Thursday, September 25, 2014

Al MacKenzie

Real Name
Alphonso MacKenzie 

Occupation
S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent

Citizenship
U.S.A.

Place of Birth
Austin, Texas
 
Known Relatives
None
 
Group Affiliation
C.I.A., S.H.I.E.L.D.

Education
Unrevealed

Height

6' 2"

Weight
215 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair

Grey

Powers
None

Abilities 
Al MacKenzie has been trained in hand-to-hand combat and in the use of various weapons, specifically high-tech explosives. In addition, he is a skilled strategist.

Other Info
Alphonso "Al" MacKenzie (or "Mac" to his friends) was born in Austin, Texas. Not much is known about MacKenzie's life before he began working for the C.I.A. as a liaison to S.H.I.E.L.D. While serving in this capacity, Mac came to know most of the elite members of S.H.I.E.L.D., including Jimmy Woo and Jasper Sitwell. Al never was too comfortable with the almost alien technology on display at S.H.I.E.L.D.; therefore, Mac didn't mind too much when he was terminated from his liaison position by Jimmy Woo. However, MacKenzie soon found out that in actuality, it was a rogue "Deltan" class LMD (Life Model Decoy) posing as Woo who terminated him. Upon learning that many other rogue LMDs were breaking into S.H.I.E.L.D. installations as well, Mac was able to find an agent who had still not converted to the rogue LMD's plans. Unfortunately, both MacKenzie and the other agent were captured. Luckily, Nick Fury and Alexander Pierce rescued them. Afterward, MacKenzie joined Fury on a trail that lead them to the heart of the rouge "Deltan" LMD affair. The result, however, was the end to the first incarnation of S.H.I.E.L.D. (To learn about the above highlighted team and/or characters, click on their names above.)

Soon after, MacKenzie returned to the C.I.A. and found himself paired with former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Contessa Valentina Allegra di Fontaine. Soon, the two became romantically involved with one another. (To learn about Contessa, click on the highlighted name above.)

Later, while investigating a new offshoot of HYDRA, known as the Death's Head Squad, Al and Contessa brought Nick Fury into the investigation which led to uncovering an alien threat that they neutralized. Convinced that there was still a need for S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury decided to start up the organization again. Among the first agents recruited to the new S.H.I.E.L.D. were Mac and Contessa; however, their romance grew awkward under Fury's command (due to Contessa being Fury's ex-lover). Soon, tensions between MacKenzie and Fury created conflicts. Therefore, due to this, Al and Contessa left S.H.I.E.L.D. and joined back up with the C.I.A. (To learn about the groups above, just click on their names.)

At one point, under unknown circumstances, MacKenzie wrote a "tell-all" book entitled UnSHIELDed: an Unauthorized Insider's Look Behind the World's Most Powerful Global Spy Network. The book apparently explained some of the history behind the organization from his point of view.

More recently, Mac has acted as an unofficial source for the Daily Bugle, offering information to staff writer Ben Urich and Jessica Jones. He specifically wanted to expose Nick Fury's unauthorized mission to Latveria (later known as Nick Fury's "Secret War"). (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the organization, characters, and/or place.)

There isn't anything there, but here is the Marvel.com bio link for Al Mackenzie, http://marvel.com/universe/MacKenzie,_Al

Alphonso "Mac" Mckenzie appears on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show. In this version, he is a mechanic who has allied himself with Director Coulson's team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Battle Royal 22 Results

The winner of the Battle Royal 22 is...APOCALYPSE! 

Apocalypse received all the votes except one (4 votes). The only other person to receive a single vote was Yondu (1 vote)!

Thanks to all those that voted! And don't forget, Marvel Maniacs...KEEP UP THE MADNESS!

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Garthan Saal

Real Name
Garthan Saal

Occupation
Former Centurion Prime and Centurion Sector Coordinator

Citizenship
Xandarian
 
Place of Birth
Planet Xandar, Tranta system, Andromeda Galaxy

Known Relatives
None

Group Affiliation
Formerly Nova Corps/StarCorps

Education
Nova Academy

Height

5' 10"; (Super-Nova) 30'

Weight
200 lbs.; (Super-Nova) 22.7 tons

Eyes
White; formerly brown

Hair

Black; formerly brown
 
Powers

As Nova, Saal possessed superhuman strength and durability, and enhanced stamina and agility. He could fly in air or space, unleash force blasts, and analyze and absorb certain energy types. As a Nova Centurion, he was trained in various forms of combat. As Super-Nova, he was 30' tall, possessed immeasurable strength, was virtually indestructible, and could generate near-limitless amounts of energy to fly at great speeds, project devastating force blasts, create gravimetric pulses, and open space warps. These energies warped his mind, making him irrational and violent. 

