Monday, November 28, 2011

Heinz Kruger

Real Name
Heinz Kruger

Occupation
German Spy during WWII

Citizenship
Germany


Place of Birth

Unknown

Known Relatives

Elise (wife), unnamed children


Group
Affiliation
Gestapo, Nazi Party


Education

Unknown

Height

5' 9"

Weight

160lbs.

Eyes

Blue

Hair

Black

Powers
None

Abilities
None

Other Info
Heinz Kruger is a Gestapo agent working for the Nazi Party during World War II. He is given the task to be a spy investigating Dr. Abraham Erskine and the American supersoldier experiment. (To learn about the Nazis and/or Dr. Abraham Erskine, just click on their highlighted names above.)

Kruger was able to infiltrate the top-secret military base and pass the formula to his superiors. Kruger also attends the experiment on Steve Rogers that turned Rogers into "Captain America." Kruger ends up crashing through the viewing window and assassinates Dr. Abraham Erskine (the scientist who developed the "Super-Soldier Serum," as well as the "Vita-Rays") after the serum was administered to Rogers. Kruger and Rogers then get into a stuggle (thus become the first enemy of Captain America). And as Kruger was trying to escape, he accidentally grasped an electrical wire on Professor Erskine's Omniverter and was electrocuted to death. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Captain America. Also, Heinz Kruger's final moments are shown in the fifth picture posted above.)

There is nothing there, but here is the Marvel.com bio page of Heinz Kruger, http://marvel.com/universe/Kruger,_Heinz.

The character of Heinz Kruger is just a little different for the movie, Captain America: The First Avenger. Similar to the comics, Kruger assassinates Dr. Abraham Erskine shortly after the Super Soldier Serum is administered, and also stole a copy of the perfected serum. However, unlike the comics, Kruger is pursued by Steve Rogers and is eventually captured. In addition, in the movie version, Kruger then deliberately kills himself with a cyanide pill to avoid capture. Also, in the movie, Kruger is an agent of HYDRA, which in the film is the Nazi's "Deep Science division" led by the Red Skull.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Battle Ultimate 3 Results

Our victor for the Battle Ultimate 3 was The Mighty THOR!!! The God of Thunder was always in the lead and received every single vote except one! Thor is now officially the "People's Choice of the Strongest Marvel Characters" (of the last 50 Marvel characters highlighted on the Marvel Madness blog!)

Thor will be going head-to-head with the winner of the next Battle Ultimate. Those two will face off in a one-on-one battle in the amazing Battle Supreme 2 in approximately one year's time!

Thank you for all those Marvel Maniacs that participated in the poll!

Banshee

Real Name
Sean Cassidy

Occupation
Adventurer; former paramilitary commander, academic headmaster, carnival barker, subversive, criminal, freelance operative, NYPD detective, INTERPOL inspector

Citizenship
Ireland

Place of Birth
Cassidy Keep, County Mayo, Ireland

Known Relatives
Maeve Rourke Cassidy (wife, deceased), Theresa Rourke Cassidy (Siryn, daughter), Thomas Cassidy (Black Tom, cousin), Victoria "Tori" Donnely (Maeve's cousin), Liam Cassidy (ancestor, deceased)

Group Affiliation
Formerly X-Men, X-Corps, Generation X, Factor Three, NYPD, INTERPOL

Education
Bachelor of Science degree from Trinity College, Dublin; police academy

Height
6'

Weight
170 lbs.

Eyes
Blue-green

Hair
Reddish-blond

Powers
Banshee's superhumanly powerful lungs, throat and vocal cords could produce a sonic scream for various effects, in concert with limited, reflexive psionic powers which directed his sonic vibrations. He could hover or fly at the speed of sound, and could carry at least one passenger. He could overwhelm listeners with deafening noise, stun them with tight-focus low-frequency sonic blasts (effective even against shielded ears by penetrating the skull via bone conduction), plunge them into a hypnotic trance, disorient them, nauseate them, or simply render them unconscious. Using sonic waves, he could rapidly vibrate himself or other masses at will. He could generate sonic blasts which struck with tremendous concussive force, liquefying or outright disintegrating targets at his highest levels of power. By radiating sound waves outward and reading the feedback, he could locate and analyze unseen objects in a sonar-like fashion. By modulating his scream's harmonics, he could confuse most scanning equipment. He could instinctively analyze, replicate, and block sonic waves or vibrations from other sources. Banshee generated a psionic field which protected him from the detrimental effects of his sonic vibrations, though his sonic powers could still injure him when pushed beyond safe limits. His physiology seemed fully vulnerable to conventional injury when his sonic powers were not engaged. Banshee had selective hearing, enabling him to focus upon, enhance, or totally block out any given sound in his environment; this shielded him from the deafening sound of his own screams, and made him a superhumanly acute eavesdropper in surveillance situations. Sean and his cousin Black Tom were immune to each other's natural mutant energy powers, though Sean's immunity did not extend to the new powers Tom later developed via artificial mutations.

