Herocopia - User contributions [en]

Talk:Main Page

2017-11-05T03:25:03Z

TranquilityFrog:

The [[Herocopia:Community_portal | Community portal page]] is now the central nexus point for meta-discussions about the Herocopia.com site in general. Please limit discussion on this '''Talk page''' to topics relating to the Main Page itself.

Thanks.

--[[User:Infobroker|Infobroker]] ([[User talk:Infobroker|talk]]) 21:21, 11 August 2013 (PDT)

I noticed that The Tarnished Angel (or Local Heroes, for that matter) isn't included in the list of collections on the main page. Was this intentional (aesthetically, I suppose, since I don't think it has a new printing & cover design)?

[[User:TranquilityFrog|TranquilityFrog]] ([[User talk:TranquilityFrog|talk]]) 20:24, 4 November 2017 (PDT)

Talk:Main Page

2017-11-05T03:24:06Z

TranquilityFrog:

The [[Herocopia:Community_portal | Community portal page]] is now the central nexus point for meta-discussions about the Herocopia.com site in general. Please limit discussion on this '''Talk page''' to topics relating to the Main Page itself.

Thanks.

--[[User:Infobroker|Infobroker]] ([[User talk:Infobroker|talk]]) 21:21, 11 August 2013 (PDT)

I noticed that The Tarnished Angel isn't included in the list of collections on the main page. Was this intentional (aesthetically, I suppose, since I don't think it has a new printing & cover design)?

[[User:TranquilityFrog|TranquilityFrog]] ([[User talk:TranquilityFrog|talk]]) 20:24, 4 November 2017 (PDT)

The Nearness of You

2016-12-08T02:01:11Z

TranquilityFrog: slight tweaking to improve phrasing/flow

"The Nearness of You" was originally published in {{WP}} [[WP:1/2|#1/2]].

==Synopses==

[[Michael Tenicek]] has a problem that's ruining his life: he keeps dreaming of a woman named [[Miranda]], who seems so familiar and so close to him that he can clearly identify specific details about her life--but he can't remember ever meeting her, and no one he asks seems to know anything about her.

While Michael questions his sanity one evening, having turned to medication to try and dull his anxiety, he is visited by the [[Hanged Man]]. The Hanged Man tells Michael that his dreams are compromising reality, and Michael is given access to information about a reality-threatening crisis: upset at his continued defeat at the hands of various superheroes, the [[Time-Keeper]] challenged [[Eterneon]] for control over time itself.

The resulting conflict sent ripples of chaos through time. Heroes like the [[Silver Agent]] found himself fighting a tyrannosaurus rex, while [[M.P.H.]] squared off against a viking; [[Samaritan]] disappeared from existence, much to the dismay of [[Winged Victory]]. Even Astro City itself seemed to flicker from reality. The heroes fought one final battle to try and overcome the combatants and then undo the damage caused by the Time-Keeper's efforts.

Unfortunately, the Hanged Man notes, the reconstruction of existence was not perfect. One pertinent example was that [[Air Ace]] fought the [[Barnstormer Gang]] on a Sunday rather than a Monday, and thus Miranda's grandparents never met, and she was never born.

The Hanged Man tells Michael that, while he cannot return Miranda to him, he can give Michael a choice: to forget about Miranda completely, or to have a sense of understanding about his relationship to the woman.

Michael notes that he does not want to forget--and before the Hanged Man leaves, Michael asks what most people choose in his situation. The Hanged Man replies that no one ever chooses to forget.

That evening, Michael dreams again of Miranda--and he finds peace knowing that, in another life, he loved her.

==Notes==
*[[The Gentleman]] and the [[Confessor]] both make their first appearances on the cover of the Wizard version, while not appearing in the story itself. Depending on when the issue arrived to people who ordered it, The Gentleman most likely had appeared already in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 No.1]].

[[Category: Story Synopses|Nearness of You]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199606]]

The Cometeer

2016-12-05T18:58:19Z

TranquilityFrog: linking speculation reference

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Sample320.gif
|status = Unknown
|realname =
|debut =
|earliest =
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|ID1title= First Mentioned:
|ID1info= {{KBAC2}} [[{{KBAC2}} No.21|#21]]
|appearances =
}}

{{character page
|intro = A presumed space-faring hero of the 1960s.
|history = He became his own villain in disugise, '''Skulliar,''' at some point to teach some reporter a lesson.
|powers =
|equipment =
|observations =
|speculations = Whether Cometeer is a truly "cosmic" hero or one active in just the Earth solar system is unclear. 
There is some speculation that [[Unknown Green Guy|the green man]] seen in {{LH}} #4 is the Cometeer.
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Cometeer}}
[[Category: Heroes]]

Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)

2016-12-01T18:17:33Z

TranquilityFrog: adding in Quarrel's activity in Steeljack's original story, although I'm not certain if the timeline placement here is optimal

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Quarrel3.jpg
|status = Active
|realname = Jessica Darlene Taggart
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|earliest = 1982
|origin =
|affiliation =[[Honor Guard]] (1987 - 2015) 
[[Omega Rangers]] (1982 - and only a few weeks at that)
|baseops =[[Astro City]]
|rangeops =

|relatives = (father) Mack Taggart - The original [[Quarrel I|Quarrel]] 
(mother) <name not revealed> 
(brother) Toby (Little Brisket) 
(brother) (Little Mack) 
(brother) Richard (Dickie)(Squirrel-Tail)
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate = 1967
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = short black

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:3|3]], [[1:5|5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:15|15]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:1|#1]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]], [[DA4:4|4]] 
{{AC}} #2, 3, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25 

}}
{{character page
|intro =
A career that spans approximately three decades, most of it spent with Honor Guard, Jessica Darlene Taggart is the second person to wear the now iconic costume of Quarrel. Her fighting style is finely honed, athletic, and firmly disciplined. In her early years, she was spunky, determined and reliable. Now, seasoned and refined, she seems more reflective, perhaps a bit guarded. But she is well respected among her peers, her enemies, and most especially her friends.

|history =
===Youthful Origins===
If there is a theme to apply to the young Jessica, it would be of a proud woman who matured early, inheriting a weak image and changing it into something stronger, composed of more distinguished qualities, like fortitude, a positive morality, and a higher sense of duty to humanity.

Jessica Darlene Taggart was the daughter of the first Quarrel, [[Quarrel (Mack Taggart)|Mack Taggart]]. She grew up in poverty in eastern Kentucky, living in a run-down house with her parents and several siblings (Mack, Toby, and Dickie). Often, the family's meals consisted of whatever the children were able to hunt or catch that day.

For a long time, Jessica believed her father was a mailman who spent a lot of time gone for work. He taught them to fight, to move acrobatically, and to shoot. It came as an incredible shock, then, when Jessica and her family discovered that Mack was a super-villain--a revelation that emerged when he was arrested alongside [[Cutlass]] and [[Steeljack]] when they attempted to rob the riverboat Princess after making away with two million dollars the month before.

In shock, Jessica hitchhiked to the prison where her father was held, but their conversation consisted mainly of excuses Mack made about what he had planned to do with the money on the family's behalf. Jessica returned home angry at her father, knowing he was never going to improve their situation--if anything were ever to change, it would have to be her doing it.

By the time Mack returned home from prison, Jessica had taken charge of the house and spent her time studying and training, eventually locating her father's equipment while he was in town. She tested it out, finding it easy to work with--but her father advised her against it, warning her that she would not want to be like him.

===Early Years: Gaining Rep===

Mack left home again, returning to his life of crime (and getting caught by [[Hummingbird]]), but Jessica found a backup set of the Quarrel equipment and learned how to modify it and employ it for new purposes. One evening, listening to the radio, Jessica heard about a standoff at the [[Martin County]] regional school spring dance, and she took off on her friend [[Mike Trapper]]'s motorcycle to take down the armed robbers there.

Quarrel arrived in Astro City in 1984 at age 17, determining to make a name and life for herself despite having no money, no job, and no clue how to get either. She was surprised to discover that the city's residents already recognized her (some saying, "Quarrel's back!") but not treating her like the criminal her father was. (Quarrel would later find out this was a result of her later adventures time-traveling.)

===An Angel of the Streets===

Quarrel's first fight proper in the city was against the [[Steel Devil]], taking them out and finding herself meeting the [[Street Angel]], who expected her arrival--another result of her time-travel exploits. He was her mentor during those early years, helping her develop her skills and giving her a different direction to forge her identity. Their encounter with [[The Pale Horseman]] at the climax of the [[Dark Age]] story arc, resulted in the death of Street Angel, which left Jessica alone once more.

During this time, Quarrel formally registered as a bounty hunter so that she could make some money--for herself and for her family back home--while keeping her identity protected from the public, thanks to the [[1963 Private Identities Act]].

===Earning Honor===

In 1987, Quarrel managed to spy a set of robots belonging to the [[Ion Empire]] capture [[Samaritan]] and take him to one of their ships, where they had already imprisoned the other members of [[Honor Guard]] as part of a plot to transform humanity into machinic creatures. Quarrel overheard discussion of a "stasis lens" they were using, and she blew up the power supply for it, freeing Honor Guard.

After the fight was over, they thanked her for her assistance and invited her to join the team. At first, she refused out of monetary necessity, but the [[N-Forcer]] explained how [[N.R.-Gistics Inc]]. provided grants to those in need--so she accepted, and has remained a member since.

===Her Time With The Omega Rangers===

[[image:QuarrelHeadShotA.jpg|100px|left]]

In 1988, while fighting [[Chronarch]], Quarrel found herself traveling through time to 1982, where she was involved in the founding of the [[Omega Rangers]] during a short, several-week period. While Quarrel was in 1982, she was a member of the team when [[Cleopatra (Modern)|Cleopatra]]'s powers were bestowed to a new human vessel,<ref name="B:4">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#1}}</ref> and again when the Omega Rangers joined forces with Honor Guard and the [[First Family]] to deal with a major event known as the Reality Rift. <ref name="B:3">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#4}}</ref>

===True Love===

In 1994, Quarrel met [[Crackerjack]] for the first time, when he interrupted her tracking of the [[Techsperts]]. Together, they took out their foes and found themselves intensely attracted to one another. Soon, they started training, working, and sleeping together--although their personalities were both strong enough to clash regularly, too. However, they stayed together because they both shared the drive to push themselves (and one another) to their limits. Their relationship is long, complicated, and not what it would appear to be on the surface.

At one point, Quarrel thought she won $26 million in the Astro Cash lottery, although this turned out to be a scam perpetuated by [[Praetor]] as part of an effort to attack Honor Guard via members' secret identities. In the end, at least, she was able to keep the money.

Roughly a week after this scam, during a fight against the [[Unholy Alliance]], Quarrel was distracted by thoughts of how she would use her newfound windfall. She mis-timed an attack against [[Glowworm]], and [[Slamburger]] smacked her into the island component of an aircraft carrier, where she promptly sustained significant injuries to her hip and ankle.

While Honor Guard and their medical team advised Quarrel to rest and recuperate slowly, Crackerjack snuck into the team's headquarters to advise her that bedrest would cost her too much of her ability to ever fully recover from. Instead, he suggested she keep up her training and accelerate her healing through activity. The pair promptly began Quarrel's rehabilitation, where Crackerjack pushed her incessantly and relentlessly, until she snapped and ran out on him, telling him to "Go deliver some damn mail!" as she left--an outcry clearly reflective of her troubled relationship with her father rather than with her partner.

===Need for Speed===

At one point, Quarrel had broken up with Crackerjack and began dating fellow Honor Guard member [[MPH]] for some time, enjoying a radically different relationship than her usual fare. However, she soon discovered that her lifestyle and MPH's were incompatible; his superhuman speed allowed him to rest and relax, leaning on his abilities, while she had to continually train and keep herself at peak performance. Further, he offered advice on Quarrel's personal life, suggesting she reply to a two-year-old email her father had sent her. As a result, while MPH could plan for dates or make breakfast in bed or remember certain holidays (like birthdays) or invest time into their relationship, Quarrel simply could not allow herself the downtime. The two had a brief conversation, later (after defeating the [[Dark Savior]]), where Quarrel angrily explained her lack of energy for anything more than her career as a hero.

In 1999, Quarrel was tasked with returning escaped prisoner Steeljack to [[Biro Island]] via aircraft after he had traveled to Honor Guard headquarters regarding [[El Hombre]]. After unsuccessfully persuading Quarrel to listen to him by bringing up her father, Steeljack was able to break free from his restraints. While Quarrel used a vibratory magno-cannon to try and stop him in the confined quarters of the aircraft cabin, Steeljack overpowered her and tossed her--parachute and all--out of the craft and to safety just before he crashed it.

===Growing Older===

More recently, Quarrel and Crackerjack continued their superheroic activities despite their both likely closing in on fifty years of age. Over time, Quarrel's body mass and costume adjusted a bit to accommodate her changed body frame, and she found herself increasingly interested in improving her suit to compensate for her age and slowing performance.

After the retirement party for the [[Black Rapier]] at [[Butler's]], Quarrel and Crackerjack fought the [[Chessmen]] and found their efforts a bit wanting--Crackerjack took a shot to the back, and Quarrel's extra armor on a new version of her suit kept her from being able to respond quickly enough to prevent the attack. While the pair were able to overcome their foes, they nonetheless were exhausted and injured from the exertion.

Quarrel and Crackerjack visited the main branch of N.R.-Gistics to see about improvements to her outfit (and potentially to develop something for Crackerjack, although he was far more interested in the Black Rapier's serum and its ability-enhancing secrets than anything technological).

Not long after this visit, Honor Guard fought and defeated [[Imperion]] and his [[Khyborg]] army, and Quarrel found herself further questioning her abilities--needing MPH's assistance to avoid serious injury. When she returned home afte rthe fight, she considered contacting her father, whose old email she had never replied to ... but never deleted, either.

While Quarrel pondered retiring, given her growing doubt about remaining in top shape, Crackerjack returned home injured from a fight with [[Demonhead]]. The two discussed their options, although Crackerjack refused to "quit" or limit himself to teaching or consultation work; while Quarrel considered high-tech solutions to compensate for her age, Crackerjack remained focused on the Black Rapier's serum.

That night, Crackerjack hacked Quarrel's laptop, snuck into the Black Rapier's home, and stole his remaining serum. He then made a deal with, and was betrayed by, [[Gormenghast]], and Honor Guard managed to rescue him from the [[Black Lab]] where he had been left to die in a garbage dump.

While her partner healed, Quarrel tested out a new suit of armor developed by N.R.-Gistics--complete with dual launcher, gyroscopic compensators, muscle amplifiers, and email access--finding it wanting in many ways as it felt more like a device she was ''driving'' rather than a suit she was ''wearing''.

She also finally decided to visit her father, who was living in the [[Allendale Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly and Infirm]] in West Virginia. The two had a productive conversation, beginning to heal at least some of the wounds that Jessica had carried for so long.

Recognizing the long road ahead of Crackerjack, Quarrel decided to focus all of her efforts on helping her partner rehabilitate, demanding from Crackerjack the same relentless training and therapy that he'd expected from her years before.

The new suit of enhanced armor developed for her would be stored at N.R.-Gistics, just in case she ever decided to return to action.

|powers =

|equipment =
She wears a costume similar in design and uses much of the same weaponry as her villainous father, the original Quarrel.

There is a '''Bolt-Blaster''' on her right wrist for firing projectiles. Two indentations on top for holding quarrels to fire, or as balance points for firing a single, larger projectile from the center of the apparatus.

She wears a suit of chain mail with a heavy chest-overlay.

Stirrup on her boots, the purpose might be decoration or something more?

A grappling device for aerial movement is attached to the right hip of her costume. It can also be fired from a projectile launcher for longer distances.<ref name="B:1">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#3 | link= | page=23 | panel=2}}</ref>

Standard sized quarrels are stored in a compact case on her left hip. She also has a backpack used for larger and/or special mechanisms. The backpack holds a parachute.

Her basic set of quarrels and grappling devices were probably the extend of her father's original arsenal. Her association with the technical members of Honor Guard, especially N-Forcer, have no doubt resulted in a wider, more versatile and far more advanced set of projectile weapons and tools.

===Projectile List===

{{editMark
|notes =
Let's lay this out similar to Jack-in-Box's Weapons list
}}

*Acid quarrels
*Anesthetic injection/knockout quarrels
*Blunt tipped quarrels for attacks. It is similar to rubber bullet with the intent to incapacitate or damage targets on impact.
*Net quarrel
*Rocket propelled explosive quarrels

===Upgrades===
<table width=600>
<tr>
<td>
[[image:quarrelUpgrades.jpg|200px]]
</td>
<td>
[[Image:NIA3.gif|5px]]
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top;">
'''[[N.R.Gistics, Inc.]]''' upgraded Quarrel's uniform with new age armor protection. Complete with a bio-interactive sensory-web to magnify and enhance her speed, strength and provide precision movement skills. It doesn't try to anticipate her movements, or improve her reaction time. Her own reflexes, slowed with age still are in complete control. Crackerjack calls it a "dressed up, tailored tank."
</td>
</tr>
</table>

|observations =
* Casual peer commentary suggests that she is from a small town, somewhere in Kentucky.
* A conundrum of sorts surrounds her brief time travel back to 1982. The citizens of Astro City, and perhaps the world are fully aware of her exploits with the Omega Rangers. But the younger and not yet time-traveling Jessica Taggart of 1984, who should also have known about it, is totally in the dark. A mystery to be solved in a later story perhaps.
* According to Kurt Busiek, Quarrel is his favorite ''Astro City'' character.<ref>http://busiek.com/site/2015/04/07/astro-city-mail-march-2015/</ref>

|speculations =
* The costumed hero, [[Nightingale]], refers to a romantic relationship involving Quarrel and [[Crackerjack]].<ref name="B:2">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#5}}</ref>

* Hints dropped many years ago in '''Local Heroes'''' letters pages by creator Kurt Busiek, indicate that there might be more to consider in their relationship than what the obvious surface aspects suggest. The four issue Quarrel-Crackerjack story arc published in 2015, expanded on that comment, revealing a very complex, passionate, sexual, highly emotional, almost toxic at times interplay between the two.

* Quarrel's past reflects an attraction to male relationships that will disappoint at best, but mostly hurt.

|timelines =

|footnotes =
<references/>

}}

[[Category:Heroes]]

Quarrel (Mack Taggart)

2016-11-30T21:01:28Z

TranquilityFrog: fixing links to appearance issues

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Sample320.gif
|status = Inactive
|realname = Doolittle Taggart
|debut = {{KBAC2}} [[2:15|#15]]
|earliest = early to mid 1960s
|origin =
|affiliation = [[Terrifying Three]]
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC2}} [[2:15|#15]] 
{{DA1}} [[DA1:3|#3]] 
{{AC}} [[{{AC}} No.18|#18]] [[{{AC}} No.21|#21]] 
}}

{{character page
|intro = The villainous father of the current [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]].
|history = I
In the early to mid 1960s, Quarrel was part of the short lived super villain team the [[Terrifying Three]] along with [[Cutlass]] and the [[Steeljack|Steel-Jacketed Man]]. Together, the trio engaged in a number of heists, often involving not only cash but also cutting-edge or otherwise innovative technologies they could sell.

