Sunday, March 31, 2019

Firegirl's Internet Diary


Firegirl's Internet Diary

"Firegirl's Internet Diary" was originally a story, and the first version of it was initially posted July 7, 2010. This illustration was created to accompany a revised version of that story, and it was initially posted August 23, 2015. The prose version of "Firegirl's Internet Diary" has been retired with this incarnation of the Owariverse due to the inherent issue of keeping it relevant in what is supposed to be a "timeless" setting. However, the events of the story still "happened" and details from it have been/will be incorporated into the character profiles. Meanwhile, this picture is too good to just sit unused in a folder, so here it is.

Featuring (in a roundabout way) Firegirl, Blue Behemoth, and Captain Satellite.

Friday, March 29, 2019

The Mystery Spaceman

The Mystery Spaceman

He first appeared in the skies of Major City one crisp autumn morning, and alighted atop the Mando Building. Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson were called in immediately, and the Captain quickly dubbed the stranger “Mystery Spaceman” due to the symbol etched into his uniform resembling a question mark. Shelly is still annoyed her suggested name was shot down: “Space Face.”

The Mystery Spaceman is apparently an emissary of the Astro-Giants. In fact, it was the Mystery Spaceman who gave a name to the powerful titans when he etched it into the Mando Building's roof via energy beam prior to their arrival. Unlike his masters, the Mystery Spaceman is not a passive observer, and engaged Captain Satellite in battle before simply vanishing when the Astro-Giants departed Earth. He has been absent during their subsequent brief returns.

It is unclear from available evidence if the Mystery Spaceman is some unconventional lifeform or if he (it?) is an artificial being used as a tool by the Astro-Giants. Certainly, the starfield that is the only thing visible behind the Mystery Spaceman's glass faceplate would seem to argue for the latter. The Mystery Spaceman can fly through the rigors of space unaided and survive, and is capable of tapping into the cosmos itself to unleash devastating blasts. Could a humanoid anywhere in the known universe do such things?


*EDITOR'S NOTE: The image used for the Mystery Spaceman's faceplate was found at Great Images in NASA. It is not protected by copyright.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

The Volcano Monsters


The Volcano Monsters

When the Invincible Alliance journeyed to Aska Island in the Aleutians to check on suspicious volcanic activity, they had no idea the case would change one of them forever. But then, they also had no idea what was causing the rumblings they were investigating. They learned the latter soon enough when they landed on Aska and the Volcano Monsters emerged from a smoldering crater.

No one is quite sure how the Volcano Monsters even exist in the first place. They are apparently semi-intelligent, rock-based beings that live within the planet's interior. Essentially, they are living volcanoes with fiery cores as their "hearts." They contain liquid magma as part of their physical makeup, and can shape this magma to form crude weapons. The logistics of all of this are positively mind-bending.

The Volcano Monsters immediately attacked the Invincible Alliance, perceiving them as a threat. The question of whether the creatures were truly evil or simply doing what came naturally occurred to all the heroes, but they had no time to address it while they defended themselves. Suddenly, the unthinkable happened! Firegirl took the full brunt of a Volcano Monster's magma blast and tumbled into the boiling lava below!

Not only did Firegirl miraculously survive this experience, but she somehow gained the ability to manipulate heat and fire through her own body. She used this newfound command of flame to help her colleagues drive their foes back into the Earth. Blue Behemoth and Drone Man would later theorize that the Volcano Monsters’ magma possesses special properties which interacted with innate alterations in Firegirl’s body chemistry due to prolonged exposure to her Pyro Pistol. Firegirl sort of nodded silently at this explanation. All she knew was she had the power to truly live up to her name.

The Invincible Alliance encountered only a small tribe of Volcano Monsters - less than a dozen. However, there is the very real possibility that others like them exist across the globe. Humanity would be well-advised to keep a wary eye out for future incursions onto the Earth's surface by these molten creatures.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Clankotron


Clankotron

The creation of the Neptoid engineering team, Clankotron is a nigh unstoppable robotic juggernaut. In theory, anyway. Perhaps "junker" would be more appropriate, since Clankotron is perpetually on the blink and can often be found collecting dust in a corner of the Neptoid base on Neptune.

