The Union (Marvel)

The Union is a five issue mini series that first appeared in December 2020 with Union #1.^[2] It was originally due to be released as a part of the "Empyre" event, but was moved and rewritten to fit into the "King in Black" event due to issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[3]

The series was written by Paul Grist, known for his work on Judge Dredd and Jack Staff, with art by Andrea Di Vito, known for Annihilation and Conan. Inks were provided by Drew Geraci and Le Beau Underwood, with colours by Nolan Woodard.^[4] In an interview, Grist described the team's political backdrop as intentional, framing the Britannia Project as a government attempt to restore unity at a time when the UK's national bond is "being seriously tested."^[5]

• On 2 December 2020, The Union appeared in The Union #1 as part of the King in Black crossover event.^[7]
• On 29 September 2021, The Union appeared in Marvels #5.^[8][a]
• On 15 May 2024, The Union appeared in Union Jack the Ripper: Blood Hunt #1-3 with Bulldog featuring as a supporting character.^[9][10]

The Union was formed by the British government as publicity attempt to restore faith in the UK. The team's formation is funded by billionaire Steve Darwin and was the dream of superhero Britannia who wished to see super-powered representatives from across the UK serve Queen and country.^[11]

The members, who represent different parts of the UK, work together to face a variety of enemies. These include Knull, Doc Croc, Sponge, assorted vampires, and Baron Blood. Led by Britannia, the Union has protected the nation and united the super-powered heroes of its past and future.^[12][13]

The team's first mission immediately goes awry when their public debut is interrupted by the symbiote invasion led by Knull. Britannia is killed by a symbiote dragon, leaving the team leaderless and demoralised. Her spirit subsequently takes up residence within Union Jack, guiding him and enhancing his abilities. Bulldog is later recruited to fill the vacancy left by Britannia's death. The team eventually overcomes internal divisions—including the betrayal of The Choir, who defects to the villains—and successfully defeats the Doc Croc Gang.^[14][15]

• Britannia – Britannia, representing the United Kingdom as a whole, was the initial leader of the team. She was a powerful warrior that wore a dark and light contrasting blue outfit with a red cloak. She was seen wielding a sword and shield, as well as a trident. After being killed by a symbiote dragon, her spirit resided within Union Jack, to protect him from harm and enhance his strength.
• Union Jack – Representative of England in the team and current leader, he is the only pre-existing character in the Union, and the latest man to bear the name of a character who first appeared in The Invaders.
• Kelpie – Representative of Scotland in the team. She is referred to as "an ancient water demon found living in a Scottish lake." She has the power to control water, as well as being able to transform her hands into sharp claws.
• The Choir – Representative of Wales in the team. She has black hair with a bright green strip across the top, and she is dressed in a glowing green and black contrasting outfit with a blue cloak and she wields a dagger. She is described as having "a voice that can shatter stone." During the attack on Earth by Knull, the Choir is infected by a symbiote. She is freed of Knull's control through the efforts of the Union, but later defects to work alongside Doc Croc and his team.
• Snakes – Representative of Northern Ireland in the team. Snakes is a sentient collection of snakes formed together in the shape of a human. He is described as having "the strength of ten men."
• Bulldog – Joining the team as a replacement for Britannia after her death, Bulldog was a short man who displays super-strength and enhanced agility. He wore a red and grey jumpsuit and black boots.^[16] In Union Jack the Ripper #2, Bulldog is turned into a vampire. Bulldog is killed in Union Jack the Ripper #3.

The Union received mixed reviews from readers across the United Kingdom, with some of the Scottish and Welsh people disagreeing with the name of the group and how their characters Kelpie (Scotland) & The Choir (Wales) portray the two countries.^[22][23]

The announcement of the team also attracted attention on social media, with some Scottish and Welsh readers objecting to the team's name—"The Union"—given its political connotations, particularly in the context of Brexit and Scottish independence.^[24]

• List of Marvel Comics teams and organizations
• Lists of Marvel Comics characters
• Union Jack (Marvel Comics)