[3] The first version of the Squadron Sinister is formed by the Elder of the Universe known as the Grandmaster, and used as pawns to battle the champions of the time-traveling Kang the Conqueror, superhero team the Avengers.

The Grandmaster creates four villains—Doctor Spectrum, Hyperion, Nighthawk, and the Whizzer—to face heroes Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and Goliath (Clint Barton).

The villains create a giant laser cannon in the Arctic, intending to melt the polar ice caps and cover the entirety of Earth's surface in water.

[10] After this defeat the three remaining members of the Squadron Sinister are teleported off-world by Nebulon, eventually returning with an energy-draining weapon.

Thunderbolts team leader Baron Zemo defeats the Grandmaster and, in the ensuing chaos, the Squadron Sinister escape.