22, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>


===Film===
===Film===
*A pack of Wendigos appear in the animated direct-to-DVD film ''[[Heroes United#Iron Man and Hulk|Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} They initially watch the Hulk fight the [[Abomination (character)|Abomination]] before fighting the Hulk and Iron Man themselves, though they are warded off.
* A pack of Wendigos appear in ''[[Heroes United#Iron Man and Hulk|Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}
*In the unproduced ''[[List of unproduced Marvel Comics projects#X-Men: Fear the Beast|X-Men: Fear the Beast]]'', the Wendigo was planned to be the main antagonist. This version would have been based on the Paul Cartier version, who was depicted as a fellow scientist and colleague of [[Beast (comics)|Hank McCoy]], who had a similar mutation and accidentally transforms himself into the mindless Wendigo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/06/14/x-men-pitched-spinoff-fear-the-beast-wolverine-wendigo-mr-sinister/|title=X-Men: Pitched Beast Spinoff Would Have Included Wolverine, Wendigo and Mr. Sinister|website=Comic Book.com|last=Bonomolo|first=Cameron|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=July 5, 2019}}</ref>
* The Paul Cartier incarnation of Wendigo was meant to appear in the unproduced film ''[[List of unproduced X-Men film series projects#X-Men: Fear the Beast|X-Men: Fear the Beast]]''. This version would have been a fellow scientist and colleague of [[Beast (Marvel Comics)|Hank McCoy]] with a similar mutation who accidentally transforms himself into the Wendigo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/06/14/x-men-pitched-spinoff-fear-the-beast-wolverine-wendigo-mr-sinister/|title=X-Men: Pitched Beast Spinoff Would Have Included Wolverine, Wendigo and Mr. Sinister|website=Comic Book.com|last=Bonomolo|first=Cameron|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=July 5, 2019}}</ref>


===Video games===
===Video games===
*The Wendigo appears as a [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] in the 1990s ''[[X-Men (1992 video game)|X-Men]]''.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
* The Wendigo appears as a [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] in ''[[X-Men (1992 video game)|X-Men]]''.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}}
*The Wendigo appears as a boss in ''[[X2: Wolverine's Revenge]]''.{{citation needed|date=January 2016}}
* The Wendigo appears as a boss in ''[[X2: Wolverine's Revenge]]''.{{citation needed|date=January 2016}}
*Monsters based on the Wendigo called the '''W.E.N.D.I.G.O. Prototype''' (Weaponized Experiment Neurodendritic Incident Gamma Zero) appear in ''[[X-Men Origins: Wolverine (video game)|X-Men Origins: Wolverine]]''. In keeping with the semi-realistic tone of the [[X-Men (film series)|live-action ''X-Men'' film series]], the W.E.N.D.I.G.O. prototypes are genetically engineered super-soldiers whose transformations are triggered by adrenaline surges instead of magically cursed beings and serve as bosses in the [[Weapon X]] areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/wolverine/news.html?sid=6203227&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews;title;3 |title=Gamespot |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |date=2009-01-15 |access-date=2012-05-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505172607/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/wolverine/news.html?sid=6203227&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews;title;3 |archive-date=2009-05-05 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/forum/ps3-trophies-blu-ray-games/x-men-origins-wolverine/ |title=Forum &#124; Gaming News and Opinion at |publisher=Thesixthaxis.com |access-date=2012-05-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121055935/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/forum/ps3-trophies-blu-ray-games/x-men-origins-wolverine/ |archive-date=2010-11-21 }}</ref>
* Monsters based on the Wendigo called the '''W.E.N.D.I.G.O. Prototype''' (Weaponized Experiment Neurodendritic Incident Gamma Zero) appear in ''[[X-Men Origins: Wolverine (video game)|X-Men Origins: Wolverine]]''. They are genetically engineered monsters whose transformations are triggered by [[adrenaline]] surges and serve as bosses in [[Weapon X]] facilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/wolverine/news.html?sid=6203227&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews;title;3 |title=Gamespot |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |date=2009-01-15 |access-date=2012-05-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505172607/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/wolverine/news.html?sid=6203227&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews;title;3 |archive-date=2009-05-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/forum/ps3-trophies-blu-ray-games/x-men-origins-wolverine/ |title=Forum &#124; Gaming News and Opinion at |publisher=Thesixthaxis.com |access-date=2012-05-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121055935/http://www.thesixthaxis.com/forum/ps3-trophies-blu-ray-games/x-men-origins-wolverine/ |archive-date=2010-11-21}}</ref>
*The Wendigo appears in the [[iOS]] game ''[[Avengers Initiative]]''.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
* The Wendigo appears in ''Avengers Initiative''.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
*The Wendigo appears in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]''.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
* The Wendigo appears in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]''.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
*The Wendigo appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}}
* The Wendigo appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/new-lego-marvels-avengers-characters-announced/|title=New LEGO Marvel's Avengers characters announced|date=12 November 2015|accessdate=25 June 2023}}</ref>
* A pack of Wendigos appear in ''[[Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy]]''. These versions are aliens from the planet [[Makluans|Maklu IV]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/xmen/comments/qc50ye/wendigo_is_going_to_be_a_enemy_in_the_guardians/|title=Wendigo is going to be a enemy in the Guardians of the Galaxy Game|date=20 October 2021|accessdate=25 June 2023}}</ref>
*The Wendigo appears as a minor character in ''[[Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy]]''.{{cn|date=July 2022}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://alphaflight.net/showwiki/Wendigo '''AlphaFlight.Net''' Alphanex Entry on – Wendigo]
*[http://www.marvel.com/universe/Wendigo_%28disambiguation%29 Wendigo's Disambiguation Page] at Marvel.com
*[http://www.marvel.com/universe/Wendigo_(George_Baptist) Wendigo (George Baptist)] at Marvel.com
*[http://www.marvel.com/universe/Wendigo_%28Francois_Lartigue%29 Wendigo (Francios Lartigue)] at Marvel.com
*[http://wendigoscamaro-blog.tumblr.com/ Wendigo's Camaro]
*{{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix2/wendigosm.htm|Wendigo (Spider-Man character)}}


