Madame Rouge- Mystique
Why, your kounterpart kurator asks someone— anyone who may ever read these words— are comic book creators so susceptible to the “Luke, I am your father” syndrome?
The second character cited was introduced in 1980 in the perhaps too-often-referenced “Days of Future Past” storyline: Mystique was a blue-skinned shapeshifter leading a new iteration of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Evidently she was intended by co-creator Chris Claremont as not only the “life partner” of fellow evil mutant Destiny, but, due to the biological quirks of shapeshifting, the “father” of Nightcrawler.
But the time at Marvel, LGBT characters were verboten. Only in the last decade or so (I think?) was this connection revealed.
It’s enough that Magneto was eventually shown to be the father of Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. It was also enough that Nightcrawler was a German gypsy of unexceptional parentage, and to limn him to a blue -skinned mutant femme fatale is, frankly, cheap and unimaginative.
As for Madame Rouge, I seem to remember that she was wreeten to ‘ave a conspeecuous french accent.
Commonalities:
Both are shapeshifters who’ve made it into the film/tv arms of their representative franchises.
Differences:
Only that Madame Rouge (who can also stretch!) is an obscure french super-villainess who has not been revived in the DCU.
Alternate histories:
MR: Laura Demille was apparently born in the early 20th century; her preternatural shape-shifting abilities have retarded her aging. She assumes a number of identities and associations, and using the codename Madame Rouge, comes to light as an antagonist of Hawkgirl and the Titans, and as a mentor to a troubled young Terra. She has since worked with and against the Titans, and apparently (and stupidly) has been revealed to be the mother of the Titan Changeling.
MY: Raven Darkholme is modified into a shape-shifter by a criminal mastermind; using the codename Mystique, Darkholme opposes the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Initially, Mystique struggles with a split personality, vacillating from affection for Charles Xavier and hostility towards the Doom Patrol, which she is incorrectly believed to have murdered. She finally dies in battle with the X-Men.
Showing posts with label Doom Patrol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doom Patrol. Show all posts
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Two tough guys with hearts of gold…
Robotman- Thing
These two were initially discussed in January, but merit further alternate history-style exposition.
Alternate histories:
RM: Cliff Steele grows up poor in a major metropolitan city: he enters college, where he befriends Steve Dayton and becomes a football star. Steele then embarks on a career driving experimental automobiles: it is around this time that he, Dayton, Rita Farr and Larry Trainor are struck by certain cosmic energy, and resolve to operate as the Doom Patrol. Steele is transformed into a super-strong robotic creature, and consents to be referred to as Robotman, although he frequently despairs that he is less than human. Robotman is a mainstay of the Doom Patrol, although he is one of the best liked operatives in the superhuman community and works with others very often.
TH: Ben Grimm is a test pilot whose body is all but destroyed after his plane crashes. His body is then mutated into a monstrous, super-strong rock-like form by Charles Xavier in order to save his life. While Grimm accepts the codename the Thing, and becomes a charter member of the Fantastic Four, he frequently despairs that he is less than human. When the Fantastic Four are allegedly killed after volunteering to sacrifice their lives to save innocents, the Thing enters suspended animation; upon revival, he leads newer iterations of the Fantastic Four.
These two were initially discussed in January, but merit further alternate history-style exposition.
Alternate histories:
RM: Cliff Steele grows up poor in a major metropolitan city: he enters college, where he befriends Steve Dayton and becomes a football star. Steele then embarks on a career driving experimental automobiles: it is around this time that he, Dayton, Rita Farr and Larry Trainor are struck by certain cosmic energy, and resolve to operate as the Doom Patrol. Steele is transformed into a super-strong robotic creature, and consents to be referred to as Robotman, although he frequently despairs that he is less than human. Robotman is a mainstay of the Doom Patrol, although he is one of the best liked operatives in the superhuman community and works with others very often.
TH: Ben Grimm is a test pilot whose body is all but destroyed after his plane crashes. His body is then mutated into a monstrous, super-strong rock-like form by Charles Xavier in order to save his life. While Grimm accepts the codename the Thing, and becomes a charter member of the Fantastic Four, he frequently despairs that he is less than human. When the Fantastic Four are allegedly killed after volunteering to sacrifice their lives to save innocents, the Thing enters suspended animation; upon revival, he leads newer iterations of the Fantastic Four.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The term "broad" is not always pejorative
Grace- She Hulk
I only know of first character from innuhnet perusal and not through any purchased comic books, and thus have no comment other than that she seems to be similar to character I’ve paired her with.
