HYDRA

Universe/Timeline: 
Marvel Universe

The true origins of the HYDRA organization are lost to antiquity, dating back to the Egyptian dynasties. The modern incarnation of HYDRA arose during World War II among the Axis Powers, spinning out of the nationalistic Japanese clan of ninjas known as the Hand. Baron Wolfgang von Strucker seized control of the organization in its infancy, and has ruled HYDRA with an iron fist off-and-on for decades. The group has frequently fractured into weaker, independently-operating cells, especially during times when Strucker was inactive, but it always returns given time.