{{Hulk}}
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Latest revision as of 07:17, 17 November 2024

Wendigo
The Wendigo on the cover to The Uncanny X-Men #140, art by John Byrne and Terry Austin.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceThe Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973)[1]
Created bySteve Englehart
Herb Trimpe
In-story information
Alter egoSeveral individuals
Team affiliationsVaries per individual
Notable aliasesVarious names in Native Canadian folklore
Abilities

The Wendigo (occasionally: Wen-Di-Go) is a fictional monster appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Marvel character is based on the Wendigo legend of the Algonquian peoples. The monster first appeared in The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973), created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Herb Trimpe, fighting the Incredible Hulk.[2]

The Wendigo is not one specific person, but instead is the manifestation of a curse that can strike anyone who commits an act of cannibalism in the Canadian North Woods. Originally only one person can become the Wendigo at the time, which has led to one Wendigo being cured if another person was struck with the curse. In later years it has been revealed that a pack of Wendigos lived in the Bering Strait. At one point the Wendigo curse infected the Hulk, turning him into Wendihulk, although he was later cured.

While normally depicted as a savage beast with no control, Wendigos have appeared as part of various villainous groups, showing some restraint when not fighting. The Wendigo character has also appeared in several Marvel cartoon series.

Publication history

[edit]

The Wendigo first appeared in The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #162 (April 1973), and was created by Steve Englehart and Herb Trimpe. Englehart recalled: "I knew about the legend of the Wendigo, and thought, between his strength and his sad story, that he sounded like a good Hulk opponent".[3]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Several people have been afflicted with the curse of the Wendigo, including Paul Cartier, Georges Baptiste, Francois Lartigue, Lorenzo, Mauvais and others.

The curse is regional to the woods of Northern Canada and takes place, under the right conditions, when a person in the forests of Canada feeds on human flesh. This "curse of the Wendigo" was created by the Northern Gods (also known as "the Inua") in an effort to deter human cannibalism.[4]

The cannibal transforms into a superhumanly strong, nearly indestructible, fur-covered monster: the Wendigo. He or she then roams the woods eating human beings. The Wendigo frequently fights the Hulk, Wolverine, and Alpha Flight. Paul Cartier transformed into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk, and escaped.[5] He battles the Hulk again and encountered Wolverine,[6] and then battles the Hulk and Wolverine; Paul Cartier is cured as college professor Georges Baptiste became the Wendigo.[7]

Baptiste as the Wendigo later terrorizes a snowbound group.[8] He battles Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and members of Alpha Flight; the Baptiste Wendigo is captured and cured by Shaman, although Baptiste is arrested by Department H.[9]

Fur trapper Francois Lartigue later transforms into the Wendigo, battles the Hulk when Bruce Banner stumbled across a cabin belonging to him, and Sasquatch, and is taken to be cured by Shaman.[10]