Make no mistake - Clankotron has shown devastating potential when it actually works. It is impervious to most conventional Earth weapons, and at least some unconventional ones, too. It is also fantastically strong, capable of reducing a structure to rubble in mere minutes. Clanko could be a huge asset to the Neptoids' plans.

The issue is that Clankotron breaks down. All. The. Time. To say Clankotron is seriously fubar is probably quite the understatement. For one thing, it might have been a mistake to put a large red button on Clankotron's chest that looks for all the world like it turns the robot on and off (because it totally does). This has further hindered Clankotron's effectiveness on those rare occasions when it is functioning properly.

The Neptoids debuted Clankotron right in the middle of Major City, near the posh Chez Café where Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson just happened to be having a leisurely lunch. Ergo, Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson charged into battle, Clankotron's red button inevitably got pushed, and it was back to the drawing board for the Neptoid engineering team. Chez Café's owner/manager Manon Etienne was so delighted her restaurant avoided being wrecked in the conflict that she treated all her guests to a free mimosa. Cap and Shelly agreed that wasn't a bad way to end a case.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Tregaa the Tree Thing


Tregaa the Tree Thing

The lumberjacks of western Canada are a rugged, hardy lot. So when reports began coming in of some sort of monster lurking in the forests capable of withstanding axe blows, the authorities couldn't just shrug it off as a mass delusion. What the Mounties discovered when they investigated was the horrifying creature which called itself Tregaa the Tree Thing.

The exact origin of Tregaa the Tree Thing still leaves everyone stumped (no pun intended). And let’s face it, it’s hard to pry information out of a belligerent ambulatory tree if it doesn’t feel like sharing. We do know it was not seeking revenge for its fallen leafy brethren, if the propensity to toss around logs with reckless abandon was any indication. Truth be told, there was no apparent rhyme or reason to Tregaa's violence.

Conventional weapons were useless against Tregaa as it inexorably made its way to the U.S.-Canadian border. When Tregaa crossed over into the American Pacific Northwest, General Lee R. Falgout (Captain Satellite's contact in the military) got in touch with Paul Mann and suggested he should "whittle that giant toothpick down to size." Taking General Falgout's colorful language to heart, Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson piled into the Rocket Racecar for a flight out west to timber country.

Tregaa's rampage was finally ended by Cap, Shelly, and a hastily-devised gadget christened the Hyperbolic Chainsaw. There was a concerted effort in the aftermath to gather up the chopped-up remnants of Tregaa, but the likelihood that some pieces of wood were overlooked is strong. Will the intelligence of Tregaa the Tree Thing persist in random splinters? Will the monster find a way to resurrect itself? You probably shouldn’t bet against it.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Girago


Girago

“RAAAAWR! Flee, puny Earthlings! I am Girago of the planet Goomador! I have arrived to conquer your planet and enslave the human race! Resistance is futile! Not even your Captain Satellite can save you from my awesome power! Soon, all of you shall bow before GIRAGO!”

Girago is an alien overlord who was deposed on his homeworld by the peacekeeping Sun Men of Planet G. Confined on the prison asteroid Gulaga, Girago broke out at the earliest opportunity and hopped aboard the first rocket he could scrounge up. Checking the starcharts for potential destinations, he decided Earth would be an easy mark for his comeback attempt.

On the up side for Girago, it turned out he TOWERED over humans. On the down side for Girago, he hadn't counted on Earth having superheroes. Since Girago's powers are limited to mighty strength, a nigh-impenetrable hide, and, er, being very loud, he was bested in battle by Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson. Girago put up a terrific fight, but was no match for Cap and Shelly.

When last seen, Girago was hightailing it to his purloined rocket and blasting off for parts unknown. There are several possibilities regarding his whereabouts. He may have returned to Goomador, he could have retreated to Gulaga, or he might simply be biding his time before targeting Earth again. Wherever he is, we can rest assured of one thing - a lot of shouting is going on there.

