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Other DC Universe topics Obscure DCU Characters - Round VI |
| Author | Topic: Obscure DCU Characters - Round VI |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 01:35 PM
Welcome to Round VI of Obscure DCU Characters. This thread serves as a Q&A forum focusing on DC's many obscure heroes and villains. Rounds I through V have been archived at http://www.infiniteearths.org/dcu/obscurecharacters_files/obscuredcu.htm and are available for download. If you're new to this topic, take a few moments to check out those previous threads. The Obscure DCU Characters list now stands at 491 characters. Those entries that have yet to be covered are marked with an asterisk. 1 Adam Strange II |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 01:37 PM
outpost2 is working on: Hellstone is working on: datalore may cover: The Vigilante may cover: |
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Xanadude
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 01:43 PM
More info on Conjura and Ted and Teri Trapper: Several of the characters who appeared in The Super Dictionary HAVE made appearance outside of the Dictionary -- specifically Conjura and Ted and Teri Trapper. During the mid to early seventies the SRA, in conjunction with Warner Company and DC Comics, put out four oversized magazine sized reading aids as part of their SRA line of reading programs (those of us who went to school in the 70s may remember the SRAs -- color-coded reading modules. You read a card, answered the questions on the back, and after you read a certain number of cards in your color you were able to advance to the next color). They were called Super A and, to my knowledge, four of them were put out. The stories are reprints of DC stories with the language simplified. (These were aimed at elementary school readers -- starting at grades 2 to 4). The interesting thing is that Joe Kubert retouched the art in the stories to make them more multicultural! For example, in a Superman story, Lola Barnett, the white, blond-haired gossip columnist for WGBS is replaced by a black woman, and throughout all four books, various characters are redrawn to reflect more ethnic diversity. Which is where Conjura and the Trappers come in. To be continued... |
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Xanadude
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 04:44 PM
There were four Super A books : Green, Blue, Red, and Yellow. Super A Blue contains stories featuring Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Rex the Wonder Dog, and Tomahawk. I don't know where the original stories appeared, but the WW story concerns "monster balloons" and is from the late fifties. The Aquaman story concerns a "dark island" and is partially redrawn to include a more ethnically diverse cast (as are all the stories in all four volumes). The Rex the Wonder Dog story is called "The Golden Crocodile", and the last story features Tomahawk, Jody, and an Indian female named Smiling Waters (who is cover featured) called "Half a Tribe". The inside back cover is a Scooter humor piece. Super A Yellow features three stories: Batman/Robin/Catwoman in "Bad Times Under the Big Top". Supergirl in "Supergirl Meets William Tell" -- a redrawn SuperBOY story. Again, weird to see Joe Kubert artwork next to the clean Superman late 50s style. The last story is the one of most concern to us "Obscuritors" though, since it features Ted and Teri Trapper, whose only other appearance was in The Super Dictionary. They appear in a story called "The Tiny Trappers", wherein our detective heroes (think of an African-American Nick and Nora Charles) being captured by the evil Dr. Zarro, who seemingly shrinks the couple and imprisons them. They escape, of course, and realize that Zarro did NOT shrink them, but merely had them trapped in room of oversized objects. The story itself is, as are all the others, reprints of an early story with certain figures redrawn. In this case, I THINK (but I could be wrong) that this was originally a Lois Lane or Jimmy Olsen story. Nice clean 50s/60s art with Kubert's dynamic Ted and Teri Trapper figures. Next up -- Super A Red and Super B Green, featuring Hilary and Kermit Hunt, Kate Hunter, and Conjura! |
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Xanadude
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 05:07 PM
Addendum: Super A Green is labeled as A1 internally, Blue is A2, Red is A3, and Yellow is A4. Super A Red (or A3) has four stories in it -- "Scooter, TV Star" and "Wonder Woman's Wonderful Plane" are both pretty much straight forward reprints (although the WW story has a new Kubert drawn intro to the flashback story) with simplified dialogue. The first story, "The Dragonflies", is a Superman story, from the looks of it from the 70s. In it, Hilary Hunt, described as "Everyone knew Hilary Hunt! She told the latest news on who was doing what in the movies!". Hilary was an African-American version of Lola Barnett (or whoever the Rona Barrett analog was in the Superman titles at the time), whose brother, Kermit, was kidnapped. Superman helped find him. The interesting thing is, in some panels, Kubert redrew Lola into Hilary, while in others, the blond-haired Caucasian Lola is simply recolored as being black. The last story features Kate Hunter, a red haired Scots lass who wanted more than anything to play the bagpipes for her clan, but is denied because she is a girl. In the end, of course, circumstances conspired to give her her wish and the respect of her clan. The interesting thing about this story is it is a reprint of another story entitled "Warrior Shepherd", which featured a young BOY named Burr McGregor. By changing the sex of the main character, the editor changed a fairly ordinary story into a "women's lib" story (to use the parlance of the day). Nice and effective. Super A Green (or A1) has five stories in it including "Krypto Makes a Movie", Debbi (from A DATE WITH DEBBI) in "You Get What You Pay For", the Atom in "The Prize in the Popcorn", and Clark Kent in "Friend for a Day". All are partially redrawn to be more ethnically diverse, but are again pretty straighforward simplified reprints. The middle story is the most important to us, since it stars the covered featured Conjura in "The Magic Piper". The story is a reprint of the Zatanna story from SUPERGIRL #2, with all of the Zatanna and Jeff Sloane figures redrawn to be Conjura and her friend Biff (both are African- American). Again, it's kind of disconcering to have these Kubert drawn figures set into a Don Heck drawn story. Conjura has the exact same powers as Zatanna, with the addition of her having a magic carpet (in The Super Dictionary, she also has a time tunnel). Basically, a tenement building is infested with rats that will not go away, even with Conjura's magic. So Conjura goes back through time to get the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Her magic isn't able to bring him forward in time, but in the last panel, a man looking exactly like him appears, saying "My name is Pete Piper. But I come from a long line of rat catchers!" Internal evidence points to the Super A series being done first or simultaneously with The Super Dictionary, since stats of Conjura and the Trappers are lifted directly from these stories and used in the Dictionary. So there you have it. Conjura and Ted and Teri Trapper's only other appearance (as far as I know), plus additions for the obscure Hilary and Kermit Hunt and Kate Hunter. |
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S8ntmark
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 08:29 PM
Outpost2, Unless someone else is working on them, Id like to do Captain Fear, Prez, and Dingbats of Danger Street. Also, here's one for someone... Who was Judge Kobold, The Twice Cursed Man? |
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Richcraft
Member |
posted April 13, 2002 08:33 PM
