Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices Infinity Comic has been shaking up the Marvel Universe, introducing a fresh class of heroes-in-training. Now, roughly 50 issues in, two unexpected additions have joined the ranks: Blackheart, Mephisto’s demonic son, and Teen Immortus, the time-traveler once destined to become Kang.
“Avengers Academy” creators Anthony Oliveira and Bailie Rosenlund discuss the recent additions of Blackheart and Teen Immortus to the comic series, highlighting their unique roles and character development.
Oliveira explains Blackheart’s human form isn’t a new concept, but this time, he’s truly mortal, forcing him to confront human experiences and question his inherently evil nature. He notes Blackheart’s unique origin as a young demon, not a fallen angel or human, which makes him relatable to young adults grappling with identity.
Rosenlund details Blackheart’s design, emphasizing the “18ish, Latino, lean swimmer’s bod, chaotically bisexual, while also being chock full of Catholic guilt” guidelines. She aimed to retain his demonic form’s “beautiful and tragic” essence, incorporating sad, hooded eyes and red irises, and shaping his hair to reflect his original silhouette.
The rose motif for Blackheart, pulled from his first appearance in Daredevil (1964) #270, symbolizes his complex nature, a beautiful bloom amidst thorns. This motif is integrated into his tattoos and wardrobe.
Teen Immortus’s redesign, according to Rosenlund, aimed for a “time-space-wizard-monk” look, blending Kang and Iron Lad elements. Key features include the Kang lines in his mask, his time-space belt, and his Iron Lad armor as a base, with a triadic color palette.
Oliveira finds Teen Immortus fascinating as a foil to Blackheart, both grappling with a predetermined villainous path. Immortus, having averted his tyrannical future at great cost, now fears re-engaging with reality might jeopardize the peaceful future he created.
Both characters bring a unique dynamic to the Avengers Academy team, exploring the theme of heroism amidst inherent darkness. Blackheart is described as “grumpy, even malefic,” while Immortus is a “blithe, gentle soul,” almost detached after achieving his “perfect” future.
New issues of Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices Infinity Comic release weekly on Marvel Unlimited. The first six issues are also now available in print as Avengers Academy: Assemble (2025) #1.
