Does Groot Exist in the MC2?

 

Here’s a fun idea I’ve been batting around in my brain for a little while: What characters could exist in the MC2, but where never seen or weren’t introduced until afterwards? I wanted to start by looking at some of the members of the Guardians of the Galaxy to see who could one day appear in the MC2. I’ll focus on one Guardian member per post, with the subject of today’s speculation and examination being Groot.

 

First, we must consider some rules, ironic though it may seem for a thought experiment such as this. Usually the MC2 point of divergence, ‘cut off point’ or ‘branching point’ is comics published after 1998, when the MC2 imprint began publication. There have been exceptions to this, with some characters who were created after this point appearing in the MC2, such as Anya Corazón aka Araña but we’ll stick with some of the individual characters who would go on to form the Guardians of the Galaxy in the Main Marvel Universe. As you’ll see, this itself poses its own challenges.

 

Going in publication order, our first would-be Guardian is everyone’s favourite Flora Colossus from Planet X, Groot. First appearing in the pre-Marvel era Tales to Astonish #13 in 1960, the Groot introduced is of a very different temperament, declaring he is the monarch of Planet X and plans to take an entire town back to his people for study. Proving impervious to fire and weaponry, Groot controlled the nearby forest to ensnare the town, only to be defeated and seemingly killed by specially grown termites.

While this story occurs before the start of the so-called ‘Marvel Age’ (pre-Fantastic Four #1) Groot’s existence in the Main Marvel Universe is confirmed when the Defenders and Hulk foe Xemnu duplicates various monsters that had visited earth in the past and sends them against the Hulk to wear him down. This Groot dupe was destroyed decisively by the Incredible Hulk, but now we can be certain the events of Groot’s first appearance did happen canonically within the history of the Main Marvel Universe (Incredible Hulk Annual #5).

Remaining obscure for decades, we don’t see Groot in print for a long time, and when we do it’s in a very odd publication. In the pages of Marvel Swimsuit Special #2, which believe it or not has a narrative (shallow and sketchy though it may be) that involves the heroes of the Marvel Universe being summoned to Monster Island by way of the Infinity Gems for a party at the behest of Pip the Troll. While there, twin siblings Aurora and Northstar of the Canadian super team Alpha Flight are observed by Groot and various Moloids while the pair…relax in swimwear. So, Groot is now confirmed to be alive and residing on Monster Island, too.

 

Amusingly, Groot makes another pre-MC2 appearance of sorts, in Sensational Spider-Man #-1. Having read various monster comics before bed, a young Peter Parker dreams he and his Uncle Ben are attacked while on a fishing trip by the monsters, including Groot, until awakening and realising it was all a bad dream. Unbeknownst to him, the dream was the work of the being known as Nightmare.

 

It’s worth mentioning that there is some disagreement, retroactively, about whether the Groot who would go on to meet and join other members of the Guardians of the Galaxy is the same as the one that terrorised the town in Tales to Astonish #13. Fortunately, that’s outside the purview of this blog. Thank goodness!

 

There are some later published stories set during the period we are considering but even if they were included, they certainly do not preclude Groot from existing in the MC2. That is about it for appearances that were published before the MC2 saw publication, but it’s enough to confirm that Groot existed and thus has the potential to appear in a future MC2-set story someday. As a favourite of mine, I’d love to see this wooden titan make an appearance in the MC2, in some, shape or form. Probably in the form of a tree, I guess.

 

Until I manage to work ‘I am Groot’ into my daily lexicon, I remain

 

frogoat 

 

William 'Wild Will' Fitzpatrick

 

Here is a quick little post about something not directly related to the MC2 at all, just something I wanted to cover and hopefully break me out of my writer’s block. That said, I am hoping to build this and potentially other related posts into a rather large combined entry in the MC2 Family Tree series. Today, we will be looking at the Marvel character William ‘Wild Will’ Fitzpatrick.