I'll take Wondertwins (pre-Crisis) and the World Beater. Zan and Jayna were twins born on Exor, the homeworld of Superman's old enemy, Grax. Their ancestors were of two races -- ordinary humans and the shape-shifters. As time went on, both races intermarried and had children. The shape-shifting genes were not the dominant ones. The few shape-shifters born on Exor usually could change into one kind of form. The twins had a unique limitation. They had to touch before their powers could activate. She could become any animal, and he could become any form of water. When their parents died in a worldwide plague, the twins were sold to an intergalactic circus. Because they were shifters, this was determined to be their only destiny. They met Gleek, the elasti-monk, who was the pet of Illik, the laugh-maker (their version of a clown). Frustrated that the other performers were paid for their services, the twins decided to take a rocketship in exchange for the wages that they should have earned. Gleek went with them. While hiding from the authorities, the twins stumbled onto Grax, who was recording his plan to destroy the Earth with many bombs. The twins rushed to Earth to warn the people, and the Justice League and the future Global Guardians made fast work of the bombs. Meanwhile, Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog defeated Grax after he attacked them in the JLA satellite. The twins decided to take Wendy and Marvin's places since they were moving onto college. The World Beater was the living personification of many intergalactic villains. Dr. Ihdrom kidnapped the evildoers and imprisoned them in escape-proof cells. Two of them were Spectrum and Anti-Man. Wendy witnessed Wonder Woman and Aquaman's battle with the former, and Marvin saw the Dynamic Duo and Superman take on the latter. The World Beater gained many powers after the villains were killed and their atoms reformatted into his body. The powers of the following villains are listed below:
When the World Beater defeated the adult heroes, Marvin and Wendy realized that he had the powers of Spectrum and Anti-Man. They tricked him into using his X-Ray power from Spectrum's lightwave magic. This power negated Anti-Man's forces, and he passed out. The kids used ordinary armor to make the World Beater project X-rays into them. Hope this helps. |
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Rajah
Member |
posted April 16, 2002 05:51 PM
Air Wave II (a.k.a. Harold "Hal" Jordan) is the son of the Golden Age crimefighter of the same name. The original Air Wave, Larry Jordan, was a district attorney and amateur inventor who created several devices based upon radio waves. Armed with a helmet that monitored police bands, magnetic gloves that could disarm opponents, and magnetized boots that allowed him to skate across electrical wires, Air Wave was a valiant member of the All-Star Squadron. Retiring from crimefighting after the war, Larry settled down and married his longtime girlfriend. The couple had a son, Harold, who shared a first name with his cousin (Hal Jordan, Green Lantern II). Sadly, Larry was murdered by an escaped convict that he had apprehended years earlier. Determined to follow in his father's footsteps, Harold donned the experimental new helmet and technology that Larry had been working on. Presumably, this equipment triggered his latent metagene, for the young man soon found that he was able to convert his body into electromagnetic energy. Calling himself Air Wave and wearing an updated version of his father's costume, Harold became a costumed hero. He teamed up with his cousin Green Lantern and various other heroes over the course of his career. Harold served for a time as a member of a group called the Captains of Industry (during which time he used the codename Maser). After the Captains went their separate ways, Harold was kidnapped by the international terrorist known as Kobra. Kept in a special chamber that siphoned from his electromagnetic powers, Harold unwillingly allowed Kobra to take control of the Whitehorse satellite array and cause massive destruction and chaos. He was eventually freed by the recently-reactivated Justice Society of America. Since that time, Harold has returned to his old Air Wave name and costume and become a reserve member of the JSA, assisting them during the Imperiex War. |
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Rajah
Member |
posted April 16, 2002 06:09 PM
He stands ever watchful and unchanging. Some say he is completely blind and others claim he can do nothing but see. He is known by many names -- Fate. Kismet. But none is more infamous than DESTINY. A mysterious cloaked and hooded figure chained to an ancient book, Destiny is the eldest of the beings known as the Endless. Incarnations of universal concepts, the Endless are as old as the Universe and more powerful than gods. They will exist for as long as their function is a part of human consciousness. Along with Destiny, the Endless are Death, Dream, Desire, Despair, Destruction, and Delirium (who was once Delight). Although he was not the first to make contact with humanity, Destiny was the first of the Endless to become involved in the affairs of the superhumans. Long before the Endless were known, Destiny appeared to several heroes during times of crisis, though he could take no action himself. His realm is an infinite garden that twists and turns like a maze. We are all walking in Destiny's garden, though we do not realize it. Enigmatic and aloof, Destiny is the most formal of the Endless and the most difficult to speak to, for his book records all that is, was, and shall be. At times, he himself has instigated events among his siblings, such as a family meeting that led his brother Dream to undertake a quest. But as always, a greater force motivates him and Destiny knows that even he is merely performing a necessary role at such times. Though the future is not set in stone, it is believed that when all things come to nothing, Destiny's sister Death will come for him as well and quietly turn off the last light in the Universe before departing. |
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Superb Oy
Member |
posted April 17, 2002 12:19 AM
How about a guy called Oracle? A quicky Watcher knock-off who appeared in JLA #100-102. He gathered the JSA and the JLA to rescue the members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory who had been scattered through time. They were needed to reconstruct a weapon that could destroy some "cosmic hand" crushing the Earth. After constructing the weapon, the Red Tornado took it while the teams were debating who should plant it on the cosmic hand, thus meeting his first 'death'. Also, these issues featured the death of one of the first heroes to die in the DCU: Wing. |
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David Bedford
New Member |
posted April 17, 2002 08:08 AM
I'll take the Black Bat (hopefully). I've been meaning to get around to it, so if I post my intention here it might encourage me to actually do it! |
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Koppy McFad
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 01:45 AM
The Oracle, a robed man with long hair and beard and cosmic-looking eyes, who appeared in JLA #100, was a mystic being who was conjured up by Dr. Fate, Zatanna, and Johnny Thunder's T-Bolt to find the missing Seven Soldiers of Victory. Dr. Fate described him as a being who knew almost everything. He was pretty much a plot device to get the story moving and had little motivation or background, unlike the Watcher. When he was conjured up, he remarked that he might punish those who summon him too casually, but he would help the heroes because he heard good things about Dr. Fate. He didn't ask anything in return but he was selective about the information he revealed, so that the writer of the comic could surprise us. I have no idea if Oracle ever appeared again. Guess if anyone ever needs a mystic figure to send a hero on a cosmic quest, then they can always summon him again. |
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Hellstone
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 05:27 AM
No, the Oracle never appeared again, sadly. Not even in the re-telling of this adventure in an issue of STARS & S.T.R.I.P.E.. /ola |
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The 'Mazing Cider-Man
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 05:31 AM
What about ROY BATTY the sexy killer? |
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a2-ton
New Member |
posted April 20, 2002 05:37 PM
Outpost2. I remembered a little more about that issue of FLASH featuring more of the Speed Force you said you would try to find for me. It occured just before or during the 'Dark Flash' saga. I hope that narrows your search down somewhat. |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 08:11 PM
a2-ton, thanks, I'll check it out. S8ntmark, where did the Twice-Cursed Man appear? Cider-Man, where did Roy Batty appear? |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 08:12 PM
Recently added: Recently completed: |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 20, 2002 11:47 PM
Whoops, missed an appearance of Red Star in my Global Guardians checklist (in the previous round). I discovered that he also appeared at the end of DAMAGE #5. I'll retroactively make the correction in the archive file. a2-ton, I checked out the issues surrounding the 'Dark Flash' saga. Right before it was the 3-part 'Human Race' story arc. A dying speedster called G-Force appeared in #135-136, another entity called Krakkl of Kwyzz appeared in #136-138. Just after the 'Dark Flash' arc was 'Chain Lightning'. I covered the many speedsters that appeared in that multi-part tale in a previous round (see 'the Flash Dynasty'). I think that might be what you were referring to. |
