“REUNION”
Part II: Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City!
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE: The Champions, having just defeated the Vanisher and the Sentinels, were enjoying some time off. The Angel had a visit by the Beast, who discovered that the Vanisher had…vanished! Hercules, Iceman, and Ghost Rider were enjoying an opening night party for Johnny’s new movie. Black Widow, returning to Los Angeles from New York, finds that gravity on the ground has gone haywire!
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♪Theme Music: “Jet Airliner” By the Steve Miller♪
Black Widow looks out the window of her plane, even as the pilot works to try to get the plane down to a safe landing distance. What she sees surprises even this long-time spy and super-heroine. From a center point, gravity has gone wild. There are vehicles of all kinds—automobiles, planes, and even motorcycles—that are moving towards and away from a location in the distance.
“I need to put this plane down close by,” the pilot remarks, as he struggles to pull the steering mechanism on the plane upward. “The instruments are going haywire, and I won’t be able to keep it aloft if I get any closer to…whatever’s going on.”
“I understand,” Black Widow returns. She motions towards a clearing, where a narrow dirt road can be seen. “Try to land over there. I know I can get to where I’m going from there.”
The pilot nods. “Okay,” he responds, focusing on the steering mechanism, while looking alternately at his instruments and also the clearing that Black Widow had talked about. “I don’t think I can get it any further than that anyway.”
Black Widow looks over at the pilot seated beside her, who is feverishly looking over at the field and his instrument panel. She shakes her head, realizing that, although this is a SHIELD agent, he’s done very little field work. He is a dedicated pilot, but she realizes that there is quite a difference between flying an aircraft—even under optimal conditions—and having a super-villain run him through the paces. “Okay,” she consoles the pilot. “Just do the best you can.”
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♪Theme Music: “Win, Lose, or Draw" By the Allman Brothers♪
At the center of the disturbance, Black Goliath is working hard to ward off large flying objects, while trying to protect civilians from a scene of gravity gone wild. At his fifteen-feet height, Black Goliath catches a flying bus filled with terrified civilians, whose screams fill the air. He grabs either side of the bus, the back of the bus slamming into his mid-section. The impact forces him to take four steps back, as his feet skid across the pavement, and he lets out an involuntary grunt.
Putting the bus down at gently as possible, but still rocking the shocks, Black Goliath rips the back door off the bus, and urges the bus riders off the bus. “Hurry up and get off the bus!” Black Goliath urges, gesturing away from the center of the disturbance. “And headthat way as fast as you can.”
After all the people have exited from the bus, Black Goliath lifts it over his head, straining his muscles as he tilts it back, arching his back, as he takes two steps back. Rushing forward, Black Goliath throws the bus over his head towards the center of the disturbance. It rockets under the speed of his powerful throw towards a spot where other objects are moving up and away.
The bus moves forward at great speed until it reaches a spot several feet from the center of the disturbance, where a familiar bearded figure notices the speeding bus. Graviton raises his hand, gesturing towards the bus, which stops its descent towards him, spinning in mid-air.
“Oh, damn!” Black Goliath exclaims, as he sees the bus heading his way much faster than he sent it towards Graviton, propelled by the villain’s mastery over gravity. He watches the bus coming at him at tremendous speed, shuffling his feet, as he prepares to meet the rapidly-approaching bus, although he hasn’t decided yet how he will do so. “I was hoping that bus would get to him before he got to it. No dice.”
Black Goliath manages to duck under the flying bus, as it shoots over his head. He lets out a brief sigh of relief. However, he listens for sounds of a crash behind him. When he hears none, he instinctively looks up, his eyes growing increasingly larger at the sight that greets them. “I’m not believing this!” he says, shaking his head in disbelief and shock. He does not have time to say anything else, however, due to his situation. When he looks up, he sees the bus swoop up into the air directly above him, and then plummet down, its gravity increasing significantly as it makes its way directly down, burying him under its weight! The ground shakes under the weight of the falling bus, and the pavement cracks, creating a large crater upon impact, with Black Goliath buried deep under the bus!
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INTERLUDE
♪Theme Music: “Us and Them” By the Pink Floyd♪
Mount Olympus. Two powerful young gods make their way down the golden streets. One of them, Enyalios, is dressed in full military garb. He is wearing a chestplate and a military tunic. His sandals have a metal plate in the front, and come to just under his knees. A red cape drapes in the wind behind him. His thin beard accentuates his dark, set eyes, as he makes his way to his destination with a purpose. A spiked mace swings from a holster on his belt.
On his left, Phobos strides with equal purpose. He is wearing leather armor, and much lower sandals. A cloak is pulled back away from his head, and shifts into a dark cape, drifting halfway down his shin. His dark hair seems to blend in with the color of his dark cloak, and his dark eyes shift from side to side, noting with some measure of satisfaction that all manner of small creatures seem to scurry about amid his approach.