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Off Topic: Starman


Starman as portrayed by Ken Utsui (宇津井健 Utsui Ken) in Atomic Rulers, Invaders from Space, Attack from Space, and Evil Brain from Outer Space.

Art by SeanRM. January 2011.

Character © Kokusai Hoei/International Television Films, Inc.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Velvet Verity


Velvet Verity

Model for "stag mags." Star of "blue movies." Dancer at "go-go clubs." El Oceano native Velvet Verity is all of these things, but none of them define her. She is an intelligent and creative woman who also happens to be an exhibitionist. It's just that her exhibitionist side makes her a good living.

Perhaps surprisingly, Velvet is also an unrepentant nerd. She is an expert video game player, and counts Riot Brawl (fighting game), Geddon Raiders (space shooter), and Hangly Man (maze game) among her favorites. She can speak at length about science-fiction movies like The Blue Ooze, Dirk Dixon - The Motion Picture, and Star Warp. But above all else, the Cat-Man franchise in all its permutations is her first love. She has even been known to cosplay as Kitten at conventions. It's quite a sight to see her decked out in full costume rummaging through the dealer tables looking for old comic books to add to her collection.

It was at Major City's World Comics Expo where Velvet Verity first met Paul (Captain Satellite) Mann. Both of them were in their regular clothes at the time, and neither realized who the other was. They struck up a conversation and quickly bonded over their mutual interests. It was only later that each of them learned who their new friend really was, and that led to further interesting conversations.

Awkward moments aside, Paul and Velvet are good buddies for people who live on opposite coasts. It raises a few eyebrows in the press now and then, but they've come to regard that as hilarious. Their relationship is strictly platonic, and Velvet has actually been a house guest of Paul Mann and Shelly Ericson on more than one occasion. For her part, Shelly loves Velvet - especially because she can explain the "nerd stuff" from a woman's point of view.

Velvet Verity realizes she has a finite shelf life in her assorted careers. After several years of performing in movies, she is currently embarking on her most ambitious project to date. For the adult film Confessions of a Naughty Nerd Girl, she will not only be acting in the lead role, but also writing, producing, and directing. Confessions of a Naughty Nerd Girl (which will co-star Mindy Locke, Diana Gunn, Gary Bluff, Roy Richards, and "Big" Dick House) may mark the turning point where people begin to take Velvet Verity seriously as an artist, and could allow her to transition into a broader range of opportunities.

In fact, Velvet has already been branching out, but that's strictly on the down low. For the last couple of years, she has been writing for the publications Fabulous Monsters of Movieland, Smash, and Bleep under her real name Jess Rodam. Few people even know that Jess (short for Jessica) Rodam is a woman, and almost no one is aware she's also Velvet Verity. Velvet/Jess has chosen to keep her two different identities separate for the time being, because she thinks there are many members of both her fanbases who just would not understand. And you know what? She's probably right.

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Nicola Tanihara


Nicola Tanihara

Nicola Tanihara first gained notice as one of the most brilliant and gifted graduate students at MTI. Among the people who noticed her were Mortimer Kane and Danny Graham, but neither of them had the nerve to talk to her while all of them were in school together. Eventually, Nicola completed her studies, and Morty and Danny went on to become Blue Behemoth and Drone Man of the Invincible Alliance.

More recently, Nicola joined the faculty of MTI after a stint at the prestigious Watkins University. She is an esteemed Professor of Mathematics at that institution of higher learning, and has had a several scholarly papers published in professional journals. She is considered a rising star in academic circles.

Nicola's credentials also earned her the attention of Third World. The subversive group made an attempt at kidnapping her, hoping to use her knowledge for their own nefarious ends. Luckily, Drone Man was able to foil this attempt, and, as a result, finally had no choice but to talk to her. This led to her asking him out, and there are even signs that sparks might fly between them.

Despite the perception that her chosen field is dry and boring, Nicola is known to have a goofy and sometimes even gross sense of humor. Seriously, if she asks if you want to hear the one about the banana and the monkey, be ready. Maybe that quirkiness is one of the reasons why she has taken such a shine to the admittedly-awkward Drone Man?

