Monday, May 30, 2011

Heimdall

Real Name
Heimdall


Occupation

Sentry of Asgar
d

Citizenship
Realm of Asgard

Place of Birth
Asgard

Known Relatives
Sif (deseaced, sister)

Group Affiliation
Gods of Asgard
, Lost Gods

Education
Unrevealed

Height
7'2"

Weight
575 lbs

Eyes
Gray

Hair
Brown

Powers
Heimdall has the typical powers of an Asgardian god, including superhuman strength, stamina, and durability. He also possesses superhuman senses, most notably his vision and hearing. His senses are said to be so acute that he could hear sap running through trees and see events occurring miles away. Heimdall also briefly possessed the Odinpower, which granted him the power to channel cosmic energies.

Abilities
Heimdall is an experienced warrior, and a fierce hand-to-hand combatant.

Other Info
Heimdall is the brother of the warrior Sif. Not much is known about Heimdall's childhood. However, as an adult, he has stood as the guardian of Asgard's Rainbow Bridge and defended the city's gates from any intruders with his superhuman senses (most notably his vision and hearing) for ages. Heimdall was one of the most trusted servants of Odin. (To learn about the above characters, place, and/or bridge, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on Sif's bio page.)

As sentry of the Rainbow Bridge, Heimdall has encountered and battled many people. When Thor was cast out of Asgard, Heimdall battled Thor to prevent him from re-entering into Asgard. Later, Hemidall battled Thor again to prevent him from leaving Asgard when Odin did not want Thor to see Jane Foster again. At one point, Heimdall was immobilized by the Asgardian Seldring when Seldring had stolen the Odinforce. Also, at later time, Heimdall encountered the Recorder during an attack of the superstrong monster Mangog. (To learn about the different highlighted characters above, just click on their names.)

When Asgard was invaded by the fire demon Surtur, Heimdall attempted to defend the gates, but was overcome, and the Rainbow Bridge was destroyed. No longer needing to be stationary, Heimdall spent more time in Asgard, and became close to Amora the Enchantress, who was soon infatuated with him. However, when Odin returned to Asgard after Surtur's defeat, he gave a portion of his power to Heimdall to rebuild the Rainbow Bridge, and Heimdall resumed his duties. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters.)

Soon afterwards, when Odin was about to enter his Odinsleep, he passed the Odinpower on to Heimdall to rule Asgard until he awoke. Unfortunately, Heimdall had to deal with a major crisis in the life of Thor at this time (as Thor had been banished into the subconsciousness of the mortal Eric Masterson, who had assumed Thor's responsibilities). Sif was determined to find the real Thor, and her determination drove a wedge between her and her Heimdall. When Karnilla conspired with Loki to rule Asgard by having Odin awaken with Loki's soul possessing him, Heimdall was branded a traitor and banished to the Dream Dimension, where he was saved from the demon Nightmare by Amora. Eventually, Eric Masterson helped restore Odin (and later Thor as well); however, Heimdall and Amora drifted apart when Amora realized that his duty to Asgard was greater than his love for her. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or place. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Karnilla and Loki--in his woman-form--on their bio pages.)

At one point, when Odin cast the Asgardians into the guises of mortals to protect them from a false Ragnarok, Heimdall became known as Donald Velez, and joined the other "Lost Gods" in attempting to rediscover who they were, and in battling the Egyptian death-god Seth. Eventually, Heimdall and the others regained their true forms and defeated Seth just as Asgard was being attacked by the Dark Gods--they were all taken prisoner. However, they were finally rescued by Thor. (To learn about highlighted character, event, and/or groups above, just click on their names.)

When Asgard was struck by with the real Ragnarok, Heimdall perished in battle defending his people; however, in reality, his soul was placed inside a mortal man like all the other Asgardians. Heimdall was the first that was found after Thor recreated Asgard in Broxton, Oklahoma and started to search for the other gods. Heimdall watched over the new Asgard and helped Thor to locate the rest of the gods with his powers.

More recently, during the events of
Siege (Noman Osborn's attempt to takeover Asgard), Heimdall was one of the first targets to be taken out by Norman Osborn and his forces. However, Heimdall eventually recovers and joins his comrades in battle and defeats the invaders. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Norman Osborn and/or his attack on Asgard.)

To learn a little bit more about Heimdall, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Heimdall.