Abilities
A gifted detective, veteran undercover operative, and formidable unarmed combatant, Cassidy was an excellent marksman and a competent amateur machinesmith, well-versed in combat strategy & tactics and teamwork drills. An effective educator, organizer and lobbyist, he was also an avid American country music aficionado and skillful amateur piano player.

Other Info
Ireland's storied Cassidy clan is an ancient and noble lineage. The family's ancestral home, Cassidy Keep, was built by Liam Cassidy over a thousand years ago to defend the Irish coast against Viking raiders. In addition, Cassidy Keep covertly sheltered the "Families" (diminutive enchanted leprechauns or elves). Born and raised in Cassidy Keep, Sean Cassidy had a happy boyhood there, fantasizing about fighting dragons and rescuing damsels. During adolescence, Sean discovered his mutant sonic powers; however, he concealed them (partly because his wail spooked the superstitious elders of the community, who likened it to the ghostly banshees of Irish lore).

In young adulthood, Sean had been hitchhiking home from a concert in Northern Ireland when he was harassed by corrupt policeman who seemed keen on arresting Sean as a supposed terrorist, despite lacking evidence. A passing motorcyclist named Maeve Rourke rescued Sean; however, the policeman chased them across the Irish border and sent their motorcycle off a cliff. This forced Sean to use his sonic scream to fly him and Maeve to safety. Sean took Maeve back to Cassidy Keep, where she adapted surprisingly quick to her discovery of Sean's bizarre powers. Also, Maeve quickly grew fond of both Sean and his cousin Tom Cassidy, each of whom was quite smitten with her. In fact, Maeve dated both cousins for months, apparently genuinely torn between the two; however, she soon realized that her heart belonged to Sean. But, she still considered Tom her dearest friend. Stepping aside gracefully, Tom later served as best man at their wedding; however, losing Maeve to Sean accelerated Tom's gradual, secret descent into immoral, dangerous, and increasingly criminal acts as he dabbled in mercenary work and various illegal ventures. (To learn about Black Tom, click on the highlighted name above.)

Meanwhile, Sean graduated college with a science degree and eventually went into law enforcement as an agent of the international police organization INTERPOL. During his time with INTERPOL, Cassidy hunted down the Russian mutant serial killer Arkady Rossovich (the future Omega Red) with the aid of Magneto and INTERPOL colleague Magrite Deveraux (who was slain by Rossovich). In addition, he also teamed with fellow agent Daniel Peyer to infiltrate the offices of mob boss Almadavor until the mercenary Deadpool interfered, saving Sean's life but ruining the operation by killing Almadavor. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the team and/or characters.)

Later, while Sean was on a long-term assignment that kept him away from home with no contact for many months, Maeve gave birth to their baby daughter Theresa. However, both mother and child were soon caught in a terrorist bombing and apparently killed. Sean had not known Maeve was pregnant. However, the baby girl had secretly survived, and was rescued and adopted by her "uncle" Tom. When Sean finally returned and learned of Maeve's death, Tom considered telling his cousin the truth about Theresa, but a grief-crazed Sean lashed out at Tom and blamed him for not protecting Maeve in his absence, and accidentally gave Tom a crippling leg injury. Further embittered, Tom decided to raise Theresa himself in secret. After this, Sean became an obsessive workaholic and, perhaps hoping distance would help ease the pain, he briefly transferred to New York City and joined the NYPD. (To learn about Siryn, click on her highlighted name above.)

Soon afterward, Sean rejoined INTERPOL. And after years of international assignments, Sean came home to Ireland and led an undercover operation targeting his cousin, Black Tom, who was now a major criminal. Tom was caught and sentenced to life in prison.

Later, still mourning Maeve death, Sean actually quit INTERPOL for good and became a freelancer, secretly dabbling in minor crimes. This attracted the attention of Factor Three (a group of mostly mutant criminals), and their deputy leader Changeling who tried to recruit Cassidy. When Sean refused, they forced him to wear a remote-controlled explosive headband which would detonate if tampered with. Therefore, Cassidy (code-named "Banshee") became enslaved and performed criminal missions for Factor Three. In a bitter twist, Cassidy soon found himself on INTERPOL's wanted list. Ultimately, Banshee was defeated by the X-Men, who were able to free him from Factor Three's service. And later, with the X-Men's help, Banshee was able to bring down Factor Three and expose its "Mutant Master" leader as an extraterrestrial. (Click on the highlighted characters and/or team above to learn more about them.)

