I love that Machine Man originally started out as a character in Marvel's adaptation of 2000: A Space Odyssey (in a series that used characters and concepts from the ground breaking science fiction film), and then was able to join the mainstream Marvel Universe. I don't know if there are any other characters that have had that sort of trajectory. I just love his look as well, those telescoping arms and legs are too cool.
starlord had a kinda similar start hew debuted in a magazine before appearing in comic books
ReplyDeleteWow! I never knew Machine Man was in 2001: A Space Odyssey! Huh, go figure.
ReplyDeleteI didn't pick up the 2001 adaptation. I didn't get hooked on adaptations until Star Wars...
Great cover, nice blend of art, looks like a Kirby cover!
He was originally called Mister Machine in the 2001 comic, then took on the more familiar name when he spun into his own title.
ReplyDeleteRoss, any plans to use the original Earth-Two Superman from All-Star Squadron comics of the '80s and the like, when he was portrayed as in his prime? I realize the amount of art is probably a bit limited, but boy was it fun seeing the original Superman drawn by modern artists.
ReplyDeleteI used Kal-L in a Thing/Superman Cover from my MTIO days...
ReplyDeleteI dug Kirby's Machine Man! I've got the whole run!
ReplyDeleteOne of those weird little gems you find in comics sometimes.
The closest parallels I can find to the Aaron Stack (do they still call him that?) publishing history are Bug (from "Micronauts") and Shang-Chi (from "Master of Kung Fu"). Both came from comics created for licensed properties and were continued to be used by Marvel after they lost all their old licenses. Marvel didn't own Acroyear or Baron Karza, but I think they created Bug for the comic. Most younger readers probably don't remember that Shang-Chi was created as a hero for a comic based on a pulp villain, Sax Rohmer's Fu Manchu.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, Shang Chi was created to cash in on the Kung Fu craze in the early 1970's. Marvel certainly used all the Sax Rohmer characters in the series (like Dr Petrie and Nayland Smith), but I don't think a comic was ever planned to feature just Fu Manchu.
ReplyDeleteThe Master Of Kung Fu series also featured the image of David Caradine as he appeared in the "Kung Fu" TV series, though he was never identified as the Kane character. Marvel bought several licensed properties during this time.
Shang Chi's series lasted well over 100 issues, with Fu Manchu taking less and less of a role as the years progressed.
It's a pity that no Omnibus or other trade collection of the series are ever likely to be available unless Marvel buys the license again.
Mahcine Man was character ahead of his time. The key point of the character was the idea that he wanted to be human, in spite of being superior in many way.
ReplyDeleteThat's right he pulled a Mr. Data way ahead of his time.
To be honest I don't like his present incarnation (the one vaguely inspired by Bender from Futurama) one bit. He may be funnier to read, but it completly fucks up the entire character's concept for a cheap laugh.