In the Thor movie, Heimdall is played by an African-American which is very different from Norse mythology. However, I think the actor did an awesome job, so I don't mind at all.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Battle Royal 10 Results

The winner of Battle Royal 10 is the God of Thunder...THOR! With a total of 11 votes for the entire poll, 9 votes went to Thor. Loki came in second place with 2 votes, and no one else received any votes.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the poll. Thanks for reading the Marvel Madness blog! And remember to keep up the Madness!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Odin

Real Name
Odin Borson

Occupation

Former Sky Father and monarch of Asgard

Citizenship
Asgardian

Place of Birth
Unrevealed

Known Relatives
Buri (Tiwaz, paternal grandfather); Bolthorn (maternal grandfather, deceased); Bor (father, deceased); Bestla (mother, deceased); Ve (brother, deceased); Vili (brother, deceased); Frigga (wife); Balder, Hermod, Thor, Tyr, Vidar (sons); Loki (foster son); Sigyn (former daughter-in-law); Mimir (uncle); Hoder (nephew)

Group Affiliation
Gods of Asgard
, Sky-Fathers

Education
Extensively trained in combat

Height
6'9"

Weight
650 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
White, formerly blond

Powers
Odin possessed a variety of superhuman attributes common to the superhuman race of beings known as the Asgardians. Odin was superhumanly strong and was capable of lifting about 60 tons. Odin, despite his advanced age at the time of his death, was much stronger than the average Asgardian male, which could lift roughly 30 tons.

Like all other Asgardians, Odin was extremely long lived and aged at a much slower pace than humans, but was not immortal in the same sense as some other races of gods who ceased to age upon reaching adulthood. Odin was highly resistant to physical injury and he couldn't die under conventional circumstances. It would take an injury that resulted in a spreading of a significant portion of his bodily molecules over a great distance, thus preventing the mystical lifeforce common to all Asgardians from regenerating areas essential to his survival, to cause him to physically die. The tissues of Odin's body; his flesh, bone, and muscle possessed about three times the density of the tissue of a human body. This helped to contribute to Odin's superhuman strength and weight. Odin's advanced musculature generated considerably less lactic acids than the musculature of human beings, granting him superhuman levels of stamina in all physical activities.

Odin possessed vast energy manipulating abilities called the Odinforce and could manipulate tremendous amounts of mystical energies for a variety of purposes, only some of which were seen. Odin could temporarily increase his own superhuman physical attributes, fire powerful bursts of energy for destructive purposes, teleportation between dimensions, grant living beings or inanimate objects a variety of superhuman abilities, control the lifeforce of other Asgardians, etc. He was periodically required to enter week-long Odinsleep to preserve his immortality and renew his godly energies.

Abilities
Vast knowledge of ancient and arcane wisdom. Odin was also an excellent hand to hand combatant, having thousands of years of experience and was quite adapt at using his vast energy powers in combat situations.

Other Info
Odin was the son of the Asgardian ruler Bor and the Frost Giantess, Bestia. Odin had two brothers named Vili and Ve. (To learn about the above mentioned characters and/or people, click on their highlighted names.)

One day, the three brothers battled the fire-demon Surtur. However, both Vili and Ve died while battling the demon. Odin was able to absorb his brothers' life essences which increased his own power (the "Odinpower"). After this, Odin was able to defeat Surtur and later assum the role as ruler of Asgard after his father. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or power.)

Odin has had many children. His wife, Frigga, bore him three sons: Balder, Hermod, and Tyr. At one point, Odin sought out the Earth goddess known as Gaea to have a son who would one day exceed him in power. By Gaea, Odin had a son named Thor who was raised by Odin's wife. In addition, Odin had a son, Vidar, through the Storm Giantess, Grid. Odin also had an adoptive son named Loki. Loki was the child of Frost Giant King, Laufey who Odin killed in battle. Odin had made a promise to his father, Bor, that he would take in the son of a leader he killed in battle. (To learn about the above characters and/or people above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Loki in his woman-form at the bottom of his bio page.)

As ruler and protector of the Asgardian people, Odin has been involved in many different crises and battles that have threatened Asgard and, on occasion, Earth. Some of these include stopping Loki, the Storm Giant Skagg, and Surtur; defeating Absorbing Man after he absorbed almost all of Asgard; banishing the monster Mangog; sacrificing his right eye to Mimir for the wisdom to stop Ragnarok; attempting to stop the Celestials in the armor of the Destroyer; engaging inter-dimensional tyrant Dormammu in a "cosmic chess" match as champions of Master Order and Lord Chaos respectively; and he even battled the "mad titan" Thanos in a battle that ended in a stalemate. Many times, Odin has been accompanied by by his ravens Hugin (Thought) and Munin (Memory), as well as his wolves Freki (Greedy) and Geri (Ravenous). (To learn about the above highlighted characters and/or event, just click on their names. Odin's ravens and wolves can been seen in the forth picture and a little bi tin the third picture posted. Also, Odin after he lost his eye--with an eye-patch--is shown in the fifth picture posted.)

Odin has also died three times in defense of Asgard. On the first occasion, Odin was killed by Mangog, although he is later revived by the goddess of Death Hela to prevent Pluto from claiming him. On the second occasion, the Celestials melted the Destroyer armor, which at the time held the life force of Odin and many Asgardians (except Thor because he was on Earth). However, Thor was able to collect a portion of godly energy from each pantheon and uses it to revive Odin, who in turn resurrected the Asgardians. The final occasion involved a massive battle against Surtur on Earth, with Odin apparently dying once and for all, as the Odin Force migrated to his son, Thor. (To learn about the above highlighted characters, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on Hela's bio page.)

