Thursday, July 31, 2014

100+ Definitions 65



Invincible #65

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  The last tendrils of Invincible’s battle with Conquest wind themselves up in this issue that centers around the funeral for superhero friend Rex Splode.

Invincible #65 (I#65): My solemn pages begin en media recovery as Mark Grayson awakes in a hospital bed.  He fist sees his dear love Samantha Wilkins (the secret civilian identity of the pink superhero Atom Eve) who explains how her powers healed the grave wounds she received from Conquest.  Mark’s mother enters the room of healing and interrupts the impromptu make-out between the love smitten teens.

L-FL: Cecil enters and displays a fake corpse of Conquest to Mark (the real Conquest is held in a fortified prison where Cecil plans to question him about Viltrumite tactics when the invader awakens).  Mark, Samantha, and a host of other heroes attend the funeral of Rex Splode and say kind words about their absent colleague.

I#65:  With foreshadowing hints at future stories, my issue gives a page showing Angstrom Levy agreeing to help the inhabitants of the dimension that healed him, a buildup of Sequid forces (the invaders from Mars) form amidst a city’s rubble, Cecil rushes completion of a Reanimen army constructed from the dead Invincibles from alternate realities, and Mark Grayson tells his brother Oliver that he’s prepared to kill supervillains.

L-FL: A superhero is one that can be deceived by dishonest nefarious individuals who do the wrong things with the best of intentions.

I#65: If any such foes attempt to deceive me in such a manner, I won’t hesitate to kill them!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

100+ Definitions 64



Invincible #64

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  Again, the fight continues between Invincible and Conquest …for the entire issue.  Atom Eve is reborn by a pink-phoenix effect and helps her boyfriend in battle.  Invincible ends the fight in two pages full of head-butts that kill Conquest.  The juxtaposition of the Invincible war (lasting three days and containing every superhero in the Invincible universe, takes only one issue) and the battle with Conquest (involving four characters at most, and taking place over minutes or hours, and fills three issues) keeps demanding attention.

Invincible #64 (I#64):  Calm down.  Invincible is a solo book that focuses on the hero Invincible, the other heroes and characters are window dressing to the guy who has the title.

L-FL:  Yeah, I guess.  If you want the Rolling Stones, you don’t listen to She’s the Boss.

I#64: And since you’re determined to squeeze a definition for superhero from every issue, here’s the 64th version: a superhero is one who wins the fight.

L-FL: Huh.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

100+ Definitions 63



Invincible #63

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): This third installment of Invincible’s battle with the Viltrumite invader Conquest continues with more banter, more punching, and more blood.

Invincible #63 (I#63): Kid Omni-Man returns to help but gets severely pummeled.  Atom Eve lends her powers to the fight immediately upon regaining consciousness.  Between sessions of bashing Invincible across the globe, Conquest completely punches through the midriff of Atom Eve.  Despite physical and emotional distress, Invincible tells Conquest that he’ll be defeated.

L-FL:  Invincible’s response to these trials makes it clear that a superhero is one that in the midst of battle, despite previous doubts and self-questioning, remains absolutely confident of victory.

I#63: Yes, despite the abused face, Invincible displays his assuredness of victory with his closing statement, “I can see the future…you don’t live to see tomorrow.”

Monday, July 28, 2014

100+ Definitions 62



Invincible #62

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  Fisticuffs fly between the Viltrumite Conquest and Invincible.  They smash buildings, sound barriers, noses, and good taste.

Invincible #62 (I#62):  And…that’s about it.  They fight for the entire issue.  Kid Omni-Man tries to help out but he gets knocked away…and the combat continues.

L-FL:  This issue gives the definition of a superhero as one who has the populace of an entire planet relying on the hero’s actions.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

100+ Definitions 61



Invincible #61

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): This issue explores the aftermath of the Invincible War. 

Invincible #61 (I#61): The issue opens with a news-reporter recap of the war and scenes of heroes helping refugees and cleaning ruble. 

L-FL: The scene shifts to Mark Grayson voicing his doubts to an unconscious Samantha Wilkins. Cecil Stedman, head of the Global Defense Agency at the Pentagon, arrives to teleport Invincible to a city to help with the clean-up.

I#61: As soon as Invincible appears at the ruined city, he’s attacked by Powerplex (who escaped from the destroyed prison) who blames Invincible for the mass destruction. Eventually, after four pages, Badrock subdues the Powerplex for incarceration.

