Valentine's Day

 Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

May this day be a good one for you, full of joy and happiness!

World Radio Day

Today is World Radio Day!

This day is about celebrating the medium of radio. Even in the era of the Internet, radio has found ways to adapt, whether it's for news or entertainment. 

While the idea of radio frequencies was a very old one (Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell first theorized the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio waves in his equations, which he had been working on since 1856, as well as his 1865 paper), it would be German physicist Heinrich Hertz who truly proved the existence of the radio wave as we think of it. In fact, the measuring unit of frequency, the hertz (Hz), is named in his honor.

(The more you know)

Building on the work and studies of other physicists, the Italian electrical engineer and politician Guglielmo Marconi created the first radio transmission system in the summer of 1895. By 1901, he had improved his system to the point that it was able to transmit messages from the United Kingdom to Canada. It's why he's considered the inventor of radio, or the "father of radio". More appropriately in his native tongue, he'd be called "Il padre della radio".

From there, it would spread throughout the world. For a while, it was one of the premiere entertainment mediums before the advent and popularization of television. 1919 saw the first American radio station started to broadcast out of Pittsburgh, and 1939 saw the birth of FM radio. Despite that and even the rise of the Internet, radio persisted. In 1994, radio went digital with the start of Internet streaming.

In 2011, UNESCO proclaimed this day as World Radio Day as it was on this day in 1946 that the United Nations broadcasting service was launched. 

Yup, radio has had a long and fascinating history. Tune in and listen to some today! Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! See you next time!

National Pizza Day

 Today is National Pizza Day!

Pizza is massively popular here in the United States. Americans consume 23 pounds of pizza a year! 3 billion pizzas are ordered every year (4 if you count frozen pizza sales), and the most popular topping? Pepperoni. 

Pizza is actually quite a lot older than people tend to realize. Back in the ancient Mediterranean, various flatbread dishes were enjoyed that could be seen as spiritual ancestors of modern pizza. The first known usage of the word "pizza" was found in 997 AD, used in a Latin document. In the 1800s in Naples, the working poor enjoyed flatbreads with various toppings. Pizza would be brought to the United States thanks to Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th century. However, like in the old country, pizza was viewed early on in the US as "low-class" food. World War II would help popularize the pizza. Post-war, Italian-Americans would move around the country, bringing the pizza with them. Also, American soldiers returning from Europe would also help turn the pizza into one of America's favorite snacks. 

The very first pizzeria (restaurant that serves pizza) is believed to be the Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba in Naples, Italy. Started in 1738 as a stand for peddlers, it would eventually become a more modern restaurant in 1830. The first American pizzeria is considered to be Lombardi's Pizza in Manhattan, opened in 1905. It was founded by its namesake, an Italian immigrant named Gennaro Lombardi. However, Lombardi's role in the founding of the pizzeria was called into question in recent years. 

Avengers #9 (October 1998)

Since this is Black History Month, I thought I'd take the opportunity to showcase a lesser-known Black superhero...and a lesser-known Black supervillain. And this is also an excuse for me to return to one of my favorite comic book runs of all time: Kurt Busiek's Avengers run. If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you may be aware of my immense love for this run. It helped make me a fan of comic books. This is Avengers #9!

The cover is awesome. It depicts the villainous Moses Magnum using his geokinetic powers to send out heroes flying. He's front and center in the cover, and the amount of rubble around him show just how powerful he is. This shows that Magnum is a very dangerous and powerful villain, one that you need a group like the Avengers to face.

"The Villain Who Fell from Grace With the Earth"
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Penciler: George Perez
Inker: Al Vey
Colorist: Tom Smith
Letterers: Richard Starkings, Comicraft, Dave Lanphear
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

The story begins with the Avengers doing...a bit of swimming.

Thing is, they aren't doing it for fun, even though swimming is fun. They're doing it to secretly get on board a massive cruise ship known as the Evangeline, presumably named after the Longfellow poem. 

The Evangeline is such a big ship that it has hotels, a casino, sports fields, and even a nautical theme park.