Later, when Thor (as ruler of Asgard) entered into a Odinsleep (a week-long sleep to preserve his immortality and renew his godly energies), he went upon a spiritual journey to a land of the dead. There, Thor found his father, Odin, locked in eternal combat with Surtur. Although Thor had the power to release his father, Odin declined because he preferred to stay there and battle Surtur to ensure that the demon would never threaten his people again.

To learn a little bit more about Odin, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Odin.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Battle Royal 10

Imagine if thirteen Marvel characters were to be in a huge battle where there could only be ONE victor. Put the good and evil notion to the side. It's EVERYONE vs. EVERYONE! No alliances! Only ONE can be left standing! Please choose who you think would win among the thirteen Marvel characters in the poll.

Also, if you have time, please leave the reason why you think the character you chose would win in the "comment" section below. This way, we can all see your reasoning in choosing your winner. Who will be the victor? Only YOU can decide!

The thirteen characters that are involved in the Battle Royal 10 are the last thirteen characters that have been highlighted on the Marvel Madness blog:

Loki, Thor, Ho Yinsen, Crusher Hogan, Microchip, Willie Lumpkin, Ben Urich, Stone, Robbie Robertson, Deacon Frost, Glob Herman, Spike, and George Stacy. (If you have forgotten some of these characters' powers/abilities, go ahead and check out their bios right here on the Marvel Madness blog by clicking on the highlighted names above.)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Loki

Real Name
Loki Laufeyson

Occupation

God of evil; former god of mischief and madness

Citizenship
Realm of Asgard

Place of Birth
Jotunheim, Asgard

Known Relatives
Laufey (father, deceased), Farbauti (mother, deceased), Sigyn (wife, deceased), Odin (foster father, deceased), Frigga (foster mother, deceased), Thor, Vidar (foster brothers, deceased), Hela, Fenris (Wolf), Jordmungand (Midgard Serpent), “Son of Satan”(children, deceased), Arkin (cousin, deceased)- Note: It is unrevealed if any of the above deceased have been restored to life by Thor in the recent aftermath of Ragnarok

Group Affiliation
Cabal, Asgardians; formerly Lost Gods, manipulator of the "Acts of Vengeance" prime movers

Education
Extensive training in the rites of black magic

Height
6'4"

Weight
525 lbs

Eyes
Green

Hair
Black-grey

Powers
Loki possesses physical abilities far superior to humans, an increased lifespan, superhuman strength (able to lift up to 50 tons), immune to terrestrial diseases, and resistant to conventional injury.

Loki is perhaps the most powerful sorcerer in all of Asgard. His many magical abilities included shape-shifting (able to gain the basic natural abilities inherent in each form), astral projection, molecular rearrangement, eldritch energy blasts, illusion casting, flight (via levitation), telepathy, hypnosis, and teleportation.

Loki is immune to most physical injury, and can reattach severed body parts, including his own head. Loki can mystically imbue objects or beings with specific but temporary powers, and enhance the powers of superhumans. Loki can also magically create rifts between dimensions, allowing him or other objects passage from one universe to another. Most often this rift is between Asgard and Earth.

Abilities

None

Other Info
Loki is one of several powerful beings from the magical realm of Asgard. Odin, ruler of the Asgardian gods, led his subjects in a war against their enemy, the frost giants from the land of Jotunheim (one of the nine worlds of Asgard). Laufey (king of the Frost Giants) was slain in battle and the giants were defeated. After the war, the Asgardians discovered a small Asgardian god-sized baby hidden at the giants' main fortress. This infant was Loki, whom Laufey had kept hidden due to his shame over his son's diminutive size. Odin remembered his father Bor's dying words to adopt the son of a father killed by his hands; therefore, Odin adopted Loki into his own family and raised Loki like a son along with his biological son, Thor. (To learn about the above highlighted characters, place, and/or race, just click on their names.)

As a boy Loki began studying the arts of sorcery, for which he had a natural affinity. He became infamous for his mischievousness; however, he secretly resented Thor and the love that Odin lavished upon him. When Odin was preparing his greatest gift for Thor (the enchanted hammer Mjolnir), Loki interfered with its creation, causing its handle to be forged too short. Loki was envious that Thor would one day wield Mjolnir, and over the years repeatedly crafted schemes to make Mjolnir’s power his own. (To learn about Thor's hammer, click on the highlighted name above.)

As Loki matured into a young man, his antics became more and more pronounced, until Odin finally sent him to jail to learn from his actions. Fed up with Asgard, Loki used his magic to escape his cell, and eventually met Eldred the sorcerer, who increased his training in the black arts. Finally, Loki confronted the 1000-foot tall fire demon Surtur (enemy of the gods from the one of the nine realms of Asgard called Muspelheim) and offered him Eldred’s soul in exchange for power. Surtur accepted, and Loki assumed ownership of Eldred’s lands and minions. His foray into the black arts earned him the title of the "God of Evil” among the Asgardians, and he forged alliances with many of the realm’s enemies. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Surtur and/or his realm.)

