View source for Taskmaster (character)

{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{other uses|Taskmaster (disambiguation){{!}}Taskmaster}}
{{Infobox comics character
| character_name = Taskmaster
| image          = [[File:Cover of Avengers-196.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = Taskmaster on the cover of ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' #196 (June 1980).<br>Art by [[George Pérez]].
| real_name      = Anthony "Tony" Masters
| publisher      = [[Marvel Comics]]
| debut          = ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' #195 (May 1980)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Misiroglu |first1=Gina Renée |last2=Eury |first2=Michael |title=The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood |date=2006 |publisher=Visible Ink Press |isbn=9780780809772 |url=https://archive.org/details/supervillainbook0000gina/page/358/mode/2up |language=en}}</ref>
| creators       = {{plainlist|
* [[David Michelinie]]
* [[George Pérez]]
}}
| alliances      = {{plainlist|
* [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]]
* [[Agency X]]
* [[Assassins Guild]]
* [[Cabal (comics)|Cabal]]
* [[Cape-Killers]]
* [[Frightful Four]]
* [[Avengers: The Initiative|Initiative]]
* [[Secret Avengers]]
* [[Shadow Initiative]]
* [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]
* [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]
}}
| aliases = {{plainlist|
* Tasky
* Contingency T
}}
| species = Human mutate
| powers         =
* Master assassin and tactician
* Master [[martial artist]] and hand-to-hand combatant
* Expert swordsman, marksman and archer
* [[Eidetic memory|Photographic]] reflexes
}}
'''Taskmaster''' ('''Anthony''' "'''Tony'''" '''Masters''') is a fictional character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. Created by writer [[David Michelinie]] and artist [[George Pérez]], the character made his debut in ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' #195 (May 1980).<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=370}}</ref> Possessing photographic reflexes that allow him to mimic any fighting style at the cost of his long and short-term memory, he has served as an adversary of  [[Marvel Universe]] [[superheroes]] such as [[Captain America]], [[Scott Lang|Ant-Man]], and [[Spider-Man]]. He is usually depicted as a [[mercenary]] hired by criminal organizations to act as a training instructor.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |title=[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |date=1987 |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0-8160-1356-X |location=New York |pages=336–337 |authorlink=Jeff Rovin}}[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/336/mode/2up]</ref> He is the biological father of [[Finesse (character)|Finesse]].

The character has been adapted from the comics into various forms of media, including several animated television series and video games. A female version of Taskmaster named '''[[Antonia Dreykov]]''' appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] films ''[[Black Widow (2021 film)|Black Widow]]'' (2021) and ''[[Thunderbolts*]]'' (2025), portrayed by [[Olga Kurylenko]].

==Publication history==
The Taskmaster first appeared briefly in ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' #195 (May 1980), created by writer [[David Michelinie]] and artist [[George Pérez]].<ref>{{cite book|last1 = DeFalco|first1 = Tom|author-link = Tom DeFalco|editor-last1= Gilbert|editor-first1= Laura|chapter= 1980s|title = Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|year = 2008|page = 197|isbn =978-0756641238|quote= Created by writer David Michelinie and artist George Pérez, Taskmaster could mimic any physical skill he had ever seen.}}</ref> making his full debut in ''Avengers'' #196 (June 1980).<ref name="CBTaskmaster">{{cite web |last=Lovett |first=Jamie |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Black Widow: Who Is Taskmaster? |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/07/22/black-widow-who-is-taskmaster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723140950/https://comicbook.com/marvel/2019/07/22/black-widow-who-is-taskmaster/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |access-date=July 25, 2019 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref>

The Taskmaster appeared in his own limited series ''Taskmaster'' #1–4 (2002), which was followed by a supporting role in ''[[Agent X (Marvel Comics)|Agent X]]'' #1–15 (2002–2003). The character went on to feature prominently in ''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'' as a supporting character in #8–19 (2008–2009) and ''Avengers: The Initiative'' Annual #1 (2008) then later as a central character in #20–35 (2009–2010) during the [[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]] and [[Siege (comics)|Siege]] storylines. ''Age of Heroes'' #3 (2010) provided the prologue for the Taskmaster's second limited series ''Taskmaster'' vol. 2 #1–4 (2010–2011). In 2011, Taskmaster received a solo graphic novel collecting a four-issue story—''Taskmaster: Unthinkable''.

