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Post by HoM on Aug 6, 2019 16:26:45 GMT -5
Is Batman Beyond still open? Yes it is!
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Post by HoM on Jul 21, 2019 14:42:39 GMT -5
I’ve been planning writing The Flash since August 2015. That’s when Justice League #46 landed, and that’s the issue where Barry Allen took a leave from the World’s Greatest Heroes.
I’ve said previously that I’m not particularly good at writing the character, which is evidenced by the fact that I was the writer on the character’s book when the site launched… and I flubbed it. After a handful of issues, I gave up and we had to have fill-in writers-- perhaps the first of the site?-- and then I came back to wrap up my stupidly convoluted storyline and that was that.
(Interestingly though, the villain of my story, which was going to run for nine issues up to the book’s chapter of The Apokolips Imperative, was a speedster in a yellow costume, whose identity would have remained a mystery until the final instalment of the arc…)
I’ve had a hand in the book off and on since… co-wrote and wrote some issues here and there-- not enough to do damage! I was also the editor in the later years of the book, most proudly through one of the most seminal DC2 arcs, “Legacy of the Lightning”, which had Professor Zoom deliver one of his most decisive defeats to Barry Allen.
So, yes. I’ve been planning on writing The Flash since August 2015. We’d just met Cobalt Blue, a silent and sinister speedster with Barry Allen’s face, who’d sided with Lord Naga in Kobra’s war against the forces of good. He was imprisoned beneath Iron Heights, in the dreaded Pipeline, still silent, still sinister, but now under the watchful wardenship of the then newly debuted Harrison Wells.
Aaaaand that was-- chronologically-- the last we saw of Barry Allen, but not the last we saw of The Flash. He played a role in Most Wanted but that was set before his disappearance. He’s a player in Young Justice but that’s again, set before his disappearance.
But after Barry’s supposed disappearance, a Flash has turned up in recent Christmas specials, annuals… and no one knows who he is beneath the mask… not even Jay Garrick! And when the elder statesman speedster kinda / sorta remembers, the memories are quickly overwritten by something… but who knows what? And that’s not all. The Titans got together a Christmas or so ago, but no one remembers who Kid Flash was under the mask! Even though they’re more family than superteam. How odd…
I've written the first issue (just posted) and part of the second one. I have the remaining issues loosely plotted. I have the first issue of the follow-up series written as well, as well as a cover ready to go. I know where that book is going to. The problem is, when will I write the rest of the issues? I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, but some of the more esoteric, non-Justice League content, is harder for me to write than not. But I don't want to sit on stories! I have an issue of New Outsiders ready to go that'll come out soon, I have loads of stories planned... it's just writing them that's the struggle right now.
Regardless, before we can find out who the new Flash is, we need to find out what happened to the old one.
It’s the end of the line for Barry Allen.
To be continued.
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Post by HoM on Jul 21, 2019 10:14:55 GMT -5
Surprise. More to words to come on this miniseries soon, but right now I have to make dinner. Please take a moment to let us know what you think of this issue! And Jamie has crafted seven amazing Flash-centric covers for every issue, showcasing important speedsters that appear throughout the story... and one non-speedster who might actually be the true hero of this entire tale. But who could that be? Wait for the seventh issue. Let's check out #1's cover again, featuring Barry Allen himself:
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Post by HoM on Jul 21, 2019 10:08:37 GMT -5
ONE YEAR AG0: My name is Barry Allen and I am the Fastest Man Alive.
In the eight years since I gained my powers, I’ve faced so many threats that it sometimes hard to keep track.
Up until recently, the Rogues were a constant thorn in my side, their efforts spearheaded by the villainous Captain Cold. It felt like a month didn’t pass without one of their number causing problems for Central City, but they’ve not shown their faces for twelve months. That can mean nothing good.
I’ve had other things to worry about in the interim.
A year ago, Eobard Thawne, the evil speedster known as the Reverse Flash, killed my father and cast my new born daughter Cassie into the timestream. Before I could race down the timestream to save her, my wife Iris and I found out she’d been adopted by a loving family in the future and went on to live a happy life away from our own. The timeline couldn’t be altered. We lost our daughter forever.
It’s been a year since my identity was revealed to the world. I’ve been through so much, and I know that this marathon has barely started.
My name is Barry Allen and I am the Fastest Man Alive, but you can call me...
Part One (of Seven): " Teachable Moments" HoM / RIMMER CENTRAL CITY: ZZZZAP! The Flash skidded underneath the beam of sub-zero energy that erupted from Captain Cold’s ice gun, coming to a stop next to a wall by using his booted foot to stop his face colliding with the surface. He immediately turned to face Snart, who was already aiming at him. “--Oh, crud.” Central City hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the Rogues-- the Flash’s archenemies-- for nearly a year. Everything had been quiet on the super-villain front up until someone flipped the silent alarm of the First Street Bank, and it was at that point the Flash came running down main street and vibrated his way into the vault, where Captain Cold was already busy stuffing a duffel bag full of cash. The fight started immediately, and they were thirty seconds into it, thirty seconds full of close quarter ice blasts and close quarter speed bursts, when Barry finally decided to engage his old enemy verbally. “Come on, Snart. You’ve been off the grid for ages and this is how you show back up? A bank heist? Really?” “Man’s gotta eat, Barry,” replied Captain Cold. Instead of aiming at the speedster, Snart swapped up his strategies, aiming for where he thought he might be running, and thanks to years of facing down with the Flash, he guessed right. Barry came to a stop instantly, encased in a block of ice. “Besides… didn’t you miss us?” Cold activated the secondary function of his cold gun and darted out of the vault as the Flash began to vibrate his molecules and melt the ice that encased him. Within a few seconds, Barry Allen was free, but when he started to run his muscles refused to warm up and he struggled to pick up speed. “Cold field. Damn!” He’d been stuck in the mire of the Captain’s ambient sub-zero environmental field before, and he knew that it stopped him from getting up the speed he needed to fully access the Speed Force, but that didn’t stop him from trying. He increased his internal vibrations, hoping to shake off the full slog of the temperature dragging him down, and followed his enemy. Jogging out of the vault, Barry saw Cold at the front door, waving his cold gun in the Flash’s direction before darting out of the door. Allen scanned the room, sending a surge of speed into his visual cortex to take in every aspect of the bank in a split second. The security guards-- the only armed men and women to be seen-- had collars attached to their throats. “Dammit, Snart,” said Barry, as he approached the first guard. “What is this?” “Hey, hey, hey, Flash-y man!” buzzed a voice from inside the collar. Barry recognised the voice as belonging to Jesse James, the Trickster, another one of the Twin Cities’ Rogues. “Have I got some fun planned for you!” “They’re bombs, Flash,” said the security guard. Thanks to the collar, his voice was distorted to sound like a cartoon character, and the weird juxtaposition of ridiculous voice and dire circumstances would have caused a weaker willed speedster to chortle. "Oh, God. I'm going to die, aren't I?" “Not on my watch. It’ll be okay,” replied Barry. “C’mon, not even a giggle?” said Trickster. “These voice-changing necklaces didn’t come cheap, especially considering the mods I added just for you!” The Flash ignored the Trickster’s incessant chatter and placed a hand on the security guard’s shoulder. He began to vibrate, taking the man out of sync with the metal around his neck. With his spare hand he grabbed the collar, wrenched it away from the man and then darted to the roof, hurling it up into the sky with one superspeed discus throw as it exploded. A C4 blast that sent confetti floating down to earth followed, but Barry wasn’t around to watch. He repeated the action with every other boobytrapped hostage, and once he was confident everyone was safe, was at the bank door, trying to figure out where Captain Cold had got to. The newly installed mirrored windows opposite made Barry’s skin crawl. He zipped over and saw Captain Cold running away from him, inside the mirror. When the Flash touched the surface, the window shimmered, as if he’d touched the surface of a body of water. Cold turned and grinned, and then the ripples came to a sudden stop-- Snart was gone, his escape courtesy of the Mirror Master’s dimension-hopping reflection technology. “Damn damn damn,” said the Flash. <Barry, this is Chyre,> the voice of Detective Fred Chyre, filled his ear receiver, <Reports are coming in that you’re at the scene of the First Street Bank, everything okay?>The Flash shook his head. “Cold got away. Boobytrapped the hostages. Just the armed ones, though. Typical Snart.” <Damn, at least there were no fatalities, yeah? Thing is, the heist was a distraction. I got some bad news.>“Hit me, Fred,” said Barry, as he arrived in the office where Detective Chyre was still on the radio to him. "Jesus H Christ--!" Fred bellowed. Fred Chyre was old school. At a ripe old age of 58, he looked like he was carved out of granite, and up until the Flash was on the scene, he was the oldest beat cop in town. But after a series of events that dragged him into the orbit of the Scarlet Speedster, he’d found himself at the centre of numerous Rogue-related cases that made him a hero to the public at large. Seeing an opportunity for an easy PR win, CCPD promoted him up the ladder and put him as co-lead of their new Department of Metahuman Hostility, where his bad attitude and brusque nature would be put the best use. Chyre lowered his radio. “...You’re trying to give me a heart attack. Eh, anyways, I just got word that there’s been a breakout at Iron Heights. Mirror Master just materialised inside the Pipeline and took Heatwave and Weather Wizard back out with him.” He grabbed his jacket and holster. “Morillo was already over there and he’s with the warden now.” Flash grimaced. “Cold’s heist was a distraction. They’ve been off the map for so long I just got sucker punched by the first trick in the Rogues’ book. Make you watch the right hand while the left is busy pulling a fast one with your wallet. I’m an idiot.” “They’re super criminals, Barry. Nobody died, and we’ll collar the bastards next time they show their faces. You wanna head over to Iron Heights and hook up with Morillo, and I’ll get there under my own speed?” “Thanks, Fred,” said Barry. He vanished for a moment, then returned. “You don’t want to carry you over?” “Get lost, Barry. You know I get motion sickness when you pull your running man crap on me.” Barry shrugged. “Just offering.” And then he was gone, hurtling at top speeds toward Iron Heights. COLUMBUS CIRCLE, NEW YORK CITY: “ Ohjeez--!” Jesse Chambers awoke with a start, and it almost gave her whiplash. She was clutching at her throat, as if she was trying to paw somebody off her neck. She’d been dreaming again, and it was the kind of dream that you couldn’t really call a nightmare but was close enough to make the wake up traumatic in execution. What was it about being in the superhero business that made sleeping a god damn experience unto itself? Rick Tyler rolled over, eyes sleepy, and reached out to her, brushing his fingers gently against her cheek. “Hon--?” “I’m okay, I’m okay,” she whispered. Her heart was racing, just like her mind. She wrapped her fingers around his hand and squeezed ever so slightly. She was grounding herself. Feeling his pulse along with her own. She was here. She was awake. Everything was okay. Or as close to okay as she could expect. “…The same dream?” Rick said, shuffling up the bed so he was sat straight. “Yeah. The same,” she replied, quietly. What went unsaid was enough. The same dream she’d been having every other night for the past month, the same one that made sleeping an ordeal, an ordeal barely mitigated by speed equations and that one blend of coffee Adam Strange delivered when he was back on Earth visiting from Rann. She exhaled and in a resigned tone, repeated, “The same.” Rick watched as she tried to make herself small, tried to escape restless nights and the creeping inevitability that dragged her through the days. “Okay, then today we’re going to S.T.A.R. Labs. I know you don’t want to go to the others with this, but I spoke to my dad, and there’s a metahuman specialist working out of the New York branch that might be able to help.” “Rick…” started Jesse. She didn’t want anyone to know. She’d been having the dreams and for a while she thought she was going mad, but Rick knew a thing or two about weird thoughts in one’s head and had helped her keep her head. He’d even promised not to go to the Society with this, but he never made any promises about talking to his father. “I know, I know, but I threatened him with all sorts if he went out and snitched on us,” said Rick. Her lips scrunched up, and she wore an expression that told him that she didn’t know whether or not to be mad with him, but it must have been his lucky day, because she craned her neck up and awkwardly kissed him on the chin. “Okay. S.T.A.R. Labs.” He nodded. “And we’ll get to the bottom of this. We always do. Now come here and try and get a few more winks. I’ll stay awake and stand guard.” Jesse smiled, and snuggled up in his arms. “You promise?” “First sign of trouble, I’ll wake you up,” he said. “Promises, promises,” she said, closing her eyes, trying not to show how scared the thought of it made her. ...If Rick saw the bruises around her throat, he didn’t say anything. KEYSTONE CITY: As an investigative journalist with Central City News, Iris Allen had a habit of finding herself asking the kinds of questions that drove people into getting nervous. Those were certainly the days… Now? The main problem she had since her husband’s identity as the Scarlet Speedster was revealed to the world was simply: She couldn’t get into the places she used to or speak to the people she wanted to. Her working life took a massive hit, but she had moved with the times, with trends, and the fact that she was a smart woman with access to a smartphone made this sudden change in circumstances survivable. But still, news became something other people investigated and reported, stories were told without her input, because she had no input to give on something she had no experience of. Iris missed the stories, the chase, something that Barry never had a problem with, considering his profession. So, how did she end up here, sitting across from the city editor of the Keystone Times, when she would have preferred to be digging into a story somewhere, far from the steely, glassy heights of the publishing district of the city that neighboured the one she had lived in since a child? “…What do you think?” said Miles Thacker. “Repeat that last part?” she replied. “Honey, this is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Miles as he put his hands up to frame his words. “‘ The Secret Life of a Superhero’,” he leaned forward “--or title pending-- written by you, telling the stories behind the man who runs between Central and Keystone, saving lives and fighting crime. The Twin Cities’ greatest protector, Barry Allen, the Flash.” “Oh, wow, that’s, that’s something,” said Iris, slowly. “I know,” said Miles, pleased with himself as he leaned back. “It’s just, I took this interview because I thought it was an opportunity to do what I love, and that’s write for newspapers. Write the news. Tell the stories of the people who can’t speak out for themselves. And you want me to, uh, ha, umm, tell my story? My boring story about my boring life, that just so happens to intersect with the life of the Flash?” “Iris, I’m going to be honest with you, I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or not. But your stock as an investigative journalist dropped as soon as your husband was outed. Your face is known to every single man, woman and child who owns a television set or reads a gossip rag. I can’t give you an actual story because as soon as you’re involved, the story becomes about you. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to become part of something you have no right to be part of and that’s not me saying something to be a prick, that’s me saying something honest. I send you to look into the housing commission’s questionable ethics violations and suddenly it’s not ‘ Housing Commission’s New Policy Leaves Families Homeless’, it’s ‘ Mrs Flash Iris Allen Appears At Housing Commission Hearing Asking Uncomfortable Questions That Suddenly Become About Mr Flash Barry Allen’s Deodorant Choice’, you see?” “And I appreciate that, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you about what Barry and I do when he’s not running around saving lives. He doesn’t deserve it, and I’m better than that.” Iris stood up abruptly. “Now, I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted to hear, and I’m sorry if I’m being rude, but I never ever wanted to become the story. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always go the way you want it to and now I’m reduced to this. Thank you for your time, but I don’t think this is for me.” Iris picked up her coat and laptop bag and headed for the door. Miles cleared his throat and she turned, and the city editor was shaking his head. He put up his hands in a gesture of surrender and began to explain. “Okay, you got me, you got me, I’m the worst interviewer in the world. That’s why I check for grammar and syntax and story quality, without inserting an editorial voice that overpowers that of the journalist who did all the hard work. That’s what I’m best qualified for. That’s why I’m being promoted out of this job and going to land a few floors up. I only asked that I get to choose my replacement, and that’s what this is for. This whole thing. I wanted to get a read on you, and a read I was given. Iris, the Keystone Times wants you to be its new city editor.” “Uhh..." started Iris. “I know, I know. But here’s how I see it. Most of what I said before was true, you know? You can’t do what you did before, but you can help educate a whole new generation of fresh-out-of-school journalists into doing what you’re good at. Getting to the root of a story, pulling away all the weeds until people have what they need-- what they deserve-- to know, that’s what you can do.” “You’re right,” said Iris. “Yeah? Which part?” “About your being a terrible interviewer,” said Iris. She put her coat back on the hook and sat down in front of Miles. “But tell me more about this job opportunity.” IRON HEIGHTS PENITENTIARY, KEYSTONE CITY: The prison guard’s pocket exploded in shards of light, rotating snowflakes of glistening energy that dimmed only when an orange-and-green clad man climbed out of the small portal that had formed inside the man’s trousers. Mirror Master turned and looked at the shocked guard, showed off a gap-toothed grin, then smashed the guard in the face hard, knocking him out instantly. Mirror Master moved quickly, checking the cells lining the Pipeline section of Iron Heights prison. He ignored lesser villains, leaving Murmur and Girder-- amongst others-- safely behind their locked cell doors, until he found what he was looking for. With one blast of his fractal gun a mirror formed where a door once was, and out stepped Mark Mardon, aka Weather Wizard. They exchanged brief pleasantries and Mardon indicated a cell across the hall. Another blast of the fractal gun, and Mick Rory stepped out of the mirror, freed from his cell. Mirror Master fired off one more blast of his gun, led the two other men through, and then the mirror shattered, along with the two other mirrors he’d created. Blackened, opaque shards were all that were left to show for the breakout. “Thus endeth the lesson,” said Detective Jared Morillo, turning off the security camera footage. Harrison Wells, warden of Iron Heights, tossed a pocket mirror across his desk at the Flash, who stood next to Detective Morillo as they went over the events of the afternoon. There were three men in his office; Wells manoeuvred his wheelchair behind his desk and came to a stop facing the two detectives as they compared notes. “That’s all it took,” said Wells, gesturing toward the mirror. “One prohibited item and Mirror Master was able to get in and out of Iron Heights without so much as an alarm going off. I thought we were past this.” “You have to admit, it’s smooth as silk, very much Mirror Master’s MO,” said Morillo. “Who’s the idiot who snuck in the contraband?” Wells grimaced. “One of the guards we kept on from the old regime. A mistake on my part, I have to admit. Former-Warden Wolfe encouraged a certain kind of personality type back in his day, but I thought our screening measures were enough to prevent this kind of corruption sneaking back in. I was wrong.” “We keep moving forward,” said the Flash. “I just checked again, and no other cells have been compromised. So, we’re down Heatwave and Weather Wizard. Two of the worst.” “Looks like the Rogues are getting the band back together,” said Morillo. “Looks like,” said the Flash. “Nearly a year's worth of quiet, and now this. I wonder where they went?” “None of your friends in capes caught wind of them?” said Morillo. “Nope, and they know I’m always looking. No, this is different. They’ve laid low before, but not for this long. They always get that itch for causing trouble.” Wells removed his glasses and wiped them with a cloth from his pocket. “I’ve not been in the Twin Cities as long as the two of you, of course, but the Rogue culture is a fascinating case study. The loyalty these criminals feel toward each other is borderline. This isn't Gotham, but they sure come off as crazy.” “You get used to it,” said the Flash. “I’m just glad the rest of the cells are sealed up nice and tight. I don’t want a repeat of last year. Not one bit.” “No trouble there,” said Wells. “We finished installing the Turtle beneath the cell of your doppelgänger* earlier today and he’s taken to standing still instead of running circles inside the containment sphere. My boys are prepping for other old favourites, whenever they decide to rear their heads.” * Check out Justice League #46 “Yeah, I was actually up here talking to Harrison about his plans for dedicated Rogue containment,” said Morillo. “The cell he designed for Grodd alone, that’s the kind of thing with application across the board, I swear.” The last point was made with a wink, and the Flash smiled. “I best get going,” said the Flash. “Run down some old haunts of the Rogues. I doubt I’ll have any luck, but you never know.” “Stay safe, Barry,” said Harrison. “You know where to find us if you need us.” NEW YORK: Carthage House, not far from Hudson University’s densely populated campus, was one of the more upmarket apartment buildings in the city. Most tenants were monied, but this one wasn’t particularly. Sure, he had some cash, but that was thanks to a youth spent running around, picking up sponsorship deals when his costume still fit, and he thought of himself as nothing more than a sidekick. Nowadays, with money in the bank and education on his mind, Wally West didn’t think of himself as much of anything, apart from a student, a boyfriend, and a superhero in semi-retirement. One of those things was about to change, if he got his way. “What do you think, Lin?” Wally asked. He held up one costume, and Linda Park leaned back in her chair as she checked it out. She bit the tip of her pen as she compared it to the last one he’d showcased, knowing full well how much this whole thing meant to her other half. Gone was the red and yellow of his Kid Flash costume-- not that he’d worn anything like that in the last year or so. This one was scarlet and silver, and he nervously bit his lip as she looked it up and down, taking it in. “Try it on?” she offered. He nodded, spun around and before she could blink he was already dressed in the new costume. “How about now?” “I mean, it’s definitely a different direction to go in,” she said. Wally looked at his sleeves, then rolled his arms to look at the palms of his gloves. “Yeah, different was what I was going for.” He shrugged and then it was on the floor, and he was back in his street clothes and sat on the bed, next to her desk. “Nah, I don’t know what I was thinking.” “You don’t have to rush into this decision,” she said. “It’s been a while coming, don’t you think?” “Wally, you’re not a kid anymore. You’re not a teen. Kid Flash is… best left behind, I think. In the dust,” she smiled, and he gave her a playful look, appreciating the analogy, “but that doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you do.” “I thought… I could keep wearing the costume, maybe change my name. But Kid Flash doesn’t equate Teen Flash certainly doesn’t mean Man Flash. The Flash is the Flash and I’m… me. But me still needs a name.” “Well, what have you got so far?” she asked. He vanished for a second, then returned with his notebook. He cleared his throat, and said, “…Man Flash.” “You don’t have that written down,” she said, incredulously. “Nope, but I think it might be a keeper. Oh! I’m dense! I’ve got it— Flash Man!” “Ugh, no! Stop it!” She said, playfully reaching out for the notebook that he immediately pulled out of her reach. She fell on him, and they laughed, curling up in each other’s arms. “But seriously. What are we looking at?” “Umm, I’ve got… Scarlet Speedster… Crimson Tornado… Wizard of Whiz…” “They’re all awful,” Linda said. Wally sighed. “Yup. Who knew striking out on your own was such a pain in the ass?”