A reporter named Anna Brooks goes on the search for Bigfoot at the time when some children are missing where she stumbles upon a Wendigo. This sighting causes J. Jonah Jameson to dispatch Peter Parker to British Columbia, though the Wendigo's actions also attract the attention of Wolverine. This led to Spider-Man and Wolverine working together to stop the Wendigo.[11]

One Wendigo battles the Werewolf in an issue of Marvel Comics Presents.[12] Its most frequent appearances were in the limited series Sabretooth: Open Season #1–4, where Sabretooth is hired to kill a Wendigo, ultimately succeeding.[13]

A few years later, a new Wendigo emerges, leading to a fight with Wolverine and She-Hulk.[14] A local Canadian super-hero, Talisman, arrives and claims to have a magical cure for the Wendigo's condition. After a long battle, the Wendigo is defeated by a combined attack from his two opponents, and placed into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody.[volume & issue needed] This Wendigo is apparently later taken in by the Canadian-based Department K and is given an electric collar that keeps the usually mindless beast under control and is integrated as a member of Weapon: P.R.I.M.E., a team of operatives each with a personal grudge against Cable.[15] Their first mission is to take down Cable, but X-Force proves to be more than capable, as Cable teleports all their belongings out of the base and triggers the autodestruct device, though the device malfunctions and blows up early. Cut off from Cable, X-Force helps Kane, Bridge and Rictor escape the exploding base, while Grizzly, Wendigo (now referred to as Yeti) and Tigerstryke are missing. Bridge and Kane still want to arrest X-Force and calls in S.H.I.E.L.D. reinforcement, but Rictor sides with X-Force, since his grudge is only against Cable, not his former teammates.[16] Later the Wendigo's collar is exchanged with a neurological implant which gives more control to the man inside the beast, even allowing him to speak.[17]

During the Chaos War storyline, it is revealed that a pack of Wendigos exist in the Bering Strait after Red Hulk is attacked by a Wendigo, attracted by his camp fire while cooking a meal. A Wendigo bites the Red Hulk on the shoulder and he bleeds hot radioactive blood. The Red Hulk kills one Wendigo, while the others come to claim the body and eat it. It is also revealed that the Great Beasts are forced to manipulate the curse of the Wendigo to allow the transformation of several people instantly instead of only one, to create an army to fight with them against the Chaos King Amatsu-Mikaboshi.[18]

These Wendigos are later somehow able to invade Las Vegas.[19] where they are confronted by the Grey Hulk. The Grey Hulk gets help in the fight against them from the Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, and the Sentry. Knocked into some debris, later on the Green Hulk appears.[20] However, the Wendigos infect Hulk, turning him into the "Wendihulk" who attacks the superheroes. The sorcerer Brother Voodoo appears and cures Hulk and the other Wendigos.[21]

When the Avengers Academy students have an encounter with former Norman Osborn subject Jeremy Biggs, it is mentioned that Biggs' company has bought a Wendigo that killed Steve, another former Osborn subject with ice-based powers.[22]

During the 2011 "Fear Itself" storyline, a Wendigo is among the Alpha Flight villains gathered by Vindicator and Department H to spread the Master of the World's "Unity" program and to take down Alpha Flight as a member of Alpha Strike.[23]

As part of Marvel Comics' 2012 initiative, Marvel NOW!, a Wendigo appears as a member of Department H's Omega Flight. Wendigo and the rest of Omega Flight are sent by Department H to investigate one of the Origin Bomb sites left by Ex Nihilo in Regina, Canada, a mission in which Wendigo is killed.[24]

A Wendigo is later recruited by Kade Kilgore to join the faculty of the Hellfire Club's Hellfire Academy.[25]

A Wendigo is summoned to Las Vegas through the wishing well of Tyrannus along with the Bi-Beast, Fin Fang Foom, Umar, and Arm'Cheddon to fight the Hulk. This Wendigo is capable of minimalistic human speech and teams up with the Bi-Beast to use the well's powers to allow them to grow to about 30 feet tall for fighting the Hulk.[26] However, both creatures are easily defeated by the Hulk and are imprisoned along with Arm'Cheddon in the Dark Dimension by Umar until Tyrannus and Fin Fang Foom raid the dimension, allowing them to escape in the chaos.[27]

