Saturday Showcase: the Orb

1st Orb

    Today's showcase spotlights one of my favorite villains to ever face the Ghost Rider.  Some of you may recognize the Orb from his roll in Marvel's Original Sin story line of recent years, but I knew about the Orb way before that.  You see, growing up I was a huge fan of the Marvel Team-Up series and that is when we first set "eyes" on the Orb.

    The first Orb was created by the team of Len Wein and Ross Andru back in 1973.  His first appearance was in Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1, #15 (Nov '73) to be exact.  His alter ego was that of Drake Shannon, a motorcycle stunt driver who had stock in the show that starred the great Johnny Blaze.  When his partnership with Crash Simpson was over, Drake became obsessed with taking over the show and all the fame and glory that went with it.  With a powerful helmet, that looked like an eyeball, he was able to control others but that wasn't enough to face the Spirit of Vengeance, Ghost Rider.

Marvel Team-Up #15

    In 2008, we were introduced to a new Orb.  This Orb's identity was more mysterious but he was the brainchild of the team of  Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Huat.  Seen as a successor of the original Orb, he took his place as the villain to Ghost Rider.  One way you could distinguish the two Orbs was the simple fact that the 2nd Orb never knew when to shut up.

Highway through Hell

    As I said before, the Orb was resurrected by the Original Sin story line by Marvel in witch one of the Watchers was murdered and his eyes stolen.  It was said that the holder of the eye would have vast power and know what the Watchers knew.  It was in this story line that we found out all the secrets of the Marvel Universe.

Original Sin

    The Orb is a unique character.  Sure, he may look goofy with a Giant Eye for a disguise, but he has proven time and time again that he should not be underestimated.  That is why he has my respect and that is also why he is today's showcase.

I got my EYE on you!

1ST ORB

Alter ego: Drake Shannon

Partnerships: Justin Hammer

Abilities:

Helmet is capable of powerful laser blasts. 

Can also project illusions and hypnotize people.

2ND ORB

Alter ego: Unknown

Partnerships:

Zadkiel

Doctor Midas

Exterminatrix

Abilities:

Use of ray gun

Possesses an eye of Uatu

Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday Showcase: Ocean Master

Ocean Master (New 52)

    This weekend the film Aquaman was released.  In honor of its release, I decided to showcase the one and only Ocean Master.  Usually I try to showcase individuals that some may not have heard of or know enough of, but any DC Comics fan knows exactly who is the Ocean Master.

First appearance: Aquaman #29 (September 1966)

    Orm Curry is the half-brother of Arthur Curry (Aquaman).  He was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy and first appeared in Aquaman #29 back in 1966.  Orm is one of those characters that can leave you guessing.  What do I mean?  Well, when we were first introduced to the character Orm, he was Arthur's human half-brother, but when the New 52 got it's hands on him he became Atlantean.  So, you can almost say that the Ocean Master and Orm are actually two different people.

Human no more

    I am a fan of the original version of Ocean Master.  The story-lines were more creative and had a little more imagination.  I mean, he was an Ocean Master who was born on land.  
   However, during the New 52 Throne of Atlantis arc, King Orm totally kicked ass!  So, I ask you, which version of Orm is your favorite.  If you find yourself confused, just do what I do and blame all these events on the Flash. (LoL, of course I am referencing the "headache" that is now known as Flashpoint)

Time for War

   All I can say is that I am ready to see Aquaman and I know the films version of Orm will do the Ocean Master justice.  From what I have seen and heard, Aquaman will be the best live action DC movie ever.   Do yourself a favor, go see the movie and then go to a book store and find you a trade or two that star the brothers of the sea and their battles to be.  

Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master aka King Orm

More about Ocean Master

ABILITIES:

-skilled military tactician-

-magical manipulation-

-utilizes mystically-powered trident-

-Atlantean physiology grants:

superhuman strength, stamina, and endurance

-ability to survive in aquatic environment-

-telepathic mind control over marine life-

Team Affiliations:

Anti-Justice League

Injustice Gang

   Secret Society of Super Villains

Game of Waves

Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday Showcase: Ronin

Ronin

    After seeing the trailer for the Avengers: End Game, I knew I had to do a post about Ronin.  Now Ronin is a character in the Marvel Universe that has been portrayed by many individuals.  The first Ronin may have been Maya Lopez, but it was Clint "Hawkeye" Barton that brought the character to the fore front.

    The Ronin identity was created by Brian Michael Bendis and Joe Quesada, though the characters who have adopted the identity were pre-existing characters created by other writers.  Ronin's first appearance took place in New Avengers #11 (November 2005). The name Ronin was taken from the Japanese term meaning masterless samurai or lone warrior.

Ronin Vs Elektra and the Hand

    No matter the holder of the Ronin name, they have been a pivotal part in the Marvel Universe.  Ronin has fought the Hand and the Skrulls just to name a few.  As I have already told you, Ronin has had many names.  The first Ronin was Maya Lopez and the second Ronin was Clint Barton.  The Third Ronin was the Red Guardian (Alexei Shostakov) and the fourth person to don the name Ronin was Eric "Blade" Brooks.    Hell, in teh Ultimate Universe, Marc Spector aka Moon Knight takes a stab at being Ronin.  So you see, the character of Ronin is very important to the Marvel Universe but it is Clint's version that will always be remembered.  especially since that is the identity that Clint will be using in the End Game film.

Ronin as seen in the Avengers: End Game

    The popularity of Ronin really has never worn off since our first introduction in 2005.  Ronin has made appearances in toy lines, video games, and even on the popular Marvel cartoons of this century.  I am just glad to finally see Ronin on the big screen in the Avengers films.  I am hoping that fans will like Ronin so much that there is a solo film made or at least a new launch in the world of comics.

Ronin as seen in the Avengers cartoon

Until next time, get your READ on and unleash your inner NERD!

Mortal Kombat 11 Announcement Trailer

Get over here!

the Avengers: Endgame (Trailer #1)

Is it April yet?

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 3 trailer

Do you really need anther reason to get a Nintendo Switch?

Saturday Showcase: Calendar Man

    It is December 1st and I thought there was no better character to spotlight than the Calendar Man from DC Comics.  When I think December, I think in with the new and out with the old, which has a calendar feel to it so here we are.

First appearance: Detective Comics #259 (September 1958)

    The Calendar Man first made his appearance in Detective Comics back in '58.  He was the brain child of Bill Finger (writer) & Sheldon Moldoff (artist).  Of course you know the publisher was DC Comics.
    
    The Calendar Man was born Julian Day and he has always been obsessed with dates and times.  Therefore he took the name Calendar Man and would commit his crimes at specific times on specific days.  His look has changed throughout the years, but one thing remained the same, his obsession with dates.

New 52 Julian Day aka the Calendar Man

    The Calendar Man has appeared in Batman Comics since the late '50s but never really gets the credit he deserves.  Sure he has made appearances in movies, shows, and video games, but when you think Batman villain, he is never at the top of the list.  I, for one, would love to see an animated Batman film featuring the Calendar Man and his group of Misfits.

The Misfits: Cat-Man, Calendar Man, Killer Moth, & Chancer

    Abilities

*Genius-level Intellect*

*Obsession with Quirks of a Calendar*

*Successful Inventor*

*Skilled Hand-to-Hand Combatant*

*Expert Manipulator*

*Ages and rejuvenates according to season*

*"Immortal" - He never really dies, but is "reborn" like new*

DC Who's Who (Art by Pat Broderick)

Well, I hope you liked my spotlight on Calendar Man.  

Until next time, Get your READ on!

Calendar Man surprised by the Batman (Brave and Bold)