ELSEWHERE, IN A SECRET LOCATION:“Well, boys, I guess this means the Rogues are back in business,” said Captain Cold. He raised his bottle to the rest of his comrades and they cheered. The only dissenter stood in the back, arms crossed, his mask ever present across his face. “What’s wrong, Plunder? Just because you insist on keeping that mask of yours on, doesn’t mean we all have to abstain from an ice cold one when we win big.” Heatwave snorted and took a swig from his beer, tipping it in acknowledgement of Weather Wizard. “The Flash is still alive,” said Plunder. “All you care about is your fraternity, your code. I’m getting bored of this farce.” “Hey, let’s not say anything we regret now,” said the Trickster. “You’ve not been playing the Rogue game as long as the rest of us, but if we don’t have each other’s’ backs, then we’re as good as behind bars.” “I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me, given you access to a whole new dimension of opportunity, and yet you insisted on petty crimes both here and in my dimension. Six months of raids on my home, rather than killing Barry Allen.” “C’mon,” said the Trickster. “Plunder, let’s just calm the heck down.” “I held up my end of the bargain, where’s yours? You got your little crew back together, and now I want what’s coming to me. We kill Barry Allen. Both times.” Captain Cold smirked. “You seem to have forgotten our golden rule.” Plunder sighed. “Another one of your ‘teachable moments’, Snart? Can’t say I’m not getting bored of them.” Weather Wizard gripped the thin wand that allowed him to manipulate the elements. The Trickster wrapped a thin line of string around his finger, preparing the specially prepared yo-yo he kept in his back pocket. Heatwave’s finger was around the trigger of his flamethrower, while Captain Cold’s hand was over the cold gun laying on the table in front of him. Mirror Master admired himself in his pocket mirror, while a duplicate of himself began to creep out of the large mirror behind Plunder, who had both his hands at his holsters. Snart leaned forward, grinning. “We don’t kill anybody unless we have to, and even if we do, we make sure the cops aren’t going to come raining down on our heads because of it. So, say we kill you, right now,” He yanked his gun up and levelled it at Plunder’s masked head. “No one gives a shit if you live or die. But if we kill the Flash, well, that’s bad business all around.” Plunder’s shoulders dropped, as if he were disappointed. But fear didn’t radiate off him like it might someone else in his position. “It’s come to this, then. I can’t say I’m not surprised. Let my head get clouded by my anger. Let you take advantage of my good nature.” Cold waved the barrel of his gun like a finger, back and forth. The others kept their weapons on Plunder, ready for whatever move the masked villain might make. “You’re not a Rogue. You never have been. You kept your mask on this entire time, and we let it slide because this moment was always gonna come. Tell you what, though. We’re going to keep your little mirror world in our back pocket, and we’re going to keep running raids on it like nobody’s business. That’s all because you’re an idiot and the Rogues always win in the end.” No more words, and no time for warnings-- the assorted villains engulfed Plunder in an array of fire, ice and lightning. The masked villain was twisted inside out by Mirror Master’s funhouse mirror gun, burned alive by Heatwave and frozen to the broken bone by Captain Cold. The oxygen was snatched from his lungs by a tornado thanks to Weather Wizard, while an electric charge caused his heart to explode courtesy of the Trickster’s taser yo-yo. Plunder fell down dead, and the Mirror Master shrugged as one of his reflection duplicates dragged the body out of the room through the mirror they used as an emergency exit. A moment later the duplicate returned and was reabsorbed into the surface. “Now, onto more important business,” said Cold. “Strippers?” said Trickster. “Seconded,” said Heatwave. “I got an itch I can’t scratch. Been in the Pipeline too long, ya know? We’ll even call in one of them male gigolos for you, Lenny.” “Oh, well, then of course the motion is passed,” said Cold, raising his beer bottle to the others. “To the Rogues--!” CENTRAL CITY: “Jay, can I borrow you for a minute?” Jay Garrick, the Golden Age-- and original-- Flash, turned his head in the direction of his front room, where his beloved wife Joan was playing with Bart Allen, the toddler-aged son of Barry and Iris Allen. Jay had been making sandwiches for the three of them-- at normal speed, as Joan claimed to be able to taste the static his superspeed left on PB&J-- and a second after Joan called out, he was in the front room. “What’s wrong?” said Jay. He glanced around, and in the corner of his eye, saw Bart giggling as he sped unnaturally fast from one side of the room to another. “Ah.” Jay scooped up the super speeding toddler in his arms and absorbed the Speed Force energy from Bart’s tiny body. The boy giggled and then hiccuped, before wrapping his arms around Jay’s chest. “Thanks, honey,” said Joan. “When I offered our services as babysitters, I didn’t realise we’d be contending with a little Flash at the same time.” “Bart’s one of a kind,” said Jay. He stuck his tongue out, and Bart clapped his hands together excitedly. “But absorbing the speed from him on an ad hoc basis isn’t a long-term solution. I need to speak to Barry about it, and soon.” “Of course, of course,” said Joan. She ran a hand through Jay’s hair, and then considered Bart as he began to yawn. “But you worry too much. You’ll start getting more grey hairs, you keep on like that.” “It’s just my nature,” said Jay. “But speaking of grey hairs, I wonder how Max is getting on with the other Bart. We’ve got it easy in comparison.” “Don’t tempt fate,” said Joan. SOUTH KEYSTONE LANDFILL: Plunder lay dead on a trash heap, his body a barely recognisable patchwork of damage. Before the crows could pick at what was left of his eyes he suddenly reared up and screamed, gagging up the blood and other gunk that came with being temporarily dead, before he abruptly fell down on his mangled face. He gritted his charcoal teeth as he began to breathe again, his lungs knitting themselves back together , and then began to laugh as his stomach sucked in the intestines peeking out of the hole in his lower torso. Within a matter of minutes, he was whole again, and he had one thing in mind… …Screw killing the Flash. Time to kill the Rogues. CENTRAL CITY: Barry gently threw his son up and down on his lap and grinned broadly as Iris walked in through the door. He said, “Hey, honey. Dinner’s in the oven.” “You’re speaking my language,” said Iris, leaning in to kiss her husband, then planting one on the forehead of her son. “How’s my little speed whizz?” “Keeping himself out of trouble,” said Barry. Removing her coat, she said, “I saw that Captain Cold robbed a bank up town? Everything okay?” Barry’s nose scrunched up. “Oh, I know that look. They got one over on you?” said Iris. “It was a distraction. Heatwave and Weather Wizard broke out of-- hey, wait, none of that matters, I’m off the clock. How did you interview go? Did you actually find out what the heck they wanted?” “I did, I did,” said Iris. “It was pretty damn weird, but the offer was immense. They want me to be their city editor. Now, I’m not naïve, they’re going for name recognition. Imagine having my name anywhere on their paper. Plus, I think they’re assuming they’ll get some added security if Mrs Flash starts working there--” Barry shrugged. “I mean, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong.” “But yeah. Yeah, you’re looking at the new city editor of the Keystone City Times. It’s everything I could have wanted and more, and it’s, it’s, I don’t even know, it’s so big.” “Congratulations, honey,” said Barry. “I could ask my mom to look after Bart tomorrow, maybe we could--” He looked down at his son and saw a spark of lightning flash behind Bart’s eyes. “--What?” Barry Allen was thrown backwards out of his chair and into the kitchen sink, while Bart Allen floated, suspended in space. Iris instinctively reached out to grab him, even as Barry reached out in shock. When Iris took Bart in her arms, she realised her son was seizing, convulsing uncontrollably in her arms. She looked over at Barry, a pleading look in her eye. “ Something’s wrong! We have to get him to a hospital!” From the future to the past...
That’s what this race was about...
A circuit stretching from one moment in time to another...
The track pulsing with the living lightning of the Speed Force...
From the future to the past...
With only one thing on the runner's mind...Please take a moment and follow this link to let us know what you thought of this issue! NEXT ISSUE: Plunder begins his reign of terror as he takes his revenge on the Rogues! Mirror Master’s secret weapon begins to take a toll on him as the Rogues watch! Harrison Wells offers Barry Allen assistance in his latest undertaking-- saving his son's life!
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Post by HoM on Jul 14, 2019 9:16:12 GMT -5
Surprise! After all my talk, I decided it was a better idea to split the mega-sized finale into two parts (maybe three), because I wanted to fit so much into the final episodes of the first season ready for what comes next... season two isn't guaranteed to come out this year, but I know where it's going, and I also have ideas for potential spin-offs. Exciting! Fair warning, with this issue, we lean into the mature readers rating in a big way. I've never skimped on the more colloquial cursing that people throw into conversation, but this issue is violent and dark and also a bit raunchy, so if you're a prude... well, then you don't deserve the password. And that cover! Lê Minh Quân is another stellar artist we've sourced art from, and the piece really captures the essence of Valentina Vostok. Here it is again because I'm a shill: So without any further ado, please take a moment and let us know what you thought of the issue!
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Post by HoM on Jun 30, 2019 14:27:09 GMT -5
12,000+ words into the season finale. Nowhere near finished. Ahhhh bugger.
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Post by HoM on Jun 27, 2019 12:25:22 GMT -5
No pressure indeed, Charlie! Finally had the time this weekend to finish up "The Widening Gyre." This has been a very dark, tragic run in many ways, so it's been a tough pill to swallow! It's not always easy to write a convincing heel turn for a hero like the Guardian, but you pulled it off very well-- after all his whole family is dead. Thanks for taking the time to read, O. I know you’re a busy man so I always appreciate your feedback. This six-parter—or two parallel three-parters—was always meant to be a left turn away from what had come before, so I’m glad it felt different from previous stories. One thing I think is really important for heel or face turns (yay, wrestling terminology) is that it feels EARNED. Breaking Guardian down to this level has been a long time coming, since his daughter was first admitted into hospital… two Christmas specials ago? I knew where the story was going to end up for him, and I also know where it’s going to go next. Sufficed to say, Angie won’t be able to pay him a visit like she promised, and after everything Harper did “to make her safe” (whether or not that was the reason or if he truly believes it to be the reason is another story), that won’t sit well for a man incarcerated for however long he’s incarcerated for. James is the kind of man driven enough to go to insane lengths to protect his own, so we should be worried! I really liked Batman's reaction-- his sense of betrayal, that Guardian violated his faith, basically, after the two of them struck sparks earlier in Justice League but had a sort of yin-yang like respect for each other. I was really happy that their relationship evolved in the way it did. Their powersets were similar but different enough to work; one earned every advantage he had, while the other was gifted them. They’re both righteous but have different views of morality. I knew that this was where their relationship was going to go since before #50, and their interaction regarding accountability in… #52?... was intended to be a beacon to call back to when I eventually reached the delivery of this story. …I have to stop planning these things so obsessively in advance! Guardian is so tragically misguided... betraying his values, the League, and then poor Angela! (And on top of all that... he does have a member of his family left that he doesn't know about!) Yes! The Guardian and the Midnighter’s familial relationship was in the cards since I first started planning my potential Authority series around 10YL’s inception, and when that kind of fell to the wayside, I knew I wanted to plant my flag on this hill. Bendix is a monster, he’s always been a monster, and while his fall from grace wasn’t entirely… his fault… that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have imploded eventually anyway. That sad thing is, Bendix is running free, building monsters, selling super soldiers to the highest bidder, still causing problems for anyone with a tangential connection to the Harper family tree, and the patriarch of that family is locked up! And rightly so, too. The question is, for how long, and if any court in the world would punish him for his execution of the Joker. His murder of Angelo is another story entirely though… what kind of defense—if any—does he have? I will say it felt more like a Checkmate-driven event than a Justice League story, even in the pages of JL. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but we didn't really get any POV reactions to Guardian's actions from some of his peers that I realized I was waiting for when I read Pt. 5 and didn't see them. A missed opportunity, but also the result of narrative burnout. This story was hell to get out, because I was having to drag myself through each issue. I’ve still not delivered the season finale of Checkmate though I do have some plans. I wish I had spent a bit of time with each of the active members of the team, Heroes In Crisis-styled oners would have been really interesting, but it didn’t occur to me at the time. Also, the leak of the story to Lois Lane—and the rest of the world—should have been explored more. I tried with the Jack Ryder monologue, but didn’t follow through as much as I wanted. Another segment was planned for that to follow-up on the vote—I was going to scour the internet for people’s reasons Batman should / shouldn’t kill the Joker and play with inserting them into the story, but it felt forced. Checkmate was intended to be the place to see the wider world respond to something going on in the insular world of the Justice League, but eventually it became about churning through the story until we reached the conclusion. That said, I know the focus was on Batman/Guardian and the Guardian/Angela, and those were very emotional and powerful scenes. That’s a relief. Building up the relationship between Angela and James was important, and while we haven’t seen their first meeting, I have actually written it. The allusions to the original Engineer’s first attack on the world, and his removal of all his research is covered in an untold / unpublished Global Peace Agency story that the first chapter is written for, but because I’ve not finished it, I don’t want to post it. That story—started in 2015--!--- is sat in a folder, and while I could post it tomorrow, there’s no guarantee next month would see the second chapter. (DAMN IT! NOT ENGINEER! Sucked into...somewhere! At least she's not dead, Charlie, so help me... kidding, mainly.) Yuuup, we’ll learn what happened to Angie—and who did it to her—as we enter Eschaton War. Overall, I enjoyed seeing the two angles or perspectives in Justice League and Checkmate. As I said before, I think you have a really good voice for espionage and spy thrillers. I love Checkmate's organization and mandate and the big players like Valentina and Naif are really fun. Naif and Valentina are great to write! Everyone needs to be smart, they all need to be the smartest in the room, and making sure no one is written “dumb” is important. Also, while Valentina is power-hungry and conniving, she isn’t necessarily evil, but her upbringing and surroundings play a role in every decision and move she makes. In season two, the plan is to delve into each Royal’s history and see what makes them tick. We already know Naif lost his family and resigned from his post as the top intelligence agent of his homeland as a result; we all have a cursory knowledge of Steve and Valentina, and I think Catherine is an exciting prospect to explore. I want to make sure this isn’t the Steve Trevor and Checkmate show, so I also plan on moving the focus way from the White King’s side of things after the first season. His mandate is to investigate, not to act, so we should be shifting the focus over to the Black Queen’s operation soon enough. Its all an elaborate balancing act! As Steve and Catherine's plan slowly unfolded, revealed in this issue, I had a big grin on my face. Great twist, and here's hoping they pull it off. (Even if Eschaton War is coming.) I really like the reappearance of Sasha Bourdeaux from Suicide Squad, and hope we see more of her. Great job. This was a top-notches capes-and-powers political thriller. Looking forward to seeing where this goes before Eschaton War. Right, so the season one finale is going to come out this year. I want it to act like a “television movie” styled finale, so we’ll get the continuation of the previous nine issue’s story, but also have an introduction of something new that’ll get wrapped by the final full stop. I think we’re going to learn Sasha Bordeaux’s DC2 backstory, and how that interacts with all the events of the site. Interestingly—but also terrifyingly—the conclusion is going to be an elaborate heist, and do you know what Checkmate are stealing? The future. I’m quite excited to be able to get that out at some point! Oh, and have I mentioned that in-canon, its been nearly five years since The Apokolips Invasion? That’ll be important moving into season two!
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Post by HoM on Jun 24, 2019 15:13:34 GMT -5
I found some more random covers, so I thought I’d share because why not! If I remember rightly, near the tail end of the first “run” of the site, just before there was a mass exodus of talent back into the real world, we were about to start a couple of events that never really saw the light of day. The first is Crisis: Lamentation Day, which had a prologue written by David and a first issue written by myself and Fantomas, but other than that we never managed to continue with it! Joey did the first cover to the mini, and you might have seen it around the site before, but when there was the possibility of the miniseries continuing (it ties a lot of threads up from that original run of the site) I decided to hide the first issue because we might return to it, just as we did DC2 Most Wanted. I love what Joey did with the first issue’s concept—Justice League versus the Secret Society of Super Villains, with Red Hood stuck in the middle!—and its such a striking visual that I would have loved to see the story continue with him on art duties, but alas, I think the time has passed… and I don’t have the rest of the story in me right now. Joey was always a pinch-hitter when it came to delivering quality covers on short notice, and I’d love to see his work grace the site again in the future! Anyway, here’s the cover, and what a beauty: And now, something a lot different… the two unpublished covers to Omega Point, the mini-series that was supposed to wrap up my run on Justice League! At the end of my penultimate issue of my first run, the Big Seven of the Justice League vanished in pursuit of Darkseid, who’d been a captive of the team throughout the series. That would have spun them off into their own Rock of Ages-styled adventure, while the second tier characters would deal with the Crime Syndicate of Amerika. We produced one issue of the latter that hit the site, but when I knew I wasn’t going to get round to finishing Omega Point, I removed the CSA issue of Justice League and quickly moved off. I think that was probably one of my last issues on the site before I left for a few years. Anyway… Jamie is great with covers like this. His use of colour and composition are top notch, and I love how much his works POPS. The cover dress is superb, and the idea of seven issues with each of the Big Seven spotlighted was going to be so amazing. Here are the covers to Omega Point #1 and #2: Interestingly, I have seven covers in the vault for The Flash: End of the Line, the big Flash event I’ve been planning since the early days of my return to the site five-ish years back, with two issues written. I don’t want to start any more BIG EVENTS without having all the issues in the bank, but hopefully I pull my finger out and you get to see Jamie’s work sooner rather than later. Maybe by the end of the year? They’re so good, too. Can’t post them before the series hits because they’re spoiler-y the further on they get, but the conceit is so cool.
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Post by HoM on Jun 22, 2019 4:26:27 GMT -5
Pretty disappointed no one has read / commented on this issue, especially considering it was the end of the latest phase of the book. I see Green Lantern #31-51 as a self contained saga, while also acting as the first act in a larger tale, then Green Lantern Corps #52-75 (we re-titled the book) as the next. It's also double-especially didisapointing because I just started working on the next issue. Cover is picked out, 1000+ words in... but what's the point in continuing if there's no one reading?!
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 13:23:33 GMT -5
Charlie said: Yikes! First impression of this is that it's going to be epic! Is this the Marvel2s first two-pager? Wow. Couldn't have happened to a greater book! S.E, eh? Looks like there seems to be some special relations going on behind the scenes in the Marvel2... Wonder what that could mean! I must say though, that it's been a long time that we've thought of Charles Xavier as a master of his field, and not just the mutant trainer of the X-Men. I remember the 90s, when he was shot by Cab-- Stryfe, excuse me, and Wolfsbane went to go see him in the hospital and everyone was like "I don't think we should be seen here, they'll put two and two together and come up mutant...", and I miss that kind of secrecy. Damn you, Grant Morrison! Anyway, I loved this ("Professor X-Something", you're very good with those sly moments of humour, Brian) issue. It continues to build on the amazingly strong foundations of your first issue, and I have to say that what you're doing with Magneto is very fun and different. The Marvel2, I think, is better than other Marvel fan fiction sites, not only because we have talents such as Brian, Craig, Roy, Borize, Don, Pat, Kevin, Aaron, Jay, Viktor, Trevor, James, and Ramon lurking about creating wonderful stories, is that we're not afraid to deviate from the norm. We could have copied what they're doing now in the MarvelU proper, but where's the fun in that? We have to take concepts that work, tweak them, improve them, and set them loose. If we don't adapt to the audiences, to the wantings of the community, what's the point? ... Oh, and lastly... Erik Xavier? You're a genius, Brian. That whole little play by Magneto? Genius. I'll be back. With popcorn, preferably. This is how X-Men should be written, and I'm glad that you're on this book. Have a raise. Don said: Very good issue, Brian. Great pacing, good mystery and action, and the plot by Magneto is wonderfully convoluted and grandiose. I love the twist on his plotting, using Xavier's own dreams as a weapon against him. Brilliant! this it the maggie I know and love. Well-done. Take care Don Swgb24 said: Wowza, and Brian knocks another one out of the park, actually, I think you just knocked this one out of the state. Yet again, I am in utter awe and amazement at your talent to create a fascinating story. Above all I must emphasize your complete understanding and grasp of pacing. This is a long book, like, really long, yet, amazingly enough, I never felt bored with. Ever. There was not one second of this book where I was not enjoying myself. The story and all the characters are superbly written, and I cannot imagine how hard it must be to write so many characters at a time and give them all enough screen-time, yet Brian does this without a hitch. I'm loving the use of the original X-Men, and particularly the use of Cyclops. I think you've given Scott the perfect attitude, he is kind of a prick at times, but you can really see why he is. This is a man who takes his job very seriously, something which I think a lot of newer interpretations of the character need to take into account. Magneto's plan, as noted by Charlie, is absolutely genius, I'm not sure how I feel about him telling Charles it, but, thats a minor detail. I cannot wait to see where this is going! It seems to me that every issue of Brian's just gets better and better. Each story is woven with such ease and excitement that it makes it impossible for an audience not to love it. Brian, you have really outdone yourself this time. Five stars. P.S: I cannot begin to tell you how wide my grin was when I read the: "Oh my stars and garters" line. Therougerogue said: Just a short review this time. Definately liked this one better then the first. Magneto's plan is potentially brilliant, interesting to see where it goes from here. Only real complant was that it was kind of confusing to follow early on. Between the real and 'fake' Erik in two different places and then Quicksilver and Wanda appearing for the fight. nice issue over all though. Solid four stars and looking forward to next month. James. Aaron said: Brilliant second issue, Brian. I agree with Viktor that, despite the story's length, I wasn't bored for an instant and it felt like the issue just breezed by. There are so many moments I enjoyed. The use of Mastermind, who was once very prominent in the early 616 as well, was executed brilliantly. I love the Scarlet Witch and enjoyed her strong, prominent and powerful role here. Colossus is already beginning to have doubts, and could that lead to a change of teams when he learns more about the Brotherhood and the X-Men? I found a civil conversation between Xavier and Magneto to be absorbing. And I totally love what you're doing with Magneto, both in his characterization and his ambitious plot to take over. Magneto as President? Pretty ballsy. The X-Men themselves are again presented just the way I like them, and I enjoy all the little gems of humor you throw in, something I consider to be a hallmark of your writing. It's also interesting to see a world that is just becoming aware of mutants and doesn't know what to make of them yet. Do we trust them or fear them? A fascinating avenue to explore here, I would think. Again, kudos on another terrific work. l1701e said: Hey, all! Hmmm, I gotta give it to Mags here for his little plan on painting the X-Men as the bad guys. He shouldn't given that idea a shot in the comics. Magneto: *singing and dancing* I am so smart! I am so smart!
Scarlet Witch: I can't believe half my DNA came from him. No wonder I went bonkers in the comics.And I liked seeing Quickie and Witchie make their Marvel2 debuts. And Magneto's plan was a neat one, too. Mastermind: Where'd he come up with the idea?
Toad: He read Donald Trump's new book.Can't wait for more! Brian said: Yikes! First impression of this is that it's going to be epic! Is this the Marvel2s first two-pager? Wow. Couldn't have happened to a greater book! I guess it is the first two pager. I didn't plan it that way, though. Nothing like opening a couple of doors, just in case a certain EIC wants to run with it. I couldn't have said it better myself, Sir! I'll second that one as well! ;D Thank you. I'm trying to stay true to what Stan The Man wanted to do, but update it a bit. I hope it's working. Thank you. The popcorn will be $4.50. Would you like to super size that for .50 cents more? Thank you for reading and responding, my friend! Brian said: Very good issue, Brian. Great pacing, good mystery and action, and the plot by Magneto is wonderfully convoluted and grandiose. I love the twist on his plotting, using Xavier's own dreams as a weapon against him. Brilliant! this it the maggie I know and love. Well-done. Take care Don Well, to be honest Don, this was more your idea than mine. Your discussions with Kevin about this team, and my snarky comment that you actually liked, made this story possible. I'm glad your enjoying it! Brian said: Wowza, and Brian knocks another one out of the park, actually, I think you just knocked this one out of the state. Yet again, I am in utter awe and amazement at your talent to create a fascinating story. Above all I must emphasize your complete understanding and grasp of pacing. I'm very glad that the pacing seems to work, I worry a lot about that. I tend to find what I write to be slow and boring, but hey, if it works for everyone... cool! It does take a bit of juggling and sometimes I will probably focus on some characters a bit more than others. I'm really glad Cyke is coming out well for you. I think you hit the nail on the head! Well, like I said, this wasn't completely my idea at all, but a combination of a discussion that was had. As for Maggie telling Charles his plan... well... he is a bit on the arrogant side. Thank you very much. That's very kind of you. You know, I really wanted to save the comment for an even bigger moment, but I just couldn't. It's my favorite phrase of any Marvel character. Brian said: Just a short review this time. Definately liked this one better then the first. Magneto's plan is potentially brilliant, interesting to see where it goes from here. Only real complant was that it was kind of confusing to follow early on. Between the real and 'fake' Erik in two different places and then Quicksilver and Wanda appearing for the fight. nice issue over all though. Solid four stars and looking forward to next month. James. Thank you sir, and after this was up and I read it again, I was thinking the same thing as you. The entire Erik Xavier stuff was a bit confusing, but now that Magneto is going to take over the role that Mastermind created the illusion of, it should get easier... I hope. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. Brian said: Brilliant second issue, Brian. I agree with Viktor that, despite the story's length, I wasn't bored for an instant and it felt like the issue just breezed by. Thank you! I blush. I'm glad you liked him, here, because Mastermind was always one of my favorite Brotherhood members, and there's much more to him than meets the eye. Both the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are major players in this story, and Colossus as well. I will give you a bit of a spoiler by saying that by the time this part of this "epic" is over, at least two member of the Brotherhood, may be heading towards Xaviers Institute. One of the things I loved about Charles and Erik was the concept that they were friends who's beliefs were what drove them apart. Yet, the respect for each other never waivered. Thank you and glad you're liking the team. I've always kind of thought that the best drama should have a bit of humor in it... and verse visa. And THAT is what I'm really loving at this point. Everything about mutants is new in the Marvel2, which means it could go anywhere. ;D Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. Brian said: Hey, all! Hmmm, I gotta give it to Mags here for his little plan on painting the X-Men as the bad guys. He shouldn't given that idea a shot in the comics. Magneto: *singing and dancing* I am so smart! I am so smart!
Scarlet Witch: I can't believe half my DNA came from him. No wonder I went bonkers in the comics.And I liked seeing Quickie and Witchie make their Marvel2 debuts. And Magneto's plan was a neat one, too. Mastermind: Where'd he come up with the idea?
