I’ve recently had the opportunity to watch through the
entirety of the 1980’s classic animated series Spider-Man and His
Amazing Friends. This experience, combined with the knowledge that it’s a
favourite of arias-98105, has prompted me to take a quick look at a
character who originated on the show: Angelica Jones aka Firestar in
the MC2.
The character of Firestar was created for the Spider-Man
and His Amazing Friends animated series, from an initial sketch by comic
artist extraordinaire John Romita Sr that was refined and finalized by Rick
Hoberg. Making her debut in animation with the first episode ‘Triumph of
the Green Goblin’ in September 1981 which was followed shortly after
with her first comic appearance, an adaption of the episode in December 1981’s
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends #1. But as for the first
appearance of Angelica Jones as Firestar in the Main Marvel
Universe, that took a few years with Uncanny X-Men #193 in May
1985.
While Firestar would have a superhero career alongside
teams including the X-Men, Hellions and most notably the New
Warriors, it was her eventual membership as an Avenger that we will
be discussing today, particularly as it relates to the History of the MC2 Avengers.
As I’ve detailed in previous posts, it appears the events surrounding Heroes
Reborn and Heroes Return unfolded in the MC2 just as they had
in the Main Marvel Universe. However, with the start of the third volume
of the Avengers series, it becomes less clear how closely the two worlds
mirror each other after this point. What is likely is that in the MC2, the
Avengers team reformed much as they had in Avengers vol. 3 #1-4
with Firestar and her main squeeze Justice joining the group
officially in Avengers vol. 3 #4.
I mention all this to
lend context to the limited information we have available regarding Firestar
in the MC2. In the Main Marvel Universe, Firestar received a
new costume designed by fellow Avenger Janet Van Dyne aka The Wasp.
This costume was not well received by Angelica, who found it too revealing
and soon made modifications to better suit her tastes (Avengers vol.3 #8).
Here’s the original costume as well as the first (Avengers vol. 3 #8), second (Avengers vol. 3 #9) and third (Avengers vol. 3 #13) modifications made to it:
As I’ve discussed previously, we know the original Avengers
team’s last mission was nearly 12 years prior to the events of A-Next #1,
as mentioned by Jarvis when he recounts the details to the new Avengers.
Both Firestar and Justice are seen amongst the assembled Avengers
during the flashback where it is decided the team must venture through the
portal to the alternate world to halt Doom’s multiversal threat. While
it is difficult to discern from this cameo, Firestar appears to be
wearing the second or third modified variation of the Avengers-era costume mentioned above,
so we know she was by that point a well-established member, either one who was
on the then-current roster or simply returning for this major emergency summons
(A-Next #7).
Along with her fellow assembled Avengers, Firestar
agreed to and embarked on the grave mission which saw only seven members return
through the portal. While we don’t get a 100% confirmation, it’s assumed Angelica
Jones died along with almost all of the Avengers who went on this
final mission, including her lover Justice. Despite the sobering tragedy
of such a massive loss, the team did succeed in saving their Earth from the
threat of Doom (A-Next #7).
While I believe it’s extremely unlikely that Firestar
is somehow alive on the alternate Earth ruled by Doom, it should be
noted that the reports of Captain America’s death were greatly
exaggerated as revealed in A-Next #10. So that is something to consider,
if you are so inclined! A huge thank you to arias-98105, who is a big Firestar
fan and provided invaluable help with image research, costume information and
fact checking!
It’s a shame so many of the Avengers died, but it’s
an even bigger shame we never got to see younger heroes like Firestar
and Justice reach their full potential in the MC2. At least Speedball
made it!
Until I become Amazing Friends with Iceman and Spidey and rent a room from Aunt May, I remain
frogoat