In Marvel's 2012–2015 rebranding, [[Marvel NOW!]], Taskmaster joins a new incarnation of the [[Secret Avengers]].<ref name="CBTaskmaster"/>

==Fictional character biography==
Taskmaster is a mysterious figure believed to have been born in the [[Bronx, New York City]]. He is able to mimic the physical movements of anyone he witnesses; writers differ on whether this counts as a "super power".<ref name="Av196">''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'' #196 (June 1980). Marvel Comics.</ref> He claims to have had this ability since childhood. Initially a combat instructor for other villains and criminals, Taskmaster becomes a mercenary to continue making money after the Avengers shut down some of his academies.<ref>''[[Moon Knight]]'' (vol. 5) #3 (August 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref>

In "[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]", Taskmaster joins the [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]] and is given temporary amnesty to take down the [[Secret Avengers]].<ref>''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #4 (October 2006). Marvel Comics.</ref> However, he is defeated by [[Invisible Woman]] and imprisoned in the [[Negative Zone]].<ref>''Civil War'' #7 (January 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster is freed by [[Deadpool]] and pardoned for testing the security of the [[Helicarrier]].<ref name="autogenerated1">''[[Cable & Deadpool]]'' #36 (March 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''[[Marvel Comics Presents]]'' (vol. 2) #2 (December 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster is tasked with training registered superheroes for the [[Avengers: The Initiative|Fifty State Initiative]].<ref>''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'' Annual #1 (January 2008). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]" storyline, Taskmaster becomes the leader of the [[Shadow Initiative]], consisting of [[Constrictor (character)|Constrictor]], [[Bengal (character)|Bengal]], [[Typhoid Mary (character)|Typhoid Mary]], and [[Komodo (comics)|Komodo]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Richards |first=Dave |date=December 4, 2009 |title=STORMING HEAVEN: "Siege: The Cabal" |url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23928 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205172356/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=23928 |archive-date=December 5, 2009 |access-date=September 27, 2010 |publisher=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]}}</ref> After [[Norman Osborn]]'s defeat during the [[Siege (comics)|Siege of Asgard]], Taskmaster and Constrictor return to mercenary work.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #35 (June 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref>

[[Avengers Academy]] student [[Finesse (character)|Finesse]] later seeks out Taskmaster, believing him to be her long-lost father. When she finds Taskmaster, Finesse ends up sparring with him. After much sparring, Taskmaster relents to tell Finesse that he likely is her father, but that his abilities have affected his memories. Knowing he likely will not remember the conversation in a couple days, Taskmaster tells Finesse that he wanted to fight her so he might remember her.<ref>''[[Avengers Academy]]'' #9 (April 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the 2011 "[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]" storyline, Taskmaster comes to the aid of [[Alpha Flight]], forming a resistance against the Unity Party that was formed by [[Master of the World (character)|Master of the World]].<ref>''Alpha Flight'' (vol. 4) #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When Taskmaster and [[Black Ant (comics)|Black Ant]] (Eric O'Grady's [[Life Model Decoy]] counterpart) found out what was done to Captain America to be made into a Hydra sleeper agent, they planned to have a parley with [[Maria Hill]] to discuss this with only for the new [[Madame Hydra]] (Elisa Sinclair) to get to them first.<ref>''Captain America: Steve Rogers'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref> Impressed with the fighting skills of the two of them, Madame Hydra made them bodyguards.<ref>''Captain America: Steve Rogers'' #14. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Secret Empire (2017 comic)|Secret Empire]]" storyline, Taskmaster appears as a member of Hydra's Avengers.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the battle in Washington DC, Taskmaster and Black Ant witness their teammate Odinson having enough of working for Hydra and striking them down. The two of them defect from Hydra and free the captive [[Champions (2016 team)|Champions]]. When Taskmaster and Black Ant asks for them to put in a good word for them, [[Miles Morales|Spider-Man]] webs them up anyway.<ref>''Secret Empire'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Taskmaster and Black Ant later attack Empire State University where [[Lizard (character)|Curt Connors]] was teaching a class. As the inhibitor chip prevents Connors into turning into Lizard, Peter Parker sneaks off to become Spider-Man. During his fight with Black Ant and Taskmaster, Spider-Man is exposed to the Isotope Genome Accelerator that splits him from his Peter Parker side.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In a prelude to "[[Hunted (comics)|Hunted]]", Taskmaster and Black Ant work with [[Kraven the Hunter]] and [[Arcade (Marvel Comics)|Arcade]] in capturing animal-themed individuals for his upcoming hunt. After Spider-Man thwarts the hunt, Taskmaster and Black Ant escape.<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #16-#23. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[King in Black]]" storyline, Taskmaster is among the villains recruited by Mayor [[Wilson Fisk]] to lead his [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]] at the time of [[Knull]]'s invasion.<ref>''King in Black: Thunderbolts'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