 

You are probably wondering why we are looking at William Fitzpatrick and the answer is two-fold: he is the great-grandfather of May ‘Mayday’ Parker aka Spider-Girl and he has an interesting real-world counterpart. Fitzpatrick makes his first appearance in the Untold Tales of Spider-Man #-1, part of Marvel’s ‘Flashback’ month which saw many of their titles switch to a minus issue set in the past. Given that Untold Tales of Spider-Man was already set in the past, this issue goes back to the days of Peter’s parents, Richard and Mary Parker on a fateful mission during which we flashback even further to glimpse Mary as a young girl with her father, William ‘Wild Will’ Fitzpatrick.

 

Not only do we learn a little more about Mary, such as her maiden surname Fitzpatrick and her aptitude for learning, we learn that Mary’s mother died while very young leaving Will as her only parent. We also learn that ‘Wild Will’ was part of the O.S.S. or Office of Strategic Services which was an American intelligence agency during World War II. This organisation was dissolved and shortly after replaced by the Central Intelligence Agency, where later Mary Fitzpatrick would work as a translator and data analyst and, after meeting Richard Parker, a field agent (Untold Tales of Spider-Man #-1).

The Marvel Appendix entry for Mary Parker and ‘Wild Will’ Fitzpatrick notes that the Marvel Sliding Timescale may soon render William’s status as active during WWII as an O.S.S. operative pretty unbelievable if he’s the father of Mary and the grandfather of Peter Parker, if the latter exists in the modern era. As they point out, Will may have been older when Mary was born which, for now, is as good an explanation as any, especially considering he dies while Mary is still relatively young. Regardless, as an MC2-focused blog, we have an additional fourth generation to take into account between the 1940’s and the present day.

 

William ‘Wild Will’ Fitzpatrick is based on the real-world American soldier, lawyer, intelligence officer and diplomat William Joseph “Wild Bill” Donovan who is best known for serving as the head of the Office of Strategic Services during World War II and is regarded as the founding father of the Central Intelligence Agency. The minus issue of Untold Tales of Spider-Man was written by Roger Stern and he would re-use ‘Wild Will’ in another story that firmly ties the character to the Second World War.

 

In 1998’s Marvel Universe #1 we have a story set during World War II, specifically 1945 wherein William Fitzpatrick works alongside Robert Frank aka The Whizzer to interview various people about the character and loyalties of members of the superhero team The Invaders including Namor the Sub-Mariner, the original Human Torch and Captain America. Following this, ‘Wild Will’ Fitzpatrick tasks the group with a secret mission involving Hydra.

 

 While it is not confirmed, I would like to suggest that the Intelligence agent seen in Marvel Universe #3 is also intended to be Fitzpatrick, given his appearance (aside from the miscoloured hair) and attire appear similar.

 

There’s not a huge wealth of stories to delve into here but I wanted to do this post because I think what we do get about Fitzpatrick tells us volumes, and by extension we gain a better understanding of Mary Parker. The heroic traits, intelligence, and wherewithal on display from father to daughter mirrors some aspects we see in Peter and his daughter Mayday’s relationship.

 

Until I remember where I left my notes for the next post, I remain

 

frogoat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayday's Room

Before I get too deep in this blog post, I've got to give credit where it's due. Firstly to Mr Joshua Lapin-Bertone aka Bertone Beatle for some much needed instant-sourcing of floor plans and for generally being a great source of information and entertainment on his various podcasts through the years. Secondly and with the utmost love and appreciation, I thank my dearest partner for not only putting up with me while I worked on this but for also going the extra mile and reading (!) the first 20 issues for this little pet project of mine. Without your help, I'd be lost my darling.

Initially, I had planned to do a blog where I examined the entire Parker Family Home, looking at how many rooms it contained, where they were located and in which issues we see them. Bertone quickly set me straight. Obviously this was a mad idea of mine and doomed to fail... probably after I was diagnosed insane. I decided to narrow my scope while looking at the details. So here is a look at Mayday's Room!

I lied! To start we first have to check out Peter Parker's room from way back in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. Therein lies a special feature illustrated by the inimitable Steve Ditko showing the basic layout of the house - or at least the back of the house. So, apparently Peter's room is located at the rear of the building on the second floor, with one (maybe two?) windows- facing the backyard and/or the neighboring house. Keep that in mind.  Of course, throughout his run on Spidey, the room's layout varies quite a bit.

