While working on the Drago
Family Tree I found some nice little details about Raptor that I
wanted to share, but they didn’t really fit into that post. So, here’s a little
entry detailing some more info about Brenda Drago: Raptor Ramblings.
Let’s start with something that might be kind of obvious but
interesting nonetheless: Both Brenda and her father, Raniero ‘Blackie’
Drago wear protective headgear while flying. I mention this because it’s
something originated by Blackie during his initial short-lived career as
The Vulture (Amazing Spider-Man #48).
It’s also worth noting that Raniero rigged his helmet
with a short-wave radio receiver. Brenda’s Raptor helmet keeps
her in constant contact with her partner in crime (and abusive POS) Tony,
both via audio and visual means (Spider-Girl #18). Later, as with
all member of the New Warriors initially, Brenda’s helmet used an
additional headset with microphone to maintain contact (Spider-Girl #43).
While serving on Special Agent Weadon’s team Raptor apparently returned
to using her helmet’s internal communication, as unlike her teammates, she is
not shown to wear an earpiece with microphone (Spider-Girl #62).
Another nice piece of symmetry between Brenda and her father’s initial appearances is their choice of targets. Raniero attacks a wall street messenger who’s chained to his briefcase, flying off with the man and threatening to drop him him to get at the contents (Amazing Spider-Man #48). Brenda does nearly the same thing, targeting a diamond courier named Theo Rudolpho who’s chained to his briefcase, only this time the man is nearly killed when his briefcase handle breaks and he falls from a great height (Spider-Girl #18). Unlike her father, Brenda shows remorse for her actions and begins stealing food and leaving it at the man’s door, which eventually leads to her eventual redemption (Spider-Girl #28).
I’ve said in the past I love the Official Handbooks of
the Marvel Universe, and I do, but I also understand they are limited by
page-space and time-factors as well as simple human error. While the following aren’t
really mistakes, they are small omissions from Raptor’s profile in the Official
Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Update #3 I’d like to see one day in
an MC2 Handbook. In addition to the noted abilities of her winged
suit, Raptor’s wings are able to be disengaged, folding up like a cape
behind her and freeing up her arms (Spider-Girl #93, #97, Amazing
Spider-Girl #26, #28). Finally, on at least one occasion, Brenda has
made use of gas grenades which use gas that clings to their target and render
them unconscious (Spider-Girl #62).
Okay, I think I’ve rambled enough for today. Brenda
is a great character and a wonderful example of the redemption arc Spider-Girl
has helped enable in members of her rogue’s gallery.
Until I run out of things to love about the MC2, I remain
frogoat