Important comic book moments that will affect the future.
August had some pretty exciting comic book moments. First, Red Hood killed a Joker in Batman: Three Jokers. Maybe not the Joker, but one of the three. In Thor No. 6, Thor killed Galactus in a spectacular way. He later saw a glimpse of his future. It was a grim look at what his end would be.
September was no different as it too had a number of game-changing happenings, so we have follow ups on Thor, Red Hood, and other characters. Moments that will absolutely affect the future of both DC and Marvel Comics.
Some of these may seem like small things, but they are going to have major repercussions on the characters, how they interact with their teammates, and how they fight villains going forward.
Storm wants to live
Comic Book: Giant Size X-Men Storm
In Giant Sized X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost, we found out that Storm was dying. If this was two years ago, we may have been worried. Now, with the mutant resurrection protocols, it didn’t seem like a big deal – especially since you could be brought back to life differently, happier, and without memories you didn’t want. Nonetheless, Storm wanted to fight for her life. She fought, won, and said this as she battled.
"“The true measure of life is living. It isn’t a series of do-overs and restarts… it’s a fight for what you have, what you believe in… it’s fighting for who you are. I am a mutant. I am a Goddess. And I want to live.”"
Why is this important?
The longer mutants are being brought back from the dead, the lesser the value of life is. We’ve already seen Quentin Quire brought back more than a couple of times. While it’s funny in that instance, death is losing its meaning in Marvel Comics. That’s saying a lot considering we know that everyone comes back from the dead. Now, Storm can be an example of how to live. When mutants start taking life for granted, she will tell them how she fought for survival and how good it made her feel to win in spite of the safety net.
More changes in King Thor’s life
Comic Book: Thor No. 7
In six issues of Thor, writer Donny Cates has killed Galactus. If you’re going to start your run in a major way, that’s how you do it. He wasn’t done there. Now, Thor is having issues with Mjolnir. It appears that it’s harder to lift it. Just as he became worthy again. If that’s not bad enough, it appears that anyone is worthy now as well. A random mechanic lifted it and gained the power of Thor. Also, because of the prophecy of his death, Thor called on Beta Ray Bill to be his second in command in case anything happened to him.
Why is this important?
First, let’s look at the obvious. If anyone is worthy of Mjolnir, that makes one of the universe’s most powerful weapons available to anyone. If he throws it, and someone else picks it up, they can use it on him. Imagine what’s going to happen when Dr. Doom or Crossbones figures this out. They’re the last people you’d want with that kind of power.
With Beta Ray Bill, Thor now has someone who will always check him when he’s being stubborn. Sif could do it, but her current position as guard on the Bifrost takes all of her time. Beta Ray Bill is one of the few people that can literally knock Thor down a peg when he needs it. The two of them together are going to make this series even more fun than it has been.
Bizarro rules after killing Trigon
Comic Book: Red Hood and the Outlaws No. 49
The Red Hood and the Outlaws (or Red Hood: Outlaw) has been a very bizarre book. It’s taken Jason Todd (Red Hood), Artemis, and Bizarro all over the world, alternate timelines, and places that this writer can’t explain. On their most recent mission, Bizarro was charged with keeping Trigon busy while the rest of the heroes finished their part. Now, Superman has a problem defeating Trigon. What kind of chance does Bizarro have? Well, a better one. Bizarro has apparently killed Trigon. Now, Bizarro is ruler of Trigon’s realm.
Why is this important?
First off, wow. Bizarro was always looked at as just an idiotic clone of Superman. Since joining the Outlaws, he has become a much better character. He’s meditating, speaking better, and has a different outlook on life. All of this helped him defeat someone the entire Justice League sometimes lost to. With the throne, comes responsibility. Bizarro is leaving the team. As much as he doesn’t want to (his exact words were: “That am a hard no”), Bizarro understands what happens if he leaves. All of the demons will run free. For a guy who started this series as an idiot, Bizarro learned what it means to be a hero.
The Jokers, Red Hood, and Batgirl
Comic Book: Batman: Three Jokers
In the previous issue of Batman: Three Jokers, Jason Todd let off some frustration by killing a Joker. In this issue, Jason wasn’t done. He went after the remaining two on his own. As much as this writer loves the Red Hood, this was a terrible idea. Batman can’t defeat one Joker easily. Jason wanted to end the Jokers once and for all. He failed. Jason was badly beaten with a crowbar (again), verbally abused, and left naked for Batman and Batgirl to find.
Later, Jason was recuperating in Batgirl’s home. He told her that he wants to be better. Batgirl responded by telling him that he wishes she could’ve been there for him after everything happened when he came back to life. Then, they kissed.