Later, Loki mated with the goddess Angerboda, who bore him the monstrous offspring Jormungand (the Midgard Serpent) and the Fenris Wolf. In addition, she bore him a daughter named Hela (the goddess of death). Then, Loki tricked the goddess Sigyn into marrying him by posing as her true love, Theoric. (To learn about the above highlighted characters above, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing and/or form-fitting outfits on both Hela and Sigyn's bio pages.)

Eventually, Loki learned of the prophecies of Ragnarok (a cataclysmic event in which he was fated to bring about Asgard’s ruin). Loki decided to embrace this destiny, and sought the means to bring about Ragnarok on more than one occasion. However, Loki usually crafted his schemes so subtly that Odin and Thor could rarely justify punishing him, and Loki would continue to live in their midst, awaiting his next opportunity. (To learn about Ragnarok, click on the highlighted name above.)

At one point, Loki obtained an advantage over his brother Thor when Odin sentenced Thor to Earth in the guise of Dr. Donald Blake. Loki sought victory over his brother by exploiting Blake’s human weakness, and employed many pawns against him on Earth, including Sandu, Amora the Enchantress, Surtur, Cobra (Klaus Voorhees), Mr. Hyde, Absorbing Man, and the Super-Skrull (Kl’rt). In one attempt to trick Thor into battling the monstrous Hulk (Bruce Banner), Loki diverted a distress call intended for the Fantastic Four to Dr. Blake’s office, but it was also intercepted by the Wasp, Yellowjacket (Henry Pym), and Iron Man (Tony Stark). When these four heroes learned of Loki’s involvement, they banded together with the Hulk to defeat him. Soon after, these heroes decided to form a team to face future threats, calling themselves the Avengers--Loki long regretted having caused their formation. (To learn about the many different heroes, villains, and/or teams, just click on their highlighted names above. Note: Beware of form-fitting outfit on Amora's bio page.)

Many times, Loki actually defended Asgard with his family members. Once, Loki stood alongside Thor and Odin against Surtur and Malekith the Accursed. Also, when Seth of the Ennead (Gods of Egypt) led his Demons of Death into conflict with Asgard, Loki refused an alliance with him. In addition, Loki discovered that Seth was holding Odin prisoner within the Black Pyramid, the source of Seth’s power and Loki secretly helped Thor rescue their father. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about the characters and/or thing.)

Sometime later, Loki created a plan for the enemies of all super-heroes to obtain their revenge. During this “Acts of Vengeance” conspiracy, Loki appeared to Dr. Doom (Victor von Doom), the Kingpin (Wilson Fisk), Magneto (Max Eisenhardt), the Mandarin, the Red Skull (Johann Shmidt), and the Wizard as an anonymous lackey, offering them the power to manipulate Earth’s super-villains into conflicts with heroes who would be unprepared for unfamiliar adversaries. Each of the six “prime movers” was led to believe that he was the one arranging the scheme. However, Loki’s plot was finally uncovered by Thor, and he was defeated. As a final act of vengeance, Loki merged three mutant-hunting Sentinel robots into the powerful Tri-Sentinel, but it was defeated by Spider-Man (Peter Parker) (who had become Captain Universe after being granted the phenomenal “Uni-Power” to face this threat). (To learn about the different characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by X-23 on the Captain Universe bio page.)

Afterward, Loki assumed the guise of a businessman on Earth, and enlisted the rock troll Ulik, Amora the Enchantress, and a criminal band known as the Wrecking Crew to aid him against Thor. At this time, Thor was bound to the mortal Eric Masterson; therefore, Loki had Eric’s son Kevin captured. Later, Thor was able to set Kevin free, but as an act of spite, Loki hurled a blast of energy at Kevin and his mother Marcy. However, Amora (now acting against Loki) took control of Kevin’s babysitter Susan Austin and had her take the blast for Kevin and Marcy. Thor then became so furious with Loki's attack that he used Mjolnir to draw Loki’s life force from his body, seemingly killing him. However, Loki’s consciousness had actually taken over the body of Odin while he was in Odinsleep (a time when Odin lay vulnerable while recharging his energy), and through him took command of Asgard. Eric and Sif eventually found Odin’s spirit within the realm of the demon Mephisto, and they restored Odin to his body while Mephisto claimed Loki’s spirit instead. (Click on the highlighted names to learn about the characters and/or team above. Note: Beware of the revealing oufit on Sif's bio page.)

Although he was now a prisoner in Hell, Loki’s spirit continued to wander when Mephisto was distracted. At one point, Loki plotted with Pluto of Olympus to trade enemies, with Loki arranging the death of the Olympian demi-god, Hercules, while Pluto plotted Thor’s demise. However, both Loki and Pluto failed. Finally, Loki was able to escape Mephisto’s realm when Thor reluctantly enlisted him to aid him against the New Immortals (beings genetically created by the High Evolutionary using genetic material obtained from Thor). But, Loki’s physical form no longer existed, and he had Sigyn temporarily bond him to a suit of armor. He continued to trouble Thor, as well as Eric Masterson (now the hero Thunderstrike) by possessing armored hero War Machine to attack Thor. Later, Loki struck a bargain with Seth to have him genetically engineer a new body, and his spirit took possession of it. Afterward, Loki sought revenge on Thunderstrike, but when War Machine, She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters) and Ant-Man (Scott Lang) were drawn into the fray, he was instantly reminded of the Avengers and ended the fight. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the different characters and/or team. Note: Beware of the extremely form-fitting and revealing outfit on the She-Hulk's bio page.)