Toad: He read Donald Trump's new book.Can't wait for more! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love your thoughts and comments. They always make me laugh! Thanks for responding! Keep coming back! ;D Universeman said: Lots of mutant stuff happening here. Mastermind lives up to his name. I can actually imagine him saying "Step right up and find the Professor! Only five dollars for three tries! Find the Professor and win this wonderful stuffed bear!" I don't know where that came from. Anyway, Magneto is a brilliant planner and manipulator, his group is growing in numbers and his kids are the same, but it's always nice to see them. The X-Men are beginning to come together as a super-team and get kicked to the curb by the Bro-hood. Of course, this leaves Iceman on his own. What will happen there? Great stuff. Keep it up. -UM Brian said: Lots of mutant stuff happening here. Mastermind lives up to his name. I can actually imagine him saying "Step right up and find the Professor! Only five dollars for three tries! Find the Professor and win this wonderful stuffed bear!" I don't know where that came from. Neither do I, but I liked it! ;D I'm also glad you enjoyed Mastermind. He's probably my favorite of the original Brotherhood The Brotherhood does seem to be out numbering the X-Men at the moment, huh? Thank you good Sir! And thank you for reading as well! I hope the best is yet to come. Pat said: Haven't been the biggest X-Men fan the last few years.. but hey... It's Brian. Anyway, I was quite happy with the read. The plot is rock solid and the story flow was excellent. Magneto's plan is a good one... and I can only guess where this is going. This feels like a much grander scale then I first expected it to be. I'm looking forward to seeing what Brian has in mind for our band of (not so) merry mutants. I also liked the feel of the mood in the book..l slightly humorish, but with a underlying feel that anything can happen at any moment. Almost gives you a strange feel of parinoia. Well done cover also. Good job all around! Brian said: Haven't been the biggest X-Men fan the last few years.. but hey... It's Brian. Wow, that's humbling. Thank you. He's going straight to hell if he doesn't change his ways. Oops, sorry, I was channeling my grandmother for a moment. Oh this is going to get big. VERY big! Hmmm... Paranoia? Interesting choice of word. Thank you for taking the time to read and to respond. It always means a lot to get feedback, good or otherwise. It means people have taken the time to read your work... and nothing can be more appreciated than that. l1701e said: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love your thoughts and comments. They always make me laugh! Thanks for responding! Keep coming back! ;D No problem! Mouseman68 said: my favorite Marvel team book, and so far this is just as fun to read as the team was back in its "silver age". I'm a little concerned about Colossus being on the side of The Brotherhood, and I do have one question. The cover (great cover, I might add) also shows Nightcrawler in the Brotherhood, but he was not mentioned in the story. Why? Also, can you give us any hints on who is hiding behind the glass that can actually keep Charles from using his powers? Please tell me it's Emma? Is it Emma? Brian said: I'm a little concerned about Colossus being on the side of The Brotherhood, and I do have one question. The cover (great cover, I might add) also shows Nightcrawler in the Brotherhood, but he was not mentioned in the story. Why? Actually, I took out the scene with Kurt in it, but have no fear, he's in this next issue. You want a hint... okay... Cassandra Nova. Or not... Brian said: Folks, I owe you all an apology. For the first time that I can remember in the nearly 4 years of writing, I'm late. But I promise that X-Men #3 will be out by Saturday! I swear this too you who want to read it. And I will never be late with this title again! Again, my apologies.
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 13:08:20 GMT -5
Uncanny X-Men Issue #2: “Public Appearance” Written by Brian Burchette Edited by Kevin Feeney None of them knew how Professor Xavier had acquired a state of the art aircraft like the Blackbird, but while doing his weekly maintenance on it, Bobby had once noticed that several of the control modules were stamped with the corporate logo of S.E. He had asked the Professor if he knew Tony Stark personally, but the question had been avoided. Either way, the jet was speeding to its destination with Scott Summers at the helm, and Bobby Drake co-piloting. “What’s the plan, Scott?” Jean asked. “We can’t just enter into LaGuardia air space without being looked upon as a threat.” “We’re not even positive that the Professor is still there,” Warren remarked. “In fact, I think it would be kind of stupid to assume that he is. One short burst, calling for us, and then nothing. He’s obviously unconscious, or else he would be letting us know where he is.” “I’ve already taken that into consideration,” Scott said, ignoring the hint of challenge in Warren’s voice. “I don’t expect to find him at the airport, but it’s where we have to start looking. In fact, you and Bobby are going with me to check out the scene in our civvies, hopefully we’ll find something that may lead us to where they took him, or at the very least, who took him.” “Awesome, I’ll break my out my CSI do it yourself, fan kit. I got it in the mail the other day. I’ve been dying to try to it out.” Bobby said. “Not the right time, Bobby.” Scott admonished. There was a bit of silence, then Jean leaned over Bobby’s shoulder and gave him a peck on the cheek and a light pat on the shoulder. “But we do appreciate your trying.” Bobby couldn’t help but grin. It was like having acknowledgment from a big sister; something he had wanted since he was a child. His younger brother was great and all, but for some reason, having a big sister had always been a childhood yearning that he had finally been able to realize when he had befriended Jean. As they approached the boroughs from the Atlantic, Scott moved out of the pilot’s position. “Okay, Hank, its all yours. We’ll stay in contact through the communicators, but keep radio silence unless we really need to.” “Guys, I think you should hear this,” Jean said as she flipped a switch to turn on the overhead speaker system. “… breaking news from LaGuardia Airport. Police have reported that some kind of superhuman attack has occurred outside of the International Terminal. Reports are sketchy at this time, but a reliable source has informed us that one person is dead, and one has been detained at the scene. Earlier reports indicated that Professor Charles Xavier was involved in the incident. Professor Xavier has recently been acknowledged by many of his peers as the world renowned leader in the study of humans who are born with the extra gene that causes some to be given extraordinary powers. He has become a controversial figure in a very short time, with much of this country wondering what this means for the future of mankind. We will have more on this developing story as soon as we can. Now we turn to…” Jean turned off the radio and they all sat in silence for a moment. “Well this seems to be a development that should cause us to rethink our strategy,” Hank mused. “We need to get whoever they are holding down there,” Warren said. “And find out if that’s the Professor lying dead over there.” “It isn’t,” Scott said a bit too quickly. “If it was, we would have known; we would have felt it. We stick with the plan, except Bobby, you’re staying up here with Jean; Hank, you’re coming with us.” “Ahh, you want me to play Sherlock Holmes,” Hank said. “How delightful; I shall endeavor to find the answers that are needed.” “Okay, let’s move.” -X- The entire area had been blocked off and the police were combing the scene, the large man still lying dead near the limo, and the short man with the extremely long tongue sitting on the top of the squad car, was giving him statement. “It was horrible. Here I am, minding my own business, and this guy here and the one in the wheelchair comes up to me, orders me into the limo or they say they’ll kill me. I tried to run, but that one grew huge and than tried to off me, and all. I was just doing what I had to.” The officers were nodding, “You got any other name than The Toad?” One asked. “Probably, a long time ago, but I don’t remember what it is, anymore.” “Any idea who this guy was, or the other one?’ “No idea about this guy, but that other one, he’s the one I’ve seen on the television. Professor X-something. I’ve seen him before. He approached me cause I’m a… you know… a mutant. He asked me to come with him, wanted to use me as some kind of guinea pig. I refused. Thought he got the hint, but I guess he didn’t.” “Any idea where he went?” “Nope. I was trying to stay alive ‘cause of that one, and when it was all over, he was gone.” “Hey Detective,” came the voice of an officer. “This guy here says he has information for you.” The detective turned to see an older man walking towards him, with a full head of white hair combed straight back. He wore some kind of deep red body suit, and he carried himself with the dignity of someone who had led a hard life, but had made it through intact. “Who are you?” Detective Sanders demanded. “My name is Erik, and I’m a mutant, a mutant who wants to help catch the man who has done this, and if not stopped, will do even more harm.” “How do you know that?” The detective asked suspiciously. “Because the man you are looking for, Charles Xavier, he is my brother. I am Erik Xavier, and I am on your side.” He replied with a small, sympathetic smile. -X- He was in Cairo, Egypt, the sun beating down on his face, the crowded narrow streets gave him a slight case of claustrophobia; yet, he was happy. He was young, he was on an adventure, and he could walk. Charles stopped. He could walk? That didn’t make sense. He wasn’t able to walk anymore… not after the… He stopped that thought. It was a memory he didn’t want to relive. It was the day that changed him in more than just the physical sense. He hadn’t walked in years, so was he in the past? No. He was in his mind, in his own memories. Fighting the urge to stay in there, in the days where he had been at his happiest, he struggled back to consciousness; opening his eyes to find two people staring back at him. The young woman with brown hair and brown eyes wore a red costume, long cloak flowing behind her, and a headdress that she wore like a crown. The young man next to her was wearing a powder blue, skin tight, uniform. His eyes were hazel, but it was his hair that stood out. It was pure white, and not only made him look older than he really was, but made him look vaguely familiar. “He’s awake,” the young woman mused, looking at the Professor like a lab animal. “Should we alert Father?” “I’m sure he knows, Wanda,” the young man said. “Who are you? Where am I?” Charles demanded, and instinctively reached out with his mind to gleam any information he could from his captors. He was shocked to find that their minds were blocked from him. They were shielded, but not of their own doing- the shields were coming from someone else; someone who was protecting them. “My name is Pietro, Professor, and this is my sister, Wanda. We are here to make sure you are well, after your journey.” Charles stared at the young man more intently, and recognition flowed over him. Of course! He was the spitting image of… “Hello, old friend,” came the voice of Erik Lehnsherr as he entered the room. He wore a deep red outfit, carrying a helmet under one hand. “Erik,” the Professor whispered. “After all these years…” “Yes, too many, really. Help him to his chair, my son, and than you and your sister are dismissed.” Pietro gave the bald man a nervous look and than turned to his father, “Are you sure, Father? Wanda and I would rather…” Erik raised his hand in a dismissive wave, “I understand yours concerns, but I am quite safe. I am more than protected from him.” The quick glance at the end of the room, towards what appeared to be a two way mirror, was not lost on Charles, and he shot a quick mental probe in that direction, only to find that he was once again blocked, but this time it hurt. As if he had been mentally swatted away, no more than a fly batten away by a human. Wanda raised her hands and Charles floated from the cot that he had been laying on, and was gently lowered into his wheelchair. “We will return soon, Father,” Wanda whispered in her father’s ear as she kissed him on the cheek. Although Erik smiled warmly, his eyes never left Charles, and the two men said nothing as Lehnsherr’s children left the room. “It seems, Charles, that we have much catching up to do.” -X- “So what can you tell us about your brother, Mr. Xavier?” The detective asked the man- who looked exactly like the man who had just sat down, miles away, to speak to his old friend. “I’m afraid that my brother has gone off the deep end, Detective. His research into mutants has left him rather unhinged.” The Toad sat by, nodding his head in agreement. “Oh I can vouch for that.” The detectives partner walked up, “We need to talk for a moment.” He looked at Erik, “We’ll be right back.” As Toad and Erik gave each other a look, the two detectives walked over to the dead body that still lay in the middle of the road. “This whole thing reeks, if you ask me,” the first said. “All this mutant crap that is starting to creep up around us; mark my word, this whole thing is going to turn into a huge mess. Bunch of freaks, if you ask me.” “Never judge a book by its cover, Tom. I’ve heard the name, Xavier before. Think I saw him on one of them PBS shows or something. Seemed like a level head guy. Sort of an egghead, but good enough.” -X- While the two of them spoke in a hushed whisper, Scott, Warren, and Hank made their way through the gathering crowd, stopping only when they could go no further. They could see the Professor’s driver and bodyguard lying in the road, still grown, and obviously dead. “How exactly are we going to get closer?” Warren asked with his arms crossed. Hank, who was dressed in a trench coat with a fedora pulled low over his face, looked around at the scene. “I don’t see a way that we can, at the moment. I’m afraid we are going to have to use the virtue of patience before we make a move.” Scott nodded in agreement, “Hank’s right. There is nothing we can do yet, but observe. Warren, those two men that are standing by the Professor’s limo… they’re a little too far for us to see their faces, so it’s up to you to get a good look at them.” Warren’s eyes narrowed as he studied the face of the man who seemed to be squatting on the trunk of the car. His eyes were blocked by large goggles, but he was obviously short, even when crouched. As he turned his attention to the other one, the white haired man, for a moment it seemed as if their eyes locked. Warren got the distinct impression that the man recognized him, but than his gaze moved on. “Ten to one the guy on the back of the limo is a mutant. Or a circus freak.” “You don’t recognize either of them?” Scott asked. “Nope, neither one of them, and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of… WAIT! I seem him! I see the Professor! He’s in trouble!” Warren’s voice had continued to rise at what he was seeing, and by the end of his sentence, his civilian jacket was ripped apart as the pure white wings that had come to him at the age of 13 burst through and spread wide. He took to the air, ignoring the protests of Scott and Hank. “What the hell is going on?” Scott barked, but even the future Dr. McCoy was speechless. He did hear the gasps from the crowd around him, though, and a few murmurs of concern. Before he could relay this to his teammate, he saw Warren diving towards the middle of the crime scene, only to suddenly see a man standing there, a rather large man who’s body seemed to gleam in the sunlight. As Warren dove towards the large metal man, he was struck by the steel fist and was flung backwards into one of the police cars. “Oh my stars and garters,” Hank murmured. Scott broke the tape as he bounded towards the scene, Hank leaping close behind. He hit the communicator attached to his ear as he also discarded his jacket, revealing the skin-tight outfit with the large X on it. “Marvel Girl, we’re under attack! Code names from here on out! Angel is down! Back up is needed, I repeat, back up is needed.” “We’re on our way, Cyclops.” As Cyclops and Beast drew closer, they saw what Angel had seen. Charles was being held by a man who Scott immediately thought looked a bit like Jabba the Hut. Why weren’t the police doing anything?, he wondered. Beast also saw the same thing and leapt straight at the large man, only to be struck suddenly as he came down. He did not see his attacker, only the blur of a figure as it went by. “Hypothesis – speedster.” He stated to himself. “You are quick, animal man, but not as quick as me. That’s why they call me Quicksilver.” Pietro said as he came back around and struck him again, causing Beast to swing around from the punch, nearly losing his balance. Scott approached the second man man, who he would soon discover called himself The Blob. “Let him go!” He ordered, his right hand going up to his visor. “I don’t want to hurt you.” The man laughed, “You can’t, dumb-ass! I’m The Blob, nothing can hurt me, but I can snap your Professor’s neck with a flick of my wrist, little boy.” -X- One minute ago, as the two detectives discussed their next move; they heard the warning cry of an officer and turned around to see a man with large wings heading towards the one called Erik Xavier. Before they could react, another large man made of steel came out of nowhere and struck the flyer, sending him smashing into a police car. “What the hell is going on?” One of them shouted. “Look!” The other one cried as they watched two other men coming towards them, both in uniforms, one looking a blue and furry… and snarling. It was at that moment that the creature was struck by something that neither of them could see. It was as if a large wind had spun him around. The police were pulling out their guns and both detectives ran over to Erik Xavier. “What is going on here?” “I am sorry that you and your people are caught in this. These are my brother’s people. Mutant’s that have been misguided; brainwashed into believing that they are superior to all others. My people have been tracking them down for some time now.” “Your people?” “Yes, we are called, The Brotherhood, and we stand for peaceful co-existence between mutants and homo-sapiens. Tell your men not to shoot; there are too many innocents around here. Please, allow my people to try and take care of this for you.” They hesitated for only a second and then nodded. The one named Tom turned to a close by Sergeant. “Do not open fire! I repeat, do not open fire! Get this crowd of people away from here! NOW!” The white haired man smiled a wicked smile. “I suppose, Toad, that you can go play, now.” The Toad returned the grin, “You, Mastermind, are an asset to this organization.” As the Toad leapt into action, Jason Wyngrade chuckled. “Of course I am. A far greater asset than even Magneto realizes.” -X- Cyclops stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He couldn’t risk Blob hurting the Professor, but he had to do something. A quick glance to his right showed that Beast was losing his battle with whomever he was fighting. No help there. He had to risk it. Perhaps a tight, focused beam at his arm would release their mentor. Yet, what if it didn’t? What if he failed and the Professor was killed? Could he live with that on his conscience? He didn’t have to answer the question as Angel came swooping down from behind The Blob, grabbing at the Professor and taking him out of the large man’s arms. “No problem, one eye, I’ve got him! Now let her rip!” Scott’s jaw set as he let loose with his optic beam, nailing Blob dead center. His jaw tightened even more when he realized that the blast had no effect, and the huge mammoth was still standing… in fact he was laughing. “Now that tickled. My turn.” -X- Beast was doing everything that he could to get in a swing at Quicksilver, but as swift and agile as he was, he just wasn’t fast enough. He quickly decided that retreat was the better part of valor as he made a giant leap out of the speedster’s path. As he flew into the air, he found himself surrounded by several dozen oversized vultures which began to attack him. He flailed his arms wildly as he hit the ground hard, the buzzards pressing their advantage. Quicksilver laughed, knowing that his sister had done her magic, and done it well. He turned his attention to the one attacking Blob and headed towards him. Just as he was about to reach him, the hood from one of the police cars came out of nowhere and was suddenly in front of him. He had no time to stop and ran full tilt into the piece of metal. He bounced off of it and fell backwards onto the pavement. “I don’t know who you are,” the voice of Marvel Girl said, “But you don’t mess with my boys.” -X- Even though Cyclops fired again, he could not damage Blob at all, until he saw the ice form under the man’s feet. A small smile crept across his face as he fired one more time, giving himself nearly full strength, and this time when it struck, The Blob lost his footing and fell to the ground. “I say we give this guy the cold shoulder,” Iceman said as he came in on one of the ice-sleds he had been practicing, and let loose with enough ice to freeze The Blobs arms to the ground. “Thanks for the assist,” Cyclops nodded. “Anytime, boss man; by the way, where is the Professor?” Scott turned to point, only to find that their mentor was no longer anywhere to be seen. His head went back and forth in confusion, scanning the area, but there was no sign of him. “Dammit, we’ve been set up!” “And now you’re going to be taken down,” The Toad exclaimed as he came bounding down upon Cyclops, knocking the team leader to the ground. Iceman let loose with another blast, but at the last second, the ice bolt swerved from its intended target and struck Cyclops, knocking him unconscious. “Now that’s the way to work as a team,” The Toad exclaimed as he winked at The Scarlet Witch, who hovered above the battle with her arms stretched out in front of her. -X- Marvel Girl focused, lifting up the same piece of metal that she had used to knock out the speedster when she heard the Professor’s voice behind her. “No, don’t.” Jean stopped, turning around to see the Professor wheeling up to her. “They are too strong. We must retreat, now.” “Are… are you sure?” “Look behind you, and you tell me.” She turned to find herself face to face with the man made of metal, “Who are you?” She demanded. “Colossus,” he replied with a Russian accent and then flicked her across the chin. She fell to the ground unconscious. -X- Angel had flown up into the air with the Professor when the man suddenly faded out of existence. Stunned, he hovered there for a moment, unsure of what had just happened. Then he noticed the young woman in red, also hovering, smiling sweetly at him. He arched an eyebrow and smiled back, soaring towards her. She held out her arms, almost as if she was inviting him into her embrace, but then her fingers began to move as did her lips. His smile faded as quickly as the Professor just had as he felt his wings become heavy. He looked behind him to see that they had been transmuted into lead, and then he plunged to the ground. The last thing he heard was the laughter of the young woman before he struck the Earth, and everything went to black. -X- The members of The Brotherhood gathered around the fallen X-Men, as the police and detectives came up to them as well. Detective Tom Cochran spoke, “Thank you, Brotherhood. We’ll take it from here.” Mastermind, or Erik Xavier, as he appeared to the law officers, shook his head. “As much as I wish I could do that, my friend. These mutants are extremely dangerous, and I’m afraid you don’t have the ability to hold them… yet. I suggest, though, that you tell your superiors to begin building a facility that can house these evil mutants, because the time is coming when they will all need to be locked up, and The Brotherhood will not have the room to do so.” “Now wait a minute,” one of the officers started to say, but never finished as all the heroes and villains seemed to just simply vanish before their eyes; even the dead body that had started the whole scenario. “What just happened?” One of them asked. “I don’t know,” Cochran replied. “But we’re going to have a helluva lot of paperwork to fill out on this one.” -X- In reality, The Brotherhood still stood where they were. Mastermind had cast a simple illusion to make it appear that they had left. “Collect them. Magneto wants them all brought to the base.” The Scarlet Witch said. “I don’t mean to be a David Downer, here, but we’re missing one,” The Toad said as he watched Colossus break the ice that had pinned down The Blob. They looked around. “The ice-boy,” Mastermind spat. “He got away.” Wanda turned to her brother who nodded and zipped off in a flash. -X- Pietro shot through the surrounding region, scouring the entire area. He raced by the spot where Bobby hid more than once, but seemed not to notice him. Finally he returned to the rest of the group. Iceman watched them talking, obviously upset at his escape, and then they turned to leave. As they did, he noticed that the one called Quicksilver glanced back in his direction for a moment, and Bobby held his breath… but than the speedster turned back, and they left. -X- As The Brotherhood got in their own jet and Mastermind took the controls, Colossus sat next to the son of Magneto, changing back into his normal form. “Why were we after these people, friend?” “Because they are not true believers. They do not understand that the world will soon come to hate and fear us. As my father has said, they must be eliminated for homo-superiors to claim their rightful place as the next step in the evolution of man.” Peter Rasputin said nothing, but he couldn’t help but wonder to himself why all men could not get along to begin with. Wasn’t that the way for humanity to make itself more evolved… for everyone? He glanced back at Pietro, but the young man turned away, refusing to look at him. -X- Their conversation had been long, but civil. In the end, though, both Erik and Charles had come to realize that what had separated them and their friendship- their hugely different beliefs- was still there. “So nothing has changed?” Charles asked, knowing the answer. The sadness in his voice did not go unnoticed by his one-time best friend. “No, Charles, I’m afraid it has not. I really did not expect it too. You were always a man of ideals, and that was and is a noble quality, but one that cannot exist in a world that has already shown that its hatred for anything different causes immediate fear and danger from those who will not accept change.” Charles leaned forward, “We can show them that change is alright, Erik. They can be taught that just because someone is different, does not make them something to be eliminated.” Erik shook his head, sadly, “Just as Hitler showed us, or Byron De La Beckwith, or James Earl Ray? Or perhaps Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney? And those are just some of the famous ones. The ones who took off the white sheets, the thin veil of decency that they hid behind. No, Charles, this is a root that must be pulled from this Earth before it even gets the chance to grow.” “What are you going to do, Erik?” “I’ve already done it, Charles. I’ve chosen to play their game, and by doing so, I’ve had to make sacrifices. You and your students, to be exact. The Brotherhood will be looked upon as heroes, while you and yours will be declared outlaws. I will gain the trust and the love of the American people, and then the people of the world, just as Martin Luthor King, Jr. did; however, I will not let the narrow minded and the bigoted eliminate me, or my followers. And I will make it where others were not able too… the White House. Then, and only then, will Homo-Sapiens finally get what is coming to them.” “It’s ludicrous,” Charles whispered. “You could never become President. You’re not even an American.” “Erik Lehnsherr isn’t, you’re right, old friend. But Erik Xavier, the poor older brother to the mutant terrorist known as Charles Xavier, is. And his story of triumph over his family’s humiliation will be the kind of story that the media will latch onto, and when they do, I’ll rise to power rather quickly.” “We’ll stop you.” “You’ll try,” Erik admitted. “And each time you do, you will just add fuel to the fire, and make my cause even more important to the American people.” As the man called Magneto walked towards the exit, he turned back one last time. “I am truly sorry, old friend, but your dream has already died before it even had a chance to be planted.” To Be Continued
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 12:37:01 GMT -5