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outpost2
Member |
posted April 30, 2002 05:20 PM
Here's another character for the list... Taken from the following threads: datalore Well, I'm off for a few days, so... Mikishawm Believe it or not, this year's trio of appearances were the first that Mister Kringle has made in current DCU continuity. Here's where he appeared prior to that (and I haven't included all the appearances by guys in Santa Claus outfits): SANTA CLAUS (Earth-Two): SANTA CLAUS (Earth-R): SANTA CLAUS (Earth-S): SANTA CLAUS (Kriss Kringle; Earth-One): SANTA CLAUS (variants): And best wishes to everyone on the Bat-boards. Thanks for your kind
words and patience over the past year. Hope you all have a happy, peaceful
holiday season and a wonderful 2002! datalore Actually, he was last in JLA #60... (so, he survived PAD!)... and he was
also in SPECTRE #12 lately... Enda80 I should also mention the LOBO PARAMILITARY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, where Lobo killed Santa Claus. This event was retold in LOBO #0. Enda80 Santa Claus also appeared in FREEDOM FIGHTERS #7. |
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taz_19632000
Member |
posted May 03, 2002 05:34 AM
I was wondering if anyone can give information on a little known heroine (?) by the name of Moonbow? |
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Superb Oy
Member |
posted May 03, 2002 10:06 AM
All I know of Moonbow was that she was a spoiled/bored young lady who appeared twice in the FURY OF FIRESTORM and once somewhere else. Sorry I don't have the issue numbers at hand. |
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outpost2
Member |
posted May 09, 2002 02:30 PM
Found another relevant entry... THE ASGARDIANS Taken from:
http://dcboards.warnerbros.com/files/Forum94/HTML/013184.html
Enda80 Obviously more closely associated with the competition, can anyone name some appearance of Thor, Odin, Loki, et al. in the DCU? Maybe this could be an entry for the 'Obscure DCU characters' thread! Old Dude I think I remember Thor showing up in ALL-STAR SQUADRON as a stooge for Hitler. But I wouldn't bet the farm on my vague recollection. However, in a 1958 or 1959 issue of BATMAN, there was indeed a story in which Thor battled the Caped Crusader. That was a great issue, incidently. In addition to the Thor story, there was a tale in which Alfred gained super-powers, fought crime dressed as an eagle, and lost his powers again -- all in 8 pages. And finally, one of my all-time favorite Batman stories. Earlier, there had been a book-length story in which a supercomputer tells what would have happened to Kal-El if Krypton had not exploded (he was destined to become Superman even on his home planet). So in this issue they did an 8-pager with the same concept: What would have happened to Bruce Wayne if his parents had not been murdered. Sure enough, he still became Batman. And to top it off, all three Batman stories were drawn by the great Dick Sprang. Mikishawm The Thor from ALL-STAR SQUADRON # 18 originally appeared in a Golden Age Sandman story from ADVENTURE COMICS # 75 (reprinted in both FOREVER PEOPLE # 6 and ADVENTURE COMICS # 499). And I've got that BATMAN issue (# 127: October, 1959), which is definitely a great one! The lead, as you note, has Alfred as the Eagle vs. the Joker. Next up is the imaginary tale, "The Second Life of Batman". And, finally, museum curator Henry Meke channels Thor in the final story. Finally, though I know it'll raise as many questions as it answers, here's my list of Norse gods in the DCU: ALL HIGHFATHER ODIN (Earth-496; also see HIGHFATHER: E1, E32, C and
ODIN: E2, et al.): ATLI/ETZEL (Earth-12): BALDUR: BRAGI (Earth-12): DONNER (Earth-1854; also see THOR I: E2, et al.): ERDA: FREYJA (Earth-12): FREYR (Earth-12): HEIMDALL (Earth-12): HEIMDALL (Earth-One): HEIMDALL (Earth-Two): HEIMDALL (current): HEL: LOKE (also see LOKI): LOKI (Earth-Two): LOKI (Earth-S): LOKI (Earth-One): LOKI (Earth-Twelve): LOKI (current; also see LOKE): LOKI (variants): MIMIR (Earth-12): NJORD (Earth-12): NYAL (Earth-12): ODIN (Earth-Two; also see WOTON: ES): ODIN (Earth-One): ODIN (Earth-12): ODIN (current; also see WOTAN I: C, E1854 and ALL HIGHFATHER
ODIN: E496): ODIN (variants): SIEGFRIED (Earth-12): SIEGFRIED (Earth-One): SIEGFRIED (Earth-1854): SIEGMUND (Earth-1854; also see SIGMUND: E12): SIF (Earth-12): SIGMUND (Earth-12; also see SIEGMUND: E1854): THOR I (Earth-S): THOR I (Earth-Two): THOR I (Earth-One): THOR I (a.k.a. Don R. Blitz; Earth-12): THOR I (current; also see DONNER: E1854 and THORION: E496): The second Thor was the Dan Richards' dog in the Manhunter series (POLICE COMICS # 8). The Sandman fought the third THOR in ADVENTURE COMICS # 75 (and he returned in ALL-STAR SQUADRON # 18). The fourth, fifth and sixth villains by that name appeared in MARVEL FAMILY # 23, BLACKHAWK # 89 and BATMAN # 127. THOR I (variants): TYR I (Earth-12): TYR I (Earth-One): TYR I (current): The second TYR is a foe of the Legion of Super-Heroes (SUPERBOY # 197). VIDAR: VOLSUNG (Earth-12): WOTAN I (current; also see ODIN: C): WOTAN I (Earth-1854): The second WOTAN first encountered Doctor Fate in MORE FUN COMICS # 55. WOTON (Earth-S; also see ODIN: E2, E1): |
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datalore
Member |
posted May 09, 2002 02:59 PM
MOONBOW First Appearance: Bree Brandon was a college student at Vandeemer University with Ronnie Raymond. She was studying both acting and journalism... and, as a lark, fought organized crime dressed in her Moonbow costume, taking their money for her use; which gave her a bit of a criminal reputation. When actually captured by one of the groups whose deliveries she had messed up, she was unable to escape them... until Firestorm happened by to save her (and let her go since he recognized her as his fellow classmate). Bree was around here and there, covering events as a campus report, and appeared to be working on Circe's side during her recent attack on New York and Wonder Woman (which may have just been her working undercover, since, in her brief time as Moonbow, she was considered to be a criminal). Appearances:
(It seemed to be Bree in Firestorm #70, but, with no explanation, they were calling her "Bree Daniels"). |
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Enda80
Member |
posted May 09, 2002 07:16 PM
The Norse gods also appeared in an issue of BOY COMMANDOS. Can anyone nail it down? |
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Enda80
Member |
posted May 11, 2002 07:13 PM
Using http://www.cbdb.com/, I found another Thor appearance! HIT COMICS #38 from 1945! |
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Enda80
Member |
posted May 11, 2002 06:54 PM
Wow, these threads get buried fast. Tackling Sherlock Holmes, some appearances I have come up with: SHERLOCK HOLMES #1 (Sep-Oct 1975) DETECTIVE COMICS #572 (Mar 1987) ECLIPSO #8 (Apr 1993) ALL NEW BAFFLING ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES [Charlton Comics] WORLD'S FINEST #279 (May 1982) "When Bancroft Fisher Dies, Everybody Dies!" From http://www.faqs.org/faqs/books/holmes/illustrated/ SUPERBOY #110 (Jan 1964) BRAVE AND BOLD SPECIAL, DC SPECIAL SERIES # 8 (1978) From http://special.lib.umn.edu/rare/ush/ 12B.html#D.%20Comic%20Books%20and%20Comic%20Strips KID ETERNITY [Quality Comics] #4 (Winter 1947) KID ETERNITY [Quality Comics] #10 (July 1948) DETECTIVE COMICS #500 (Mar 1981) HIT COMICS [Quality Comics] #29 (Sep 1943) KID ETERNITY [Quality Comics] #8 (Winter 1948) CAPTAIN MARVEL JR. [Fawcett Comics] #2 (Dec 18, 1942) |
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Enda80
Member |
posted May 13, 2002 08:15 PM
OK, in a more organized form, a run through on Sherlock Holmes in the DC Universe Sherlock Holmes of Earth-One: Sherlock Holmes of Earth-Four: Sherlock Holmes of Earth-B: Sherlock Holmes of Earth-Quality: Sherlock Holmes of Earth-S: Various Alternate Realities/Futures: Sherlock Holmes Post-Crisis: Did I miss anything? Any additional info is welcome. |
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S8ntmark
Member |
posted May 13, 2002 11:22 PM
Sorry for the lag for this response Outpost... I haven't been online since I got that PS2, sigh. The Twice-Cursed Man was Mister E's arch villian in his SECRETS OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE run. He was a man who was bitten by a vampire AND a werewolf so he was TWICE cursed... get it? Actually, I always thought they should have done it differently, like turning him into a bat/wolf thing but it was never that cool. |