L-FL: The scene again shifts to Mark Grayson again confessing his reticence about being a hero to Atom Eve.  Grayson leaves after Samantha’s parents arrive.

I#61: Another scene shift has the Sequids seize control of two firemen who have stumbled onto the rubble of astronaut Rus Livingston’s destroyed apartment.

L-FL: The following page shows the Immortal return to life, reject control of Guardians of the Globe, and admits his desire to have kids with Dupli-Kate.

I#61: Following Dupli-Kate’s joy, the comic narrates a two-page incident that portrays Cecil Stedman trying to organize a new Guardians of the Globe. Invincible rejects leadership of the proposed group.

L-FL: The final four pages portray a Viltrumite agent, named Conquest, threatening to kill Invincible. So, for this issue the superhero definition is that a superhero is aware of the consequences that result from his or her possible actions and revisits and considers his goals and reasons for his chosen heroics.

I#61: Very well.

100+ Definitions 60



Invincible #60

Invincible #60 (I#60):  Puny readers, facing you are the imperialistic events of the superlative comic book Invincible.  In these master pages multiple versions of Invincible assemble through the machinations of the dimension-hopping supervillain Angstrom Levy.  This Invincible ensemble possesses the empathy of sharks at a feeding frenzy.  I’ll loosen the electronic gag on this scrawny scribe to elaborate.

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): Each evil version of Invincible (there are at least 16 permutations) attacks a city on Earth with the purpose of ruining Invincible’s reputation.  Cameos abound as the heroes of the Image universe (Union Jack, Spawn, Tech Jacket, Savage Dragon, Witchblade, The Darkness, Shadowhawk, Pitt, Young Blood, Cyberforce, Madman, and many others) assemble to subdue the conquest-minded versions of Invincible.

I#60: Cease your bleating L-FL, I can stomach no more babble that seeps from your lips.
The issue continues portrays that after three days, eight evil Invincibles survive the Invincible War triumphant amidst Earth’s devastated cities.  Then the Angstrom-Levy betrayal occurs.  Disagreeing with the superior strategies of the Invincible octet, Levy cowardly transports the eight to an empty Earth covered with sand.  Listener, speak.

L-FL:  Invincible, Kid Omni-Man and Bulletproof attack Angstrom Levy.  Kid Omni-Man encourages his big brother, Invincible, to kill Levy, and after Mark Grayson (Invincible) agrees, Levy opens a dimensional portal and escapes to a highly advanced medical dimension where the populace refuses to follow his orders. The superhero definition from this issue includes the idea that the best supervillain battles the superhero with the superhero’s own traits and powers.

I#60: My God….

Saturday, July 26, 2014

100+ Definitions 59



Invincible #59

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): The latest installment of the Invincible saga examined here involves the new supervillain Powerplex.  This enemy to Invincible originated from the battle with Omni-Man.  A collapsed building killed Powerplex’s sister and Invincible received the blame for her death and became a target for vengeance.

Invincible #59 (I#59): Questions of cause and effect occupy the forefront of characters’ minds.  What is the origin of any future action?  How much responsibility does an individual carry for influencing the actions of others and the consequences that arise from those actions?  How can anyone know the full results of any action?  Who knows the future effects of this, or any, blog?

L-FL: Well, hopefully the results of this blog don’t, like the actions of Powerplex, incinerate family members.  This posting will bring another definition of superhero as: a powerful creature whose actions cause supervillains to emerge through some muted logic involving unsuspected consequences of a superhero’s action.

I#59: That definition shoves responsibility of destruction and supervillains onto the heroes.

L-FL: Well, no, that isn’t…

I#59: And, if any horrible actions should arise from this 100+ Definitions project, I will summon every #59 issue of Invincible, and we will fly out of long boxes and poly bags and strike you with paper cuts more numerous than comics distributed on Free Comic Book Day.  So if, when, that happens, I’ll find you, and I’ll find a way to kill you.

L-FL: ?!!?

Friday, July 25, 2014

100+ Definitions 58




Invincible #58

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): Issue #58 of the Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley’s superhero comic Invincible must have been edited by the Home and Garden network.  There is a lot of focus on houses.

Invincible #58 (I#58): I don’t know L-FL, that claim seems a bit exaggerated.  The story begins with Mark and Oliver (Invincible and Kid Omni-Man) honing their flying speed…

L-FL:…and the scene ends with Oliver crashing through the roof their house! 