At the same time, Quarrel had a family living in abject poverty in rural eastern Kentucky. After the birth of his daughter [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Jessica Darlene]], he was looking for one last score so he could settle down and retire, but he was never able to get out--not even after the births of his other children (Toby, Mack, and Dickie). Instead, he spent the money he stole on equipment upgrades and payments to various backers for particular jobs, while his wife relied primarily on alcohol to pass the time.

Meanwhile, the family's meals often consisted of whatever one of the children had managed to hunt that day. Quarrel taught them all to shoot and fight whenever he was not away from home--although for many years the rest of the family thought he was a mailman with an expansive rural district to cover.

Eventually, Quarrel's secret criminal life came to light when, a month after making a two-million-dollar score, he and the other members of the Terrifying Three were defeated and captured by [[Jack-in-the-Box]] after they attempted to rob a luxury riverboat resort.

Quarrel's daughter Jessica hitchhiked her way to visit him in prison, but he could only provide excuses for his actions, promising the girl that he would have spent the money on schools and a new home, and so on. After returning home, Jessica began training for her eventual career as the second individual to use the Quarrel moniker.

Over the years, Quarrel broke out of prison a few times to return home and visit his family. On one occasion, he found Jessica practicing with his equipment. He attempted to talk her out of the life he had lived, but he only succeeded in convincing her to be a hero.

Years later, Quarrel would attempt to contact his daughter via email, but she would not respond for several years after that. By the time she responded, he was living in the [[Allendale Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly and Infirm]] in West Virginia, where he used a walker to move around. The two Taggarts had a productive conversation about their relationship, and Jessica suggested she might visit him again.

|powers =
|equipment = He seemed to use a lot of the similar bolt blasters that his daughter uses.
|observations =
|speculations = In 1973, Quarrel--or someone who looked very much like him--was involved in an effort spearheaded by [[Simon Magus]] to drive out the vengeance spirit possessing the [[Blue Knight]].<ref>{{RefComic | title={{DA1}} | issue=#3 }}</ref>
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

[[Category: Villains]]
{{stub}}

Quarrel (Mack Taggart)

2016-11-30T15:23:14Z

TranquilityFrog: fleshing out the history a bit more

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Sample320.gif
|status = Inactive
|realname = Doolittle Taggart
|debut = {{KBAC2}} [[2:15|#15]]
|earliest = early to mid 1960s
|origin =
|affiliation = [[Terrifying Three]]
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC2}} [[2:15|#15]] 
{{DA1}} [[DA1:3|#3]] 
{{AC}} [[{{AC}} #18|#18]] [[{{AC}} #21|#21]] 
}}

{{character page
|intro = The villainous father of the current [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]].
|history = I
In the early to mid 1960s, Quarrel was part of the short lived super villain team the [[Terrifying Three]] along with [[Cutlass]] and the [[Steeljack|Steel-Jacketed Man]]. Together, the trio engaged in a number of heists, often involving not only cash but also cutting-edge or otherwise innovative technologies they could sell.

At the same time, Quarrel had a family living in abject poverty in rural eastern Kentucky. After the birth of his daughter [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Jessica Darlene]], he was looking for one last score so he could settle down and retire, but he was never able to get out--not even after the births of his other children (Toby, Mack, and Dickie). Instead, he spent the money he stole on equipment upgrades and payments to various backers for particular jobs, while his wife relied primarily on alcohol to pass the time.

Meanwhile, the family's meals often consisted of whatever one of the children had managed to hunt that day. Quarrel taught them all to shoot and fight whenever he was not away from home--although for many years the rest of the family thought he was a mailman with an expansive rural district to cover.

Eventually, Quarrel's secret criminal life came to light when, a month after making a two-million-dollar score, he and the other members of the Terrifying Three were defeated and captured by [[Jack-in-the-Box]] after they attempted to rob a luxury riverboat resort.

Quarrel's daughter Jessica hitchhiked her way to visit him in prison, but he could only provide excuses for his actions, promising the girl that he would have spent the money on schools and a new home, and so on. After returning home, Jessica began training for her eventual career as the second individual to use the Quarrel moniker.

Over the years, Quarrel broke out of prison a few times to return home and visit his family. On one occasion, he found Jessica practicing with his equipment. He attempted to talk her out of the life he had lived, but he only succeeded in convincing her to be a hero.

Years later, Quarrel would attempt to contact his daughter via email, but she would not respond for several years after that. By the time she responded, he was living in the [[Allendale Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly and Infirm]] in West Virginia, where he used a walker to move around. The two Taggarts had a productive conversation about their relationship, and Jessica suggested she might visit him again.

|powers =
|equipment = He seemed to use a lot of the similar bolt blasters that his daughter uses.
|observations =
|speculations = In 1973, Quarrel--or someone who looked very much like him--was involved in an effort spearheaded by [[Simon Magus]] to drive out the vengeance spirit possessing the [[Blue Knight]].<ref>{{RefComic | title={{DA1}} | issue=#3 }}</ref>
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

[[Category: Villains]]
{{stub}}

The N-Forcer

2016-11-28T04:22:53Z

TranquilityFrog: adding picture and a bit of info re: 2016 outfit (from AC 31)

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:N-ForcerFlying.jpg
|imagewidth = 300
|status = Active
|realname =
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|earliest = 1959
|origin =
|affiliation =founding member of [[Honor Guard]]
|baseops =[[Astro City]], Los Angeles at one point?
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines = ''February 8, 1995:'' '''N-Forcer Saves Senate''' 
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:2|2]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{WP}} [[WP:1/2|#1/2]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:13|13]], [[2:14|14]], [[2:16|16]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:20|20]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]], [[LH:3|3]], [[LH:4|4]] 
[[{{ACA}}]] 
{{DA1}} [[DA1:1|#1]], [[DA1:2|2]], [[DA1:4|4]] 
{{DA2}} [[DA2:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:2|#2]], [[DA3:3|3]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]] 
{{SA}} [[CS:SA 2|#2]] 
{{AC}} [[3:1|#1]], 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
The N-Forcer was one of the original members of Honor Guard, and he seems to have remained a member throughout their history, which makes him the longest active and the only original member remaining. At least as an entity, not so much an individual.

|history =
It has been 50 plus years, since the debut of the N-Forcer. While the general public does not know the identity of the person or persons inside the suit, we know that there have been at least two people that have donned the enigmatic and powerful uniform of the N-Forcer. The current individual under the armor met the [[Hummingbird I|first Hummingbird]] and we assume other original members of Honor Guard when he was around eight years old.

|powers =
His powers are based on some form of high energy production and/or containment. He can construct force-shields out of the energy, and he possesses super-strength. Beyond that, the exact nature of his powers, their attack capabilities, its affects on human life forms, the range and nature of its use, the ability to control it, its source, and almost everything related to the hows, whys and whats are still major question marks.

His suit transforms his body into something called "n-force". In this state, his "body" resembles a human form pulsating with an energy-like substance that flows over him. He does not breathe in this form.

|equipment =
[[File:N-forcer-1959.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1959]]

To date, six(?) unique uniforms have been revealed. Juxtapositions of them against each other increases the mystery of this long term enigmatic character.

His suit has undergone significant upgrades, overhauls and at least two complete redesigns. Much sleeker today, far more refined, portable and probably more durable. The first somewhat bulky contrivance(circa 1959) seems to be a vessel of sorts to either generate the N-Force energy or contain it. There is also primitive (by today's standards) miniaturization devices for duplicating certain physical body activities.

[[File:N-forcer-1970.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1970]]

The second or 1960s period costume seems to project the most human like features and the structure of the facial coverings seems to be a bit of a throwback to an earlier technology.

[[File:N-forcer-1972.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1972]]

Over the years, with redesigns and upgrades, most of the clumsiness of the first suit have been reduced or completely eliminated. For example, the Mechanical hands, assumed to have been manipulated using finger harnesses, are now completely gone. But the sense of the suit being used to contain or control the energy remains.

[[File:N-forcer-1982.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1982]]

The differences upgrading the suit from version three to four and to the present version were minor. The fourth version of the armor seemed to feature more armor to it. While with the current suit the thigh bands were removed and the upper chest structure is now sculpted more closer to the "body". This suit is also very compact, with two leg pieces, two arm gauntlets, a chest covering, a modesty belt (of sorts), and a helmet.

[[File:N-forcer-2004.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 2004]]

N-forcer's most recent outfit appears to consist primarily of a flexible, metallic outfit with a series of designs that allow energy to vent.

[[File:N-forcer-2016.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 2016]]

|observations =
He clearly has significant scientific knowledge. Not only did he provide insight into a microspore buildup in the special storage "Closet" used by the [[Samaritan]], he was also shown manipulating technological sensors so as to disrupt a warp-gate in the {{BEAUTIE}}.

The N-Forcer acts as the corporate symbol for Nicholls-Royce Electronics, a position he has retained through their transformation into [[N.R.-Gistics Inc]]. Just as Nicholls-Royce Electronics' insignia could be seen on the original suit, N.R.G.'s insignia is located on the present-day N-Forcer's armored suit, near the upper left chest area. When N.R. Gistics main headquarters moved to Los Angeles by the early 1970s, The N-Forcer likewise started spending more time in Los Angeles as well.

|speculations =
Although probably human, there are additional possibilities.

Based on his first somewhat clumsy contrivance circa 1959, his suit seems to be a containment device for the energy, with some limited miniaturization devices for duplicating certain physical actions. It also not too hard to image the human like face as being a holographic type technology.

His middle period costume seems to project the most human like structure, as the later facial coverings seems to be a bit of a throwback to an early technology. If other speculation about a lab-accident applies, then maybe the condition got better for awhile in the 60s-70s, but now with age, the problem has degenerated.

Even after ten years, this Herocopia entry still remains more questions than revelations, more speculations that facts, and not much substance beyond a publication list of his appearances. With so little to go on except a handful of images, it is hard to define N-Forcer, except in purely speculative forms. Part of the charm and fun of a very colorful and intriguing character.

Series creator Kurt Busiek has hinted that there is a storyline in the works about an expose on the N-Forcer program, which could lead to many of these questions being answered in the near future...

|timelines =

|footnotes =
}}

{{editMark
|notes = This page is screaming for an update. High priority!
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: N-Forcer}}

[[Category: Heroes]][[Category: Non-Astro City Based Heroes]]

File:N-forcer-2016.jpg

2016-11-28T04:20:06Z

TranquilityFrog:

The N-Forcer

2016-11-27T20:00:52Z

TranquilityFrog: adding a set of images showing N-Forcer's suits throughout the years

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:N-ForcerFlying.jpg
|imagewidth = 300
|status = Active
|realname =
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|earliest = 1959
|origin =
|affiliation =founding member of [[Honor Guard]]
|baseops =[[Astro City]], Los Angeles at one point?
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines = ''February 8, 1995:'' '''N-Forcer Saves Senate''' 
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:2|2]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{WP}} [[WP:1/2|#1/2]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:13|13]], [[2:14|14]], [[2:16|16]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:20|20]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]], [[LH:3|3]], [[LH:4|4]] 
[[{{ACA}}]] 
{{DA1}} [[DA1:1|#1]], [[DA1:2|2]], [[DA1:4|4]] 
{{DA2}} [[DA2:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:2|#2]], [[DA3:3|3]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]] 
{{SA}} [[CS:SA 2|#2]] 
{{AC}} [[3:1|#1]], 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
The N-Forcer was one of the original members of Honor Guard, and he seems to have remained a member throughout their history, which makes him the longest active and the only original member remaining. At least as an entity, not so much an individual.

|history =
It has been 50 plus years, since the debut of the N-Forcer. While the general public does not know the identity of the person or persons inside the suit, we know that there have been at least two people that have donned the enigmatic and powerful uniform of the N-Forcer. The current individual under the armor met the [[Hummingbird I|first Hummingbird]] and we assume other original members of Honor Guard when he was around eight years old.

|powers =
His powers are based on some form of high energy production and/or containment. He can construct force-shields out of the energy, and he possesses super-strength. Beyond that, the exact nature of his powers, their attack capabilities, its affects on human life forms, the range and nature of its use, the ability to control it, its source, and almost everything related to the hows, whys and whats are still major question marks.

His suit transforms his body into something called "n-force". In this state, his "body" resembles a human form pulsating with an energy-like substance that flows over him. He does not breathe in this form.

|equipment =
[[File:N-forcer-1959.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1959]]

To date, six(?) unique uniforms have been revealed. Juxtapositions of them against each other increases the mystery of this long term enigmatic character.

His suit has undergone significant upgrades, overhauls and at least two complete redesigns. Much sleeker today, far more refined, portable and probably more durable. The first somewhat bulky contrivance(circa 1959) seems to be a vessel of sorts to either generate the N-Force energy or contain it. There is also primitive (by today's standards) miniaturization devices for duplicating certain physical body activities.

[[File:N-forcer-1970.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1970]]

The second or 1960s period costume seems to project the most human like features and the structure of the facial coverings seems to be a bit of a throwback to an earlier technology.

[[File:N-forcer-1972.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1972]]

Over the years, with redesigns and upgrades, most of the clumsiness of the first suit have been reduced or completely eliminated. For example, the Mechanical hands, assumed to have been manipulated using finger harnesses, are now completely gone. But the sense of the suit being used to contain or control the energy remains.

[[File:N-forcer-1982.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 1982]]

The differences upgrading the suit from version three to four and to the present version were minor. The fourth version of the armor seemed to feature more armor to it. While with the current suit the thigh bands were removed and the upper chest structure is now sculpted more closer to the "body". This suit is also very compact, with two leg pieces, two arm gauntlets, a chest covering, a modesty belt (of sorts), and a helmet.

[[File:N-forcer-2004.jpg|200px|thumb|left|N-Forcer circa 2004]]

|observations =
He clearly has significant scientific knowledge. Not only did he provide insight into a microspore buildup in the special storage "Closet" used by the [[Samaritan]], he was also shown manipulating technological sensors so as to disrupt a warp-gate in the {{BEAUTIE}}.

The N-Forcer acts as the corporate symbol for Nicholls-Royce Electronics, a position he has retained through their transformation into [[N.R.-Gistics Inc]]. Just as Nicholls-Royce Electronics' insignia could be seen on the original suit, N.R.G.'s insignia is located on the present-day N-Forcer's armored suit, near the upper left chest area. When N.R. Gistics main headquarters moved to Los Angeles by the early 1970s, The N-Forcer likewise started spending more time in Los Angeles as well.

|speculations =
Although probably human, there are additional possibilities.

Based on his first somewhat clumsy contrivance circa 1959, his suit seems to be a containment device for the energy, with some limited miniaturization devices for duplicating certain physical actions. It also not too hard to image the human like face as being a holographic type technology.

His middle period costume seems to project the most human like structure, as the later facial coverings seems to be a bit of a throwback to an early technology. If other speculation about a lab-accident applies, then maybe the condition got better for awhile in the 60s-70s, but now with age, the problem has degenerated.

Even after ten years, this Herocopia entry still remains more questions than revelations, more speculations that facts, and not much substance beyond a publication list of his appearances. With so little to go on except a handful of images, it is hard to define N-Forcer, except in purely speculative forms. Part of the charm and fun of a very colorful and intriguing character.

Series creator Kurt Busiek has hinted that there is a storyline in the works about an expose on the N-Forcer program, which could lead to many of these questions being answered in the near future...

|timelines =

|footnotes =
}}

{{editMark
|notes = This page is screaming for an update. High priority!
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: N-Forcer}}

[[Category: Heroes]][[Category: Non-Astro City Based Heroes]]

File:N-forcer-2004.jpg

2016-11-27T19:55:52Z

TranquilityFrog:

File:N-forcer-1982.jpg

2016-11-27T19:55:26Z

TranquilityFrog:

File:N-forcer-1972.jpg

2016-11-27T19:55:03Z

TranquilityFrog:

File:N-forcer-1970.jpg

2016-11-27T19:54:11Z

TranquilityFrog:

File:N-forcer-1959.jpg

2016-11-27T19:53:52Z

TranquilityFrog:

The Black Rapier

2016-11-27T18:52:05Z

TranquilityFrog: adding relevant details from AC 18-21

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Black_Rapier.jpg
|imagewidth = 206
|status = Retired
|realname =
|earliest = 1970
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|origin =
|affiliation = [[Honor Guard]]
|baseops = New Orleans
|rangeops = New Orleans, global with Honor Guard

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:6|#6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:10|10]], [[2:16|16]], [[2:19|19]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{DA1}} [[DA1:3|#3]], [[DA1:4|4]] 
{{DA2}} [[DA2:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:2|#2]], [[DA3:3|3]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]], [[DA4:4|4]] 
{{AC}} #2, 3, 18 

}}

{{character page
|intro = A swordsman hero and a member of the Honor Guard from 1970 until his retirement in 2014. He served a lengthy tenure as the team's chairman. In addition to his skill with a blade, he is a consummate detective and a brilliant engineer.
|history =
At some point when the Black Rapier was young, he ingested a "vitali-serum" that dramatically altered his physiology.

Alongside the rest of Honor Guard, he laid siege to the [[Skullcrushers]]' secret base in Ecuador. He coordinated between the team and the E.A.G.L.E. troops who were also on the scene. ("[[Mistakes]]")

His engineering skills were put to use when he rebuilt [[Beautie]] after she was shattered by the [[Silver Brain]]'s [[Sledgehamsters]] at some point.

In 2015, after the Rapier retired from activity, [[Crackerjack]] stole the Rapier's remaining serum vials. Crackerjack did so as part of an effort to improve his own abilities, despite everyone he had talked to agreeing that such a feat would be impossible--the consensus being that it was a miracle the serum had worked for the Rapier, and it had only done so in part because of his youth at the time.
|powers =
It is implied that the Rapier's serum provided him with enhanced physical abilities, including increased reflexes and endurance, if not also slowed aging (at his retirement party, the Rapier states that he'd been active for 45 years).

|equipment =
* He carries an épée, capable of generating an electric current.
* His costume is a modified fencing outfit, made of something more that just Kevlar.
* The Black Raiper's outfit has an additional mystery. Either his costume can be pressurized, or he also has a additional(but near parallel in appearance) suit designed for extreme conditions. He does require a sealed helmet over his fencing mask to operate in places like outer space.

[[image:rapierSpaceHelmet.jpg|150px|center]]

|observations = He had a romantic relationship of some sort with the crime lord [[Bamboo]] during the 1970s.

