Okay, so after all that history in the last post, we're back to PPTSSM #17 to finish up with the Champions. Frankly, considering the patterns seems to be: "Cancel book, continue story in next book, cancel that book," I'd be reluctant in the same way that I'd be reluctant to share a comb passed among folks that we now know have head lice. But here we go:
I have a question about the building and it's the same question I have about the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building: Does the team occupy the entire building? Do they really need the entire building? I mean, the Avengers get by with a mansion and heck, the Justice League operated out of a cave more than once. What's with all that real estate?
And we see the dissolution of the team:
Even though Ghost Rider was going through his "Johnny Blaze retains his personality as the Ghost Rider" phase (not exactly a high point), he was still a big draw for me. I hadn't heard of him before the Champions, but I thought he looked awesome. Keep in mind I was a child and hadn't seen a lot of biker tattoos.
Then this happened:
Oh, eeesh. That's Darkstar. She was a serious snooze, but they just Vanilla Chickened her throughout the series. Kind of like Dawnstar in the Legion of Super-Heroes. Coincidence? Someone research that and get back to me.
Cripes, Bobby. Grow a pair.
Why would the Widow go with Hercules? I mean, if it's a "man-god" thing, is she even invited? Women just can't stand to see a dude enjoying life by himself.
Yeah! Besides.... you know... every hero in the Marvel Universe.
Well, that was some self-realization. I can respect that.
Anyway, remember I said Rampage from The Champions was relevant? Here's why:
And then this happened:
You see, the original Rampage is the guy in the wheelchair and he somehow got Iceman brainwashed into wearing his armor and doing his bidding. I guess he just wheeled up to Iceman and said, "Here, put this on."
And then this happens:
Which is bad news, because:
But if he's no longer the original Rampage's pawn and is commanding his own powers, why would Iceman do anything Rampage wanted? I mean, is this a selective brain shut-off kind of thing? It seems like you are either going to still be brainwashed and go after someone thinking you're Rampage, or you realize you're Iceman and go boo-hoo over Darkstar some more.
But when I read this as a kid, I thought it was awesome. We'll check out part two in the next post, which may be awhile because Adam is taking staycation next week. Stay frost, hepcats!