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With the December premiere of Disney+’s WandaVision series fast approaching, fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are finally close to the long-awaited return of Vision and the Scarlet Witch. If the trailer for the series tells us anything, though, it’s that this return will not be a cheery one. Along with the implication that everything isn’t right in paradise, it’s suggested that everyone’s favorite android might be dead. Don’t despair, though! If Vision is truly dead in WandaVision, it won’t be his first time. Like many other comic book characters, he has died more than once and still lived to tell the tale. Here are all of the times our favorite android has been dismantled, murdered, or simply has not had the best time.
That Time The World Wanted Vision Dead?
The first time the world sees Vision die is in a story arc called “Vision Quest.” (( Byrne, J. The West Coast Avengers #42-45. New York City: Marvel, 1989. )) After he takes over the planet’s computer networks (long story, but let’s just say he wasn’t quite feeling like himself), the android is distrusted by the world’s governments. So much so, in fact, that the world bands together to abduct and dismantle him. The “Vision Quest” story revolves around Wanda and the other West Coast Avengers’ search for Vision, their near-impossible quest to restore him to his former state, and the exploration of Vision’s true origins.
This story arc is only the start of many woes for Wanda and Vision. While the first Ant-Man quickly rebuilds Vision, Dr. Hank Pym, his memories have been completely erased. He becomes cold and emotionless, effectively ruining his relationship with his wife. His iconic red, yellow, and green outfit also disappears as he chooses to be completely devoid of color. Plus, “Vision Quest” drops some other bombs on the couple — like revealing that their children are actually fragments of the demon Mephisto.
That Time She-Hulk Tore Vision Apart?
The events of “Vision Quest” would be enough to drive anyone insane. In a way, that’s precisely what happens to Wanda. The loss of her children eventually causes her to spiral and enact the catastrophic events of both “Avengers Disassembled” and House of M. It also ironically leads to her ex-husband’s most graphic and brutal death. Poor Vision just can’t catch a break.
During the events of “Avengers Disassembled,” Wanda turns to Doctor Doom in an attempt to recreate her lost children. This turns out as well as anyone would expect. (( Bendis, B. The Avengers #500-504. New York City: Marvel, 2009. )) Wanda, having completely lost control of herself, proceeds to formulate the downfall of the Avengers. Vision is one of many to fall under Wanda’s mind control — he crashes a Quinjet into the Avengers Mansion before vomiting up five orbs that turn into a mini Ultron army. As if this wasn’t enough of a beat-down for Vision, an enraged She-Hulk then tears him into shreds.
That Time Vision Heroically Imploded?
After “Avengers Disassembled,” it takes nearly six years for Vision to be revived again in Chaos War. This time he isn’t directly rebuilt but rather returns in an explosive Marvel event that brings several dead Avengers back to life. Chaos War witnesses the meddling of the death realms as the Greek god and superhero, Hercules, leads the world’s heroes to battle against his enemy Amatsu-Mikaboshi — a god of evil better known as the Chaos King. (( Greg, P. and Lente, F. Chaos War. New York City: Marvel, 2010. )) As the Chaos King decimates the death realms in an attempt to grow his army, Vision is among the many souls that return to Earth. Despite being a rather chaotic and difficult-to-describe storyline, this particular comic book has the honor of continuing Vision’s story.
Unfortunately, it does not take long for Vision to die again — three whole issues, in fact. Despite this, his death in Chaos War is at least meaningful in a way that his previous deaths could never hope to be. He isn’t dismantled or manipulated but instead chooses to self-implode in order to take the Grim Reaper down. As he proclaims, “I became human by dying. For those I love, and in a cause I believe in.” (( Lente, F. Chaos War: Dead Avengers #3. New York City: Marvel, 2010. )) Weirdly, Vision’s short return was a step forward for him and his character.
Some Hope For Vision Fans
Luckily for Vision, Chaos War is the last of his deaths (not including alternative universes where he meets unfortunate ends). Ever since Chaos War, he has become more popular than ever by gaining his own solo series and becoming a major character in the MCU. In general, things are really looking up for Vision. Vision always makes a comeback, which will most certainly be the case if he happens to be dead in WandaVision.