The position of Honor Guard leader was apparently held by the Black Rapier for many years, only recently transferring to Samaritan.

|speculations =
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Black Rapier}}
[[Category: Heroes]][[Category: Non-Astro City Based Heroes]]

M.P.H.

2016-11-27T18:31:13Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{Character infobox2
|image = Image:mph.jpg
|imagewidth = 250
|status = Active
|realname = Michael Hendrie
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|origin = not told (yet)
|affiliation = [[Honor Guard]]
|baseops = Detroit, Michigan
|rangeops = (Solo) Detroit and Astro City
 (With Honor Guard) Global
|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation = Auto Mechanic
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus = single
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =
|appearances =
{{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{WP}} [[WP:1/2|#1/2]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:6|#6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:10|10]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{AC}} #2, 3, 17, 19, 27 

}}

{{Character page
|intro =
'''"Yeah, yeah, big deal! Like we don't already know you're fast..."'''
''''' -- Quarrel '''''

The "Acceleration Ace of the Motor City", super speed is Michael Hendrie's forte. In his guise as M.P.H, he has developed an impressive reputation which earned him full membership in the prestigious Honor Guard. His genetic makeup might be a clue to the source of his abilities, since his nervous system has been 15% over-layed with alien D.N.A.

|history =
M.P.H. has been a member of Honor Guard since 1991 taking part in many of their activities over the past twenty years. One of the earliest battles he took part in with the group was facing the recently awakened [[Destructoids]] in 1991 in [[Astro City]].

Along with the group he helped investigate the initial foray of the [[Enelsians]] invading force and later helped to defend Astro City during the full-scale [[Enelsian Invasion]] in August of 1997.

A few weeks after that M.P.H. was alerted by a silent alarm to the [[Junkman]]'s attempted robbery of a bank in Detroit. This is one of the few times where the super-sppeedster has been taken. The elderly Junkman used clever gadgets combined with science, like static adhesion marbles that multiplied to incapacitate M.P.H.

In the Summer of 2000, along with Honor Guard, he helped to rescue actor Mitch Goodman, who became a national celebrity after some minor exploits in the guise of the [[Crimson Cougar]]. The [[Unholy Alliance]], representing interests who don't want to see more people taking up being costumed heroes, tried harming Goodman to send a message, but were ultimately thwarted by M.P.H. and Honor Guard.

One of his key relationships on Honor Guard is his friendship with [[Beautie]]. In 2008 Beatuie's programming was overriding itself constantly in an effort to find "her parents." M.P.H. took a personal interest in Beautie's struggle to figure out who she is and where she came from. He took to following Beautie in his spare time and giving her information on where to find where she came from. He eventually witnessed Beautie being rejected by her "mother" [[Elaine Girbachs]], which had happened multiple times. M.P.H. told Girbachs that her "daughter" needed her and left with the hope that the next time maybe Beautie visits, Girbach's will take Beautie's feelings into consideration.

At some point during the late 1990s or 2000s, M.P.H. had a short-lived relationship with [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]]. While they enjoyed each other's company, Quarrel broke things off when she realized she had neither the time nor energy to reciprocate M.P.H.'s commitment to the relationship.

|powers=
He has super speed, reflexes and possible senses.

|equipment =
Chest Harness- MPH's bulletproof, speedometer-styled chest harness has certain technological capabilities of unknown nature. Presumably it is a powerful resource, as the [[Junkman]] considered it important to disable the harness during a clash with MPH.

|speculations =
His middle initial may be "P."

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

[[Category:Heroes]] [[Category:Non-Astro City Based Heroes]]

{{stub}}

The Conquistador

2016-11-27T18:26:21Z

TranquilityFrog: fixing a typo

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Sample320.gif
|status = Inactive, apprehended in an asylum somewhere
|realname = Esteban Rodrigo Suarez Hidalgo
|debut = {{KBAC2}} [[2:18|#18]]
|earliest = November 1998
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = Astro City
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC2}} [[2:18|#18]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:20|20]]
}}
{{character page
|intro = Villainous identity briefly used by [[El Hombre]] in the late 1990's.
|history = As the Conquistador, Hidalgo hired many low-level villains (black masks), intending to use them to pull crimes at various pre-determined locations and plunge Astro City into chaos. Steeljack, who had been hired by the Conquistador, found out that he planned to kill all the black masks, triumphing in the public eye as El Guerrero. Unlike the other black masks who had discovered the Conquistador's plot, Steeljack was able to survive the Conquistador's attempts to kill him. Unable to secure any allies, Steeljack eventually confronted Conquistador on his own and just barely managed to defeat him. See [[Conquistador's Plot]].
==El Guerrero==
El Guerrero was the intended pseudonym, Hidalgo intended to return to the spotlight with after the events of the Conquistador's Plot played out and he came out a hero.

|powers =
|equipment = The Conquistador armor is super-strong, quite durable, and has a built-in oxygen supply. Both gauntlets possess an energy blast. The armor can distort its wearer's voice beyond recognizability, even altering it to precisely mimic the voices of others. Furthermore, it can project a hologram to disguise the wearer's face as another person's.
|observations =
|speculations =
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Conquistador}}

[[Category: Villains]]

Stockton and Moreton

2016-11-27T17:48:55Z

TranquilityFrog: content had been repeated twice, so I've removed the repeated sections

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:StocktonMorton.jpg
|imagewidth = 300
|status = Active
|realname = Moreton and Stockton
|debut = {{AC}} #11
|earliest = Spring 2014
|origin = not revealed
|affiliation = pets(?) of the Silver Adept
|baseops = A Victorian Brownstone, south of Government Hill
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases = (enchanted view) Spitting image of Pembroke Welsh Corgis
|occupation = domestic guardians
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height = 25 - 30 cm (at shoulders) But they have very long necks
|weight = 12 kg
|eyes =
|hair = fluffy but non-hypoallergenic(assumed)

|headlines =
|appearances = {{AC}} 11
}}

{{character page
|intro =
They're not cats (that's for sure) and they're not exactly dogs. But they are something cute, sensitive, friendly and while not demonstrated yet, no doubt very protective. Not sure which is Stockton and which is Moreton. Except for color and perhaps gender, they are two of the same species. While their position in Silver Adept's entourage seems to be that of pets, with mystics, you can never be sure, and you should never assume...

|history =

|powers =

|equipment =

|observations =
[[image:corgiIllusion2.jpg|150px|left]]
As mentioned in their personal data section, they have a domestic appearance as pembroke welsh corgis. This is assumed to be an illusion to hide their real mystical form. But what creates the visual deception? Is it done directly by Stockton and Moreton as perhaps a natural defense? Or is it part of an overall spell cast by the Silver Adept to conceal all things of a enchanted nature that dwell within her Victorian home? Perhaps the best clue favoring the later argument is a single line of dialog provided by the Silver Adept's executive assistant, [[Raitha McCann]]; ''"I work here, the house doesn't hide from me."'' This alludes perhaps to some kind of spell, hiding all the mystic aspects in and around the area from mundane onlookers.

|speculations =

|timelines =

|footnotes =
Quoting creator '''Kurt Busiek''', ''"I think we called them "llama-corgis" in the script..."''
}}

[[Category: Mystics]][[Category: Pets]]

Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)

2016-11-27T06:01:20Z

TranquilityFrog: adding ref to Quarrel being Busiek's favorite character

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Quarrel3.jpg
|status = Active
|realname = Jessica Darlene Taggart
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|earliest = 1982
|origin =
|affiliation =[[Honor Guard]] (1987 - 2015) 
[[Omega Rangers]] (1982 - and only a few weeks at that)
|baseops =[[Astro City]]
|rangeops =

|relatives = (father) Mack Taggart - The original [[Quarrel I|Quarrel]] 
(mother) <name not revealed> 
(brother) Toby (Little Brisket) 
(brother) (Little Mack) 
(brother) Richard (Dickie)(Squirrel-Tail)
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate = 1967
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = short black

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:3|3]], [[1:5|5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:15|15]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:1|#1]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]], [[DA4:4|4]] 
{{AC}} #2, 3, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25 

}}
{{character page
|intro =
A career that spans approximately three decades, most of it spent with Honor Guard, Jessica Darlene Taggart is the second person to wear the now iconic costume of Quarrel. Her fighting style is finely honed, athletic, and firmly disciplined. In her early years, she was spunky, determined and reliable. Now, seasoned and refined, she seems more reflective, perhaps a bit guarded. But she is well respected among her peers, her enemies, and most especially her friends.

|history =
===Youthful Origins===
If there is a theme to apply to the young Jessica, it would be of a proud woman who matured early, inheriting a weak image and changing it into something stronger, composed of more distinguished qualities, like fortitude, a positive morality, and a higher sense of duty to humanity.

Jessica Darlene Taggart was the daughter of the first Quarrel, [[Quarrel (Mack Taggart)|Mack Taggart]]. She grew up in poverty in eastern Kentucky, living in a run-down house with her parents and several siblings (Mack, Toby, and Dickie). Often, the family's meals consisted of whatever the children were able to hunt or catch that day.

For a long time, Jessica believed her father was a mailman who spent a lot of time gone for work. He taught them to fight, to move acrobatically, and to shoot. It came as an incredible shock, then, when Jessica and her family discovered that Mack was a super-villain--a revelation that emerged when he was arrested alongside [[Cutlass]] and [[Steeljack]] when they attempted to rob the riverboat Princess after making away with two million dollars the month before.

In shock, Jessica hitchhiked to the prison where her father was held, but their conversation consisted mainly of excuses Mack made about what he had planned to do with the money on the family's behalf. Jessica returned home angry at her father, knowing he was never going to improve their situation--if anything were ever to change, it would have to be her doing it.

By the time Mack returned home from prison, Jessica had taken charge of the house and spent her time studying and training, eventually locating her father's equipment while he was in town. She tested it out, finding it easy to work with--but her father advised her against it, warning her that she would not want to be like him.

===Early Years: Gaining Rep===

Mack left home again, returning to his life of crime (and getting caught by [[Hummingbird]]), but Jessica found a backup set of the Quarrel equipment and learned how to modify it and employ it for new purposes. One evening, listening to the radio, Jessica heard about a standoff at the [[Martin County]] regional school spring dance, and she took off on her friend [[Mike Trapper]]'s motorcycle to take down the armed robbers there.

Quarrel arrived in Astro City in 1984 at age 17, determining to make a name and life for herself despite having no money, no job, and no clue how to get either. She was surprised to discover that the city's residents already recognized her (some saying, "Quarrel's back!") but not treating her like the criminal her father was. (Quarrel would later find out this was a result of her later adventures time-traveling.)

===An Angel of the Streets===

Quarrel's first fight proper in the city was against the [[Steel Devil]], taking them out and finding herself meeting the [[Street Angel]], who expected her arrival--another result of her time-travel exploits. He was her mentor during those early years, helping her develop her skills and giving her a different direction to forge her identity. Their encounter with [[The Pale Horseman]] at the climax of the [[Dark Age]] story arc, resulted in the death of Street Angel, which left Jessica alone once more.

During this time, Quarrel formally registered as a bounty hunter so that she could make some money--for herself and for her family back home--while keeping her identity protected from the public, thanks to the [[1963 Private Identities Act]].

===Earning Honor===

In 1987, Quarrel managed to spy a set of robots belonging to the [[Ion Empire]] capture [[Samaritan]] and take him to one of their ships, where they had already imprisoned the other members of [[Honor Guard]] as part of a plot to transform humanity into machinic creatures. Quarrel overheard discussion of a "stasis lens" they were using, and she blew up the power supply for it, freeing Honor Guard.

After the fight was over, they thanked her for her assistance and invited her to join the team. At first, she refused out of monetary necessity, but the [[N-Forcer]] explained how [[N.R.-Gistics Inc]]. provided grants to those in need--so she accepted, and has remained a member since.

===Her Time With The Omega Rangers===

[[image:QuarrelHeadShotA.jpg|100px|left]]

In 1988, while fighting [[Chronarch]], Quarrel found herself traveling through time to 1982, where she was involved in the founding of the [[Omega Rangers]] during a short, several-week period. While Quarrel was in 1982, she was a member of the team when [[Cleopatra (Modern)|Cleopatra]]'s powers were bestowed to a new human vessel,<ref name="B:4">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#1}}</ref> and again when the Omega Rangers joined forces with Honor Guard and the [[First Family]] to deal with a major event known as the Reality Rift. <ref name="B:3">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#4}}</ref>

===True Love===

In 1994, Quarrel met [[Crackerjack]] for the first time, when he interrupted her tracking of the [[Techsperts]]. Together, they took out their foes and found themselves intensely attracted to one another. Soon, they started training, working, and sleeping together--although their personalities were both strong enough to clash regularly, too. However, they stayed together because they both shared the drive to push themselves (and one another) to their limits. Their relationship is long, complicated, and not what it would appear to be on the surface.

At one point, Quarrel thought she won $26 million in the Astro Cash lottery, although this turned out to be a scam perpetuated by [[Praetor]] as part of an effort to attack Honor Guard via members' secret identities. In the end, at least, she was able to keep the money.

Roughly a week after this scam, during a fight against the [[Unholy Alliance]], Quarrel was distracted by thoughts of how she would use her newfound windfall. She mis-timed an attack against [[Glowworm]], and [[Slamburger]] smacked her into the island component of an aircraft carrier, where she promptly sustained significant injuries to her hip and ankle.

While Honor Guard and their medical team advised Quarrel to rest and recuperate slowly, Crackerjack snuck into the team's headquarters to advise her that bedrest would cost her too much of her ability to ever fully recover from. Instead, he suggested she keep up her training and accelerate her healing through activity. The pair promptly began Quarrel's rehabilitation, where Crackerjack pushed her incessantly and relentlessly, until she snapped and ran out on him, telling him to "Go deliver some damn mail!" as she left--an outcry clearly reflective of her troubled relationship with her father rather than with her partner.

===Need for Speed===

At one point, Quarrel had broken up with Crackerjack and began dating fellow Honor Guard member [[MPH]] for some time, enjoying a radically different relationship than her usual fare. However, she soon discovered that her lifestyle and MPH's were incompatible; his superhuman speed allowed him to rest and relax, leaning on his abilities, while she had to continually train and keep herself at peak performance. Further, he offered advice on Quarrel's personal life, suggesting she reply to a two-year-old email her father had sent her. As a result, while MPH could plan for dates or make breakfast in bed or remember certain holidays (like birthdays) or invest time into their relationship, Quarrel simply could not allow herself the downtime. The two had a brief conversation, later (after defeating the [[Dark Savior]]), where Quarrel angrily explained her lack of energy for anything more than her career as a hero.

===Growing Older===

More recently, Quarrel and Crackerjack continued their superheroic activities despite their both likely closing in on fifty years of age. Over time, Quarrel's body mass and costume adjusted a bit to accommodate her changed body frame, and she found herself increasingly interested in improving her suit to compensate for her age and slowing performance.

After the retirement party for the [[Black Rapier]] at [[Butler's]], Quarrel and Crackerjack fought the [[Chessmen]] and found their efforts a bit wanting--Crackerjack took a shot to the back, and Quarrel's extra armor on a new version of her suit kept her from being able to respond quickly enough to prevent the attack. While the pair were able to overcome their foes, they nonetheless were exhausted and injured from the exertion.

Quarrel and Crackerjack visited the main branch of N.R.-Gistics to see about improvements to her outfit (and potentially to develop something for Crackerjack, although he was far more interested in the Black Rapier's serum and its ability-enhancing secrets than anything technological).

Not long after this visit, Honor Guard fought and defeated [[Imperion]] and his [[Khyborg]] army, and Quarrel found herself further questioning her abilities--needing MPH's assistance to avoid serious injury. When she returned home afte rthe fight, she considered contacting her father, whose old email she had never replied to ... but never deleted, either.

While Quarrel pondered retiring, given her growing doubt about remaining in top shape, Crackerjack returned home injured from a fight with [[Demonhead]]. The two discussed their options, although Crackerjack refused to "quit" or limit himself to teaching or consultation work; while Quarrel considered high-tech solutions to compensate for her age, Crackerjack remained focused on the Black Rapier's serum.

That night, Crackerjack hacked Quarrel's laptop, snuck into the Black Rapier's home, and stole his remaining serum. He then made a deal with, and was betrayed by, [[Gormenghast]], and Honor Guard managed to rescue him from the [[Black Lab]] where he had been left to die in a garbage dump.

While her partner healed, Quarrel tested out a new suit of armor developed by N.R.-Gistics--complete with dual launcher, gyroscopic compensators, muscle amplifiers, and email access--finding it wanting in many ways as it felt more like a device she was ''driving'' rather than a suit she was ''wearing''.

She also finally decided to visit her father, who was living in the [[Allendale Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly and Infirm]] in West Virginia. The two had a productive conversation, beginning to heal at least some of the wounds that Jessica had carried for so long.

Recognizing the long road ahead of Crackerjack, Quarrel decided to focus all of her efforts on helping her partner rehabilitate, demanding from Crackerjack the same relentless training and therapy that he'd expected from her years before.

The new suit of enhanced armor developed for her would be stored at N.R.-Gistics, just in case she ever decided to return to action.

|powers =

|equipment =
She wears a costume similar in design and uses much of the same weaponry as her villainous father, the original Quarrel.

There is a '''Bolt-Blaster''' on her right wrist for firing projectiles. Two indentations on top for holding quarrels to fire, or as balance points for firing a single, larger projectile from the center of the apparatus.

She wears a suit of chain mail with a heavy chest-overlay.

Stirrup on her boots, the purpose might be decoration or something more?

A grappling device for aerial movement is attached to the right hip of her costume. It can also be fired from a projectile launcher for longer distances.<ref name="B:1">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#3 | link= | page=23 | panel=2}}</ref>

Standard sized quarrels are stored in a compact case on her left hip. She also has a backpack used for larger and/or special mechanisms. The backpack holds a parachute.

Her basic set of quarrels and grappling devices were probably the extend of her father's original arsenal. Her association with the technical members of Honor Guard, especially N-Forcer, have no doubt resulted in a wider, more versatile and far more advanced set of projectile weapons and tools.

