Monday, April 26, 2010

Leader

Real Name
Samuel Sterns


Occupation
Would-be world conqueror; former laborer

Citizenship
U.S. Citizen

Place of Birth
Boise, Idaho

Known Relatives
Madman (brother)

Group Affiliation
Intelligencia

Education
Unfinished high school education

Height
5'10"

Eyes
Green

Powers
Superhuman intelligence, telepathy, psychokinesis

Other Info
Working as a laborer in a government-owned chemical research facility in the Nevada desert, Samuel Sterns was caught in an explosion when a cylinder of radioactive waste he was moving unexpectedly blew up. Recovering in the hospital, he discovered he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and rapidly read through every book he could lay his hands on.

Weeks later, Sam underwent a physical transformation as well: his skin turned green and his skull expanded upwards. Calling himself the "Leader," he organized a spy ring to steal scientific secrets, only to find the Hulk an impediment to his plans. Desiring to study the Hulk, he first sent the Chameleon and then synthetic "humanoids" to capture the Hulk. This began what would become a long-standing feud between the Leader and the Hulk. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters.)

Time and again, the Leader would use others to battle his foe. Some of those he has employed over time have been the Rhino, the Glob, Jackdaw, and Arsenal. He even worked with General Thunderbolt Ross on one occasion. (Click on the characters' names above to learn more about them.)

One time he forced the Hulk to raid the Watcher’s home in the Blue Area of the Moon for the advanced technology within. The Hulk successfully retrieved the Ultimate Machine (a.k.a. the Globe of Ultimate Knowledge), but when the Leader accessed the millions of years’ worth of information within the Machine, even his advanced mind was overwhelmed and he collapsed to the ground, seemingly dead. (To learn more about the Watcher, click on his name above.)

However, he was alive. Unfortunately, later in a lab accident, the Leader was left paralyzed for a prolonged period. During this time he initially used a mind-controlled Rhino to do his bidding. After some time, Leader finally regained the use of his limbs by deliberately reverting back to the form of Samuel Sterns, whose amnesiac form then followed subconscious orders to infiltrate Gamma Base where he exposed himself to radiation to transform back into the Leader. This usurping of the Base, like the previous time, was brought to an end by the combined forces of the Hulk and Doc Samson. (To learn more about Doc Samson, just click on his name above.)

Many of the Leader’s schemes have involved plots to transform others into gamma-mutates under his control. One time, on the pretext of seeking a cure for the Hulk, he duped Dr. Rikki Keegan (a school friend of Banner’s) into obtaining blood samples from his foe. He used these to contaminate Manhattan’s water supply, causing a “Green Flu” which would mutate those it did not kill. However, Keegan mutated into a Leader-like being more powerful than her creator, and in order to prevent her from telekinetically wrecking all his equipment, the Leader was forced to administer the antidote, which was then used to cure the rest of the victims.

Later, the Leader traveled back in time to Earth’s primeval past to alter mankind’s evolution so that all humanity would become gamma people. However, this plan brought him into conflict with the Avengers as well as his old adversary, and he apparently plunged to his death into a prehistoric volcano. However, thanks to a hidden teleportation device, he survived. (Click on the highlighted name to learn more about the Avengers.)

Eventually the Leader’s mutation destabilized, and he reverted back to his human form. Seeking to regain his heightened intellect, he drained gamma radiation from Rick Jones (who at that point was suffering from Hulk-like transformations). Stern became the Leader once again, but now with a psychic link to Jones. Using new operatives Half-Life, Rock, and Redeemer, the Leader lured the gray Hulk to Middletown, Arizona, where he detonated a gamma bomb while the Hulk was holding it above his head. Believing the Hulk to be dead, the Leader gathered together the handful of Middletown survivors and formed them into the Riot Squad. Sometime later, after discovering the Hulk had survived, the Leader assisted him in battling Sterns’ brother, now the superhuman known as Madman. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the background of the picture of Rick Jones' bio page--woman in a revealing dress.)

Some time later, he apparently controlled Omnibus and created a terrorist organization called “The Alliance.” With The Alliance, Leader sought to destabilize the world and plunge it into war, only to have the Hulk thwart him once again. (To learn about Omnibus, click on the highlighted name above.)