Once again, Loki tries to start the events leading up to Ragnarok. However, this time Thor allowed him to play the events out to their conclusion, having realized that Asgard was caught in a repeating loop of death and rebirth, denying his people true warriors’ deaths. Therefore, Thor decapitated Loki, and kept his still-living head with him as he permitted Surtur to unleash the final assault on Asgard. Thor then confronted the mighty beings called Those Who Sit Above in Shadow (the powers responsible for the repeating the Ragnarok cycle throughout history for their own benefit) and saw to their destruction. Loki was apparently consumed in the destruction of Asgard alongside his brother. (To learn about Those Who Sit Above in Shadow, click on their name above.)

However, after Thor broke the Ragnarok cycle, the souls of all Asgardians were hidden within mortals on Earth. At some point, Loki took possession of Sif’s body, transferring her spirit into that of an elderly woman. Balder, whose spirit was within the Destroyer armor, gathered numerous Asgardians, including Loki, to protect themselves. Through the “Odinpower” he inherited from his father, Thor restored Asgard on Earth in Broxton, Oklahoma where he discovered and restored the Asgardians gathered by Balder. To all, Loki appeared to be simply reborn as a woman, as the possession of Sif was not apparent. While feigning a new benevolence, Loki wasted no time in causing unrest by revealing to Balder that he is a son of Odin, sowing seeds of tension between Balder and Thor for the right to rule. However, sometime later, Thor learned of Sif’s fate and restored her, returning Loki into his male form. (To learn about Balder, click on his highlighted name above. Note: The fifth picture is of Loki in his woman form.)

In his final scheme of revenge on all Asgard itself, Loki manipulated the insane Norman Osborn (who had manipulated the government into becoming the head of the peace-keeping force, H.A.M.M.E.R.), to use his resources to attack Asgard with extreme prejudice. The resulting siege of Asgard ended with the destruction of Loki at the hands of the Void (the wicked alternate-persona, of the heroic Sentry (Robert Reynolds)).

More recently, Thor found a new version of Loki in Paris, France. Loki was in the body of a young orphan named Ikol.


There is no bio on Marvel.com, but here in the link to Yinsen's bio page, http://marvel.com/universe/Loki.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Thor

Real Name
Thor Odinson

Occupation

Warrior, adventurer; former monarch, paramedic, construction worker; (as Donald Blake) physician, surgeon

Citizenship
Asgard; honorary US citizen

Place of Birth
A cave in Norway

Known Relatives
Odin Borson (father, deceased), Gaea (mother), Frigga (adoptive mother), Loki (adoptive brother, deceased), Balder, Hermod, Tyr, Vidar (half-brothers), Buri (Tiwaz, paternal great-grandfather), Bolthorn (maternal great grandfather), Bor Burison (grandfather, deceased), Bestia (paternal grandmother, presumed deceased), Vili, Ve (paternal uncles, deceased), Sigyn (sister-in-law), Solveig (sister-in-law, deceased), Jormungand (Midgard Serpent), Fenris Wolf (nephews), Hela (niece), large extended family via Gaea and others

Group Affiliation
Gods of Asgard, Avengers; formerly Queen’s Vengeance, Godpack, Thor Corps

Education
Tutored by scholars of Asgard; (Blake) M.D.

Height
6'6"; (Blake) 5’9"

Weight
640 lbs; (Blake) 150 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Blond

Powers
As the son of Odin and Gaea, Thor's strength, endurance and resistance to injury are greater than the vast majority of his superhuman race. He is extremely long-lived (though not completely immune to aging), immune to conventional disease and highly resistant to injury. His flesh and bones are several times denser than a human's.

As Lord of Asgard, Thor possessed the Odinforce, which enabled him to tap into the near-infinite resources of cosmic and mystical energies, enhancing all of his abilities. With the vast magical power of the Odinforce, Thor was even able to dent Captain America’s virtually indestructible shield with Mjolnir.

Abilities
Thor is trained in the arts of war, being a superbly skilled warrior, highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat, swordsmanship and hammer throwing.

Other Info
Thor is one of several powerful ancient beings who dwell in a magical realm called
Asgard. Throughout history, these Asgardians have been revered and worshiped as gods. Ages ago, Odin (lord of the Asgardian) desired a child who would one day exceed him in power. Therefore, Odin wooed Gaea (the earth goddess), and from their union Thor was born in a small cave in Norway on Earth. Odin then took Thor to be raised in Asgard by his wife, Frigga. (To learn about the above highlighted characters, race, and/or place, just click on their names.)

