The latest episodes of VisionQuest introduce Jocasta, a dangerous new synthezoid with a significant connection to Ultron, fundamentally altering her Marvel Comics origins.
While the initial focus of VisionQuest was on Vision's escape from the bounty hunter Paladin, episodes 3 and 4 shift the narrative to Jocasta, a synthezoid with deep ties to Marvel Comics lore. The show presents a drastically different backstory and motivation for the character compared to her comic book counterpart.
The Butcherbird's Hunt
Following Vision's narrow escape from Paladin, the bounty hunter attempts to track Vision by searching for chemical and radiation traces left by injured synthezoids. Instead, Paladin encounters a different android, described as the "Butcherbird" due to her use of avian imagery, who is actively hunting down former colleagues. This new synthezoid hacks into Vision's systems, warning him to stay out of her way.
Vision learns that the Butcherbird is Josephine Carrington, a scientist who was part of an artificial intelligence and nanotechnology research group. This research was acquired by Tony Stark and utilized in the creation of his AIs, including J.A.R.V.I.S. and Ultron. Josephine seemingly died in 2008, the same year Tony Stark became Iron Man. Now, inhabiting a synthezoid body, she is targeting the remaining members of her research team to retrieve biological keys necessary for an unknown purpose. Her adopted moniker, "Jocasta," is derived from shortening her name to JoCa and adding "Sta," a nod to the Stark technology used in her synthetic form.
In an attempt to prevent further deaths, Vision confronts Josephine at an award ceremony for the sole surviving scientist. However, Jocasta proves to be a formidable opponent, easily defeating Vision. He only survives by temporarily relinquishing control of his body to Ultron. Ultron then deceives Jocasta into incinerating the scientist, and despite interference, a clear romantic tension emerges between the two homicidal AIs.
Jocasta in the Comics
The VisionQuest interpretation of Jocasta diverges significantly from her Marvel Comics history, a change necessitated by the MCU's unique take on Ultron's origins. In the comics, Ultron, created by Hank Pym, develops a desire to defeat the Avengers and builds Vision as a lieutenant. He later crafts a mate for himself by transferring the consciousness of Hank Pym's wife, Janet Van Dyne (The Wasp), into a robotic body, naming her Jocasta. Jocasta, however, ultimately betrays Ultron and joins the Avengers, mirroring Vision's own rebellion.
While the MCU's Jocasta was not created by Ultron, she demonstrates a comparable ruthlessness. Her potential alliance with Ultron, despite their volatile dynamic, poses a significant threat to Vision and potentially all of humanity.