After some time, Leader made himself a home in Gammaworld where he encountered Hulk's former allies, the Warbound. Wanting the Oldpower of Hiroim, the Leader used the townspeople to create a new monster called Horde to battle them. Ultimately, Hiroim sacrificed himself to stop the Leader, and the Oldpower was kept out of his grasp. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters, team, and/or power.)

The Leader would soon return to his plans of revenge against all those who wronged him, especially the Hulk. His sporadic allies in the Intelligencia were eager to help, and utilizing a plot thought out by the murderous M.O.D.O.K., they were well on their way to achieving victory. Leader was the first to hear of the creation of a Red Hulk which was to be the Intelligencia's greatest asset in the coming war. But, a bitter betrayal, and the death of General Ross, put them at odds with both Hulks. (To learn more about the above highlighted characters and/or team, just click on their names above.)

Even though the Leader founded the Intelligencia, he is content in letting M.O.D.O.K. call the shots so long as their ultimate goal is achieved.


To learn more about the Leader, click on the following link,
http://marvel.com/universe/Leader_%28Samuel_Sterns%29.

I read that Tim Blake Nelson, who plays Samuel Sterns in
The Incredible Hulk movie, said that he has signed up for two more Hulk movies, and to play as Leader. However, there is no evidence yet that they are going to be actually making those movies.

Monday, April 19, 2010

War Machine

Real Name
James "Jim" Rupert Rhodes

Occupation

Initiative
instructor, adventurer, government agent; formerly: Sentinel Squad O*N*E combat instructor, soldier, pilot

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Known Relatives
David Rhodes (father), Roberta Rhodes (mother), Jeanette Rhodes (sister, deceased), Josh (uncle, last name unrevealed), unnamed alleged son

Group Affiliation
Initiative; formerly: Sentinel Squad O*N*E, Office of National Emergency (O*N*E), Crew, Secret Defenders, Worldwatch, Stark Enterprises, Force Works, West Coast Avengers, U.S. Marine Corps

Education
High school graduate, learned aviation engineering in the U.S. Marines

Height
6'1"

Weight
210 lbs.

Eyes
Brown

Hair
Brown (gray streaks)

Powers
None

Abilities
Rhodes is an exceptional pilot, and was trained by the Marines in aviation engineering and armed and unarmed combat.

Other Info
James Rhodes grew up in South Philadelphia. Bullied as a child, he was determined to get out and make something of himself; therefore, he eventually joined the U.S. Marine Corp where he became a pilot. During one mission, Rhodes' helicopter was shot down and crashed into the jungle. He was found by Iron Man (who had only recently escaped from Wong-Chu and needed transportation out of the combat area). Iron Man helped repair Rhodes' helicopter and the two men made it to safety together. Afterwards, Rhodes was approached by Tony Stark, Iron Man's "employer" (Rhodes didn't know Tony was actually Iron Man). Stark offered Rhodes a job as his pilot, and Rhodes agreed to take him up on his offer when his service was over. (To learn about Iron Man, click on his name above.)

Rhodes was true to his word, serving for some time at Stark International as Stark's personal pilot and becoming Tony's close friend. Rhodes was forced to watch as Stark gave in to alcoholism, and finally, during a battle with the villain Magma, Stark went into battle as Iron Man while intoxicated. After a humiliating defeat, Iron Man went to Rhodes to help recharge his armor, and accidently revealed his true identify to Rhodes. Too drunk to continue his fight with Magma, Stark passed out, and Rhodes put the Iron Man armor on himself in order to save Stark International from Magma's rampage. Rhodes succeeded in his first mission, and Tony asked Rhodes to stay on as Iron Man so that he could continue to pursue his life of alcoholism. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the company and villain. Also, Rhodes as "Iron Man" is shown in the third picture posted.)

Rhodes' military combat experience served him well for his new life as Iron Man. Rhodes turned to twin inventors Morley and Clytemnestra Erwin to help him maintain the armor and began taking mercenary jobs to fund the armor's upkeep. Stark, meanwhile, continued drinking and eventually lost Stark International. Rhodes made a name for himself facing threats such as Thunderball, Radioactive Man, and Mandarin. He also banded with many of Earth's heroes on Battleworld during the Beyonder's so-called "Secret Wars." Most of these heroes continued to believe that he was the original Iron Man. (To learn more about the above characters and place, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on the bio page of the Beyonder.)