“I see that father hath called thee as well,” Enyalios remarks, looking over with disdain at his somewhat smaller brother. Enyalios is two inches taller and much more muscular. He has come to view his brother as a bit of an annoyance, viewing his powers as artificial. He has always preferred to inflict fear on a more personal level.
“Indeed he has,” Phobos returns, not even bothering to meet his brother’s sanctimonious look. “It suits me well. Inflicting terror on mortals hath always been my favorite pastime.”
Despite himself, Enyalios cannot help but smile at his brother’s remark. Over the many years he has been alive, he has prided himself with bringing his own band of terror to humankind, with one constant war after another. How easy he has found it to be as well. A whisper in the ear of a politician is all it usually takes to get the process started. He smiles with satisfaction, as he thinks of his past works in this area.
The two gods stop at the entrance of a large Greco-style temple. Four pillars rise high off the front porch of the structure, reaching fifteen feet straight up. As they enter the temple, which houses their father, murals of historical conflicts adorn the walls, as do various trophies—both of war instruments once held by historic figures, and of more personal conquests, including all manner of beasts slain by the master of this house.
The two come to a sudden stop, and strike their chests with their closed fists, spreading out their palms outward into a salute when they are greeted by the sight of their father, who enters the room, his eyes fixing on his two children with some measure of fatherly pride. He is holding a spear in his right hand, and ushers them back outside onto the porch.
“Greetings, father!” Enyalios calls out with authority in his voice, as his hand returns to his side, even as he looks over at his father, with whom he shares many similarities. “I am here at thy request.”
“As am I, father!” Phobos adds, not wanting to be outdone by his brother.
“Very good,” Ares returns, walking with his children onto the ground immediately in front of his abode. “Soon, we will journey to the world of the humans. But first, we must make preparations for our journey there. I have work for each of you to assist in these preparations. Come, let us talk.” So saying, he twists the spear in his hand, and slams the point of the spear into the ground, as energy erupts from the contact with the Olympian soil.
END OF INTERLUDE
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♪Theme Music: “Searching” By the Lynyrd Skynyrd♪
The Angel flies over the Los Angeles skyline, noticing objects literally defying the laws of gravity. He sees objects of varying sizes take to the air. Some of the objects levitate, while others become projectiles of death and destruction, powered by a self-proclaimed god.
“This is insane,” the Angel comments, speaking into a com-link that looks like a metal bracelet on his wrist. “I tell you, Bobby, this is like Magneto all over again. Buses flying in the air, and people running for cover. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants was in town.”
Angel’s long-time friend and former teammate in the X-Men speaks through the com-link. “I understand. Just hold the fort. We’re on the way, and should be at your location in a matter of minutes. Hercules is eager to mix it up with this fella.”
Angel ducks under a Datsun, which continues to fly over his head, until it crashes into a large skyscraper in the near distance. “It looks like he’ll have his chance,” Angel comments, shaking his head. “If there’s anything left of LA by the time you and the others get here, that is.”
The Angel swoops down, his body shifting through the air, as he dodges all manner of flying projectiles with a speed and skill that shows that he was born to fly. As he nears the center of the disturbance, he sees the subject of the rampage causing destruction to Los Angeles—Graviton!
Reaching Graviton, Angel hovers over him. He sees immediately that Graviton has a bus directly behind him, the remnants of a small car in front of him, and to each side a moving van and a pick-up truck. Around these vehicles are several women. Three of them are dressed in fashionable clothing, and are from a local modeling agency. The others were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, they all have in common a beauty that has attracted Graviton’s attention.
“You must be Graviton,” the Angel calls out to the villain, who quickly turns and faces him, looking him over with disdain.
“A brilliant observation,” Graviton remarks. “Your costume would suggest that you are one of the so-called heroes…I believe the Falcon?”
“Angel!” the blond-haired hero shoots back, clearly annoyed.
Graviton shakes his head dismissively. “It does not matter,” he responds. “I suggest that you stay out of the way. I had thought that, with the prevalence of so-called super-heroes on the east coast, there would not be any left for California. Why am I not surprised that I was mistaken?”
“Stay out of the way?!” the Angel exclaims, his face reflecting irritation and surprise at Graviton’s audacity. “You’ve got to be kidding! Have you noticed that you’re doing your best to wreck this city?! I don’t know what you’re here for, but if you think I’m just going to let you…”
Graviton shakes his head, and rolls his eyes with increasing irritation. “You will not let?” he responds with a mocking tone. He gestures at the Angel, who suddenly realizes that he is no longer in control over his movements. It is an unsettling realization. “You may have noticed that I control gravity. I can make you heavy enough to crash on your face, or light enough to disappear into the atmosphere.” He waves his hand, and the Angel shoots away from him with great speed. “Or, I can just send you…away!”
