Real Name: Janet Van Dyne
Species: Human (Mutate)
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Joined the Team in: Avengers #1
Powers/Abilities: She can shrink down, grow wings for flying, and “sting” people with her little energy blasts (tee hee).
Who/What Is She: Once just a shallow flight attendant, Janet Van Dyne became the superhero Wasp, thanks to Henry Pym’s “Pym particles” and a biochemical procedure that granted her the ability to grow wings and blast energy “stings” once miniature. She initially used her powers to fight and banish the monster who killed her father, then fought alongside Ant-Man as his girlfriend and, eventually, wife. (And much later, ex-wife.)
Why We Want Her: She provides the Avengers with some much-needed assistance in the female quota department (five guys + one girl = superhero sausage fest). She’s also a potentially interesting character in the right hands – like Whedon’s Buffy Summers, Janet at first appears to be very “girly” and “shallow,” but goes on to display great courage, depth, and strength later on.