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Albert Fannick


Albert Fannick

There are a wide range of options in Major City for fans of professional sports. Both the Major City Majors and the Major City Tops are venerable big league baseball clubs with championship histories. On the gridiron, there are the Major City Majors (unconnected to the baseball team except by name) and Major City Aces pro football franchises. Pro hockey is well-represented by the Major City Maroons. But pro basketball's Major City Electrics are the current hot ticket in town, largely due to Albert Fannick.

Albert “The Panic” Fannick is a 6' 9", 227 lb. basketball star who first rose to prominence at Collette College in the deep south. Signed by the Electrics after graduation, Fannick has gone on to have a sensational pro hoops career. Among his most astonishing achievements to date are scoring 88 points in a game against the El Oceano Liners, pulling down 50 rebounds versus the Middleburg Gears, and putting up a quadruple double (double digits in points, rebounds, assists, and steals) in defeating the Federalton Diplomats almost single-handedly.

As it turns out, Albert Fannick is Shelly Ericson's favorite player, and maybe the only person in the world ever capable of rendering her starstruck. They finally crossed paths when Fannick and Paul (Captain Satellite) Mann learned by accident that they shared the same physician, Dr. Benson Wong. Shelly was somehow able to keep her inner fan in check upon meeting her idol. The two hit it off, partially due to sharing similar backgrounds, and were swapping stories about growing up in country small towns like they were old friends in no time at all.

"The Panic" has amassed a considerable fortune, both for his prowess on the hardwood and through endorsements for such brands as Vica athletic shoes and Burger Chief fast food restaurants. However, Fannick feels passionately about giving back to his community, too. He donates both time and money to numerous worthy causes each year. His commitment is so strong that he even makes personal appearances in conjunction with Pallas Comeaux of the Tungsten Piledrivers, his fiercest on-court rival.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Karma Bando


Karma Bando

Don't let Karma Bando's hippie girl name and slight appearance deceive you - she is an ace auto mechanic and expert vehicle customizer. There was a lot of skepticism when she opened her Lightning Cars garage, but she dispelled it by being one of the very best. She's never been afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty...and she's had to work twice as hard to get where she is today.

Paul (Captain Satellite) Mann enlisted Karma's aid in creating his Rocket Racecar, a scratch-built special order based on a classic Imperial Motors model. Just securing the exclusive contract enhanced Karma's reputation considerably, but her subsequent maintenance work on Cap's sweet ride bolstered that rep even further. Her association with Captain Satellite led directly to the deal to build and service the Invincible Alliance's Air Cars, another high profile job. Her renown has grown to such a point that she is looking into opening additional Lightning Cars locations. Not bad for a business that was once dismissed as "a surefire failure."

Karma lives alone (well, except for her cat Solly) in Major City's Violet Village neighborhood, and doesn't even stand out as unusual in that Bohemian community. In her spare time, she writes what she describes as "bad poetry" (it's actually pretty good) and paints in a wide variety of styles. In truth, Karma Bando has a gentle artistic soul. She has just chosen to express it primarily through repairing and altering automobiles.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Whitney DeKalb


Whitney DeKalb

Ladd DeKalb was the visionary inventor who founded both DeKalb Laboratories and the DeKalb Television Network many years ago. DeKalb Laboratories has been at the forefront in technical innovation for electronics manufacturing for decades, and DeKalb TV sets are considered the best on the market. The DeKalb Television Network, on the other hand, has not exactly had its finger on the pulse of the viewing public since its inception.

Both DeKalb companies have stayed in the family (as separate entities) for generations, and Whitney DeKalb is the current chairperson of the DeKalb Network board of directors. It has fallen to Whitney to shed DeKalb's perennial also-ran status. A driven and competitive woman, Whitney considers DeKalb's chronic underachievement compared to its rivals the Major Broadcasting System (MBS) and the United Broadcasting Company (UBC) as a constant source of irritation. She has made it her goal to not only compete with MBS and UBC, but to beat them and become number one in the ratings.