The young Thor grew up alongside his adopted brother Loki, who was always jealous of his more favored sibling. Thor grew in power and popularity and on his eighth birthday, Odin had the hammer Mjolnir created for him, enchanting it with powerful magic. Odin decreed that Mjolnir would be presented to Thor when his son had been proven a worthy warrior. After spending the next eight years training and performing heroic deeds, Thor was given the hammer and declared the greatest warrior in Asgard. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Loki and/or Mjolnir. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Loki--in his woman form---at the bottom of his bio page.)

After many years of battle, Thor began to grow headstrong and proud. On one occasion, Thor broke a truce between the Asgardians and the Frost Giants, nearly starting a war. Therefore, to teach his son a lesson in humility, Odin sent Thor to Earth in the mortal body of a crippled medical student, Donald Blake. (To learn about the Frost Giants, click on the highlighted name above. Also, the third picture posted is of Thor as Dr. Blake.)

Stripped of his hammer, his powers, and memories of being an Asgardian, Thor (as Blake) graduated medical school with top honors, gained a reputation as a caring family doctor and a brilliant surgeon, and opened a private practice in New York City. He worked beside a caring and skillful nurse, Jane Foster, and the two fell in love. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Jane Foster.)

After ten years on Earth, Donald Blake received a subconscious prodding from Odin to vacation in Norway where the alien race the Kronans were preparing to invade Earth. Fleeing into a cave (which was actually Thor's birthplace) Blake discovered a plain walking cane in a secret chamber. When Blake struck the cane against a boulder, he transformed into the mighty Thor, and the cane became Mjolnir. Thor fought against the Kronans and their invasion was thwarted. Tapping the ground with Mjolnir, Thor was able to transform back into Donald Blake, holding the simple wooden cane once again. (To learn about the Kronans, click on their highlighted name above.)

Blake returned to New York, using his secret identity of Thor to fight crime, defend Earth, and contend with the jealous and hateful Loki. One of Loki's tricks led Thor and other heroes, including Ant-Man (Hank Pym), Wasp (Janet van Dyne), and Iron Man (Tony Stark) to fight the Hulk (Bruce Banner). However, learning of Loki’s manipulations, the heroes (along with the Hulk) bested Loki and agreed to continue their partnership. The heroes formed the team known as the Avengers. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the Avengers as a team and/or individually.)

Despite the sincere love between Blake and Foster, Odin was displeased by the relationship between a god and a mortal. He forbade Blake from revealing his identity to her, creating a strange love triangle between Foster, Thor, and Thor’s alter-ego, Blake. Even though Donald Blake knew he was the legendary Thor, he still lacked his full memories from his former life as an Asgardian. However, over time his memories slowly returned, until one day Odin finally revealed himself and restored Thor’s complete memory. Thor was then reintroduced to his childhood friend and former lover, the Asgardian warrior Sif, further complicating Thor’s love life on Earth. However, the love affair between Thor and Jane Foster eventually ended when Foster fell in love with a mortal man, Dr. Keith Kincaid. Resuming their ancient romance, Sif and Thor were betrothed, and Sif lived on Earth posing as Donald Blake’s cousin. But, wedding plans were canceled for Thor, because Sif grew bored with Thor's time spent as Blake, and returned to Asgard. (To learn about Sif, click on her name above. Note: Beware of the very revealing outfit on Sif's bio page.)

Later, an enemy of the Asgardian gods known as the fire demon Surtur, ravaged a distant galaxy (the "Burning Galaxy") for the sake of forging his Twilight Sword. A fleet of survivors of the galactic massacre from the planet Korbin traveled the cosmos in search of a new home, under the protection of their noble guardian, Beta Ray Bill. As the fleet ventured close to Earth, Thor mistook the Korbinites as enemies and attacked them. At one point, Thor became separated from Mjolnir and reverted into Donald Blake, while Beta Ray Bill retrieved and wielded the hammer (magically unliftable to all but the most worthy). With Donald Blake helpless and defeated, Bill made a claim to keep the hammer to fight back against Surtur’s demons. Then Odin had Thor and Beta Ray Bill compete for the right to use the hammer and Beta Ray Bill won; however, Odin awarded Bill a similar weapon called Stormbreaker, rather than disarm his son. Once Thor, Bill, and Sif defeated Surtur’s demons, Odin transferred the enchantment that changed Thor into Donald Blake onto Stormbreaker, so that Bill could revert to his mortal form. Therefore, Thor decided to abandon his Donald Blake identity, and resided in Asgard. (To learn about the characters/race/item above, just click on their highlighted names.)

After sometime, Thor sought help from Nick Fury (director of S.H.I.E.L.D.) to create another human identity to enable him to live among humans. Therefore, Thor began to use the guise of a construction worker with the alias of Sigurd Jarlson. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Nick Fury and/or S.H.I.E.L.D. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by some in the background on Nick Fury's bio page picture.)