Abilities 
Nova Corps training, including unarmed combat and commanding standard starships.

Other Info
Believing that Garthan Saal was the last surviving Xandarian Centurion after the destruction of Xandar by the space pirate Nebula, the Xandarian World-Mind transferred the entire Nova-Force to him. Upon receiving this power, Saal was transformed into the immensely powerful giant-sized "Super-Nova." Saal was supposed to safeguard the energies and distribute them to worthy successors of Xandar’s noble tradition; however, the Nova-Force drove him insane with grief and power. Vowing revenge upon Nebula for the destruction of his homeworld, Super-Nova journeyed to the last known planet which had harbored her--Earth. (Click on the race, place, and/or character's highlighted names above to learn more about them. Also, Saal in his giant Super-Nova form is shown in the third picture posted above.)

Upon arriving to Earth, Super-Nova discovered that both Firelord and Starfox were also seeking Nebula. So, when they couldn't tell him Nebula's whereabouts, he attacked them savagely. Afterward, Super-Nova demanded that the people of Earth deliver Nebula to him, or he would destroy the planet. This led to a confrontation with the Avengers, Quasar, and the Fantastic Four. However, Super-Nova was able to fend them all off. Then, just as Super-Nova was about destroy the planet, Mr. Fantastic was able to calm down Super-Nova. He offered him a chance to actually find Nebula who had been lost in the time-stream. Super-Nova accepted his offer and journeyed into the time-stream. (To learn about the highlighted characters and/or teams above, just click on their names. Note: Beware of the form-fitting outfit worn by She-Hulk on Starfox's bio page.)

Years later, Saal returned from his searches unsuccessful. During this time, the human Richard Rider had regained the Nova-Power and became the "Nova." Enraged that Rider had taken "his" power, Saal broke free from the time-stream and confront Nova. After a intense battle, and to keep the people of Earth safe, Rider ended up surrendered the Nova-Force to Saal. Afterward, Saal took Richard to Xandar to reboot the Xandarian World-Mind. Once there, Saal combined his power with Rider to restore Xandar; however, when he did this, Rider ended up absorbing Saal’s power instead, leaving Saal comatose. Then when Rider restored Xandar’s World-Mind, the World-Mind resurrected the Xandarian race, the Nova Corps was reborn, and Rider was instated as the Nova Centurion Prime. (To learn about Nova, click on his highlighted name above.)

Soon after recovering, with is sanity restored, Saal was given the power of a standard Nova Centurion and was made Centurion Sector Coordinator by Queen Adora. When an emergency arose on Xandar, Rider refused to help because he had to assist the New Warriors in protecting Earth. Due to his refusal, Queen Adora sent Saal to strip Rider of his rank and power. And when Rider fled to Adora to learn the truth of what was going on, she confirmed that Saal was replacing him as the "Nova" assigned to Earth. Saal then took on the name "Nova Omega." (To learn about the character and/or race above, just click on their highlighted name. Note: Beware of the form-fitting outfit on Queen Adora's bio page. Also, Saal as Nova Omega is shown in the fifth and sixth pictures posted above.)

Soon after, Saal accompanied a powerless Rider back to Earth on a starship. However, they were both betrayed when the pilot of the starship turned out to be the Dire Wraith Queen Volx. This resulted in Saal being forced to crash-land their ship on Earth. Unfortunately, Saal ended up being captured by Volx and drained of his Nova-Force. Volx was going to use the power for a doomsday weapon, but Rider arrived with the New Warriors and freed Saal and together they destroyed Volx’s base. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the race, character, and/or team.)

Later on, Saal joined the New Warriors in battle against the Sphinx and watched as Firestar accidentally set off a series of electrochemical explosions. It was Saal who absorbed the toxic radiation, saving tens of thousands. (To learn about the characters above, just click on their highlighted names. Note: Beware of the very revealing/low-cut outfit worn by Firestar on her bio page.)

Soon after, Saal learned that his superiors were spying on Earth. Cutting their connection, Saal helped the New Warriors locate Volx, who was arranging to remove all powers from Earth’s superhumans. Volx seemed unbeatable until Saal tried to drain her power. Unfortunately, it proved to be too much for him and the backlash sent Saal flying--mortally wounded him. But, it did leave Volx weakened. Dying, Saal passed his powers onto Rider, and informed him of Xandar's conspiracy. Then the New Warriors slew Volx.