But She-Hulk? Here was a character created to secure a copyright, and as such was initially played as a distaff version of the Hulk: she’s beset by berserker rages, which she bemoans in human form etc etc. But then Roger Stern, who wrote the Avengers through most of the 1980’s, got ahold of her. He had the bright idea that maybe She-Hulk likes being green, super-strong and voluptuous, and can easily reconcile all that with a career in law. And that’s what has made her easily one of Marvel’s most important and beloved female characters since.
I would put have her with Power Girl if PG had not been reestablished as a Kryptonian. So this one’ll do…
Commonalities:
Two very tall, super strong women with prodigious sexual appetites that neither see any need to apologize for.
Differences:
Only that Choi was born with her abilities, and Shulkie got hers from a blood transfusion from her cousin, Bruce Banner. And Choi is nowhere near as prominent a character…
Alternate histories:
GR: Grace Choi receives a blood transfusion from her cousin, the Blockbuster: she is consequently granted with tremendous strength. She joins the Justice League for a short time before briefly replacing Robotman in the Doom Patrol. Choi has since worked the Justice League a number of times and now serves with the Outsiders.
SH: Jennifer Walters is a young woman whose tremendous strength manifested itself in adolescence; she recently learned that she is related to the Femizons of the 23rd century. Known as She-Hulk, she has spent her heroic carreer with the Defenders.
I only know of first character from innuhnet perusal and not through any purchased comic books, and thus have no comment other than that she seems to be similar to character I’ve paired her with.
But She-Hulk? Here was a character created to secure a copyright, and as such was initially played as a distaff version of the Hulk: she’s beset by berserker rages, which she bemoans in human form etc etc. But then Roger Stern, who wrote the Avengers through most of the 1980’s, got ahold of her. He had the bright idea that maybe She-Hulk likes being green, super-strong and voluptuous, and can easily reconcile all that with a career in law. And that’s what has made her easily one of Marvel’s most important and beloved female characters since.
I would put have her with Power Girl if PG had not been reestablished as a Kryptonian. So this one’ll do…
Commonalities:
Two very tall, super strong women with prodigious sexual appetites that neither see any need to apologize for.
Differences:
Only that Choi was born with her abilities, and Shulkie got hers from a blood transfusion from her cousin, Bruce Banner. And Choi is nowhere near as prominent a character…
Alternate histories:
GR: Grace Choi receives a blood transfusion from her cousin, the Blockbuster: she is consequently granted with tremendous strength. She joins the Justice League for a short time before briefly replacing Robotman in the Doom Patrol. Choi has since worked the Justice League a number of times and now serves with the Outsiders.
SH: Jennifer Walters is a young woman whose tremendous strength manifested itself in adolescence; she recently learned that she is related to the Femizons of the 23rd century. Known as She-Hulk, she has spent her heroic carreer with the Defenders.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Two strangers in strange lands
Martian Manhunter- Silver Surfer
It occurred to me the other day that, since the very first pairing I unveiled here came in my first introductory post, I didn’t much ruminate on the characters themselves. So I’m gonna do so now…
J’onn J’onzz, Manhunter from Mars, was introduced in 1955 as a sci-fi character typical of DC’s post-Wertham line. Apparently, JJ’s own features during the 1960s were kinda confused, what with something about the “Idol-head of Diabolu,” and then with something about him as a secret agent. While he was a charter member of the Justice League, he was soon found to be redundant in light of Superman. So around 1969 or so, he was shunted off to live on his native Mars.
15 years later, J’onn was brought back to the Justice League fold. From the mid ‘80s onward, creators seemed to have found a noble, restrained and contemplative “stranger in strange land” role for him—not unlike the Marvel character I’ve paired him with. He seemed to have engendered a lot of affection in creators and fans, which only increased due the character’s prominence on Bruce Timm’s Justice League Unlimited program.
And so…J’onn J’onzz has recently been killed without much fanfare and without any gravitas as part of DC’s Final Crisis crossover. Wouldn’t put much on him taking very long dirt nap, frankly…
And the Silver Surfer? The Christ-like and earthbound spacefarer is simply one of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s great achievements, one that has been recognized as such pretty much consistently since the character's introduction. The Surfer has been rightfully prominent in Marvel Comics' line ever since.