At one point, Hela cursed Thor so that his bones became brittle, yet he was prevented from dying from his injuries. Humiliated but determined to remain a warrior to the end, Thor donned a suit of battle armor to support his fragile body. However, Loki took this opportunity to release the Midgard Serpent (the beast prophesized to kill Thor and start Ragnarok--the apocalyptic end of the Asgardians). Despite his weakened condition, Thor was able to kill the Midgard Serpent and, thanks to Hela’s curse, Thor survived the battle although his body was completely broken and battered. Loki then sent the enchanted Destroyer (an animated indestructible suit of armor) to torment Thor. However, Thor managed to send his spirit into the Destroyer armor and take command of it. He then traveled to Hela's realm known as Hel in the Destroyer and began wreaking havoc. The desperate Hela had no choice but to fully restore Thor’s original body and release him from her curse. (To learn about the above characters, event, and thing, click on the highlighted names above. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on Hela's bio page.)

Thor, in his civilian identity of Jarlson, had become friends with the architect Eric Masterson and his son, Kevin. Later, Eric was kidnapped by Mongoose who had previously attacked Thor, attempting to gain a cell sample. Thor tracked Eric to the High Evolutionary’s European base at Mount Wundagore. Thor was able to free Eric; however, while there, he learned that the High Evolutionary and the Greek demigod Hercules were actually missing. Accompanied by Eric, Thor rescued Hercules and the High Evolutionary from the ancient galactic entities known as the Celestials in the Black Galaxy. Upon returning to Earth, they were again attacked by the Mongoose, and Eric blocked a blast of energy meant for Thor, giving Thor and Hercules a chance to defeat Mongoose. With Eric dying from Mongoose’s attack, Thor pleaded with Odin for aid on Eric’s behalf. Odin reluctantly agreed to save Eric, but did so by merging Thor and Masterson together, body and soul. With Thor and Eric sharing the same body, some problems began with Eric's private life and the custody of his son. However, the two's bodies were eventually separated by a Celestial. (Click on the highlighted names to learn about the characters, place, and people.)

Later, during a tremendous battle between the Surtur and the frost giant Ymir, Thor recovered Surtur's powerful sword to oppose the elemental giants. Weakened by his separation from Masterson, Thor was easily stopped by Surtur and Ymir; however, Masterson willingly merged with Thor again, even though it meant giving up part of his life. While Ymir and Surtur fought over the sword, Thor opened a dimensional rift that sucked them both in. Later, for Eric’s courageous efforts, Odin granted him an enchanted mace. Still able to transform into a version of Thor, Eric adopted a new separate heroic identity, "Thunderstrike." (To learn about Ymir, click on his highlighted name above.)

Sometime later, Thor fell in battle with the psychic entity, Onslaught. Thor vanished, along with the Avengers and other heroes; but, they were merely reborn to another dimension, Counter-Earth. He eventually returned through the reality altering power of the boy Franklin Richards--son of the Fantastic Four’s Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about the different characters, group, and place. Note: Beware of the form-fitting outfits worn by the Invisible Woman on her bio page.)

When Thor returned, he discovered that Asgard was being held captive by the cruel Dark Gods (beings formerly banished by the Asgardians to the farthest reaches of the universe). They sent the Destroyer to Earth on a rampage, leaving the Avengers defeated and Thor nearly dead. The mysterious being named Marnot (secretly Hescamar, one of Odin’s magical ravens) offered to restore Thor in exchange for taking the place of Jake Olsen (a paramedic who died during the battle). Thor agreed, fighting the Destroyer again and banishing it to another dimension. Thor found he could transform between himself and Olsen, although he had none of Olsen’s memories, making it difficult to maintain two identities. (To learn about the group and/or character above, just click on their highlighted name.)

Later on, the Dark Gods attacked Olympus and left it in ruins. Thor and Hercules uncovered the truth and led a battle against the Dark Gods, eventually freeing both Asgard and Olympus. Afterwards, Thor remained on Earth with his dual identity of Jake Olsen. (To learn about Olympus, click on the highlighted name above.)

Among his later adventures, Thor rescued a woman named Tarene. She would later take on the identity of "Thor Girl" out of admiration of Thor. Later, Thor and Thor Girl battled the time-travelling Gladiator (Kallark), who vowed to destroy Thor in a preemptive strike to prevent a terrible horror that he believed Thor would inflict in the future. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters.)

While Thor failed to defend Asgard against an army of monstrous Asgardian trolls during one of Odin’s "Odinsleeps" (a time when Odin recharges his energy and is left vulnerable), Odin punished Thor, stripping him of his immortality and left him on Earth. Shortly afterward, Loki brought the Destroyer back to Earth, animating it with the soul of Tarene. Ultimately, the Destroyer was thwarted and Tarene was restored, but during the battle, Thor was severely wounded. Jane Foster ended up tending to Jake Olsen's wounds; but, she was unable to treat Thor's. So, Odin brought Thor to Asgard and physically separated Thor from his alter ego to allow Thor to heal while Jake Olsen was returned to his life on Earth. However, later on, Surtur appeared on Earth and a group of Asgardian heroes and allies confronted the demon and its hordes. Thor Girl used her powers to restore Thor to full health, joining with Odin and the Asgardian warriors against Surtur. In the end, Odin tapped into both Thor and Thor Girl's powers to deliver a fatal blow against Surtur; however, Odin sacrificed himself in the process.