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outpost2
Member |
posted May 14, 2002 12:19 AM
S8ntmark, Enda80, DC Comics: Fawcett Publ.: Quality Comics: |
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Enda80
Member |
posted May 14, 2002 07:44 PM
Some people would set the original Kid Eternity stories not on Earth-S, but on Earth-Quality, since Kid Eternity was never owned by Fawcett. (Earth-Quality is where the original Quality stories of Plastic Man, Blackhawk, etc. took place. It is distinct from Earth-X, whose Blackhawk and Plastic Man were actually native to Earth-2, in that the Axis lost World War II. Of course, Kid Eternity summoned Blackhawk and Plastic Man while they were still apparently alive! Maybe the original Kid Eternity stories did take place on Earth-S, and the Blackhawk and Plastic Man of Earth-S died early.) From http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/1185/atlas4.html Info on Earth-Quality: HIT COMICS #26 (Kid Eternity summons Plastic Man) HIT COMICS #32 (Kid Eternity summons Blackhawk) |
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Mikel Midnight
Member |
posted May 19, 2002 11:12 AM
Enda80: or ... maybe ... for the Kid Eternity of Earth-S, all the heroes that he summons are from Earth-Quality! (which is why Quality published him and not Fawcett). Nevermind. |
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Richcraft
Member |
posted May 19, 2002 12:47 PM
Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew These animal personifications live on Earth-C (for Cartoon) where everyone is an animal version of regular people. Superman wound up in their dimension while battling Starro, the giant extraterrestrial starfish. When Superman passed through into this realm, he used a meteor to help him pass through Starro's barrier. The meteor broke into six pieces, and each hero was exposed to a meteorite's radiation (which included some of Superman's energies). Rodney Roger Rabbit (the first name finally came about when Who Framed Roger Rabbit was being considered to made into a film) was the only one who didn't receive his powers directly. He has to eat a carrot from his window sill garden that a meteorite landed in. Each carrot gives him about 24 hours of powers, depending on his exertion. As Captain Carrot, Rodney has super-strength, super-speed, super-senses, and (eventually) the power of flight. Felina Furry became Alley-Cat-Abra when her magic wanda became enfused with mystical powers after exposure to her meteorite. But while she is great at teleportation and sending telepathic messages, she tends to be the least dependable in a crisis. For some unknown reason, most of her powers are useless against their super-foes. When she uses her brain instead of brute force, she usually defeats her enemies. Actor Byrd Rentals became Rubberduck after he was exposed to his meteorite. He can stretch to incredible lengths and change into almost any kind of shape. Rova Barkett, gossip columnist, turned into Yankee Poodle when her meteorite gave her the strange powers of "animal magnetism". Her right hand can shoot blue stars that repel anything. Her left hand can emit red and white stripes that can attract anything. She is also sensitive to the auras emitted by others. She can fly by creating a striped bridge and propelling herself with her shooting stars. She also can destroy almost anything by firing her stars and stripes (with contrasting energy forces) at objects. Peter Porkchops had his own DC comic books before his meteorite turned him into Pig Iron, the Swine of Steel. He is virtually invulnerable, very strong, and very large (his former self was a bit of a runt). Fastback is Timmy Joe Terrapin, a slow turtle both in action and in thoughts, until his meteorite gave him the power of super-speed. He is by far the most easy-going hero of the Crew. Little Cheese became the latest member, who does not share the others' origin. He gained the power to shrink in size after eating some moon cheese. He aided the Zoo Crew in capturing his father's killer. The Zoo Crew met the JLA -- the Justa Lotta Animals -- when super-villains from both Earth-C and Earth-C-Minus (minus the Zoo Crew, that is) joined in an interdimensional conspiracy. Aquaduck, Batmouse, Crash, Green Lambkin, Super-Squirrel, and Wonder Wabbit helped to defeat Armadillo, Shaggy Dawg, Feline Faust, Dr. Hoot, Digger O'Doom, and Amazoo. The Zoo Crew also helped to end the Oz-Wonderland War when the former mystical land was taken over by an evil gnome. In this adventure, Captain Carrot was reunited briefly with Wonder Wabbit and they met Hoppy the Marvel Bunny. |
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taz_19632000
Member |
posted May 22, 2002 06:13 AM
You know, as strange as it seems... I am in the process of re-doing The GL Corps web-site (to fit my needs). If you want, when I am done I will post the info here for you to put on your site or wherever you may want to put it. |
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erdmann
Member |
posted May 25, 2002 03:33 AM
THANATOS First appearance: AQUAMAN [1st series] #54 (Nov-Dec 1970) The story of Thanatos begins with uniformed police officer Paul and plainclothes detective John pondering why a number of prominent citizens -- doctors, industrialists, attorneys -- have suddenly become petty criminals. When captured, the spaced-out men repeatedly babble, "I'm dead! Thanatos killed me!" Meanwhile, Aquaman, having stayed too long while visiting surface-dwelling friends, is racing to return to the sea. Weakened, he proves little challenge to a gang of thugs that jump him. Then, somewhere in the darkness, voices are heard shouting, "Strap him down!" and "Get the machinery working! Hurry!". Aquaman suddenly finds himself in the ocean depths, in front of what appears to be a stereotypical "haunted house" from the surface. Believing he is to meet his wife Mera inside, he enters and goes upstairs. Suddenly, a hulking, enraged doppelganger of the Sea King bursts from a mirror and begins pummeling him. Aquaman falls and his assailant, Thanatos, hurries away. Aquaman awakens in his bed in Atlantis, Mera at his side. Meanwhile, Thanatos is having trouble breathing on dry land. Surmising this has something to do with "the being whose features I stole", Thanatos jumps into the sea and is restored. He travels to Atlantis and again beats Aquaman. Meanwhile, Paul and John are on to something. Doctors have determined that the men arrested in the crime spree believe they have been murdered by their own "dark sides", embodied by a creature called "Thanatos" -- the death instinct. Figuratively killed, John says, "they become 'death-oriented'... or a criminal". There is only one man who could devise a scheme like this, he declares. "You don't mean...?" Paul asks. "Yes!" (Oddly, we never do learn the name of the criminal mastermind. We are told, however, that he kidnapped Mera in issue #44). Elsewhere, Aquaman rides his giant seahorse into Rusdic, an underwater "wild west" town. He is shot by Thanatos and awakens again in Atlantis. But this time, Arthur knows something is wrong. Before he can try to make sense of it, Thanatos crashes into the royal bed chamber and attacks again. Simultaneously, John, Paul and other police (George and Ringo?) attack a mob boss' hideout. As John batters the bald bad guy into submission, Aquaman gains the upper hand on his foe, defeating Thanatos. The police free the criminal gang's latest victims from their brainwashing machines. For two men, it is too late; Thanatos has already "killed" them. Aquaman, however, is groggy, but okay. In a text piece following the story, author Skeates explained the issue was an experiment, an attempt depict the nature of dreams. Thanatos was apparently never intended to be a real character. Or was he? During the haunted house sequence, the narrative boxes all address Thanatos. They speak of the long years he has waited for someone to release him and, after he defeats Aquaman, they proclaim "You are Thanatos! You are free... And the world is yours!" Whatever Skeates intended, Thanatos was definitely real by the time of the post-Crisis second volume of AQUAMAN. In issue #7 (June 1992, "What Matters Most", by Shaun McLaughlin, Ken Hooper, and Bob Dvorak), the unconscious Sea King is fighting for his life in a Poseidonis hospital. In his mind, he is assailed by illusions of Mera and their dead son, the JLA, and Aqualad. Meanwhile, in another dimension, Thanatos, dressed in Aquaman's blue costume from his first mini-series, controls the illusions as part of a plan to get Aquaman to