At the conclusion of "The Chameleon Conspiracy" arc, [[Foreigner (character)|Foreigner]] hired Taskmaster and Black Ant to help get revenge on Spider-Man.<ref>''Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: The Chameleon Conspiracy'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Sinister War]]" storyline, Taskmaster was with Foreigner, Black Ant, [[Chance (comics)|Chance]], [[Jack O'Lantern (Marvel Comics)|Jack O'Lantern]], and [[Slyde]] when they are sent by [[Kindred (Marvel Comics)|Kindred]] to attack Spider-Man after Kindred had disrupted their armored car robbery.<ref>''Sinister War'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Devil's Reign]]" storyline, Taskmaster appears as a member of Mayor Wilson Fisk's latest incarnation of the Thunderbolts after Fisk passes a law that forbids superhero activity.<ref>''Devil's Reign'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the "Carnage Reigns" storyline, Taskmaster joins [[War-Cry|Julia Gao]]'s [[Cape-Killers]].<ref>''[[Miles Morales: Spider-Man]]'' (vol. 2) #6 (July 2023). Marvel Comics.</ref>

As Captain America is transporting a specific cargo, his futuristic helicopter gets [[Spider-Boy]] as a passenger due to his spider-senses stating that Captain America needs help from Taskmaster. Captain America figures out that one of the soldiers is actually Taskmaster using an Image Inducer as the cargo in question is [[Super-Adaptoid]]. Even though Captain America and Spider-Boy fend off Taskmaster, he makes off with Super-Adaptoid's left hand as he plans to give it to [[Killionaire (comics)|Killionaire]].<ref>''Spider-Boy'' Vol. 2 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Taskmaster was later seen at Empire Unlimited getting reprimanded by Killionaire for not bringing all of Super-Adaptoid to him so that [[Shannon Stillwell]] can rebuild it into a suit that would give him the powers of the Avengers. When Killionaire threatens to [[Doxing|dox]] Taskmaster and Stillwell, Killionaire is impressed with the latter reverse-engineering the Super-Adaptoid to create [[Toy Soldier (comics)|Toy Soldier]], who can copy the abilities of all the Avengers and be remotely controlled by Killionaire. When Taskmaster asks for his cut, Killionaire tests Toy Soldier by having it attack him.<ref>''Spider-Boy'' Vol. 2 #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