In mourning the loss of his father, Thor initially refused to take Odin's throne. However, eventually a discussion with Jake Olsen convinced Thor to accept the responsibilities of the new monarch of Asgard. Thor did so, gaining his father’s might, the "Odinpower," as a right of rule.

Later, Thor used the Odinpower to have Asgard as a floating city hovering over the town of Broxton, Oklahoma. After sometime, Loki again caused problems by revealing to Balder that he was Odin’s son (a secret kept from Balder). Loki also manipulated Thor into slaying his own grandfather, Bor, and spurred Balder into claiming the throne of Asgard and exiling Thor. However, when Norman Osborn (aka Green Goblin--then leader of the US peace-keeping forces) schemed with Loki to invade Asgard with his Dark Avengers team and super-human armies, Thor defended Asgard. Eventually, Loki switched sides after Osborn’s supremely powerful pawn, the Sentry (Robert Reynolds), threatened to destroy both Earth and Asgard. The mad Sentry slew Loki, but was ultimately defeated by Thor, and Osborn’s forces were also defeated with the aid of Thor’s comrades from the true Avengers. Afterward, under the leadership of Steve Rogers (aka Captain America), Osborn’s Avengers were disbanded, and a new Avengers team, including Thor, was forged.

To learn more about Thor, click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Thor_%28Thor_Odinson%29.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Ho Yinsen

Real Name
Professor Ho Yinsen

Occupation

Physicist

Citizenship
Timbetpal (presumably)

Place of Birth
Timbetpal

Known Relatives
Unidentified Wife (deceased), unidentified son (deceased)

Group Affiliation
None

Education
Unknown

Height
5' 2"

Weight
120 lbs.

Eyes
Brown

Hair
White

Powers
None

Abilities
Professor Ho Yinsen was a Nobel Prize winning Physicist.

Other Info
Ho Yinsen was a pacifistic, physicist, engineer, and professor from Timbetpal. When Tony Stark was in college, Stark had greatly admired the older man's work. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Iron Man.)

In his old age, Yinsen was captured in Vietnam by the communist warlord Wong-Chu. Later, Tony Stark was also captured as well, and this is where the two met. In the Vietman prison, Yinsen built a magnetic chest plate for Stark which kept the shrapnel that was blown into his chest from a tripped land mine from reaching his heart. Soon afterward, Wong-Chu ordered Yinsen and Stark to build weapons for him. The two agree; however, instead of building weapons for Wong-Chu, Yinsen and Stark decided to secretly build an iron suit of armor. (This suit would include a device for Stark's heart to keep him alive). When they begin charging up the armor, Wong-Chu began to be suspicious and decided to investigate Yinsen and Stark's work along with some of his armed guards. To buy Tony some more time to charge the armored suit, Yinsen sacrificed his life by distracting Wong-Chu and his men. Yinsen's idea worked, and Tony was able to suit up the armor, and avenge Yinsen's death. Tony had apparently killed Wong-Chu and his men, and freed all of the prisoners.

Twelve of Wong-Chu's former prisoners were disciples of Yinsen. One of them went by the name of Sun-Tao. Sun-Tao decided to lead the other disciples in a quasi-religious cult named the "Sons of Yinsen." The Sons of Yinsen developed very advanced technology from notes in Yinsen's journal given to Sun-Tao before Yinsen had died. The Sons of Yinsen used this technology to create an apparent utopia of New Timbetpal (a floating, ambulatory, usually-cloaked city in the sky). (To learn about the Sons of Yinsen, click on their highlighted name above.)

Later, it was revealed that Wong-Chu had actually survived the attack by Iron Man, and that Yinsen's brain was preserved alive (salvaged by an inter-dimensional merchant called Doctor Midas). Doctor Midas had sold Yinsen's brain in an auction to Wong-Chu. After learning of this, Iron Man helped the Sons of Yinsen defeat Wong-Chu and recover Yinsen's brain.

Afterward, the Sons of Yinsen attempted to resurrect Ho Yinsen by placing his brain inside a sentient Iron Man armor. However, (unknown to them) the armor was actually under Ultron's control. Therefore, falsely believing Ultron to be the resurrected Ho Yinsen, the Sons of Yinsen followed his directives toward planning for a war. However, only Sun-Tao refused to obey, for which he is removed as leader of the Sons of Yinsen. Therefore, Iron Man, Sun-Tao, and Jocasta worked together to defeat Ultron and the Sons of Yinsen. After this, Ultron attempted to blow up the floating city of the Sons of Yinsen to kill all of them as well as Iron Man; however, the sentient armor had apparently absorbed enough of the thoughts of Yinsen that part of it acted to save Iron Man and Sun-Tao from the destruction of the city. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the two characters. Note: Beware of the very form-fitting and revealing armor and outfits on Jocasta and Ultron's bio page.)

There is no bio on Marvel.com, but here in the link to Yinsen's bio page, http://marvel.com/universe/Yinsen,_Ho.