give in to his dark side. Musing, "Years ago, I tried to take his place by entering his mind. But his will was too strong. And now he's all but inviting me in". Thanatos is interrupted by the appearance of the real Mera, who believes Thanatos is her husband. (In Aquaman's second mini-series, Mera had gone insane and died -- temporarily -- fighting her estranged husband. She then fled Earth's dimension). In the end, Aquaman refuses to give into hate and recovers. Thanatos, with Mera and "A.J." at his side, is left to plot his next move. Mera, A.J., and Thanatos returned in AQUAMAN [3rd series] #12-14 (Sep-Nov 1995) in a story by Peter David, Martin Egeland and Howard Shum. Arthur (or "Orin" as he is now called) and his new lover, Dolphin, come face-to-face with Mera, who has returned to Earth, but has no memory of ever leaving it. She struggles to remember, when Thanatos compels her to return to him via a portal in a deep sea crevasse. Orin and Dolphin give chase. In issue #13, Aquaman and Thanatos "the Undead" battle in the ever-changing landscape of an alien dimension, all the while being watched by "The Others". It is revealed that they rule this place "where discorporated beings from previous lives -- like Thanatos -- are trapped until The Others decide they are worthy of re-entering the corporeal world". A quick aside: at the time, David was using Bible book names (such as "Exodus", "Acts", "Judges", and "Lamentations") as story titles, but it's interesting to note that the title on the cover of issue #13 is "Arena". "The Arena" is also the title of a short story (adapted as a memorable episode of the original "Star Trek") in which a human fights an alien in a battle to the death. In "Trek", Kirk shows his Gorn nemesis compassion and refuses to kill him. The godlike aliens overseeing the battle reward him by allowing both combatants to go free. PAD puts a neat spin on his version. When Aquaman spares his defeated enemy, The Others are revealed as demons who consider compassion a weakness. They decide Aquaman must stay in their world until he is "adequately evil". Thanatos is loosed on Earth. He would have been better off staying home. Arriving in Poseidonis the following issue, Thanatos is angered to find it a deserted ruin. He begins swimming toward the surface just as Major Disaster (amped up by Neron as part of "Underworld Unleashed") causes a jetliner to crash into a nuclear powered submarine. The resulting explosion triggers a sea quake. A massive boulder falls from a ledge and slams into Thanatos, knocking him into a fissure in the seabed. Before he can escape, it crashes shut, crushing the villain. As far as I know, Thanatos has not been seen since, but considering the nature of the beast, he could be brought back at any time -- especially once Aquaman is resurrected. |
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taz_19632000
Member |
posted May 28, 2002 06:09 AM
Here is the first of many revamped GL bios: 30TH CENTURY GREEN LANTERN CORPS HOMEWORLD: Various worlds, 30th Century SECTOR: Irrelevant NAME & HOMEWORLD: HISTORY: In the late 30th Century after Zero Hour, Tomar-Ro, a Xudarian criminal with expertise in advanced technology and ancient history, constructed a siphon to tap the ambient energy left in the area of space once occupied by the planet Oa. The siphon was housed in a cloaked space station dubbed Oa Two. Tomar-Ro created rings to mimic the abilities of the original Oan Power Rings once wielded by the Green Lantern Corps. The rings could transmit the siphoned emerald energy but only had a narrow range of capabilities. Using the legend of the original Corps, Tomar-Ro formed his own Green Lantern Corps, supplying them with their rings. Tomar-Ro was a Xudarian of unusual physical size for his species. His ring created pirahana-like fish to attack an opponent. Dalana Barr, a suspected con artist, wielded a ring capable of creating energy shields. Flaay P'kari had been convicted of murder, kidnapping, and extortion, marking him as once of the most violent of Tomar-Ro's gang. He possessed a ring which created large alien beasts. Nytoro Borin was a spoiled rich girl growing up on Lortia, whose criminal record since she was a juvenile had been growing increasingly more serious. Her ring enabled her to create explosive projectile charges. Renno, an expert star pilot and hired muscle, was the largest of the group, encased in an armored form, though it has not been established if Renno is composed of any organic material. His ring was used to create mechanical objects such as jump ships and holding cells. Din Collus was a career mercenary before joining the Corps. Parts of his body had been replaced with various cybernetic implants due to injuries sustained in his many battles. His ring created a high-powered energy rifle. A Sklarian Raider whose real name remains a mystery had a history as a paid assassin. Her ring created melee weaponry such as knives and clubs. Finally, Sparak came from the doomed colony world Reetus and had an utter disregard for any form of life. His ring created objects such as webbing or cables to ensnare a victim. Though the rings used the same emerald energy of the original Corps' rings, it is not yet known if these rings needed to be recharged every twenty-four hours or had a vulnerability to yellow. As with the original Corps' rings, Tomar-Ro's rings granted the wearer the ability of flight and could protect the wearer from the hazards of space travel. Presumably the rings draw on a limited template of objects with specific functions in order to mimic the original Corps rings. While will power may have been needed to operate them, it is doubtful imagination would have played any part in improving their limited functions. At first, the new Green Lantern Corps performed heroic deeds to gain the trust of the worlds of the United Planets. Before too long they had revealed their true purpose, high profile crime. Neither the Science Police nor the Legion of Super-Heroes were able to stop them. The Corps stole many of history's great treasures, including objects believed to be the helmet of Doctor Fate and the hook appendage worn by Aquaman in the 20th Century. In New London's Piccadilly Circus, a man wearing the colors of the Green Lantern Corps appeared out of nowhere. His name was Kyle Rayner, the last of the Green Lanterns. He had been transported though time after a battle with Grayven in the late 20th Century. Rayner was immediately attacked by the citizens of New London, yet offered little resistance when taken into custody by the Science Police. In Paris, the Corps had a confrontation with a handful of Legionnaires. Ironically, the sculpture they had stolen, "Sorrow", had been created by Rayner later in his life and was considered one of history's great masterpieces. The Legion interviewed the 20th Century Green Lantern and realized he was not part of Tomar-Ro's Corps. His experience would prove valuable to the Legion in their pursuit of the Corps. When Oa Two was uncovered by the 20th Century Green Lantern and Xs, Invisible Kid, Ultra Boy, and Lightning Lass of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the Green Lantern Corps went on the offensive, striking down the Legion and taking them as prisoners. Tomar-Ro himself defeated the true Green Lantern, as he relished the chance to acquire an actual Oan power ring. Tomar-Ro took the Green Lantern's power ring but could not make it work. He was even more frustrated when the ring vanished from his finger. Though his Corps searched Oa Two for the ring, they could not find it. The ring had been reclaimed by Ganthet, the last of the Guardians of the Universe, and given to Cary Wren, a young woman living on the streets of New London and an ancestor of Kyle Rayner. The ring would work for her, as she shared the same genetic profile as Rayner. Ganthet wished for Wren to reclaim the honor of the Green Lantern Corps from Tomar-Ro's band of criminals. Tomar-Ro, frustrated by his interrogation of the powerless Kyle Rayner, decided to use him as an example to an approaching Legion cruiser. The Green Lantern Corps would hold the Legion members hostage until their demands were met, including full immunity for the crimes they had committed and a planet of their own to rule as kings. Tomar-Ro planned to throw Rayner out the airlock unless the Legion agreed to his terms. Unfortunately for the Xudarian, Rayner managed to escape even without the power ring. Wren breached the force shield of Oa Two and quickly freed captive members of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Super-speedster Xs, granddaughter of the second Flash, left her teammates to search the station for the "Sorrow" sculpture. Wren followed her and met the Legionnaire at Oa Two's energy siphon. Invisible Kid managed to pull the power coil for Oa Two's force shield, allowing other Legionnaires to attack the defenseless space station. Cosmic Boy, Shrinking Violet, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, and Phantom Girl came aboard to fight the Corps. While the Legion fought the Corps, Cary Wren sought to deprive them of the energy powering their rings. Wren trained her power ring on the siphon, forcing it to overload. Wild energy bursts tore holes in the siphon, quickly overwhelming the novice Green Lantern. Kyle Rayner, realizing what she was doing, added his willpower to her's. With concentration, they were able to absorb the energy into the power ring. The Legion could now easily defeat the Corps. The members of the Green Lantern Corps were taken into custody and the objects they had stolen were returned to their rightful owners. The fate of Oa Two, and the possibility that another might follow in Tomar-Ro's footsteps by recreating the Corps, has yet to be explored. |