A diehard country music fan, Cassidy was in Nashville, Tennessee when Charles Xavier recruited him and several other mutants to form a new squad of X-Men to rescue the previous X-Men from the living island Krakoa. After the successful completion of this mission, Banshee considered leaving, since he felt too old for the mostly-youthful group; however, Xavier and team leader Cyclops convinced him to stay. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing/form-fitting outfit worn by Emma Frost on Cyclops' bio page.)

Being of similar age with Professor X, Banshee sometimes served as a confidant of sorts to Xavier. And, being one of the new team's more experienced and stable members, he occasionally assumed an informal leadership role in the absence of Xavier and Cyclops. (The team's foremost foe, Sean's former ally Magneto, once referred to the formidable Banshee as the only worthy opponent among the new X-Men). It was also during this time, that Banshee began a long-running romance with Xavier's silent partner, geneticist Moira MacTaggert. (To learn about Moria MacTaggert, click on her highlighted name above.)

When Sean finally inherited his family's estate, he and the X-Men were ambushed at Cassidy Keep by a vengeful Black Tom and his new ally Juggernaut--both of whom had been paid to destroy the X-Men by Shi'ar agent Eric the Red. The X-Men defeated the villains with the aid of Cassidy Keep's leprechauns. (Click on highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or race.)

After many more adventures with the X-Men, Banshee burned out his sonic powers while saving Japan from destruction by Moses Magnum. Sean continued to assist the X-Men as best he could, notably aiding them against Moira's murderous mutant son, Proteus. Realizing his injuries might be permanent and knowing Moira needed him, Sean retired from the X-Men and moved into Moira's Muir Island research complex, where he convinced a grieving Moira to abandon plans to resurrect her monstrous son. (To learn about the characters and/or place above, just click on their highlighted names,)

Sean Cassidy lived a mostly quiet life for the next several years, though his lack of super-powers did not stop him from assisting the X-Men on occasion in various support capacities. In fact, it was through this, that Sean finally met his daughter Theresa--now the young adventurer "Siryn." Her true parentage was belatedly revealed to both Sean and Theresa by Black Tom. It was a joyful discovery for both, but Sean's complete absence from Theresa's early life has occasionally made their relationship an uneasy one.

Later on, Banshee teamed up with Jubilee, Emma Frost, and a reluctant Sabretooth to rescue a group of mutant teens from the extraterrestrial Phalanx. One of the teens, Blink, sacrificed herself to make the victory possible. The survivors, Jubilee, and various other young mutants all enrolled in Xavier's new youth education program at the Massachusetts Academy, with Sean and a newly reformed Emma as co-headmasters. Cassidy and Frost worked together uneasily at first, and experienced several severe falling-outs, but gradually forged a mutually respectful working relationship and a strong bond with their students, Generation X. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters, place, and/or team. Note: Beware of the really revealing and/or form-fitting outfits on Emma Frost's bio page. Also, Banshee when he was headmaster of Generation X is shown in the forth picture posted.)

Sometime later, Moira MacTaggert placed herself in quarantine after contracting the Legacy Virus, and she eventually died when Mystique bombed Muir Island. Sean took the news hard and began drinking heavily. This alcoholic downslide eventually lead to the disbanding of the Generation X program. (To learn the virus and/or character above just click on their names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit worn by Mystique on her bio page.)

After this, Sean retreated back to Ireland, quit drinking, and channeled his grief into creating and leading the international paramilitary mutant police force known as the X-Corps. Banshee recruited various volunteer mutant adventurers (including former Generation X students). He also pressed criminal mutants into X-Corps service through the mental powers of captive criminal mutant mentalist Mastermind. However, it was later revealed that Mastermind was secretly working for Mystique when one day, Mystique infiltrated the group, freed the criminal members from Banshee's control, slit Banshee's throat, and tried to take over the Corps. However, the X-Men and the benevolent members of X-Corps soon halted the freed criminals' rampage, and a wounded Banshee managed to defeat Mystique with the aid of Abyss. Unfortunately, Banshee was stripped of his sonic power by his injuries. (To learn about the above highlighted team and/or characters, just click on their highlighted names. Also, Banshee as leader of the X-Corps is shown in the fifth picture posted. Note: Beware of the form-fitting outfit on Mastermind's bio page.)

Banshee had barely begun to heal, both emotionally and physically, when he uncovered vital information regarding the recent disappearance of Charles Xavier. Unwilling to entrust this information to electronic communication, he flew back to America via commercial aircraft, but Vulcan had seized control of the X-Men's Blackbird jet and set it on a collision course with Sean's plane. Healed enough to fly short distances under his own power, Banshee exited the plane and could have flown to safety, but instead tried to save his fellow passengers by sonically deflecting the Blackbird. However, the injured Banshee lacked the power to accomplish this feat, and was caught between the two planes in a mid-air explosion, sacrificing himself to protect innocent human lives. (To learn about Vulcan and/or the Blackbird, just click on the highlighted names above.)