Yeah, I'd love to spend a week on this ship myself. It likely would not be enough time to see everything, but at least it'd be a fond memory. Two of the Avengers (Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch and Vance Astrovik/Justice) alongside their new ally Maria Santiago/Silverclaw have infiltrated the ship with civilian disguises. Steve Rogers/Captain America, Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Angelica Jones/Firestar, and Tony Stark/Iron Man have made their way into the Evangeline thanks to a bit of underwater infiltration. As they go in, Steve starts to think about how this all started:

Earlier that day, the Avengers are all enjoying some breakfast at the Mansion.

"Oh, boy! It's Hash Brown Day!"

I'd love to eat breakfast at the Avengers Mansion. Look at that spread! Mmmm, breakfast buffet...

Anyway, Maria is joining them thanks to the events of last issue. In that issue, she seemingly led a group of men in an attack on an airport, under the command of an arms dealer named Moses Magnum. So, why is she here with the Avengers?

Gladly. Turns out that "Lupe" is connected to the Avengers' butler, Edwin Jarvis. She lived in an orphanage that was sponsored by a charitable organization. One of those "sponsor a child" things. Jarvis was Lupe's sponsor. The two of them regularly corresponded. As a result. she sees him as an uncle, calling him "Tio Edwin".

It's here we get some character stuff, touching on the ongoing sub-plots. Wanda is dealing with her being able to summon Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man from the dead (this was before he was fully resurrected later on). Hawkeye is struggling to fit in with the team, thanks to his time being a leader of the West Coast Avengers for a while. He's trying to go back to an old role he clearly has outgrown. And Firestar? Well, Firestar has issues with her powers. You see, unlike many mutants, Angelica Jones's powers can potentially cause her great harm, even kill her. Naturally, she gets very scared of using them at a high level (like when she had to power up dimensional portals in both the New Warriors book and in the recent Live Kree or Die crossover). She tells this to Wanda (she had also told Cap). Wanda asks her to give her a day or two, and the Scarlet Witch may have some ideas. 

Cap calls the meeting to order and recaps the events of the previous issue. Magnum had arranged the attack at the airport to steal an experimental device called the Seismic Cannon. Developed by Rand-Meachum Industries, the Seismic Cannon was a device meant to ameliorate the tectonic forces that can cause earthquakes. This fits with Magnum's past MO as he's been involved with earthquake threats. Vision then gets a call.

"Hey, guys! Triathlon here!"

Yeah, somehow Triathlon had managed to hack into the Avengers' comm-system and alert them that he managed to sneak away on the plane Magnum's men stole for their getaway in the last issue. He reports that Magnum is ranting about showing some apocalypse some chaos. Cap realizes who he's talking about: the X-Men villain. 

The Avengers sneak through the Evangeline, knowing they have no hope of getting to Magnum without being discovered. Hopefully, they can prevent that for as long as possible. During this, Hawkeye notes with horror that Magnum's men are willing to kill each other if it means getting him. He meets up with Triathlon, and the two do their best John McClane.

It's here we learn about the origin of this mysterious new hero. His name is Delroy Garrett Jr, from the City of Brotherly Love itself, Philadelphia. A child of the suburbs, he was a star track athlete, breaking records left and right. Made it all the way to the Olympics, winning medals for the USA. He became famous. Every company on the planet wanted to endorse him. 

However, his desire to win consumed him. It consumed him to the point where he started using steroids. He was caught, and as a result, he was stripped of his medals and banned from competition. It all came tumbling down afterwards for him. He wallowed in his shame and self-loathing, until he found the Triune Understanding.

"I also tended to turn the world around me red and green."

The Understanding helped him find peace, and helped unlock his hidden power, making him three times as strong, as fast, as agile, as tough as the best human athletes. Hawkeye said he heard the Triunes were a cult. Delroy doesn't think so, as they've done a lot of good for him. And that's how cults get you. The two then get to a grate, where they see this weirdness going on.

"This new massage chair is of THE GODS!"