===Projectile List===

{{editMark
|notes =
Let's lay this out similar to Jack-in-Box's Weapons list
}}

*Acid quarrels
*Anesthetic injection/knockout quarrels
*Blunt tipped quarrels for attacks. It is similar to rubber bullet with the intent to incapacitate or damage targets on impact.
*Net quarrel
*Rocket propelled explosive quarrels

===Upgrades===
<table width=600>
<tr>
<td>
[[image:quarrelUpgrades.jpg|200px]]
</td>
<td>
[[Image:NIA3.gif|5px]]
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top;">
'''[[N.R.Gistics, Inc.]]''' upgraded Quarrel's uniform with new age armor protection. Complete with a bio-interactive sensory-web to magnify and enhance her speed, strength and provide precision movement skills. It doesn't try to anticipate her movements, or improve her reaction time. Her own reflexes, slowed with age still are in complete control. Crackerjack calls it a "dressed up, tailored tank."
</td>
</tr>
</table>

|observations =
* Casual peer commentary suggests that she is from a small town, somewhere in Kentucky.
* A conundrum of sorts surrounds her brief time travel back to 1982. The citizens of Astro City, and perhaps the world are fully aware of her exploits with the Omega Rangers. But the younger and not yet time-traveling Jessica Taggart of 1984, who should also have known about it, is totally in the dark. A mystery to be solved in a later story perhaps.
* According to Kurt Busiek, Quarrel is his favorite ''Astro City'' character.<ref>http://busiek.com/site/2015/04/07/astro-city-mail-march-2015/</ref>

|speculations =
* The costumed hero, [[Nightingale]], refers to a romantic relationship involving Quarrel and [[Crackerjack]].<ref name="B:2">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#5}}</ref>

* Hints dropped many years ago in '''Local Heroes'''' letters pages by creator Kurt Busiek, indicate that there might be more to consider in their relationship than what the obvious surface aspects suggest. The four issue Quarrel-Crackerjack story arc published in 2015, expanded on that comment, revealing a very complex, passionate, sexual, highly emotional, almost toxic at times interplay between the two.

* Quarrel's past reflects an attraction to male relationships that will disappoint at best, but mostly hurt.

|timelines =

|footnotes =
<references/>

}}

[[Category:Heroes]]

The Nearness of You

2016-11-27T05:47:41Z

TranquilityFrog:

"The Nearness of You" was originally published in {{WP}} [[WP:1/2|#1/2]].

==Synopses==

[[Michael Tenicek]] has a problem that's ruining his life: he keeps dreaming of a woman named [[Miranda]], who seems so familiar and so close to him that he can clearly identify specific details about her life--but he can't remember ever meeting her, and no one he asks seems to know anything about her.

While Michael questions his sanity one evening, having turned to medication to try and dull his anxiety, he is visited by the [[Hanged Man]]. The Hanged Man tells Michael that his dreams are compromising reality, and Michael is given access to information about a reality-threatening crisis: upset at his continued defeat at the hands of various superheroes, the [[Time-Keeper]] challenged [[Eterneon]] for control over time itself.

The resulting conflict sent ripples of chaos through time. Heroes like the [[Silver Agent]] found himself fighting a tyrannosaurus rex, while [[M.P.H.]] squared off against a viking; [[Samaritan]] disappeared from existence, much to the dismay of [[Winged Victory]]. Even Astro City itself seemed to flicker from reality. The heroes fought one final battle to try and overcome the combatants and then undo the damage caused by the Time-Keeper's efforts.

Unfortunately, the Hanged Man notes, the reconstruction of existence was not perfect. One pertinent example was that [[Air Ace]] fought the [[Barnstormer Gang]] on a Sunday rather than a Monday, and thus Miranda's grandparents never met, and she was never born.

The Hanged Man tells Michael that, while he cannot return Miranda to him, he can give Michael a choice: to forget about Miranda completely, or to have a sense of understanding about his relationship to the woman.

Michael notes that he does not want to forget--and before the Hanged Man leaves, Michael asks what most people choose in his situation. The Hanged Man replies that no one ever chooses to forget.

That evening, Michael sleeps peacefully, dreaming of Miranda, a woman that he can rest easy knowing that, in another life, he loved her.

==Notes==
*[[The Gentleman]] and the [[Confessor]] both make their first appearances on the cover of the Wizard version, while not appearing in the story itself. Depending on when the issue arrived to people who ordered it, The Gentleman most likely had appeared already in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 No.1]].

[[Category: Story Synopses|Nearness of You]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199606]]

Dinner At Eight

2016-11-27T05:28:16Z

TranquilityFrog: punctuating M.P.H. consistently w/ recent edit

"Dinner at Eight" was first published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.6]]

==Synopsis==

[[Samaritan]] lands on a rooftop with a bouquet of flowers and makes his way to an apartment where [[Winged Victory]], in her civilian identity, answers the door. Noting that she was unsure in what guise Samaritan would arrive, she changes into her superhero persona and they head to dinner on a date together.

Samaritan muses on the "conspiracy" of his colleagues, nearly all of whom seem to have collaborated in order to provide Samaritan and Winged Victory with a night off--[[M.P.H.]] in particular having noted how overworked Samaritan has been recently.

The pair head to upscale restaurant [[Goscinny's]], where they are promptly seated and manage to get drinks while nearly every other patron present (including the mayor, [[Judge Marston]], and [[Senator Haney]]) request autographs. Seeking a bit more intimacy, the pair leave--and eventually head, in disguise, to a [[Beefy Bob's]] fast food restaurant on [[Stallman Street]].

Despite the crowded and noisy setting, Samaritan and Winged Victory are not hounded by their fellow restaurant-goers and are thus able to hold a conversation. Samaritan recounts his origin--a last-ditch attempt to prevent a dystopian future, involving him being sent back to prevent the 1986 Challenger shuttle explosion. Samaritan notes that, while he's been able to return to his original time since, the future has been altered radically to the point that the location where his home was is now (or will be) a taco stand, and he is unsure how he has managed to continue existing even though the rest of his family no longer exists in the future.

While the couple are on their date, Astro City's other heroes engage in vigilant protection of the planet; notably, [[Beautie]] takes out [[Goldenboy]], much to Winged Victory's delight. Both Winged Victory and Samaritan reveal to the other that they're each keeping tabs on the evening's events, unable to give up ''entirely'' their dedication to their work, even for an evening.

The discussion turns to Winged Victory's decision to, all other things being equal, champion and protect women over men. At the same time, [[Cleopatra]] saves individuals from collapsed buildings while M.P.H. blocks a would-be murder and the [[First Family]] fight more super-powered threats.

Winged Victory discusses her women's shelters and self-defense classes, rejecting Samaritan's suggestion that she is as cut off from normal life as he is. She counters that he has a secret identity that, despite his innate abilities, he ''chooses'' not to spend any time cultivating; in contrast, she has been ''unable'' to take any time off from her work as Winged Victory to even visit her family.

Samaritan pushes back a bit against this claim, noting that "there's always hope" and asking whether the Winged Victory identity is itself a kind of shelter in which to hide. In response, Winged Victory transforms angrily into her superhero persona in the middle of Beefy Bob's, shouting that she refuses to be the "broken, pathetic, scared little thing" she used to be, before she flies off from the restaurant.

Samaritan quickly changes his appearance from civilian to superhero and follows his date, catching up with her at the [[AstroBank Tower]] rocket beacon. He attempts to apologize, but Winged Victory stops him, explaining that she sees herself as needing to try and act like the "god" that he naturally ''is''.

At that moment, they both realize that the evening has finally provided them with a moment of peace and quiet. They share a kiss before heading their separate ways--Samaritan toward Palo Alto and Winged Victory toward [[Sekowsky Street]]. As they gain distance, Samaritan is able to hear Winged Victory quietly say to herself, "There's always hope."

==Notes==

{{stub}}
[[Category: Story Synopses]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199601]]

User:TranquilityFrog

2016-11-27T04:40:57Z

TranquilityFrog: fixing a link to a category rather than being a member thereof

'''GOMPP'''

I'm slowly trying to work my way through the [[:Category:Story Synopses|story synopses]] and assorted histories of characters that I find especially interesting. Please forgive any screw-ups!

User:TranquilityFrog

2016-11-27T04:38:21Z

TranquilityFrog: Created page with "'''GOMPP''' I'm slowly trying to work my way through the story synopses and assorted histories of characters that I find especially interesting. P..."

'''GOMPP'''

I'm slowly trying to work my way through the [[Category:Story Synopses|story synopses]] and assorted histories of characters that I find especially interesting. Please forgive any screw-ups!

Dinner At Eight

2016-11-27T04:36:20Z

TranquilityFrog:

"Dinner at Eight" was first published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.6]]

==Synopsis==

[[Samaritan]] lands on a rooftop with a bouquet of flowers and makes his way to an apartment where [[Winged Victory]], in her civilian identity, answers the door. Noting that she was unsure in what guise Samaritan would arrive, she changes into her superhero persona and they head to dinner on a date together.

Samaritan muses on the "conspiracy" of his colleagues, nearly all of whom seem to have collaborated in order to provide Samaritan and Winged Victory with a night off--[[MPH]] in particular having noted how overworked Samaritan has been recently.

The pair head to upscale restaurant [[Goscinny's]], where they are promptly seated and manage to get drinks while nearly every other patron present (including the mayor, [[Judge Marston]], and [[Senator Haney]]) request autographs. Seeking a bit more intimacy, the pair leave--and eventually head, in disguise, to a [[Beefy Bob's]] fast food restaurant on [[Stallman Street]].

Despite the crowded and noisy setting, Samaritan and Winged Victory are not hounded by their fellow restaurant-goers and are thus able to hold a conversation. Samaritan recounts his origin--a last-ditch attempt to prevent a dystopian future, involving him being sent back to prevent the 1986 Challenger shuttle explosion. Samaritan notes that, while he's been able to return to his original time since, the future has been altered radically to the point that the location where his home was is now (or will be) a taco stand, and he is unsure how he has managed to continue existing even though the rest of his family no longer exists in the future.

While the couple are on their date, Astro City's other heroes engage in vigilant protection of the planet; notably, [[Beautie]] takes out [[Goldenboy]], much to Winged Victory's delight. Both Winged Victory and Samaritan reveal to the other that they're each keeping tabs on the evening's events, unable to give up ''entirely'' their dedication to their work, even for an evening.

The discussion turns to Winged Victory's decision to, all other things being equal, champion and protect women over men. At the same time, [[Cleopatra]] saves individuals from collapsed buildings while MPH blocks a would-be murder and the [[First Family]] fight more super-powered threats.

Winged Victory discusses her women's shelters and self-defense classes, rejecting Samaritan's suggestion that she is as cut off from normal life as he is. She counters that he has a secret identity that, despite his innate abilities, he ''chooses'' not to spend any time cultivating; in contrast, she has been ''unable'' to take any time off from her work as Winged Victory to even visit her family.

Samaritan pushes back a bit against this claim, noting that "there's always hope" and asking whether the Winged Victory identity is itself a kind of shelter in which to hide. In response, Winged Victory transforms angrily into her superhero persona in the middle of Beefy Bob's, shouting that she refuses to be the "broken, pathetic, scared little thing" she used to be, before she flies off from the restaurant.

Samaritan quickly changes his appearance from civilian to superhero and follows his date, catching up with her at the [[AstroBank Tower]] rocket beacon. He attempts to apologize, but Winged Victory stops him, explaining that she sees herself as needing to try and act like the "god" that he naturally ''is''.

At that moment, they both realize that the evening has finally provided them with a moment of peace and quiet. They share a kiss before heading their separate ways--Samaritan toward Palo Alto and Winged Victory toward [[Sekowsky Street]]. As they gain distance, Samaritan is able to hear Winged Victory quietly say to herself, "There's always hope."

==Notes==

{{stub}}
[[Category: Story Synopses]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199601]]

Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)

2016-11-27T03:33:58Z

TranquilityFrog: updating history with details from AC 18-21

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Quarrel3.jpg
|status = Active
|realname = Jessica Darlene Taggart
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]]
|earliest = 1982
|origin =
|affiliation =[[Honor Guard]] (1987 - 2015) 
[[Omega Rangers]] (1982 - and only a few weeks at that)
|baseops =[[Astro City]]
|rangeops =

|relatives = (father) Mack Taggart - The original [[Quarrel I|Quarrel]] 
(mother) <name not revealed> 
(brother) Toby (Little Brisket) 
(brother) (Little Mack) 
(brother) Richard (Dickie)(Squirrel-Tail)
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate = 1967
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = short black

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:1|#1]], [[1:3|3]], [[1:5|5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:7|7]], [[2:9|9]], [[2:15|15]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:22|22]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{BEAUTIE}} [[CS:Beautie|#1]] 
{{DA3}} [[DA3:1|#1]], [[DA3:4|4]] 
{{DA4}} [[DA4:3|#3]], [[DA4:4|4]] 
{{AC}} #2, 3, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25 

}}
{{character page
|intro =
A career that spans approximately three decades, most of it spent with Honor Guard, Jessica Darlene Taggart is the second person to wear the now iconic costume of Quarrel. Her fighting style is finely honed, athletic, and firmly disciplined. In her early years, she was spunky, determined and reliable. Now, seasoned and refined, she seems more reflective, perhaps a bit guarded. But she is well respected among her peers, her enemies, and most especially her friends.

|history =
===Youthful Origins===
If there is a theme to apply to the young Jessica, it would be of a proud woman who matured early, inheriting a weak image and changing it into something stronger, composed of more distinguished qualities, like fortitude, a positive morality, and a higher sense of duty to humanity.

Jessica Darlene Taggart was the daughter of the first Quarrel, [[Quarrel (Mack Taggart)|Mack Taggart]]. She grew up in poverty in eastern Kentucky, living in a run-down house with her parents and several siblings (Mack, Toby, and Dickie). Often, the family's meals consisted of whatever the children were able to hunt or catch that day.

For a long time, Jessica believed her father was a mailman who spent a lot of time gone for work. He taught them to fight, to move acrobatically, and to shoot. It came as an incredible shock, then, when Jessica and her family discovered that Mack was a super-villain--a revelation that emerged when he was arrested alongside [[Cutlass]] and [[Steeljack]] when they attempted to rob the riverboat Princess after making away with two million dollars the month before.

In shock, Jessica hitchhiked to the prison where her father was held, but their conversation consisted mainly of excuses Mack made about what he had planned to do with the money on the family's behalf. Jessica returned home angry at her father, knowing he was never going to improve their situation--if anything were ever to change, it would have to be her doing it.

By the time Mack returned home from prison, Jessica had taken charge of the house and spent her time studying and training, eventually locating her father's equipment while he was in town. She tested it out, finding it easy to work with--but her father advised her against it, warning her that she would not want to be like him.

===Early Years: Gaining Rep===

Mack left home again, returning to his life of crime (and getting caught by [[Hummingbird]]), but Jessica found a backup set of the Quarrel equipment and learned how to modify it and employ it for new purposes. One evening, listening to the radio, Jessica heard about a standoff at the [[Martin County]] regional school spring dance, and she took off on her friend [[Mike Trapper]]'s motorcycle to take down the armed robbers there.

Quarrel arrived in Astro City in 1984 at age 17, determining to make a name and life for herself despite having no money, no job, and no clue how to get either. She was surprised to discover that the city's residents already recognized her (some saying, "Quarrel's back!") but not treating her like the criminal her father was. (Quarrel would later find out this was a result of her later adventures time-traveling.)

===An Angel of the Streets===

Quarrel's first fight proper in the city was against the [[Steel Devil]], taking them out and finding herself meeting the [[Street Angel]], who expected her arrival--another result of her time-travel exploits. He was her mentor during those early years, helping her develop her skills and giving her a different direction to forge her identity. Their encounter with [[The Pale Horseman]] at the climax of the [[Dark Age]] story arc, resulted in the death of Street Angel, which left Jessica alone once more.

During this time, Quarrel formally registered as a bounty hunter so that she could make some money--for herself and for her family back home--while keeping her identity protected from the public, thanks to the [[1963 Private Identities Act]].

===Earning Honor===

In 1987, Quarrel managed to spy a set of robots belonging to the [[Ion Empire]] capture [[Samaritan]] and take him to one of their ships, where they had already imprisoned the other members of [[Honor Guard]] as part of a plot to transform humanity into machinic creatures. Quarrel overheard discussion of a "stasis lens" they were using, and she blew up the power supply for it, freeing Honor Guard.

After the fight was over, they thanked her for her assistance and invited her to join the team. At first, she refused out of monetary necessity, but the [[N-Forcer]] explained how [[N.R.-Gistics Inc]]. provided grants to those in need--so she accepted, and has remained a member since.

===Her Time With The Omega Rangers===

[[image:QuarrelHeadShotA.jpg|100px|left]]

In 1988, while fighting [[Chronarch]], Quarrel found herself traveling through time to 1982, where she was involved in the founding of the [[Omega Rangers]] during a short, several-week period. While Quarrel was in 1982, she was a member of the team when [[Cleopatra (Modern)|Cleopatra]]'s powers were bestowed to a new human vessel,<ref name="B:4">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#1}}</ref> and again when the Omega Rangers joined forces with Honor Guard and the [[First Family]] to deal with a major event known as the Reality Rift. <ref name="B:3">{{RefComic | title={{DA3}} | issue=#4}}</ref>

===True Love===

In 1994, Quarrel met [[Crackerjack]] for the first time, when he interrupted her tracking of the [[Techsperts]]. Together, they took out their foes and found themselves intensely attracted to one another. Soon, they started training, working, and sleeping together--although their personalities were both strong enough to clash regularly, too. However, they stayed together because they both shared the drive to push themselves (and one another) to their limits. Their relationship is long, complicated, and not what it would appear to be on the surface.

At one point, Quarrel thought she won $26 million in the Astro Cash lottery, although this turned out to be a scam perpetuated by [[Praetor]] as part of an effort to attack Honor Guard via members' secret identities. In the end, at least, she was able to keep the money.

Roughly a week after this scam, during a fight against the [[Unholy Alliance]], Quarrel was distracted by thoughts of how she would use her newfound windfall. She mis-timed an attack against [[Glowworm]], and [[Slamburger]] smacked her into the island component of an aircraft carrier, where she promptly sustained significant injuries to her hip and ankle.

While Honor Guard and their medical team advised Quarrel to rest and recuperate slowly, Crackerjack snuck into the team's headquarters to advise her that bedrest would cost her too much of her ability to ever fully recover from. Instead, he suggested she keep up her training and accelerate her healing through activity. The pair promptly began Quarrel's rehabilitation, where Crackerjack pushed her incessantly and relentlessly, until she snapped and ran out on him, telling him to "Go deliver some damn mail!" as she left--an outcry clearly reflective of her troubled relationship with her father rather than with her partner.

===Need for Speed===

At one point, Quarrel had broken up with Crackerjack and began dating fellow Honor Guard member [[MPH]] for some time, enjoying a radically different relationship than her usual fare. However, she soon discovered that her lifestyle and MPH's were incompatible; his superhuman speed allowed him to rest and relax, leaning on his abilities, while she had to continually train and keep herself at peak performance. Further, he offered advice on Quarrel's personal life, suggesting she reply to a two-year-old email her father had sent her. As a result, while MPH could plan for dates or make breakfast in bed or remember certain holidays (like birthdays) or invest time into their relationship, Quarrel simply could not allow herself the downtime. The two had a brief conversation, later (after defeating the [[Dark Savior]]), where Quarrel angrily explained her lack of energy for anything more than her career as a hero.