To drag DeKalb up from the bottom, Whitney has tried to identify what actually worked for it in the past. The most popular shows in DeKalb history are those produced by Ivan Walters like Lomac! and Duke Palone, Private Eye, but most especially Cat-Man. DeKalb's flagship station WMC-TV Channel 5 in Major City has also achieved considerable local success with the Global Wrestling Organization's Global Championship Wrestling on Saturdays. Whitney gave the GWO a national primtetime slot in the hopes they could duplicate their regional performance, but Ivan Walters' hit motion pictures meant he couldn't be bothered with TV anymore.

Then one day, Whitney had an epiphany. Why waste time with fictional superheroes when there were real ones right in her proverbial backyard of Major City? She got in touch with Paul (Captain Satellite) Mann as fast as she could dial a phone and offered him the chance to use DeKalb as "his" network for whatever content he chose to provide them. It was an enticing and unprecedented proposal, and before he even realized it, Mann had agreed.

Captain Satellite does his best to not exploit his unique relationship with DeKalb, but it is a delicate balancing act. He uses his airtime mostly for educational telecasts and the occasional old B-movie like King Kong vs. Frankenstein. There has been grumbling from DeKalb's competition over the arrangement, but Cap has assured them he shows no favoritism when it comes to access to him. For her part, Whitney is ecstatic, and has even changed the name of WMC's news shows to Major City Supernews to better capitalize on the Captain Satellite/DeKalb synergy.

Ironically, though she is deeply involved in programming, Whitney DeKalb's true love is being behind the camera. She broke into the TV business as an apprentice camerawoman, and she has grown into a master of the craft. She just doesn't have the time now due to all her other responsibilities. Her dream is to one day be able to roll film again. She'd even shoot the wrestling matches, despite her disdain for promoter Huey Bartek as a "shady customer" she only associates with out of necessity.

Sunday, March 17, 2019

Off Topic: Black Condor vs. Black Condor


“Black Condor vs. Black Condor” or "Double Condor"

Originally a commission for Return of Jetman, even though nothing like it ever occurs in an actual story. It depicts the Japanese Black Condor (Gai Yuki) of Toei’s super sentai Chōjin Sentai Jetman (鳥人戦隊ジェットマン) meeting the American Black Condor (Richard Grey Jr./Thomas Wright) from Quality Comics (Crack Comics) and later DC Comics (notably Freedom Fighters).

Layouts & Pencils by Larry Guidry (August? 2005).

Inks & Finishes by Sara Denny (June 2010).

"Jetman/Gai Yuki" Black Condor © TV Asahi/Toei Advertising, Ltd./Toei Company, Ltd.
"Richard Grey Jr./Thomas Wright" Black Condor © DC Entertainment, Inc./DC Comics, Inc.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Kimber Rachelle (Portrait)


“Kimber Rachelle (Portrait)” by Wandering Kotka. August 2010.

Featuring Kimber Rachelle. Character design by Wandering Kotka.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Friday, March 8, 2019

The Psychedelic Man


The Psychedelic Man

Dr. Clive Frye was considered a maverick among his fellow scientists at the Unterweyer Center, a research facility upstate from Major City. He had become obsessed with the wild idea of tapping into alien dimensions in the search for alternative fuel sources. The other researchers warned Frye of the dangers of tampering in areas he didn't fully comprehend, but he refused to be deterred.

It all went horribly wrong one day, and Dr. Clive Frye paid a terrible price for his hubris. What precisely happened - what Dr. Frye saw and experienced - remains unknown to this day. The result, however, was that “Clive Frye” effectively ceased to exist. In his place was a being that called itself “The Psychedelic Man.”

The Psychedelic Man is not human, but rather a type of organic color. His body is actually a largely translucent shell that contains his true form - a kaleidoscope of swirling and changing colors. He can alter his physical form according to his whims, and has displayed the ability to stretch and even split off body parts.