After the failure of the Cape-Killers, Taskmaster joins Deadpool's for hire assassin business, Deadpool and Daughters.<ref>''Deadpool'' Vol 9, #2</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
Taskmaster injected himself with [[Hauptsturmführer|SS-Hauptsturmführer]] Horst Gorscht's primer, an elaborate modification of the adrenal steroid [[cortisol]] designed to unlock the mind's [[procedural memory]] potential.<ref name=":0">''Taskmaster'' (vol. 2) #3 (January 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> This increased Taskmaster's natural ability to absorb knowledge. This ability is linked to his [[muscle memory]], allowing Taskmaster to instantly replicate the physical movement of peak-level humans. Taskmaster cannot duplicate a physical feat that requires superhuman effort, like lifting a car. These "photographic reflexes" have made Taskmaster highly skilled in various forms of combat: martial arts, swordfighting, and marksmanship.<ref>''Taskmaster'' (vol. 2) #4 (February 2011). Marvel Comics.</ref> A side effect of the primer is severe [[Explicit memory|declarative memory]] loss. As he gains implicit memories (i.e., knowledge and abilities), he loses explicit memories (i.e., personal experiences).<ref name=":0" />

By viewing a video in fast-forward, Taskmaster can learn to replicate human movement at near-superhuman speed. However, this puts his body under intense strain and can only be used for short periods of time. He can manipulate his vocal cords to mimic others' voices. The Taskmaster is skilled in meditation techniques that allow him to slow his breathing and heart rate, allowing him to play dead or and survive for extended periods of time without air. Taskmaster was once shown to have [[aquaphobia]] (fear of water), but later overcame his fears.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lord-Moncrief |first=Devon |date=November 15, 2020 |title=One of the MCU's Next Big Villains Has ANOTHER Serious Weakness |url=https://www.cbr.com/taskmaster-mcu-weakness/ |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Weaponry===
Taskmaster carries many weapons. He most commonly uses a sword and a replica of Captain America's shield, but also carries a bow and a quiver of arrows, a billy club, a lasso, [[nunchaku]], throwing darts, and various firearms. Taskmaster once used a stolen [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] device that was able to create various forms of weaponry (such as arrows and shields) using solid energy.<ref>''Taskmaster'' #1 (April 2002). Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Other versions==
===''Age of Ultron''===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-61112 appears in ''[[Age of Ultron]]''. He works with [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]] and [[Thunderbolt Ross|Red Hulk]] to battle [[Ultron]]'s drones, only for Red Hulk to kill Taskmaster after he attempts to take one of the drones for his own use.<ref>''[[Age of Ultron]]'' #3 - 4 (May - June 2013)</ref>

===''Avataars: Covenant of the Shield''===
'''Deathmaster''', a fantasy-themed incarnation of Taskmaster from the artificial planet Eurth, appears in ''[[Avataars: Covenant of the Shield]]''.<ref>''[[Avataars: Covenant of the Shield]]'' #1 (September 2000)</ref>

===''Deadpool Max''===
A female version of Taskmaster from an unidentified universe appears in the ''[[Marvel Max]]'' series ''Deadpool Max''. This version became a mother figure and mentor to a young version of [[Deadpool]] after kidnapping his Muskrat troop. She is later revealed to be a potential cult leader and child molester.<ref>''[[Deadpool (comic book)|Deadpool Max]]'' #5 (April 2011)</ref>

===''House of M''===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-58163 appears in ''[[House of M]]''. This version is a member of the Brotherhood strike force.<ref>''[[House of M: Avengers]]'' #2 (February 2008)</ref>

===''JLA/Avengers''===
Taskmaster appears in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' #4 as a brainwashed minion of [[Krona (comics)|Krona]].<ref>''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' #4 (February 2004)</ref>

===''Marvel Apes''===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-38831 appears in ''[[Marvel Apes]]''.<ref>''[[Marvel Apes|Marvel Apes: Grunt Line Special]]'' one-shot (July 2009)</ref>

===''Marvel Universe Millennial Visions 2001''===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-22000 appears in the one-shot ''Marvel Universe: Millennial Visions''. This version was hypnotized by the [[Ringmaster (comics)|Ringmaster]] and forced to reform and become a member of the [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]].<ref>''Marvel Universe: Millennial Visions'' one-shot (February 2002)</ref>

===''Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher''===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-11080 appears in ''Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher'' #4, where he is killed by a cannibalistic Red Hulk.<ref>''Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher'' #4 (September 2010)</ref>

