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Agatha Harkness

Agatha Harkness is a Marvel Comics character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Agatha Harkness is a centuries-old witch in the Marvel Comics universe, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. She first appeared in Fantastic Four #94 (1969/1970) as the governess of Franklin Richards and later became a mentor to Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch. Throughout her publication history, she has been portrayed as both an ally and an antagonist.

Publication history

Agatha Harkness debuted in Fantastic Four #94 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Marvel has described her as one of its long-running magic users, and later stories expanded her role beyond the Fantastic Four.

Character biography

In Marvel continuity, Agatha is presented as an ancient witch with a long history in the Marvel Universe. She is connected to the Salem witch trials and is often depicted as living for centuries through magical means.

Powers and abilities

Agatha is portrayed as a highly skilled spellcaster with extensive knowledge of magic. Sources describe her as one of Earth’s most powerful witches, capable of using magic for protection, training, and other supernatural feats.

Relationships and affiliations

Agatha’s major comic relationships include Franklin Richards and Wanda Maximoff. She has also been associated with the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and the Daughters of Liberty.

Key facts

  • Agatha Harkness is a centuries-old witch in Marvel Comics.
  • She first appeared in Fantastic Four #94, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
  • She served as governess to Franklin Richards and mentor to Wanda Maximoff.
  • She is a powerful magic user and has been both ally and antagonist.

Frequently asked questions

Who created Agatha Harkness?
She was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.
When did Agatha Harkness first appear?
She first appeared in Fantastic Four #94, published in 1969 with a January 1970 cover date.
Is Agatha Harkness a villain?
Not consistently. In the comics she is usually morally ambiguous and has appeared as both an ally and an antagonist.
What are Agatha Harkness’s powers?
She is a powerful witch who uses magic for spells, protection, training, and other supernatural effects.
Who is Agatha Harkness associated with?
She is closely associated with Franklin Richards and Wanda Maximoff, and has connections to the Fantastic Four and Avengers.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agatha_Harkness
    Supports: First appearance, creators, general character description, affiliations
  2. Marvel Comicshttps://www.marvel.com/characters/agatha-harkness/in-comics
    Supports: Centuries-old witch, Salem-related background, magical role
  3. Marvel Comicshttps://www.marvel.com/characters/agatha-harkness
    Supports: Powerful witch, mentor to Franklin Richards and Wanda Maximoff
  4. Marvel Comicshttps://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/agatha-harkness-in-the-comics
    Supports: First appearance in Fantastic Four #94 and role as Franklin Richards’ governess
  5. Marvel Comicshttps://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/the-scarlet-witch-agatha-harkness-history-in-the-comics
    Supports: Relationship with Wanda Maximoff and historical context