Born in Minsk, the son of Russian nuclear physicist Sergei Krylov, Nikolai Krylenko (Russian: Николай Крыленко) and his twin sister Laynia Petrovna were taken from birth by the then-Soviet government to be trained as soldiers after their mutant natures manifested. Joining the KGB-sponsored Soviet Super-Soldiers, Nikolai adopted the identity of Vanguard while Laynia became Darkstar. The team came into conflict with many American heroes, including Iron Man.
After Sergei was transformed into the Presence, the government sent Vanguard and Darkstar to murder him, who were unaware that their target was their father. When they learned this, Nikolai and Laynia turned against the Soviet regime. Vanguard, Darkstar, and Ursa Major became agents on their own, fighting for the good of the people.
After Darkstar was killed while serving with the X-Corporation in Paris, Vanguard's desire to avenge or restore his sister led to a schism in the Winter Guard. Leading a new group called the Protectorate, Vanguard and his teammates made their way into Limbo, suffering losses and were betrayed by Fantasma, who regained her lost memories and was revealed as a Dire Wraith. Upon returning to normal space, the Protectorate joined forces with the Winter Guard against Fantasma and the Presence, who intended to spawn a new generation of Wraiths. Darkstar was indeed resurrected during this mission, but several members of the Protectorate and Guard were killed or lost in the conflict. Vanguard took up the shield and identity of the Red Guardian in the aftermath, becoming the eighth to use the name. Nikolai would later take back the identity of Vanguard while keeping his Red Guardian equipment.
Current Version:
Vanguard (Red Guardian)
Former Version:
Vanguard/a> (Hammer and Sickle)
