A new threat is about to cause serious problems for Earth's Mightiest Heroes in Marvel's The Avengers, as Mephisto is bringing an entire army of his multiversal selves to battle.

The Avengers #55 comes from writers Jason Aaron and Javier Garrón, color artist David Curiel and letterer VC's Cory Petit. In the issue, Mephisto -- an extra-dimensional demon who rules over Hell -- initially appears to Nighthawk as a demonic-looking dog summoned by the Serpent Society. While the canine is relatively menacing in its own right, the Avengers are relatively confused by Mephisto's appearance, as they were all expecting something a bit grander. "We must all change with the times," the dog says in response. "These days, people see whatever they need to see when they stand in my presence."

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Mephisto then transforms into his more traditional-looking self; however, he doesn't stop there. The villain proceeds to show the Avengers an entire multiversal army, the "Council of Red," which is made up of seemingly hundreds of different Mephisto variants. Some of these variants bare similar resemblances to other Marvel characters, such as a Loki Mephisto or one that appears to resemble Asgard's Destroyer, while others take on a number of other forms, including a Pirate Mephisto, Cowboy Mephisto and much more.

The villain leaves the Avengers nearly as quickly as he arrives. As he and the Council of Red are departing, Mephisto says that he and his army will "see you again soon, Avengers. Once the last Earth falls. And the great red flood begins." Knowing that war is approaching, the Avengers then reconvene at their home base in the North Pole and unanimously agree to make Nighthawk an official member of the team. Nighthawk immediately says he has some ideas as to how they can deal with Mephisto's forces. Just for starters, the Batman-like hero says that the Avengers are going to need a time machine.

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Created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, Mephisto first appeared in 1968's The Silver Surfer #3. The character is often seen as an antagonist to Spider-Man and Ghost Rider, though he's appeared as the villain in numerous other series as well. Mephisto was played by Peter Fonda in 2007's Ghost Rider film and by Game of Thrones' Ciaran Hinds in the 2011 sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

The Avengers #55 features cover art by Garrón and Curiel, with variant cover art by Peach Momoko and Ernanda Souza. The issue is on sale now from Marvel.

Source: Marvel