The MCU Finally Gets Vision's Name Right

Screen Rant

The correct term for what Vision really is (both in the comics and in the MCU) is finally used for the first time in WandaVision episode 3.

The correct term for what Vision (Paul Bettany) really is (in both the comics and the movies) was used for the first time in WandaVision episode 3. The character is a synthezoid, rather than an android.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has done their own version of Vision’s story, but for the most part, it’s been kept fairly close to the one that was told in the pages of The Avengers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was said that the villainous Ultron created Vision from the body of the original Human Torch and the brain patterns of deceased superhero Wonder Man. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, Vision was made from Tony Stark’s J.A.R.V.I.S. AI, constructed with Vibranium, and powered with the Mind Stone so that his body could serve as a new host for Ultron. Similar to his comic book counterpart, Vision developed humanity and became a reliable member of the Avengers.

Marvel took another cue from the comics in WandaVision episode 3. In one scene, Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) referred to her husband as a “synthezoid”, which is what he was always called in the comic books. Vision is typically referred to as an android (and is even known as “The Android Avenger”), but it’s not the most accurate description of what he is actually is. There is a difference between the two. An android is a robotic being designed to look like a person, whereas a synthezoid is admittedly similar, but much closer to being a human. What separates a synthezoid from an android is that it’s made out of organic matter.

The use of the phrase “synthezoid” feels fitting in WandaVision, partially because the word works well with the show’s retro feel. But more than that, the phrase pays homage to the comics, particularly the ones published during the Bronze Age. Ever since Vision debuted, both the character and the writers have consistently referred to him as a snythezoid. When readers would call him an android or a robot, writers would offer clarification on Vision’s synthezoid nature in the comics’ letters pages. And when fellow Avengers like Hawkeye would make the same mistake, Vision and Scarlet Witch would usually correct them. For this reason, Wanda correctly labeling him as a synthezoid in WandaVision felt like an appropriate reflection of the comics.

It’s worth wondering what other moments or events Marvel will use from the comics as it continues his story in Phase 4. Though Vision’s MCU origin currently has some key differences, it’s possible that it can bring in some key elements that are currently missing. Recently, there have been indications that the hero whose brain patterns he’s based on, Wonder Man, will appear in some capacity in WandaVision. If that’s true, Marvel could make a retcon about how Vision was created and finally connect him to Wonder Man, who regarded himself as Vision’s “brother” in the comics.

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