When Rhodes returned from Battleworld, he found that Stark was now trying to make a recovery, and he hesitantly allowed Tony back into his life. Rhodes, Stark, and the Erwin twins prepared to set up their own company, Circuits Maximus. However, Rhodes found himself often conflicting with Tony, jealous of the armor to the point where he would refuse to let Tony repair it. Later, he realized that his emotional problems were related to the armor's cybernetic interface, which had not been adjusted for Rhodes' brainwaves. Rhodes also joined the Avengers when Hawkeye opened the West Coast branch; however, Hawkeye was shocked when he finally learned that he wasn't working with the original Iron Man. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the place, characters, and/or team.)

Rhodes' run as Iron Man came to an end when Obadiah Stane (the man who bought out Stark International) blew up Circuits Maximus, killing Morley Erwin and injuring Rhodes. Rhodes offered Stark the Iron Man armor back so that he could bring down Stane, but Tony built a new suit instead and faced Obadiah in a battle that ended with Stane's suicide. Tony returned to activity as Iron Man, and Rhodes resumed his role as pilot and confidant, occasionally suiting up to aid Stark against such threats as the Living Laser, Kearson DeWitt, and Fin Fang Foom. (Click on the characters' names above, to learn more about them.)

During his clashes with Kearson DeWitt, Stark began to suffer from nervous system troubles and eventually suffered a total nervous systems collapse. On his apparent deathbed, he transferred control of Stark Enterprises to Rhodes, and left him a new suit of Iron Man armor--nicknamed the "War Machine" armor. Rhodes reluctantly honored his best friend's dying wish and became Iron Man again. (To learn about Stark Enterprises, just click on it's name above.)

During his time as CEO of Stark Enterprises, Rhodes became romantically involved with Rae LaCoste (a former girlfriend of Stark's). Rhodes was insulted when he finally learned that Stark had faked his death so that his scientists could find a cure for his condition. Stark let Rhodes keep the War Machine armor as a peace offering; but, Rhodes wanted nothing else to do with him. Some time later, Rhodes was forced to return to Stark for repairs on his armor, and the two men finally came to terms. Rhodes continued to date Rae LaCoste, despite his parents' attempt to split them up by claiming that Rhodes had fathered a child out of wedlock with another woman. However, Rhodes doubts that their story was true. (To learn more about Rhodes romantic interest, click on her name above.)

During a time travel mission to World War II stop Grinz (a Nazi officer who was receiving advanced technology from the future), Rhodes learned that Grinz was supplied by his own son, Raeder. Rhodes killed Grinz to prevent Raedar from being born; however, the resulting paradox threw Rhodes back to his own time, but the War Machine armor was destroyed in transit. (Click on the names above, to learn more about the characters.)

Later, Rhodes encountered a woman named Skye. Skye helped lead Rhodes to a suit of Eidolon Warwear armor (bio-technology of a long-dead extraterrestrial race), and the Warwear armor bonded itself to Rhodes. The armor actually would react to Rhodes' emotional state, transforming itself to provide him with whatever weapons he might desire. However, after some time, Rhodes learned about a company that was offering him a position in their company in order to learn the secrets of the armor. In order to stop them, Rhodes sacrificed his Warwear armor to purge their computers of all data on the armor. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn more about Skye. Also, Rhodes in the Eidolon Warwear armor is shown as the forth picture posted.)

Although Rhodes is no longer active as War Machine, he possesses a prototype copy of the War Machine armor, and once donned one of its gauntlets to grant himself superhuman strength.

To learn more about War Machine, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Rhodes,_James.

It looks like, in the movie, they messed with the time frame of how Iron Man and Rhodes met. But, I think they did a good job with both characters in the movie.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Bolt

Real Name
Christopher "Chris" Bradley

Occupation

Mercenary; former adventurer, student

Citizenship
U.S.A

Place of Birth
Duchess County, New York City, New York

Known Relatives
Robert Bradley (Frank Johnson, father), Marion Bradley (Rose Johnson, mother), Catherine Bradley (Jennifer Johnson, sister)

Group Affiliation
(As Maverick) Formerly Gene Nation, Cable's Underground; (as Bolt) formerly New Warriors

Education
High school (incomplete)

Height
6'4"

Weight
244 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Black

Powers
Chris Bradley could absorb ambient static electricity from the atmosphere. Typically, Chris’ body harmlessly expended this energy; however, he was able to store and release it for a variety of effects, such as obscuring his features, channeling it through conductive material, forming protective shields, or generating electric arcs. Chris was also able to absorb electricity from electricity-generating sources to empower himself.