Alex said: about time that this was posted. This was probably the marvel2 title I was anticipating the most. the X-Men are my favorite comics (alot to do with personal reasons, much like yours) and having Brian, i know that they will be given proper treatment. Just like your Spider-Man title, it's a big risk to start up where you did. I'm glad that it starts with the originals. I don't think there's enough stories with them out there and it's refreshing to see them as young and inexperienced as opposed to the battlefield veterans that are in 616. I'm interested if we will see any Ultimate elements incorporated. Overall, I thought it was good. I don't think you nailed it like Amazing Spider-Man, but you do have a bigger cast to work with and that's very challenging. Scott's personality here differs alot from his early portrayal in the early X-Men comics, so I was kinda taken off guard with him being so confrontational, instead of the quiet loner. I also wished Jean's character was more fleshed out in this issue, but i gather that she'll have her chance to shine later on. Warren, Bobby and Hank I thought were dead on. I LOLED at Hank's "Near Genius" line. It reminded me of Hank's initial portrayal in 616, when he was kinda arrogant. The portrayal of the bad guys seems right. Magneto was awfully convincing. I would've liked to see that scene fleshed out more, since it kinda seemed rushed to me. Overall, i think it was a good issue. Writing these characters isn't easy, since they are probably the most complex in comics. I'm looking forward to seeing how things develop. I'm sure the best is yest to come. alex Brian said: about time that this was posted. This was probably the marvel2 title I was anticipating the most. the X-Men are my favorite comics (alot to do with personal reasons, much like yours) and having Brian, i know that they will be given proper treatment. sorry about the delay, Alex. A slight miss understanding got this up late. Yep, it is a risk. Everything that I'm doing in this book is a risk. And let me tell ya, it's pretty darn nerve racking. I'm glad you like the first five getting their due. Even though others will be coming and going, the original's will be the focus. As the the Ultimates, I can't really say, since I've never read an Ultimate X-Men book. If there are things that are similar, it will be by conincidence only. Sorry you didn't think it was as strong as Spidey's opening. You are right, though, a larger cast, and a much richer history, makes for a bit more cautious opening issue. Scott's personality was a personal choice. There is a bit of that brooder in him, but I also wanted to make sure he was a strong and powerful leader, as well. But like everyone in life, he will have his moments of doubt, but when it comes to Jean, he has no doubts... yet. And speaking of Jean. Yep, she will be fleshed out much, much more. You are right, though. It is much harder to flesh out everyone in one issue, unless I went the full 32 pages that I wanted to do. LOL! Thanks for that. Especially with Hank. I'm not a very smart person, so writing his charactere seems exceptionally tough for me. I'm glad it came across well for you. Magneto's appearance was brief, on purpose. The way I have these first three issue's mapped out, Erik will be getting a lot more exposure, next issue. Thank you Alex (for every comment). I hope you hang in there with me on this one, cause my plan on this book is much like what I do over at DC2 with New Outsiders. Many little subplots that will brew and eventually come to the forefront. Thank you for reading and for responding. Don said: Good stuff here, Brian. I liked this, a solid first issue for the X-Men. I've always been a huge fan of the original members, and really prefer them to more modern incarnations. I liked the odd, in some cases slightly underwhelming, powers and the need to be a team to take on the majority of their threats. They were similar in the restart in the Seventies too, but these days I feel that's been lost to a very great deal. So I'm happy to see these guys get some more time in the sun. I liked the interactions, and it was very interesting to see Scott come out more strongly. That's a nice bit of characterization, and I can't wait to see more. All the various members are drawn well, some to greater or lesser degrees, but that's the nature of large casts. I have some notion about that myself, I'm sure you know . Can't wait to see the Brotherhood in action. Fantastic opening scene for Magneto, and ooo...Colossus on his team? Should be a humdinger of a showdown. Keep it up, and I look forward to more. Don l1701e said: Hey there! This is really good. I can't wait for more. I like that you used the original five X-Men. That was nice. I can't wait to see what a certain mutant wants with ol' Chuck. Universeman: Reading this issue, it reminded me of an episode of South Park. The boys, attempting to reclaim Kyle's brother's citizenship, travel to Canada to speak with the new Prime Minister. From there, the plot became a spoof of "The Wizard of Oz", and when they met the Wicked Witch's counterpart, this was said about him: Stan: Who's that? Doctor: That's Scott! He's a dick! That was the feeling I got from this book, because I hate Cyclops so damn much and in here, he's just like he is in the comics: an annoying tool with a rod up his ass. I hate Jean Grey too, but just because she annoys me. Enough of my complaining. This book was a great kickoff. Warren quickly jumps into the lead as my favorite character, with Hank as a close second and Bobby rounding out third. Meanwhile, the Brotherhood seems to have some of it's classic members. Here's hoping we see some of my favorites (Quicksilver, Mystique, the Juggernaut bitch, etc.) Good show. Keep it up. -UM Crow said: Like ALex I was most awaiting this title, because it is definitely my favorite Marvel Property. I think you did a great job! Scott annoyed me, and he is one of my top X-Men faves, but I can't say its bad-- he's the uptight leader who's insecure on the inside (as far as Jean goes) and he has what's best in mind for his team. And the hardest thing for anybody to do is to play "leader" over people who are his own peers, so I feel for him when he's called Teacher's Pet... because he kinda has to do what he does to keep his word with the Prof. Warren had character that I really enjoyed...normally I'm not into Warren because when he's written he's just a rich jerk with Wings... here he had his own inner conflicts and you did a great job making him conflict with Scott. In the blue corner you have rich kid who gets everything except for the most precious prize of them all, and o nthe otherside in the red corner you have normal kid with huge personality problem and disability (I.e. uncontrollable optic blast eyes) who not only has that precious prize but also leadership of the team. Henry is great where he is and his character speaks for itself... Bobby and Jean seem to be the quietest of the bunch as far as sticking out, but they have time. Again, agreeing with Alex, something about this made it feel not as strong as with Spidey, but for me I don't have a particular reason...but it also didn't feel bad either, so don't worry. I'm sure much awaits us so I am especially excited to see what happens next, especially seeing the Originals in action together... Charlie said: A beautiful debut, and damn worth the wait! I acknowledge everyone's criticisms of this piece of work Brian, but I wouldn't have trusted anyone else but you with writing this book. I mean, I was contemplating writing it, but it wouldn't have been anything like this piece. Yes, not as clear and concise as your ASM premiere, though you've got a team book here, the openings are always a bit... Loose? I'm sure that you'll tighten everything up as the story progresses! Hoo-Rah! Brian said: Good stuff here, Brian. I liked this, a solid first issue for the X-Men. I've always been a huge fan of the original members, and really prefer them to more modern incarnations. I liked the odd, in some cases slightly underwhelming, powers and the need to be a team to take on the majority of their threats. They were similar in the restart in the Seventies too, but these days I feel that's been lost to a very great deal. So I'm happy to see these guys get some more time in the sun. Thanks Don! The original 5 are in my top ten, and will be the core of the group, even if some other members tend to eventually show up. I really could have done four pages of character pieces alone, on this first issue, but Charlie has this thing about the stories not being twenty nine pages long. I'm also glad you liked the slightly stronger Scott. Glad you liked Maggie's first scene. The Brotherhood will be scene in all it's glory, next issue, and just wait til you see who Erik has gathered. ;D I thank you very much for reading, and responding. It means a lot, Sir! Brian said: Hey there! This is really good. I can't wait for more. I like that you used the original five X-Men. That was nice. As I've stated, I love the original five. They were the core of the group, and as Don mentioned, it's sad that they are rarely looked on like that, anymore. Marvel2 is going to rectify that issue. I thought that was pretty obvious: He wants to sell him a whole batch of Rogain. ;D Thank you very much for reading and responding. Brian said: Reading this issue, it reminded me of an episode of South Park. The boys, attempting to reclaim Kyle's brother's citizenship, travel to Canada to speak with the new Prime Minister. From there, the plot became a spoof of "The Wizard of Oz", and when they met the Wicked Witch's counterpart, this was said about him: Stan: Who's that? Doctor: That's Scott! He's a dick! That was the feeling I got from this book, because I hate Cyclops so damn much and in here, he's just like he is in the comics: an annoying tool with a rod up his ass. I hate Jean Grey too, but just because she annoys me. I love that episode of South Park! Of course there's very few South Park's that I haven't liked. No love for Scott and Jean?? So the argument begins. It has always seemed to me that fan's either love these two or just don't. Personally, I'm a big Scean fan. I'm sorry that he came off as a jerk in this first issue. That really wasn't my plan, but I did want to make him a very strong character. I hope that if you keep coming back, I can change your mind on both of these characters. Glad you liked the others! Warren, Scott, and Bobby are going to be the focus for the first arc, but everyone is going to get there due. As for the Brotherhood... the answer to your question will be revealed next issue. Of course, if there's anyone not in the Brotherhood, it doesn't mean that they aren't around. Thank you! I hope you keep reading! Brian said: Like ALex I was most awaiting this title, because it is definitely my favorite Marvel Property. Everytime someone says that, I get a big knot in my stomach. YOU GOT IT!!! That's damn near exactly what I was trying to get across with Scott. Personally, I didn't really want to even put in the Teacher's Pet, line, but from Warren's point of view, it makes sense. Warren is very much loved by many of the staff in Marvel2, and that will become very apparent as our first year continues. Again, I love the thoughts that you have put out here about the two of them. I think you're right on the money. Definately, Bobby and Jean will be stepping into the spot-lite, eventually. Everybody will get their turn, I promise. I am sorry that this first issue didn't have the same kick as Spidey did, and I'll do my best to make every issue better than the last one. Perhaps I should title the second issue: "No More Mutants..." ;D Thank you for reading and responding, Sir! It's always great to get your feedback. Brian said: A beautiful debut, and damn worth the wait! I acknowledge everyone's criticisms of this piece of work Brian, but I wouldn't have trusted anyone else but you with writing this book. I mean, I was contemplating writing it, but it wouldn't have been anything like this piece. Yes, not as clear and concise as your ASM premiere, though you've got a team book here, the openings are always a bit... Loose? I'm sure that you'll tighten everything up as the story progresses! Hoo-Rah! Thank you, my friend. This is actually the first time that I started a team book from the ground up. I probably should have had David do a three or four issue stint, first. He's always set me up real nice. ;D And I'm positive, Charlie, that had you written this book, it would have been awesome and mind blowing. Boris said: I think I read one or two issues of the X-Men in my whole life. I know them from the movies and the old cartoons. But I must say I liked it. The only think I didn't like too much was the code phrase... "Come to me, my X-Men!" That's soooooooooo cheesy. ;D I liked all the characters, even Scott. It's great to see you working with such different characters. It's really great. And Craigs cover is awesome, too. I gave you 5 stars. Crow said: In Brian's defense I have to say that the line "To me, my X-Men" is as part of the X-Men mythos as Xavier's wheelchair or Toad's tongue... I give him Kudos for attaching an easter egg of a phrase into the book someway or another Aaron said: Another hit, Brian. This seems to me to be a difficult title to take on, with the X-Men being such a popular concept, but you do a great job kicking things off. Everyone, I think, has his/her idea on how these characters should be presented, and that can be a fine tightrope to walk. Just give us YOUR versions, and I'm sure things will take care of themselves. I must echo a few sentiments and say that I'm SO glad you chose to focus on the original five X-Men. I've got a soft spot for this team, and you put across the characterizations perfectly. With such a large team, you really only can focus on a few players at a time, and I'm sure everone will get his/her due. I am a fan of Cyclops, and I like how he is already asserting a take charge personality, with the team as well as with Warren concerning Jean. Everyone (in the book) loves Jean, so it would be easy to assume Scott would play the jealous, protective boyfriend. The Beast, Angel and Iceman are spot on. Colossus as villain? Interesting idea, if that's actually where you're going with it. And I like Magneto as a slick persuader, other than the megamaniacal blowhard he was when he was first introduced in the 616. Much more creepy, and more formidable a threat when you consider how staggeringly powerful he is. As an aside, will you be introducing more of the "Giant size" characters to perhaps be spun off in a different X-title? God knows how many of the damn things are in the 616, with X-Force, X-Factor, Young X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, X-Wives Club, X Marks the Spots, and so on. As always, a pleasure reading your work, and I can't wait for next issue. Brian said: I think I read one or two issues of the X-Men in my whole life. I know them from the movies and the old cartoons. But I must say I liked it. The only think I didn't like too much was the code phrase... "Come to me, my X-Men!" That's soooooooooo cheesy. ;D I liked all the characters, even Scott. It's great to see you working with such different characters. It's really great. And Craigs cover is awesome, too. I gave you 5 stars. Thank you, and I'm very glad that you liked it. Also, thank you Masoud for the support of that infamous line. LOL! To be honest, though, I thought it was cheesy as well. Just as cheesy as "Face it Tiger, you just hit the jackpot." over in Spider-Man. But Crow is right, it is part of the mythos, and I just couldn't, not, put it in there. I hope you come back and keep reading. I'll do my best to make you a fan of the world of mutants. Brian said: Another hit, Brian. This seems to me to be a difficult title to take on, with the X-Men being such a popular concept, but you do a great job kicking things off. Everyone, I think, has his/her idea on how these characters should be presented, and that can be a fine tightrope to walk. Just give us YOUR versions, and I'm sure things will take care of themselves. Thank you, Aaron. This is a rough book since The X-Men can be a very polarizing subject. You are correct, though, all I can do is write the version that I feel comfortable with, and hope that readers enjoy it. You bet, everyone will get there time in the sun (one of them, without eating it. ). And I'm very pleased that the original five are as much other people's favorites as they are mine. I will say that in the first six months, there will be some changes in membership, but the original five will always be the core of this team. I'm glad you like Scott, so far, but like real life, everyone has good and not so good qualities to them. But I wanted to make sure that it was understood that Scott is the team leader, and he takes that responsibility very seriously. And yes, everyone on the team does seem to have a special fondness for Jean, so you are right, Scott's a bit jealous, and probably a tad insecure as well. Colossus' story, I hope, will be an interesting one as well, as well as the rest of the members of Marvel2's Brotherhood. As for Magneto, himself... his characterization is not all my doing. I want that to be known right from the start. I had an idea of what I wanted to do with him, and thanks to three people, I was able to adjust and solidify my plans. So Don, Kevin, and Sir Ian McKellen have had a hand in the building of that character. No plans for another X title in the near future, but the X-Men roster will be growing. There's a lot of rooms in the mansion that need to be filled, you know. And as always, it is a pleasure to receive your feedback. I hope you continue to enjoy this title. Thank you, my friend! Swgb24 said: Well, I suppouse I'm a little late in reading it, but I do have some things to say, Overall, excellent introductory issue. I think the opening scene however trampled over the rest of the issue by far, it captured Magneto perfectly! I would have liked to seen, as mentioned in previous posts, the Jean character fleshed out slightly further, and I am interested as to where this arc will go! I didn't think this was quite as strong as Spider-Man #1, but I feel that may be simply because I am in love with him, and have had a love/hate relationship with the X-Men . Anyways, cannot wait to read more! 4 Stars! James said: It was good. Not as good as your Spiderman, but good. Loved the Magneto scene, unless that's the last time we see Peter's family alive. In which case I hated the Magento scene. But like Erik's intro, always been one of my favorite Marvel Villains. Banshee's scene was good too. You did a great job with the characterizations of the x-men, and perticularly love your handle on Beast. Then there's Scott and Jean. I don't like Scott. I've never liked Scott, he's always come across as far to one dementional for me, and add in the fact there nearly EVERY SINGLE MAJOR X-RELATED STORYLINE has to feature the Summer's clan in some way, and well I really tend to tire of him. That being said, you do get across his 'strict' personality, and in the end it's not that he's badly written, it's just that I don't like him. And Jean. Jean, Jean, Jean, Jean. Everybody Love Jean. And it annoys the hell out of me. Nothing against Jean personally, but my god, just cause she was the only original female x-men doesn't mean the other five HAD to swoon over her. That being said it's still early in the game and there's no real evidence that Hank, Bobby, or even Charles has such feeling towards her. Then we come to the fight scene near the end. I'll have to admit to it confusing me a bit. Blob walks up, and unless he really DOES say "Can you spare a LIFE," he doesn't really do anything I seem to see as threatening. Which makes it strange that Chuck's bodyguard, (Whom I appolozige for having NO idea who he is.) starts trying to open a can to 'whoop-ass' on him. And yeah the "To ME my X-Men!" line was corny, but heck, it's classic cornyness. ;D Overall a decent, if not great issue, but certainly more then good enough to get me to come back next month to see what happens. James. Brian said: Well, I suppouse I'm a little late in reading it, but I do have some things to say, and I do appreciate that! Glad you liked his introduction, even if it did seem to over shadow the rest of the issue for you. Jean will definately be fleshed out more, as will Bobby and Hank. And I don't think you're the only one. I think any real fan of the X-Men franchise has a certain love/hate with them. I just hope as this book grows, you'll end up loving Marvel2's version, more than hating it. Thanks for the feedback! It is greatly appreciated. Brian said: It was good. Not as good as your Spiderman, but good. CURSE YOU SPIDEY!!! You loom over everything I do! ;D I promise you, Peter's family is not dead. glad you liked it. just don't forget about him... That's very nice to hear, since of the five of them, Hank scares the bajeebees out of me. But he's always liked you. Seriously, though, this helps prove my point that X-Men fans seem to be very passionate about who they enjoy and don't like. Personally, Scott and family has always been one of my favorite part of the mythos, at the same time, I could careless if Wolverine never shows up. (Which doesn't mean that Logan won't eventually appear, or that I won't do my best to make him interesting and fresh), it's just personal preference. Perhaps I can change your mind about Scott, as the story progresses. Honest, just the other day he couldn't stop talking about how much he liked you! Thank you for the compliment, Sir. There will always be a special bond between the boys and Jean, but I promise that all of them are not going to fall all over each other to impress her. Excellent! You are RIGHT! Charlie's bodyguard did attack first! Without provication. Interesting, huh? You were not wrong about that at all. Good catch! (Oh, and the bodyguard was pretty much a red shirt, you shouldn't have recognized him) Glad you liked it! ;D Glad you'll be back. Some of the things that you have brought up will be answered... and others won't... yet! thank you very much for reading and responding. Remember... Scott cares about you... ;D Adam said: hey brian, read the issue and thought it was a decent start. i liked the whole scott vs. warren angle. i thought that was pretty unique since it hadn't been done before. it really read like a first issue of a classic x-men story. i also like that you made up that 12 foot guy (at least i hope you did, if not i feel like a schmuck) and i hope there is more development of that character. plus...is there a possible addition of a Thunderbird that stays around for a while in the future? -adumb messinger Brian said: hey brian, read the issue and thought it was a decent start. i liked the whole scott vs. warren angle. i thought that was pretty unique since it hadn't been done before. it really read like a first issue of a classic x-men story. i also like that you made up that 12 foot guy (at least i hope you did, if not i feel like a schmuck) and i hope there is more development of that character. plus...is there a possible addition of a Thunderbird that stays around for a while in the future? -adumb messinger Well, in the original, Warren did have a bit of a crush on Jean, but I've just taken it one step forward. The 12 foot guy is a made up character, but as I said before, he was pretty much a red shirt, so he really won't be around any longer. As for Thunderbird... well, there is a huge cast of X-characters out there, and you never know who may show up, and when... or how. Thanks for taking the time to read and give us your thoughts. It's much appreciated! Merai said: Finally getting around to commenting on this; firstly, I'm sorry that despite editing it, I didn't get to put it up due to other concerns; entirely my fault. Secondly, despite editing it, I wanted to chip in with my two cents, because I LOVED this issue! I'm someone who has always wanted to like the X-Men. What I mean by that is; I can get behind the mutants when it's a small, core group of well-known characters, but as soon as we're dealing with Warpath or Northstar or whatever, I'm out. I find the series becomes too cluttered and too confusing. Which is why this was such a breath of fresh air for me as I went through it! Brian is, as he has shown time and time again, an extraordinarily gifted writer, and that comes across throughout this issue as we see each character show their personality, while setting everything up for future issues. I enjoyed the training session with the Original Five- even though none of them are totally fleshed out here, we do see snippets, and that's enough. I confess I have never been one of the "Cyclops is a dick!" people. See to my mind, Cyclops is cool. I know I seem to be one of the few people who thinks it, but to me, Wolverine was always the dick and I like Cyclops, even if he is a bit too stiff sometimes. And I thought you captured that really well; he's aggressive without making you want to hit him, and he's a great leader. The banter was particularly enjoyable, especially Beast's little "..NEAR genius?" line. The interaction with the X-Men themselves was great. It was the first and last scene where I think you knocked it out of the park. I am a self professed Magneto fan, and he's one of my favourite characters in comicdom, and I loved the first scene. To begin the comic with a home burning to the ground and Magneto recruiting Colossus was a bold move, and it definitely worked. You manage to create intrigue, give us a glimpse into your take on Magneto and set up plot points all in a very short period of time, and I felt the dialogue here was pitch perfect. I think it was this scene which catapulted the issue from four stars to five in my book. And as for that ending, I mean c'mon- "To me, My X-Men?" You certainly have a knack for great finishing lines. Do I even need to start on how great that cover was- Marvel2's cover standard has been unbelievably good so far! ...So yes, I was the editor and therefore not an entirely neutral observer, but I had very strong feelings on this so I wanted to chip in! Brian said: Finally getting around to commenting on this; firstly, I'm sorry that despite editing it, I didn't get to put it up due to other concerns; entirely my fault. No fault at all, my friend. I appreciate everything you did. The real world will always come knocking, and as dedicated as we all are, responsibilities outside of this wonderful hobby is still more important. Thank you! I think everyone has their favorite mutants and one's they don't like, and as someone famous once said, "You can't please everyone all the time." , but I do hope that the mutants that do show up will please most people. Still, the focus will remain pretty much on the original's (and maybe a few second generation) Again, thank you. I'm not sure I'm extraordinarily gifted, but everything I've learned in the last few years, I've learned from everyone who's ever written here, on DC2 and DC3. Everyone has taught me something. Glad you liked the original five, and each will have a more developed character. I promise. Another Scott fan! Sometimes I feel like there aren't many of us, left. I couldn't agree more with your thoughts on Scott. Also glad you liked Hank's line. I'm pleased that so many enjoyed Magneto's first appearance. Occasionally I do write something that I end up liking, and I have to admit that I enjoyed writing that scene. And I couldn't be happier that you did! Thank you! And the cover was awesome! Zirron said: One thing that I "Marvel" at is the quality of the writers that have come in and done a bang-up job in getting this thing going. Brian is one of my favourite writers, because it's easy to read and always seems to be a good tale. ***** is my rating, Brian. The cover was the main reason that I read the book.. the cover just is awesomeness that will draw a reader to this fine book. Well done guys!! Brian said: One thing that I "Marvel" at is the quality of the writers that have come in and done a bang-up job in getting this thing going. Brian is one of my favourite writers, because it's easy to read and always seems to be a good tale. ***** is my rating, Brian. The cover was the main reason that I read the book.. the cover just is awesomeness that will draw a reader to this fine book. Well done guys!! Thank you so much! I think the cover was amazing as well. Or is that uncanny? I hope you come back and read some more. Also, check out some of our other titles. Great works by great writers! l1701e said: As for Thunderbird... well, there is a huge cast of X-characters out there, and you never know who may show up, and when... or how. Hopefully, John Proudstar will get better treatment here than he did in the comics. Hope said: Very clear character relationships early on, a very mysterious but visibly awesome plot on the horizon (I can just see it.... almost there....) and I like Cyclop's characterization. My favorite character has been well-respected, except that you played him as jealous like in the movies. I hated the movies' characterization of Scott. Please, please don't follow their footsteps. Brian said: Very clear character relationships early on, a very mysterious but visibly awesome plot on the horizon (I can just see it.... almost there....) and I like Cyclop's characterization. My favorite character has been well-respected, except that you played him as jealous like in the movies. I hated the movies' characterization of Scott. Please, please don't follow their footsteps. Thanks Hope! Glad you enjoyed it, and I hope that this plot you are seeing may give you a twist or two. As for Scott, I wasn't impressed with his characterization in the movie either, at all, but I can't promise a little jealousy in the man, we are all human... mutant or not.