(See the first post for commonalities and differences)
MM: J’onn J'onzz is native to Ma’lecaandra, i.e. Mars. He is disturbed by the fact that his race has become complacent, but when the vastly powerful being Krona comes to eviscerate the planet, J’onzz offers himself up as a herald so that Ma’lecaandra will be spared. Krona accepts the offer and imbues him with tremendous abilities, and for hundreds of years J’onzz travels the universe warning the populations of planets to evacuate. He comes to Earth to do so, and is opposed by the Doom Patrol, who inspire him to take an interest in humanity and turn against Krona who in turn confines J’onzz to the Earth. For several years, he wanders the planet and is known as the Martian Manhunter; he strives to understand humanity and often allies with other superhuman operatives, chiefly the Outsiders. After awhile, J’onzz is able to travel through space again, where he finds that his fellow Ma’lecaandrans have long been extinct.
SS: A plague overtakes the planet Zenn-La: one Norrin Radd sees the entire population, including his family, die. He wanders his planet for hundreds of years before he is teleported to Earth by a scientist, who promptly dies from shock. Radd lives on Earth inconspicuously for years, but the emergence of the Mighty Thor prompts him to use his native abilities to oppose various menaces as the Silver Surfer. He co-founds the Avengers and remains therein for many years; the Surfer also is the Southern Hemisphere's most prominent champion. He has recently been killed —that is, until editorial fiat revives him.
It occurred to me the other day that, since the very first pairing I unveiled here came in my first introductory post, I didn’t much ruminate on the characters themselves. So I’m gonna do so now…
J’onn J’onzz, Manhunter from Mars, was introduced in 1955 as a sci-fi character typical of DC’s post-Wertham line. Apparently, JJ’s own features during the 1960s were kinda confused, what with something about the “Idol-head of Diabolu,” and then with something about him as a secret agent. While he was a charter member of the Justice League, he was soon found to be redundant in light of Superman. So around 1969 or so, he was shunted off to live on his native Mars.
15 years later, J’onn was brought back to the Justice League fold. From the mid ‘80s onward, creators seemed to have found a noble, restrained and contemplative “stranger in strange land” role for him—not unlike the Marvel character I’ve paired him with. He seemed to have engendered a lot of affection in creators and fans, which only increased due the character’s prominence on Bruce Timm’s Justice League Unlimited program.
And so…J’onn J’onzz has recently been killed without much fanfare and without any gravitas as part of DC’s Final Crisis crossover. Wouldn’t put much on him taking very long dirt nap, frankly…
And the Silver Surfer? The Christ-like and earthbound spacefarer is simply one of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s great achievements, one that has been recognized as such pretty much consistently since the character's introduction. The Surfer has been rightfully prominent in Marvel Comics' line ever since.
(See the first post for commonalities and differences)
MM: J’onn J'onzz is native to Ma’lecaandra, i.e. Mars. He is disturbed by the fact that his race has become complacent, but when the vastly powerful being Krona comes to eviscerate the planet, J’onzz offers himself up as a herald so that Ma’lecaandra will be spared. Krona accepts the offer and imbues him with tremendous abilities, and for hundreds of years J’onzz travels the universe warning the populations of planets to evacuate. He comes to Earth to do so, and is opposed by the Doom Patrol, who inspire him to take an interest in humanity and turn against Krona who in turn confines J’onzz to the Earth. For several years, he wanders the planet and is known as the Martian Manhunter; he strives to understand humanity and often allies with other superhuman operatives, chiefly the Outsiders. After awhile, J’onzz is able to travel through space again, where he finds that his fellow Ma’lecaandrans have long been extinct.
SS: A plague overtakes the planet Zenn-La: one Norrin Radd sees the entire population, including his family, die. He wanders his planet for hundreds of years before he is teleported to Earth by a scientist, who promptly dies from shock. Radd lives on Earth inconspicuously for years, but the emergence of the Mighty Thor prompts him to use his native abilities to oppose various menaces as the Silver Surfer. He co-founds the Avengers and remains therein for many years; the Surfer also is the Southern Hemisphere's most prominent champion. He has recently been killed —that is, until editorial fiat revives him.
Monday, June 2, 2008
They run their teams from their wheelchairs
Niles Caulder- Charles Xavier
A rumor has persisted for some time that either the Doom Patrol and the X-Men books were unduly influenced by the other . Both books debuted in 1963; both books featured antagonists that belonged to an organization including the words “Brotherhood” and “Evil”; and both were premised on outsiders defending a mistrustful general populace.