I#58: Yeah, well, the scene shifts to Samantha Wilkins leaving the prison in a business suit…

L-FL:…where she’s secured payment for her and Invincible to work so that they can buy a house!  Then the scene shifts to Immortal and Dupli-Kate house hunting.  Also included is Lethan, Ruler of Atlantis, sitting on his throne, at home, awaiting adventure. 

I#58: *sigh,* yes, there may a hint of a house theme, but this issue also includes Robot halting the reverse aging process for Monster Girl and Shapesmith acquiring a new costume.

L-FL: True, and we also read a scene of Black Samson encouraging and supporting Darkwing, and Rus Livingston (possessed by the alien Sequids) sits in his apartment, his home, with the landlady screaming about two months back rent.  The story also includes Oliver working with his tutor in the living room of his home!  This special Home and Garden Network special issues implies that a superhero possesses a home, literally and/or metaphorically, or is actively seeking a home, a place of belonging, a place of their own, an environment of safety and encouragement.

I#58: It’s a start.

100+ Definitions 57



Invincible #57

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): This issue guest stars the Astounding Wolf-Man.  The comic opens with Robot analyzing remnants of a camera used to spy on Invincible and Kid Omni-Man.  Invincible falsely assumes the Pentagon sent the camera, and when confronting Cecil about the surveillance, finds himself ensnared in a mission to capture the Astounding Wolf-Man and defeat the cyclopean giant that last appeared in Invincible 42.  After cooperating to defeat the Giant, Wolf-Man’s alter-ego (Gary Hampton) explains his innocence regarding his slain wife to Invincible.  Believing the confession, Invincible takes Wolf-Man to Cecil with the hope that he can become part of the Guardians of the Globe.

Invincible #57 (I#57): Wolf-Man’s exoneration doesn’t occur that easily.  He and Invincible fight a mob of Reanimen in the White Room, and have a showdown with the Guardians of the Globe.  After winning the fight, Invincible carries Wolf-Man back to his mansion to see his sleeping daughter and friend Dunford and resolves to clear his name. 

L-FL:  After the defeat of the Giant, Wolf-Man pleads with Invincible to listen to his story.  This plea for an audience continues when the two enter the Pentagon, and it takes a physical threat from Invincible to have Cecil and his henchmen hear the Wolf-Man’s explanation.  So a superhero is one that uses opportunities to listen.

I#57:  That sounds like good treatment for one who may still prove useful to me….

Thursday, July 24, 2014

100+ Definitions 56



Invincible #56

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): In a (hopefully) far less edited installment of 100+ Definitions, issue fifty-six opens with Mark watching Samantha Wilkins sleep in his bed and receiving a phone call.

Invincible#56 (I#56): Mark and Samantha defenestrate themselves, as does Kid Omni-Man, to travel their separate ways.  Mark goes to his ex-girlfriend’s house and discovers wounds caused by her present boyfriend hitting her.  Invincible terrorizes the boyfriend.  Kid Omni-Man patrols and fights a large golden robot.  After helping his brother with the robot, Mark visits Samantha Wilkins and then returns home to talk and train with his brother.  They discover the camera which Angstrom Levy used to monitor the Grayson household.

L-FL: This issue gives a superhero definition of one aware of the dangers and weaknesses associated with humanity in regards to using extraordinary powers and attempts to retain control and sober use of those powers.

I#56: That seems a good line for heroes to maintain, especially since they can say someone was watching us.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

100+ Definitions 55



Invincible #55

Invincible #55 (I#55): My story begins immediately after the kiss between Mark Grayson and Samantha Wilkins.  And, after a romantic evening and stress on humanity in the last issue, the two young heroes strip down for sex.  First Atom Eve removes her and Mark’s clothes simultaneously at the atomic scale.  Then Samantha pushes Mark onto the bed and falls atop him while kissing him. Next…X XX X  XXXXXXX X  X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XX XXXXX XX  X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX X  XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXCENSOREDXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XX X XX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XX XXX XXXXXX XXX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX XX X XXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXX X XXXX XXX XXXXX XXXX XXXX X
XX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX X XXXXX X XXX CENSORED X X XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXX XX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XX XXXX XX XXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XX XXXX XX XXXXX XXXXCENSOREDXXX XX XXXXX XXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX XX X X X XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX XX XX XX XXXX XXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX X X XXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX XX XXXCENSOREDX X X XX XX XXXXX XXX XXXXX XX XXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCENSOREDXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCENSOREDXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): Uh, thanks for that, uhm, specific and detailed extrapolation of the first page.