===Growing Older===

More recently, Quarrel and Crackerjack continued their superheroic activities despite their both likely closing in on fifty years of age. Over time, Quarrel's body mass and costume adjusted a bit to accommodate her changed body frame, and she found herself increasingly interested in improving her suit to compensate for her age and slowing performance.

After the retirement party for the [[Black Rapier]] at [[Butler's]], Quarrel and Crackerjack fought the [[Chessmen]] and found their efforts a bit wanting--Crackerjack took a shot to the back, and Quarrel's extra armor on a new version of her suit kept her from being able to respond quickly enough to prevent the attack. While the pair were able to overcome their foes, they nonetheless were exhausted and injured from the exertion.

Quarrel and Crackerjack visited the main branch of N.R.-Gistics to see about improvements to her outfit (and potentially to develop something for Crackerjack, although he was far more interested in the Black Rapier's serum and its ability-enhancing secrets than anything technological).

Not long after this visit, Honor Guard fought and defeated [[Imperion]] and his [[Khyborg]] army, and Quarrel found herself further questioning her abilities--needing MPH's assistance to avoid serious injury. When she returned home afte rthe fight, she considered contacting her father, whose old email she had never replied to ... but never deleted, either.

While Quarrel pondered retiring, given her growing doubt about remaining in top shape, Crackerjack returned home injured from a fight with [[Demonhead]]. The two discussed their options, although Crackerjack refused to "quit" or limit himself to teaching or consultation work; while Quarrel considered high-tech solutions to compensate for her age, Crackerjack remained focused on the Black Rapier's serum.

That night, Crackerjack hacked Quarrel's laptop, snuck into the Black Rapier's home, and stole his remaining serum. He then made a deal with, and was betrayed by, [[Gormenghast]], and Honor Guard managed to rescue him from the [[Black Lab]] where he had been left to die in a garbage dump.

While her partner healed, Quarrel tested out a new suit of armor developed by N.R.-Gistics--complete with dual launcher, gyroscopic compensators, muscle amplifiers, and email access--finding it wanting in many ways as it felt more like a device she was ''driving'' rather than a suit she was ''wearing''.

She also finally decided to visit her father, who was living in the [[Allendale Assisted Living Facility for the Elderly and Infirm]] in West Virginia. The two had a productive conversation, beginning to heal at least some of the wounds that Jessica had carried for so long.

Recognizing the long road ahead of Crackerjack, Quarrel decided to focus all of her efforts on helping her partner rehabilitate, demanding from Crackerjack the same relentless training and therapy that he'd expected from her years before.

The new suit of enhanced armor developed for her would be stored at N.R.-Gistics, just in case she ever decided to return to action.

|powers =

|equipment =
She wears a costume similar in design and uses much of the same weaponry as her villainous father, the original Quarrel.

There is a '''Bolt-Blaster''' on her right wrist for firing projectiles. Two indentations on top for holding quarrels to fire, or as balance points for firing a single, larger projectile from the center of the apparatus.

She wears a suit of chain mail with a heavy chest-overlay.

Stirrup on her boots, the purpose might be decoration or something more?

A grappling device for aerial movement is attached to the right hip of her costume. It can also be fired from a projectile launcher for longer distances.<ref name="B:1">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#3 | link= | page=23 | panel=2}}</ref>

Standard sized quarrels are stored in a compact case on her left hip. She also has a backpack used for larger and/or special mechanisms. The backpack holds a parachute.

Her basic set of quarrels and grappling devices were probably the extend of her father's original arsenal. Her association with the technical members of Honor Guard, especially N-Forcer, have no doubt resulted in a wider, more versatile and far more advanced set of projectile weapons and tools.

===Projectile List===

{{editMark
|notes =
Let's lay this out similar to Jack-in-Box's Weapons list
}}

*Acid quarrels
*Anesthetic injection/knockout quarrels
*Blunt tipped quarrels for attacks. It is similar to rubber bullet with the intent to incapacitate or damage targets on impact.
*Net quarrel
*Rocket propelled explosive quarrels

===Upgrades===
<table width=600>
<tr>
<td>
[[image:quarrelUpgrades.jpg|200px]]
</td>
<td>
[[Image:NIA3.gif|5px]]
</td>
<td style="vertical-align:top;">
'''[[N.R.Gistics, Inc.]]''' upgraded Quarrel's uniform with new age armor protection. Complete with a bio-interactive sensory-web to magnify and enhance her speed, strength and provide precision movement skills. It doesn't try to anticipate her movements, or improve her reaction time. Her own reflexes, slowed with age still are in complete control. Crackerjack calls it a "dressed up, tailored tank."
</td>
</tr>
</table>

|observations =
* Casual peer commentary suggests that she is from a small town, somewhere in Kentucky.
* A conundrum of sorts surrounds her brief time travel back to 1982. The citizens of Astro City, and perhaps the world are fully aware of her exploits with the Omega Rangers. But the younger and not yet time-traveling Jessica Taggart of 1984, who should also have known about it, is totally in the dark. A mystery to be solved in a later story perhaps.

|speculations =
* The costumed hero, [[Nightingale]], refers to a romantic relationship involving Quarrel and [[Crackerjack]].<ref name="B:2">{{RefComic | title={{KBAC1}} | issue=#5}}</ref>

* Hints dropped many years ago in '''Local Heroes'''' letters pages by creator Kurt Busiek, indicate that there might be more to consider in their relationship than what the obvious surface aspects suggest. The four issue Quarrel-Crackerjack story arc published in 2015, expanded on that comment, revealing a very complex, passionate, sexual, highly emotional, almost toxic at times interplay between the two.

* Quarrel's past reflects an attraction to male relationships that will disappoint at best, but mostly hurt.

|timelines =

|footnotes =
<references/>

}}

[[Category:Heroes]]

Crackerjack

2016-11-27T02:45:30Z

TranquilityFrog: forgot one of Jack's origin fables!

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:crackerjack.jpg
|imagesize = 320px
|status = recovering from career-ending injuries incurred by Gormenghast at the Black Lab
|realname = unknown
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]]
|earliest = 1991
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = [[Astro City]] 
His main HQ is suspected to be somewhere in the [[Northside Communities]]
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases = Eugene Wallace
|occupation =
|birthdate = Mid to late 1960s.
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:21|21]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{AC}} [[3:1|#1]], 12, 18, 19, 20, 21 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
''"A daring and agile crimefighter, Crackerjack is noted for his theatrical sense of showmanship and for his deep appreciation of his own sense of humor."'' 
'''-- Astro City Visitor's Guide'''

|history =
Crackerjack's origins are unclear, given that he's told a number of stories to as many people, and it's difficult to tell if there's truth to any of them. Among the tales he told Quarrel were that he was the only escapee from a family of circus performers abducted and trained by aliens, that he was an Olympic hopeful sabotaged by a rival, and that he was from a cult of international spies who had been genetically engineered not to appear in government records. He once told ''[[Current]]'' magazine that he was a Polio-stricken child who overcame his illness (this actually describing the childhood of the [[Silver Agent]]).

In general, his early years are a mystery with details not yet recounted in the pages of Astro City comics. According to [[Enelsian_Mobile_Computer | Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance data]], Crackerjack first "debuted" in 1991. A few years later, at the time of Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance work for the alien race known as the [[Enelsians]], Crackerjack had already established himself as a popular if not brash public defender. But Mr. Bridwell's overall assessment of him was not flattering.

[[image:MrBridwellsEyes.jpg|250px|left]]
''"He depends on luck, he is jealous of others, he does sloppy work, he steals credit for the achievements of others"'' 
'''-- the Enelsian, Mr. Bridwell'''

In 1994, Crackerjack invited himself into the fracas on his first team-up with [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]]. She was about to take out the [[Techsperts]] when he burst onto the scene. During the battle she was keeping her eye on him as much as she was the villains. At the end of the fight, they both had a smitten admiration and attraction for each other. That was the starting point for their hot, then cold, then hot again, romance and battling partnership. It was mostly physical, a combination of crimefighting and lovemaking. The two seemed to work well together, each capable of dealing with one another's rough edges and annoying habits because they were both so focused on pushing themselves, and one another, to their limits in order to stay at peak performance levels. They also possessed a similar brashness and a need to constantly prove to the world their worth and position.

For a time, his private identity was that of a struggling actor named Eugene Wallace. In his boarding room residence, he kept a number of accouterments, wigs and fake IDs, indicating that he has concocted several private identities, some possibly in use concurrently. The Eugene Wallace identity was abandoned when the housing complex was destroyed in a fire.

On one occasion, after Quarrel seriously injured her hip and ankle, Crackerjack arrived at [[Honor Guard]] headquarters to push her into more active rehabilitation therapy, suggesting she would lose too much of her edge if she allowed the bones to heal while remaining bedridden. Naturally, he pushed Quarrel to her limit, and she reacted in kind--an iteration of the cyclical nature of their relationship.

In the twenty years or so following his encounter with Mr. Bridwell, Crackerjack had developed a more committed relationship with Quarrel and established a ''slightly'' stronger reputation among his fellow super-heroes, even receiving a personal invitation to the [[Black Rapier]]'s retirement party at [[Butler's]].

Even as Crackerjack aged, he refused to admit--even to Quarrel--that his physical abilities were beginning to slip, although he did acknowledge that he needed increasingly potent treatments for his injuries (including [[Kelueki liniment]] and [[K'ntari]] medicine provided by [[Starwoman]] at some point in the past). Crackerjack's primary hope for continued healthy activity was in a "vitali-serum" once used by the Black Rapier, even though everyone he talked to about it confirmed that the serum would not work for anyone else, especially not an individual so old.

Not much later, Crackerjack came home absolutely beat after fighting [[Demonhead]] and decided that he ''really'' needed the Black Rapier's serum to stay ahead of his enemies rather than retire or spend his days teaching newer heroes.

While Quarrel slept, Crackerjack hacked into her laptop for information about the Black Rapier's security system so that he could sneak in and steal the remaining vials of his vitali-serum. Crackerjack then sought out clients--or intermediaries for clients--of the [[Black Lab]], including [[Bio-zord]], the [[Killer Elite]], and [[Phero-man]]. It was Crackerjack's hope that the Lab would be able to engineer the Rapier's serum to work for him.

Unfortunately, Crackerjack was captured and savagely tortured by [[Gormenghast]], who cloned Crackerjack and used the clones--still in their physical prime--as an army to fight Honor Guard when they arrived to rescue their colleague. He later revealed that he'd initially provided only a small sample of the serum as proof that he had it, and that he would have supervised a drone squad for the Lab (which he'd later betray) in exchange for assistance with the serum. Gormenghast learned from Crackerjack where he'd hidden the serum, and then incapacitated him only moments after the hero was able to activate his rescue beacon.

During the Guard's rescue mission, Crackerjack was found left for dead in the Lab's garbage dump. Evacuated in a life-support rig developed by the [[Assemblyman]], Crackerjack was treated for significant injuries (including breaks in his spine, arm, both knees, and skull). It was uncertain whether or not he would ever be able to walk again, let alone recover more fully.

Unwilling to accept that, Quarrel decided to take over Crackerjack's rehab, much as he had for her in the past. She threatened to run him ragged and put him through daily hell, expecting him to put in his very best to overcome his injuries.

With Honor Guard's help, Crackerjack and Quarrel were able to get access to a top-notch treatment facility in Astro City, where the two could focus on rehabilitation. Crackerjack even promised that, should Quarrel manage to pull off the therapy successfully, he might even tell her his real name ... which remains a mystery to this day.
|powers =
His physical skills are impressive and quite acrobatic in nature. He keeps himself in top physical condition, but there is no apparent references to suggest he possesses extraordinary powers bestowed through freaks of nature, radioactive exposure, DNA manipulation, or mutation. At least not to date.

|equipment =
He carries a baton whose round tip can be fired off at the end of a line. It mechanisms behave in a manner similar to a grappling hook. Crackerjack often uses this feature of his baton to line-swing across Astro City.

|observations =
* Though the super-heroic community has a low opinion of him, he nonetheless has a somewhat impressive track record and is certainly popular with the public at large.

* He has claimed several accomplishments and a wide variety of origins prior to taking up crime fighting. They include being from a Circus Family, being a contender for the Olympics, even that he had been born into a cult of genetically engineered, international spies. None of them seem quite believable.

|speculations =
===Partners and Motivations===
Over the years he has had an on-again off-again romantic relationship with [[Quarrel II|Quarrel]]. It's a bit of a puzzle as to why. Even fellow Honor Guard member M.P.H. had a hard time figuring out why women would be attracted to men like Crackerjack. Men that are rather parasitic in a relationship. The comments that Quarrel uses to explain why they are still a couple despite the on and off, hot/cold history is insightful. For her it is more than just feeling she could fix the guy, she actually preferred the freedom and the drama.

[[image:quarrelCrackerjackBickering.jpg|550px|center]]
During the Enelsian story arc, Crackerjack seemed very much an amateur, just getting started as a super-hero. Still in his early years, and needing someone like Quarrel to smooth out the rough spots. Yet again, things are not what they seem. Crackerjack had been around for several years, and Quarrel was never his mentor. On general observation, it is easy to assume that he is younger than Quarrel, and that Quarrel, having been trained and mentored by Street Angel, was now being the guidance and mentor for Crackerjack. However, according to creator '''Kurt Busiek''', ''"[while] Quarrel’s had the longer career as a costumed hero, she started younger. And even if she could mentor him, he wouldn’t listen."''

He has a hard-driven, opportunistic way of handling situations, along with a surprising amount of discipline riding in the undercurrents of his otherwise boisterous, carefree and borderline careless demeanor. He’s been in top physical shape all his adult life.

[[image:CrakerjackInjured.jpeg|250px|left]]
The cover to [[{{AC}} No.18|issue #18]] suggests traces of extra poundage on his frame, which again leads one to conclude a touch of carelessness physically that also translates into careless mental motivations as well. As a person, its a strain of sorts to like Crackerjack. Even though he has acting experience and exhibits a certain amount of the discipline inherit in that occupation, his personality type is that of a prima donna. Too much ego, too much “just getting by” instead of applying himself to his craft.

But even with the insights provided in the recent four issue Quarrel story arc(''{{AC}} #18-21''), it is still difficult to explain Crackerjack’s career motivations. Maybe it’s like his relationship with Quarrel. It provides an excitement, a rush and a lot of extra drama. It comes easy enough, even with all the time spent exercising and training. Maybe it’s a cavalier enjoyment of life, similar to Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon compared to the Patriots’ Tom Brady. An attitude of being good enough to feel fine about what you do and can accomplish, but don’t grind on it in a manner that makes it hard, boring work, when it should be light, fun, and exciting.

That almost seems to fit. But it still feels like there should be something more to it somehow. It is hard to put one's finger on it, exactly. But it sure seems like there is more to understand about this character.

When asked directly about this, Kurt mentioned that he asked Crackerjack why he does what he does, and he said "when you grew up as one of King Louis’ Musketeers, learning ideals and comportment from the best, it sticks with you even when you’re time-displaced into the modern day." But Kurt also concluded, "I’m not sure he can be trusted on that."

Given similar lines that he has fed Quarrel over the years, that one too is probably a fabrication and a con. Crackerjack, who he is, and what motivates him, remains a tough nut to crack. There is a tendency to be repulsed at his ego, his poor social skills and abrasive manners. Yet, there is always this hesitancy, a quiet-inner-nagging casting shadows over this harsh
judgement of him.

As Quarrel says, ''"Not the most famous, not the most respected, not by a long shot. But there are thousands, perhaps millions in this world today who owe their lives to his bravery."''

|timelines =

|footnotes =
}}

[[Category: Heroes]]

Crackerjack

2016-11-26T22:14:38Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:crackerjack.jpg
|imagesize = 320px
|status = recovering from career-ending injuries incurred by Gormenghast at the Black Lab
|realname = unknown
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]]
|earliest = 1991
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = [[Astro City]] 
His main HQ is suspected to be somewhere in the [[Northside Communities]]
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases = Eugene Wallace
|occupation =
|birthdate = Mid to late 1960s.
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:21|21]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{AC}} [[3:1|#1]], 12, 18, 19, 20, 21 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
''"A daring and agile crimefighter, Crackerjack is noted for his theatrical sense of showmanship and for his deep appreciation of his own sense of humor."'' 
'''-- Astro City Visitor's Guide'''

|history =
Crackerjack's origins are unclear, given that he's told a number of stories to as many people, and it's difficult to tell if there's truth to any of them. Among the tales he told Quarrel were that he was the only escapee from a family of circus performers abducted and trained by aliens, and that he was an Olympic hopeful sabotaged by a rival. He once told ''[[Current]]'' magazine that he was a Polio-stricken child who overcame his illness (this actually describing the childhood of the [[Silver Agent]]).

In general, his early years are a mystery with details not yet recounted in the pages of Astro City comics. According to [[Enelsian_Mobile_Computer | Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance data]], Crackerjack first "debuted" in 1991. A few years later, at the time of Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance work for the alien race known as the [[Enelsians]], Crackerjack had already established himself as a popular if not brash public defender. But Mr. Bridwell's overall assessment of him was not flattering.

[[image:MrBridwellsEyes.jpg|250px|left]]
''"He depends on luck, he is jealous of others, he does sloppy work, he steals credit for the achievements of others"'' 
'''-- the Enelsian, Mr. Bridwell'''

In 1994, Crackerjack invited himself into the fracas on his first team-up with [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]]. She was about to take out the [[Techsperts]] when he burst onto the scene. During the battle she was keeping her eye on him as much as she was the villains. At the end of the fight, they both had a smitten admiration and attraction for each other. That was the starting point for their hot, then cold, then hot again, romance and battling partnership. It was mostly physical, a combination of crimefighting and lovemaking. The two seemed to work well together, each capable of dealing with one another's rough edges and annoying habits because they were both so focused on pushing themselves, and one another, to their limits in order to stay at peak performance levels. They also possessed a similar brashness and a need to constantly prove to the world their worth and position.

For a time, his private identity was that of a struggling actor named Eugene Wallace. In his boarding room residence, he kept a number of accouterments, wigs and fake IDs, indicating that he has concocted several private identities, some possibly in use concurrently. The Eugene Wallace identity was abandoned when the housing complex was destroyed in a fire.

On one occasion, after Quarrel seriously injured her hip and ankle, Crackerjack arrived at [[Honor Guard]] headquarters to push her into more active rehabilitation therapy, suggesting she would lose too much of her edge if she allowed the bones to heal while remaining bedridden. Naturally, he pushed Quarrel to her limit, and she reacted in kind--an iteration of the cyclical nature of their relationship.

