Great Unused Characters Part 2

We looked at some of the great unused secondary characters a few weeks ago, but there were far too many to put on one list.

Marvel and DC have a tendency of taking their "power players" and flooding every single comic with them, while neglecting some great characters who deserve some attention. Next week, we'll talk about those characters who are around waaaaaaay too much, but for now here's a few more who should get some face time in comics:

Shang Chi, Master of Kung Fu

While he appeared in Heroes for Hire and even made an "Ultimate" appearance in Ultimate Spider-Man a few years ago, we haven't really seen him get to cut loose in a long time. He's one of those characters who could really be a huge hit in the right hands.

Marvel has an abundance of "powerless" characters who are headlining books now (Black Panther immediately comes to mind), so why not bring Shang Chi in there? If nothing more, let him guest star in Iron Fist's title for a bit. Anything to see this top fighter back in action.

Deadman

Boston Brand gets no love. With the exception of a recent guest shot in Brave & The Bold, he's been relegated to just floating around and talking to characters when they have some existential experience or another.

The guy can possess practically anyone. That means he could be any hero or villain he so chooses, which opens up endless possibilities. I know he can only be seen by certain individuals (or those having a near-death experience), so that makes his regular use in a team book impractical, he could still run his own title. Why not bring him into one of those twisted Final Crisis offshoots as a foil for Spectre's "You have been judged" tirades and let him be the human side of the team? He ran his own title for years more than once, so he's a proven commodity. Where's the risk in bringing him back?

The Black Knight

The Groovy Agent contributed this hero a few weeks ago during the original list run, but I agree. He's one of those characters who could be cool, and in this post-300 world we live in, guys with swords are considered pretty tough again. Sure he could be put down by a guy with a gun at 30 yards, but that's never stopped Batman, right?

And while I like the new look he's been given during the recent Captain Britain miniseries, there's just something about the armor and cape that rings true to character. Oh, and let's not forget the winged horse!

Havok

Since his creation, he's been seen mostly as Cyclops' little brother. The funny thing is that he's a lot more powerful that Cyclops, and honestly he's a much better team leader. While Cyclops has led the X-Men forever and a day, Havok has led X-Factor and is even now in space fighting the other Summers brother, Vulcan. Cyclops seems to be one of those "tough talk" leaders who gets very little done, while Havok seems to be a man of action. Let's get Havok (and team) back to Earth and put him in charge of something.

He's missed most of the major events too. He was gone during Civil War and World War Hulk, and he could have been a big asset during both. And let's be honest, if he'd been around during the Skrull invasion, I think it's safe to say he'd have gotten involved a lot sooner than Cyclops did. He's powerful, tough, and decisive. Let's get him back in action (and in the original suit).

Longshot

He's pretty much disappeared since his run in Exiles a few years back (and I consider that time to be the best of the team incarnations), so why not bring him back? His time with the Exiles showed us just how powerful he could really be if someone used his character right. I mean, he took on Proteus and managed to get several good shots in despite the reality-bending mutant's powers! That's got to count for something, right?

I've never been a fan of the Mojoverse Marvel has always seemed to tuck him away in either. Bring him back to the real world (and not as a Skrull as in the recent X-Factor run we saw him in) and let him do his thing.

Spider-Man 2099

Ok, so let's just all admit it: the regular Spider-Man title is crap right now. Since "Brand New Day", the title's been trying too hard to prove it's cool again, so where are we to turn for a good Spidey fix? Why not bring back Miguel O'Hara? We saw him in the Exiles book at the same time Longshot was there, and he's got one of the coolest costumes ever. I know he's in some other dimension now with his own personal version Mary Jane, but let's get him back to the regular Marvel universe. He's got really cool variations of Spidey's existing powers, but he's original enough to be different.

The Phantom Stranger

This guy has a seriously shady origin (who really knows where he came from?), but he never seems to get much time in the comics by himself. Like Deadman, he's rarely seen unless there's some major cosmic problem about to occur. Unlike Deadman, he can be seen by anyone when he wants to be. This brings a whole new dynamic to any team or solo book.