Skip forward--or is that backward?--to the Untold Tales of Spider-Man Annual '96 (why must the annual's keep changing there numbering format?! ) which pays homage to Stan and Steve's first Annual by having it's own little feature (illustrated by the frankly superb Pat Olliffe) on Peter's world, including a floor plan for his bedroom.

That particular floor plan will be my basis for the layout of Mayday's room in this post. Why, you ask? Well, as I mentioned, Pat Olliffe provided the design for Peter's room. Pat also provided the first real look at Mayday's room in Spider-Girl #1. While Ron Frenz obviously had the art duties and co-created Spider-Girl in the prior What If #105 story, there is no clear shot of May's room in that issue. As such, I defer credit to Mr Olliffe for the initial design.

 Here's a secret: It's the same room. Seriously, have a close look. The beds in the same place, the furniture is almost identically placed around the room, the window and door seems to be in the same location. That's truly a nice piece of continuity, Pat!

 Shall I give you a tour? I shall. Using the above floor plan, let us first get orientated.

These are purely to help clarify what I'll be referring to. I have no idea which direction Peter/Mayday's window faces. Now that I've cleared that up, lets move on!

She'll get more shoes. Lot's more.

It's times like this I wish I could do fancy infographics or something. Never mind.  These are from the aforementioned Spider-Girl #1. To make it clear where things are May's bed seems to be in the same location as Peter's once was -with the head of the bed against the East wall. The window is on the North wall. There's a lot established about the room here! Note the free standing full length mirror. There's a bunch of furniture that will reappear throughout the entire Spider-Girl run: the book shelves, the various chest of drawers, the two bedside tables, the trunk at the foot of the bed, the desk (later a computer desk) with various sporting trophies, the built-in closet/wardrobe. Also, this is the first appearance of the WNBA and Cranberries Reunion posters. 

Spider-Girl #14 brings us the first appearance of the 'Unclean Thots' poster! I know you've all been curious about that one! Also, it seems the door is along the South wall. Now the desk (West wall, near built-in closet) has acquired a computer. Exciting stuff, I know. And the mirror has moved. It does that. A lot.

The mirror is now in the South-West corner in Spider-Girl #15. Hey, a Leonard Groote poster! This was around the time the annual came out, so it's clearly in reference to that.

 Spider-Girl #26: It's a cover, so maybe it doesn't count, but it seems the computer desk has moved so it's by the window. It's a nice cover. One of my favorites. In the picture of Mayday putting her Spider-Girl costume together from Spider-Girl #1, it also looks like the computer desk is by the window.

Okay! Hold the phone, your horses and your posterior! Is this even the same room?! The computer is where the bed usually sits on the East wall, there's a very different book shelf and a comfy looking cane chair along the the West wall near the closet. The bed isn't visible in any of the panels, therefore it's likely near the North window. So, why the drastic room rearrangement? Obviously the real world reason is Pat Olliffe was using artistic license. Look at these pages- they are gorgeous- so clearly it paid off! As for in-story reasons? Mayday had recently lost her powers leading to some big changes in her life. Is it too much of stretch to suggest rearranging her room was one of those changes?

Mayday's room seems to be back to normal the next issue when she decides she must continue in the hero biz without her powers. Hey, that kinda works, right? Symbolism? May puts her room back in order much the same as she is determined to put her hero work back on her schedule. I know, I'm stretching.

The room definitely seems to be back in order here in Spider-Girl #36. This is around the time Mary Jane began showing signs of her pregnancy. We won't be seeing much of the room for good long while until...

Spider-Girl #54 presents a rearranged bedroom again. I honestly can't figure this one out. Fair enough, the computer desk has moved over to the South wall. Sure, the 'WNBA' poster (which reads 'WNBA Flyers') has moved. No big deal. But I can't really explain how the built-in closet can be along the same wall as the window- that'd be the North wall if you're keeping up.

Spider-Girl #56 seems to show the same basic layout. We don't really see the room again until Spider-Girl #71 and things have been rearranged a bit.