In the twenty years or so following his encounter with Mr. Bridwell, Crackerjack had developed a more committed relationship with Quarrel and established a ''slightly'' stronger reputation among his fellow super-heroes, even receiving a personal invitation to the [[Black Rapier]]'s retirement party at [[Butler's]].

Even as Crackerjack aged, he refused to admit--even to Quarrel--that his physical abilities were beginning to slip, although he did acknowledge that he needed increasingly potent treatments for his injuries (including [[Kelueki liniment]] and [[K'ntari]] medicine provided by [[Starwoman]] at some point in the past). Crackerjack's primary hope for continued healthy activity was in a "vitali-serum" once used by the Black Rapier, even though everyone he talked to about it confirmed that the serum would not work for anyone else, especially not an individual so old.

Not much later, Crackerjack came home absolutely beat after fighting [[Demonhead]] and decided that he ''really'' needed the Black Rapier's serum to stay ahead of his enemies rather than retire or spend his days teaching newer heroes.

While Quarrel slept, Crackerjack hacked into her laptop for information about the Black Rapier's security system so that he could sneak in and steal the remaining vials of his vitali-serum. Crackerjack then sought out clients--or intermediaries for clients--of the [[Black Lab]], including [[Bio-zord]], the [[Killer Elite]], and [[Phero-man]]. It was Crackerjack's hope that the Lab would be able to engineer the Rapier's serum to work for him.

Unfortunately, Crackerjack was captured and savagely tortured by [[Gormenghast]], who cloned Crackerjack and used the clones--still in their physical prime--as an army to fight Honor Guard when they arrived to rescue their colleague. He later revealed that he'd initially provided only a small sample of the serum as proof that he had it, and that he would have supervised a drone squad for the Lab (which he'd later betray) in exchange for assistance with the serum. Gormenghast learned from Crackerjack where he'd hidden the serum, and then incapacitated him only moments after the hero was able to activate his rescue beacon.

During the Guard's rescue mission, Crackerjack was found left for dead in the Lab's garbage dump. Evacuated in a life-support rig developed by the [[Assemblyman]], Crackerjack was treated for significant injuries (including breaks in his spine, arm, both knees, and skull). It was uncertain whether or not he would ever be able to walk again, let alone recover more fully.

Unwilling to accept that, Quarrel decided to take over Crackerjack's rehab, much as he had for her in the past. She threatened to run him ragged and put him through daily hell, expecting him to put in his very best to overcome his injuries.

With Honor Guard's help, Crackerjack and Quarrel were able to get access to a top-notch treatment facility in Astro City, where the two could focus on rehabilitation. Crackerjack even promised that, should Quarrel manage to pull off the therapy successfully, he might even tell her his real name ... which remains a mystery to this day.
|powers =
His physical skills are impressive and quite acrobatic in nature. He keeps himself in top physical condition, but there is no apparent references to suggest he possesses extraordinary powers bestowed through freaks of nature, radioactive exposure, DNA manipulation, or mutation. At least not to date.

|equipment =
He carries a baton whose round tip can be fired off at the end of a line. It mechanisms behave in a manner similar to a grappling hook. Crackerjack often uses this feature of his baton to line-swing across Astro City.

|observations =
* Though the super-heroic community has a low opinion of him, he nonetheless has a somewhat impressive track record and is certainly popular with the public at large.

* He has claimed several accomplishments and a wide variety of origins prior to taking up crime fighting. They include being from a Circus Family, being a contender for the Olympics, even that he had been born into a cult of genetically engineered, international spies. None of them seem quite believable.

|speculations =
===Partners and Motivations===
Over the years he has had an on-again off-again romantic relationship with [[Quarrel II|Quarrel]]. It's a bit of a puzzle as to why. Even fellow Honor Guard member M.P.H. had a hard time figuring out why women would be attracted to men like Crackerjack. Men that are rather parasitic in a relationship. The comments that Quarrel uses to explain why they are still a couple despite the on and off, hot/cold history is insightful. For her it is more than just feeling she could fix the guy, she actually preferred the freedom and the drama.

[[image:quarrelCrackerjackBickering.jpg|550px|center]]
During the Enelsian story arc, Crackerjack seemed very much an amateur, just getting started as a super-hero. Still in his early years, and needing someone like Quarrel to smooth out the rough spots. Yet again, things are not what they seem. Crackerjack had been around for several years, and Quarrel was never his mentor. On general observation, it is easy to assume that he is younger than Quarrel, and that Quarrel, having been trained and mentored by Street Angel, was now being the guidance and mentor for Crackerjack. However, according to creator '''Kurt Busiek''', ''"[while] Quarrel’s had the longer career as a costumed hero, she started younger. And even if she could mentor him, he wouldn’t listen."''

He has a hard-driven, opportunistic way of handling situations, along with a surprising amount of discipline riding in the undercurrents of his otherwise boisterous, carefree and borderline careless demeanor. He’s been in top physical shape all his adult life.

[[image:CrakerjackInjured.jpeg|250px|left]]
The cover to [[{{AC}} No.18|issue #18]] suggests traces of extra poundage on his frame, which again leads one to conclude a touch of carelessness physically that also translates into careless mental motivations as well. As a person, its a strain of sorts to like Crackerjack. Even though he has acting experience and exhibits a certain amount of the discipline inherit in that occupation, his personality type is that of a prima donna. Too much ego, too much “just getting by” instead of applying himself to his craft.

But even with the insights provided in the recent four issue Quarrel story arc(''{{AC}} #18-21''), it is still difficult to explain Crackerjack’s career motivations. Maybe it’s like his relationship with Quarrel. It provides an excitement, a rush and a lot of extra drama. It comes easy enough, even with all the time spent exercising and training. Maybe it’s a cavalier enjoyment of life, similar to Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon compared to the Patriots’ Tom Brady. An attitude of being good enough to feel fine about what you do and can accomplish, but don’t grind on it in a manner that makes it hard, boring work, when it should be light, fun, and exciting.

That almost seems to fit. But it still feels like there should be something more to it somehow. It is hard to put one's finger on it, exactly. But it sure seems like there is more to understand about this character.

When asked directly about this, Kurt mentioned that he asked Crackerjack why he does what he does, and he said "when you grew up as one of King Louis’ Musketeers, learning ideals and comportment from the best, it sticks with you even when you’re time-displaced into the modern day." But Kurt also concluded, "I’m not sure he can be trusted on that."

Given similar lines that he has fed Quarrel over the years, that one too is probably a fabrication and a con. Crackerjack, who he is, and what motivates him, remains a tough nut to crack. There is a tendency to be repulsed at his ego, his poor social skills and abrasive manners. Yet, there is always this hesitancy, a quiet-inner-nagging casting shadows over this harsh
judgement of him.

As Quarrel says, ''"Not the most famous, not the most respected, not by a long shot. But there are thousands, perhaps millions in this world today who owe their lives to his bravery."''

|timelines =

|footnotes =
}}

[[Category: Heroes]]

Crackerjack

2016-11-26T22:13:06Z

TranquilityFrog: expanding history with details from AC 18-21

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:crackerjack.jpg
|imagesize = 320px
|status = recovering from career-ending injuries incurred by Gormenghast at the Black Lab
|realname = unknown
|debut = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]]
|earliest = 1991
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = [[Astro City]] 
His main HQ is suspected to be somewhere in the [[Northside Communities]]
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases = Eugene Wallace
|occupation =
|birthdate = Mid to late 1960s.
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC1}} [[1:5|#5]], [[1:6|6]] 
{{KBAC2}} [[2:1|#1]], [[2:4|4]], [[2:5|5]], [[2:6|6]], [[2:21|21]] 
{{LH}} [[LH:1|#1]] 
{{AC}} [[3:1|#1]], 12, 18, 19, 20, 21 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
''"A daring and agile crimefighter, Crackerjack is noted for his theatrical sense of showmanship and for his deep appreciation of his own sense of humor."'' 
'''-- Astro City Visitor's Guide'''

|history =
Crackerjack's origins are unclear, given that he's told a number of stories to as many people, and it's difficult to tell if there's truth to any of them. Among the tales he told Quarrel were that he was the only escapee from a family of circus performers abducted and trained by aliens, and that he was an Olympic hopeful sabotaged by a rival. He once told ''[[Current]]'' magazine that he was a Polio-stricken child who overcame his illness (this actually describing the childhood of the [[Silver Agent]]).

In general, his early years are a mystery with details not yet recounted in the pages of Astro City comics. According to [[Enelsian_Mobile_Computer | Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance data]], Crackerjack first "debuted" in 1991. A few years later, at the time of Mr. Bridwell's reconnaissance work for the alien race known as the [[Enelsians]], Crackerjack had already established himself as a popular if not brash public defender. But Mr. Bridwell's overall assessment of him was not flattering.

[[image:MrBridwellsEyes.jpg|250px|left]]
''"He depends on luck, he is jealous of others, he does sloppy work, he steals credit for the achievements of others"'' 
'''-- the Enelsian, Mr. Bridwell'''

In 1994, Crackerjack invited himself into the fracas on his first team-up with Quarrel. She was about to take out the [[Techsperts]] when he burst onto the scene. During the battle she was keeping her eye on him as much as she was the villains. At the end of the fight, they both had a smitten admiration and attraction for each other. That was the starting point for their hot, then cold, then hot again, romance and battling partnership. It was mostly physical, a combination of crimefighting and lovemaking. The two seemed to work well together, each capable of dealing with one another's rough edges and annoying habits because they were both so focused on pushing themselves, and one another, to their limits in order to stay at peak performance levels. They also possessed a similar brashness and a need to constantly prove to the world their worth and position.

For a time, his private identity was that of a struggling actor named Eugene Wallace. In his boarding room residence, he kept a number of accouterments, wigs and fake IDs, indicating that he has concocted several private identities, some possibly in use concurrently. The Eugene Wallace identity was abandoned when the housing complex was destroyed in a fire.

On one occasion, after Quarrel seriously injured her hip and ankle, Crackerjack arrived at [[Honor Guard]] headquarters to push her into more active rehabilitation therapy, suggesting she would lose too much of her edge if she allowed the bones to heal while remaining bedridden. Naturally, he pushed Quarrel to her limit, and she reacted in kind--an iteration of the cyclical nature of their relationship.

In the twenty years or so following his encounter with Mr. Bridwell, Crackerjack had developed a more committed relationship with Quarrel and established a ''slightly'' stronger reputation among his fellow super-heroes, even receiving a personal invitation to the [[Black Rapier]]'s retirement party at [[Butler's]].

Even as Crackerjack aged, he refused to admit--even to Quarrel--that his physical abilities were beginning to slip, although he did acknowledge that he needed increasingly potent treatments for his injuries (including [[Kelueki liniment]] and [[K'ntari]] medicine provided by [[Starwoman]] at some point in the past). Crackerjack's primary hope for continued healthy activity was in a "vitali-serum" once used by the Black Rapier, even though everyone he talked to about it confirmed that the serum would not work for anyone else, especially not an individual so old.

Not much later, Crackerjack came home absolutely beat after fighting [[Demonhead]] and decided that he ''really'' needed the Black Rapier's serum to stay ahead of his enemies rather than retire or spend his days teaching newer heroes.

While Quarrel slept, Crackerjack hacked into her laptop for information about the Black Rapier's security system so that he could sneak in and steal the remaining vials of his vitali-serum. Crackerjack then sought out clients--or intermediaries for clients--of the [[Black Lab]], including [[Bio-zord]], the [[Killer Elite]], and [[Phero-man]]. It was Crackerjack's hope that the Lab would be able to engineer the Rapier's serum to work for him.

Unfortunately, Crackerjack was captured and savagely tortured by [[Gormenghast]], who cloned Crackerjack and used the clones--still in their physical prime--as an army to fight Honor Guard when they arrived to rescue their colleague. He later revealed that he'd initially provided only a small sample of the serum as proof that he had it, and that he would have supervised a drone squad for the Lab (which he'd later betray) in exchange for assistance with the serum. Gormenghast learned from Crackerjack where he'd hidden the serum, and then incapacitated him only moments after the hero was able to activate his rescue beacon.

During the Guard's rescue mission, Crackerjack was found left for dead in the Lab's garbage dump. Evacuated in a life-support rig developed by the [[Assemblyman]], Crackerjack was treated for significant injuries (including breaks in his spine, arm, both knees, and skull). It was uncertain whether or not he would ever be able to walk again, let alone recover more fully.

Unwilling to accept that, Quarrel decided to take over Crackerjack's rehab, much as he had for her in the past. She threatened to run him ragged and put him through daily hell, expecting him to put in his very best to overcome his injuries.

With Honor Guard's help, Crackerjack and Quarrel were able to get access to a top-notch treatment facility in Astro City, where the two could focus on rehabilitation. Crackerjack even promised that, should Quarrel manage to pull off the therapy successfully, he might even tell her his real name ... which remains a mystery to this day.
|powers =
His physical skills are impressive and quite acrobatic in nature. He keeps himself in top physical condition, but there is no apparent references to suggest he possesses extraordinary powers bestowed through freaks of nature, radioactive exposure, DNA manipulation, or mutation. At least not to date.

|equipment =
He carries a baton whose round tip can be fired off at the end of a line. It mechanisms behave in a manner similar to a grappling hook. Crackerjack often uses this feature of his baton to line-swing across Astro City.

|observations =
* Though the super-heroic community has a low opinion of him, he nonetheless has a somewhat impressive track record and is certainly popular with the public at large.

* He has claimed several accomplishments and a wide variety of origins prior to taking up crime fighting. They include being from a Circus Family, being a contender for the Olympics, even that he had been born into a cult of genetically engineered, international spies. None of them seem quite believable.

|speculations =
===Partners and Motivations===
Over the years he has had an on-again off-again romantic relationship with [[Quarrel II|Quarrel]]. It's a bit of a puzzle as to why. Even fellow Honor Guard member M.P.H. had a hard time figuring out why women would be attracted to men like Crackerjack. Men that are rather parasitic in a relationship. The comments that Quarrel uses to explain why they are still a couple despite the on and off, hot/cold history is insightful. For her it is more than just feeling she could fix the guy, she actually preferred the freedom and the drama.

[[image:quarrelCrackerjackBickering.jpg|550px|center]]
During the Enelsian story arc, Crackerjack seemed very much an amateur, just getting started as a super-hero. Still in his early years, and needing someone like Quarrel to smooth out the rough spots. Yet again, things are not what they seem. Crackerjack had been around for several years, and Quarrel was never his mentor. On general observation, it is easy to assume that he is younger than Quarrel, and that Quarrel, having been trained and mentored by Street Angel, was now being the guidance and mentor for Crackerjack. However, according to creator '''Kurt Busiek''', ''"[while] Quarrel’s had the longer career as a costumed hero, she started younger. And even if she could mentor him, he wouldn’t listen."''

He has a hard-driven, opportunistic way of handling situations, along with a surprising amount of discipline riding in the undercurrents of his otherwise boisterous, carefree and borderline careless demeanor. He’s been in top physical shape all his adult life.

[[image:CrakerjackInjured.jpeg|250px|left]]
The cover to [[{{AC}} No.18|issue #18]] suggests traces of extra poundage on his frame, which again leads one to conclude a touch of carelessness physically that also translates into careless mental motivations as well. As a person, its a strain of sorts to like Crackerjack. Even though he has acting experience and exhibits a certain amount of the discipline inherit in that occupation, his personality type is that of a prima donna. Too much ego, too much “just getting by” instead of applying himself to his craft.

But even with the insights provided in the recent four issue Quarrel story arc(''{{AC}} #18-21''), it is still difficult to explain Crackerjack’s career motivations. Maybe it’s like his relationship with Quarrel. It provides an excitement, a rush and a lot of extra drama. It comes easy enough, even with all the time spent exercising and training. Maybe it’s a cavalier enjoyment of life, similar to Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon compared to the Patriots’ Tom Brady. An attitude of being good enough to feel fine about what you do and can accomplish, but don’t grind on it in a manner that makes it hard, boring work, when it should be light, fun, and exciting.

That almost seems to fit. But it still feels like there should be something more to it somehow. It is hard to put one's finger on it, exactly. But it sure seems like there is more to understand about this character.

When asked directly about this, Kurt mentioned that he asked Crackerjack why he does what he does, and he said "when you grew up as one of King Louis’ Musketeers, learning ideals and comportment from the best, it sticks with you even when you’re time-displaced into the modern day." But Kurt also concluded, "I’m not sure he can be trusted on that."

Given similar lines that he has fed Quarrel over the years, that one too is probably a fabrication and a con. Crackerjack, who he is, and what motivates him, remains a tough nut to crack. There is a tendency to be repulsed at his ego, his poor social skills and abrasive manners. Yet, there is always this hesitancy, a quiet-inner-nagging casting shadows over this harsh
judgement of him.

As Quarrel says, ''"Not the most famous, not the most respected, not by a long shot. But there are thousands, perhaps millions in this world today who owe their lives to his bravery."''

|timelines =

|footnotes =
}}

[[Category: Heroes]]

Reconnaissance

2016-11-26T19:39:43Z

TranquilityFrog:

"Reconnaissance" was first published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.5]].

==Synopsis==
A "little old man" who goes by the name [[Mr. Bridwell]] travels through the snow to watch the [[Irregulars]] fight a giant mechanical being created by the [[Scavenger Peoples]]. As Bridwell observes the combat, the acrobatic hero [[Crackerjack]] arrives on the scene to try and take things over.

Meanwhile, Bridwell is asked to leave by a policeman who sees the man has bypassed the police blockade around the fight. Bridwell walks around, looking for some other super-phenomenon to observe. He picks up an issue of the ''[[Current]]'', which has a feature on [[Starwoman]], and the day's edition of the ''[[Astro City Rocket]]''. He also briefly spots [[Samaritan]], flying "slower than usual speed."

Next, Bridwell heads to a nearby park, where he sits on a bench and opens up a high-tech computer system. The system has information on super-powered individuals, and he updates several files (those of [[El Robo]], Starwoman, Samaritan, [[Gnomicron]], [[Quarrel (Jessica Darlene Taggart)|Quarrel]], and [[The Confessor (Jeremiah Parrish)|the Confessor]]). Bridwell's computer updates are interrupted by a youth who wants to check out the device, and the old man angrily heads home.

At his apartment building, Bridwell briefly has a polite conversation with Eugene, a younger resident of the building who relates details about his failed musical audition earlier in the day. The two pass by a gaggle of older women who gossip about Eugene behind his back, annoying Bridwell.

As Bridwell enters his apartment, his shape changes to that of an insect-like alien with large eyes. He transmits a report on his reconnaissance activities, advising that further observation and recording of "extensive paranormal activity" is necessary before the decision to invade this planet could be made.

Bridwell's equipment sparks at some point in the evening, and it sets fire to the building while he sleeps. Other residents of the building and firefighters spot him, but it is Crackerjack who leaps into action and saves Bridwell--who plants a tracking device on him for closer and further study.