With shows like X-Files, Supernatural, and others out there giving us a peek into the "weird and unknown" on a regular basis, why not give us a monthly title of the same? Bring Phantom Stranger in to have to "fix" some of the weird things happening in the DC world. But here's the key to making it work: no superhero guest stars! You could bring Deadman in every once in a while, but no Batman, Superman, or anyone else like them. Keep the series grounded in the supernatural and keep it moving. Don't put us in some constant 6-part storyarc. Give us simple one- or two-shot stories that stay fresh and never have time to drag. It could work.

The Avengers Movie Dream Cast

Comic book fans have fared well in recent years with superhero movies. The announcement of an upcoming Avengers film has only built they hype further--and few casting announcements have been made. That being the case, I thought it was a good chance to step in and give Hollywood a push in the right direction (they value my opinion and all).

Since the appearance of Samuel L. Jackson as the "Ultimate" version of Nick Fury has given us the context of where this film will be happening, here's my dream line-up for the Avengers movie--Ultimates style:

Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man

Honestly, why mess with perfection? Downey was perfect as Tony Stark in the Iron Man movie, and he's already made a second appearance as the character in the Hulk movie. He perfectly captured the smarmy essence of Tony Stark and gave him a funny side we'd never seen in the comic books. If anything, he actually improved on the character and Marvel should be taking notes!

I can't think of a single way to improve upon his performance and take on the character with anyone else, so we have our man here.

Aaron Eckhart as Captain America

I know Aaron has already made a name for himself in the comic world by playing Two-Face, but watching that movie I couldn't help but notice the way he played the noble side of Harvey Dent. The squared jaw and blond hair also helped fortify the image in my head. As such, it's pretty easy to imagine him leading the team.

Eckhart hasn't really had a turn as an action hero leading man. While Two Face was a pretty active role there toward the end of The Dark Knight, he hasn't been tested. I'm still pretty confident with this call though. I think he could pull it off.

Edward Norton as Bruce Banner

Norton did an admirable job with the role. He was facing the huge obstacle of overcoming the stigma from Ang Lee's crapfest Hulk movie, and he was able to make the character kind of fun. Keeping in mind Bruce's serious mental problems in the Ultimates universe (and eventual heroic turn at the end), Norton seems an easy choice.

I can't really see a reason to take this part from him (besides, we don't want to make him angry...we wouldn't like him when he gets angry).

Matthew Fox as Hank Pym

The most troubled member of the team would have to be someone who could give us some emotional depth. Since Matthew's character on Lost seems to constantly be facing some inner turmoil in every episode, I'd say he's a sure bet. My son actually contributed this one, and I have to agree.

I know he hasn't really done well with feature films, and his work as Racer X wasn't that much to write home about, but give him a chance. Who was the least bit excited about Robert Downey, Jr. when they first announced him? And look at what people say now!

Eva Longoria as The Wasp

She's spunky, funny, and has the look. Yes, this is another stretch for feature films, but just about every actor here is a leap of faith.

The Ultimate version of Wasp is this woman who has an independent streak, while at the same time has some serious emotional issues. She's in love with a man who beats her, then falls in love with Captain America (only to realize he's too old for her), and then she's back to the bad boy husband. Talk about a desperate housewife!

Josh Holloway as Hawkeye

Yes, I know this is another cast member from Lost, but if we can't have him as Gambit (a natural choice) we might as well get him as somebody else he's closely suited for! Remember, we're focusing on the "Ultimate" version of the team, and this version of Hawkeye is one bad dude. Forget the Clint Barton you know from old days, this guy is an expert at every weapon and isn't afraid to kill without hesitation. Holloway has the tough guy image, and still manages to present just enough charm to make himself bearable.

Tyler Mane as Thor

Here's where it gets ugly. Yes, I know he didn't really give a standout performance as Sabretooth in the first X-Men film, but I think he deserves a second chance.

Keep in mind the fact that Ultimate Thor spent the first 24 issues of the comic book as this wild man who may or may not be delusional and thinking he's the god of thunder. There's a lot of partying, yelling, and fighting for the character...and I think Tyler could do it.

Just imagine seeing that hammer on film. It would be an incredible shot! I know Hollywood is already tossing around the idea of a Thor movie at some point in the future, but the nice thing about the Ultimate version of the character is the fact that there's no Donald Blake to worry over. We see Thor all the time.

Milo Ventimiglia as Quicksilver

Hey, this guy already has experience as a hero, so why not?