But the contention seems to rest on the characterizations of their leaders: both ae super-geniuses confined to wheelchairs. Bob Haney and Arnold Drake, the Doom Patrol creators, and X-Men co-creator Stan Lee denied that any such mischief took place, and in any case, the Doom Patrol seems all around more Fantastic Four-esque to me.
But their similarities work well enough for my purposes, despite that a pairing here necessitates that both must be transferred into franchises that are not paired with one another.
Commonalities:
Both are, like I said above, super-geniuses confined to wheelchairs, and are thus lead their organizations from their respective home bases.
Differences:
Xavier is an omega level mutant telepath. Caulder ain’t. Caulder, though, has a luxuriantly full head of hair and beard.
Alternate histories:
NC: As a youth, Niles Caulder’s metahuman intellect allows him to master multiple scientific disciplines, but an encounter with an alien antagonist leaves him a quadriplegic. Taking the code name “the Chief,” Caulder founds a school for young metahumans: his first class—Robin, Kid Flash, Speedy, “Elongated Kid” and Wonder Girl— takes the name the Teen Titans, who often oppose his former friend Black Adam. In the ensuing years, he has intermittently resided in the Vegan star system with his lover, Koriand’r, and running his school and advocating for metahuman rights.
CX: As a youth, Charles Xavier masters multiple scientific disciplines, but an encounter with an antagonist leaves him a quadriplegic. Using the code name, Professor X, he assembles three individuals —Susan and Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm— recently granted with extraordinary abilities; the quartet is collectively known as the Fantastic Four. It is later learned that Xavier was behind said transformations; his reputation as a manipulator sullies his profile in the superhuman community.
A rumor has persisted for some time that either the Doom Patrol and the X-Men books were unduly influenced by the other . Both books debuted in 1963; both books featured antagonists that belonged to an organization including the words “Brotherhood” and “Evil”; and both were premised on outsiders defending a mistrustful general populace.
But the contention seems to rest on the characterizations of their leaders: both ae super-geniuses confined to wheelchairs. Bob Haney and Arnold Drake, the Doom Patrol creators, and X-Men co-creator Stan Lee denied that any such mischief took place, and in any case, the Doom Patrol seems all around more Fantastic Four-esque to me.
But their similarities work well enough for my purposes, despite that a pairing here necessitates that both must be transferred into franchises that are not paired with one another.
Commonalities:
Both are, like I said above, super-geniuses confined to wheelchairs, and are thus lead their organizations from their respective home bases.
Differences:
Xavier is an omega level mutant telepath. Caulder ain’t. Caulder, though, has a luxuriantly full head of hair and beard.
Alternate histories:
NC: As a youth, Niles Caulder’s metahuman intellect allows him to master multiple scientific disciplines, but an encounter with an alien antagonist leaves him a quadriplegic. Taking the code name “the Chief,” Caulder founds a school for young metahumans: his first class—Robin, Kid Flash, Speedy, “Elongated Kid” and Wonder Girl— takes the name the Teen Titans, who often oppose his former friend Black Adam. In the ensuing years, he has intermittently resided in the Vegan star system with his lover, Koriand’r, and running his school and advocating for metahuman rights.
CX: As a youth, Charles Xavier masters multiple scientific disciplines, but an encounter with an antagonist leaves him a quadriplegic. Using the code name, Professor X, he assembles three individuals —Susan and Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm— recently granted with extraordinary abilities; the quartet is collectively known as the Fantastic Four. It is later learned that Xavier was behind said transformations; his reputation as a manipulator sullies his profile in the superhuman community.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How African American heroes are made, circa 1972 and 1993
Steel (John Henry Irons) - Power Man (Luke Cage)
When Marvel resolved to introduce an african-american super hero in 1972, the result was completely and clumsily premised on the “blaxploitation” trend in cinema at the time. So Luke Cage, later to be known as Power Man, was written by Archie Goodwin and subsequent scribes spouting jive talk along the lines of “Sweet Christmas!!!” an exclamation I‘ve never encountered outside of comic books. Ahh, the unceasing wonders that result when white nerds in the ‘70s presume to craft realistic dialogue for black characters!
Nonetheless, Cage became less stereotyped as the 1970s progressed, and he has since been Marvel’s premiere african-american character: he’s been mucho prominent in recent years.