It is presumed that Saal’s brain patterns were transferred to the Xandarian World-Mind; thus, living on in Richard Rider to this day.

To learn a little bit more about Garthan Saal, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Nova_Omega_%28Garthan_Saal%29.

In the film, Guardians of the Galaxy, Garthan Saal is credited as "Denarian Saal." Therefore, according to the Nova Corps ranking, he holds a lower rank in the movies, than he does in the comics. Whether that will change in future movies or not is yet to be seen.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Battle Royal 22

Imagine if thirteen Marvel characters were to be in a huge battle where there could only be ONE victor! It's EVERYONE vs. EVERYONE! No alliances! No Good! No Evil! Only ONE can be left standing!

Please choose who you think would win among the thirteen Marvel characters in the poll.

Who will be the victor? Only YOU can decide!

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.

The thirteen characters involved in the BATTLE ROYAL 22: Rhomann Dey, Irani Rael, Yondu, Korath, Nebula, Ronan, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Apocalypse, and Warpath (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.)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Rhomann Dey

Real Name
Rhomann Dey
 
Occupation
Nova-Prime; formerly Nova Centurion, Peace Keeper

Citizenship

Xandarian 

Place of Birth
Xandar 

Known Relatives
Karman-Kan (wife; deceased), Duranna, Kahry (children, decesased) 

Group Affiliation
Nova Corps 

Education
Unrevealed

Height

6'

Weight

250 lbs.

Eyes
Blue

Hair

Black

Powers
 

Being a Nova Centurion, Rhomann was granted powers through the Nova-Force. He can manipulate energy and use it defensively as a force-field, and offensively through blasts. He can also fly and has some invulnerability. In addition, he has super strength enough to lift approximately 20 tons. As Nova-Prime, he can absorb energy, and use gravimetric pulses and electromagnetic static bursts.

Abilities 
Nova Corps training, including unarmed combat and commanding standard starships. As Nova-Prime, it is presumed that he is a skilled strategist and leader. 

Other Info
Rhomann Dey was the leader (Nova-Prime) of the Nova Corps of Xandar. In fact, he was the Nova-Prime when the Luphomoid Warlord named Zorr attacked Xandar. Zorr also began syphoning the energy from the planet to use against Galactus (who destroyed the Luphomoid's homeworld). The Nova Corps fought against him; however, Zorr was too much for Corps and he defeated them. Seemingly all of the Xandarians were killed in the attack, including Dey's wife and children. As one of the last survivors, Dey swore vengeance on Zorr and chased him across the galaxy, battling him from one star system to the next. However, Zorr was too powerful for Dey and the Nova-Prime was eventually mortally wounded the Warlord. (To learn about the above highlighted team, place, character and/or races, just click on their names.)

Afterward, with his remaining energy, Dey flew to Earth ahead of Zorr (who was planning Earth as his new target) to seek a replacement who could stop Zorr and make him pay for his crimes. The Nova-Prime ended up choosing the teenager Richard Rider as the new Nova transferring the Nova-Power to him. In addition, Dey linked minds with Rider and explained to him the new powers he had received. He also, explained the threat of Zorr on his planet, Earth. At first, Rider thought the encounter was a dream, but soon discovered his powers and accepted his role as "Nova."  (To learn about Nova, click on the highlighted name above.)

Soon after, while testing his powers for first time, Nova ran into Zorr who was on a rampage in New York City. Deciding to fulfill the one who granted him his powers dying wish, Nova went up against Zorr. However, during the ensuing battle, Zorr was teleported away by Rhomann Dey himself. And it was Dey who killed Zorr with the remaining powers he had before he himself died as well, ready to join his family and friends in the afterlife. 

There isn't anything there, but here is the Marvel.com link to Rhomann Dey's bio, http://marvel.com/universe/Nova-Prime_%28Rhomann_Dey%29.

In the film, Guardians of the Galaxy, Rhomman Dey is credited as "Corpsman Dey." However, in the comics he achieved the ranking of Centurion and was apparently chosen at some point as the Nova Corps leader, Nova-Prime. Will he become Nova-Prime in future Marvel movies? Only time will tell.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Irani Rael

Real Name
Irani Rael 

Occupation
Nova Centurion, Peace Keeper

Citizenship
Rigellian

Place of Birth
Unrevealed

Known Relatives
None 

Group Affiliation
Nova Corps 

Education
Unrevealed

Height
Unrevealed 

Weight
Unrevealed 

Eyes
Unrevealed 

Hair
Unrevealed 

Powers
Being a Nova Centurion, Irani is granted powers through the Nova-Force. She can manipulate energy and use it defensively as a force-field, and offensively through blasts. She can also fly and has some invulnerability. In addition, she has super strength enough to lift approximately 20 tons.