Magnum is ranting about how he will take Apocalypse's gift and make it into a weapon. A weapon so great, even the mad mutant eugenicist will tremble at its terrible power. The grate collapses, causing the Avenger and Triune member to fall into the room. Magnum reveals he knew they were there, thanks to his mastery of seismic forces. I can imagine that meant he felt the vibrations of their moving through the ducts and their whispering. He commands his men to subdue them. Clint and Delroy seem to be standing alone against an army of Magnum Shells, the arms dealer's men. Clint...is not worried. After all, he's not the only Avenger here.

And his point is demonstrated.

"What is it with you Avengers and wrecking my house?!"

And with that, the fight is on.

The Avengers have an easier time with the Magnum Shells, but Magnum himself? That's a whole other story. Magnum now has greater control over his earthquake-generating power. He can now tap into the seismic energies of the Earth itself, and he will now create an earthquake that will destroy the entire American Eastern Seaboard.

However (thankfully), something is blocking him. It's Wanda, using her hex powers. Throughout Busiek's run on the book, she's been finding herself being able to tap into various forms of energy, even mystical powers like Morgan le Fay's in issue #3. Wanda has him on the ropes, but Magnum takes her down with a big metal component to the mouth.

This causes an enraged Wonder Man to make his appearance. 

"Hey, Simon! What's your favorite ice cream bar brand?"

The Avengers are shocked as normally, Wanda has to summon him...and she's out cold right now. Wonder Man tackles Magnum so hard, the two go flying out of the ship, unknowingly getting the attention of two incarnations of James Bond in the process.

I always knew James Bond was a Time Lord.

The two end up landing on the shore of Martinique. Simon then proceeds to land a series of Mighty Punches to Magnum's face. Magnum crows "It's not happening" and that he is cured. Cured of what, you may ask? Well, he's not as cured as he thinks, as an earthquake starts to happen. The other Avengers arrive after Magnum tosses Wonder Man away like he was a piece of garbage. A terrified Magnum explains his situation.

After the events of Power Man Annual #1 (1976), Classic X-Men #25 (September 1988) showed that Magnum was rescued by Apocalypse. The immortal mutant gave the man geokinetic powers in exchange for acting as one of his Chaos-Bringers. However, after his failures against the X-Men in Uncanny X-Men #119 and Black Panther and the Michael Collins Deathlok in Deathlok #22-25, Apocalypse punished Magnum by letting him keep his power but stripped away any control of it. As a result, Magnum can't step on solid ground without causing massive earthquakes. It's why he created the Evangeline. It's why he was after the Seismic Cannon. He hoped it would allow him to control his powers again and win back Apocalypse's favor. 

Cap tries to get Magnum to surrender and return to the Evangeline. Maybe they can do something about this "curse" Apocalypse saddled Magnum with. However, the ground rips open. Magnum falls into it, ranting and raving that he'll never be free of Apocalypse. Iron Man tries to grab him, but the ground fissure closes shut, seemingly killing the superpowered arms dealer. Cap laments that Magnum was so used to using force and terror to get his way that it never occurred to him to just...ask for help. 

The next day, Silverclaw leaves to start orientation at Empire State University. Triathlon also leaves, but does so on good terms, saying that if they need his help, he'll be there. Vision (who was confined to the Mansion due to damage) asks how Wanda is doing. She did take a metal component to the face. She did manage to get off a potential hex, lessening the damage. She's in the mood for some chili, and Hawkeye's is god-tier. However, the Avenging Archer had his own plans. 

"P.S. I ate all the chocolate ice cream."

Yup, he's gone off. We'll see him with the Thunderbolts.

You all know what I am going to say about this. It's Kurt Busiek writing, George Perez on art, it's spectacular. I loved seeing the Avengers try to do their best James Bond spy impression. Busiek also masterfully touches on ongoing storylines like the whole Wanda/Simon/Vision issue, Hawkeye's struggles with his place on the team, Justice's lack of confidence, Firestar's issues with her powers, etc. Also, Magnum's fate was rather appropriate for him: A man who lusted for power ended up being destroyed by it. 