===Ultimate Marvel===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from [[Ultimate Marvel|Earth-1610]] appears in ''[[Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man]]''. This version is African-American and possesses the ability to absorb and redirect energy.<ref>''[[Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man]]'' #26 - 27 (October - November 2013)</ref>

===What If===
An alternate universe version of Taskmaster from Earth-8909 appears in ''[[What If (comics)|What If?]]'' #3. This version trained [[Super-Patriot (Marvel Comics)|Super-Patriot]] to replace [[Captain America]].<ref>''[[What If (comics)|What If...?]]'' (vol. 2) #3 (May 1989)</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* Taskmaster appears in ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'', voiced by [[Clancy Brown]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Taskmaster Voices (Marvel Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Marvel-Universe/Taskmaster/ |access-date=July 18, 2019 |website=Behind The Voice Actors |postscript=. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.}}</ref> This version is a founding member of the [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]].
* Taskmaster appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'', voiced again by Clancy Brown.<ref name="btva"/>

===Film===
[[File:Olga Kurylenko by Mikolaj Kirschke Wikipedia cropped.JPG|thumb|[[Olga Kurylenko]] plays Taskmaster in the MCU.]]
* Taskmaster makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher]]'' as a member of [[Leviathan (Marvel Comics)|Leviathan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://casualcomixcritique.com/2018/02/28/marvel-anime-part-6-avengers-confidential-black-widow-punisher/|title=Marvel Anime (Part 6): Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher|website=Casualcomixcritique|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326165444/https://casualcomixcritique.com/2018/02/28/marvel-anime-part-6-avengers-confidential-black-widow-punisher/|archive-date=March 26, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears in ''[[Heroes United#Iron Man and Captain America|Iron Man and Captain America: Heroes United]]'', voiced again by Clancy Brown.<ref name="btva" />
* A female incarnation of Taskmaster named '''[[Antonia Dreykov]]''' appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], portrayed by [[Olga Kurylenko]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/thunderbolts-cast-florence-pugh-julia-louis-dreyfus-1235364635/|title= Marvel's 'Thunderbolts' Recruits Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and More|last=Panaligan|first=EJ|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=September 10, 2022|access-date=September 10, 2022}}</ref>
** In ''[[Black Widow (2021 film)|Black Widow]]'' (2021), Taskmaster completes missions for the [[Red Room (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Red Room]] before [[Natasha Romanoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Natasha Romanoff]] undoes her brainwashing.<ref name="KurylenkoTaskmaster">{{Cite web |last=Molina-Whyte |first=Lidia |date=July 7, 2021 |title=Who is Taskmaster in Marvel's Black Widow? |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/who-is-taskmaster-black-widow-villain/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707162703/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/who-is-taskmaster-black-widow-villain/ |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |website=[[Radio Times]]}}</ref><!--PLEASE DO NOT ADD MORE INFORMATION. IT IS ALREADY LISTED IN ANTONIA'S DEDICATED SECTION IN THE MCU CHARACTER PAGE.-->
** In ''[[Thunderbolts*]]'' (2025), Taskmaster came to work for [[Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Valentina Allegra de Fontaine]] as an assassin before being killed by [[Ava Starr|Ava Starr / Ghost]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/thunderbolts-director-explains-taskmaster-death-11726866|title=Thunderbolts* director explains that 'cold-blooded' death — and why it was added later on|accessdate=June 14, 2025|website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=May 2, 2025|last=Bucksbaum|first=Sydney}}</ref>