In my very limited understanding, DC’s Steel reflects a more nuanced treatment of how to present an african american character. Introduced in the 1993 Fall of Superman arc, John Henry Irons is an inventor who isn’t known to complain about “the man.” Why can’t a black guy be a middle class smart guy, like other super-heroes? Why indeed.
Commonalities:
Both strong doods! In the 52 series, Irons’ skin becomes briefly metallic, which is most Cage-esque.
Differences:
Irons is an inventor who dons an armor to do his stuff, whereas Cage is an ex-con and has been played as a Sam Jackson-style tough guy recently.
Alternate histories:
ST: John Henry Irons is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and is sentenced to a term in prison. He volunteers for a experiment where he is to don a prototype armor; Irons escapes and makes his way back to his hometown, where adopts the code name Steel and works as a extranormal operative for hire. He briefly replaces Robotman in the Doom Patrol and takes on a partner (to be named later); the two work together for many years. Steel now leads the dissident Justice League.
PM: Scientist Carl Lucas takes a job as a construction worker and is saved from plunging to his death by Thor, who inspires him to take up adventuring. Taking the names Luke Cage and Power Man, he devises a method in which he gains superhuman strength and durability. During the time that Thor appears to have died, Power Man takes up his slack, and eventually joins the Avengers.
When Marvel resolved to introduce an african-american super hero in 1972, the result was completely and clumsily premised on the “blaxploitation” trend in cinema at the time. So Luke Cage, later to be known as Power Man, was written by Archie Goodwin and subsequent scribes spouting jive talk along the lines of “Sweet Christmas!!!” an exclamation I‘ve never encountered outside of comic books. Ahh, the unceasing wonders that result when white nerds in the ‘70s presume to craft realistic dialogue for black characters!
Nonetheless, Cage became less stereotyped as the 1970s progressed, and he has since been Marvel’s premiere african-american character: he’s been mucho prominent in recent years.
In my very limited understanding, DC’s Steel reflects a more nuanced treatment of how to present an african american character. Introduced in the 1993 Fall of Superman arc, John Henry Irons is an inventor who isn’t known to complain about “the man.” Why can’t a black guy be a middle class smart guy, like other super-heroes? Why indeed.
Commonalities:
Both strong doods! In the 52 series, Irons’ skin becomes briefly metallic, which is most Cage-esque.
Differences:
Irons is an inventor who dons an armor to do his stuff, whereas Cage is an ex-con and has been played as a Sam Jackson-style tough guy recently.
Alternate histories:
ST: John Henry Irons is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and is sentenced to a term in prison. He volunteers for a experiment where he is to don a prototype armor; Irons escapes and makes his way back to his hometown, where adopts the code name Steel and works as a extranormal operative for hire. He briefly replaces Robotman in the Doom Patrol and takes on a partner (to be named later); the two work together for many years. Steel now leads the dissident Justice League.
PM: Scientist Carl Lucas takes a job as a construction worker and is saved from plunging to his death by Thor, who inspires him to take up adventuring. Taking the names Luke Cage and Power Man, he devises a method in which he gains superhuman strength and durability. During the time that Thor appears to have died, Power Man takes up his slack, and eventually joins the Avengers.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The blue and the green
Changeling- Nightcrawler
Upcoming posts will indicate that, for the most part, members of the X-Men from 1964 to the late ‘80s will be paired with Teen Titans from the same period. Therein, one rule will be observed (sidekicks are too numerous in the DCU) and another will be broken (Kounterparts must come from a similar place of origin). This is because the X-Men and Teen Titans books in the 1980s are dear to me and many many other nerds (TT writer Marv Wolfman has said that his book took no inspiration from the X-Men, which is very hard to believe) and thus I’m wedded to pairing them up —there will, however, be some exceptions…
But here we speak of Gar Logan, of whom I insist on referring to as Changeling as opposed to Beast Boy, and Kurt Wagner. Logan was introduced as a kid sidekick in the 1960s Doom Patrol, and is now known to lots of real, live kids via the early aughts cartoon the Teen Titans. Wagner, on the other hand, was glimpsed briefly in the 1990s X-Men cartoon and in the second X-Men film only. He also has been foolishly established by Marvel PTB as the son of Mystique and a demon of some sort—why they can’t leave it with him as a mutant that resembles a demon is beyond me…
Commonalities:
Both are immediately distinguishable without exhibiting extraordinary abilities: Logan is green, Wagner is blue. Both provide levity to their teams, but these goofball exteriors mask tortured interiors.
