"The Avengers 2" : The Latest Buzz On 'The Wasp'

When "The Avengers" was in its initial casting stages, writer/director Joss Whedon was concerned that actress Scarlett Johansson, first seen in "Iron Man 2", would not be available to play 'Black Widow'  and he started to write-in the Marvel Comics' character 'The Wasp' in her place. 

Now that Johansson has appeared in "The Avengers" and signed a multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios to appear in "The Avengers 2", as well as the currently filming "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", fans are again buzzing about 'The Wasp' making an appearance in "The Avengers 2".

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, 'The Wasp' debuted in Marvel Comics' "Tales to Astonish' #44 (June 1963), with the ability to shrink to a height of several centimeters and fly by means of insectoid wings :

"...'Janet Van Dyne' was a shallow, self-centered, heiress and debutante, daughter of wealthy scientist 'Vernon Van Dyne'. 

"During an experiment an alien monster was unleashed from an alternate dimension and Dr. Van Dyne was killed.

"Her father's associate, 'Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym', had created a substance called 'Pym' particles, which allowed the user to grow or shrink in size, and had become the superhero 'Ant-Man'. When Janet's father died, she convinced Pym to help her. He gave her a supply of Pym particles and subjected her to a biochemical procedure which granted her the ability, upon shrinking less than 4 inches tall, to grow wings,and fire blasts of energy, which she called her 'wasp's stings'. 

"As Ant-Man and 'The Wasp', they defeated the monster, sent it to its own dimension, and had several more adventures together. Janet became Pym's partner and fell in love with him before their first adventure.

"Soon after, the newly-created superhero team, Janet dubbed the 'Avengers', was formed. Hank and Janet were among its founding members. Several years later, she would be elected leader of the team..."

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