Milo has the appearance to make it work, and we've seen him do the whole "character in angst" thing on Heroes. The Ultimate version of Quicksilver is another one of those characters who is one bad dude. At the end of Ultimates Volume 2, he actually killed a supervillain by running so fast it made their skin peel off! Tell me that wouldn't be cool to see on film!

Milo is actually getting a lot of feature film experience in coming movies next year (3 at last count), so add the built-in audience from Heroes and you have an easy choice.

Morena Baccarin as Scarlet Witch

While she hasn't had a huge list of film credits, her role in Serenity (and of course, Firefly) gave her the ability to show off her exotic flair.

Yes, I understand that really creepy angle they were going for with Scarlet Witch and her brother Quicksilver, but let's just say they drop that for the movie and give us a straight-ahead character story for Wanda. Morena's smile could melt a bad guy, and her flash of anger could scare them to death. Add to that the fact that she already has a solid fan base (Ever been to a sci-fi convention she's appearing at? The fans are rabid.), and she'd make a great contribution to the team.

Angelina Jolie as Black Widow

Since this character ultimately turns out to be a traitor in the midst, we have to go for someone who could do evil and good. Since since seduces Tony Stark, we have to go for someone who can do sexy. Since she fights a lot, we have to go for someone who can do action. For all these things, the natural choice is Angelina Jolie. She's done her share of action roles, and she's been good, bad, and everything in between.

Maybe you can't see her without thinking "Lara Croft", but I believe she could shake that image quickly in this role. She's an action star and superhero in her own right, so this wouldn't be much of a stretch.

Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury

Not really fair since the character was actually written with Jackson in mind, but his brief work as Nick Fury after the credits of Iron Man gave us a good idea of what he could do. Of course, look at just about any other movie he's been in and you'll see he's one man who can take charge.

There's nothing more to add here, since this choice is so obvious. Now, if they were going with the standard Nick Fury, that would be a tough choice.


And of course, we can't forget the most important part of the whole thing...

Jon Favreau as the Director

During the entire filming sequence of Iron Man, Favreau was there for the fans. He read Internet message boards, gave constant updates from the set, and dove into the comics to get a feel for the characters. If we want a movie that's going to remain faithful to the comic from which it came, I can't think of a better person to do it.

Jon has already expressed interest in doing the film anyway. Keep your fingers crossed on this one! Hopefully Marvel will be paying attention to the fans and remembering the positive reviews folks had for Iron Man.

Ok, Hollywood, I've given you the answers you've needed. Now get out there and make the film!

Seriously though, what casting changes would you make to the list?

Hulk #6 - Red vs Green

Ok, I'll admit it, I never really kept up with the Hulk until the whole "World War Hulk" storyline started. At that point, I had to grab the Planet Hulk TPB to find out why he was so ticked off, and it all made sense. I was one of the few who found World War Hulk a satisfying read, but it got me interested in the comic book again. The introduction of the Red Hulk really piqued my interest and I've loved the thrill ride the first 6 issues of the comic have been. And now we see it all come to an end with a massive showdown for the title of "Hulk".

After brutally smacking Thor around last issue (and jumping from the moon to the Earth, I might add), the Red Hulk is in the Arizona desert pulling himself out of a big hole in the ground. Green Hulk is facing off against Iron Man and his band of helpers on the West Coast and we know the big fight is coming. Surprisingly enough, Marvel actually skips the obligatory "Hulk versus everybody" fight scene I thought we'd see, and instead gives us the main battle we've been waiting for.

Hulk and A-Bomb head out to face Red Hulk. The battle starts out strong, and gets even better when Thor shows up again for his rematch. Amazingly enough, after being soundly thrashed by Red Hulk last issue, Thor puts the beating on the Red Hulk on his own. Eventually though it's all up to the green-skinned goliath to end this once and for all.

I mentioned in my review of the last issue that I was afraid they had painted themselves into a corner with Red Hulk by making him too strong. Instead, this final fight made sense. Hulk had to defeat him using brains and not just brawn, and it worked really well.

And of course, the mystery of who the Red Hulk is comes into play here. We already knew it wasn't Rick Jones because he's A-Bomb, and the list of possibilities was narrow (basically, Doc Samson and Thunderbolt Ross). I won't spoil it here for you, but suffice it to say the ending turns out to be a bit of a surprise...though it's actually more confusing than surprising.

This was a great story arc, and I'm interested to see where it will go next.