===Video games===
* Taskmaster appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds]]'' and ''[[Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3]]'', voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="IGNtaskmaster">{{cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=July 21, 2019 |title=Marvel's Taskmaster Explained: Who Is the Villain of the Black Widow Movie? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/16/marvel-taskmaster-black-widow-villain-explained-who-is-history-movie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721202514/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/16/marvel-taskmaster-black-widow-villain-explained-who-is-history-movie |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]''.<ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]'', voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref name="IGNtaskmaster" /><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as the [[Boss (video gaming)#Final boss|final boss]] of Captain America's storyline in ''Avengers Initiative'', voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 13, 2012 |title=Captain America Joins the Battle in Second Episode of Marvel's Avengers Initiative |url=https://dpep.disney.com/captain-america-joins-the-battle-in-second-episode-of/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722212430/https://dpep.disney.com/captain-america-joins-the-battle-in-second-episode-of/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |access-date=July 25, 2019 |website=Disney}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as a [[Boss (gaming)|boss]] and unlockable playable character in ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dualshockers.com/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-and-guardians-of-the-galaxy-coming-to-marvel-avengers-alliance-taskmaster-to-be-a-playable-character/|title=Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy Coming to Marvel: Avengers Alliance, Taskmaster to Be a Playable Character|last=Abercrombie|first=Dana|website=Dualshockers|date=March 9, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725145838/https://www.dualshockers.com/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-and-guardians-of-the-galaxy-coming-to-marvel-avengers-alliance-taskmaster-to-be-a-playable-character/|archive-date=July 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]]'', voiced again by Steve Blum.<ref name="IGNtaskmaster" />
* Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in ''Marvel: Avengers Alliance Tactics''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsarama.com/21276-avengers-alliance-expands-gauntlet-returns-zombies-play-pinball.html|title=AVENGERS ALLIANCE Expands, GAUNTLET Returns, Zombies Play Pinball|last=Siegel|first=Lucas|website=[[Newsarama]]|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915070805/http://www.newsarama.com/21276-avengers-alliance-expands-gauntlet-returns-zombies-play-pinball.html|archive-date=September 15, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Taskmaster appears as a boss in ''Captain America: The Winter Soldier - The Official Game'', voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-mobile-game-launches/|title='Captain America: The Winter Soldier' mobile game launches|last=Melrose|first=Kevin|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date=March 28, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725152135/https://www.cbr.com/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-mobile-game-launches/|archive-date=July 25, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Marvel Avengers Academy]]'', voiced by [[Adam Montoya]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Montoya |first1=Adam |date=February 5, 2016 |title=SUPER HERO SEANANNERS (Marvel Avengers Academy) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmX9cq5IGrg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/tmX9cq5IGrg |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2016 |website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as an unlockable playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 6, 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: LEGO Marvel's Avengers Character Preview Gallery |url=https://comicbook.com/2016/01/20/exclusive-lego-marvels-avengers-character-preview-gallery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020103753/https://comicbook.com/2016/01/20/exclusive-lego-marvels-avengers-character-preview-gallery/ |archive-date=October 20, 2018 |access-date=July 25, 2019 |website=[[ComicBook.com]]}}</ref><ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as a boss in ''[[Spider-Man (2018 video game)|Spider-Man]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ign.com/articles/2018/04/04/marvels-spider-man-for-ps4-gameplay-story-details-revealed|title=Marvel's Spider-Man Gameplay, Story Details Revealed|date=April 4, 2018|last=Dornbush|first=Jonathon|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=April 8, 2018}}</ref> voiced by [[Brian Bloom]].<ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears as a boss in ''[[Marvel's Avengers (video game)|Marvel's Avengers]]'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/11/18661450/square-enix-avengers-game-villain-taskmaster |title=Marvel confirms the identity of the villain in Square Enix's Avengers game |newspaper=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=June 11, 2019 |first=Susana |last=Polo}}</ref> voiced by Walter Gray.<ref name="btva" /> This version is a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who runs a private mercenary group and has history with [[Black Widow (Natasha Romanova)|Black Widow]]. Additionally, clones of Taskmaster created by [[Advanced Idea Mechanics|A.I.M.]] appear in side missions.
* Taskmaster appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]'' as part of the ''[[Secret Empire (2017 comic)|Secret Empire]]'' update.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tier List for Marvel Future Fight |url=https://futurefightflair.github.io/tierlist/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726204316/https://futurefightflair.github.io/tierlist/ |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref>
* Taskmaster appears as a purchasable outfit in ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/black-panther-captain-marvel-and-taskmaster-join-fortnite-in-the-marvel-royalty-and-warriors-pack|title=Marvel Royalty and Warriors Pack|website=Epic Games' Fortnite}}</ref>