Clive Frye's mind was twisted by the process that transmuted him into the Psychedelic Man, and his chief goal now is destruction. He has clashed with the duo of Captain Satellite and Shelly Ericson, and with the Invincible Alliance. Though defeated and seemingly destroyed on several occasions, the Psychedelic Man has always returned.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Zoragaza the Mystic


Zoragaza the Mystic

According to Zoragaza the Mystic, he is a centuries old wizard fallen on hard times. While this may indeed be the case, there are other, saner theories about him. What has been officially documented is his lengthy career as a con man plying his trade in carnival sideshows, seedy dives, and dilapidated storefront theaters.

Zoragaza's first brush with fame came a number of years ago when he fell in with the popular rock band the Scarys. He was hired to create illusions for a series of concert gigs for the group, and was even featured on the sleeve of their album Forest of the Sinister Mind. Zoragaza has since described his services during this period as that of a spiritual guru, but Scarys band leader Arthur Cudlip calls those allegations “bollocks” and characterizes Zoragaza as “a daft bugger.” Strong words indeed coming from Cudlip, who has been known to chew on light bulbs during his all-night benders.

Zoragaza's entertainment endeavors proved short-lived, and he found himself back in his more familiar environment. While at a pawn shop looking for money to purchase the cheapest wine that comes in a brown paper bag, he inadvertently acquired an amulet known as the Green Stone which grants its possessor powers of actual sorcery. Using the Green Stone for malevolent purposes, Zoragaza embarked on a public and colorful campaign of crime - including targeting his old mates the Scarys. That decision has led to conflict with the Invincible Alliance, much to his regret.

Is Zoragaza the Mystic truly an ancient magician reclaiming his lost talents? Or is he just an opportunistic carny with a new weapon and delusions of grandeur? Welllll...prevailing wisdom is that it's the latter, but there's always the chance Zoragaza is telling the truth. For once.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Kimber Rachelle


Kimber Rachelle

Kimber Rachelle (born Kimberlyn Matthias) is an almost famous actress based in Major City. Frustrated by a dead-end job at an Ancient Admiralty clothing store in her hometown of Rowen, New Mexico, she pulled up stakes and moved to Major City in pursuit of her dream of stardom. Kimber hasn't quite made it yet, but she is always working. She is currently best known for appearing in popular commercials for Burger Chief, Reinhold Beer, and (ironically) Ancient Admiralty.

Kimber got roped into the world of superheroes quite by accident. It began innocently enough when she was hired for a Captain Satellite TV special that was to be broadcast live on the DeKalb Network. What no one could have known was mad scientist Dr. Sandor Varkoff's plan to crash DeKalb Studios and interrupt the show as payback for the network ignoring his ransom demands. Varkoff unleashed his robot Elektroid on the set, and in the ensuing panic and confusion, Kimber found herself cornered by the automaton.

Instead of cowering in fear, Kimber attempted to reason with Elektroid. Amazingly, it worked! The robot's flawed design allowed it to realize that the human female was right and it was being used for evil purposes. Elektroid broke its original programming and turned on Varkoff, who was soon defeated by the combined forces of Captain Satellite, Shelly Ericson, and his own renegade creation.

Kimber Rachelle has remained in touch with Elektroid since that unconventional introduction. She is very soft-hearted and patient with the artificial being as he tries to navigate the intricacies of living among humans. She even refers to him as her “special friend." There are those close to them who wonder just how deep this friendship runs.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

The Neptoids


The Neptoids

The Neptoids seen on Earth are an advance scout party sent by an alien armada intent on taking over our world. The Neptoids are not actually from the planet Neptune, but maintain a base there to better strike at us. The similar name, they insist, is purely a result of our poor Earthling comprehension of their language.

Given their daunting mission, the Neptoids are prepared to engage anyone who resists them. Their flying saucers (which look suspiciously like squished jack-o'-lanterns) are all well-equipped with deadly laser beams. Each Neptoid also carries a handheld laser weapon with settings that range from stun to kill. And then, there's Clankotron. Clankotron is a massive robot enforcer meant to tip the odds of any battle in favor of the Neptoid invaders. Sometimes, the bucket of bolts even works.