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

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Battle Ultimate 3

We've had Battle Royal 9, 10, 11, and 12! That means that another 50 Marvel characters have been highlighted since Battle Ultimate 2...THUS, BATTLE ULTIMATE 3 BEGINS!!!

We will take the top 2 winners of the past four Battle Royals and put them head-to-head in a giant Battle Ultimate! Put the good and evil notion to the side. It's EVERYONE vs. EVERYONE. No alliances! Just pure power and abilities versus others' powers and abilities! Only ONE can be left standing! Please choose who you think would win among your chosen 8 strongest Marvel characters. 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 people's chosen 8 strongest characters in the past 50 highlighted characters are... Azazel, Frigga, Captain America, Darwin, Thor, Loki, Dracula, and Nova.
(If you have forgotten some of these characters' powers/abilities, go ahead and check out their bios right here on the Marvel Madness blog.)

Gabe Jones

Real Name
Gabriel "Gabe" Jones

Occupation
Jazz trumpet player, US Army Private (World War II), US Army Sergeant (Korean War), Field Officer (SHIELD), paintball range director, Executive Officer (SHIELD)

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth

New York, New York

Known Relatives

Bill Leonard (uncle), Phil Leonard (nephew)

Group
Affiliation
Howling Commandos (World War II), Howling Commandos (Korean War), SHIELD, double agent for SHIELD within the Secret Empire

Education
Unknown

Height
6'2"

Weight
225 lbs.

Eyes
Brown

Hair
Black, (graying)

Powers
None

Abilities
Gabe Jones was a good hand-to-hand combatant in his prime. He is an excellent marksman with a rifle. Jones has considerable knowledge of commando tactics. He is highly skilled in espionage and in the infiltration of enemy organizations. Jones is unequaled as a jazz trumpeter.

Other Info
Gabriel "Gabe" Jones grew up in New York City, spending his youth playing at his uncle Bill's jazz club in upper Manhattan. After winning local acclaim as an accomplished jazz trumpeter, Gabe became exceptionally lucky and began receiving coaching in trumpet playing from the legendary Louis Armstrong. Gabe also gained another teacher in Danny "Drummer" Bellaman, a Harlem-born jazz musician, playing drums. The pair became fast friends and played in many nightclubs gigs.

After some time, Army Intelligence took note of both men joining the war effort. Gabe's interest in music gained the attention of the Army and they sent him to a high specialty school where he became an expert in German classical music. Despite the segregation in the armed forces, Jones found himself hand picked by Captain "Happy" Sam Sawyer to enlist in the First Attack Squad (aka the famous Howling Commandos) lead by Nick Fury. Jones distinguished himself both with weapons of war and his handy trumpet, which he used to jazz countless Howler parties in the barracks and to unusual and effective use in battle. (To learn about Nick Fury and/or his Howling Commandos, just click on their names above. Also, Beware of the revealing outfit of one in the background of Nick Fury's bio page.)

During his time with the Howler Commandos, Jones faced some of the Nazi's worst menaces, including Baron Zemo, Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, and Colonel Klaue. In fact, the Howling Commandos were feared by the Third Reich so much, that a counter squad of elite fighters known as the Blitzkrieg Squad was formed. In the Blitzkrieg Squad, there was a flute-playing machine gunner named Otto who designated Gabe Jones' nemesis. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or team.)

After World War II came to an end, Jones presumably continued his career as a jazz musician until he reenlisted for the Korean War. Now back in armed forces, Jones was once again recruited into the Howling Commandos with his former team mates.

Some time after the Korean War ended, Jones joined SHIELD. However, once he was in, Jones became one of Fury's closest aides and assisted Fury in running the entire organization and acted as an operative on major missions. In fact, Jones' most celebrated solo assignment was his infiltration of the first subversive organization known as the Secret Empire, which he succeeded in defeating, from within. Jones also served at the front lines of many of SHIELD's early battles with known villains such as HYDRA, A.I.M., the Maggia, Mentallo, and the Fixer. In addition to villains, Jones also came to know many of the world's famous heroes, including the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and Captain America--whom he first met during World War II. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the many teams and/or characters.)