Differences:
Logan shape-shifts into animals; Wagner teleports, has a prehensile tail and blends into shadows. Wagner is German, whereas Logan was born in Africa to his scientist parents.
Alternate histories:
CH: Teenage circus performer Garfield Logan is ostracized in his community, first for his green hair and skin and then for his shape-shifting abilities. He joins the Teen Titans and serves therein on and off for many years.
NC: Young mutant Kurt Wagner loses his parents and is adopted by Reed and Susan Richards of the Fantastic Four. After the apparent demise of the FF, Wagner joins the X-Men for a number of years.
Upcoming posts will indicate that, for the most part, members of the X-Men from 1964 to the late ‘80s will be paired with Teen Titans from the same period. Therein, one rule will be observed (sidekicks are too numerous in the DCU) and another will be broken (Kounterparts must come from a similar place of origin). This is because the X-Men and Teen Titans books in the 1980s are dear to me and many many other nerds (TT writer Marv Wolfman has said that his book took no inspiration from the X-Men, which is very hard to believe) and thus I’m wedded to pairing them up —there will, however, be some exceptions…
But here we speak of Gar Logan, of whom I insist on referring to as Changeling as opposed to Beast Boy, and Kurt Wagner. Logan was introduced as a kid sidekick in the 1960s Doom Patrol, and is now known to lots of real, live kids via the early aughts cartoon the Teen Titans. Wagner, on the other hand, was glimpsed briefly in the 1990s X-Men cartoon and in the second X-Men film only. He also has been foolishly established by Marvel PTB as the son of Mystique and a demon of some sort—why they can’t leave it with him as a mutant that resembles a demon is beyond me…
Commonalities:
Both are immediately distinguishable without exhibiting extraordinary abilities: Logan is green, Wagner is blue. Both provide levity to their teams, but these goofball exteriors mask tortured interiors.
Differences:
Logan shape-shifts into animals; Wagner teleports, has a prehensile tail and blends into shadows. Wagner is German, whereas Logan was born in Africa to his scientist parents.
Alternate histories:
CH: Teenage circus performer Garfield Logan is ostracized in his community, first for his green hair and skin and then for his shape-shifting abilities. He joins the Teen Titans and serves therein on and off for many years.
NC: Young mutant Kurt Wagner loses his parents and is adopted by Reed and Susan Richards of the Fantastic Four. After the apparent demise of the FF, Wagner joins the X-Men for a number of years.
Friday, January 18, 2008
A first family and some "freaks"
Fantastic Four- Doom Patrol
Give or take Spider-Man, the FF pretty much is Marvel, for reasons anyone likely to read these words understand. Whereas the Doom Patrol was DC’s response to Marvel: here were “freakish” characters who squabbled and were misunderstood by the general populace.
Should anyone be moved to comment here (or, ahem, ever), I would imagine that the FF's similarities to the Jack Kirby-created Challengers of the Unknown would be brought up. I would also imagine that Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol would be mentioned as well, but I have never read any of the trades. But essentially, I think the two teams have more in common than not.
Mr. Fantastic- Mento
Commonalities:
Both are real smart guys, and Steve Dayton’s telekinesis and Reed Richard’s elasticity achieve similar ends. Both are married respectively to the two women cited below.
Differences:
“World’s Fifth Richest Man” Dayton was only an occasional member of the DP, and was often portrayed as an arrogant dilettante, whereas Richards is merely absent-minded and pedantic. Dayton also went nuts and became the Crimelord apparently, and has only recently been redeemed in Geoff Johns’ Teen Titans. Richards has only recently been written as misguided vis-a-vis Civil War.
Invisible Woman- Elasti Girl
Commonalities:
Both are the mother figures of their teams; you could say that Rita Farr becoming very small achieves the same purpose as Susan Richards becoming invisible, and Farr’s becoming a giant achieves the same purpose as Richards’ forcefields (you could say that the better matchup, ability-wise, would be Reed = Rita, Sue = Steve, but gender distinctions will remain enforced here).
Differences:
Being that Farr was the only death that stuck from DP’s 1968’s series finale (for four decades), I don’t believe she developed much past the one-dimension characterization common to female characters in both Marvel and DC universes (I could be wrong about this). After a good 20 years as a fourth wheel, in 1981 Susan was rendered more or less the strongest female character Marvel’s got—for which we can thank the ever-controversial John Byrne.