Magnum would return of course, and he would somehow get his lack of control over his earthquake-causing power stabilized. He would go on to face Spider-Man and the Punisher, as well as Wolverine and even Shuri.

If you want to read this for yourself, I recommend tracking down the 2010 trade paperback Avengers Assemble Vol. 1. I highly recommend it. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! See you next time!

Robo Force Trailer, My Thoughts

In 1984, the Ideal Toy Company (which was famous for dolls, inventing the teddy bear, and selling the Rubik's Cube) introduced Robo Force. These were robot toys with crusher arms and suction cup bases. Each of the individual toys would have other little gimmicks like extendable guns. Unlike many other toy lines, they didn't get an animated series. However, they did get an animated special in 1984 from Ruby-Spears: The Revenge of Nazgar. 

Ideal would end up being merged with Mattel in 1997, and the rights to Robo Force were purchased by independent toy company Toyfinity in 2013, and they released a new line of toys. In 2021, the rights would be purchased by The Nacelle Company, who planned to use the Force alongside several other toy brands as pared of a shared NacelleVerse. 

In 2023, it was announced a new Robo Force animated series was in the works, produced by Seven Bucks Productions. Let's look at the trailer! 

Tubi? Hey, I got Tubi! And you should get Tubi! It's free and has lots of great stuff on it!

I can imagine that elevator is the reason why elevator sickness is a thing.

(sick)

Yeah, that black and purple robot doesn't look evil at all. 

That robot really hates elevators. One killed his paw.

"Wait, if someone is hacking robots to make them evil, why is that not happening to us?"
"I think our being sentient protects us from that."

Yeah, that red robot has better things to do. Like polish their diodes.

Wait, was that a Sectaur?

I love the cheesy 80s style song.

And the Biker Mice from Mars, too? Huh.

Western Monarch Day

Happy Western Monarch Day, everyone!

What is Western Monarch Day, you may be asking? Well, it's a day about the monarch butterfly. It's at this time of year that said butterfly begins its migration back home to California. This day was declared in 2004 by the state of California as the migration is a tourist attraction.

The monarch butterfly is arguably one of the most famous of all the North American butterflies, mainly because of its orange-and-black memorable wing patterns. These patterns are also why the monarch is also known as the "common tiger" butterfly. This particular butterfly is believed to have gotten its moniker of "monarch" as a nod to William III of England, aka the Prince of Orange. As larvae, they only consume milkweed, but as adults, their palate is greatly expanded, feeding on the nectar from a variety of plants, including goldenrods, lilacs, and wild carrots.

The monarch butterfly will travel around 3,000 miles as part of its migration. Some will end up in Mexico, and there are non-migratory populations are found in the Americas, Oceania, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Sadly, the monarch is critically endangered. A number of factors are involved, including climate change, deforestation, and the usage of pesticides. Several conservation groups are working to find ways to save these beautiful insects. This work has led to the species making a bit of a comeback in 2021. Hopefully, this trend will continue. Thanks for reading this blog entry! If you liked it, show it off! Take care of yourselves and each other! See you next time!

Avengers #14 (March 1999)

The past can haunt us. As much as people like to say that the past is something we can put behind us, it has a way of staying with you. For Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man, that statement is very true. He's been involved in the superhero game for many years, and with it, he's seen many a triumph and tragedy, and he has also seen his life be put in turmoil. He's also died and come back to life. During Kurt Busiek's time scribing the lives of Earth's Mightiest Heroes in the late-90s, Wonder Man got to reunite with an old friend and take stock of his life. This is Avengers #14!

The cover is a, naturally, a George Perez and Tom Smith piece. It depicts a surprised Wonder Man getting his eyes covered by Beast, the latter asking, "Guess who--?" It really fits the characterization of 1970s Avengers-era Beast. And considering how he would be portrayed in the future, it's pretty clear that the X-Men really bring out the worst in him.