For a time, Jones was romantically involved with Peggy Carter (a former member of the French Resistance). Meeting during the war, Carter and Jones were reunited when both served as SHIELD agents in the 1970s. As the decade wore on, Jones was placed on special assignment with Dum Dum Dugan and Jimmy Woo aboard the helicarrier Behemoth IV to retrieve and capture the creature known as Godzilla. Jones was second-in-command of the task force, named "Godzilla Strike Force." However, he performed this job with considerable reluctance because he personally felt a less aggressive strategy was needed to stop the giant creature. In fact, Jones was pleased to see Godzilla return to the sea unharmed. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names.)

After some time, Gabe Jones retired and went into business running paint ball games in New England.

Much later, in the 90's, Jones rejoined SHIELD in order to help train a new crop of recruits as a favor to Nick Fury. However, tragically the first graduating class of 1,500 agents were massacred by a HYDRA surprise attack which Jones witnessed from the helicarrier.

During World War Hulk, Gabriel Jones was the SHIELD agent in charge of trying to bring in renegade Hulk allies Amadeus Cho and Hercules. (To learn about the event and/or characters highlighted above, just click on their names.)

Later, after S.H.I.E.L.D was decommissioned and restructured into HAMMER, Gabe left SHIELD along with Dum Dum Dugan to form their own private mercenary operations in memory of the Howling Commandos. (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about H.A.M.M.E.R.)

More recently, during a battle with HYDRA, Gabe Jones was killed by the villain, Gorgon. (To learn about Gorgon, click on his highlighted name above.)

There is nothing there, but here is the Marvel.com bio page of Gabe Jones, http://marvel.com/universe/Jones,_Gabe.

Battle Royal 12 Results

Wow! Every vote counts! With some final votes in the last 24 hours, AZAZEL took the lead and beat Frigga 4 votes to 3!

In addition, Jane Foster and Riptide picked up a vote each as well.

Thank you for all of your votes!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hawkeye

Real Name
Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton

Occupation
Outlaw adventurer, revolutionary; former professional super hero, fugitive, unofficial S.H.I.E.L.D. operative, federal inmate, CTE security chief, ranch hand, archery tutor, carnival performer, roustabout, butcher shop worker

Citizenship
U.S.A. with a criminal record, pardoned

Place of Birth
Waverly, Iowa

Known Relatives

Harold Barton (father), Edith Barton (mother), Charles Bernard "Barney" Barton (brother), Barbara Morse "Bobbi" Barton (Mockingbird, wife), Brett Barton (ancestor), Mack Barton (ancestor); all deceased

Group
Affiliation
Avengers; formerly founding member of Avengers West Coast and first chairman, Thunderbolts, S.H.I.E.L.D. (unofficial), Chain Gang 421-011, Shadows, Great Lakes Avengers, Cross Technological Enterprises, Defenders, Carson Carnival of Traveling Wonders, Tiboldt Circus (a.k.a. Circus of Crime), Queen's Vengeance; also briefly served as an agent for Silver Sable; former partner of Mockingbird, Two-Gun Kid, Black Widow, Trickshot, Swordsman

Education
High school (unfinished)

Height

6'3"

Weight
230 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair
Blond

Powers
None. As Goliath, Barton used gases designed by Hank Pym to grow to great heights, with appropriate increases in strength and toughness. (He could also use them to shrink to minuscule size.)

Abilities
Ronin is a world-class archer and marksman. His above average reflexes and hand-eye-coordination make him the most proficient archer ever known. He is also trained to throw knifes, darts, balls, bolas and boomerangs. He is natural athlete. He is also formidable unarmed combatant, thanks largely for longtime combat training with Captain America. He also has extensive training as an acrobat and aerialist. He is highly capable and charismatic team leader and a shrewd combat strategist, albeit sometimes reckless. Barton is also talented weapon designer, particularly well-versed in variations on basic traditional weaponry such as arrows, blades and hand-thrown projectiles. He has designed and crafted crescent darts, boomerangs, throwing irons, bolas, axes, custom arrows and bows. He is experienced motorcycle rider, Barton was one of the of the most proficient and daring pilots of the Avengers' supersonic Quinjets and other aircraft. He was once 80% deaf due to an injury, but his hearing was restored during his rebirth on Franklin Richards' Counter-Earth.

Other Info
Clint Barton was orphaned at an early age when his parents died in a car accident and was sent to a children's home with his brother Bernard. He and his brother "Barney" ran away to join the Carson Carnival of Traveling Wonders, and the pair worked as roustabouts. (To learn about Barney and/or the carnival, click on the highlighted name above.)

