UATU

'Uatu' is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a member of the Watchers, an extraterrestrial species who in the distant past stationed themselves across space to monitor the activities of other species. Uatu is the Watcher assigned to observe Earth and its solar system. Since he is the Watcher whom Marvel's Earth-based superheroes most often come in contact with, he is often simply known as 'The Watcher'. Uatu was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby and first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' Volume 1 #13 (April 1963).

Contents

Fictional character biography

Alternate versions

In other media

Interesting facts

External Links

Fictional character biography

Like other Watchers, Uatu is sworn to an oath of non-interference; however, he has bent or outright violated his oath on numerous occasions in order to aid humanity. Uatu dwells on the Blue Area of the Moon, an abandoned city built by the alien Kree centuries ago. In his first appearance, he encountered the Fantastic Four and their enemy, the Red Ghost, When the latter entered his home, he repelled the invader with a thought and, breaking his oath for the first time, revealed himself to the Fantastic Four. Uatu, being youthful and rebellious in comparison to his brethren, would break his oath many more times in the future, most notably in ''Fantastic Four'' volume 1 #48, in which he tried, and failed, to prevent the Silver Surfer from bringing the world-devourer Galactus to the Earth.
In the mini-series ''Marvel 1602'' we learn that, although ''Fantastic Four'' #13 was the first time he broke his oath, the anomalous appearance of Marvel's superheroes more than 300 years early forced him to severely bend it, communicating with the 1602 version of Doctor Strange prior to the latter's death (thereby breaking his commandment not to reveal himself to a living soul). To remind him of this, he must maintain a pocket universe containing the 1602 world within himself.
Uatu has appeared countless times since, on several occasions narrating other characters' adventures. He also served as narrator for the ''What If...?'' series, which told tales of alternate versions of the Marvel Universe where certain events unfolded differently (and often disastrously). At least once, he has been removed from his duty as Watcher of the Earth, but he nevertheless returns to his true calling, observing the world he has become so fond of. In particular, he considers the Fantastic Four to be quite intriguing; Reed Richards could be said to be his only human friend.
Uatu also has a history with the X-Men, and most commonly appears when Jean Grey is experiencing enhancements to her Phoenix powers. He is also seen in ''Uncanny X-Men'' #473, where he reveals the true story of Jamie Braddock, the brother of X-Man Psylocke, and how he got involved with the villain group called "the Foursaken". He also appears to have some sort of history with the centuries old mutant Apocalypse. During the ''Onslaught saga'', he and Apocalypse observed and discussed the conflict from afar.
Uatu revealed himself during the "Civil War" event, as well as during the wedding of the Black Panther and Storm (apparently he smiled when their vows were exchanged). It has been stated that when Uatu appears, an event of great importance is taking place. He also spoke briefly with the meditating Doctor Strange on the eve of the final battle between the two sides of the war. He asks Doctor Strange why he doesn't use his immense power to end the conflict with a wave of his hand. Strange says that a Sorcerer Supreme has no business in mankind's social matters but he will pray for an outcome that will benefit mankind and spill the least amount of blood.

Alternate versions

★ In the alternate universe of Earth X, Uatu is portrayed as a cold, nihilistic manipulator who feels far superior to the people of earth whom he watches.

★ In the ''Powerless'' limited series, reality is turned upside down and Uatu plays the role of psychiatrist William Watts. Watts's patients are the powerless heroes who face problems similar to their super-powered counterparts from Earth 616. Just like in Earth 616, Uatu finds that he cannot just stand by and watch as his patients' lives are ruined, and tries to come to their aid.

In other media

★ Uatu made two appearances in the Fantastic Four TV series.

★ Uatu made an appearance in the 1994 ''Fantastic Four'' TV series voiced by Alan Oppenheimer.

★ Uatu made appearances on the ''Silver Surfer'' cartoon voiced by Colin Fox.

★ Uatu shows up in ''What If...?'' mode on the Playstation Spider-Man game.
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★ Uatu is one of 140 characters in the '' video game, voiced by Phil LaMarr. He appears to aid the heroes after saving them from being destroyed by Doctor Doom (which Doctor Doom later reveals that he found out about Uatu saving them). He tells the heroes where to find the items required to defeat Doctor Doom: obtain the M'Kraan Crystal from the Shi'ar Empire and steal the Muonic Inducer from Galactus (who is attacking the Skrull homeworld). This results in his people depowering him for his act in saving the universe, although he assures the heroes the other Watchers will restore his powers eventually. Uatu brings up a history of the Watchers introducing technology to the residents of Prosilicus if the player asks him about the Watchers. Upon beating the game Uatu will tell the player the future of the Marvel Universe based on the actions of the player in the game. Outside of that, he has special dialogue with Human Torch.

★ He has also been parodied in the webcomic PvP, coming down to Earth to observe the trial of the lawsuit put forth by Marvel Comics against the creators of City Of Heroes (in a rather annoying fashion). In the end of the storyline (when the judge declares a mistrial) Uatu appears one last time to show the outcome of the case: Galactus devouring the Earth

★ Uatu the Watcher appears in the ''Robot Chicken'' episode "Tapping a Hero" voiced by Tom Root. In the "Superheroes Tonight" segment, Uatu is arrested for peeping into the girl's locker room.

Interesting facts

★ In the ''Planet X'' ''/X-Men crossover novel, at the end the crossing of dimensions is revealed to be due to the interference of both Q and The Watcher.

★ Uatu made a wordless cameo in ''JLA/Avengers'', as he watched the Justice League in the DC Universe, the only time a Watcher ever appeared there.

External Links

★ Uatu entry on the Marvel Universe Character Bio Wiki

★ Comic strip featuring Uatu on pvponline.com