Amidst the manipulation of reality, the Avengers stumble upon a shocking revelation. The Beyonder, a god-like entity, has been surreptitiously observing them from a distance. However, as they succeed in summoning him to their realm, they realize that a far more ominous danger looms. The Beyonder’s arrival leads to the unmasking of his creator, an ancient cosmic villain of immense power known as the Lost One. This discovery sets the stage for a formidable conflict as the Avengers confront one of their most powerful cosmic adversaries yet.
In the Marvel Universe, the Beyonder wields immeasurable power and made his debut in “Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars” #1. In this storyline, he transports the most prominent heroes and villains from Earth to a fabricated planet called Battleworld. Here, he coerces them to engage in combat, tempting the victors with the fulfillment of their deepest aspirations.
Although the Beyonder initially appeared as the most dominant villain in the Marvel Universe, it is subsequently disclosed that he is merely a juvenile within his own race of beings, the Beyonders. He manipulates the Avengers and the entire universe like pawns and has orchestrated numerous “Secret Wars” events. In “Avengers: Beyond” #1, readers gain insight into his authentic origins, which are linked to a new, even mightier force: the Lost One.
What was the Beyonder’s original origin?
Ever since the Beyonder debuted in “Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars” #1, multiple explanations have been offered regarding his existence. Initially, he was portrayed as an all-powerful entity from the Beyond, superior even to the Multiverse. Later on, it was disclosed that he belongs to a race known as the Beyonders, who exist beyond the confines of space and time. Subsequently, he joined forces with Molecule Man to become a Cosmic Cube. However, he was then briefly ascribed an origin as an Inhuman-mutant hybrid, a notion that was swiftly abandoned since it did not entirely align with his abilities.
“Defenders: Beyond” #2 offered what appears to be the definitive origin of the Beyonder and his kind. According to this narrative, the Celestials crafted the Beyonders not only to bring balance to the nascent Second Cosmos but also as a contingency plan for future conflicts, endowing them with such immense power that they could even slay Celestials. In this issue, the Beyonder discloses that Molecule Man accidentally breached the womb-space he was forming, which caused his corruption and spurred him to create Battleworld. He further reveals that he transformed into a Cosmic Cube to “fix” himself and hasten his maturation from a child into an adult, enabling him to meet his fellow Beyonders in the Beyond.
The Beyonder’s multiple origins and revisions may appear convoluted, and indeed they are. However, Marvel is now introducing yet another significant alteration to the character.
The Beyonder has a brand-new creator.
In “Avengers: Beyond” #1, the superhero squad uncovers that an individual, eventually unveiled as the Beyonder, has been clandestinely altering reality. The antagonist materializes in their era in a fit of rage, revealing that a superior entity is pursuing him. He discloses that the Beyonders were brought forth by the Lost One before the Omniverse emerged. The Lost One created the Beyonder’s race and endowed them with a fraction of his boundless might.
In time, the Beyonders revolted against their maker, an act that the Lost One passively permitted. Nonetheless, the Lost One has now broken loose and resolved to obliterate the Beyonders, dispatching Tiamok, who previously confronted the Avengers in “All-Out Avengers” #4, to pursue them.
To further complicate matters, just as the Avengers attempt to devise a plan to confront the looming danger of the Lost One, Thanos’ Black Order unexpectedly shows up. With the tremendous cosmic power and influential factions involved, it is possible that some of the most hazardous entities in the universe may be collaborating with the Lost One against the Beyonder. This poses a significant threat not just to Earth but to the Multiverse and beyond.
The Beyonder’s origin has changed again.
The Lost One’s history and origins remain a mystery, but his creation of the Beyonders before the Omniverse makes him one of the most formidable foes the Avengers have ever encountered. Even with his powers stolen, “Avengers: Beyond” #1 establishes that he cannot be killed. If he succeeds in eliminating the Beyonders and regaining his god-like abilities, he would become unstoppable, with no apparent limit to his powers. The Avengers have faced and defeated powerful cosmic villains, but the Lost One’s might could prove too great for even Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
The Beyonder’s updated origin story in “Avengers: Beyond” #1 may offer a glimpse of what’s to come in “Avengers: Secret Wars,” but given his immense powers, it’s unlikely that he will appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nonetheless, if the MCU ever decides to explore Beyonder’s backstory, the latest issue of Marvel Comics could serve as a valuable resource. For those interested in learning more about the Lost One, the comic book “Avengers Beyond” #1 by Derek Landy and Greg Land is available in comic book stores.