"Hi, Honey...I'm Hooooooome!"
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Penciler: George Perez
Inker: Al Vey
Colorist: Tom Smith
Letterers: Richard Starkings, Comicraft, Wes Abbott
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

The story begins with a mysterious new villain rampaging through Times Square. Because in the Marvel Universe, New York City is the center of everything.

Page 1, Panel 2

The gentleman's name is Pagan. Pagan seems to be your standard big dumb powerhouse, complete with Hulk speak. Pagan is invincible! Pagan is unstoppable! Pagan will have ALL THE FRENCH FRIES! AND ALL THE MILKSHAKES!

In all seriousness, Pagan is what we like to call...a problem. But enough of that, let's look in something a little more...light-hearted, shall we?

Page 4, Panel 1

Yup, Hank McCoy, the Beast, has come to pay a visit to Avengers Mansion, taking a break from researching the Legacy Virus over in the X-Books. Why? Well, recently, Simon Williams, aka Wonder Man has returned from the grave. Being one of the X-Men, Beast is familiar with people returning from the grave. Not to mention during their time in the Avengers together, Hank and Simon became buddies. As such, Hank wants to celebrate Simon's return, and in style!

For the next several hours, Hank, Simon, and Wanda enjoy some of New York City's famous nightlife. They also ended up joining Jesse Ventura during one of his parties with REO Speedwagon. 

Their path leads to the Horn O'Plenty Jazz Club. This place is special to Simon, as his father once took him here as a boy. It was in this place that Simon fell in love with jazz music. He would sneak into the club and listen to the music until he was thrown out. He saw all the greats: Miles Davis, Tommy Flanagan, Dizzy Gillespie. He even saw one of the last performances of Thelonius Monk before he died (This is a topical reference as Monk died in 1982). Wanda then spots someone in the crowd. 

Page 8, Panels 1-6

The Vision is here as well, as this place also happens to be one of his favorite hangouts. Wanda convinces him to join her, Simon, and Beast. Simon is thrilled he's here and that he likes jazz as well. It actually makes a lot of sense that Vision would love this place and be a fan of jazz. His mind was formed from Simon's mental engrams, after all. Hank asks the waitress for more drinks, as they're going to get good and drunk tonight!

The waitress reminds him that they ordered virgin drinks. Basically, non-alcoholic drinks. But Beast is an imaginative man, he'll find a way. Simon decides that he wants to talk to them about something that's been bothering him. His memory of the months before his death in Force Works #1 is a bit on the hazy side, but what he does remember troubles him. One of them is encountering his dead mother in Mephisto's underworld back in Wonder Man #22 (June 1993)...even though his mother is very much alive and well, living in Paterson, New Jersey. He also remembers becoming more violent and brutish, even threatening Wanda, which happened in Wonder Man #18 (February 1993). He feels terrible about that and doesn't expect forgiveness.

However, Wanda is...rather understanding of it all. His powers were going haywire, and he himself was going through some emotional turmoil. She especially gets it, as not long beforehand, she flipped out herself and rejoined Magneto in West Coast Avengers #55. Part of the reason she did was because Vision was dismantled in West Coast Avengers #42. That happened because Vision tried to take over the world while under the control of the alien supercomputer known as ISAAC. That happened in Avengers #255. 

Simon remembers killing people, like the superpowered Cambodian monk known as Angkor in Wonder Man #12 (August 1992), and a gang member in Wonder Man #16 (December 1992). Wanda points out that they were immediate threats to innocent people, and Simon was cleared afterwards in an inquest. Simon still feels guilty about those things and doesn't want his actions swept under the rug just because he was an Avenger. As such, he feels he's not fit to be a member of the team again. 

We next go to Nugent Technologies. Doctor Henry Pym is working on some project, where he's visited by a Tracy Spencer. She thinks the higher-ups are being demanding on him, since he's working late. However, it's not that. Pym's just doing research and has no deadlines on him. Spencer points out the administrators are pushing for everyone else to be ready for whatever Pym is working on, which Pym finds unlikely. A mysterious observer calls for Spencer to be transferred, so to keep Pym from getting suspicious...