While a member of the circus, Hawkeye was trained by the original Swordsman (Jacques Duquesne) and Trickshot. Clint's life, however, would forever be changed after he stumbled onto the Swordsman counting the money he had just robbed from the carnival. The Swordsman offered Clint to become his partner in crime; however, Clint rejected his mentor which sparked a fight between the two. The fight ended when the Swordsman left him for dead after Clint fell from the high wire. In addition, Barney, abandoned him, in disbelief that Clint passed up such an opportunity. After these events, Trickshot decided to step up his role as Clint's mentor. Later, Trickshot even asked Clint to join him in raiding a criminal named Marko. However, when Clint severely injured one of Marko's guards, he discovered that it was actually his brother, Barney. Repelled by the consequences of his actions (and his mentor's role in prompting them), Clint abandoned Trickshot and parted on bad terms. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters.)

Clint honed his natural archery abilities to an expert level and wandered the country working in various carnivals or otherwise making money out of the costume and persona of "Hawkeye." Then one day, Clint witnessed Iron Man save the lives of some people at a carnival. From that moment on, he decided to become a costumed crime-fighter himself. But, as luck would have it, on Hawkeye's first night out on patrol, he was mistaken for a criminal by the police and was hunted down. (To learn about Iron Man, click on his highlighted name above.)

Soon after, Hawkeye met the Black Widow (who was working at the time as a costumed villain for her country) and was easily seduced by her. Black Widow eventually tricked Hawkeye into believing that it was in his interest to defeat Iron Man. So, Hawkeye attempted to do on several occasions; however, he soon wised up and regretted his decision. Instead, Hawkeye hoped to join Iron Man's team of Avengers. Iron Man vouched for Hawkeye, and he joined the new line-up that included Captain America, the Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver. (To learn about the different characters and/or place above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing and/or form fitting outfits on Black Widow and the Scarlet Witch's bio page.)

Hawkeye stayed with the Avengers for a long time. At first, Hawkeye became attracted to the Scarlet Witch, event to the point of having trouble getting over her eventual marriage to Vision. Also, for years, he continued to have feelings for the Black Widow, until she returned to her espionage career and told him that she never loved him--although she said that it order to keep him away. (To learn about Vision, click on his highlighted name above.)

At one point, Hawkeye left the Avengers briefly when his temper and ego led him to believe he wasn't wanted. However, he soon returned having joined the Defenders in the meantime. At one point, Hawkeye was passed over accompanying the Avengers in the Kree-Skrull War due to his lack of superhuman abilities. But, this would not deter Hawkeye so easily. He decided to take on the identity of "Goliath" with the use of Hank Pym's size-altering particles. Now as Goliath, he hitched a ride with the team in their intergalactic adventure and maintained the Goliath identity for several months upon their return to Earth. During his time as Goliath, Clint was approached by his brother. Barney told Clint about Egghead's plans to construct an orbiting laser death-ray to extort money from the United States. The Avengers confronted Egghead and his allies (the Mad Thinker and the Puppet Master); however, tragically, Barney died in the ensuing battle. Later, Egghead would use the Swordsman to capture Clint as Goliath, thinking him to be Hank Pym, but Hawkeye-as-Goliath was able to defeat both criminals, avenging his brother at last. Soon afterward, Clint abandoned the Goliath identity but continued to serve the Avengers as Hawkeye the Marksman. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the team, event, and/or characters. Also, Clint in his Goliath costume is shown in the forth picture posted.)

Later, Hawkeye was forced to leave the Avengers due to a type of "affirmative action" when he was replaced by the Falcon to comply with the Avengers' government sanction. During this time, Clint eventually found employment as a night security guard for Cross Technological Enterprises (CTE). Never gone from his team for long though, he soon rejoined. And then during a solo adventure, he found out that his boss (head of CTE) was the villain known as Crossfire and that he wanted to test his ultrasonic equipment with which he hoped to turn heroes against one another. So, with the help of the ex-secret agent named Mockingbird, Hawkeye defeated was able to defeat Crossfire. Afterward, the two heroes quickly fell in love and got married. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on Mockingbird's bio page.)

At this time, the Vision was expanding the Avengers' operations, and he named Hawkeye chairman of a West Coast Branch of Avengers, and Mockingbird joined him as a charter member. Hawkeye led the team through several adventures, growing into a competent leader, and he even had time to embark on a series of solo adventures. And during one of these solo adventures, Hawkeye was confronted by his former mentor Trickshot and the two reconciled their differences. (To learn about the West Coast Avengers, click on the highlighted name above.)

During an adventure where the team became lost in the past, his wife was involved with the death of the Old West hero, the Phantom Rider. This situation caused problems between Hawkeye and Mockingbird and the couple split up. Shortly after, the government forced the membership of the U.S.Agent on the team, and Hawkeye quit. Both he and Mockingbird wound up investigating and leading the heroes known as the Great Lakes Avengers. Eventually, however, Hawkeye left the Midwest to rejoin the West Coast Avengers, although he never really led the team again. (Click on the highlighted names to learn about the character and/or teams above.)