Crackerjack and Bridwell escape the building safely right before it collapses; Crackerjack cries out for his record collection, revealing himself to have been "Eugene." He quickly departs, while the gossiping women chatter amongst themselves about the hero's secret identity.

For his part, Bridwell decides that his observation of Crackerjack--to last until dawn--will determine whether or not to advise invading Earth. Bridwell is shocked at Crackerjack's antics: congratulating himself despite the chance nature of some encounters, claiming ownership of the name "Jack" when trying to chat up [[Jack-in-the-Box (Zachary Johnson)|Jack-in-the-Box]], beating up criminals and offering them to the police despite absence of clear evidence of wrongdoing, and taking credit for an operation to take down the [[Techsperts]] actually run by [[Sunbird]] and [[Nightingale]].

Viewing Crackerjack as a microcosm of the human race, Bridwell wonders whether or not it is folly or indomitability that he sees in Earthlings, almost deciding to leave them alone ... until the gossiping women from his building claim to a nearby [[KBAC]] reporter that they knew Crackerjack's secret identity all along.

In anger, Bridwell runs to the apartment building ruins, attaches his alien computer to its frame, and transmits a signal to an otherworldly destination.

==Notes==

{{stub}}

[[Category: Story Synopses]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199512]]

Gundog

2016-11-26T04:35:35Z

TranquilityFrog: adding to villains category

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Gundog.jpg
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Retired - now living in Maine
|realname =
|debut = [[''{{AC}}'' #13|#13]]
|earliest = June 2014
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = Astro City
|rangeops = Astro City

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = Blond

|headlines =
|appearances = [[''{{AC}}'' #13|#13]]
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Gundog was a costumed, gun-wielding villain with no obvious powers who increasingly found himself dissatisfied with his career (feeling it was "no way to live"). He ultimately decided to retire in the midst of a one-day bank robbery spree when Astro City was visited by [[The Dancing Master]].

|history =
One day, Gundog--growing bored with his life--decided to engage in a stunt where he would rob five banks in one day, just to prove to himself he could.

Among the banks that Gundog robbed was the Soglow Street branch of [[Carlsbank]], which he hit at roughly 10:00am. An hour later, Gundog managed to temporarily incapacitate [[Jack-in-the-Box]] for several hours with a [[Ryman Sphere]] while he continued his spree. (Jack-in-the-Box would escape at roughly 4:00pm later that day.)

At 1:00pm, while at [[Derbyville]]'s Kremer Street branch of [[Astrobank]],Gundog decided to toss his weapons to a bank teller, a woman named Laura who said she was originally from Iowa (and who had been considering breaking up with her boyfriend and looking to start again, somewhere new). He asked her to keep everyone in the bank covered while he robbed other banks

At 2:00pm, Gundog returned to Laura on Kremer Streete, dumped all the money he'd stolen, and absconded with his new partner. Later that evening (around 9:00pm), the pair flew off in a flying car. Gundog revealed a bit about his past to Laura, and the two decided to go visit--and potentially settle--in Maine, where Gundog's great-uncle owned a lobster restaurant.

|powers =
|equipment =
Gundog used a number of seemingly conventional pistols, which he kept holstered all over his body. At least one of these pistols fired a Ryman sphere, which he used to trap Jack-in-the-Box during his bank robbery spree.

Gundog also drove a bright red flying car that had a 1950s aesthetic.

|observations =
|speculations =
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

{{stub}}

[[Category:Villains]]

Gundog

2016-11-26T03:56:02Z

TranquilityFrog: adding image

File:Gundog.jpg

2016-11-26T03:55:46Z

TranquilityFrog:

Gundog

2016-11-26T03:54:44Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:NIA3.gif
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Retired - now living in Maine
|realname =
|debut = [[''{{AC}}'' #13|#13]]
|earliest = June 2014
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = Astro City
|rangeops = Astro City

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = Blond

|headlines =
|appearances = [[''{{AC}}'' #13|#13]]
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Gundog was a costumed, gun-wielding villain with no obvious powers who increasingly found himself dissatisfied with his career (feeling it was "no way to live"). He ultimately decided to retire in the midst of a one-day bank robbery spree when Astro City was visited by [[The Dancing Master]].

|history =
One day, Gundog--growing bored with his life--decided to engage in a stunt where he would rob five banks in one day, just to prove to himself he could.

Among the banks that Gundog robbed was the Soglow Street branch of [[Carlsbank]], which he hit at roughly 10:00am. An hour later, Gundog managed to temporarily incapacitate [[Jack-in-the-Box]] for several hours with a [[Ryman Sphere]] while he continued his spree. (Jack-in-the-Box would escape at roughly 4:00pm later that day.)

At 1:00pm, while at [[Derbyville]]'s Kremer Street branch of [[Astrobank]],Gundog decided to toss his weapons to a bank teller, a woman named Laura who said she was originally from Iowa (and who had been considering breaking up with her boyfriend and looking to start again, somewhere new). He asked her to keep everyone in the bank covered while he robbed other banks

At 2:00pm, Gundog returned to Laura on Kremer Streete, dumped all the money he'd stolen, and absconded with his new partner. Later that evening (around 9:00pm), the pair flew off in a flying car. Gundog revealed a bit about his past to Laura, and the two decided to go visit--and potentially settle--in Maine, where Gundog's great-uncle owned a lobster restaurant.

|powers =
|equipment =
Gundog used a number of seemingly conventional pistols, which he kept holstered all over his body. At least one of these pistols fired a Ryman sphere, which he used to trap Jack-in-the-Box during his bank robbery spree.

Gundog also drove a bright red flying car that had a 1950s aesthetic.

|observations =
|speculations =
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

{{stub}}

Silverstring

2016-11-26T03:07:10Z

TranquilityFrog: adding image

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Silverstring.jpg
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Deceased
|realname = Unknown
|debut = ''{{AC}}'' [[{{AC}} #37|#37]]
|earliest = <in world date>
|origin = ''{{AC}}'' [[{{AC}} #37|#37]]
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation = Musician
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines = <in world date and Headline>
|appearances = ''{{AC}}'' #37
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Before the area known as Astro City was even known as [[Romeyn Falls]], a musician traveled the country, playing music with a guitar whose strings were pure silver.

|history =
The man's background was unknown, leading to numerous tales about his origins, all drastically different: a runaway slave, a white shipwright's son, a Chinese railroad worker, a Mexican, a half-breed Indian. Accordingly, for lack of a more concrete name, he was called Silverstring on account of his musical instrument.

Wherever Silverstring traveled (and he never stopped traveling), he would play the songs he knew (or wrote) and learned new tunes from the locals. His travels allegedly took him not only across the country but to other lands and worlds, where he learned and shared the music of those realms' inhabitants as well.

Eventually, Silverstring found his way to Astro City, where he died. The details regarding ''how'' and ''why'' he died are just as varied as those of his background. When he died, his guitar broke or was torn apart by some unseen force, making an ungodly noise before catching fire. Its silver strings were said to twist about as though they were alive.

|powers =

|equipment =
Silverstring's guitar was said to be magical--or at least to play magic--and keep away evils from those who were near. Many claimed that his magical music saved many lives that would otherwise have been lost.

|observations =

|speculations =
It is strongly implied that the magic of Silverstring's instrument served to give birth to [[Mister Cakewalk]] and [[Jazzbaby]] (as evidenced by the silver treble clef shape that appeared before the initial arrival of either hero), meaning that Silverstring could well be the source of the [[Bouncing Beatnik]] or the [[Halcyon Hippie]]'s existence as well.

Given that the [[Broken Man]] is also suspected to be connected to these heroes, then it is possible that the Broken Man's [[Dream House]] exists at the point along the [[Gaines River]] where Silverstring is shown to be buried.

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

{{stub}}

File:Silverstring.jpg

2016-11-26T03:06:52Z

TranquilityFrog:

Mister Cakewalk

2016-11-26T03:00:40Z

TranquilityFrog: fixing a few typos & formatting spots

{{character infobox2
|image = image:MisterCalkWalk.jpg
|imagewidth = 300
|status =
|realname =
|debut = {{AC}} #5
|earliest = circa 1900
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = Romeyn Falls
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{AC}} #5, 37 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Nominally a criminal, Mister Cakewalk was relatively harmless as far as villains go. He was a perpetual thorn in the side of Romeyn Falls' wealthiest citizens in the 1900s.

|history =
When the spirit of the cakewalk grew in the memories of the residents of what would later be called [[Bakerville]], emerging again in the form of ragtime, a certain magic--the magic of [[Silverstring]]--sparked from the residents' hope and spirit, and it grew form.

That form was Mister Cakewalk, who initially appeared in public while robbing a ragtime show at the [[Gaiety]], the money from which he gave to individuals like [[Hubie Freeman]], whose saloon had been set afire by the [[Knights of the Western Lily]].

Mister Cakewalk normally acted charismatically, embodying the resistant and mocking spirit of the cakewalk in his efforts to steal from the rich and powerful and help those in need. While the authorities sought him out, he remained elusive.

Among Mister Cakewalk's acts included kidnapping mine owners McCluskey and Ardmore and putting them to work, without identification, in their own mines; protecting [[Central-Western Railroad]] workers on strike from [[E.P. Danner]]; diverting the 1908 Easter Parade through the town's worst neighborhoods; and numerous run-ins with [[Dame Progress]].

Most notably, {{Image popup|Mister Cakewalk once stole the fabled gem the Star of Lahkimpur, part of a larger body of loot he plundered from a society gala.|BrokenManEyes.png|width=150|bgcolor=#a487c1}}. Because the superheroine Dame Progress needed the gem in a strategem against [[Dr. Aegyptus]], she gave chase, pursuing him across rooftops and streets. It was all part of Mister Cakewalk's plan, however, as he used the chase to lead her to what he wanted to show her -- the true extent of Aegyptus's scheme. The villain was kidnapping black men and women to sell in the past, then using the money to purchase items of magical power. Once Dame Progress saw this, Mister Cakewalk casually and coolly dropped the gem into Dame Progress' lap. The purpose for stealing them was now complete.

However, not long after the beginning of World War I, Mister Cakewalk and the symbols for which he stood fell out of favor, and he faded from the public eye and its memory. Ragtime would be replaced with jazz, and in Mister Cakewalk's place emerged a new magic in the form of [[Jazzbaby]].

|powers =
Mister Cakewalk's physical prowess would indicate he is no ordinary human, and it is implied that his abilities--if not his entire existence--stem from the magic of Silverstring's guitar. The way his silhouette dances across the Romeyn Falls rooftops, swinging this way, leaping that, is beyond natural ability. Furthermore, he is sturdy enough to withstand one of Dame Progress's pneumo-tranquilizing shells, though not without pain.

|equipment = He carries a cane. It's just an ordinary cane, but that doesn't mean it isn't an immensely useful tool in his high altitude acrobatics.

|observations =

|speculations =
Between his coloration and his four-fingered hands, it's not hard to surmise a connection with the [[Bouncing Beatnik]] and the [[Halcyon Hippie]]. Notably, each of the three embodies a sub-culture of his era.

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

[[Category: Villains]]

Mister Cakewalk

2016-11-26T02:58:58Z

TranquilityFrog: adding some more detail about background from #37

{{character infobox2
|image = image:MisterCalkWalk.jpg
|imagewidth = 300
|status =
|realname =
|debut = {{AC}} #5
|earliest = circa 1900
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops = Romeyn Falls
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{AC}} #5, 37 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Nominally a criminal, Mister Cakewalk was relatively harmless as far as villains go. He was a perpetual thorn in the side of Romeyn Falls' wealthiest citizens in the 1900s.

|history =
When the spirit of the cakewalk grew in the memories of the residents of what would later be called[[Bakerville]], emerging again in the form of ragtime, a certain magic--the magic of [[Silverstring]]--sparked from the residents' hope and spirit, and it grew form.

That form was Mister Cakewalk, who initially appeared in public while robbing a ragtime show at the [[Gaiety]], the money from which he gave to individuals like [[Hubie Freeman]], whose saloon had been set afire by the [[Knights of the Western Lily]].

Mister Cakewalk normally acted charismatically, embodying the resistant and mocking spirit of the cakewalk in his efforts to steal from the rich and powerful and help those in need. While the authorities sought him out, he remained elusive.

Among Mister Cakewalk's acts included kidnapping mine owners McCluskey and Ardmore and putting them to work, without identification, in their own mines; protecting [[Central-Western Railroad]] workers on strike from [[E.P. Danner]]; diverting the 1908 Easter Parade through the town's worst neighborhoods; and numerous run-ins with [[Dame Progress]].

Most notably, {{Image popup|Mister Cakewalk once stole the fabled gem the Star of Lahkimpur, part of a larger body of loot he plundered from a society gala.|BrokenManEyes.png|width=150|bgcolor=#a487c1}}. Because the superheroine Dame Progress needed the gem in a strategem against [[Dr. Aegyptus]], she gave chase, pursuing him across rooftops and streets. It was all part of Mister Cakewalk's plan, however, as he used the chase to lead her to what he wanted to show her -- the true extent of Aegyptus's scheme. The villain was kidnapping black men and women to sell in the past, then using the money to purchase items of magical power. Once Dame Progress saw this, Mister Cakewalk casually and coolly dropped the gem into Dame Progress' lap. The purpose for stealing them was now complete.

However, not long after the beginning of World War I, Mister Cakewalk and the symbols for which he stood fell out of favor, and he faded from the public eye and its memory. Ragtime would be replaced with jazz, and in Mister Cakewalk's place emerged a new magic in the form of [[Jazzbaby]].

|powers =
Mister Cakewalk's physical prowess would indicate he is no ordinary human, and it is implied that his abilities--if not his entire existence--stem from the magic of [[Silverstring]]'s guitar. The way his silhouette dances across the Romeyn Falls rooftops, swinging this way, leaping that, is beyond natural ability. Furthermore, he is sturdy enough to withstand one of Dame Progress's pneumo-tranquilizing shells, though not without pain.

|equipment = He carries a cane. It's just an ordinary cane, but that doesn't mean it isn't an immensely useful tool in his high altitude acrobatics.

|observations =

|speculations =
Between his coloration and his four-fingered hands, it's not hard to surmise a connection with the [[Bouncing Beatnik]] and the [[Halcyon Hippie]]. Notably, each of the three embodies a sub-culture of his era.

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

[[Category: Villains]]

Silverstring

2016-11-26T02:42:55Z

TranquilityFrog: initial info being added

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:NIA3.gif
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Deceased
|realname = Unknown
|debut = ''{{AC}}'' [[{{AC}} #37|#37]]
|earliest = <in world date>
|origin = ''{{AC}}'' [[{{AC}} #37|#37]]
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation = Musician
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines = <in world date and Headline>
|appearances = ''{{AC}}'' #37
}}

{{character page
|intro =
Before the area known as Astro City was even known as [[Romeyn Falls]], a musician traveled the country, playing music with a guitar whose strings were pure silver.

|history =
The man's background was unknown, leading to numerous tales about his origins, all drastically different: a runaway slave, a white shipwright's son, a Chinese railroad worker, a Mexican, a half-breed Indian. Accordingly, for lack of a more concrete name, he was called Silverstring on account of his musical instrument.

Wherever Silverstring traveled (and he never stopped traveling), he would play the songs he knew (or wrote) and learned new tunes from the locals. His travels allegedly took him not only across the country but to other lands and worlds, where he learned and shared the music of those realms' inhabitants as well.

Eventually, Silverstring found his way to Astro City, where he died. The details regarding ''how'' and ''why'' he died are just as varied as those of his background. When he died, his guitar broke or was torn apart by some unseen force, making an ungodly noise before catching fire. Its silver strings were said to twist about as though they were alive.

|powers =

|equipment =
Silverstring's guitar was said to be magical--or at least to play magic--and keep away evils from those who were near. Many claimed that his magical music saved many lives that would otherwise have been lost.

|observations =

|speculations =
It is strongly implied that the magic of Silverstring's instrument served to give birth to [[Mister Cakewalk]] and [[Jazzbaby]] (as evidenced by the silver treble clef shape that appeared before the initial arrival of either hero), meaning that Silverstring could well be the source of the [[Bouncing Beatnik]] or the [[Halcyon Hippie]]'s existence as well.

Given that the [[Broken Man]] is also suspected to be connected to these heroes, then it is possible that the Broken Man's [[Dream House]] exists at the point along the [[Gaines River]] where Silverstring is shown to be buried.

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

{{stub}}

Safeguards

2016-11-25T21:34:36Z

TranquilityFrog: forgot link to Marta's page

{{stub}}
"Safeguards" was first published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.4]].

==Synopsis==
[[Marta]], a resident of [[Shadow Hill]], goes about her morning rituals--a series of supernaturally oriented tasks, like putting wolfsbane in her window catches, making sure she's wearing her crucifix, and reciting a particular phrase before opening her door--before heading to work.

Along the way, she passes by the [[Hanged Man]], offering him the same nod she does each day (with no response), gets her breakfast from [[Groza's]], and boards the bus to the city center. Marta reflects on the differences between the old ways followed by the Hill's residents and the future-looking philosophy of those living in the city.

As the bus travels downtown, [[Winged Victory]] is spotted hauling a trio of criminals through the air, and the sight of the hero gives Marta hope that she could do anything. Other passengers on the bus gripe about Winged Victory, and Marta chastizes them for their lack of gratitude regarding Winged Victory's efforts to keep them safe.

Arriving at work--the law offices of [[Grant, Miller, Conroy, McConnell and Ingersoll]]--Marta passes by her boss, [[Darcy Conroy]], who's in the middle of an interview about her relationship with [[Nick Furst]] of the [[First Family]]. Darcy shows off her brooch/signal alarm that she can use to call for help when needed.

Marta spends the morning getting her work done, spending a few minutes talking to her coworker Shellie about how Shadow Hill isn't really as bad as some think, once one gets used to it. A colleague named Jennie asks Marta about potentially becoming a roommate to fill a spot vacated by someone who recently moved.

That evening, Marta mentions the prospect to her parents, and her mother in particular steadfastly refuses to consider it. As a counter-proposal, her parents suggest Marta get a job with the butcher [[Gheorghi Vasiliu]], who is not only looking for an employee but also single and "not bad-looking," according to Marta's mother.

Later, Marta muses on the similarities between Shadow Hill and downtown Astro City, figuring that the Hill's talismans are not fundamentally different to those of the city center (e.g., Darcy's brooch or the [[AstroBank Tower]]'s emergency beacon).

She dreams of the lessons her grandmother taught her about how to keep herself safe, but this peaceful dream turns into a nightmare as Marta finds herself fleeing from shadows and unsure of which way to turn for help, including a vision of Darcy as Winged Victory.

