Hyperion (Marvel)

Hyperion is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. The first character debuted in The Avengers #69 (Oct. 1969), with four versions to date - two supervillains belonging to the team Squadron Sinister (from Earth-616) and two heroes from alternate universes. (See sidebar)

The first Hyperion in Marvel Comics debuted in the title the Avengers. This story arc introduced the supervillain team the Squadron Sinister, whose four members were loosely based on heroes in DC Comics' Justice League of America, with Hyperion based on Superman.

The Squadron Sinister are assembled by the cosmic entity the Grandmaster to battle the champions of the time-traveling Kang - the superhero team the Avengers. The Avengers defeat the Squadron and thwart the Grandmaster, with the Thunder God Thor miniaturizing Hyperion and trapping him in a glass sphere. The Squadron reappear in the title Defenders, reunited by the alien Nebulon. The villains receive greater power in exchange for the planet Earth, and create a giant laser cannon in the Arctic to melt the polar ice caps, thereby covering the entirety of the Earth's surface in water. The superhero team the Defenders prevent the scheme and defeat the villains (and Nebulon), with the Hulk overpowering Hyperion.

After this defeat Hyperion and his two remaining team mates are teleported off world by Nebulon, and later return to Earth. Acquiring an energy-draining weapon, the villains plan to threaten the Earth once again but are defeated by the Defenders and the Avenger Yellowjacket.