The bulk of this issue narrates the friendship formed between Allen the Alien and Omni-Man in the Viltrumite prison.  When Nolan Grayson, Omni-Man, is retrieved for execution, Allen escapes and with help from Battle Beast, frees Omni-Man and learns that no more than 49 pure-blooded Viltrumites exist.

I#55: The final page of the comic shifts to Mark and Samantha in bed and making enough noise to wake and disturb Mark’s mother.  Beneath the sheets, the couple  XXXXXX XXXX X XX XX X
X X XX XXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXX XXXX X XXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXX X XX XXXX XX XXXXX XXXXX  XXXXX XXX XXXXX X X XXXX  XXXXX XXX XX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXX X X CENSORED XXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXX XX XX XXX XXXX XXXXXX XXXX XXXX XX XXX XXX XX X  X XXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XX X X X XX  X XXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ….

L-FL: !!! You should be careful, or the Comics Code Authority could be resurrected.  Still, a superhero is one that can make friends and stand by and support those friends in their time of need.

I#55: You could also say that a superhero is one who XXXXx all night!  Good night.

100+ Definitions 54



Invincible #54

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): Another date issue! This comic begins in a Paris café with Mark Grayson and Samantha Wilkins sitting at a table drinking wine.

Invincible #54 (I#54): It is a superhero comic though, not a romance, so the intimate moment is ruined by some karate twins from the future who appear and kindly abduct Invincible to liberate their world.  These karate twins are the same Double-Dragon brothers Fightmaster and Drop Kick who last appeared in Invincible 46.

L-FL: The Tyrant of the future world is The Immortal who manipulates Invincible into killing him.

I#54: Mark returns to Paris the moment he left and takes Samantha to tour Venice, Sydney, the Sphinx and space before kissing and confessing their love. So, go on L-FL and shift what could be a romantic speak-for-itself ending with yet another superhero definition.

L-FL: Superheroes maintain their humanity and connection to the human race.

I#54: Ah, I love you t--.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

100+ Definitions 53


Invincible #53

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  For the pleasure of Owen Craig of the Panel Culture podcast, Invincible 53 opens with a date between Mark Grayson (Invincible) and Samantha Eve Wilkins (Atom Eve).  The couple roasts marshmallows after a picnic meal atop a snowy mountain.

Invincible #53 (I#53): The date ends though because Mark is plagued by his brother’s ease with killing humans and wants to again talk with Oliver about life’s sanctity.  The talk goes poorly (again) and ends with Mark yelling at both Oliver and his mother.

L-FL:  The erosion of the day’s good fate continues for Mark Grayson.  While he patrols the city as Invincible, he initiates a fight with the crime lord Titan who approaches a prison to visit (or attempt to free) Multi-Paul.  The Chinese crime lord Mister Liu produces a tangible soul dragon who fights Invincible and frees Multi-Paul.

I#53:  After the ever-present fight that occurs in every issue, Titan declares war on the crime syndicate; Invincible declares his contentment with Atom Eve, and Oliver agrees to abide by his brother’s values regarding life, but this concession results in a grimace on Oliver’s face for that final panel.  Readers, you figure out how this final panel should be read. 

L-FL:  And dear readers, before you begin wrangling with the ambiguity of this closing image, here is yet another superhero definition: an extraordinary being whose life is divide into extraordinary conflicting social categories (protector, son, brother, boyfriend, friend, guardian, combatant, ethicist to name some of Mark Grayson’s social roles) and whose decisions regarding these categories effect not only their social circle, but the entire planet and distant stellar civilizations.

I#53: That’s an apt definition.  So, now that we’re done here, look closer and I’ll tell you more about the secret camera hidden in the leaves outside of Mark Grayson’s house so that Angstrom Levy can observe his nemesis.  C’mere. 

100+ Definitions 52



Invincible #52

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): Dear readers, welcome to the I-52!...the fifty-second issue of the comic Invincible. 

Invincible #52 (I#52):  My covers contain the fight between the Mauler Clones against Invincible and Kid Omni-Man. 

L-FL: The heroes win?

