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Episode 1471 Talkback - Introducing! Red Tornado, Machine Man, and Scud the Disposable Assassin
Adam_Murdough
Posts: 506
Reintroducing the 'Introducing!' format, in which we shine the CGS spotlight on the first appearances of three characters, all sharing some common trait or feature, from three different publishers and decades. Taking 'Androids' as our theme, we investigate the inorganic origins of three synthetic superstars: the Silver Age Red Tornado; Jack Kirby's X-51, the Machine Man; and that small-press sensation of the '90s, Scud the Disposable Assassin! If you're in the mood for all-out android action (and origin analysis), these are the droids you're looking for! (1:38:17)
Listen here.
Listen here.
Comments
On another note, how many times have both Machine Man and the Red Tornado been destroyed I wonder? Until this podcast I was unaware of Scud the Disposable Assassin. I may look for the TPB mentioned near the end.
And big congrats to my friend @Mr_Cosmic on muddling @Adam_Murdough! That's a rare occurrence! Hey, instead of making them pay to ship you a book as your prize, why not simply insist on that Marvel Cosmic Spotlight we've been petitioning for? LOL :)
It's a very strange series. I'd definitely recommend it, though. The earlier issues have more of a connection to the movie. The letter columns are also a real treat, as half of the writers express frustration regarding what the series is even supposed to be about. I don't think Kirby ever figured it out himself, but it's fun watching him go wild and swing for the fences every time out, usually trying to be as profound as possible and attempting to redefine everything from comic books to humanity itself.
Machine Man appears in issues 9 and 10 as well. They are enjoyable. He's on the run and he meets up with a woman and a boy. The boy childishly insists that he's a "superhero--like the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man!" (paraphrasing), and then adults tell the kid that he's "read too many Marvel comics!". So, no, the story isn't set in the Marvel Universe, but as you guys suspected, after a while the continuities bleed together. I only have the first and ninth issues of Kirby's "Machine Man" series, but at the end of the 9th issue they say that the story continues in "The Incredible Hulk".
I'd also like to note that they brought Machine Man back in some X-related comics of the late '90s. This was my first exposure to this character, but it was also when I was getting out of comics for a while, so I could barely care about what was going on. I remember seeing Machine Man fight the Red Skull alongside the X-Men, Douglock, and Deathlok (I think?) on board a SHIELD helicarrier. And this spun off a short-lived "M-Tech" line of titles. Very convoluted stuff, but as with much of the Alan Davis-penned late-'90s X-Men stuff, there was at least the kernel of some good ideas there... ruined by editorial excess. Thanks for the link. I don't agree with the Comics Bulletin (I rarely do) that "2001" is such a bad Kirby series. It's uneven, but I find it better than the issues of Eternals that I've read. And the whole "Fourth World" stuff is all over the map: very high highs ("New Gods", "Forever People"), very low lows (a lot of the "Jimmy Olsen" stuff, which is just... dysfunctionally bad in my opinion). I think that even when an issue of "2001" strikes out, so to speak, it does so in a way that's interesting.
Also, bralinator, I have an extra copy of "2001" #5. None of these back issues are THAT expensive anyway, but if you have anything you'd like to trade, let me know. At the moment I need "2001" #2 and "Machine Man" #2-8.
I also feel a bit bad about the last question because I didn't reference a specific issue. However I do know the answer is correct even if I can't point to the exact issue.
I'd love a cosmic spotlight but I've actually spoken out about being satisfied with the guys just doing The Fantastic Four(the birthplace of Marvel's Cosmic U, IMHO).
As far as kissing the geeks...sorry gentlemen, but it'd take A LOT more than a cosmic spotlight! ;)
Couldn't control myself. Sorry.
For those that want to explore Machine Man a bit further. Above is one of the best mini-series you will ever read.
Just got this set, but have not read it yet. Love the BWS artwork and I am looking forward to checking it out.
(It still might look pretty good...)
http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/search.php?search=introducing
Here are a couple of ideas for possible episodes:
Comics characters named Adam:
Adam Warlock
Adam Strange
Prince Adam (He-Man)
Fraternal Twins:
Billy & Mary Batson (1940s)
Wonder Twins (1970s)
Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver (1960s)
Characters named Jamie:
Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle)
Jamie Madrox (Multiple Man)
Jamie Sommers (Bionic Woman)
If you're looking for any other Kirby material, I also have extra copies of Eternals 4, 5, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 all in varying conditions. Send me a PM and we can discuss trade.
It's a steal! I think I got mine also very cheap included in a small lot of Machine Man bronze age for about $10
Lastly, shout-out to bralinator for sending me a Machine Man #2. Hope you enjoy your 2001 #5.