Thing- Robotman
Commonalities:
One of the most perfect matchups: Ben Grimm and Cliff Steele are tough guys with hearts ‘a gold who are trapped in monstrous forms they no likey…
Differences:
Only that Grimm can change to human form back from time: Steele cannot.
Human Torch- Negative Man
Commonalities:
The similarity of a flaming dude and a dude who can send a radioactive shadow hurtling around seems pretty on point to me.
Differences:
I’m not sure how Larry Trainor was characterized in the 1960s, other than the fact that he was unhappy at the prospect of spending his life swaddled in bandages. Seems a far cry from the happy go lucky Johnny Storm. Trainor is not related to Farr, but, as we will see going forward, family ties are so numerous in both universes that it would be counterproductive to let them dictate every equivalent.
You’ll notice I did not include Niles Caulder: he’ll be included another time in a post regarding another team matchup…
Alternate histories:
FF: Three individuals are separately altered by cosmic rays, and are brought together by a gentleman to be named later to combat evil. They are joined by Reed Richards and another younger person (also to be named later), but are soon slaughtered—although, by the providence of ret-con, they eventually are resurrected.
DP: Four good friends are mutually beset by trauma, and band together to combat evil. The group are regarded as the beacons of a new heroic age (a few members are occasionally substituted for by individuals—again, to be named later).
Give or take Spider-Man, the FF pretty much is Marvel, for reasons anyone likely to read these words understand. Whereas the Doom Patrol was DC’s response to Marvel: here were “freakish” characters who squabbled and were misunderstood by the general populace.
Should anyone be moved to comment here (or, ahem, ever), I would imagine that the FF's similarities to the Jack Kirby-created Challengers of the Unknown would be brought up. I would also imagine that Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol would be mentioned as well, but I have never read any of the trades. But essentially, I think the two teams have more in common than not.
Mr. Fantastic- Mento
Commonalities:
Both are real smart guys, and Steve Dayton’s telekinesis and Reed Richard’s elasticity achieve similar ends. Both are married respectively to the two women cited below.
Differences:
“World’s Fifth Richest Man” Dayton was only an occasional member of the DP, and was often portrayed as an arrogant dilettante, whereas Richards is merely absent-minded and pedantic. Dayton also went nuts and became the Crimelord apparently, and has only recently been redeemed in Geoff Johns’ Teen Titans. Richards has only recently been written as misguided vis-a-vis Civil War.
Invisible Woman- Elasti Girl
Commonalities:
Both are the mother figures of their teams; you could say that Rita Farr becoming very small achieves the same purpose as Susan Richards becoming invisible, and Farr’s becoming a giant achieves the same purpose as Richards’ forcefields (you could say that the better matchup, ability-wise, would be Reed = Rita, Sue = Steve, but gender distinctions will remain enforced here).
Differences:
Being that Farr was the only death that stuck from DP’s 1968’s series finale (for four decades), I don’t believe she developed much past the one-dimension characterization common to female characters in both Marvel and DC universes (I could be wrong about this). After a good 20 years as a fourth wheel, in 1981 Susan was rendered more or less the strongest female character Marvel’s got—for which we can thank the ever-controversial John Byrne.
Thing- Robotman
Commonalities:
One of the most perfect matchups: Ben Grimm and Cliff Steele are tough guys with hearts ‘a gold who are trapped in monstrous forms they no likey…
Differences:
Only that Grimm can change to human form back from time: Steele cannot.
Human Torch- Negative Man
Commonalities:
The similarity of a flaming dude and a dude who can send a radioactive shadow hurtling around seems pretty on point to me.
Differences:
I’m not sure how Larry Trainor was characterized in the 1960s, other than the fact that he was unhappy at the prospect of spending his life swaddled in bandages. Seems a far cry from the happy go lucky Johnny Storm. Trainor is not related to Farr, but, as we will see going forward, family ties are so numerous in both universes that it would be counterproductive to let them dictate every equivalent.
You’ll notice I did not include Niles Caulder: he’ll be included another time in a post regarding another team matchup…
Alternate histories:
FF: Three individuals are separately altered by cosmic rays, and are brought together by a gentleman to be named later to combat evil. They are joined by Reed Richards and another younger person (also to be named later), but are soon slaughtered—although, by the providence of ret-con, they eventually are resurrected.
DP: Four good friends are mutually beset by trauma, and band together to combat evil. The group are regarded as the beacons of a new heroic age (a few members are occasionally substituted for by individuals—again, to be named later).
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