The Invaders were formed in 1941 at the suggestion of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Initially, the group consisted of Captain America and his partner Bucky, the Human Torch and his partner Toro, and the Sub-Mariner. They were brought together to battle the Aryan super man Master Man. After soundly defeating him, the five heroes were convinced to stick together by Prime Minister Churchill, and they joined 'round their rallying cry: "Okay Axis, here we come!" After battles with Brain Drain, the Star-Gods, and Namor's old foe the U-Man, the Invaders came into conflict with the Red Skull, who kidnapped Namor, Cap, and the Torches. He brainwashed them into becoming Nazis and sent them to destroy American landmarks. However, the Skull overlooked Bucky, who formed the Liberty Legion to defeat the Invaders. Bucky's group accomplished their mission, freeing the Invaders and serving on the American homefront to fight Nazi saboteurs. It was understood that all Invaders were honorary Legionnaires, and vice versa.
After this battle, the Invaders took on the Nazi vampire Baron Blood. This battle introduced the team to Lord Montgomery Falsworth--the WW I hero Union Jack! Despite his age, the elder Falsworth joined the Invaders as Union Jack. But unfortunately, on his first mission with the team his legs were crushed by Baron Blood. But even as he had to quit the group, his daughter Jacqueline joined as Spitfire. She had recieved some of the Human Torch's blood and it gave her superspeed. Over the next few months, the Invaders battled villains such as the Blue Bullet, the Face, the deceived Ally heroes the Crusaders and their Nazi mentor 'Alfie,' Master Man and Warrior Woman, and even Hitler himself. They also encountered heroes like the Golem, the aforementioned Crusaders, and the Destroyer. The Destroyer was actually Jacqueline's brother Brian Falsworth, who joined the Invaders as the second Union Jack.
This group of seven continued on for several months. During this time together they fought the Scarlet Scarab and Agent Axis. It was this battle with Agent Axis that brought Bucky and Toro into contact with the Golden Girl and the Human Top. Sensing they were needed in America, these four teenagers banded together as the Kid Commandoes. Cap, Namor, the Torch, Union Jack II and Spitfire remained in Europe battling the Teutonic Knight, Baron Strucker, and Thor the Thunder God. During this battle with Thor, Union Jack II gained the ability to project small electrical charges from his hands. Following a battle with Master Man, Cap, Namor, and the Torch were called back to America by the Whizzer. Union Jack II and Spitfire remained behind while the other Invaders joined the Whizzer and the Liberty Legion to fight Iron Cross. After this battle the Whizzer and Miss America left the Liberty Legion to permanently join the Invaders.
This 5 man (and woman) version of the Invaders battled the Super-Axis and Battle Axis. During the latter battle, the Invaders were joined by the Blazing Skull and the Silver Scorpion. While they weren't official members of the team, Blazing Skull and Silver Scorpion were honorary Invaders (like the Liberty Legion). Captain America, the Human Torch, and Namor had a few more adventures during the war, including a struggle with Baron Strucker (which required the Whizzer's help). Shortly before the end of the war, Captain America was lost in suspended animation and Bucky was killed. Former Crusader member Spirit of '76 became Captain America II and led the All-Winners Squad, a post-war version of the Invaders. Following Captain America II's untimely death at the hands of Adam II, the Patriot became the third Captain America. Eventually though, most of the wartime heroes retired from active duty. Throughout the 1950's, they were replaced by heroes such as Marvel Boy and the 3D Man.
In the 1960's, a new breed of hero was born. Cap and Namor returned, and both eventually joined the Avengers. Today, the Avengers carry on the Invaders' tradition. Even though most of the wartime heroes are gone now (Union Jack I & II, Bucky, Toro, Miss America, the Whizzer, Patriot, Spirit of '76, Red Raven, Jack Frost, etc...) their spirit lives on in today's superheroes.
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