Unsurprisingly, the Neptoids have run afoul of Captain Satellite and the other heroes of Earth on more than one occasion. During the first such encounter, Cap and Shelly Ericson realized they were in love while they were held captive aboard a Neptoid saucer. No word on the Neptoids' opinion of the relationship, but the adventure didn't work out for extraterrestrial interlopers that day.

The Neptoids are dogged in their determination to conquer our globe, or at least set the stage for such a conquest. To fail would mean returning home having accomplished nothing. That probably wouldn't go over very well.

Monday, March 4, 2019

C.H.I.E.F. & Rex Coronado


C.H.I.E.F. & Rex Coronado

C.H.I.E.F. (Central Headquarters International Elite Force) is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government which is primarily charged with investigating and, if necessary, addressing what are deemed “anomalous situations.” They are responsible for handling reports of UFOs, monsters, super-villains, and other paranormal events. Due to Third World's reliance on unorthodox tactics, C.H.I.E.F. has also been charged with containment functions in opposition to that subversive organization.

C.H.I.E.F. was formed in 1946 under circumstances which are still classified. It has been acknowledged, however, that C.H.I.E.F. is the successor to a branch of the government referred to only as “Department 27” in official documents. Department 27 was established at some undetermined point prior to the United States' entry into World War II. It is best known for its unique countermeasures against Axis weapons that were based on both super-science and sorcery.

C.H.I.E.F. has offices in major population hubs across the United States, and maintains bureaus in many nations. C.H.I.E.F. cooperates with other U.S. government agencies, and with intelligence services abroad. In light of a dearth of similarly-equipped forces specializing in paranormal occurrences, C.H.I.E.F. has been called into action on foreign soil on a number of occasions at the request of the country in question.

Though C.H.I.E.F. engages in numerous covert activities, its existence is well-known to the public at large, and many of its more notable cases have been widely reported in the press. The agency's heyday was during the bygone “spy hero” era, but it still plays a vital role in both national and global security. To this end, C.H.I.E.F. works closely with the new breed of superhero that has emerged in recent years.

Rex Coronado is the current executive director of C.H.I.E.F., and is based at their main offices in Pongo, Virginia. He answers to the President of the United States and the top secret Monarch-12 committee that oversees C.H.I.E.F.'s operations. The son of Mexican immigrants, he is deeply proud of the United States, and will fight to defend it with his last breath.

Rex had a distinguished career as a C.H.I.E.F. agent prior to his promotion, and has the scars to prove it. He wears sunglasses at all times to disguise the fact that he has a glass right eye, and walks with a noticeable limp due to shrapnel wounds. Rex is cantankerous seemingly beyond reason, but has been known to display a sharp sense of humor when least expected. Never one to be underestimated, he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his mission.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Gargantua Maximus


Gargantua Maximus

Ladies and gentlemen! Children of all ages! Presenting the wonder of our age - Gargantua Maximus!

To call Gargantua Maximus a "giant gorilla" is not technically correct, even though he often is one. He was originally just an ordinary gorilla until Dr. Sandor Varkoff got his hands on him. Varkoff's experiments gave the primate the ability to grow to enormous size. Of course, the mad scientist then promptly lost all control of his creation and had to be rescued himself.

Gargantua Maximus is not inherently evil or belligerent, but he can become violent when provoked. His unpredictable size changes (heights from 15 feet to 150 feet have been observed) render him a menace to society that must be contained. There's also the little matter of his habits of scaling skyscrapers and making moon eyes at leggy blondes.

For the record, it should be noted that Gargantua Maximus has proven valiant in fighting monsters far more dangerous than he has ever been. He has tussled with dinosaurs, tangled with a sea serpent, and tackled a giant shark. He was even pressed into service when a deranged C.H.I.E.F. agent absconded with a confiscated Macro Warrior. So Gargantua Maximus is not all bad.

After his last escapade in civilization, Gargantua Maximus was sighted swimming across the Pacific Ocean. Reliable reports indicate he is now living on a remote South Seas island. It is hoped he will remain there.