Why is this important?
Red Hood has had issues with Batman since returning from the dead. Jason loves him for taking him in. Jason hates him for replacing him and never killing Joker. Even though Jason became a hero and defended both Gotham and the world (see the most recent run of Red Hood Outlaw), he still has an inferiority complex. Batgirl having faith in him will help Jason move on. Maybe he’ll abandon the Red Hood persona. After Joker’s mocked him for it, it would make sense.
The kiss between Barbra Gordon and Jason Todd is interesting. They’ve never really liked each other. That disdain could be from sexual tension. Jason has a lot of qualities that Barbra hates and vice versa. Will they kiss again? Will they take it further? More importantly, how is Dick Grayson going to react when he finds out?
Daredevil visits Iron Man for a possible “Upgrade”
Comic Book: Daredevil No. 22
Daredevil may be the most obstinate character in any comic book. He almost always refuses to change his opinions on things or ask for help. It’s one of the many reasons that his body is broken down and he may end up in jail. That version of him is starting to change – so much that he went to an unlikely source for assistance. Daredevil went to Iron Man because he wanted to purchase Hell’s Kitchen and then rent out the buildings for next to nothing. Tony Stark told him that he’d think about it. Before Daredevil left, Tony offered to give him an upgrade – something more “formidable.”
Why is this important?
Tony Stark buying Hell’s Kitchen is a big move. It could help keep the right people in that part of town – the ones who want to see Hell’s Kitchen improve. It would also make Daredevil’s life easier. No more selfish rich people trying to bulldoze occupied apartments to bring in unwanted chain stores.
Iron Man offering an upgrade is fascinating. What kind of armor would he give Daredevil? More than likely it would be something that protects Daredevil from harm. That’s including the damage taken to his hands and feet from punching and kicking things. A helmet is doubtful. It would obstruct Daredevil’s radar sense. Although, Tony could figure out a way around that.
Franklin Richards in Krakoa
Comic Book: Fantastic Four No. 24
Even though his parents are Sue Storm and Reed Richards, people often forget that Franklin Richards is a mutant. An omega level one at that. Now, his powers are depleted every time he uses them. After X-Men/Fantastic Four, Franklin was allowed to visit Krakoa. He could be with his own people. Maybe even fix the problem with his powers. In the most recent Fantastic Four comic book, Franklin was late for dinner. He was caught up playing games with his friends in Krakoa. He even got his ears pierced while there. Something his mother was not happy about.
Why is this important?
It wasn’t certain whether or not the crossover was going to have any ramifications on the Fantastic Four’s continuity. Apparently, it will. Franklin is a teenager. He’ll do all the normal things teenagers do. He’ll stay out late, sneak out of the house, and disobey his parents. What happens when the X-Men need his help? Sue and Reed may say no. Knowing Franklin, he’ll disobey them. We’re going to see Franklin in Krakoa more and more. The question is how his family is going to react. Krakoa isn’t exactly safe. Reed and Sue aren’t anti-mutant. They’re pro-keeping their family safe.
Moon Knight prays
Comic book: Avengers No. 36
For the last few months, Moon Knight has waged war against the Avengers and won. He’s taken Danny Rand’s Iron Fist, Dr. Strange’s Eye of Agamotto, Robbie Reyes’ Spirit of Vengeance, and Thor’s hammer. Along with Khonshu, they’ve been trying to defeat Mephisto (or so Khonshu says). The last thing they need it Black Panther’s blood. Not an easy task. Moon Knight stepped in and tried to get it himself.
Black Panther tried to calm him down with zero success. So T’Challa beat Moon Knight like only he could. He then stopped the beating. Then, Moon Knight did something very much in his personality: He started punching himself. We find out that it’s him praying to a god. Not Khonshu though. At the end of the comic book, we see that he’s been taking a beating to pray to the Phoenix Force.
Why is this important?
Throughout this run, we’ve seen the Original Avengers from the prehistoric days. They were the first Black Panther, Odin, Starbrand, the Spirit of Vengeance, Agamotto, an Iron Fist, and the Phoenix. Back in the present, we see these characters coming together. Moon Knight calling to the Phoenix is just another piece in the puzzle. The likelihood of Moon Knight of keeping the Phoenix Force is low. However, we’ll see it again when they fight Mephisto – maybe in Moon Knight or Tony Stark. Look for Moon Knight to become an Avenger again. At the very least a reserve member. Especially since the original Avengers shunned Khonshu’s first Avatar.
What do you think? What moments did this Marvel Comics heavy list miss? Let us know in the comments below.