Ursa Major first charged onto the comic book scene in Incredible Hulk #258, published in April 1981. He was co-created by the prolific writer Bill Mantlo and veteran artist Sal Buscema. His creation was a direct product of the late Cold War era, a period when geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were a dominant cultural and political force. Marvel Comics, always a mirror to the real world, introduced a host of Soviet-themed characters during this time to serve as rivals, foils, and sometimes reluctant allies to their American-based heroes. Ursa Major, along with his teammates in the Soviet Super-Soldiers, was conceived to be a direct counterpart to American teams like the Avengers. He was designed as the “Russian Hulk”—a bestial force of immense power loyal to the state. His creators imbued him with a visual design that was both simple and intimidating: a man who becomes a colossal bear. This concept resonated with traditional Russian symbolism, where the bear is a potent national icon representing both brute strength and the spirit of the motherland. His introduction provided the Hulk with a formidable new physical challenge and added a layer of international political intrigue to the Marvel Universe.
The background of Mikhail Ursus differs dramatically between the primary comic continuity and his adaptation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reflecting the different narrative needs of each medium.
Mikhail Uriokovitch Ursus was born in the Soviet Union and is considered one of the first publicly-known mutants to emerge in the nation during the 20th century.1) His mutant power—the ability to transform into a massive bear—manifested during his youth, making him an outcast in his own community. Feared and ostracized, he was eventually discovered by the sinister Soviet scientist Professor Piotr Phobos. Phobos, himself a mutant with the power to radiate fear, was tasked by the Kremlin with assembling a team of super-powered individuals to serve the state. He approached the isolated Mikhail and, through manipulation and promises of purpose and acceptance, convinced him that his powers were a gift to be used in service of Mother Russia. Mikhail, desperate for a place to belong, agreed. He was taken to a secret state facility where he was trained to control his transformations and weaponize his incredible power. It was here that he met Laynia Petrovna (Darkstar) and her brother Nikolai Krylenko (Vanguard), fellow mutants who would become his lifelong comrades. Together, they formed the original core of the Soviet Super-Soldiers. Their initial missions were dictated by the Kremlin and often brought them into conflict with Western heroes. Their very first recorded mission involved investigating the radioactive Soviet exile known as the Presence, which led to a direct and brutal confrontation with the Incredible Hulk. This battle immediately established Ursa Major as a premiere powerhouse in the Marvel Universe, capable of trading blows with one of Earth's strongest beings. Over the years, Mikhail's origin has been colored by the revelation that Professor Phobos was a villain who sought to drain his students' power for his own ends, adding a layer of tragedy to Mikhail's unwavering loyalty to a state that initially saw him as little more than a living weapon.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced Mikhail Ursus in the 2021 film Black Widow, portrayed by actor Olivier Richters. His origin and nature are significantly altered from the source material to fit the more grounded, espionage-focused narrative of the film. In this continuity, Mikhail is not presented as a mutant. Instead, he is a fellow inmate of Alexei Shostakov, the Red Guardian, at the Seventh Circle, a remote, high-security Russian prison. He is shown to possess formidable strength, easily winning an arm-wrestling match against multiple men simultaneously before being challenged by Alexei. His moniker, “Ursa Major,” is not used, and he never transforms into a bear on screen. His backstory is connected to the same Russian deep-cover program that created the surrogate family of Alexei, Melina Vostokoff, Natasha Romanoff, and Yelena Belova. While the specifics of his past are not detailed, his presence in a prison for high-value assets and his familiarity with Alexei suggest he was also a super-powered operative for the Russian government. The prevailing theory, supported by the film's grounded tone, is that this version of Mikhail is a product of a Russian super-soldier program, much like Alexei, and that his codename “Ursa Major” likely refers to a piece of equipment, such as a bear-themed powered exoskeleton or suit of armor, which has not yet been depicted. This adaptation strips away the mutant aspect of the character, reframing him as part of the MCU's ongoing exploration of various nations' attempts to replicate Captain America's Super-Soldier Serum. His personality is also shifted, presenting him as a stoic and intimidating prisoner rather than the conflicted patriot of the comics. His role in the film is minor, serving primarily to establish the prison's hierarchy and to showcase Red Guardian's strength and reputation before their escape. His future in the MCU, possibly as part of the announced Thunderbolts project, remains a subject of fan speculation.
The capabilities and characterization of Ursa Major provide a clear example of adaptation, with the comic version being a fully realized superhuman and the MCU version being a more mysterious, grounded figure.
Powers and Abilities Mikhail's mutant physiology grants him a singular, powerful ability which is the source of all his superhuman attributes.
Weaknesses The primary drawback of his power is the immense strain it places on his body and mind.
Personality Mikhail is a man defined by a deep-seated, almost fanatical patriotism. He genuinely loves his country and believes in its potential, which is why he serves it without question, even when he privately disagrees with his government's often brutal or xenophobic policies. He is gruff, stoic, and possesses a soldier's pragmatism. To his enemies, he is a terrifying force of nature. To his teammates in the Winter Guard, he is the loyal and dependable anchor of the team. Beneath his bearish exterior lies a deep well of insecurity regarding his mutant nature, and he harbors a fierce, protective loyalty towards his friends, especially Darkstar and Vanguard.
Powers and Abilities The MCU's version of Mikhail has demonstrated a limited, but notable, set of abilities.