Hawkeye continued to adventure with the team, even alongside his separated wife. Unfortunately, he was present with the team when Mockingbird was killed in a demonic dimension. She saved her husband's life from an attack by Mephisto. Distraught, Hawkeye left the team. (To learn about Mephisto, click on his name above.)

Over time, Hawkeye eventually was drawn back to the Avengers; however, he was dissatisfied. His previous experience as a team leader left him feeling too anxious as a regular member. Hawkeye then decided to turn his attention instead to the team of reforming villains, known as the Thunderbolts. Sympathetic because of his own outlaw past and eager for new challenges, Hawkeye offered to serve as the Thunderbolts' new leader if they would continue fighting crime and remain reformed. During his time as the leader of the Thunderbolts, he became a friend and mentor to the group, honing their skills and greatly enhancing their reputations. Hawkeye and his teammate Moonstone had even began developing romantic feelings for one another. Soon, the Thunderbolts became trusted allies of the Avengers. However, Hawkeye formally resigned his membership with the Avengers because he didn't want any perceived criminal association with the Thunderbolts to negatively impact the Avengers. (To learn about the Thunderbolts and/or Moonstone, just click on the highlighted names above.)

After much time with the Thunderbolts, and after much discussion, Hawkeye agreed to leave the Thunderbolts to Baron Zemo's leadership. Hawkeye reluctantly agreed that Zemo had proved that he had potential to be a hero. After this, Hawkeye returned to the Avengers full-time. (To learn about Baron Zemo, click on the highlighted name above.)

Soon afterwards, however, the Avengers suffered a series of sudden and devastating attacks from friends and enemies alike, culminating in a surprise attack by the alien Kree. During the Kree invasion, Hawkeye suffered a mortal shot to the back. In his dying moments, Hawkeye overpowered a Kree soldier (using the soldier's jetpack to fly both of them into the Kree's command ship). Hawkeye sacrificed his life to single-handedly thwart the invasion. (To learn about the Kree, just click on their highlighted name above.)

It was later discovered that Clint had actually survived when he contacted Iron Man. After Iron Man had confirmed that Clint was really Hawkeye, he made Clint an offer to be the next Captain America. For a time, Clint tried, and even got to use the original shield; however, he realized that it was a mistake when he met Patriot and a new Hawkeye who wasn't convinced that he was Captain America. After this, Clint gave the shield back to Iron Man and gave up the Captain America gig. However, it wasn't long after this that Clint found himself in front of Doctor Strange's house. After some talking and magic, Doctor Strange and the "New Avengers" decided to give Clint Ronin's costume. Soon after, they left to Japan to save their team member Maya Lopez from the Hand. After the mission, Maya (the original Ronin) gives Clint her blessing to continue on as "Ronin." (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the characters and/or team. Also, Clint in his Ronin costume is shown in the fifth picture posted.)

Later, after an alien Skrull ship crashes in the Savage Land, Clint battles and kills a Skrull impersonating Mockingbird and himself. During a final battle with the Skrulls, Clint is actually reunited with the real Mockingbird. And though the two fought about their past at first, they eventually started their relationship once more. (To learn about the Skrulls and/or the Savage Land, just click on the highlighted names above.)

More recently, Clint has taken on the mantle of "Hawkeye" once again.

To learn more about Hawkeye, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Ronin_%28Clint_Barton%29.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Battle Royal 12

Imagine if twelve Marvel characters were to be in a huge battle where there could only be ONE victor! Putting 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 twelve 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 twelve characters that are involved in the Battle Royal 12 are the last twelve characters that have been highlighted on the Marvel Madness blog:

Vindicator, Jane Foster, Dum Dum Dugan, Wallow, Spacker Dave, Union Jack, Dr. Kavita Rao, Riptide, Frigga, Bukcy Barnes, Azazel, and Laufey. (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.)

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Vindicator

Real Name
Heather McNeil-Hudson


Occupation

Adventurer, former government liaison, florist, secretary, housewife

Citizenship
Canada

Place of Birth
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Known Relatives
Ramsey McNeil (father), Claire McNeil (mother), Becky McNeil (sister), six unidentified brothers, James MacDonald Hudson (
Guardian, husband), unnamed daughter

Group Affiliation
Education
High-school graduate

Height
5'5"

Weight
120 lbs.

Eyes
Green

Hair
Red

Powers
None. But, as Vindicator, Heather's wore a Electromagnetic suit that allowed her to manipulate electromagnetic energies. As Guardian, Heather wore her husband's Geothermal suit which allowed her to control geothermal energy--melting rock and manipulate the resulting lava, create jets of lava, and create both hot and cold jets of water, including jets of steam and cooling sprays of water. The suit can also absorb heat into its power cells, provides its wearer with a personal force field, and enables feats of super-strength and super-speed.