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 12:28:26 GMT -5
Uncanny X-Men Issue #1: “Gather the Children-- of the Atom!” Written by: Brian Burchette Several Months Ago… A thick cloud of black smoke rose into the grey sky, the smell of burning wood and mortar hung heavy in the air. The home burned, fire blazing brightly, giving the Rasputin family an eerie glow to their skin as they watched all of their belongings, their heirlooms, crumble into ashes. His mother was weeping; his little sister clutched him tightly, not wanting to look. He and his father were the only one’s who stood up straight and watched as their life disintegrated in front of them. Piotr Rasputin felt conflicting emotions course through his rigid body. Anger, hate, and yet, pity, all seemed to come together in a tidal wave. Tidal waves are dangerous things, and if one is not careful, they can be swept up in an undertow that will drag them away into the uncaring depths of despair. “Who did this?” The family turned to see an older gentleman, his hair a mixture of white and gray, standing behind them. He had a look of sadness on his face. His eyes, however, revealed more. There was hardness in them, a coldness that came with years of pain and suffering. “Who are you?” Piotr’s Father asked, stepping in front of the rest of his family. The man tilted his head to the right and gave an understanding smile. “You do not have to fear me; I come to you as a friend, not foe.” Piotr handed his sister over to his father, stepping forward to face the man in the dark trench coat, his Fedora being held in front of him. “The people from the town did this. They came in the middle of the night and set fire to our home. We barely made it out alive.” “Why did they do this?” The young Rasputin hesitated, unsure of how much to tell this gentleman, but he had nothing to fear, for the older man put him at ease. “It’s because you are different, isn’t it.” It was not a question at all, but a statement. Piotr looked into those penetrating eyes, feeling them burn right into the core of his being. He stared back into them, setting his jaw and nodding his head. This man already knew, Piotr wasn’t going to hide it, and by the look this stranger was giving him, he knew he didn’t have to. “How sad for them,” the stranger remarked. “Homo-sapiens, always trying to destroy that which is different. What if I told you that I could help you? I can take you with me, it will keep the rest of your family safe and protected. And in return, you can help me as well. You can join my cause. We may be different, but that does not mean we should hide. We were put here for a reason, and it is time that those like us… mutants… should embrace our destiny. Will you join me?’ Piotr considered the words, than turned and gazed again at his homestead, being laid to waste by fear and distrust. “I will help you.” The man smiled warmly and placed his hat back upon his head. “I shall send my associates here to help your family rebuild. They will have a new place standing in less than a day. I promise you that.” “Thank you. My name is Piotr Rasputin.” “I know. I am Erik Lehnsherr. Welcome to The Brotherhood.” -X- Dublin, Ireland was having an unusual spell of warm weather for the time of year that it was. The Isle was not known for its tropical heat waves, but as the gentleman named Sean Cassidy made his way through the narrow streets, searching out the man whose letter he held in his hand, he couldn’t help but wonder if global warming had finally taken over. He opened the door to the small pub, looking around at the handful of patrons that were milling about. It was the middle of the afternoon, so the little hole in the wall was no where near filled to capacity yet. <Over here, Mr. Cassidy>Sean jumped, startled by the voice. He looked towards the corner and saw a very well dressed bald man in a wheelchair nodding at him. He was several feet away, yet if this was the man he was suppose to meet, the voice had seemed like it was right next to him… or even closer. When he sat down across from the man, he couldn’t help but notice the way this American was looking at him. It made him uncomfortable, as if he were on display. “What kin I do for ya?” Sean Cassidy asked the man after a moment of silence. “I think perhaps, it’s what we can do for each other…” -X- “Down in front!” Warren Worthington III cried as his pure white wings caught a down draft soared over the head of his buddy, Hank McCoy; grabbing a large robot and slamming him against the far wall. “An exquisite execution, Warren!” Hank stated as he lifted his furry blue body into the air, leaping across the room and landing on the back of another robot. He let out a small growl and grunted as he ripped the head off another metallic foe. “Of course,” Warren replied with a grin as he soared past him again, giving the doctor a grin so wide his teeth sparkled in the light. “It must be the abundance of modesty that you contain that gives you your edge with the ladies.” “That and a few other things,” Warren winked, but then was caught by a metal tentacle that wrapped itself around his ankle and brought him smashing onto the floor. The blond playboy cried out in surprise and pain as he felt a cold breeze whisk by him. He turned to see the mechanical monstrosity being frozen into an ice block. “Go ahead, you can thank me now,” Bobby Drake said as he brought his ice slide up beside his team-mate. Warren lay on the ground looking up at him with frustration on his face. “Yeah, real nice, Bobby, he’s still got my leg trapped; only now we can’t get to him to get me released.” “Oops, sorry about that,” Bobby said. “I know you can’t see it, but I’m blushing.” “A little help here would be greatly appreciated,” Henry called out as he leapt from one robot to the next, dodging their swings and the electrical bolts that were coming from the base of their arms. “Be right back,” Bobby said as he took off. “Don’t you dare leave me like... Oh for pete’s sake!” Warren said as he turned around to figure out away to release himself, only to see another robot hovering over him. “Well this officially sucks.” Bobby weaved between the three mechanical villains that had cornered Hank, hitting one with solid ice balls that knocked it back, giving Hank the room he needed to spring from the corner launch a counter-attack that sent him flying into the air and landing on two of the robots backs and slamming them into each other with the force of a pile driver. “Not bad, fuzzy!” Bobby laughed as he froze two more, knocking them over on his return trip. “Now excuse me while I go get our friend out of trouble.” “I don’t need your help,” Warren shouted in anger while desperately trying to pull the metal rope from his leg, while dodging the final menace. “Well… okay… maybe…” “Don’t start molting on me; I’ve got your back.” Warren watched the metal rope turn to solid ice; then brought his fist down on top of it, smashing it all to smithereens. He was getting to his feet when he saw Bobby go flying into Hank, both of them landing hard into the wall; falling to the floor, stunned. The blond mutant turned to find himself facing the last robot, which had grown to five times its size. His eyes seemed to bulge in his head as he narrowly dodged a large fist that slammed into the metal floor. “Umm, guys, you can both wake up now.” He flew past the other fist that swung at him, hoping to get to his friends, when he saw the giant metal golem begin to rise in the air. It thrashed about for a few seconds, trying to get its footing, when a large ruby blast of energy struck it dead center; shattering it into a million pieces. Warren turned in the air to see the remaining two students standing in the doorway of the exercise room. Scott Summers was placing his ruby quartz glasses back in place, a dour look on his face. Next to him was Jean Grey. Jean. The most beautiful woman he had ever known; and he had known a lot of women in his young life. You weren’t the son of one of the richest men in all of the United States without getting some fringe benefits. Conflicted between his happiness of seeing Jean and his annoyance of the save from Scott, he blended the two emotions together and found himself angry. “What the hell did you do that for?! I was taking care of the situation!” Scott strode into the room. “Not from where I was standing. You were out-gunned and out-classed ten to one. With both Bobby and Henry down, you should have went for the fail safe and turned off the program.” Warren flew down to within an inch of his face. “What purpose would that have done? When we’re out there,” he was shouting, his fingers pointing to the outer world, “We’re not going to have some fail safe switch that will turn off the danger!” “There is no danger out there,” Scott said, his voice remaining neutral. “Than what has the Professor been training us for? Answer me that, Mr. Star Pupil!” “He’s been training us so that we can keep control of our powers, Warren. So that when the time comes for us to enter the real world, we can be prepared.” “Okay… prepared for what?!” “ Boys!” Jean shouted. The two young men realized that Jean had left them and was helping Hank up; Bobby still lay on the floor unconscious. They broke off their exchange to help their fallen comrade. “We better get him down to the infirmary,” Scott said as he examined Bobby. “Could be a minor concussion. I’d still like to know what you three were trying to do. You had nobody monitoring you.” “Scott, not now,” Jean chided gently. The Summers boy said nothing further as they carried their friend from the room, but the looks that Warren and Scott gave each other spoke volumes. -X- “When did the Professor say he was going to be back?” Bobby asked a couple of hours later as he lay in the bed in his room. “Before midnight is all he told me,” Scott answered, leaning against the door to the dorm room. Henry McCoy had finished checking his pupils for the third time since the incident. “Do not worry, my young friend, I have it on good authority that we will not be ratted out. And since the bump on your head is not concussive in nature, the Professor shall remain none the wiser.” “Until he reads our minds,” Bobby mumbled. “Yes, until then,” Hank nodded. Scott grunted, “You’re just lucky that Henry leapt ahead about seven years of schooling. The Professor would not have been happy if we had had to drag you to a hospital. His near genius intellect saved your butt.” “Oh good, now I get the lecture from big brother,” Bobby muttered. “You want a lecture,” Scott started. “Let’s start with the fact that…” Hank raised his blue furred hand to silence him. “Please, Scott, let us back track for a moment. Near genius?” The three of them stared at each other for a moment before Scott broke it by sighing and walking out the door. Hank turned to the youngest member of their exclusive school and winked at him. “Thanks,” Bobby said with a grin. “Anytime.” -X- Jean Grey walked down the hall of the mansion, heading towards the library to finish up her last paper when she heard the clearing of a throat. She turned slightly to see Warren standing at the end of the corridor with his arms folded in front of him. “Going my way?” “I have a feeling that I’m not fast enough for your way.” She smiled in spite of herself. “No problem, we can always stay in the far right lane,” he replied with a wink as he walked up to her. “I was just about to head to the kitchen for a snack, care to join me?” “Well, I was headed in the other direction, but I guess I can spare a few more minutes, and I could use some caffeine.” They walked toward the kitchen together, an odd silence between the two of them. For Jean is was rather amusing as she watched, out of the corner of her eye, and saw him opening and then closing his mouth several times. For Warren, it was just plain uncomfortable. There he was standing next to the most beautiful young woman he had ever seen, and he couldn’t think of a single thing to say… well nothing that wouldn’t come out stupid or like some kind of cheap pass. Entering the kitchen, they both grabbed sodas and Warren began to make himself a sandwich. He dropped the knife twice, banging his head on the counter on his second retrieval of the item. “You’re a bit clumsy tonight.” Jean mused. “Yeah, don’t know why. I guess that work out was more exhausting than I realized. Sure I can’t make you a sandwich?” “I’ll pass, but thanks. Well, it was nice talking to you, Warren.” As she turned to leave, Warren blurted it out without realizing it. “Do you want to go to the movies this weekend?” She stopped and turned back around. Her smile lit up the room, and his heart. “Oh Warren, I already am.” “With Scott?” It was half question, half statement. “Yes, with me,” the voice of Scott Summers said from behind Jean. They both turned, startled at his sudden appearance. “You sure you don’t have an extra power of stealth, because you’re getting very good at appearing without being heard.” Jean said with a little laugh. Scott smiled at her. “Guess it’s the training. I thought we were meeting in the library?” “I’m on my way now, just stopping to get some caffeine. You want anything?” “I’ll get it and meet you there,” he said as he squeezed her hand and watched her walk away. She looked back once, smiled, and turned the corner. Summers turned back to see Warren, who was blatantly watching her leaave. “You just think everything is yours, don’t you?” Warren cleared his throat and went back to making his sandwich. “I don’t know what you mean.” Walking up to the young, blond man, he leaned into his left ear. “Yes you do. Warren Worthington the Third, heir to a fortune, and already following in his daddy’s footsteps.” The knife, which was layering mustard on a slice of wheat, stopped moving. “Don’t go there, Scott.” “Then don’t go near Jean. You’ve got a lot of nerve asking her out when you know we’re dating. You can have any woman in the world, Warren, don’t even try to go after mine; you’ll live to regret it.” Warren swung around, his face on fire. “Are you threatening me?” The ruby quartz glasses stared directly into the other man’s eyes. “If that’s how you want to take it, go for it.” “Just ‘cause you’re the teachers pet, doesn’t give you the right to bully us around, or threaten us. If Jean decides she wants to go out with me, there’s not much you can do about it, is there?” Scott scoffed. “Trust me; Jean doesn’t want anything to do with you.” Warren couldn’t help but smile. “Now if that were true, you wouldn’t be in here acting like a jealous boyfriend, would you?” The last statement hung between them for an eternity. Finally Scott Summers turned around and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Warren alone with his thoughts. -X- Professor Charles Xavier’s plane landed on time and his personal assistant, Royce Lindsey was waiting for him. He wheeled the foremost leader of genetic research, towards the black limo that was parked in the handicapped spot, just outside of LaGuardia airport. Opening the car door, the large man lifted Charles easily from the chair and placed him in the back seat. He picked up the chair, folded it, and placed it in the trunk. As he closed the lid, a figure was standing next to the car, and next to him. He was dressed in only a pair of shorts, and his girth was enormous. “Hey there buddy, can you spare a life?” Reacting on instinct, Royce’s body suddenly grew an extra five feet, making him over twelve feet tall. People began to scream at the sudden appearance of the giant that had sprung up in their midst. Royce swung his fist and landed a punch that seemed to go right into the soft flesh of the man next to him, and then he became stuck. “Poor guy, you might be bigger, but you ain’t gonna take down The Blob ‘less I wants you to. And pal, I don’t wants you to.” Something wet and slimy wrapped around the bodyguards throat, and he was pulled backwards. As his arm was still stuck in the Blob’s stomach, he suddenly found himself being strangled by what felt like an extremely large tongue. “That’s myy buddy, The Toad. He’s a real pal, ya know. Hey, you’re not lookin’ to good. Kindda turnin’ blue.” The Toad, who was squatting on the top of the awning, dressed in leather and bizarre looking goggles on is face. His mouth was wide open and the elongated tongue of his was shaking as he continued to strangle Royce. “What is going on out there?” The Professor shouted out as he turned in time to see his friend and bodyguard fall to the ground with a large crash, causing the ground to shake and even more people to scream in panic. Guards had appeared and began to fire upon the one called The Blob, but the bullets seemed to be absorbed right into him, and then repelled, three of which hit two officers, who dropped to the ground; one dead, the other dying. This is impossible, Charles thought, I should have detected them. I can’t seem to get into either one of their minds. I don’t understand.“Enough playing, Blob, get him out of there and lets go.” The Blob picked up the car and turned it on its side, shaking it as if it were nothing more than a box of candy. The passenger fell out, tumbling to the cement and landing on his stomach. He raised himself up by his hands. “Who are you? What do you want with me?!” The Toad smiled and spread his arms out, “Greetings from The Brotherhood, Professor. Our leader has sent us to retrieve you. It seems you both have some unfinished business that he would like to take care of.” One last chance, Xavier thought as his mind went back to a discussion he had had with Scott Summers, only months ago. He didn’t want to do it, but it was coming to pass, as he feared it would. He closed his eyes and sent out the message. Four Months Ago: “You wanted to see me, Professor?” Scott asked as he entered Charles’ private office. “Yes Scott, please have a seat. I wanted to let you know that for the next few months, I am going to be making several trips abroad. Although my staff will still be here to help you all finish up your studies, I’m looking to you, Scott, to keep the classes trainings up. You’re a natural born leader, and I’m depending on you to keep them in line and trained. I want you to especially focus on team work. It’s very important that they continue to practice on how to fight efficiently as one unit.” “Of course, Professor, but if you don’t mind me asking; is something wrong?” The Professor’s eyes were intense, but calm. “Not at the moment; however, we must be prepared for the future, Scott. The facts about mutants are just now really starting to come out to the general public, and who knows which way the wind will blow, once the discussions begin. I will do my best to speak on our behalf, but history in this country has shown us that fear often leads to bigotry.” Scott nodded in agreement. “I’ll make sure we stay on course, Professor.” Charles let out a heavy sigh. “One more thing, Scott: I hope this never comes to pass, but if it does, I want you to be prepared. Someday, I may need your help – all of you. If that day does happen, than I want you to know that there in sub-basement three, the code to the room on the far left is EL22413. In there, you will find uniforms that I will expect you to wear.” “You’re starting to worry me, Professor.” Xavier shook his head, “No, Scott, don’t be. I’ve just done everything I could to prepare, in case of an emergency, and this is my final instructions. Now, one last thing, and we will be done. If I ever need all of you, if there is a real threat or danger to yourselves, or to me, I will give you a code phrase. If you ever receive it, than you know that it is time to put all of your training to work.” “Okay, Professor… what is the phrase?” Now: Bobby Drake was in his room, lying on his bed with his Advanced Physics book lying open, next to him. He had discarded it for a Playboy he had purchased in town the week before. Warren Worthington sat in the kitchen, eating his sandwich and stewing over his confrontation with a man he knew was his friend, but was having a hard time believing it at the moment. Hank McCoy was in the main laboratory that the Professor had created for him at the beginning of his senior year. It was in sub-basement two, and where Hank spent almost all of his time now. For as the others were about to graduate with college degrees, the genius of Henry McCoy had propelled him into an early doctoral program. Scott Summer and Jean Grey sat in the library, going over history books as they each worked on their own final essays. Occasionally they would each sneak a glance at the other and smile. The message came to all of them at the same moment, loudly, and in the center of their minds: To me, my X-Men!Scott’s blood ran cold as he looked up at Jean. The phrase had been given, the time had arrived, and he knew that their lives were never going to be the same again… To Be Continued
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:58:02 GMT -5
We never did see Astonishing Tales #4 hit the Marvel2, but it would be a shame not to share the brilliant cover Boris put together for it. Consider it a lost classic!
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:57:05 GMT -5
Brian said: I thnk I just saw Don drive by my house. He was honking the horn and shouting at me to read Astonishing Tales #3! So I did, and once again am glad that I did! Egghead (my personal favorite Pym villain) was smartly written here and Hank is really coming into his own. It's pretty obvious when a writer not only understands the characters, but really appreciates them, and Don does just that with Hank, Bill, Jan, and the rest. My hat is off to him, he's made these characters real and desirable to read. If there was one little picky thing (and I rarely try to do that), but this is the second time Jan has been put into the situation of damsel in distress. However, I also know Don, and I think it's pretty obvious where that is leading. All in all, a fantastic read and 5 well deserved stars! I'll be back next month! Don said: Thanks for the kind words, Brian. I do indeed love these guys and I agree, I was a bit worried about making off with Jan so soon again. But it's who David would go after, it's his reason for existence right now, so we'll have to deal, I suppose. Those maniacs, and their sexist ways. On the other hand, I'm sure Jan will figure out something to do about the situation. And now, for all those people who were complaining about not enough productivity and the lack of happening on this site...time to speak up and comment on the title already! Sheesh! LOL take care Don Aaron said: Another month and another terrific issue of Astonishing Tales. As always, the characters are brilliantly portrayed and the story moves at a satisfying pace. It's obvious Cannon would go after Jan again, given his obsession with her. And hell, now he's got superpowers to boot. Poor Janet. The girl can't help being irresistible. All of the characters in this title are interesting and entertaining for me, not a weak one to be found. The descriptions of Hank adjusting to his new powers are excellently presented. It wouldn't be blase like "oh, I can shrink and talk to ants now, no big deal." Hank really has to get used to his powers, and logically that would take an adjustment period. Egghead and Whirlwind are written as two classic, old school villains. I could write this next part with my eyes closed, as it seems that's all I can say about this book: great job, great title, can't wait for next ish. Don said: Glad to hear you're enjoying, Aaron. With powers like shrinking, the heroes really do need strong personalities to carry the title. LOL Seriously though, glad to hear that they're all enjoyable to one extent or another. Exploring what it means to be small enough to ride an ant like a horse is a lot of fun, a great mental exercise to engage in. More than that, I'm not a big bug lover. So it's great to stretch my mind out and imagine what it must be like to be so fascinated with insects that being smaller than one doesn't freak a person out, and to touch or ride one...well, it's fun to imagine. The showdown with Egghead and Whirlwind, Egghead's plot revealed and the fate of Jan all get revealed next issue, along with a new hero added to the mix, so see you all in a month! And thanks to Pat for great editing and big thanks to Riz for sticking out the last couple of issues for me. This one was a wonderfully somber note to ring in echo with the issue's conclusion. Thanks guys! Take care don Hope said: Normally I don't like stories with too slow of a pace, but the characters are really selling it for me here. Build-up is definite key with these stories and I love how the bad guy went from creepy jor to creepy joe with powers. Very Shakespearean, or something.... I like that Hank is not quite "Ant-Man" on a psychological level yet, but I also really wish he'd get to super-heroing. Come on, you're killing me here! Sorry it took so long for the review to be made and keep up the good work! Skrull said: i cannot wait for the next issue. not too complain but the calendar said tht #4 was coming out the 8th it is past the 8th. what is the delay?