A later confrontation between two Canadian meat packing plant employees resulted in one accidentally killing the other, and the perpetrator trying to cover it up by running the body through the meat grinder. This resulted in a mass outbreak of the Wendigo curse, which was greatly exacerbated by the curse being transmitted via bite wounds inflicted by the Wendigos, in a process akin to lycantrophy.[28] An infection of this phenomenon beyond Canada's borders is initially prevented by the mystical limitations of the Wendigo curse.[29] With the uncontrollably of the outbreak, the Great Beast Tanaraq (the "father" of the Wendigo) gains enough power to overthrow his fellows and intends to spread the curse across the entire world.[30] However, the combined efforts of the X-Men, the other Beasts, and Guardian defeat his plan, resulting in the elimination of the curse.[31]

Spider-Woman, with the help of Captain Marvel and Porcupine, later shuts down a Canadian restaurant that had been secretly serving its customers human flesh in an attempt to instigate another outbreak of Wendigos.[32]

When Jimmy Hudson appears on Earth-616 following the 2015 "Secret Wars" storyline, the townspeople mistake him for a Wendigo and shoot him before an actual Wendigo attack occurs. Recovering from the gunshot wound, Hudson fights the Wendigo.[33]

Roxxon later goes on an archaeological expedition to find a Wendigo. When a Wendigo attacks a scientist named Ella Sterling, she is saved by Weapon H.[34] It was revealed that Roxxon executive Mr. Banks had a miner named Philips Waggoner eat Wendigo meat at the site where the Avingnon Party resided during a blizzard. The result of this turned Waggoner into an Ur-Wendigo which is more powerful than any normal Wendigo and can grow larger when it ate flesh. The Ur-Wendigo caught up to Weapon H and tried to eat him whole only for Doctor Strange to appear. As the Ur-Wendigo is immune to enchantments, Weapon H borrowed Doctor Strange's Ax of Angarruumus and allowed himself to be eaten by the Ur-Wendigo to kill it from within.[35]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

The Wendigo possesses a variety of superhuman physical abilities and powerful claws as a result of transformation by an ancient mystical curse. However, Wendigos usually retain little of their former human personas.[14] Sorcerers such as Mauvais and Lorenzo have been able to avoid this aspect of the curse, using magic to gain the power of the Wendigo while maintaining their intelligence.

Other Wendigos

[edit]

In The Amazing Spider-Man #277, a creature called Wendigo appears. It is a reptilian, ghost-like being who can become invisible and generate intense cold.[36]

In Spider-Man #8–12 (the "Perceptions" story arc), a Wendigo-like creature is blamed for killing several children near Hope, British Columbia. Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker, is sent to take pictures during the media frenzy that follows. Wolverine, having previous experience with Wendigos and having concern for the creature's welfare, comes to the town and contacts Peter Parker directly, seeking Spider-Man's assistance. Together, Spider-Man and Wolverine determine the real cause of death among the children. The Wendigo in "Perceptions" has an appearance similar to other incarnations of the Wendigo, but is less aggressive, not cannibalistic, and not as durable.[37]

Other versions

[edit]
  • In the Earth X continuity, Jamie Madrox becomes a Wendigo after killing and cannibalizing one of his clone bodies.[38]
  • In the MC2 imprint, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, Wolverine, and Wolverine's daughter Wild Thing encounter a large number of Wendigos who were transformed from a lost Cub Scout troop. However, Strange ultimately removes the curse and their memory of the events.[39]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Video games

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Misiroglu, Gina Renée; Eury, Michael (2006). The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood. Visible Ink Press. ISBN 9780780809772.
  2. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 405. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  3. ^ Buttery, Jarrod (February 2014). "Hulk Smash!: The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s". Back Issue! (#70). TwoMorrows Publishing: 7.
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  13. ^ Sabretooth: Open Season #1–4. Marvel Comics.
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  15. ^ X-Force #11. Marvel Comics.
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  17. ^ X-Force #22-23. Marvel Comics.
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  31. ^ Amazing X-Men #12. Marvel Comics.
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  42. ^ Wolverine and the X-Men – "Wolverine vs. Hulk"
  43. ^ "Wendigos Voice - LEGO Marvel Avengers: Code Red (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 22, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  44. ^ Bonomolo, Cameron (June 14, 2019). "X-Men: Pitched Beast Spinoff Would Have Included Wolverine, Wendigo and Mr. Sinister". Comic Book.com. Retrieved July 5, 2019.
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  47. ^ "New LEGO Marvel's Avengers characters announced". November 12, 2015. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  48. ^ "Wendigo is going to be a enemy in the Guardians of the Galaxy Game". October 20, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
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