Marvel Studios’ handling of Kang The Conqueror has been controversial, with the character’s introduction falling short of expectations.
While the allegations against actor Jonathan Majors only added fuel to the fire, Kang’s lack of mystery and build-up compared to Thanos led many to lose interest.
However, Marvel is quietly bringing Kang back into the fold, but this time, it’s in the world of comics.
In Avengers #22, Kang forms an unlikely alliance with Black Cat (Felicia Hardy), who is often considered an anti-hero or anti-villain.
This collaboration sees the two characters attempting to pull off a heist involving the Missing Moment data archive, a piece of history that once belonged to Kang.
The story, written by Jed MacKay and illustrated by Farid Karami, adds a new layer of intrigue to Kang’s character, as he teams up with Black Cat and even her supposedly dead father, Walter Hardy.
The issue also brings some twists, such as Iron Man discovering Kang’s presence through his scan of the crowd and the mystery surrounding the Grandmaster’s empty vault.
Did Kang manipulate the timestream to bring back Hardy? Fans will have to wait for the next issue, Avengers #23, in February to find out more.
Kang’s return in the comics may offer a glimpse of what could have been in the MCU, giving fans a chance to explore the character’s potential further.