One of the first races of beings in the universe, The Watchers developed technology and evolved billions of years before nearly all species. With the best of intentions the Watchers used this knowledge to interfere with the evolutionary and technological advancements of a primitive species. The residents of Prosilicus, not ready for these advancements annihilated one another with this new technology.

The Watchers horrified by these actions, swore to only observe and never to interfere with the happenings of the universes

Later, A Watcher observed a not yet formed Galactus in a cocoon. Honoring their oath of non-interference the Watcher watched as Galactus came to be the Devourer of Worlds.

The Watcher assigned to observe Earth and its solar system is named Uatu. Uatu has broken his Oath on numerous Occasions.

The first time that the watcher came to earth was when a future Captain America was sent back in time to 1602 A.D., he then got help from a Elizabethan-era version of Doctor Strange who helped create a time portal fixing the reality of earth. In a more modern time Uatu was first seen by the Fantastic Four when they went to the Moons' Blue area. Here they met the Watcher who was going to wipe their memories when Red Ghost had entered the Blue area of the moon with his team of super apes. They attacked the Thing and Uatu stopped the fight stating that the Fantastic Four would fight red ghost and his group of super apes. Uatu admired how the Fantastic Four fought and decided not to wipe their memories of their meeting with Uatu. He later warned them about the coming of Molecule Man who was given the ability to control matter after a lab accident. After his defeat the watcher sent him to another dimension where time move much faster there than in his normal universe, it also lowered his powers so he couldn't use is powers to escape.

During Reed and Sue's wedding he stopped a horde of super villains by bringing them to the blue area of the moon and then erasing their memories. He said that Reed and Sue could have their honeymoon on the Blue area of the moon, he also told them that they would be the only people in the galaxy who he would not be watching that night.

When Galactus first came to earth he tried to hide it from him, but when that failed he helped the Human Torch find the Ultimate Nullifier to defeat him.

Uatu disgraced himself by physically opposing Captain Marvel after taking sides with the lunatic legion, a team of Mar-Vell hating Krees. For this Uatu was put on trial by his own people for interfering in earth affairs. He was set free because he promised that he wouldn't interfere again.

Uatu has also collaborated with the mutant team, X-Men, and he seems to have a history with Apocalypse, as they are seen discussing about the conflict between the heroes and Onslaught.

His recent appearances with the heroes was when he witness the wedding of Black Panther and Storm. It had been said that if the watcher is witnessing an event, it means that this event is a very important moment. He also told the newlyweds that their children have a very important destiny ahead of them. During the Civil War, he came to Doctor Strange and ask about the coming conflict and why he hadn't use his powers to stop the war. Strange answered that he doesn't take sides and that both sides of the war are both right and wrong in some ways, and he stated that he will pray for the least amount of blood being shed after the war. Uatu reflects on this.

Powers and Abilities

The Watchers are cosmic beings, who possess the innate ability to achieve virtually any effect desired, including augmenting personal attributes, time and space manipulation, molecular manipulation, energy projection and a range of mental powers. They also have access to incredibly advanced technology.

Alternate Versions

Earth X (Earth-9997)

In this reality, the Watcher are the slaves of the Celestials because they did not intervene in the birth of Galactus. As punishment for this, they are force to watch the destruction of planets by the Celestial egg hatching inside of it. Uatu has become a non caring character that feels superior from the earthlings he watches.