===Merchandise===
{{unsourced-section|date=March 2025}}
* Taskmaster received a figurine in ''[[The Classic Marvel Figurine Collection]]''.
* Taskmaster received a figurine in [[Funko]]'s "Marvel Pop!" line.
* Taskmaster received a figure in [[Toy Biz]]'s [[Marvel Legends]] line.
* Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel [[Minimates]] line.
* Taskmaster received a figure in the ''[[Marvel Super Hero Squad]]'' line as part of a two-pack with [[Deadpool]].
* Taskmaster received a figure in the [[Marvel Universe (toyline)|Marvel Universe]] line's "Marvel's Greatest Battles" sub-line as part of a two-pack with Deadpool.
* Taskmaster received a figure in the Lego Marvel Super Heroes "Hulk Lab Smash" set.
* Taskmaster, based on his second design in ''Ultimate Spider-Man'', received a figure in [[Hasbro]]'s Marvel Legends line via the "Mercenaries of Mayhem" sub-line.
* Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Legends ''[[Avengers: Infinity War]]'' [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]] Build-A-Figure line.
* The MCU incarnation of Taskmaster received a figure in Marvel Legends ''Black Widow'' line.
* Taskmaster received a figure in the Marvel Legends "[[Cabal (comics)|Cabal]]" three-pack of figures alongside [[Norman Osborn|Iron Patriot]] and [[Doctor Doom]].

===Miscellaneous===
* The ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'' incarnation of Taskmaster appears in the game's one-shot tie-in comic.<ref>''Marvel vs. Capcom: Fate of Two Worlds'' #1 (February 2011)</ref>
* Taskmaster appears in the ''[[Marvel Rising]]'' [[motion comic]], voiced again by [[Brian Bloom]].<ref name="btva" />
* Taskmaster appears in the [[HeroClix]] Collectible Miniatures game.
* Taskmaster appears in the Marvel Crisis Protocol miniatures game.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lara|first=René|date=August 5, 2020|title=Daredevil, She-Hulk, Punisher y otros llegan a Marvel Crisis Protocol|work=Wargarage.org|url=http://wargarage.org/noticia/daredevil-she-hulk-punisher-y-otros-llegan-a-marvel-crisis-protocol/|access-date=August 5, 2020}}</ref>

== Collected editions ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Title
!Material Collected
!Published Date
!ISBN
|-
|''Taskmaster: Anything You Can Do...''
|''Avengers'' #195–196, 223; ''Marvel Team-Up'' #103 and 146; ''Thing'' #26; ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #308; ''Iron Man'' #254; ''Daredevil'' #292–293; ''Deadpool'' (vol. 2) #2; ''Hawkeye: Earth's Mightiest Marksman'' #1; ''Avengers'' (vol. 2) #26; ''Captain America'' (vol. 2) #44; material from ''Captain America Annual'' #11
|March 3, 2020
|{{ISBNT|978-1302921316}}
|-
|''Taskmaster: Unthinkable''
|''Taskmaster'' (vol. 2) #1–4
|May 18, 2011
|{{ISBNT|978-0785152606}}
|-
|''Taskmaster: The Right Price'' 
|''Taskmaster'' (vol. 1) #1–4, ''Taskmaster'' (vol. 2) #1–4, and material from ''Marvel Comics Presents'' (vol. 2) #2, ''Age of Heroes''  #3
|March 31, 2020
|{{ISBNT|978-1302921323}}
|-
|''Taskmaster: The Rubicon Trigger''
|''Taskmaster'' (vol. 3) #1–5
|July 29, 2021
|{{ISBNT|978-1302921712}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Taskmaster Taskmaster] at Marvel.com
* [https://marvel.fandom.com/wiki/Anthony_Masters_(Earth-616) Taskmaster] at Marvel Wiki

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{{Captain America characters}}
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