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a2-ton
Member |
posted June 01, 2002 01:23 PM
How about doing Rokk and Sorbonne the cosmic gamblers? |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 03, 2002 10:46 AM
a2-ton, Where did Rokk and Sorbonne the cosmic gamblers appear? |
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Hellst0ne
Member |
posted June 03, 2002 12:09 PM
Rokk and Sorban, the mischieveous rulers of the Gambling Planet Ventura,
appeared in: Professor Zoom and Abra Kadabra impersonated the two and challenged the Justice League in THE FLASH [1st series] #175 (December 1967). The planet Ventura also appeared in several pre-Zero Hour Legion stories, and, when last seen, Plastic Man visited it in JLA: HEAVEN'S LADDER. I loved those little guys. /ola |
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PsiKill
Member |
posted June 04, 2002 10:05 PM
From the original list, the very first post of this topic, there is a listing for Astra, girl of the future. I'm curious if the Astra that was a member of the JSA in ELSEWORLD'S FINEST was some kind of homage to this character or bore any kind of similarity. Anyone know? |
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Aussie Bloke 10
Member |
posted June 04, 2002 10:14 PM
Wow, Outpost! Thanks for collecting the info and the link! I now use it all for my hobby, mate! It's so damn useful! You might have seen my thread, but I was wondering if we could start a thread on planets (its locations etc), dimensions, and places, etc.? I could use info on it. I wonder, do you regularly update your site? It sure would be cool to see a pic of each character though... Cool job! Lou |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 05, 2002 12:06 PM
Originally posted by Aussie Bloke 10: Wow, Outpost! Thanks for collecting the info and the link! I now use it all for my hobby, mate! It's so damn useful! The real thanks go to the dozens of people who have contributed to these threads, especially Hellstone for starting this particular one, and Mikishawm for all his amazing posts. You might have seen my thread, but I was wondering if we could start a thread on planets (its locations etc), dimensions, and places, etc.? I could use info on it. It would probably clutter things up to have those posts here on this
thread. Hmmmm... "Obscure planets and dimensions in the DCU"? It has
potential. I wonder, do you regularly update your site? I updated the Obscure DCU stuff a month or two ago. I'm working on adding to the Batman archive as we speak. Look for it in a month or so. It sure would be cool to see a pic of each character though... You're right. Thanks for volunteering! I can't wait to see what you
come up with. Cool job! Thanks. |
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Continental Op
New Member |
posted June 05, 2002 03:02 PM
Originally posted by Hellst0ne: Rokk and Sorban, the mischieveous rulers of the Gambling Planet Ventura, appeared in: SUPERMAN [1st series] #171 (August 1964) and WORLD'S FINEST COMICS [1st series] #150 (June 1965). Professor Zoom and Abra Kadabra impersonated the two and challenged the Justice League in THE FLASH [1st series] #175 (December 1967). The planet Ventura also appeared in several pre-ZH Legion stories, and, when last seen, Plastic Man visited it in JLA: HEAVEN'S LADDER. I loved those little guys. Yeah, me too. Considering these guys were powerful enough to use
planets for roulette balls, you'd think they would have rated more
appearances. They also returned in the 80s for DC COMICS PRESENTS #79 (where Superman and Clark Kent teamed up against them!) and ACTION #582 (right before the Alan Moore two-parter and Byrne reboot). |
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Xanadude
Member |
posted June 05, 2002 05:10 PM
Check out this link: http://thunderagents.com/ |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 05, 2002 09:33 PM
Aussie, Here are the links I promised earlier today: For a 3-D layout of the DCU Milky Way Galaxy, download Legion Outpost II #3 from http://www.infiniteearths.org/LSH/outpost2_files/outpost2ezine.htm . For Encyclopedia Galactica, click on http://www.infiniteearths.org/LSH/outpost2_files/galaxy.htm . |
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Aussie Bloke 10
Member |
posted June 06, 2002 09:13 AM
Originally posted by outpost2: The real thanks go to the dozens of people who have contributed to these threads, especially Hellstone for starting this particular one, and Mikishawm for all his amazing posts. Yes you're quite right. All the contributors have been tremendous! Especially Mikishawm who never ceased to amaze us with his knowledge! Thanks for the response, mate! And the link is useful, man! I look forward to everyone's entries! Lou |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 07, 2002 01:57 PM
Still working on the Prez entry, but got the sudden urge to expand upon one of the previous bios. Here's a little more on the mighty Isis... |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 07, 2002 01:58 PM
ISIS Alter Ego: Andrea Thomas History: Four millennia ago, in ancient Egypt, an evil magician named Serpenotep conquered the Land of the Nile by imprisoning the benevolent wizard that had protected the people. Serpenotep ruled tyrannically until the original Isis, posing as a servant, sneaked past the guards and into the wizard's prison. The wizard explained that she would be unable to free him until Serpenotep was defeated, but that he was able to transfer some of his power into those who are worthy. Using his magic, he caused an amulet necklace to appear around her neck, and an amulet tiara on her head. He told her that she now possessed the powers of the pyramid -- she could soar as the falcon soars, run with the speed of gazelles, and command the elements of earth and sky. The new heroine then confronted the wicked tyrant. Serpenotep commanded his snakes to entwine the young goddess, but she recited an incantation which freed both her and the old wizard. Isis and the wizard combined their power and encased Serpenotep in stone. For years afterwards, Isis guarded those in need, until the day finally came that she passed on. She predicted that she would come again, in another form, to battle evil. A few centuries later, during the mid 15th century B.C., Queen Hatshepsut ruled as Egypt's first and only female pharaoh. Thanks to his powerful magic, the old wizard still lived, and served as her royal sorcerer. Sensing greatness in her, the wizard presented the Queen with the mystical amulet. He told Hatshepsut that she and her descendants would be endowed by the goddess Isis with great powers. Upon donning the amulet and invoking the name of the goddess, Hatshepsut was transformed into the mighty Isis. After her death, the wizard took the amulet and hid it, along with a scroll which explained the secrets of Isis. He cast a spell, designed to lure one of the Queen's worthy descendants to the site, so that the power of Isis could be rediscovered in some future era. In the early 10th century B.C., the wizard, who had long since left Egypt, traveled to Jerusalem and studied with King Solomon. On the king's death-bed, the wizard gathered a small essence from the dying wise man. From the banks of the River Styx, he drew the essence of Achilles. From the edge of the world, he implored the Titan Atlas to donate some of his power. In Thebes, he sought out the Greek demi-god Herakles, but instead found his Roman counterpart, Hercules, from which he drew strength. Upon hearing of the wizard's endeavor, the Roman god Mercury joined the coalition. The king of the Greek gods, Zeus, appeared and imparted a portion of his power. The wizard bound