Equipment No specific equipment is shown in Black Widow. However, based on the conventions of the MCU and his association with a state-sponsored hero program, it is highly probable that his operational gear includes:
Personality Mikhail in the MCU is depicted as a quiet and intimidating figure. During his time in the Seventh Circle prison, he carries an air of authority among the inmates, respected and feared for his strength. He is a man of few words, communicating more through action and presence. His relationship with Alexei seems to be one of professional respect between two powerful operatives from the same program. This interpretation is a significant departure from the more talkative and emotionally conflicted character from the comics, focusing instead on pure physical intimidation.
> Laynia was Mikhail's closest friend and teammate, and the two shared a deep, often romantic, connection. As founding members of the Soviet Super-Soldiers, they developed a powerful bond forged in countless battles. Mikhail was fiercely protective of her, and her death at the hands of Dire Wraiths during the Contest of Champions II storyline devastated him, sending him into a period of deep depression and rage. Her eventual resurrection was a source of immense relief for him, and their relationship remains one of the defining elements of his character.
> As Darkstar's brother, Vanguard is another of Mikhail's oldest comrades. Their relationship is that of brothers-in-arms, built on decades of mutual trust and shared sacrifice. While Vanguard is often the field leader, he relies heavily on Ursa Major's power and unwavering loyalty. They have fought side-by-side through numerous team name changes and government upheavals, from the Soviet Super-Soldiers to the Winter Guard. The loss of Laynia bound them together in shared grief, strengthening their already solid friendship.
> Ursa Major has served with several individuals who have held the title of Red Guardian, Russia's counterpart to Captain America. His most significant partnership has been with Nikolai Krylenko, who also serves as Vanguard. In the modern Winter Guard, he serves under the current Red Guardian, recognizing the title as the symbol of Russian leadership. In the MCU, his relationship with Alexei Shostakov is more of a past association, two powerful men who likely worked together before being imprisoned.
> Ursa Major's first and most frequent international adversary is the Incredible Hulk. Their conflict is rarely personal; instead, it is a clash of national symbols. When they fight, it is Russia's monster against America's monster. Their battles are cataclysmic displays of brute force, with Ursa Major being one of the few beings on Earth who can physically stand his ground against the Green Goliath, at least for a time.
> Ironically, one of Mikhail's greatest antagonists has been the very government he serves. He has frequently clashed with corrupt officials, ruthless intelligence officers, and anti-mutant factions within the Kremlin. His loyalty is to the Russian people and the ideal of Russia, not necessarily to the individuals in power. This internal conflict is a constant theme, especially during storylines where the government enacts policies that harm mutants, forcing Mikhail to choose between his duty and his own kind. Professor Phobos, his original mentor, stands as the ultimate symbol of this betrayal.
> A Cold War-era nuclear scientist who became a being of immense radioactive power, the Presence is a recurring threat to Russia and the world. As the father of his creator, Professor Phobos, the Presence represents the dangers of the old Soviet super-weapon programs. Ursa Major and the Winter Guard have confronted him on numerous occasions to stop his attempts to transform Russia's populace into a collective radioactive consciousness.
In Incredible Hulk #258-259 (1981), Ursa Major made his debut alongside the Soviet Super-Soldiers. Tasked by their government to apprehend the radioactive figure known as the Presence, the team tracks him to the Forbidden Zone in Siberia. There, they encounter both the Presence and a wandering Bruce Banner. Mistaking Banner for a spy, the team attacks, prompting his transformation into the Hulk. Ursa Major was the first to engage the Hulk physically, shocking both the Hulk and readers with his ability to match the Green Goliath's strength. The ensuing battle was a massive brawl that showcased the full power of the Soviet team and cemented Ursa Major's status as a top-tier bruiser in the Marvel Universe.
The Winter Guard limited series from 2021 saw the team facing a threat of mythical proportions. The Slavic god of darkness, Chernobog, possessed a Russian citizen and began a monstrous rampage across the country. The Winter Guard was dispatched to stop him, a mission that tested their cohesion and power. Ursa Major was instrumental in the fight, using his raw strength to battle Chernobog's demonic hordes and directly confront the possessed god. The storyline highlighted his role as the team's unshakeable foundation and explored the dynamic of the modern Winter Guard as they struggled to protect Russia from threats both internal and external.
During the Empyre crossover event (2020), the plant-like aliens known as the Cotati launched a global invasion, targeting the Savage Land for its unique vibranium-infused flora. The Winter Guard, viewing the Cotati's presence in a region near Russian borders as a threat, intervened. This brought them into direct conflict with the Avengers, who were also there to fight the Cotati. The event featured a particularly brutal and controversial confrontation between Ursa Major and the Avenger Gorilla-Man. The fight concluded with Ursa Major savagely overpowering and seemingly eating his opponent, a shocking moment that underscored the brutal pragmatism of the Winter Guard and sparked considerable debate among fans.3)
> In the Ultimate Marvel universe, a version of Ursa Major, named Mikhail, appeared as a member of the Liberators, a multinational super-powered army that invaded and occupied the United States. This version was a former soldier from the Russian army who was altered to gain his bear-transformation powers. He was far more vicious and less noble than his 616 counterpart and was ultimately defeated during Captain America's counter-attack in Washington D.C.
> A zombified Ursa Major appears alongside the zombified Winter Guard in the Marvel Zombies series. He is seen attacking the Silver Surfer alongside other zombie heroes, showcasing the devastating and all-consuming nature of the hunger plague.
> Ursa Major appears in the Avengers Assemble animated series as a member of the Winter Guard. This version is a faithful adaptation of his comic book persona, depicted as a powerful hero and a loyal servant of Russia. He confronts the Avengers but later allies with them to face greater threats, presenting a more heroic and less morally ambiguous version of the character for an all-ages audience.