The next morning, as Marta performs her daily rituals, she nods at the Hanged Man--and he turns his head to look at her. She is unnerved and interprets the look as a warning, but is unsure of the specific details thereof.

Marta visits Jenny at work to discuss the apartment proposal, but their conversation is interrupted by [[Demolitia]] and several other members of the [[Unholy Alliance]]: [[Flamethrower]], [[Glowworm]], [[Slamburger]], and [[Spice]].

The law firm employees begin to evacuate, and Darcy activates her brooch's signal to call for aid from the First Family. They quickly arrive and help--although not before Marta is pinned by a wall demolished by Slamburger. He leers at her and attempts to assault her, but Marta finds her talismans do not help her here and now.

Luckily, Nick Furst appears and blasts Slamburger into submission before ferrying Marta to safety. She sees that the First Family has taken care of everything, but she also recognizes that Nick Furst is a ''real person'', with crow's feet and a scar, rather than some untouchable, immortal protector.

Marta finds her opinion of Astro City proper changed somewhat, and she decides that she wants to be where _her_ talismans--not those of Darcy Conroy--can work for her, where she knows, understands, and accepts the rules of the place.

The next day, Marta performs her rituals, nods to the Hanged Man as she passes, and accepts employment at Vasiliu's butcher shop. She eats her breakfast and considers looking for an apartment in the area she could move into.

==Notes==
*This issue won the 1996 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue.

[[Category: Story Synopses]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199511]]

Safeguards

2016-11-25T21:33:43Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{stub}}
"Safeguards" was first published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.4]].

==Synopsis==
Marta, a resident of [[Shadow Hill]], goes about her morning rituals--a series of supernaturally oriented tasks, like putting wolfsbane in her window catches, making sure she's wearing her crucifix, and reciting a particular phrase before opening her door--before heading to work.

Along the way, she passes by the [[Hanged Man]], offering him the same nod she does each day (with no response), gets her breakfast from [[Groza's]], and boards the bus to the city center. Marta reflects on the differences between the old ways followed by the Hill's residents and the future-looking philosophy of those living in the city.

As the bus travels downtown, [[Winged Victory]] is spotted hauling a trio of criminals through the air, and the sight of the hero gives Marta hope that she could do anything. Other passengers on the bus gripe about Winged Victory, and Marta chastizes them for their lack of gratitude regarding Winged Victory's efforts to keep them safe.

Arriving at work--the law offices of [[Grant, Miller, Conroy, McConnell and Ingersoll]]--Marta passes by her boss, [[Darcy Conroy]], who's in the middle of an interview about her relationship with [[Nick Furst]] of the [[First Family]]. Darcy shows off her brooch/signal alarm that she can use to call for help when needed.

Marta spends the morning getting her work done, spending a few minutes talking to her coworker Shellie about how Shadow Hill isn't really as bad as some think, once one gets used to it. A colleague named Jennie asks Marta about potentially becoming a roommate to fill a spot vacated by someone who recently moved.

That evening, Marta mentions the prospect to her parents, and her mother in particular steadfastly refuses to consider it. As a counter-proposal, her parents suggest Marta get a job with the butcher [[Gheorghi Vasiliu]], who is not only looking for an employee but also single and "not bad-looking," according to Marta's mother.

Later, Marta muses on the similarities between Shadow Hill and downtown Astro City, figuring that the Hill's talismans are not fundamentally different to those of the city center (e.g., Darcy's brooch or the [[AstroBank Tower]]'s emergency beacon).

She dreams of the lessons her grandmother taught her about how to keep herself safe, but this peaceful dream turns into a nightmare as Marta finds herself fleeing from shadows and unsure of which way to turn for help, including a vision of Darcy as Winged Victory.

The next morning, as Marta performs her daily rituals, she nods at the Hanged Man--and he turns his head to look at her. She is unnerved and interprets the look as a warning, but is unsure of the specific details thereof.

Marta visits Jenny at work to discuss the apartment proposal, but their conversation is interrupted by [[Demolitia]] and several other members of the [[Unholy Alliance]]: [[Flamethrower]], [[Glowworm]], [[Slamburger]], and [[Spice]].

The law firm employees begin to evacuate, and Darcy activates her brooch's signal to call for aid from the First Family. They quickly arrive and help--although not before Marta is pinned by a wall demolished by Slamburger. He leers at her and attempts to assault her, but Marta finds her talismans do not help her here and now.

Luckily, Nick Furst appears and blasts Slamburger into submission before ferrying Marta to safety. She sees that the First Family has taken care of everything, but she also recognizes that Nick Furst is a ''real person'', with crow's feet and a scar, rather than some untouchable, immortal protector.

Marta finds her opinion of Astro City proper changed somewhat, and she decides that she wants to be where _her_ talismans--not those of Darcy Conroy--can work for her, where she knows, understands, and accepts the rules of the place.

The next day, Marta performs her rituals, nods to the Hanged Man as she passes, and accepts employment at Vasiliu's butcher shop. She eats her breakfast and considers looking for an apartment in the area she could move into.

==Notes==
*This issue won the 1996 Eisner Award for Best Single Issue.

[[Category: Story Synopses]] [[Category: Story Publication Order| 199511]]

The Cloak of Night

2016-11-25T07:01:15Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Cloak-of-Night.jpg
|status = Likely Deceased
|realname =
|debut = {{KBAC2}} [[2:7|#7]]
|earliest = 1920s
|origin =
|affiliation =
|baseops =[[Romeyn Falls]]
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair =

|headlines =
|appearances = {{KBAC2}} [[{{KBAC2}} No.7|#7]] 
{{SA}} [[{{SA}} No.2|#2]] 
{{AC}} #38 
}}
{{character page
|intro =A shadowy Prohibition era hero who fought against bootleggers and racketeers. Described as often vanishing without a trace and is rumored to have been a vigilante who didn't have quarrels with killing.
|history =
|powers =
|equipment = A pair of goggles which allow the wearer to see Death coming for its next victims. They are presumed to be magical in nature, and are currently in the possession of [[Steeljack]].
|observations =
|speculations =
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: Cloak of Night}}
[[Category: Heroes]] [[Category: Vigilantes]]

File:Cloak-of-Night.jpg

2016-11-25T07:00:44Z

TranquilityFrog:

Ambassador Telseth

2016-11-25T06:59:00Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|Box title =
|image = Image:Telseth.jpg
|status = Active
|realname =
|debut = {{AC}} #1, #6
|IB1title =
|IB1info =
|origin =
|affiliation = Ambassador of the Kvurri
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives =
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height = 15'
|weight = 800-900 lbs (estimate)
|eyes = not visible behind the mask
|hair = none displayed

|headlines =

|appearances =
{{AC}} [[{{AC}} No.1|#1]], 6 
}}

{{character page
|intro =
A 70-foot-tall intergalactic diplomat from another civilization. Telseth claims to be a representative of "the star-spanning [[The Kvurri|Kvurri]]," interested in peaceful contact.

|history =
In 2013, a giant door mysteriously materialized over the [[Gaines River]] one day. When it opened, it was the being humanity would soon come to know as Telseth who stepped through, announcing his diplomatic intent and requesting a human guide to Earth's cultures and customs. [[Ben Pullam]] volunteered for the position. ("[[Through Open Doors (Part One)]]")

[[image:theDoor.jpg|200px|center|]]

The door stayed on the Gaines, a physics-defying portal to his base... somewhere else. Eventually, the mobster [[Thatcher Jerome]], who was in charge of the river, tried to shake down Telseth, who was after all in his territory. For his own reasons, the Ambassador chose to enter into an arrangement where Jerome's men would deliver to him whatever Earth goods he required. Over the course of these deliveries, he came to know Jerome rather well. During one delivery, however, the human stole an alien object he saw lying around. The Ambassador seemed oblivious, though who can really say? ("[[Through Open Doors (Part Two)]]")

|powers =
The extent and specifics of his power are unknown, but they're presumably vast indeed.

The doors in the sky which he used to arrive on Earth were unaffected by the combined powers of [[Samaritan]], [[Winged Victory]], [[N-Forcer]], [[Reflex 6]], [[American Chibi]], and [[E.A.G.L.E.]], suggesting technological capabilities which are considerably beyond current Terran science.

He was walking on air when he first stepped through those doors, and he telekinetically enabled Ben Pullam to do the same when they retreated back through together.

|observations =
* He carries a box-shaped instrumentation device whose full range of functions is a mystery. During initial contact with the citizens of Astro City, he used it for lowering his voice volume. Could be a common amplifier, or it could be the device for controlling all the functions of his uniform/body.
|speculations =
* Given the aspects of his costume -- no head behind the mask, everything else covered in drapery, fabric, and ornaments -- it all might be a ruse. A means for a probably alien species to portray a comfortable, human-like appearance. It could well be that what we see is a complex, technically advanced vessel, some kind of device for presenting Telseth to Earth. The real Telseth could be some life form, much different in size and manner, embedded inside the machinery. Or perhaps the entity know as Telseth is not encased inside at all, but somewhere entirely different, and the device is merely a conduit for communication and recognizance.
|timelines =
|footnotes =
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: Telseth}}
[[Category: Aliens]]
[[Category: Unknown Alliance Alignment]]

{{stub}}

A Little Knowledge

2016-11-23T05:16:42Z

TranquilityFrog:

"A Little Knowledge" was originally published in [[Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.1 No.3]].

==Synopsis==
A man, [[Andrew Eisenstein | Andrew "Eyes" Eisenstein]], running along the rooftops at night through [[Chesler]] talks to himself--or the reader--about the greatness of the city as well as about the opportunities that can arise for individuals willing and able to keep their eyes open for ways to help themselves.

As Eyes catches his breath, the shadow of a hero (who turns out to be [[Jack-in-the-Box]]) is cast on the building behind him. Eyes nears the edge of a building and manages to spot the hero in an alley as he removes his costume and dons civilian clothing.

It slowly dawns on Eyes that he just saw the face of Jack-in-the-Box. A number of scenarios run through his mind as possible opportunities he could experience. At first, the scenarios are fantasies where he has power and money (even walking around with Jack's costume as a scarf).

Eyes hesitates sharing this information with his criminal colleagues at the [[Craig Avenue Bar & Grill]], as he begins imagining their cutting him out of the deal and making use of his information for fame and fortune, leaving him destitute.

Just then, Jack-in-the-Box bursts through the bar window. Terrified that the hero is after him--even though Jack asks the bar's inhabitants about the [[Middleman]]'s activities--Eyes flees out the back, escaping to his apartment.

The next day, while on a walk, Eyes happens to pass by the residence of Channel 3 news anchor [[Tamra Dixon]] and her husband Zachary Johnson. Recognizing both Jack-in-the-Box and Dixon, Eyes asks for Tamra's autograph, made out to "Jack Bachsinger." Eyes immediately regrets that decision, as he believes he's tipped off Johnson to the fact that _he_ knows Jack-in-the-box's identity.

A new scenario run through Eyes' mind about the information he possesses, centering on torture at the hands of Jack-in-the-Box, who punishes Eyes for seeing "too much."

Later, while working for the Middleman, Eyes again attempts to escape when Jack-in-the-Box arrives to disrupt the illicit activity. This time, his escape is unsuccessful: Eyes is sprayed with an adhesive confetti and left stuck to a railing. He nearly dislocates his shoulder but manages to free himself from his bonds, slipping out of his jacket.

Imagining yet another scenario where Eyes takes his knowledge to the [[Deacon]], Eyes fears that he would never survive--either beaten savagely by the Deacon's lieutenants who want to share the information themselves or killed on the Deacon's order to prevent anyone else learning that valuable information.

As he processes this fear and tries to think of what to do, Eyes recalls the first time he ever saw Jack-in-the-Box: he was a child, and his mother told him that "he's '''helping''' us all -- he's a '''friend'''." Then, he is frightened by the shadow of a hero moving nearby, whom he assumes is Jack-in-the-Box finally locating him--but it turns out instead to be Quarrel, who appears to be entirely oblivious to or unconcerned by Eyes.

Finally, Eyes decides to take a bus and leave the city for Anchorage, choosing peace rather than a life of continuous fear that he and his secret be discovered.

==Notes==

{{stub}}
[[Category: Story Synopses]][[Category: Story Publication Order| 199510]]

Mister Drama

2016-11-20T05:59:48Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Mister-drama.jpg
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Deceased
|realname = Frank Darman
|debut = <issue>
|earliest = 1958
|origin = Astro City #36
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives = Jonni (wife), Juliet (daughter), Frankie (granddaughter)
|aliases =
|occupation = Actor
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus = Married
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = Black, later white

|headlines = <in world date and Headline>
|appearances = <issue list>
}}

{{character page
|intro =
.

|history =

In 1958, a man named Frank Darman auditioned at the [[Starr Theater]] in [[Old Town]]. The audition did not go well, and Darman took his rejection even worse--turning to crime, first by robbing the theater itself and then donning a costume as Mister Drama.

In his burgeoning super-villain career, Mister Drama battled a number of Astro City's heroes, including the [[Silver Agent]], [[Max O'Millions]], and [[Jack-in-the-Box]], who would become his greatest foe.

Even as he found his plans regularly stymied by Jack-in-the-Box and others, Darman was able to build a small fortune and start a family, including a wife, Jonni, and a daughter, Juliet.

Unknown to his family, Darman developed fast-acting cancer from a thermigene gas robbery. Angry over not having made enough of a mark on the world before he would perish, Darman decided that this "mark" would be best realized by killing Jack-in-the-box, despite the protests of his family to give up his "drama games."

Mister Drama had a showdown with Jack-in-the-Box on [[Torres Island]] and died in the ordeal along with his nemesis when he blew them both up. He had one of his Weirdie minions record the affair for posterity, to "show the world how a legend takes his bows." Unfortunately, the Weirdie did not retreat to a safe distance (thanks to its programming), so the video remained undiscovered until 2016--when it was excavated during a battle between Jack-in-the-Box and [[Drama Queen]], the super-villain identity of Darman's granddaughter Frankie.

|powers =

|equipment =

|observations =

|speculations =

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

{{stub}}

File:Mister-drama.jpg

2016-11-20T05:59:34Z

TranquilityFrog:

Drama Queen

2016-11-20T05:59:09Z

TranquilityFrog:

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:Drama-queen.jpg
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Active - Inactive - Deceased - Retired
|realname = Frankie Darman
|debut = <issue>
|earliest = <in world date>
|origin = Astro City #36
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives = Juliet (mother), Frank (grandfather), Jonni (grandmother)
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = Brown

|headlines = <in world date and Headline>
|appearances = <issue list>
}}

{{character page
|intro =
.

|history =
Frankie Darman was the granddaughter of Frank Darman, aka [[Mister Drama]]. After her grandfather's death, her grandmother, Jonni, and her mother, Juliet, lived in bitterness after that, with Juliet's bitterness only increasing with the expenses caused by her mother's death and an alcoholic partner, Paulie, with whom she had a daughter, Frankie.

Frankie was raised in poverty and an environment where she was raised to believe that Jack-in-the-Box ruined her mother's life (and seemingly avoided the same fate as her grandfather by returning to superheroic activity later) and was the cause of all the family's woes. As a result, she trained for her destiny, eventually finding information about her grandfather's old warehouse and its arsenal and supplies, including the army of [[Weirdie]] goons.

After years of training, Frankie took on the guise of Drama Queen and pursued Jack-in-the-Box in order to fulfill the revenge she felt she was due. She tested and recorded his abilities in several encounters (including having her Weirdies savagely beat Jack-in-the-Box) before she made her ultimate move on Torres Island, revealing her motive to her nemesis: getting him to admit he killed her grandfather.

When Jack-in-the-Box confronted her by noting he was not alive when her grandfather died (even removing his mask to show his age), she denied the possibility and demanded proof. When such proof--recordings from Weirdies destroyed in the initial Torres Island battle--was discovered that pointed to Mister Drama as the explosion's instigator (as a suicidal effort to avoid dying painfully of cancer), Frankie could not handle the strain of having everything she thought she knew turn out to be wrong.

She activated an explosive device in an effort to kill herself, but she was saved by the first-aid efforts of Ike, Clyde, and R.J. until paramedics could arrive. Since then, Frankie has remained in stable, but comatose, condition.

|powers =

|equipment =

|observations =

|speculations =

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

{{stub}}

File:Drama-queen.jpg

2016-11-20T05:58:41Z

TranquilityFrog:

Drama Queen

2016-11-20T04:42:36Z

TranquilityFrog: correcting origin issue # (don't know why I hiccuped on this)

{{character infobox2
|image = Image:NIA3.gif
|imagewidth = 200
|status = Active - Inactive - Deceased - Retired
|realname = Frankie Darman
|debut = <issue>
|earliest = <in world date>
|origin = Astro City #36
|affiliation =
|baseops =
|rangeops =

|relatives = Juliet (mother), Frank (grandfather), Jonni (grandmother)
|aliases =
|occupation =
|birthdate =
|maritalstatus =
|height =
|weight =
|eyes =
|hair = Brown

|headlines = <in world date and Headline>
|appearances = <issue list>
}}

{{character page
|intro =
.

|history =
Frankie Darman was the granddaughter of Frank Darman, aka [[Mister Drama]]. After her grandfather's death, her grandmother, Jonni, and her mother, Juliet, lived in bitterness after that, with Juliet's bitterness only increasing with the expenses caused by her mother's death and an alcoholic partner, Paulie, with whom she had a daughter, Frankie.

Frankie was raised in poverty and an environment where she was raised to believe that Jack-in-the-Box ruined her mother's life (and seemingly avoided the same fate as her grandfather by returning to superheroic activity later) and was the cause of all the family's woes. As a result, she trained for her destiny, eventually finding information about her grandfather's old warehouse and its arsenal and supplies, including the army of [[Weirdie]] goons.

After years of training, Frankie took on the guise of Drama Queen and pursued Jack-in-the-Box in order to fulfill the revenge she felt she was due. She tested and recorded his abilities in several encounters (including having her Weirdies savagely beat Jack-in-the-Box) before she made her ultimate move on Torres Island, revealing her motive to her nemesis: getting him to admit he killed her grandfather.

When Jack-in-the-Box confronted her by noting he was not alive when her grandfather died (even removing his mask to show his age), she denied the possibility and demanded proof. When such proof--recordings from Weirdies destroyed in the initial Torres Island battle--was discovered that pointed to Mister Drama as the explosion's instigator (as a suicidal effort to avoid dying painfully of cancer), Frankie could not handle the strain of having everything she thought she knew turn out to be wrong.

She activated an explosive device in an effort to kill herself, but she was saved by the first-aid efforts of Ike, Clyde, and R.J. until paramedics could arrive. Since then, Frankie has remained in stable, but comatose, condition.

|powers =

|equipment =

|observations =

|speculations =

|timelines =

|footnotes =

}}

{{stub}}