the power into a magic lightning bolt, and renamed himself Shazam. Sometime in the late 20th century, an American teacher named Andrea Thomas traveled to Egypt as part of a scientific expedition. While digging alone at one of the sites, she discovered the amulet tiara and scroll. Something compelled her to put on the tiara, which felt oddly familiar to her. She then discovered that she could read the scroll, as if the amulet had given her the knowledge to understand the ancient hieroglyphics. It read "With this you shall have the powers of the goddess Isis: powers over the forces of nature, and of the animals; powers of the mystical regions of the mind. To have those powers, you must repeat the words 'Mighty Isis!'". Andrea felt compelled to try, and the greatest of heroines was reborn. Years later, Isis gave up her Andrea Thomas alter ego, and helped form The Freedom Force, along with Hercules, Merlin, Sinbad, and Super Samurai. They operated out of a pyramid in The Valley of Time. Weapons and Powers: Isis derives her magical abilities from her mystical amulet. She possesses powers over the forces of nature and animals, and powers of the mind, which she invokes through various incantations. Comments: Isis is copyright (c) 1975 by Filmation Associates. |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 07, 2002 02:00 PM
Note: Most of my info on the various Isis television series is based on the few web sites that I could find. You'll note some question marks in some of the episode titles, which reflects discrepancies between the sites. It was also not clear exactly where the dividing line was between the first and second seasons of The Shazam/Isis Hour. ISIS [live action] THE SHAZAM / ISIS HOUR ISIS Episodes: Relevant SHAZAM Episodes: Cast: The Isis segments featured Andrea Thomas, a high school teacher who had discovered an ancient Egyptian amulet while on an archaeological expedition. When in the possession of the amulet, Andrea has but to speak the magic words "Oh mighty Isis!" and she is transformed into a super-powered heroine. Andrea's supporting cast included her pet myna Tut, the principal Dr. Barnes, fellow teacher Rick Mason, and student Cindy Lee. After two seasons, Isis continued in her own spin-off series The Secrets Of Isis. She later returned in animated form as part of Tarzan And The Super 7. THE SECRETS OF ISIS Episodes: Cast: The live action adventures of Isis continued for one more season. Andrea's supporting cast included her pet myna Tut, the principal Dr. Barnes, fellow teacher Rick Mason, and student Renee Carroll. She later made the transition from live action to cartoon form, appearing next as part of The Freedom Force on Tarzan And The Super 7. ISIS [animated] TARZAN AND THE SUPER 7 FREEDOM FORCE Episodes: Cast: This animated series featured seven segments: Tarzan, Batman, Superstretch and Microwoman, Webwoman, Manta and Moray, The Freedom Force, and Jason Of Star Command. The Freedom Force's roster was comprised of Isis, Hercules, Merlin, Sinbad, and Super Samurai. ISIS [comic book] SHAZAM! #25 (Sep-Oct 1976) : Story One: "Isis ... As In Crisis!" [origin retold, Captain Marvel and Isis first meet] ISIS #1 (Oct-Nov 1976) : "Scarab -- The Man Who Would Destroy"
[origin retold] |
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outpost2
Member |
posted June 08, 2002 12:00 AM
PREZ PREZ vol. 1 # 1 (Aug-Sep 1973) Chapter One "The Clocks Of Steadfast". The little town of Steadfast is known for it's abundance of clocks. Unfortunately, it takes 30 minutes for all the clocks to finish chiming because none are on time. Prez Rickard, a teen-aged resident of Steadfast, is head of the local stock car club; his sleek racer "The Lollipop" is usually in front of the pack. When Prez wins the latest race and asks for his winning time, the two judges give him two different results, because neither could accurately set their watches. Later, at home with his mother and sister, Prez discusses the problem. The prior year, 18 year olds had won the right to vote. Prez is bothered because, if the clocks aren't on time, how can anyone possibly know when Election Day arrives. He decides that he's going to fix all the clocks of Steadfast. It takes a couple of weeks, but the determined Prez fulfills his promise. Chapter Two "The Boss Of Slum City". The scene switches to the slums of Central City, USA. The Mayor, Boss Smiley, runs a corrupt and filthy city. Unfortunately for him, the young people are beginning to protest. Smiley is concerned that the kids can hurt him at the ballet box, so he gives orders to his men to find a young, ambitious, and pliable candidate that the teens can relate to. They visit Smiley's cousin, Misery Marko the advertising genius, for advice. Smiley wants a young candidate to run for Senator. Marko says that, in order for their candidate to win, he must have a gimmick. He shows a newspaper, the Steadfast Times, to Boss Smiley. There is a front page article on Prez Rickard and how he repaired the town clocks. The following day, Smiley and his men approach Prez, telling the teen that they want him to run for Senator. When asked how he got a name like "Prez", the youth explains that when he was born his mother said "someday this baby will be President", so she named his accordingly. After thinking it over, Prez accepts Smiley's offer. Chapter Three "Eagle Free". Traveling through a forest, on a road back to Central City, Boss Smiley tosses a lit cigar out of his car. It starts a brush fire, which is quickly put out by an American Indian named Eagle Free. The teen tells his animal friends that he feels a strange foreboding. He isn't yet aware that Boss Smiley is awarding a contract to build a super-highway through the forest (built, of course, by a company that Smiley himself owns). Several weeks later, candidate Prez Rickard attends a ceremony to launch construction of the road. He triggers the first dynamite charge. The explosion destroys the nearby dam, disturbing the once peaceful forest. Eagle Free leads his animals to the construction site, where they begin to destroy Smiley's machinery. After the devastation is complete, they run off into the forest. Prez tells Boss Smiley that he'll go after the vandal. Soon afterward, Prez stumbles on the young Indian in a hidden cave. Prez tussles with Eagle Free, but the animals quickly put a stop to the fight. Eagle Free then explains that he lives in the cave shelter where his forefathers have lived for thousands of years, before the white men came to poison the forests, streams, and air. He has studied the animals as no man has ever done before, and has acquired their senses. He has uncovered the secrets of sound, scent, sight, and swiftness. Prez looks around and questions how a savage could possibly understand all the books, the chemicals, and the scientific equipment in the cave. Eagle Free explains that he had spent some years in the outside world, studied at universities, but prefers to live with nature, as his ancestors did. Prez says he'd like to live like that too, but Eagle Free tells Prez that he represents all that they detest. A confused Prez asks him to explain. Eagle Free tells the naive candidate that he is being used as a tool to pursue the evil deeds of Boss Smiley and his corrupt crew. He claims he can prove it, but Prez must spend a few days to learn the secrets he will need for such a dangerous mission. Days later, under cover of night, Eagle Free and Prez sneak into Boss Smiley's skyscraper headquarters. They break into Smiley's office and rifle through his files, uncovering damning evidence of payoffs, swindles, and bribes. Smiley's men discover the break-in and hold the teens until Smiley arrives. Prez tells Boss Smiley that if he gets into office, he'll see to it that Smiley is through. Smiley responds that Prez will never get the chance, because he will renounce him and get a new candidate that will take orders. But it is too late, the clock strikes midnight... it is Election Day. Prez wins the 1972 Congressional election. After the youth of America gain a majority in the Congress, they vote an amendment to the Constitution which lowers the required age of the President from 35 to 18. During the 1976 elections, Senator Prez Rickard, running on the new Flower Party ticket, upsets both the Republican and Democratic candidates to win the Presidency. His Truth-and-Love campaign has polarized the old and young generations. Prez assigns Eagle Free to be the new F.B.I. Chief. His Vice-President is only shown in shadows. The V.P. tells Prez that he already faces a lot of opposition from the over-thirty crowd, and there is already a movement to impeach him. Eagle Free says they've heard of that conspiracy, and know it is connected with a