The computer desk and that comfy cane chair are now either side of the window. In Spider-Girl #72, Ron has moved the computer desk to the North-East corner.

I love 'The Avengers' screen saver and the 'Fantastic Five' poster matches May's earlier seen Franklin Richards picture. 

Both pages here are from Spider-Girl #75. It's not clear to me exactly where that first panel in the first image above is in relation to the rest of the room, but there's that mirror again! In the second image, is that a radiator or something? Pretty sure that's new. The next issue again shows the rooms layout hasn't really changed.

...Although the window is visible from the closet in this shot...I'm just going to call it a cheated angle.

Spider-Girl #77 shows the same arrangement as before.

In Spider-Girl #80, Pat Olliffe has returned the computer desk to the West wall, as it was way back when. You know, I'm noticing a pattern here! Pat usually draws the computer desk on the West wall (occasionally elsewhere) and Ron usually prefers it on the North wall near the North-East corner.

Spider-Girl #81: I really just wanted to show the New York 'MAYDAY' license plate above the door. Oh, and look! Ron Frenz on art and the computer desk is back in that corner by the bed.

This is another case of artistic license to tell the story visually. It's also a great layout!

I love the Captain America action figure on the shelf. Spider-Girl #89 takes place right after Last Hero Standing, so it's a nice touch. And look where the computer desk is located!

Note the 'Unclean Thots: The Redemption Tour' poster behind the CD player (iPod dock?). Aw, and the Hulk action figure! I love these touches.

Spider-Girl #90: It's canon, Mayday now has a photo of her namesake in her room.

I included this page from Spider-Girl #92 mainly because of that first panel. Anyone know which part of the house that might be? It'd really help me sleep at night. It seems when ever Mayday studies, that computer desk is turned around, doesn't it? I'm guessing that's the closet door in the last panel.

Spider-Girl #94: Did...did May move her room around again?! Perhaps after studying in the Spider-Girl #92 she simply left the room like this?

We don't see Mayday's room much after the series relaunched with Amazing Spider-Girl #1 but it is still fairly consistent.

Yup, the room is back to normal here in Amazing Spider-Girl #4 with the computer desk back on the North wall and that darn mirror moving where ever it pleases. I wonder which 'Justin' that poster is referring to?

Amazing Spider-Girl #23

April's Room from Amazing Spider-Girl #25

 Every now and then there will be a page like this one from Web of Spider-Man (vol 2) #2 that seem to show a second window on the West wall of the room. I'm about to out out tufts of hair. How do I explain that?!

This next page from Web of Spider-Man (vol 2) #5 also seems to hint at a second window. In the last panel, you can also see the hall out side May's room. Based on this layout, is her room at the rear of the house? Am I over-thinking things? Obviously!

Okay, nearly done! In Spectacular Spider-Girl #1 Mayday throws her costume onto her bed, then sits down on her trunk. Based on these panels, the window in the first panel is opposite the bed. So, maybe there is a second window? Is Mayday's room on a corner of the house?! Am I sleep deprived and crazy!?!

Yes, I am. Looking again at this image from the same issue, it seems the room's layout is as it is usually. Darn! I do like the 'Do Not Enter' sign on the door. One more thing?

A pin-up from Amazing Spider-Girl #15

CEILING FAN!!!

So, I think that's it. I've been pouring over Spider-Girl comics all week while working on this blog. I hope this makes some kind of sense. The important thing to take away from all my nitpicking and rambling is this: For twelve years and more than 140 issues the design of Mayday's Room was kept very consistent.

 The dedication to the details is impressive. I love that the 'Unclean Thots', 'WNBA' and 'Cranberries' posters are maintained throughout the series run. I love that the computer desk and mirror are always present around the room. I love the Avengers screen saver. I love the trunk at the end of the bed (what's in that thing?!) I love that the dirty linen basket is always full. I love that there are photo's everywhere of her family and friends. I love that the room is always just a little bit messy. I love the sporting trophies and collection of books. I love the teddy bear and bunny. 

In short, I love the care, attention to detail and sheer love Pat and Ron have put into making this room feel real and lived in.

Until I learn to better manage my OCD tendencies, I remain

frogoat