Abilities
Nova Corps training, including unarmed combat and commanding standard starships.

Other Info
When the Nova Corps was eliminated by Annihilus and his Annihilation Wave, the Xandarian supercomputer, known as the Worldmind, convinced the sole survivor of the Corps--Richard Rider--to let it uploaded itself to him to keep the Nova-Force and their people's history from being lost. Upon uploading, the entirety of the Nova-Force was given to Rider and he became the Nova Prime (aka Nova). (To learn about the above highlighted teams, characters, and/or race, just click on their names above.)

Later, during the Skrulls' Secret Invasion, the Worldmind began secretly recruiting new Nova Centurions while Nova was sleeping. A Rigellian named Irani Rael was among those selected. She joined with four other Nova Centurions who were also selected by the Worldmind--Malik Tarcel, Qubit, Fraktur, and Morrow. Irani and the rest of the new Nova Corps showed up on Earth to help Nova with peace-keeping operations to stop the chaos left over from the Skrulls' invasion. These efforts included dealing with a hostage situation with the Serpent Society, which Irani swiftly neutralized one of their members, Sidewinder, with a single blast. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn more about the races, event, characters, and/or team. Note: Beware of the revealing outfits worn by some on the Serpent Society's bio page.)

Soon after, the Worldmind began to mass recruit the people of Earth, resulting in the Nova Corps growing from a half dozen to hundreds within minutes. Among these new recruits was Nova's own younger brother, Robbie Rider. However, the most disturbing of all was when the Worldmind had his new recruits lobotomize Ego (the Living Planet) to establish a new base for the Nova Corps--calling it "Nu-Xandar." Nova thought that Worldwind was out of control, but he found himself alone in this belief. In fact, when the Worldmind asked that he download the Nova-Force into Nu-Xandar, Nova hesitated. Claiming that the Nova-Force had taken its toll on Rider's sanity, the Worldmind ordered the Nova Corps to restrain Nova. The Worldmind then forcefully removed the Nova-Force from Rider; thus, stripping Rider of his powers and rank as Nova Prime, and banished him to Earth. One of Irani's fellow Nova Centurions, Malik Tarcel, was chosen as the new Nova Prime. Soon after, however, Rider learned that the Worldmind was employing mind control to manipulate the Nova Corps. (Click on the highlighted names above to learn about the different characters.)

At one point, Irani followed the lead of Robbie Rider in capturing the creature known as Dragon Man. (To learn about Dragon Man, click on the highlighted name above.)

Later on, when the War of Kings ignited between the Kree-led Inhumans and the Shi'ar, the Worldmind chose to immediately leave Earth to have the new and inexperienced Nova Corps members to intervene in the galactic conflict. Unfortunately, the Corps had massive casualties and the new Nova Prime, Malik Tarcel, was captured by the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. However, it was Richard Rider who returned with the power of Quasar; thus, forcing the Worldmind to stand down. Rider retook his position as Nova Prime and called on the Nova Corps to retreat while they still could, saving whoever he could. Afterward, Nova had all of the newly recruited Centurions depowered and sent home. But, not all of the Centurions wanted to return home. Irani Rael was among those that requested to stay with Nova as his Nova Centurions. Others included Robbie Rider, Morrow, Fraktur, Qubit, Irani Rael, Lindy Nolan, and Tre Owens. With their small numbers, Irani and her fellow Centurions became a smaller Nova Corps. (To learn about the event, races, team, and/or characters above, just click on their highlighted names.)

More recently, when an invasion force  from the Cancerverse came through The Fault, Irani Rael was among the Nova Corps that helped the Shi'ar, the Kree, and Blastaar's Negative Zone forces in holding them off. They continued fighting the forces while the Guardians of the GalaxyThanos, and Nova went through the Vault to destory the invaders at their home. (To learn about the above highlighted characters, places, and/or team, click on their names above.)

To learn a tiny bit more about Irani Rael, just click on the following link, http://marvel.com/universe/Irani_Rael.

In the film, Guardians of the Galaxy, Irani Rael is shown as the Nova Prime, rather than just a Nova Centurion as she is in the comics.