In the comics, Janet van Dyne is the socialite daughter of wealthy scientist Vernon van Dyne. When her father is killed by an alien monster, Janet turns to his associate Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym for help in avenging his death. Dr. Pym had created a substance called the "Pym particles," which allows the user to grow and shrink in size, something Janet wants to use to defeat the alien. He gives Janet some of the Pym particles and has her undergo a procedure that gives her the ability to shrink, grow wings, and fire blasts of energy, which she calls "wasp's stings." The two join forces and become Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, they defeat the alien that killed her father and continue to go on more adventures. Soon after that, the Avengers, which Janet names herself, are formed with Ant-Man and the Wasp among its founding members. Years later, she is actually elected leader of the team.