Abilities
Chris was extensively trained by Cable in armed and unarmed combat, and was a skilled albeit brutal interrogator.

Other Info
Chris Bradley lived the life of a normal teenager until the day his mutation manifested itself. This drew the attention the X-Men; two members, Gambit and Jean Grey, were sent to monitor Chris. At school, Chris found himself unable to control his electricity-based powers and was overwhelmed, falling unconscious in the school’s bathroom. He was found by Gambit and Jean who took him home. With his parents permission, Chris went to live with the X-Men at their mansion home. (To learn more about the above team or characters, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Jean Grey's bio page.)

At the X-Mansion, Christ began to form close friendships with several of the X-Men, particularly Iceman. Eventually, Chris was trained enough to control his powers; however, the night before he was to return home, Beast discovered that Chris had contracted the mutant-killing Legacy Virus. A saddened Chris still tried to return to a normal life. Chris soon found acceptance in his classmate Donna Funaro, who did her best to understand his situation, and they soon fell in love. After public anti-mutant sentiments grew to a near-fever pitch, Chris’ parents were forced to take him out of school. (To learn about the above characters or virus, just click on their names.)

On a visit to the only clinic willing to help those infected with the Legacy Virus, Chris stumbled upon members of the anti-mutant Friends of Humanity. The Friends of Humanity were intending to bomb the clinic, but they were all saved by the mutant mercenary Maverick (Christoph Nord). Maverick, was also infected with the Legacy Virus. With the Friends of Humanity defeated, Chris used his powers to help defuse the bomb. Maverick then provided Chris with contact details should he ever need Maverick’s help in the future. (Click on the highlighted names to learn more about the group and character above.)

Later, Chris’ home was burned down by mutant-haters, and he angrily sought revenge on the Friends of Humanity (he believed they were the perpetrators). Iceman tried to stop him, but Chris rejected his offer of help. Instead, Chris sought out Maverick, unwittingly leading the Friends of Humanity to confront them. Aided by Iceman and Wolverine, they defeated the Friends of Humanity, after which Maverick arranged for Chris and his family to be given new identities as the "Johnsons," and they relocated to Altamonte Springs, Florida. (To learn about Wolverine, just click on his name above.)

Later on, Maverick had Chris take a code-name for his protection. The name that he chose was “Bolt.”

Later, Chris aided several other teen heroes in battling the alien warrior Blastaar, after which the heroes banded together as a new incarnation of the New Warriors. Initially, Chris kept his Legacy Virus infection a secret from his teammates. At one time, the New Warriors were involved in the “contest of champions” held by the alien Coterie, during which they bested fellow teen heroes the Slingers in a game of basketball only to be later defeated in combat by the Black Panther (T'Challa). (Click on the character, team, and race above to learn more about them.)

Later on during a fight, the Warriors were transported to the extra-dimensional realm of Olympus by Hercules, who wanted to test them in battle. Chris took the opportunity to ask Zeus for help in curing the Legacy Virus; however, Zeus refused to involve himself in mortal affairs. Chris ultimately told his teammates the truth about his condition, and they pledged their resources to finding a cure. (To learn more about Hercules or Zeus, click click on their names above.)

Eventually, Beast created a cure for the Legacy Virus which was released into Earth’s atmosphere by the sacrifice of the X-Man Colossus. Chris was cured. (Click on Colossus' name to learn more about him.)

Upon learning of Maverick’s apparent death at the hands of Sabretooth (then an agent of Weapon X program), Chris swore revenge. Seeking out the mutant soldier Cable, Chris recruited his help as a combat instructor to better allow Chris to take up Maverick’s name and uphold his legacy. Chris immersed himself in the Maverick persona, doing his best to look, sound, and act like Maverick. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters and program. Also, the fifth picture posted is of Chris as "Maverick.")

Soon after, Chris joined Cable's Underground resistance group in opposing Weapon X and its Director, Malcolm Colcord. Alongside Domino, Chris helped capture Weapon X operatives Reaper and Wildside, whom he proceeded to brutally torture in an effort to learn of Weapon X’s plans. The Underground then formed an alliance with rogue Weapon X operative Brent Jackson and a cadre of agents loyal to him in an assault on Weapon X’s headquarters; however, they were ultimately betrayed by Jackson and captured. Chris escaped and battled Weapon X’s Agent Zero, unaware that he was secretly the former Maverick. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the different characters and team.)