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:54:43 GMT -5
Brian said: If you know where I live, just remember: BYOB. Hank and Janet in the beginning, before the breakdowns, before the moment of violence. It's like stepping back into the past and remembering how fresh the air smelled, how bright and vivid the colors of life were. That's what this issue did for me. You've kept extremely close to the characteres basic personalities, and I love that. The showy, nearly Paris Hilton, Janet that the world sees, and the sharp and quick thinking Janet that the readers get to see: proven by her emergancy message to her father. Her gentle pushing to put Hank in the spot light as Ant-Man has me a bit nervous, since it feels like the road that has been traveled down before, but since it is also wonderful to see these characters before their lives became such a mess, I'm a bit confused on how I'm actually feeling about it. LOL! So with such a beautiful color, and a wonderful story, I was heading towards a great 4 star story... and then it happened: The villain that I love the most with Hank! Even better than Ultron! (I won't say the name cause everyone should find out on their own), but I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement. Now I'm wishing this mini was a weekly series. I don't know if I can wait! 5 stars! Aaron said: Wonderful cover. Never thought I'd be heaping praise upon a title that stars Ant-Man, but this is simply undeniable. I can't stress enough how much I'm enjoying this. The characterizations are absolutely spot on and entertaining. As was the case last issue, you've made me appreciate and actually like Hank Pym, and I didn't know if that was possible. And Janet is written just perfectly, both in her public and private life. Bill Foster is also given more to work with, and he's growing on me as well. Little things that stick out in my mind are: Janet actually naming Ant-Man, Bill's teasing of Hank and Hank's flustered personality, Vernon van Dyne and his trying to stay with Janet and say what she wants him to, the "ant-cave". The villain reveal that Brian doesn't want to talk about. This story is peppered with little moments and asides that I truly love. Fantastic stuff, Don, and what can I do to convince you to parley this into an Ant-Man/Wasp/Giant Man ongoing? Five stars. Hope said: Oh, excellent start and foreshadowing! The thing I really like about this version of Hank is that he did the whole hero thing once to save a friend, and then he was rushed into the whole tights and cape thing before he knew it. Jan is pushy and I love her for it! The characterizations are very close to the original comic versions, but still have a 21st Century tie to them. Hank Pym being a scientist who becomes a super-hero is a hard sell and I always thought the original comics made him jump into it too quickly. Now we can see why! Oh Janet.... I can't believe this is only going to be a Mini-Series! This stuff is good enough for its on title, truly! Looking forward to more! Pat said: Once again, as the editor I'm a little hesitant to comment but... The main thing I'm enjoying about this series is the light, fun feel to it. There is no angst and dark mood anywhere... it's a comic book story that feels like it came right out of the 1960s or early 1970s. While I do like some things dark and gritty, sometimes I just want to sit back and enjoy a 'feel good' comic... and this is providing that sort of feel. I would like to see some forward movement with Hank's ex-wife and brother and see what they are up to... and Jan is still annoying to me... but I really like the way that Hank and Bill are coming across... two close friends that will eventually (I think) share some adventures too. Hank fits the part that Don is painting him in right now. I dislike the notion that he has to be a wife-beating and slightly emotionally weak guy. This version is the Hank Pym I want to read about. And that cover... right on the money. Charlie said: Oh, Hank. Defined by one moment in one issue way back when, and we all know you're not that wife beater you were made out to be. Wasn't he mind controlled or something? On the edge of a nervous break down? I just feel sorry for the guy. Hate him in the Ultimate Universe, but pity him in the MU proper. But this guy? This Hank Pym? This is the kind of guy I can get behind! This is really harkening back to an era of comics I enjoyed reading in the Essential editions, and I can't wait for more story. Like I said in my Mighty Thor review, KEEP IT UP! Don't let me down, Walsh. Mouseman68 said: GREAT SERIES!!! This is Hank and Janet at their best! 5 stars on this one. I really don't know where to begin. Probably with the characters themselves. I've always liked Janet as the strong woman that Marvel finally built her up to be, and here she comes right out of the gate that way. Pefect! Hank's self doubt is right on the money as well, although I do hope that you don't go down the same road as Marvel with all the nervous breakdowns. Now, how long before he creates my favorite Marvel villain of all time? 5 very well deserved stars! Don said: It's thrilling to see that I'm really reaching all those people with characters that are at best iffy in a solo series. Hank and Jan are such long-standing members of the proper MU that they have engendered strong emotions and loyalties (or disloyalties LOL). I love these two, and as I've said before in this very sub-board, I've loved Hank because he's so different from other super-heroes. Kind of unsure of his place in the pantheon of powered humans, and downplaying his own intelligence and advancements. His lack of self-confidence and esteem. It's an important part, but rest assured, he will NOT be going down the wife-beater or nervous breakdown streets. While I had no problem with a couple of those storylines (they did make sense in many cases), they've been done. The "wife-beating" was a single punch done at a terrible point in his life, one he's hated and regretted and chastised himself over, and it was ONCE! And it was terrible and he paid horribly for it. It's a shame later writers wouldn't let him off the hook. Charlie sums it up for me: pity the MU Pym, hate the UU Pym. My Hank? Feel bad for some of his weaknesses, but I hope otherwise, you'll just thrill to his adventures as he comes to realize that he has some obligations, some responsibilities, and maybe there's just a hint of fun in all of this. Bill? Gaining powers? What sort of powers might those be? I've never heard of such a thing! LOL Don't worry...I like Bill as much as I like the Pyms, and he's going to be a strong part of the Astonishing lineup for a long time. Glad people are happy to see the villain of the piece. He's a fun figure, and I'm enjoying making him sort of the dark side of Hank. All the bad parts of his lack of confidence and esteem are being channeled into Egghead as the ultimate jealous rival. Greg and Maria make an appearance in the last two issues, though their actual story will only appear later, in... Astonishing Tales II! Oh yeah...we have a second four issue mini-series to continue the grand adventures, never fear. So keep reading and keep commenting and thanks for all the wonderful words. Take care Don
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:51:44 GMT -5
Charlie said: An action packed first issue, Don! The opening was a bit heavy on exposition, but the dialogue was tight, Henry and Bill were fun to see together (I'm a big fan of the old Avengers issues where Bill helped Hank return to his normal size) and the chase with Cannon was really cool! You've got a brilliant grasp of these characters and their nuances. Looks like we have a winner on our hands! Keep up the good work! Aaron said: I was never a big fan of Hank Pym before though I've always loved the Wasp, so I didn't know what to expect prior to reading this. I think the characterizations of Hank as the "wife-beater" have always left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm happy to report I enjoyed this issue immensely, even (especially) Hank. This is no morose abuser- here is a humble scientist who revels in his scientific triumphs even as he enters impromptu superheroics. I liked how he hesitated each time he used his "powers", as if he wasn't sure they were going to work and half expecting them not to. An almost, but not quite, bumbling persona that i found entertaining. And Janet is spot on. She really is adorable, with her somewhat naive, yet somehow worldly attitude, and that comes across plainly. Here's hoping she becomes the Wasp in this series, and maybe an eventual roster spot on the Avengers. Bill Foster didn't make much of an impression on me, other than he responds well to a crisis, but I expect he'll grow on me as his character is fleshed out. I absolutely loved the cover. Great start to this series, and I look forward to more. Pat said: Well, I'm not really sure if I'm supposed to reply, seeing I edit this title, but I wanted to say a few things. Don did a great job setting up this book. This was an origin story without being an origin story. We've got the beginning of the road map laid out, a hold on how some of our characters are going to be handled and a little mystery with Hanks brother and Ex-wife. I'm not a fan of the Wasp at all. Over all she's a character that is vapish and unlikable to me. Hank and Bill Foster are characters I do like however. Don seems to have a good sense of all of them. It'll be interesting to see where he goes with them all. The "Oh Boy" at the end brought memories of QUANTUM LEAP. The cover? Amazing. GREAT work. Don said: Thank you for all the nice comments so far, I'm glad the issue has made a good impact at this point. This is not an easy book to write. First of all, writing small heroes so they can be effective is tough work. LOL Hank (here and in the MU) has always suffered from low (to no) self-esteem. That's such a great trait to play with in a character who's a super-hero, so you'll be seeing him deal with that aspect of his career(s) as the issues continue to unfold. In fact, Bill will be touching on that in the very next issue, I believe. But he's actually interesting to write, because I think he's a lot like many of us: he just now has to learn "If at first you DO succeed, don't act surprised". There was a comment that Bill was dependable in a crisis: kind of the feel I wanted to get across. So I'm glad that stuck out. I didn't want him to outshine our star and starlet for the first issue, but I wanted his strongest traits to shine through, and for me where Bill was concerned, those traits is dependability and support. Don't you worry, his part only gets...larger in future issues. Janet is meant to be a bit...well...waspish in a way. Whimsical, flirty, with some intelligence of her own, but maybe not a ton of depth yet. She's young, she's a single daughter and heiress and she's got her own successful fashion design house, so I wanted her to come close to the line of today's "celebutante" without completely crossing the line into useless. Sounds like I got her there. Never fear, Jan-hater, I think she'll be growing on you as she grows herself as a character. But if she's not well-liked by everyone? that's okay, she's not meant to endear herself to each and every reader at this point. Avengers roster? Oh, I think people will find that interesting, but rest assured, two of our three stars will be there from the ground up. And yay! Pat got (and mentioned) the pop culture reference! One of them, anyway. Yes indeed, "Oh Boy" was stolen from Quantum Leap. I always loved that. Glad you enjoyed it too. See you all in thirty (well, for this title, and sooner with others) Don Brian said: This was an excellent, damn near perfect, introduction to Hank, Janet, and all the rest. The oh boy made me chuckle, but the Dammit Janet was what made me laugh out loud. I almost thought Cannon was going to break into song. The two main characters were done perfectly here, really showing Henry's desire to be the hero he wants to be, but unsure of himself. Janet has always been one of my all time Marvel favorites, and she was written exactly as she should have been. The cover was outstanding, to say the least. Five stars all around for this first issue! My hats off to writer and artist! I can't wait for the next issue! Don said: Yay! And the other pop culture reference was found! That's great. I love stuff like that, glad they got picked up. And thanks for the kind words, Brian. I'm glad the characters all worked for you in their varied ways, and I think you'll like how each one continues to develop. Don Universe Man said: Hank Pym: Making nudity accpetable for superheroes since 2008. Great issue. Pretty funy, a bit creepy and definately action-packed. Keep em coming, boys! -UM Boris said: Hank Pym: Making nudity accpetable for superheroes since 2008. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Don that was a great first issue. I've never read about these characters before, so I can't say if they were in or out of character, but you definately made me feel with them. Good job. Crow said: Not much I can say that hasn't already been said... so.. I'm not such a big fan of these characters but I enjoyed this issue! Loved to see Hank and Bill together: Some have said this and I must repeat it because it's great to have them star in this book as the main characters. Especially since Bill died not long ago... (damn Mark Millar, I love you but you hurt me sometimes)... Interesting to see David Cannon and I'm wondering where his Marvel2 appearance will lead him... Loved the "Oh Boy" because Quantum Leap rocked... And the ending itself was hilarious. Glad to see an action-packed, humorous Hank than a "I beat my wife but as a superhero i beat up other men and women who beat up the weaker people". Keep it up. Tim said: I liked this issue, it was sharp and it flowed well. It felt very natural and I liked how there seemed to be a lot going on here, with plenty to keep people drawn back into it. Based on the reaction you've gotten so far, I don't think that'll be a problem. The opening scene was a nice introduction to some of the main characters, gives you many little insights to both Bill and Hank. They compliment and play off one another nicely. I also liked how you provide a lot of exposition here without it seeming overwhelming to the reader, both from a technical standpoint as well as informational one. It flowed nicely and naturally. The next scene introduces us to Janet and David Cannon, two more important characters in this adventure. Janet seems like she's going to be a lot of fun here, attractive and resourceful can make for a dangerously fun combination. I'm interested in learning more about Cannon as well - he certainly seems like a villain with potential. I also liked how Bill and Hank, in their own ways, rise to the occasion here - it shows they really have a good deal of hero into them, while still feeling like real people. I also love when news reporters act clueless, so that scene was a lot of fun for me as well as filling in some more of the details. Hank's experience leading up to and after he shrinks is very effectively told, you really give a great sense of what's he's going through and how he's dealing with it and you just bring the reader along for the ride. The surprise he has as everything starts to go his way is infectious, and I couldn't have enjoyed this passage more. The ending is just a great capper to the exciting adventure, this Janet is certainly one to look out for, that's for sure. A great job on the cover as well, which is really striking and enticing. Borize did a fine job with this one. As always I loved it Don, hell of a job, you really knocked this one out of the park. Viktor said: Wow! That's all I have to say. All of our issues so far have been great, but this one just takes the cake completely! And frankly, it took me by surprise, "Astonishing Tales" and Ant-Man, Wasp, have never really been anywhere near my favorite Marvel characters, but man, was this issue something! It was fun, it was fast, the dialogue, in particular I thought was superb! The character themselves were just like I imagined them, and I could visually see everything which was occuring on page, which was great, considering that, that in perticular is something which many writers (including me at times) cannot achieve. Overall, fabulous issue, and the first one that I am going to give all Five Stars to! (and believe me, it takes a lot to get that from me ) Well done mate! Aaron said: Let me throw this out there first- I am indeed the first one to give the issue 4 stars, not 5, but that is in no way due to anything personal or any rubbish like that- Don's a damn good writer, and I think it says quite a lot that the lowest score is 4/5 That said, most of the praise has been aired already. Great sense of empathy with Hank, a very good sense of the characters involved, introductions to our main players, a tight, exciting narrative, you are as ever, Don, a master of pacing and knowing exactly when events should unfold. Oh, and the cover- superb? Normally I'd spend more time on this, but to be honest, it's all been said! I did have some minor problems with the issue, but they were fleeting. I didn't think we saw enough of the characterization of our stars. To be honest, if I knew absolutely nothing about Bill or Jan or Hank going in, I can't say I'd know THAT much more about their personalities coming out. I am a self confessed fan of Hank and Jan (Though usually as part of the Avengers, obviously) and even I know they aren't as deep or fleshed out as other characters, but I still think it could have done with a little more in this regard. But that's very minor. So why am I not giving it 5 stars then? That's simple- I'm a harsh marker. I go via my own system, and an issue has to really wow me to get five stars, it has to have something very special. The reason I mention this is to explain that although I loved the issue, it never blew me away. I was impressed, but was never overwhelmed, and I couldn't give it full marks. So again, it's nothing personal and it's something across all my ratings in general; only a very few get full marks from me. That said, keep up this quality, and I've no doubt I will be blown away in short order. Can't wait for 2!
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:45:27 GMT -5
With the aid of his own inventions, including the astounding Pym Particles, HENRY PYM devotes his life to the cause of science and using it as a weapon to defend the innocent as the ANT-MAN! With his good friends BILL FOSTER and JANET VAN DYNE at his side, these are his…Astonishing Tales!Issue #3: " Madness and Sorrow"Written by: Don Walsh Cover by: Borize Edited by: Patrick J. Nestor, Jr. Act I: Hidden Hatreds Hurt!
“And here it is, Maria,” Gregory Pym said with a flourish as he led the willowy brunette Maria Trovaya into his laboratory. “State of the art, and humming with experiments.” He gave her a broad smile as he waved his arm to indicate the brightly lit room filled with advanced equipment. “This is certainly impressive, Greg,” Maria said in that soft, accented voice of hers, sweet like honey flowing from the full red lips that so attracted him. He was slowly encouraging her into clothing that flattered her rather than hid her, and she felt very much like the center of his world, even if he was showing off his private domain. “How did you accomplish this?” “Various grants, a few patents here and there, a pair of very useful contracts from firms, where I was able to streamline and upgrade prototypes,” Greg listed off. He was casually dressed, letting his lean but athletic physique show off beneath the thin white shirt. He looped an arm around hers and escorted her alongside various counters and ticked off what he had, each time keeping her between him and the item, working hard to make her feel like she was the attraction, not his equipment. Maria leaned into Greg as he led her around, listening to all he explained and looking over what he displayed and smiling the whole time. He's so like Henry, she thought as the tour continued. But he's looking at me, not his tools. So sure of himself, so strong. Her contented smile made Gregory wrap the arm around her waist instead as they turned a corner and cheer inwardly at his success. “This here is the centerpiece of my current research,” he stated as he pointed to a glass cylinder that stood from floor to ceiling, with various projectors pointed at different points along its length. Various banks of generators and carefully aligned meters couched the whole apparatus. “I believe there is a force of energy that accounts for many of the reports of UFOs, missing time, holy visions, that sort of thing. I am trying to create conditions that would generate an appearance. Because I believe that it is...external to our three-dimensional space. I like to call it 'the Radiance.'” “How lovely. Poetic even,” Maria cooed as she rested her head against his shoulder and bue eyes glittering with excitement as she started to think about what he was telling her. Greg chuckled and praised himself inwardly. He knew that such a name would just tickle Maria's fancy. He remembered that about her, that romantic side deep inside, the one Hank had somehow touched, but never utilized. “I think I'm close, but there are certain equations that have escaped me so far.” “Maybe I can help?” Maria offered hopefully, looking up at his face as she leaned into him. “I have a book I...acquired. In my travels in Europe after leaving Henry, from a physicist working on something similar. I think anyway. I have the book in my bag back at the house.” “You do? Really?” Greg feigned shock at the news. “There's nothing about you getting this book I should know about, is there?” Not that Greg cared, but he played his part well and watched her blue eyes dart to the side in response. “No. No. It was...an errand. For my father, who has a stake in Professor Cayce's work. It's...all good.” Maria felt her heart shrivel up a bit, and hated the work she did for her father, the work that drove her from Henry in the first place. “Well then, Maria, I'd love to look over these notes. They'd be a big, big help, if you're right.” He gave her a big hug and started to walk her to the exit. “You're more than just an inspiration for my work now, Maria. Now you'll be the reason for my success.” Maria continued to look away guiltily as she clung to Greg Pym, and missed the way his smile slipped into a self-serving, some might even say cruel, smirk of success. Soon, Hank. Soon I'll have your reputation for brilliance. I'll outstrip your successes. And hell, I'll have your woman. It took a lot to keep from laughing out loud at the thought as his hand rested on the small of Maria's slim back AT3 It was that nebulous period of time when the evening’s purples had nearly faded away, but actual night-time activity had yet to truly begin. David Cannon crept up to the rear of the rented building, figuring this to be the most opportune moment to strike. This neighborhood was well-patrolled, so he needed to strike before the police began their passes in force. The scientists were gone home for the night, Pym and Foster he’d been told were their names. Cannon didn’t care about that. All he cared about was remembering what he’d been told to look for, what to slip away into the dark night with, what would make him better than the insect man that fouled up his romance with Jan, dear Jan. And so now, David Cannon had picked and jimmied and crept his way into the building itself, shining the small light around to get a sense of his location, where he needed to go next. He moved down the hall, steadily, stealthily. Despite the adrenalin roaring in his ears and pounding through his heart, Cannon forced himself to keep calm and go slow and steady. He had time, he had the skill, he didn’t have to rush this. He made his way to the storage area, and combed over the shelves, peering through rows of vials, slides, boxes, containers of all sorts and sizes, until they fell on the cylinder he’d been looking for. He examined the half-dozen metallic cylinders, each a foot long, each labeled “PP-1a”. He grinned and slipped one of the cylinders out of the case containing them, and was surprised to notice the considerable heft. He wasn’t sure what these “Pym Particles” were, but he’d been imagining a gas, and how heavy could gas be? This though, he figured, must have weight five or six pounds at least. “Hey! Who’s there?” Bill Foster demanded to know as the lights in the building flared to life and caught David Cannon just rising from his crouch. The criminal spun around and pointed the penlight at the scientist, an insignificant illumination under the circumstances. “Wait, you’re that driver of Jan’s,” Foster realized as he marched over towards the criminal. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Without saying a word, Cannon lashed out at Bill, taking several long strides and bringing the cylinder down in a powerful arc to crack against the side of Bill’s head. With a crack of metal on bone and a deep groan and shudder from the broad-shouldered target, Bill crashed to the floor. “I’ve been made!” Cannon snapped out into the air, it seemed. A slight crackle from a button on his light jacket, however, indicated that he was not as alone as it seemed. “It doesn’t matter,” Elihas Starr replied. “If you have the cylinder, bring it back, quickly! It won’t matter, their knowing you stole it. Not really. Not in the long run.” He cackled a bit, and then cut off communication with his lackey, leaving Cannon to backtrack out of the lab, leaving Bill Foster laying face down, blood seeping from his wound. It was over an hour before Henry Pym returned to the lab after his interviews. He and Bill were going to head out for dinner after Hank had talked to the personal trainers, and talk out the best option. Henry was almost disappointed that his friend seemed as gung-ho over this Ant-Man business as Janet, but he also made several good points. So Hank stepped back into the lab and flipped on the lights to find his friend laying face down on the floor. Hank dashed over to Bill and gently checked on him, finding a pulse, and seeing him breathing. With a sigh of relief, Hank then pulled out his cell phone and called for an ambulance, and then the police. The rest of the night was a blur as the paramedics rushed Bill off to the hospital and police barraged the harried scientist with questions, and all involved searched out the lab to see what might be stolen. It didn’t take Hank long to uncover the missing cylinders of Pym particles, duly reported to the detectives at the scene, and it didn’t take the police long to find the rear entrance had been jimmied open. The police dug for clues, and then were off, with Hank heading to the hospital, unsure about whether to worry Jan with the news or not. Finally, he entered her phone number and took a deep breath, steeling himself for the report. AT3 Abraham Brown was relaxing in his apartment, feet kicked up on the coffee table and a beer in one hand as he flipped through the channels on his television. It was a dull night, and he stifled a yawn before he sipped from the bottle. He shook his head and turned off the television. Just as he was about to stand, his phone rang, and Brown looked at the device in surprise. He stomped over and plucked the handset up off the cradle. “Yeah, Brown here. Speak your piece.” He listened to the voice on the other end of the line and grew more agitated. He took a long pull from the bottle of beer before slapping it down on the table. He nodded and his face grew more sour-looking. “Thanks, Pat. I got it from here.” He dropped the phone back into place and quickly looked around to find his coat. Snatching the leather jacket up and sliding it over his shoulders, Abraham Brown then quickly left the dingy, disheveled apartment with a slam of the door. Outside, he glanced in all directions before hunching into his jacket and heading off towards the hospital. The anger in his chest reflected off of the jade amulet under his shirt, causing it to grow warm and anxious, in return feeding the energy welling up in the young man. AT3 It had been a couple of days since the robbery, and David Cannon was getting antsy. Upon his arrival, the dome-headed maniac who was keeping him safely out of sight snatched the cylinders, chuckled gleefully and then locked himself into his lab. Since then, only occasional intercom-passed comments to calm down, relax and play his games came from Elihas Starr. David played the video games for a while, but it wasn’t his thing. He read, but that was less his thing than playing video games. He wanted to get a move on, but he knew that the heat was on, and that this crackpot had a plan. So he paced and he waited and he kept himself fit…and waited some more. It seemed like so much more than forty-eight hours when the lab door open and Starr beckoned Cannon to go in and join him. But that’s all it was, and Cannon approached the weary but elated looking mad scientist. He wore his rumpled clothes that Cannon quickly realized hadn’t been changed since they’d last seen each other. But he sat before two syringes filled with what looked like a clear gel. “Ahh, my dear David,” Elihas said with a self-satisfied tone. “I am forced to admit that this Pym is a genius. These particles and their inherent versatility are astounding! He’s…nearly as brilliant as me, I must admit.” “If you’re smarter, why did you have to steal this junk from him, then?” Cannon asked, without really thinking about how the words came out. From behind the think, round glasses, Elihas’s beady eyes darkened, and his face burned red with anger. He drummed stubby fingers over the table’s surface, hard and repeatedly as he stared up at Cannon. “Needless to say, in merely forty-eight hours of work, I have isolated the particles you acquired into two samples,” Starr continued, his voice less elated, and demonstrably irritated as he explained. “One for you, to enhance physical traits, the other for myself.” “What’s yours do?” Cannon asked as he stared at the two syringes. “It will elevate my already substantial cerebral capacity.” Starr saw the vacant look in Cannon’s eyes and added, “It will make me smarter.” Cannon was just about to ask why, if he was already a genius, but the already upset voice from Starr managed to convince him otherwise. Why should it matter to me? If this stuff did what the egghead was saying, that’s all that mattered, Cannon mused silently. He grinned a bit at the thought of crushing Ant-Man under his boot and rescuing his Jan from the bug’s terrifying clutches. “Sounds great to me, boss,” Cannon said instead. “So, when do we shoot up?” “No better time than the present, Mr. Cannon,” Egghead chuckled as he passed one syringe to the thug before reaching for his own syringe. He held it up like a wine glass and tittered and said,” Cheers!” before plunging it into his arm. Act II: The Piper Gets Paid! Ant-Man was hard at work now, riding one of his ants miles and miles above the surface of the world, clambering up the side of the building. Well, it seemed like miles and miles, and Hank had to keep his eyes focused upwards and not think of the height. Instead, his mind rolled back over the last couple of days. Bill had been unconscious for the first part of that time, but awoke to find his room full of friends. He looked over at Janet, who was seated next to him and holding his hand, and then to the other side, where Hank stood next to Abe Brown, Bill's friend from back in the old neighborhood. The ant finally crawled up onto the ledge as dictated by Hank’s directions. Hank clung to the astounding creature as it resisted the powerful winds and slowly worked its way into the vent of an air conditioner, finally giving Hank a chance to stand on his own two feet. He looked up at the alien-looking steed and tentatively stroked its head. “Thanks a lot, pal,” Hank said, still unnerved at looking up into the creature, but slowly becoming more accustomed to the bizarre sight. Quickly, Hank moved through the ductwork and dropped down the twelve feet of distance from ceiling to plush floor. The leap was huge to Hank’s perspective of course, but his unique physiology handled the landing with little effort. He bent low at the knees and sprang upwards, propelling himself onto the mahogany desk belonging to the lawyer Lassiter, and his mind went back in time again. Bill had identified David Cannon as the perpetrator, but Jan, Hank and Bill were all positive David couldn’t know that Hank was Ant-Man. Coincidence was at work, and Bill had gone finding Cannon’s lawyer. With that name, it was up to Hank to find out who had hired Lassiter in the first place. Not Hank…Ant-Man. Ant-Man turned on the computer, and approached they keyboard. He stepped onto a key, then leaped over to the next. Then he started to have fun, springing from key to key, typing in a surreal manner until he finished and stepped back to read the screen. “Cannpb. Eavuf,” Ant-Man read the name he ‘typed’ into the screen and sighed. “Okay, fine. I need to work on my aim.” He jumped a few times on the backspace key, and then pressed the name ‘Cannon, David’ more carefully this time. Ant-Man worked his way through the file, and found the retainer for his services came from ‘Egghead Enterprises’, which made the diminutive hero pause and muse over the information. A computer software firm, noted for their troubleshooters. He had read something else about them, but what? He shook his head and went back to work on the keyboard, going online and looking up the company. What would have taken perhaps an hour of searching out news reports and legal documents and electronic “paper trails” turned into two hours, but Ant-Man couldn’t be sure that there wasn’t a camera or more in the room, and didn’t want to become larger and more visible. At last, he’d acquired the name of the principal owner, one Elihas Starr, and things became much clearer to the vigilante. He turned off the computer and headed out to his faithful steed, the enthusiasm and joy of his powers now taking a back seat to the clenched jaw and grave concern. AT3 “Okay, so we have a name, and perhaps a real clue as to what’s going on,” Bill said as he closed up his cell phone and looked over to his friend. Abraham Brown was a tall man, over six feet in height, with broad shoulders but lanky, almost gangly looking. Despite that, he moved very gracefully, much more gracefully than would be expected of the look of his demeanor and the look of his body. He sipped at the beer in his hand and looked back at Bill Foster. They ran together years ago, growing up in the same tenement and they got into all sorts of scrapes and screw ups. Never had either man let the other down. Despite Bill’s climb out of the ghetto and Abe’s refusal to leave it, that would never change. “What’s the name?” Brown asked and drank long from the bottle in his hand. Bill could only chuckle at the sight of it, here in this sterile, guarded environment. “Elihas Starr. He used to be the top researcher for Count Trovaya,” Bill explained, leaning back into the hospital bed. His head was still bandaged and moving too quickly still made things move out of step with his vision, but he refused to be slowed down at this point. “Trovaya fired him about three months before helping to Vernon fund us.” “Fired? Why?” “Count wouldn’t say. Just said that Starr was cheating on his research or funding or something. He was close-mouthed about it. Like a lot of things the count doesn’t like talking about,” Bill added, his face growing agitated. “So any idea where Starr is?” Abe asked as he finished up the beer. “No. None. There was nothing Hank could dig up.” “I’ll get my guys on it,” Abe said and stood up. “We should be able to dig up something for you. How bad is this stuff they’ve boosted?” He looked at his old friend with just a trace of worry, far too good at holding in emotion to let more show, or to tip off to Bill just how much he hated this sci-fi garbage. “On its own…not bad at all,” Bill answered, but then admitted, “but if Starr is any sort of scientist, he could figure out uses for it given time. Mind you, we’ve got time. I can’t imagine anyone being able to make something of it in less than a week, and that’s…that’s being obsessed over it. Should take longer, really.” “Right,” Was all Abe replied as he again felt the burning from the amulet against his skin. His territory was in danger. He held back the growl that rose instinctively at the back of his throat. “I’ll call you as soon as I know something, Bill.” “Be careful out there,” Bill said as he watched Abraham Brown stalk out of the door and close it behind him. With what he’d learned from Hank, he was very glad that Jan was with her father, and with more security. He closed his eyes and let her image cross his mind. She’d be at her desk, right now. Pecking away at her keyboard, and he chuckled as he saw it. Hunt and peck. She never had learned proper typing. AT3 Instead, she pecked at the keyboard, and glanced at the financial statement and sighed. Numbers looked good, but she wasn’t getting the growth she’d been hoping for. She leaned back into her chair and sipped at a glass of water. She looked up at the door, her blue eyes relaxing when she saw her father enter. He carried a bag with him, and held it up to her. “Dinner time!” Vernon van Dyne called out with a smile and settled down at the other side of the desk from her. “Hope you don’t mind Italian, dear.” He pulled out trays of stuffed shells and garlic bread and plastic utensils, setting it all up for them both. “Sounds yummy, Dad,” Janet said as she realized how hungry she was. “Hank called earlier, and they have some leads, so I’m sure we’ll have everything taken care of soon.” She grabbed the plastic fork and jabbed it greedily into the pasta. “Of course, this means I’ll have an extra thirty minutes of cardio-bar tomorrow.” She laughed and chewed at the food. “I think you can spare it, Jan,” Vernon replied as he too started to eat. “I’m glad to hear that we’ll have that maniac put back where he belongs. I swear, I’ve never been so frightened than the other day.” The winds were buffeting the windows hard, Jan noticed as she continued to eat. The panes were rattling hard, and she spoke up to be heard clearly, “Well, you worry too much. I can take care of myself, after all.” Vernon looked up to meet his daughter’s gaze, but instead looked past to the window, that shook harder and harder. He could see the wind outside, spinning debris in a cone, and then, unbelievably, a man rose slowly up inside that cyclone. He was a spinning blur of deep dark green and blond. “Janet! Get out of the way!” Vernon cried out as he dashed around the desk toward his daughter. Just as he moved her from her seat, the window exploded inward, razor-sharp shards and splinters of glass slicing through the area as the strange man spun into the room and landed on the desk, scattering food and computer components and papers everywhere. Vernon was huddled over Janet, several wicked looking shards jabbed into his back, and he looked up at the newcomer. “You? How?” David Cannon looked down, hate-filled eyes staring at yet another man between him and his beloved. He jumped down from the desk to the floor and grabbed the back of Vernon’s collar. “Yeah, me. Only more than just me. Don’t worry, lover,” He called down to Janet as his arm hefted Vernon off of her. “David Cannon was too weak to protect you, but Whirlwind…Whirlwind will keep you safe from everyone!” He casually flung the old man to the side and his other arm swept down to scoop Janet up off the floor. Janet stared in shock at David’s face, the wild blond hair fluttering about him, his whole body now harder than ever before. A scream of horror grabbed her focus and she twisted her head to look over in time to see Vernon fall past the broken window and out of sight. “NOOOO!” She screamed, not believing what was happening. “Oh yes, love,” Whirlwind said as he dragged her over to the shattered window. “This could be tough on you if you stay up, so here. Keep quiet while I save you.” He jammed a cloth into her face, and she struggled briefly, but her eyes fluttered close and she went limp. “Trust me. You don’t want to be awake for this.” And he stepped out of the window as well. But unlike Vernon, he began to spin at tremendous speeds, and using the winds to lower him gently from the security that was even now bursting into Janet van Dyne’s devastated office. TO BE CONTINUED...
