Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
Aliases: The Cat, Gimalkin, Were-cat, Were-woman
First Appearance: As The Cat: The Cat #1 (1972), as Tigra: Giant-Size Creatures #1 (1974)
Becomes an Avenger: Avengers vol. 1 #211 (1981)
Best Moment: Convincing the all-powerful Molecule Man to change his villainous ways, saving the Earth in the process in Avengers vol. 1 #215 (1982).
Worst Moment: Being impregnated by a Skrull imposter of Hank Pym in Avengers: The Initiative vol. 1 #20 (2007).
Background: Greer Nelson underwent experimentations by the gifted Dr. Tumulo that allowed her superhuman strength and speed. Embarking on a life of crime fighting, Nelson mostly tangled with low tier villains.
Nelson went on to battle the “Cat People”, an ancient race that sought out unnatural power. During the battle, Nelson was hit by a radioactive blast that left her dying. Without another option, she chose to undergo an ancient scientific procedure that turned her into “The Tigra”, a legendary warrior of the Cat People.
Nelson was covered in fur, becoming a feline-like creature with fangs, claws and super human senses. She teamed with various superheroes such as Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, but settled in with the Avengers when contacted by Moondragon (Avengers vol. 1 #211, 1981).
Nelson began a romantic relationship with fellow Avenger Hank Pym and left the main team to become a founding member of the West Coats Avengers (West Coast Avengers vol. 1 #1, 1984).
Nelson has since become an important figure in the Marvel universe, from taking Iron Man’s registration stance in the Civil War to helping defeat Norman Osborn’s general The Hood during his siege of Asgard (Avengers: The Initiative #26, 2007).
Analysis: Tigra served as a flagship member on The West Coast Avengers, as well as becoming an important instructor for young superheroes at the Avengers Academy. She may not be well known, but her time with the team earns her a place among the teams’ greatest members.
Willie’s Avenger Rating: 8 out of 10