After the Underground was co-opted by former Weapon X agent Marrow and restructured as Gene Nation, Chris tracked her down and confronted her. Marrow surprisingly invited Chris to join them, and he accepted, secretly intending to dismantle the organization from within. In Gene Nation, Chris's first mission was to aid in a terrorist attack on Grand Central Station. Seeking to actually stop the bomber, Chris was confronted by Agent Zero (who mistakenly believed Christ to be the perpetrator). In the ensuing confusion, Zero fatally shot Chris. As he lay dying, Chris was unmasked by Zero, who was shocked to discover he had actually killed his former friend. (To learn about the team and character above, just click on their names.)

Recently, Chris was revived with an alien techno organic virus.

To learn more about Bolt/Maverick, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Maverick_%28Chris_Bradley%29.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Mephisto

Real Name
Mephisto

Occupation

Lord of a realm of Hell

Citizenship
Hell

Place of Birth
Unknown

Known Relatives
Blackheart (son), Mephista (daughter); presumptive relationship to other Hell-lords; quasi-paternal relationship to Mikal Drakonmegas (Hellfire) and Daimon (Hellstorm) and Satana Hellstrom; formerly engaged to unidentified demoness

Group Affiliation
Hell-lords, Lords of the Splinter Realms; formerly manipulator of the Six-Fingered Hand

Education
Extensively self-taught

Height
unrevealed

Weight
unrevealed

Eyes
unrevealed

Hair
unrevealed

Powers
An immensely powerful supernatural entity, Mephisto wields mystical energy for effects such as force blasts, matter manipulation, astral projection, interdimensional portals, illusion-casting and shape-shifting (his true form is unknown). Mephisto can capture the souls of recently deceased humans, though this usually applies only to beings who bargain away their souls to him. Mephisto can mystically trap living beings in his realm, but he cannot feed off these beings and rarely chooses to do this. A portion of his power seems to be tied to his realm and the number of souls trapped within it, meaning that prolonged absences from Hades weaken him. Mephisto does not need to eat, sleep or breathe, and is immune to aging and conventional disease.

Other Info
A Class Two Demon, or Hell-lord, Mephisto rules a fiery nether realm that he refers to as Hell or Hades (even though it isn't the Biblical Hell or Pluto's Olympian Hades). Mephisto's realm includes the Arena of Tainted Souls where tainted souls are forced to engage in eternal combat for his amusement. Mephisto also enjoys impersonating the Biblical Satan. He often strikes deceptive bargains with the living. Mephisto takes particular interest in the souls of extremely powerful or exceptionally pure beings. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the characters, places, and titles.)

Long ago, Mephisto entered a rivalry with the demonic Zarathos. He struck a bargain with the young prince who eventually became Centurious, the Soulless Man. Together, they brought down Zarathos, and Mephisto began a long process of tormenting Zarathos by bonding him with mortals. Knowing Zarathos was connected to the ancient Spirits of Vengeance, Mephisto became obsessed with controlling the Medallion of Power (a mystic talisman housing the essences of the Spirits of Vengence). This led Mephisto to the Kale family, who bore shards of the Medallion within their souls. In the 18th century, Mephisto bargained with Pastor Kale, hoping to gain the soul of the Pastor's son, Noble. This eventually led to the creation of the Dan Ketch (aka one of the many Ghost Riders to come). (To learn more about the characters and items above, just click on their names.)

In recent years, Mephisto has been fascinated by Earth's super-beings, especially the Silver Surfer due to his pure spirit. Mephisto tried to tempt the Surfer with power and physical pleasure, even offering up the Surfer's beloved Shalla-Bal, but the Surfer resisted. However, this did not stop Mephisto; he has repeatedly threatened the Surfer, along with others including Thor and Daredevil. (Click on the characters' names above to learn more about them.)