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:39:11 GMT -5
The Pym Particle! Developed by Henry Pym and his partner William Foster, this remarkable compound will lead to a future of endless possibilities and a world of adventure! Now Hank has stumbled into the role of Ant-Man, and with support by Janet van Dyne and her father, will the world be ready for their…Astonishing Tales!Issue #2: "A Journey Begins"Written by Don Walsh Cover by Borize Edited by Pat Nestor Act I: The Damsel Casts Her Net
The Scene of the Crime:
It was a frenzy of activity as Janet van Dyne was led by police to a waiting car. She smiled at the reporters who pressed up as close as they could, while a second escort of police led the groggy, handcuffed David Cannon out of the building. “Please, Miss van Dyne, what was it like in there?” “Why did David Cannon kidnap you?” “How did you get out?” These questions and more were all thrown at the fashion mogul as she paused near the car. She looked over at the reporters and said, “I’ll tell you all about it later, after I’ve made my report to the police.” She gave a polite wave, her face still pale and disheveled from the events of the afternoon. “I promise, but these nice boys in blue have earned the right to talk with me first.” She blew the police around her a kiss as she quickly took control of herself once more. “But I will tell you this much, I’d still be in there, I’m sure, if not for a handsome man in red who saved me.” “Who?” The wall of reporters and explosion of lights crashed in closer as they demanded more. “A new hero, you be on the lookout for him, if you can,” Jan teased the group as she prepared to slide into the car. “He’s the Ant-Man, and just wait until you see more of him.” She sat down and let the police drive her out as the reporters, unsatisfied with these scraps, pursued the cars. She waved out of the back window and then sank into the seat and exhaled heavily. “The Ant-Man, Miss van Dyne?” the officer at the wheel asked as he took a glance at his rearview mirror to look in on his passenger. “What can I say? It’s my first time naming a super-hero,” she replied with a weak grin, her mind racing with colors and designs. Behind the Scene of the Crime: Vernon van Dyne had gotten the text message on his phone... passed from Jan’s PDA inside the house, through her secretary, and finally to him. It said to get Bill to the back door. As badly as he wanted to be there for his daughter, the older man knew Jan well enough to know that she must need something done... and so it was due to that, that Vernon and Bill Foster crept around back in time to see a shaky Henry Pym slip out of the rear door, draped in a white sheet. “Hank? What the hell’s going on?” Bill asked as he stepped up and slipped a shoulder under the blond man’s arm to support him. Vernon spotted a white lab coat in the backyard and picked it up. He handed it to Hank who took it and nodded. “Thanks, guys,” Hank said as he continued to stumble away from the house. “Come on, we need to get out of here, and I’ll explain it all.” “You’re the reason Jan got out,” Vernon stated, as fact, his voice filled with awe. “How? How did you get in, my boy?” The three men quickly staggered out of the backyard and down a nearby alley to Henry’s parked car. “Hope you don’t mind if you do the driving, Bill?” Hank asked sheepishly as he pulled the keys out of the lab coat pocket. “Not at all, buddy,” Bill said. “I’ll take Hank back to the lab, and you can go get your car and check in on Jan, Dr. van Dyne?” “Sounds like a fine plan,” Vernon replied as he helped Hank into the car then shook Bill’s hand. “I’ll be back shortly.” He turned back to Hank and clapped the young scientist’s shoulder again. “Thanks, son.” Soon, the car had pulled away, and Bill looked over at his friend. “What the hell happened, Hank?” “It worked, Bill,” Hank Pym said with a weak smile but glittering, excited eyes. “The compound worked. That’s what happened.” “I don’t follow,” Bill said as the car sped through the evening streets. “What did you do?” “The compound, I used it to flux my body,” Hank explained as he slowly started to recover, his shaking subsiding and his face regaining color. “I injected an extract that shrunk my body down to the size of an insect. With a couple of other gadgets, I was able to use a flying ant to get up to the house, and sneak in.” He shook his head in awe at his own actions. “It was amazing.” “I see,” Bill replied. He nodded, pursed his lips and then finally added, “So you took our compound, risked your life and Jan’s by injecting it to provide your body with supernormal properties, and basically turned yourself into a damned hero?” Hank looked at his friend with surprise at his seemingly angry reaction. “We were close to clinical trials. I didn’t see any reason not to. I admit, I wasn’t thinking straight.” “You gave yourself powers and turned yourself into a costumed hero?” Bill finally finished his thought as he struggled to keep from laughing. “And with a serum that could give you just about any damned property you could think of, you're first thought was to shrink yourself? To the size of an ant?” As the car pulled into the lab at last, Bill was shaking in laughter, his head finally resting on the steering wheel when the car came to a stop. “You have got to work on your confidence!” Hank continued to stare at him and slowly, his lips curled up into a grin. Then he also shook and burst out laughing. The two men sat in the car and laughed as Bill felt a tremendous flood of relief in his heart and mind that his best friends and his formula were all well. The Police Station: “I’m so relieved to see you, dear,” Vernon said as he gave his daughter a huge hug. Jan gave a slight squeal at the strong embrace but hugged her father back and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am too, Dad,” Jan confessed quietly. “Did…Ant-Man get away okay?” She leaned up to whisper in his ear, but was clearly concerned for eavesdroppers, as the reporters continued to mob the front lobby of the precinct house, and police swarmed the office area. “Ant-Man?” Vernon asked as he stepped back and gave a quizzical look. “Oh! You mean...why…oh! Right. Yes, we…er, Bill and I that is, we watched him, er…fly off…” He looked into Jan’s eyes for cues, “…yes. All good. Probably in his…ant-cave even as we speak.” Jan was giggling as she watched her father put on the spot and turned back to the sergeant who had been taking her report. “Is there anything else, officer?” she asked him sweetly. The sergeant looked down at his desk and the stack of notes he’d gotten from Janet, as well as the autographed picture she was kind enough to consent to for the staff. “Oh yes, ma’am. We’re all good. The DA will be in touch with you over trial details, and we have your business card if we need more information. Is there anything else we can offer you?” “Nope, Daddy’s here to take me home, where a good long soak in a tub is waiting for me.” She winked at the sergeant and turned back to her father. “Ready to escort me through the throng?” “That’s not necessary, we can get you out through the back if you prefer,” the sergeant offered as he gave a small gulp to the mental image the celebrity had offered him. “Why thanks, so much,” Jan replied. “Just a moment, though.” She stepped forward and addressed the reporters. “I’m leaving now, but I promise to talk more about my harrowing ordeal tomorrow afternoon, okay? You know how it is, I just need my beauty rest. But we can all sleep better tonight knowing we have these brave police, and now the Ant-Man watching over us. Sleep tight!” She blew the assembled reporters a kiss and then let her father and sergeant escort her to the back exit. As father and daughter entered the car and pulled out of the parking lot, Vernon finally spoke up again. “What are you playing at, Janet?” Jan knew that using her full name implied concern and possibly distress with her actions and she gave a sigh while she stared out the window. “What do you mean, Dad?” “This Ant-Man business. Why didn’t you tell them it was Henry who saved you? For that fact, how did he save you?” “Dad, this is just the sort of thing Hank needs to boost his ego,” Jan replied in a soft, even voice. “You don’t understand him like I do. You see him as the son you never had, the son who you can mold to take up after you. He and Bill. And that’s great. But Hank, he’s not you, and he’s not Bill. He’s quiet, and shy, and doesn’t think he’s a quarter as brilliant as he is. If I can make him into my own super-hero, and give him a shot of confidence, then why not?” “He’s just a normal man,” Vernon said in response, the concern heavy in his voice. “Are you sure you’re not pushing him too hard?” “Just a normal man? Dad, he appeared out of nowhere and laid out Cannon flat in a single blow.” Jan smiled affectionately as she remembered his sudden, flash appearance. “He was kind of in shock in there, so I’m not quite sure of the details, but he shrunk down to tiny size, and flew in on an ant. He talked to ants, and he shrank. What else could I call him?” “You’re kidding?” Vernon’s eyes widened at the implications. “The formula. Astonishing.” “I don’t know about any formula, but I agree it was something to see. So Ant-Man popped in my head, and he’s going to be the next big thing.” She gave a moment’s pause as her face took on a determined look. “Hank’s going to be my special project.” Back to the Lab: “Come here, Bill, let me show you what I have in mind,” Hank said as he led his best friend down a hallway and to a small room in the back of the building. He pulled out a key and let them both in, switching on the lights in the room. “It’s about time, after all. I’ve had this in mind since…well, since I had the first equations in my head for the compound.” Inside the room were blueprints, prototypes and half-completed gear scattered in all directions. Medical notes on human diagrams and complex circuit patterns and insect anatomy filled the walls and desk and tabletops. Bill entered and turned around in a slow circle. “Dear God,” Bill said softly. “This wasn’t just a last minute thing, was it?” “No. I mean, I want the formula to change the world. The possibilities for it, they’re… endless. Mindboggling.” He watched his friend’s face carefully as he spoke, and continued when he saw certain elements flickering in reaction. “But I’ll admit, we can use this to…do other things. Good things. Give back on a personal level.” He put a hand on Bill’s shoulder and pointed out one area of his work. “This looks like grafting techniques,” Bill said as he stared closely. “They are. Grafting insect-scaled wings and antennae to a normal person. They’d be practically invisible,” Hank explained. “Until shrunk to insect-sized with the formula. With a stabilization enzyme, they’d stay the same size, and thus…” “Grant flight,” Bill finished the thought. “Good God. And the antennae? Communication?” “Maybe. To be honest, it’s more to act as photoreceptors to power the flight, and possibly allow for blasts of bio-electric energy. I call it the Wasp Project.” “Not me, buddy. You, maybe, but not me,” Bill said. “I don’t want it. I know where you’re headed, but not me.” “My body won’t take to the adaptations,” Hank said. “The shrinking I can handle, but I’ve done tests, and my body will reject the grafts. But I’m not forcing anything on you, pal. It can remain a dream for now. But you deserved to know about everything.” A buzzer sounded just then, jarring the two men out of their reverie to alert them to someone at the front door. “Man, the Count was coming today! No one picked him up at the airport!” Hank said as he started to run out of the room. Bill followed closely behind as they headed for the front door. Hank flung open the door and stared out at the imposingly regal figure that greeted him. Six feet in height, he was deeply tanned, with a lined, weathered face containing deep brown eyes and a thick mane of black hair that extended into an immaculately trimmed beard, peppered with gray. His suit was charcoal, with a burgundy tie and an elegant velvet coachman’s cloak in darker gray than the suit. He leaned on a thick cane topped in a golden eagle’s head. He looked over the two men, panting as they greeted him, and gave a polite smile. “Well, well, my dear Henry,” Count Luchino Trovaya said with a pleasantly deep, rich voice, “I heard about the excitement with your mentor’s daughter this afternoon. I believe it’s possible to forgive you for missing my airplane as a result. But to be surprised by my visit?” He entered and gave a warm embrace to the blond scientist in his rumpled white shirt and blue trousers, in such contrast to the nobleman’s own impeccable garb. “Sorry about that, Count,” Hank replied quietly as he gave his own hug back. “Just in sort of a tailspin after what happened.” “I jest, Henry, just jest. Of course you should be rather off your mark from what occurred. A terrible thing. Thank goodness this…Ant Man?...saved Miss van Dyne.” Count Luchino moved in and offered a hearty, two-handed shake to Bill. “Ant Man, Count?” Hank repeated. “You’ve not heard Miss van Dyne’s comments about being rescued by a costumed interloper called the Ant-Man? How…strange?” Luchino noted. “Still and all, that is not why I am here. And what must I do to get you to call me by my name, dear boy? I may not be your father-in-law anymore, but I see you as my son in spirit all the same.” “Right, well…yeah,” Hank stumbled as he glanced at Bill, who merely shrugged. “Let’s get right down to it then, Count,” Bill stepped in as he took the noble’s cloak. “The Pym Particle is just about ready for clinical trials, so why don’t we show you where we all stand.” “Pym Particle?” Luchino glanced at Hank and smiled quite happily. “Most excellent.” “Right, well…” Hank glanced at Bill who winked and began the summary of the compound to their guest as Hank slipped out to lock up the back room, something both men felt the need to keep quiet for now. “Tell me all about this Pym Particle, the upcoming trials, and its applications, William,” Count Luchino said as he followed behind and carefully observed the facilities. His fingers ran over the well-worn eagle’s head, the thumb slipping past the graven right eye of the bird which, unknown to all assembled, hummed with a life of its own. On the receiving end of that life, a man sat hunched over his own computer, storing all the information as it was said aloud. Short, middle-aged, with a balding round head, one that was high-domed, the man sat and rubbed his fingers together with greedy glee, a cruel smile on his face. He rubbed a hand on his black coat and reached for a stylus and his PDA as he overheard the discussion of the Pym Particle. He chuckled and made notes while the computer continued to record. “Oh yes, tell me all about it, ‘my boy’,” He cackled and then pushed his wire-rimmed glasses up against the bridge of the stunted nose. “Tell me all I need to know. Elihas Starr is most interested!” He chuckled and then called up the news reports on David Cannon’s capture. “Good choice. Young, strong…filled with passion. Him, then the particle then the Egghead rules the world!” He paused and stroked his jaw. “Or not. So taking on my academic pejorative as a nom du crime doesn’t work in this case. Doesn’t matter. The world will tremble.” He glowered at the recording of the Count’s voice, the lips forming a wicked sneer. “Starting with you, Trovaya.” Act II: Darkness Demands a Meeting!
Park Central Hotel, New York City: “Are you really sure about this?” Hank Pym asked as he tugged at the tight red collar around his neck. His nervous blue eyes looked over at Janet van Dyne for reassurance, but that didn’t work. She was dressed in a stunning dress of her own design, deep glittering red and belted tight to help display every inch of her petite beauty. The gown offered a playfully arrangement for her modest cleavage, and her trim right thigh peeked out from a slit in the dress. She carried herself with grace and confidence, while she stood and looked at her charge and shook her head. Hank Pym was dressed in a scarlet tunic and tight white leather pants. Black boots and gloves, and black belt equipped with pouches containing his gadgets, and the canisters for his particles, helped to set off the costume. A large black circle on his chest had one black bar radiating down towards the belt, and two bars radiating out to each shoulder, where the formed two smaller black circles. The entire costume fit Hank very well, and even he had to admit, as he stared into the mirror, that it gave a sharp, sleek look to his own body. However, he was never one for the spotlight, and he never considered that he would be acting the part of costumed hero when he developed the superhuman properties of the Pym Particle. Yet here he was, in his first Ant-Man costume, staring at Jan for reassurance and instead giving a hard swallow when he looked at her beauty. He wished he could speak up, and say what he’d wanted to say for years. Instead, he looked out of sorts and tugged now at the belt. “I mean…Ant-Man? You really want to go through with this?” “Henry Pym, this is the last time I’ll say this,” Janet said with a friendly exasperation. She walked over and handed him his helmet. “I designed and made this costume myself. Do you know the last time I actually put together one of my own designs?” She gave him a peck on the cheek and added, “You’re going to do fine. You’re braver than you think you are, and every bit as smart as everyone else knows you are, and the public’s going to love you. So get ready to go meet them.” Hank’s cheek blushed nearly as red as his costume, and slipped the helmet over his head as he watched her walk out of the room. His eyes were hidden behind the compound lenses of the mask as he attached the chin strap and then swiveled the mouthpiece into position. He took another look in the mirror and smiled, straightening himself out. “It does look good.” He then turned to the stage door, and waited for the cue to present himself to the world. Brooklyn, New York: “Okay, Cannon!” Barked the police officer as he walked up to the holding cell. “Get off yer ass! Yer lawyer gotchya out on bail.” David Cannon looked up from his reclined position with an incredulous look. He pulled himself up to a sitting position and replied, “My lawyer? I don’t got no lawyer.” “Ya do now, and he sprung ya, so get out already,” The cop snapped back as he opened up the bars. “He’s waitin’ for you out front, so move it already.” Cannon stepped out and followed the officer through the halls and out into the main room after retrieving his things. He could see a well-dressed man with dark skin and darker hair waiting for him, a briefcase clutched in his hand that was worth more than all of David’s possessions added together. Cannon approached the man with a wary look. “Come along now, Mr. Cannon,” The lawyer said. “Let’s go. I have a car out front.” “Who are you?” “My name is Lassiter. I’ve been retained by your benefactor to secure your freedom,” the lawyer answered coolly as he led the confused con out into the parking lot. A press of a button unlocked the black luxury sedan with a beep, and Cannon let out a low whistle. “Sweet car,” Cannon admired as he slid into the passenger seat. “Why me?” “I’m sure I don’t know why, Mr. Cannon,” Lassiter answered as he pulled away from the police station and turned out onto the streets. Cannon sank into his seat and watched the city pass by, wary and curious about all of this. Some unknown guy pulling him out of the clink? Had to be a catch, and David was far to streetwise to be unprepared for the worst. Still, it be sitting in the stir, and maybe in some free time, he could renew his courtship of Janet. He noticed that the car passed into Queens, and towards a three-story brownstone. It looked rundown, but not decrepit yet. It fit the neighborhood pretty well, actually, but it was clearly inhabited, unlike a couple of other nearby buildings. He stepped out of the car after it had pulled up in front of the building. Lassiter looked over across the passenger space from behind the wheel. “This is my card, with my number,” he said. “You have a court date for motions in two weeks, call my secretary for date and time. If by some miracle you aren’t back in custody by then, make sure you’re shaved and dressed nicely. Got it?” Cannon gave an absent-minded nod towards the lawyer who merely shook his head and drove off. Cannon stepped up the stone stairs and opened the front door. He stepped into the hall, peeling paint and cracked wood and plaster greeting him. The door closed shut behind the criminal as he looked up the bowing staircase and to the door at his right side. “Good afternoon, Mister Cannon,” a voice spoke out. “Thank you for coming so promptly.” Cannon looked around, trying to find the source of the voice, and replied, “Thank your lawyer. I was just a passenger.” “Oh, Mr. Lassiter will receive his retainer in a timely fashion, have no worry about that. For now though, let us get you settled into your home. You have much to do, much to do, to earn your keep.” “Hey! I don’t just work for just anyone, and I don’t work without seein’ the guy I’m workin’ for!” he snapped back, looking up towards the ceiling. “You work for me, Mr. Cannon, because with my brains and your savvy, we can help each other achieve our aims,” the voice answered back in a cool, calm tone. “Oh? What aim?” “Miss van Dyne. How much easier for you will it be to claim the adorable debutante if you have powers of your own to counter the insignificant Ant-Man?” “Okay, you make a good point,” Cannon answered in that wary, slow voice. “But I don’t like working for a voice. I want a face, a name…some cash.” “Oh yes. Cash indeed,” the voice answered back. “Come up the stairs. Second door on the right. There you will meet your benefactor, Mr. Cannon. There you will learn names, and faces, and how we will both get what we so desperately want.” Elihas Starr watched the black-and-white monitor as it followed David Cannon’s trek up the staircase, a malicious grin creeping across his face. “Oh yes, indeed. Come up and meet your destiny with me, Mr. Cannon,” Starr muttered to himself. Manhattan: Hank had just finished changing into his regular clothes and walked out into the lab to meet up with Bill, who was hunched over some equipment, preparing a test. He glanced to his partner and then back to the samples in front of him. “So, pretty nice duds for a super-hero,” Bill teased Hank as the blond scientist reached out for a clipboard and started to scribble on it for his own work. “Come on, Bill, spare me. Jan’s got it all worked up that I’m going to be this Ant-Man,” Hank said helplessly. “What can I do? I’m hoping she just moves on to her next project and fast.” “Just keep in shape, buddy,” Bill suggested. “Until she does move on, and I don’t think that’s happening for a while, you’re going to have to be in top condition. Maybe we should hire you a personal trainer?” “Oh yeah, sure,” Hank said with a chuckle as he walked over to a computer and called up a file. “I hear Toby Maguire’s in town for some action flick. Maybe he can recommend one to us.” He glanced over at Bill, who had turned to face his friend critically. “Hey! You’re serious?” “Damn straight I’m serious,” Bill replied. “Guy, you’re Ant-Man. Good or ill, you can’t just bail on Janet now. She’s invested in this. Which means you need to be doing more than a couple of racquetball games a week with me, and pressing weights once a week.” Bill walked over and handed a piece of paper to Hank. “I looked up a couple of places. Got some prices, some schedules and stuff. We can swing it. I want you staying alive in this. So do us all a favor, and hire someone.” Bill then returned to his counter, as Hank stared at the three names in shock. “Wow,” Hank finally said. “What did I get myself into?” “Janet van Dyne’s sights. That’s what you got into.” Offices of Jan van Dyne: Janet was busy typing away on her computer, and humming to herself, very pleased with the afternoon’s press conference. The reporters seemed to react well to Ant-Man’s appearance, and she was pretty pleased with the way the suit looked on Hank. She was feeling so good, that she was preparing to call Bill and ask him out to dinner when her secretary buzzed over the intercom. “Miss van Dyne? Your lawyer is on the phone,” the secretary said with a nervous voice. “Thanks, Myra,” Jan said as she then picked up her phone. “Give me the word, Jerry. What’s the scoop?” “It’s Cannon, Janet,” Jerry Hobarth said in a very serious tone. “He made bail. He’s out right now.” “How? How did he make bail? He has no money,” Janet was shocked at the news. “Some high-priced lawyer came along, guy named Lassiter. Very good at his job,” Jerry explained. “I don’t know how come he’s involved, but I hope to find out for you.” “You do that, Jerry,” Janet said as she tried to figure this all out in her head. “Thanks for calling.” She hung up the phone before Jerry could finish speaking, and looked blankly at her computer screen. To Be Continued!