plot so ingenious, so sinister, that it could well destroy the world. Note: The author clearly states that this series takes place outside of regular continuity. Eagle Free is even aware that he and the others are merely comic book characters. PREZ vol. 1 # 2 (Oct-Nov 1973) "Invasion Of The Chessmen". Prez and Eagle Free visit numerous countries around the world and are disturbed by the level of violence. The President addresses the United Nations, asking for peace in our time. Later, at the Washington Airport, Prez enters one of the limousines waiting for him, the others contain remarkable look-alikes to confuse any would-be assassin. Chapter Two "Chessking". Back at the White House, Prez's secretary tells him that he is to give an award to the captain of the U.S. Olympic World Chess Championship Team. Prez is excited to meet the eccentric Robbie Fishhead, the man who calls himself Chessking. The President goes to greet Chessking, hoping to play a game or two with him, but discovers that he is already playing the Vice President. The V.P., a burly woman named Martha, is quickly beaten by the obnoxious chess master. The reporters and photographers soon arrive, and Chessking boasts that the Russians were pushovers. A few of the reporters ask him about Russian claims that he used hypnosis and electronic rays to defeat them. Chessking states that he'll play any Russian for a million dollars. The next day in Moscow, the angered White Russian Chess Team accepts their rival's challenge. The day of the chess match comes. It is being held at Washington Stadium. Prez and Eagle Free watch as the two sides prepare for a live chess match, where the players are the pieces themselves. Two hours into the game, Chessking begins to rant and rave that the Russians are using electronic rays on him. He begins to attack the opposing team, and a fight breaks out. The Russian's White Queen vows to destroy her rival. Prez demands a full investigation of the whole disgraceful affair. Chapter Three "Terror In The Capitol". A few days after the aborted chess match, robotic chess pieces begin exploding all over Washington. The nation's capital is in panic, so the Congress holds an emergency session. Senator Ebeneezer proclaims that the President has proven that he is unfit to run the country. Other elder Congressmen agree. Later, as the terror continues, Prez summons Senator Ebeneezer to his office. The angry Senator and a collegue inform Prez that they are instituting impeachment proceedings as soon as they can muster enough support. After they leave, Prez tells Martha to contact Eagle Free. Chapter Four "Poison Pawn". Eagle Free asks Prez to meet him at his place, where there is sure to be no bugging devices. Martha makes use of the President's look-alikes to sneak Prez out of the White House. He arrives at Eagle Free's teepee headquarters, located on the banks of the Potomac River. That night, Eagle Free brings Prez and his animal friends to the roof of the Russian Embassy. From there, they spot more mechanical chess pieces heading towards the Treasury Building. They are unable to stop the marauding robots, but Eagle Free realizes that they may find an answer at Washington's power plant. They meet with one of the plant's managers at dawn. He shows them that an unusual amount of electrical power is being consumed in the Silver Springs area. Eagle Free recalls that that is where the home of Chessking is located. Shortly, Prez and Eagle Free arrive at the chess master's home, which is a veritable fortress surrounded by an army of chess robots. The pieces encircle them, then the chess square upon which they are standing falls open. They tumble into the basement of the fortress. They are shocked to discover Chessking in chains, and the Russian Queen at the controls of his computer. She proclaims herself the new world chess champion, then pulls a machine gun on the duo. As she prepares to fire, some of Eagle Free's winged friends arrive and disarm her. She is easily overpowered, and Chessking is freed. Later, at the White House, Martha states that all the money stolen from the Treasury was recovered except for one new dollar bill. Prez produces the bill and asks Martha to return it to the Treasury. The new bill displays the face of Prez Rickard instead of George Washington! When Martha asks him how he got it, he responds that it'll remain his little secret. "Epilogue". On May 3rd, around 8:35pm, Senator McNitty arrives at an urgent meeting in the President's office to discuss the Right To Gun Control amendment. He tells Prez that the amendment must be killed for the safety of all Americans. Suddenly, the lights go out, and a sharpshooter's bullet shatters a window. Twenty minutes later, an ambulance is seen leaving the White House. PREZ vol. 1 # 3 (Dec 1973 - Jan 1974) "Invasion Of America". A group of soldiers, dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms, are lead by a General Washington down Pennsylvania Avenue. When they reach the White House, they fire a missile through one of the windows. Eagle Free and two armed guards are shocked when a dwarf emerges from the shell. The little intruder is brought before the President. He states that he is a Washington Minuteman, and that this mock invasion serves to dramatize their objection to his bill to outlaw firearms. Senator Fireside arrives and congratulates the dwarf, Baron Von Stomp, for the good show. The Senator tells Prez to take this as a warning. After ejecting the Senator and Von Stomp, Prez asks his F.B.I. Chief about the Minutemen. Eagle Free tells him that they are an extreme right-wing organization whose members have been storing hordes of arms all over the country. They are led by Gregor Washington, the great-great-grandnephew of George Washington. Eagle Free informs the President that they have files on all their leaders, and are also infiltrating their ranks. Chapter Two "Winter At Valley Forgery". It is December 1977, and the Minutemen are camped in a small village near Philadelphia. The men are lining up to receive their monthly stipend, which is comprised of counterfeit ten dollar bills. On February 18th, Eagle Free reports to the President that the Minutemen are without funds and are tormented by the raging winter. The President vows to sign the firearms bill first thing in the morning. After Eagle Free leaves, Prez stands at his office window. At exactly midnight, a sharpshooter's bullet strikes the President. All through the nation, millions of Americans grieve and pray for the Prez. Chapter Three "The Dollar Machine". General Gregor Washington decides that the time to strike has arrived. Von Stomp tells him that the men are hungry and cannot proceed. The counterfeit money they have printed is not of high enough quality to be useful. When Von Stomp shows Gregor the new dollar bill, which replaces the picture of his ancestor with an image of Prez Rickard, the General is infuriated. Von Stomp says he has a plan, and calls for Imperiale, who carries in a large machine. Imperiale works at the Treasury, but is a secret member of their organization. He proposes that they counterfeit one dollar bills instead. Nobody would suspect a one dollar counterfeit bill because they are usually too expensive to produce, but his new machine turns out a hundred perfect copies a minute. The new dollar machine turns out enough money to feed, clothe, and defrost the troops. A few days later, Gregor's forces advance. Chapter Four "Invasion". Prez and the Army meet Eagle Free at Nature Nation, his teepee headquarters. Eagle Free informs the President that the Minutemen have captured General Patting of the National Guard. Prez tells the Army General that they must find a way to stop the Minutemen without causing a blood bath. The President asks his F.B.I Chief for his advice. Eagle Free says that when warring Indian tribes wished to avoid a massacre, the two rival chiefs fought each other to the death. Prez tells his friend to contact Gregor and deliver his challenge. Gregor accepts and Eagle Free leaves to arrange for a truce. Gregor then sends for Sergeant Hood, their black belt karate instructor, who is disguised to resemble the General. Chapter Five "Fight To The Finish". As both sides meet on the battlefield, Prez immediately notices the size of his opponent, and knows he is not Gregor. Eagle Free tells him not to waiver, and the combat begins. Prez takes a beating but, as the brutish Minuteman moves in for the kill, the Prez lashes out with a last desperate blow and stuns his opponent. Prez is so worked up that Eagle Free has to intervene and stop him from killing his enemy. Gregor refuses to surrender, and orders his men to charge. Because the Army is under orders not to fire, the Minutemen bre |
