The highly anticipated series Agatha All Along has premiered on Disney Plus, unveiling its first two episodes and introducing Nicholas Scratch to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) for the first time. Often overlooked in Marvel lore, Nicholas Scratch is the son of Agatha Harkness. However, their relationship is far from conventional, marked by a tense power struggle between mother and son. The initial episodes effectively capture how Agatha has been ensnared in Wanda’s spell for an extended period, having lost her powers, and her quest to reclaim them. In this article, we will delve deeper into who Nicholas Scratch is.
Nicolas Scratch: Son of Agatha Harkness in Marvel Comics
Nicholas Scratch first appeared in Fantastic Four #185 in 1977. He was born in New Salem, a concealed town where witches and warlocks resided to avoid interference from ordinary humans, with Agatha serving as this community’s leader. The origin of Scratch’s name is derived from blending two English tales, “Old Nick” and “Mr. Scratch,” both of which are alternative monikers for the Devil.
The relationship between Nicholas and his mother deteriorated when she departed from New Salem to become a nanny for Franklin Richards, the son of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. Later, Nicholas fell under the influence of New Salem’s inhabitants and took Agatha captive. Although he almost succeeded in burning her at the stake, Agatha managed to turn the townsfolk against him and escaped. Consequently, he was banished to the Dark Realm, where he served Dormammu in hopes of eventually claiming the title of Sorcerer Supreme. In recent comic book depictions, Nicholas Scratch has collaborated with Mephisto, leaving fans hopeful for his on-screen debut, even if it seems unlikely.
Nicholas Scratch’s Powers
As a powerful sorcerer like his mother, Nicholas Scratch wields a mystical weapon known as the Satan Staff, which helps him channel his vast powers. However, he is capable of utilizing his powers without the staff as well.
His abilities include traveling between dimensions, similar to America Chavez, and absorbing energy from alternate realities. Additionally, Nicholas has the power to summon creatures from other dimensions for assistance as needed. Unfortunately for him, Agatha stripped him of his powers due to his actions against her and the people of New Salem.
Potential Role of Nicholas Scratch in Agatha All Along
The series Agatha All Along draws significant inspiration from classic television detective shows, introducing Agatha as Agnes, a seasoned detective residing in Westview. She embodies the essential traits of a TV detective, including being reclusive and having a sharp temperament.
Agatha appears to be haunted by the loss of her young son, evident from the remnants of his life that linger since his passing. The decorations on the walls and awards hint that he died at a young age, possibly in a tragic incident. The narrative suggests that Agatha’s son is deceased both within the spell and outside of it. However, I strongly suspect that we might witness Nicholas Scratch in later episodes, and only time will reveal if this theory holds true. Stay tuned for updates!
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