The scene then shifts over to Washington DC, where the Avengers are investigating a sighting of Lord Templar. He evidently held Congress captive for a half-hour, babbled about a new balance of power coming, and then left. We get a nice little moment with Firestar helping Justice with his nerves over being an Avenger. They get a call from Wanda. Remember Pagan from earlier? Well, he's raising all kinds of Cain in New York. 

Page 15, Panel 1

The Avengers know nothing about this mysterious new bruiser, so Wanda tells Simon and Beast they'll scout him out before the heavy-hitters arrive. They'll need everyone with this one.

Vision tries to shock Pagan by plunging his intangible fist into the monster's chest, but it doesn't work. Simon tries straight-up brawling with him, but all it gets is him getting a Mighty Punch in his ionic-powered mouth. Beast says it best.

Page 16, Panel 8

Yup. Simon remarks that the last time he was hit like that, the fist belonged to Count Nefaria. Two re-engage the powerhouse monster, but it only seems to make Pagan bigger.

Page 17, Panel 2

Pagan claims he can do anything, and that makes him invincible. Wanda is...confused by this. She can sense energies around the monster. She asks what Pagan is after, but he says his goals are only his to know. A monitor shows a newscast about Lord Templar. Pagan scoffs and says even he can't stop him. This gets the gears in Wanda's head turning. The way Pagan talked about Templar. It was like the monster knows that self-proclaimed savior somehow. She senses that Pagan is drawing energy from somewhere, and that's why he's growing in size. He could be absorbing the kinetic power of Simon's punches, or the solar energy beams of the Vision. Which means they will have to tread carefully. 

And then Thor comes in to literally bring the hammer down and bring the thunder.

Page 18, Panel 3

"HEY, THIS HAMMER DOESN'T TASTE LIKE CHICKEN! YOU LIED TO PAGAN!" 

He's arrived alongside Cap, Justice, and Firestar. Cap takes command, pointing out Pagan should not have been allowed to cause this much damage. He orders Firestar to look for injured and get them to safety. Justice should telekinetically shut down all gas and water mains. As for Thor? Well, Pagan is a big bruiser, so he and Simon should take the fight to him.

He goes to engage Pagan, ordering her to use her hex power to lessen the probability of an explosion, or at least draw air away from Pagan. Big bruiser still has to breathe, right? Wanda tries to point out physical force doesn't seem to do any good, but he doesn't hear her. Thor and Simon try to engage the powerhouse, but Thor's hammer ends up hitting Simon hard.

Pagan laughs at them. Even the Avengers can't stop Pagan!

He tunnels away. Vision tries to pursue but the synthezoid can't catch him. Cap is not happy about this. Back at Avengers Mansion, Wanda watches Cap report to their government liaison, Duane Freeman. She thinks about the state of the team. It's a mess. Vision has become more withdrawn, Thor is absent a lot (thanks to stuff in his own book), Justice and Firestar are still newbies, and Cap...well, Cap has been wrapped up in his own stuff, which has led him to just expect the Avengers to run smoothly. Wanda decides it's time she and the Star-Spangled Avenger have a talk. 

That night, Hank McCoy makes his leave. After all, he has his work on the Legacy Virus to concentrate on. He tells Simon that he was once bitter and morose himself. He had a difficult time after he mutated into his then-present blue form. He assures Simon that he's a good man, and his heart will tell him what to do, and it'll be the right thing. The story ends with George Perez and Kurt Busiek themselves. George remarks he loves drawing Beast (He and Wanda were his favorites to draw) and wondering if he'll get to do so again, with Kurt saying you never know. Wait until JLA/Avengers.

I really liked this issue. The main event is of course, focusing on Simon. You can tell that Busiek is a big fan of the 1970s-era Avengers, as they get the main play in his run. What I especially like is that he uses past stories to explore their characters. It's something we don't really get in Big Two books anymore, mainly because most authors these days see continuity as an annoyance to be ignored. Stories like this are why I love continuity. 

Perez's art is of course, brilliant. It's very detailed and expressive.