The Crimson Cowl escaped, rebuilding her Masters with Cardinal, Cyclone, Man-Killer, Black Mamba, Gypsy Moth, Hydro-Man, and Machinesmith, and embarked on a quest to control a biotoxin produced by the late Justin Hammer that had secretly infected many super-beings, giving whoever controlled the toxin the power of life and death over them. When the Masters realized they were infected by the toxin as well, half of them-including Cardinal, Cyclone, Man-Killer, and Gypsy Moth-defected to Hawkeye's Thunderbolts and helped defeat the Cowl, who was exposed as Hammer's daughter, Justine. The Cowl and her remaining Masters were all captured, and the biotoxin was neutralized by Thunderbolts member Blackheath.
Members:
Crimson Cowl
Gypsy Moth
Man-Killer
Cyclone
Hydro-Man
Black Mamba
Machinesmith
Cardinal