Abilities
Heather is a master combat strategist, and received combat training in hand-to-hand combat from Puck and Wolverine.

Other Info
Forced to take a full-time job at an early age to help support her family, Heather McNeil worked as a secretary for the Am-Can Petroleum Company in Edmonton, Alberta. There she met James MacDonald Hudson, a scientist who had invented an armored suit intended for geological exploration. McNeil was attracted to Hudson, who was her elder by many years; however, the pair fell in love. Soon afterward, to prevent the military using his suit as a weapon, James stole his suit and ran away--Heather joined him. (To learn about Guardian, click on the highlighted name above.)

Soon afterward, Heather and James were married. On their honeymoon in Canada's Wood Buffalo National Park they encountered the mutant Logan who was in a savage state. With Heather’s help and care Logan was able to reclaim his humanity. This act of kindness forged an unbreakable friendship between Heather and Logan. (To learn about Wolverine, click on the highlighted name above.)

Later, Heather supported her husband in the forming the Canadian Goverment's Department H. In addition, she supported him in becoming a superhero and forming the super-team Alpha Flight. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about Department H and/or Alpha Flight. Note: Beware of some revealing outfits on the Alpha Flight's bio page.)

Sometime later, after Department H is dissolved, Heather brought the members of the disbanded Alpha Flight together to battle Tundra of the Great Beasts. With this initiative creating a spectacular success, the team decided to continue operating Alpha Flight as an independent group. However, before Alpha Flight had been back together for long, Heather witnessed the apparent death of her husband James.

After the apparent death of James, Heather was asked to lead the team by the other members of Alpha Flight. Heather reluctantly accepts and initially leads the team purely as a non-combatant, but later joined in combat once again. On one mission, Heather led Alpha Flight on a mission with the X-Men, and was actually temporarily transformed by Loki into what he referred to as a "demi-god" (she was given increased abilities and powers that put her above all other humans). However, Heather rejected these powers when she and the other heroes realized that it was all a plan by Loki to contain and control all of Earth's powerful magics for his own use. The two teams then beat Loki. (To learn more about the X-Men and/or Loki, just click on their highlighted names above. Note: Beware of the revealing outfit on Loki's bio page of him in his woman-form.)

Eventually, after many dangerous encounters, Heather adopted a copy of her husband's battle-suit. Later, through extensive training by Wolverine, Heather was able to hold her own in a battle. After being trained, Heather teamed with Wolverine against Lady Deathstrike, and took on the name "Vindicator." (Click on the highlighted name above to learn about Lady Deathstrike. Note: Beware of the very revealing outfit on Lady Deathstike's bio page. Also, Heather in her Vindicator battle-suit is shown in the third picture posted above.)

Later on, Heather became stranded in the Savage Land, and formed the mutated natives into a team called Alpha Prime. To learn about the Savage Land and/or Alpha Prime, just click on their highlighted names above.)

Heather eventually donned a variant of James’s battle-suit as Alpha Flight’s leader. In a turn of crazy events, Heather's husband, James, returns from the dead. (In reality, James was not killed before, but was thrown backwards through time and space and captured by the alien race known as the Q`wrrlln.) Heather's suit was then altered to manipulate geothermal forces and took on her husband's code-name, "Guardian." (To learn about the alien race highlighted above, just click on their names. Also, Heather in her Guardian outfit is shown in the first, forth, and fifth pictures posted.)

Sometime later, Heather retired from active duty, taking up a position as Alpha Flight’s official government liaison. And soon afterward, Heather became pregnant and gave birth to her and James' baby girl.

Later, Heather was among the Alpha Flight members who were captured by the alien Plodex. After being rescued by a new Alpha Flight led by Sasquatch, Heather and James left Earth to transport the Plodex eggs back to their homeworld. (To learn about the highlighted characters above, just click on their names.)

More recently, Alpha Flight was brutally attacked by a new villain named "the Collective." The team's bodies were left in the Yukon Territory as the Collective continued on to the United States to wreak havoc. Heather was later confirmed dead by Sasquatch, who claimed to be the only surviving member of the team. (To learn about the Collective, click on the highlighted name above.)

To learn a tiny bit more about Vindicator, just click on the following link,
http://marvel.com/universe/Vindicator_%28Heather_Hudson%29.

In the movie
X-Men Origins: Wolverine, after Wolverine escapes from Weapon X, he seeks refuge with an elderly couple named Travis and Heather Hudson. Opposite from the comics, Heather Hudson is much older in the movie when she first meets Wolverine, and she shows no signs of ever having a battle-suit.