Wasp
The Wasp, born Janet van Dyne, is an American superhero and sidekick to Giant-Man, also known as Ant-Man. She has harbored an unrequited love for Giant-Man since the start of their partnership, though he has gradually warmed to her somewhat. The two are also founding members of the Avengers, and she is responsible for coining the team's name.
Biography
1963
- Full article: Biography of the Wasp, 1963
In mid-1963, Janet van Dyne's father Vernon was killed by an alien creature. The hero Ant-Man answered this tragedy, and invited Janet to join him in his fight against evil. She agreed, and became his sidekick known as the Wasp. Janet quickly felt an attraction to Ant-Man—scientist Henry Pym by trade—but he was slow to return her feelings. Wasp and Ant-Man also helped form the super-team known as the Avengers, and Wasp was responsible for coining that name. The other founding Avengers were Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk, though Hulk would leave soon after, failing to fit in with the others. At the end of the year, Pym created a new, twelve-foot persona, Giant-Man, creating a new and contrastive dynamic in their team. In her early days alongside Pym, Wasp fought such villains as Egghead, the Porcupine, and Liso Trago.
1964
- Full article: Biography of the Wasp, 1964
In 1964, Wasp and the newly christened Giant-Man became a well-oiled team, facing such foes as the Human Top and the Black Knight, as well as recurring foes Egghead and Porcupine. Janet continued to pursue Hank romantically, but upon learning of his widow Maria, began to understand why he wasn't in a rush to be with her. The Avengers ran afoul of former ally the Hulk a few times, and Giant-Man and Wasp attempted to persuade him back to their side to no avail. Following the Hulk's departure, the Avengers were joined by the legendary World War II hero, Captain America.