I#52: Of course! Kid Omni-Man straight-up kills the clones with splattery violence by shoving a palm through the chest of one and punching the other’s jaw through his skull. 

L-FL:  That doesn’t sound very heroic.

I#52: Invincible agrees with you on that point.  He tries to explain to his non-human half-brother why killing is bad.   It’s doesn’t go well.

L-FL: Don’t forget to also mention that the clones launched a nuclear missile and Invincible chased it into space and detonated the projectile.

I#52: And Invincible survived!  So, Low-FL, why don’t you give readers yet another definition of superhero.

L-FL: Superhero: a being possession extraordinary powers who protect the lives of others and allow others to retain responsibility for their lives.  Superheroes are guardians and protectors, not executioners.

I#52:  That definition sounds pretty accurate.  Sometimes.

Monday, July 21, 2014

100+ Definitions 51



Invincible #51

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): This issue of the superhero comic Invincible begins to unravel a new skein of plot threads and to tug at some previous threads left dangling in the first 50 issues.

Invincible #51 (I#51):  Yes, a bunch of beginnings bloom in these pages.  Mark Grayson trains and outfits himself and his brother in new superhero, and they become Invincible and Kid Omni-Man.  The former Teen Team discusses the need for a better team name as they set up headquarters at their old base.  The group begins anew after cutting ties with the Pentagon and the Guardians of the Globe.  The Guardians of the Globe induct Darkwing to replace the previous members.  The stone-skinned mobster Titan unleashes two supervillains to free Multi-Paul from prison, but Invincible and Kid Omni-Man rout the jailbreak. The Mauler Clones invade the same missile base invaded by the Lizard League; Atom Eve invades her parents’ lives again by moving back home, and the supervillain of multiple dimensions Angstrom Levy sits on the last page spying on Atom Eve and Invincible kissing on the rooftop.

L-FL: Ezra Pound extolled a modernist credo of “Make it new!” for poetry, and issue 51 of Invincible echoes a similar theme song.  A superhero possesses the ability to start over in order to adhere to the ideal ideas of their chosen ethics.

I#51: This new approach and art carries with it the excitement and possibilities like the beginning of a new romance, a young love…how interesting.

Friday, July 11, 2014

100+ Definitions 50



Invincible #50

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  The first panel of the first page immediately follows the last panel of the last page of Invincible #49.  The titular superhero faces off against a reanimen army controlled by Cecil and the fights, one physically and the other ideologically.  Cecil cares only about keeping the planet safe.  He seems determined to let nothing, egos, morality, friendship, or opinions impede his mission.

Invincible discovers the government implanted a device that disrupts his equilibrium and causes him great pain and disrupts his flying ability. 

Invincible races to the headquarters of the Guardians of the Globe headquarters. The Guardians join with Invincible and support him in the battle against Cecil and the reanimen army.  The fight ends with Invincible getting fired and the Robot removing the implanted device in Invincible’s ear. 

Superhero is an ideological mindset unwilling to shirk on the Right idea while still maintaining aspects of compassion.

The issue closes with Mark visiting his mother and brother (and also Atom-Eve who waited at the house to learn the fate of Mark Grayson.  The issue ends with Mark and Atom-Eve getting together and kissing.

Invincible #50: Gross.

100+ Definitions 49

Invincible #49

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): The issue begins with Cecil, leader of the secret government group The Global Defense Agency, prompts D.A. Sinclair to unleash his army of reanimen under the leadership of the tarnished hero Darkwing to rescue the heroes from the clutches of Doc Seismic. 

Invincible #49 (I#49):  The heroes are released and defeat Doc Seismic and his underground monsters. 

L-FL: Invincible curses Nightwing as a murderer and discovers that the rest of the heroes possess no knowledge Darkwing’s homicidal acts in Nightcity.

I#49: While confronting Cecil, Invincible discovers that D.A. Sinclair is supported and employed by the government of the United States. 

L-FL: Invincible grows very angry and gets lured into the white room (where only a select few can view any details in the room) where he is attacked by a platoon of reanimen. 

I#49: These events advance the definition of superhero as one accustomed to working alone or with a small select group where all members rely on their individual powers or their own teams.  Superhero carries a strong link with individuality.

I#49: That works well, especially for the element of surprise.