When Noble Kale's descendant, Naomi Kale, tried to undo the Kale family curse, she offered Mephisto her soul in exchange for his promise that the curse would not plague her firstborn son: John Blaze. She hoped this might break the curse forever, but Mephisto taunted her with assurances that even if her son John could not become "the" Ghost Rider, he could certainly become "a" Ghost Rider. Years later, when Johnny Blaze turned to the occult in an attempt to save the life of his adopted father, Mephisto appeared to him in the guise of Satan. Claiming Blaze's soul, Mephisto bonded the human with the captured Zarathos as a new Ghost Rider (This is the famous Ghost Rider that most people know, and the movie Ghost Rider is based off). (To learn about Ghost Rider, or his mother, just click on their names above.)

Mephisto's power over the soul of Doctor Doom's mother led him into several conflicts with the Latverian monarch; they battled each other every Halloween. Along with Dr. Doom, Mephisto has menaced the Fantastic Four on several occasions, including one involving the demonologist Elspeth Cromwell who mistakenly invoked him, allowing him to capture Reed and Susan Richards and their son Franklin. However, later on, Mephisto was temporarily destroyed by Franklin Richards (Click on the highlighted names to learn more about those characters.)

After sometime, Mephisto re-formed, missing five fragments of his essence. He tricked the villain Master Pandemonium into gathering these fragments (Master Pandemonium believed that these pieces were of his own lost soul), and Mephisto was eventually restored to full strength. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn more about him. Note: Beware of one of the few characters on the bio page are shown in a revealing outfit.)

Later on, a rivalry developed between Mephisto and the Asgardian death goddess Hela (she had stolen several souls that Mephisto considered his). Scheming to force Thor to oppose Hela, Mephisto temporarily stole the souls of several heroes, including the Invisible Woman, Jean Grey and Rogue, before finally claiming the one he wanted all along: Thor's. After a series of confrontations with the Fantastic Four, X-Factor, the X-Men, and the Avengers, Mephisto freed Thor's soul, but his plot succeeded. Having seen the horrors in store should the realm of death ever expand to engulf the living, Thor vowed to stand against Hela's advances forevermore. (To learn about the above characters or teams, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Jean Grey's bio page and the revealing outfit on Hela's bio page.)

At one point, Mephisto tricked the herald of Galactus, Nova, into becoming more bloodthirsty in her duties, which led to the Silver Surfer and Galactus both opposing the demon. Galactus and Mephisto engaged in a cosmos-shaking battle that left the Hell-Lord badly beaten. (Click on the above characters' names to learn more about them. Note: Beware of the skin-tight outfit on Nova's bio page.)

One time, Mephisto stole the soul of Odin (while he was in his Odinsleep), and Loki possessed Odin's form. However, Odin ultimately reclaimed his body and Mephisto took Loki's soul (his true goal all along). But, after a few months, Loki's spirit eventually escaped. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about Odin and/or Loki. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on one of the pictures on Loki's bio page.)

Appreciating the strength mortals drew from family and friendships, Mephisto mystically created two children for himself: a son named Blackheart (whom he deemed worthy of being his heir) and a daughter named Mephista. Mephista would wage war upon Doctor Strange, but Blackheart targeted first Daredevil and later the Dan Ketch Ghost Rider. Mephisto wanted to teach his son the ways of ruling Hell; however, Blackheart instead began to rebel against his Mephisto. At one point, Blackheart even temporarily overthrew his father and claimed the throne of Hell. But, Blackheart eventually lost it to Noble Kale, who was in turn cast out by a renewed Mephisto. (To learn more about the above highlighted characters, just click on their names. Note: Beware of Mephista's revealing outfit on her bio page.)

After reclaiming his throne, Mephisto once more began focusing on acquiring more souls for his realm. His efforts to claim the Black Panther (T'Challa) were thwarted when he was nearly overwhelmed by all of the Black Panther spirits throughout history. (Click on the above name to learn more about the Black Panther.)

Recently, Mephisto took advantage of Spider-Man's desperation to save his Aunt May's life after she was shot by one of the Kingpin's snipers. In exchange for her restored health, Spider-Man had to sacrifice his marriage to Mary Jane Watson. Peter and Mary Jane agreed, and Mephisto altered time such that the Parkers never exchanged wedding vows, the knowledge of Spider-Man's secret identity was removed from the world, and Harry Osborn was somehow restored to life.

To learn more about Mephisto, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Mephisto.

The actor Peter Fonda plays Mephisto (as Mephistopheles) in the film Ghost Rider. In Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Mephisto (played by CiarĂ¡n Hinds) went by the name of "Roarke" instead.