World powers, the United States, and the Soviet Union were embroiled in a Cold War since the end of World War II. The two countries battled one another in proxy in Korea than in Vietnam. They used the space race as a vehicle to promote their two very different ideologies. When World War II hero Captain America came back onto the scene as the United States' most recognizable icon, it was inevitable that the Soviet Union would produce their own version - the Red Guardian!
Black Widow's Mate (this probably won't end well for him)
Alexi Shostakov was an acclaimed test pilot and a hero of the Soviet Union. The KGB arranged for Alexi to meet and fall in love with Soviet super-spy Natasha Romanov, the Black Widow. Black Widow's training involved intense brain-washing techniques. At this time the Widow was confused whether she was the famous Russian ballerina (her cover story) or their nefarious assassin.
After their marriage, the KGB decided upon other plans for Alexi. Because of this, they faked his death so that he could go into intensive training as the first Soviet super-soldier. It is not made clear if he received a form of the super-soldier serum that created Captain America or an anti-aging treatment (similar to what was given to the Black Widow). Years of intense training turned him into the Soviet's Red Guardian. Along with a variety of fighting techniques, the Red Guardian had a magnetic round belt buckle that he could hurl through the air and have return to him, much like Captain America's shield.
Captain America vs. Red Guardian
Assigned to a task force sent to develop an alliance between the Soviet Union and China against the US, the Red Guardian's abilities impressed leaders on both sides. The Soviets were eager to test their new hero against the American icon. In an attempt to force Captain America into a battle with the Red Guardian, the Avengers were lured to a secret base (Avengers #43). The Red Guardian unmasked before a captured Hawkeye and Black Widow. The Widow was shocked to see the face of her long-dead husband, Alexi.
The Red Guardian finally got to face off against Captain America in a classic battle (Avengers #44). Just as it seemed Captain America had the edge, the Guardian's bosses interfered by stunning Cap with an electrified floor. During the battle, the Black Widow sabotaged their doomsday weapon. The Guardian saved his wife by diving in front of a bullet meant for her. As the Avengers were escaping the base, the Red Guardian again showed his heroic nature by leaping onto a gun aimed at the heroes. The misfire caused the entire base to explode, killing everyone left inside.
Through the years five other people would assume the Red Guardian persona. Many of them were part of the Soviet Super-Soldiers or the Winter Guard. Years later, Alexi appears as the mysterious Ronin, an identity several other heroes have since taken on. He claimed to have survived the explosion and gone into hiding. It is unclear if this was the real Alexi or a Life Model Decoy.
Big Star or Almost Infamous?
Wait! How can Red Guardian fall into the Almost Infamous category? Isn't he is set as a major supporting character in the Black Widow movie?
I am as excited as anyone to see fan-favorite David Harbour bring the role to life. However, it is unclear if he will actually be her former husband or merely a colleague. The Black Widow is one of the longest-tenured female heroes in comics. I believe that most fans not knowing that the Red Guardian was actually her husband qualifies him as Almost Infamous. He is also a great reminder to collectors and speculators that Marvel loves taking relatively unknown characters and putting them on the big screen, turning Almost Infamous villains into big MCU characters.
