Red Wasp

Origin

Previously, Petra Laskov was married to Nikolai Laskov. Nikolai Laskov was an activist in his native Georgia. However, the Red Skull has worked for the enemy and was ordered to kill Nikolai. Red Skull held Petra, Nikolai, and their baby son hostage. Petra had to choose: to kill her husband with a pair of old scissors or Skull would kill the child. It took an hour of stabbing before her husband finally died, but the Skull had deceived her and threw the baby out the window; Skull's men then raped her.

Creation

Red Wasp (Petra Laskov) was created by Mark Miller and Bryan Hitch and first appeared in The Ultimates 2 issue 9 (2006). So far, she has only appeared in the alternate "Ultimate Universe" or Earth 1610.

Major Story Arcs

As Insect Queen (Swarm)

Following her ordeal at the hands of the Red Skull, Petra became bitter and soon joined a team of terrorists, known as The Liberators, under the alias Swarm. Swarm was considered a mutant girl, and could control the insects. Soon, The Liberators made plans to attack America and topple the U.S. government. They nearly succeeded, but the Ultimates were able to defeat them. Swarm was believed killed when a giant-sized Wasp stepped on her. Things however where far from over, since Petra survived.

As Red Wasp

After being healed, Petra joined SHIELD for their rehabilitation program. They also inserted a obedience chip in her, in case she does not follow orders. She killed several terrorists and joined The Avengers. Together they caught Captain America, and then they were sent to catch the Red Skull. Red Skull found Petra and threatened her, which caused her once again experience the death of her husband. After the battle, Red Skull said goodbye to his mother in the hospital and visited Nick Fury. Red Skull was certain that Nick Fury would let him go, but Fury allowed Petra to shoot Red Skull.

Powers

Petra can control a large number of insects. As Wasp, she can shrink in size and with Wasp Sting paralyze any enemy. Also, she can fly at high speeds, thus be "living bullet."