100+ Definitions 48



Invincible #48

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  The issue begins with a scene of Mark (the alter-ego of the superhero Invincible), William and Rick (college buddies) walking and talking after an evening of bowling.  Rick, having a rough time adapting to his new cyborg body, leaves his friend stranded in the parking lot. 

Invincible #48 (I#48):  A scene shift moves readers to the jailed supervillain Doc Seismic ranting about a comeback equivalent to the Rolling Stones embarking on a Milky Way spanning rock and roll tour.   

L-FL: Another scene shift shows the superheroes of the Image universe getting attacked in their headquarters.  Cecil summons Invincible and Atom-Eve from Africa to dig three miles beneath the surface.  There they find every hero in the Invincible universe trapped in bubbles by Doc Seismic.  Invincible and Atom-Eve are defeated by Doc Seismic and the monsters under his control defeat Invincible and Atom-Eve.

I#48: So, is there a superhero definition upon my pages?

L_FL: By taking Doc Seismic’s attacks from underground as metaphorical, superheroes, despite individual strengths, remain particularly vulnerable to attacks from below. 

I#48: I win!

100+ Definitions 47



Invincible #47

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL):  The 47th issue of Invincible (the final issue in the Invincible Compendium 1 collection!) begins by having the Viltrumite prisoners Nolan Grayson and Allen the Alien pass one another in the prison hallway and agreeing to talk at a later date. 

Invincible #47 (I#47): One would hope soon, since Nolan is ready for execution.  The story continues and shows the dissatisfaction of an iron-jaw crime boss at the incarceration of his operative Multi-Paul.  The crime boss deals directly with Titan, last seen is issue 19 after he wrested leadership of a crime cartel from Machine Head.

L-FL: The story continues and shows the hard-scrabble lives of Tether Tyrant and Magmaniac in their attempt to live legal lives.  They both abandon legality and embrace crime by embarking on a bank robbery which ends in their defeat by Invincible and his brother Oliver, who steps out in his first superhero work.  A superhero gains a sidekick through a wild amalgamation of ability, opportunity, and chance.   

I#47: The issue shows Rudy the Robot teaching Monster Girl how to control a robotic simulacrum as well as Mark Grayson’s roommate and best friend William wearing an Invincible costume around the dorm room…without  pants (thank the Fates he had underwear).  The issue ends showing D.A. Sinclair standing over a reaniman army he built for the USA government voicing the sinister promise in regards to keeping up the good work, “I won’t let you down.”

100+ Definitions 46



Invincible #46

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): A definition of superhero includes a being who strives to reach his best potential even though the hero’s present skill level exceeds all others on the planet.

Invincible #46 (I#46):  A fine ideal trait to add to the definition.  This issue also includes the original version of Dupli-Kate revealing her safeguarded original form to the Immortal (who is living in some harsh snow-clad mountainside).  The scene swiftly shifts to Invincible bench pressing about 400 tons to gear up for his fight with his Viltrumite replacement.

L-FL: The action continues when Invincible and Rex-Splode travel to the Smithsonian to halt some time-traveling thieves (Fightmaster and Drop Kick) suggestive of the Double-Dragon brothers.  The capture of the martial-artist time-sledders spoils quickly when Multi-Paul (Dupli-Kate’s brother) attacks Rex-Splode.  Multi-Paul blames Rex-Splode for his sister’s death.  The battle ends when Dupli-Kate and the Immortal appear.  The Double-Dragonesque brothers escape into the future with the Declaration of Independence.  The setting shifts to show that Omni-Man has recovered his full strength and health and thus is ready for execution.  

(I#46):  Soon, very soon, for the disgrace you’ve cause us, you’ll be put to death!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

100+ Definitions 45



Invincible #45

Low-Frequency Listener (L-FL): A trait of the superhero put forth by this issue involves a trickster element.  Allen the Alien allows himself to be captured by Anissa so he can make contact with Omni-Man.  Thus, a superhero must possess a witty inventive thinking aspect to her character and able to use strategy to achieve desires rather than continually resorting to force.

Invincible #45 (I#45):  The other events in this issue include the conclusion to the Anissa/Invincible fight (Anissa wins).  The Viltrumite tells Mark to consider the consequences of his actions and that a replacement conqueror will be coming to replace him, sometime between five months or five years…maybe less, maybe more. 

L-FL: This issue shows more of Oliver’s swift academic progress, Mark meeting Oliver’s tutor, and Omni-Man, Nolan Grayson, admitting that “I think I miss my wife.”