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Post by HoM on Jun 19, 2019 11:33:53 GMT -5
Astonishing TalesIssue #1: “Discoveries”Written by Don Walsh Cover by Borize Edited By Patrick J. Nestor, Jr. Act I: Mayhem Adjourns the Meeting! It was an elegant restaurant, with white linen tablecloths and a full array of silver for the courses. Three men sat around this table in this atmospheric room, talking in barely restrained voices. “So you’ve managed to find a way to control the fluctuations in the quanta in relationship to the stability of the surrounding elements?” the eldest of the three men asked. He was well-dressed, his suit impeccably tailored to his aging body. Short gray hair topped the weathered face, but bright brown eyes peered out like those of a young man. The blond man at the table looked tired but happy. His ill-fit suit looked out of place on him. He sipped at a glass of wine and gave the older man a big grin. “Indeed, Dr. Van Dyne. Bill and I were able to derive a serum that turns flux levels into a chemical equation, permitting safe bonding.” “Hank’s being too modest,” Bill Foster offered up with a soft clap of on the blond man’s shoulder. Bill was a tall, lanky African-American who wore an inexpensive suit but wore it with style; unlike his friend. “The serology was all his. I just helped him refine some of the receptors is all.” “Well, I’m just thrilled,” Vernon Van Dyne said as he beamed. “Now that you can combine this…’quantum compound’, what’s the next step?” “We’re hoping to test out various applications against different elements,” Hank Pym explained as he drained his glass. He glanced around, and then looked at his watch. “We’re hoping that we can refine the serum to make specific fluctuations occur for different effects. First up will be miniaturization.” He twisted around again in his seat and then asked, “Shouldn’t Janet be here by now?” Bill filled the three wine glasses as he chuckled. “Hank, will you settle down? She’ll be here. You know her, she’s probably only just tried on her fourth outfit at this point.” He and Vernon chuckled as Hank looked at the two men with a sheepish grin. “The Count said he would fly in this afternoon to see the initial results. He’s going to be very happy.” Vernon sipped his wine and nibbled at a warm roll. “I wish you would take Jan up on her offer to fund you two. I know you’re both close to her, and that makes you uncomfortable taking money from her, but I just don’t trust this Count Luchino.” He chewed on the roll and then swallowed some more wine. “Even if he is your former father-in-law, Hank.” “I have to agree with Dr. Van Dyne,” Bill said. “I’m not sure I really like getting help from Jan, but there’s more about the Count that bothers me every day.” “I know, I know,” Hank admitted as he sank back into his chair. “But he’s done okay by us up until now. It would see odd, even…ungrateful to cut him out at the point that we’re making real strides.” Hank looked over his shoulder again, and once more to his watch as Bill merely shook his head and chuckled. However, even Vernon Van Dyne snuck a peek at his watch and wondered about his wayward daughter. Long Beach: Janet Van Dyne stepped out of the sprawling mansion and lightly stepped to the waiting limousine. She held her pixie-like face up to the blue sky and let the gentle breeze caress her flawless skin. Clad in a new black and red-trimmed suit of her own design, it hugged her slender curves and elfin body. Bobbed auburn hair swayed in the breeze as she headed for the opened rear door of the stretched formal car. Her chauffeur stood by, dashing in his blue suit and dark tie. His glittering brown eyes trailed quickly over Janet’s body and he smiled broadly at her approach. “Time for the big lunch, Ms. Van Dyne,” David Cannon stated as he gave a short nod of his head. She entered the limousine with a smile and a bounce and nodded back at him. She gave David’s cheek a gentle pat and said, “Absolutely, David. And it’s Janet. How many times do I have to tell you that, you silly goose?” “I think that will be the last time,” he replied as his smile turned into a sly, almost mischievous, grin. He then closed the door behind her and headed for the driver’s seat. The car started up and then headed out. Jan double-checked her make-up in a compact before pulling out a palm pilot and checking her schedule. “Busy day, Ms. Van Dyne?” David asked her as he took the elegant black vehicle onto the highway, headed out of Long Beach and towards Manhattan. “Yes it is, apparently,” she answered as she jotted down a note. “And there you go again, avoiding my first name. Whatever will I do with you?” “I’m sure we’ll think of something… Janet.” She thought she noticed a tone in his voice, a different tone than ever before, which caught her attention for a moment before she returned to the planner. David glanced at her through the rear-view mirror before turning the limo onto the highway headed to Brooklyn. Janet finished her work on the palm pilot and then finally looked up. The scenery was unknown to her and she looked around, then towards the driver. “David, where are we going?” the young woman asked in a curious voice. “Someplace where we can get better acquainted, Jan,” David replied as he spared her another glance. He hit a button and locked the doors of the car. “Jan?” she repeated with irritation. “Maybe that’s a bit too familiar. Now head to the restaurant and I’ll forget this whole incident.” Her slim arms crossed over her chest in a demanding fashion as she sneaked her hand to her bag. “I don’t think so, Jan honey,” David answered. He turned towards the exit to Brooklyn with casual ease. “Oh and I took the liberty of giving your cell phone the day off.” Jan looked up to see him with a leer in his face through the mirror. “We’re going to get to know each other very well, just like you’ve been wanting. Janet found she was gritting her teeth in frustration as the limousine swung through the narrow streets of Brooklyn, old run-down storefronts and rows of duplexes passing her by. She pulled out her palm pilot after leaning to the other side of the backseat. She feigned an attempt to force the door open as she grabbed her machine. “You took my cell phone? That’s just mean!” she said indignantly. “How’s a girl supposed to survive without her cell phone?” David continued to maneuver the fancy car through the streets, a smug look on his face. “I couldn’t have you calling for help, Jan. I don’t want anything ruining our day together.” “Hmph!” she grunted as she fingers flew over the pilot’s controls. “Guess you’re just too smart for me.” Elsewhere… …back at the restaurant, the three men nursed drinks and all looked nervous now. The phone in Vernon’s pocket rung and he quickly snatched it up, taking a quick glance at the ID screen first. “Jan’s secretary,” he told his companions then lifted the phone to the side of his face. As Hank and Bill looked on with concern, Vernon nodded and shook while he listened to the woman on the other end of the line. Finally, he closed the device up slowly. “She’s been kidnapped,” Vernon said in a hushed voice. Bill and Hank sputtered, a rush of questions stampeding over Vernon’s ears. “Boys! Please! Her chauffeur drove off with her. Myra got an email through her palm pilot. They’re in Brooklyn, and Myra’s called the police.” “Well let's get down there!” Bill said as he stood up so fast his chair tipped over. His face was filed with anger. “Come on, we can take my car!” Vernon followed as Hank trailed behind them. His heart pounded, but he knew that he had to try what was now racing through his mind. “Have Myra tell us where the police are headed,” Bill said as the two men split up to flank his car. “I’m hoping Jan will be able to tell her.” “I’ll follow in my car,” Hank said as he moved past the two men. “You lead the way.” The two cars pulled out from the lot, but soon after, Hank had turned his car away, headed for the lab as he took a last glance at his companions’ car. “Where is Henry going?” Vernon asked when he saw the other car turn away. “Probably got afraid of what might happen,” Bill said with a small shake of his head. “Great guy, smartest fellow I’ve ever run into, but just no good with confrontations. Any word from Myra?” “Yes,” Vernon answered, his face going pale. “Another message came in before having to sign off, but we have an address.” “Don’t worry, professor,” Bill said with his face set in a grimace. “The cops are on their way, and we’ll be there soon.” He pressed harder on the gas pedal and the car sped down the highway. Act II: Detour Into Danger! “This is Brenda Kane, reporting for NewsCenter 5, here on Bookman Avenue in Brooklyn, the scene of a brewing hostage crisis. According to police reports, fashion mogul Janet van Dyne is within the two-story home behind me, held captive by what reports state is her chauffeur, David Cannon.” The calm, dispassionate professional woman gripped her microphone and stared with earnest intent into the camera held by her partner. Occasionally, she allowed a glance towards the old, beaten building to her rear as she spoke. “Police have cordoned off the area, but officials state that Cannon is armed and considered dangerous and authorities are waiting for professional negotiators to arrive and take over.” A commotion caught Brenda’s attention as two men pushed through the crowd of onlookers; a larger black man leading the way for a distraught older Caucasian gentleman. Sensing a new direction to further her story, as a shark senses wounded prey, Brenda made a bee-line towards the pair. “Excuse me please, sirs, Brenda Kane, Channel 5 news,” she declared herself as she met with them at the police line. “Who are you and can you shed any light on these events?” The two men ignored her and tried to cross the caution tape. When a police officer stepped up in front of them, the older fellow said, “Please, I’m Vernon van Dyne! That’s my daughter Janet in there!” The cop looked unsure, but a glance at a plainly dressed superior convinced him to lift the tape up and admit them, leaving Brenda to stare after their passage. “Janet van Dyne’s father has now arrived on the scene, no doubt applying further pressure on the police to resolve this matter peacefully. For now, this is Brenda Kane, NewsCenter 5, reporting.” LAX: The woman could be called adorable and she turned several heads as she moved through the busy terminal. Elegantly dressed in a professional suit, her skirt flared at the knees, the deep blue casting little shine from the lights. Her full brown hair flowed over to the middle of her back, while ice-blue eyes scanned the crowds moving around her. She walked quickly, with a purpose in her stride, while she clutched her purse to her chest. She was slim, and she was attractive, and she was also clearly nervous. She stopped at a convenience stand, looking over magazines with mild interest, and took a moment to dart her attention around her. “Maria? Maria Trovaya?” came a deep, resonant voice. The tall man approached her, looking very dashing in the black turtleneck and slacks, a deep blue coat setting off the stylish ensemble. He had dark brown eyes, and short well-groomed black hair, and he exuded a confidence in his every moment and mannerism. “That is you, right? Long time no see.” His face offered a warm smile to the nervous woman. Maria seemed to relax when the man arrived. She turned from the periodicals and gave a wan, but sincere, smile of her own. “Doctor Pym. I’m so glad you came to meet me,” she said in a deep, smooth voice. The accented English pricked charmingly against the man’s ears, and he smiled wider. “Maria, please,” he encouraged as he took on of her hands in his. “Call me Greg. Dr. Pym is my brother. I see no reason why we can’t be more than in-laws anymore, all right?” Her smile cracked a little further apart and she nodded. “Of course, Gregory… and thank you. I had no idea where to turn.” “Not a problem, Maria,” he answered as he started to lead her away. “I know how things can be… how he can be. Come on, let’s get you settled in and we’ll figure out a future for you.” Maria nodded again and followed Gregory Pym out of the airport. Brooklyn: David Cannon slowly peered out of the window, then quickly turned back to look at Janet van Dyne. He ran a hand through long blond locks and shook his head, eyes narrowed cruelly as he appraised his prisoner. Janet looked disheveled, but hid her nervousness under a veneer of confidence. “Just walk out and surrender to the police, David,” she said to him, trying to sound calm and concerned for him. “I won’t press charges, we’ll just get you help. It will all work out.” He took a menacing step towards her and curled his mouth in a sneer. His hand reached out to a nearby dresser and snatched up the pistol in his hand. “Dammit, Janet!” he snarled. “How? How did they get here? I was just gonna grab my sedan here and we’d be gone!” He looked over at the window, and then back to Janet once more. “We’re soul-mates! Don’t talk to me like that! That’s how Mom used to talk to me. So don’t talk to me like that!” Janet watched as he lifted the gun shakily at her and she nodded. “How do you think you’ll get away with this then? David, you’ll be killed.” She tried to give him a sweet look with those soft blue eyes, that slender adorable face. “That would be terrible.” David stared at her for long, tense minutes of silence and then turned away and stalked back to the window. “Just so you bastards know what’s what, I’m armed and I’m not giving up my soul-mate!” He fired a shot out of the window into the air to emphasize the facts. “Never,” he muttered more softly, spoken for her benefit as she spared her a lingering look. From a nearby backyard, the blond-haired, blue-eyed scientist named Henry Pym shuddered at the sound of the shot. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard as he held the syringe in his hand. He shook and he breathed hard, and railed inwardly at himself for such a stupid, hare-brained scheme. The lab coat scratched against bare skin. “This will never work,” he muttered again, out loud this time. He closed his eyes, lifted up an arm and clenched his fist. He partly opened one eye and plunged the needle into his arm, pressing the brownish fluid into his vein. And then the world went white around him. He could see nothing as he looked around, then upwards. His heart raced faster than ever as sweet and cloying air assailed his nostrils. Then he realized that the white world was just his lab coat heaped like a mountain around him, the swiftness of his heart due to his new size as much as his panic. The smell of fertilizer-fed grass pressed in on him and he looked around to see the jungle that surrounded him. “Yes!” he screamed. “It worked! God damn it, it worked!” Hurriedly, he pulled out the small padded latex garment from a nearby inside pocket. He donned it fast, impressed with its fit for a non-tailor. He stretched himself out in the dull red suit, and then pulled out a black belt which he wrapped around his waist. He patted the thick buckle protectively, and then slipped what looked like a cell phone from a pouch on his belt. He pressed a button and two slender antenna slid out. “Now to see if my hobby pans out as well,” Henry said as he burrowed under his jacket and out into the gargantuan bright green world. He glanced around and began to speak into the odd, jury-rigged phone. He continued to look, trying to get his bearings, and not able to see much beyond the immediate forest of grass. Soon, a loud buzz of wings could be heard, and some of the green parted to permit the arrival of an ant. Henry stared at the gigantic, segmented alien form. He hand always been an amateur entomologist from early youth, and never once found an insect that bothered him. But the horse-sized flying beast now landing near him made him step back with wide eyes. Antennae swiveled to take in the tiny human, bizarre eyes looking him over slowly. Henry stared up into the mandibles that he knew could slice him in half, and nearly fainted. “Oh my God!” Henry gasped. With fumbling hands, he hit a button on his belt and then spoke into the phone. He watched the antennae cease to flutter in agitation, and the insect settled against the ground with a nod of its head. “He’s actually letting me ride him. Good Lord, I made this work too.” Henry was stunned at his successes as he felt the cool, slick exoskeleton under him while he settled onto the ant. “Okay, fella, let’s you and me go save the day.” With a lurch, the ant hurtled into the air and Henry struggled to contain his nausea. The massive world spun around him, eyes unused to such a massive reorientation of scale and perspective battling with the sloshing of his inner ear from the violent, unusual flight. But Henry held on, and spoke rapidly once more into the phone before pocketing it back into the pouch. The insect soared around the house and finally alighted on a sill, the same window sill that had so recently witnessed David Cannon’s warning shot. Henry Pym slid off with little grace or control, but with presence of mind to press a pair of buttons on the buckle. The ant nodded its head and twitched stalks in appreciation as it flew off. Then Henry looked up and fiddled with a different set of controls elsewhere on the belt. Inside the room, David Cannon still peered out of that self-same window. Looming ominously over the scarlet speck of a hero, David paid the insect no mind, focusing on the array of blue lights and blue uniforms. Suddenly, a powerful sting cut across the stalker’s jaw, burrowing a thin trail through skin and drawing blood. Cannon took a step back and clutched his free hand over the red line. “What is it?” Janet asked, daring to stand up and looking at Cannon with visible concern now. “Something…stung me?” He pulled his hand back and looked at the small smear of blood in confusion. His eyes darted around the room. Henry Pym landed on the dresser and cracked the top from his focused weight. He patted the new set of controls with a smile. “Fluctuator works too. Man, maybe I am a genius. Wow! I kept my strength despite my size. Quantum physics, you are a dream.” He grinned and then realized he was talking to himself. “Got to stop that,” he chastised himself. With a grin, he hurled himself with powerful legs, and crashed into Cannon’s cheek this time. Henry felt the boots break skin and sink into the shallow flesh until bone stopped his momentum. David gave another yelp and cursed as he stepped back from the window. Instinctively, his hand flew up to slap the insect on his face, but Henry could see the gargantuan attack as if it were slow motion. With a sharp tug, he pushed off of David and landed on the floor. “Shit! Dammit! This hurts!” David swore as he slapped his face. Janet giggled nervously at the sight, and made David whirl around in fury, gun leveled at her chest. “Shut up! Shut up! This was supposed to be easy, you were supposed to make it easy, damn it!” Henry stood on the floor and felt the thunderous words cascade throughout the room. David was deteriorating and there wasn’t much time, he realized. But even with his full strength, he was too small to make a big enough impact. “Calm down, Dave, don’t get upset, we’ll work this all out, you’ll see,” Janet tried to soothe the crazed man down. Henry’s hand struck the last button on his buckle and felt the jolt rush travel through him. Nothing happened at first, and Henry panicked that his luck had finally run out. Suddenly though, he could feel the air growing less oppressive around him. He took a fast dash as the world around him shrunk at incredible speed. He completed the shooting growth under David’s bloodied chin, and the sudden uppercut crashed into the jaw hard and loud, sending the gunman to the floor. Janet heard an odd tearing sound, a heavy ripping and her eyes were glued to the explosion of smooth flesh color that interposed between her and the prone David. She giggled again and put a hand over her mouth to keep from losing control. “Why, Dr. Pym,” she said as she gazed with the eyes of a fascinated young lady in lust. “This is a side of you I never expected to see.” Henry turned and stared at Janet and exhaled long and heavy to see her safe. His eyes met hers and then followed her gaze down to his naked body. He flushed crimson and the fainting sensation returned. “Oh boy,” he muttered. TO BE CONTINUED!
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Post by HoM on Jun 16, 2019 12:26:42 GMT -5
I read 48-50 when it first came out and a week ago re-read them. That second read put so much into perspective. The way you tied it to current Superman continuity was just amazing. It also helped me to see aspects of the Superman family that I had not considered. In other words, I loved it. One thing I always come back to in my DC2 stories is family-- and by extension, community. The way in which people come together and interact with each other is the basis of storytelling, right? And family and familial relations are the very definition of that. That's why Justice League has always been such a fun playground for me to write in, and why I try to push my Superfamily stories in that direction. I made efforts to bring Kal’s half-brother Kru-El into the Superman family fold. I’m really pleased with the work I did in the Superwoman series of stories to humanise a character that had been side-lined and made two-dimensional by the stories he was utilised within previously. You have a style that takes from one issue and calls back to a previous. I imagine that a lot of planning went into this and it shows. I love your writing and it is truly inspiring. Thank you! One of my favourite things is to echo and relate back to beats in previous chapters. I'm really happy with how this whole story turned out, even though I did drop a thread I established in the first issue. Because of that one-scene-wonder, I think I'll cut it from the story just so future readers aren't confused. I'm glad that it's not detractd from anyone's enjoyment!
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Post by HoM on Jun 16, 2019 8:20:04 GMT -5
Awesome ideas! I really didn't feel like Kara was selfish in this story at all, which I think speaks to the idealism and love at the heart of the character, but also how well-written the different arguments were. Kara is definitely stubborn and driven, but her track record, and her relationships with her friends, lead them to believe she CAN do this-- and she does! It's one of my favourite tropes, when, even though the hero has a 'crazy' plan, their friends and allies trust them because they have pulled this off before. I love it. I really like the idea of certain characters being able to pull off the impossible, despite the odds. Superman has that in the mainstream DCU, the kind of acts that make even Batman say “Wow”, but in the DC2, Kara’s the one with the bonafides. I’m glad it landed as well as it did! I’ve enjoyed weaving MEGA stories into the fabric of her 10YL history, hints and nods towards events in her life that were EPIC and on CRISIS level, but that I didn’t have to write them. Kara might be stubborn, but she's not irrational. (One of my least favourite time travel stories is the "I have to go back and save [insert love interest or the world or both here]" but they go all dark and savage and start killing people!) She came up with an amazing plan and it really shines. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but a lot of what I did here, with every aspect of the plan being covered, is ask what I would think given the circumstances. You know how in Law & Order you know who the murderer is because they’re the most recognisable actor? Or how you’re watching something and know what’s happening before the characters do? Or even when you’re reading something and you can keep poking holes in the narrative? I wanted everything to be air-tight, and that’s why so many characters are running around asking the right kinds of questions, because they’re all genre savvy and know their role in the world. Superwoman is the daughter of scientists, the cousin of the greatest hero the world has ever seen, and as such, she has a pedigree and level of experience and expectation which allows any “mission” to be interrogated from every angle before it begins. When the next phase of Justice League begins I’m going to have to put my genre savvy hat on and pull it down hard because I want to make sure it lands without any kind of whimper. I just think that—unrelated to JL-- you need to really think the angles through when it comes to time travel and repercussions from that. Butterfly effects, grandfather paradoxes, all that malarkey. We’ve all been doing this—and reading this—for so long that we need to make our stories bulletproof! Very cool-- love the idea. Buried in my DC ideas folder was an outline of the different worlds. If I remember correctly, I had the Source as the First World, the world of magic and gods (like Wonder Woman's Olympians) as the Second, the world of heroes as the Third World, and the Fourth World ("the New Gods") as a new irruption of cosmic energy. But the First World war criminals, creatures from beyond time, I love it. I'm sure we'll see that again! …I smell a collaboration down the line. But I'm also glad it didn't interrupt the flow of the ending for Action Comics #50. You nailed the landing. It was fantastic. Thanks again!
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Post by HoM on Jun 9, 2019 8:59:33 GMT -5
A really nice "quiet before the storm" interlude, a great thematic follow-up to the non-Superman focused story of the previous Action Comics issue you wrote. Lots of balls in the air, great to see Power Girl still in the fold, and some fun interactions between the extended Kent family. Conner being the subject of some light familial bullying was cute, and it's wonderful to see Kara continue to come out of her shell. The plot continues to thicken in the Fortress, and the upcoming issues of the Superman-family of titles promise to hold many challenges for everyone involved!
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:53:37 GMT -5
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:53:20 GMT -5
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:52:58 GMT -5
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:52:42 GMT -5
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:51:54 GMT -5
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Post by HoM on May 22, 2019 14:51:41 GMT -5
Thought I'd start with something fun when it comes to reposting all the thousands of covers on the site, so why not Susan's classic Jonah Hex / Green Lantern Elseworlds epic! Because I can't help myself, there was inconsistent cover dress and a lack of issue numbering, so I rejigged the logo and made the covers uniform, so here... we... go...
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Post by HoM on May 16, 2019 15:37:58 GMT -5
Bloody typo! Gun-Moll! I meant Gun!
If you head over to the BATMAN collections page, they appear for the first time (if I remember rightly) in BREAKING THE BAT.
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