Ice Man rides in on an ice bridge, which he continues to create immediately in front of him with his powers. “Hold on, buddy,” Ice Man comments, confident that he can save his friend. “I’ll get you!” As he sees Angel flying straight up, he immediately directs his powers upward, creating a cylinder leading straight up, and a cone angles at the top, which catches the Angel in its grasp. Angel starts to slide down the cylinder, heading straight for the ice bridge.
As Angel lands on the ice bridge, he smiles up at Ice Man. “I knew I kept you around for something,” Angel jokingly remarks.
“Good thing for you that you were right,” Ice Man returns, also with a smile.
Ice Man and the Angel look up at a WHOOSHING sound that echoes in above them and swoops downward, until it ends in a loud, resounding BOOM as Hercules jumps through the air, landing with a loud crash directly in front of a stunned Graviton. As he does so, he creates a series of fissures in the pavement, as well as a small crater upon his landing.
“Much have I heard of thee, Graviton!” Hercules comments, smiling his broad smile, as he slams his fist into Graviton, pushing him back with the impact of his thundering blow! “Thou art a braggart, and worse, thou hath sought to harm my friend Angel! For that, thou must suffer the wrath of the prince of power!”
“I have little doubt,” Graviton returns, twisting his neck to face Hercules once again, “that your blow would have taken my head off if not for my force field. Even so, I don’t think I’ll let you try again.” He gestures over to Hercules, who immediately starts to sink into the ground, his weight increased a millionfold. Hercules disappears from sight, heading straight down into the earth, leaving only an expanding crater in his wake.
The Angel and Ice Man look down at the scene before them with shock etched on their faces, never having seen Hercules taken out of commission so quickly. The Angel shakes his head, getting to his feet.
“I’m not sure how,” the Angel comments, “but we need to take this man out…and fast!”
“Yeah,” Ice Man returns, “as soon as you figure that one out, let me know.”
While they are talking, the air around them suddenly starts to crackle, and become super-heated. They can hear the popping of flames before they feel the intense heat put off as Ghost Rider’s bike rapidly appears on the scene, hellfire trailing in its wake. The bike’s tires are aflame, and Ghost Rider’s skull face twists into something resembling a smile, as flames encircle his face, sparkling in his empty eye sockets, as he directs his attention at Graviton.
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INTERLUDE II
♪Theme Music: “Question of Balance” By the Moody Blues♪
While the heroes are battling the menace of Graviton, we turn our attention back across town, to where the Champions have made their home for the past several months—their skyrise headquarters. A familiar figure, Ivan, makes his way into the headquarters of the Los Angeles team of heroes, looking around with some measure of urgency.
“Natasha!” Ivan calls out, as he enters the den where the heroes relax in the evening. He sees a large television screen, perhaps twenty-five inches (!) in the corner of the wall. On the opposite wall, a fireplace sits, unused. On the wall between the two are two large glass windows, between which is situated a sliding glass door, leading out onto a terrace overlooking the city below.
However, Ivan does not have the time to appreciate the view for the moment. He instead makes his way through the den, and down the hallway leading to the individual quarters of the members.
“Natasha!” he calls out again, as he makes his way down the hallway, briefly opening a series of doors leading down towards the end of the hallway. He pushes open a door, and sees that it must be that of the Black Widow. “Natasha?” he says somewhat reluctantly, almost under his breath, as he pushes his way into the room. As he enters the room, he sees a plush bed in the center of the room. He smiles to himself, remembering that Natasha has always appreciated the finer things in life. The canopy over her bed drapes downward in a series of ruffles.
On the far wall, Ivan spots a stereo, with a turntable atop a receiver and tape deck. He walks over, unable to resist the urge to look at the turntable. There is no record on the turntable, but he sees a series of albums on the shelf beside the stereo. He picks up an album, noting that it is Tchaikovsky. He nods with approval, before turning his attention back across the room, realizing that his days in the spy business has made him too curious—even of his friends.
Realizing that he is alone in the building, Ivan returns to the den, and makes his way for the window. There, he sees objects lifted into the air in the distance. Although safe where he is, he has never done the thing that has kept him safe. Instead, he instinctively rushes back the way he came, making his way quickly for the outer door, rushing out of Champions headquarters.
END OF INTERLUDE II
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♪Theme Music: “Hot Blooded” By Foreigner♪
Ghost Rider rides his flaming bike across the pavement, twisting and moving with unbelievable ease, as he avoids flying debris of all shapes and sizes, focusing his fiery eyes on Graviton. The villain stands before him, having just moved Hercules away from the conflict. The Angel and Ice Man watch the scene taking place before them.
“I think you’ve done enough damage here!” Ghost Rider comments, his voice utterly unnatural. The voice is at once eerie and demanding.
“WHAT?!” Graviton responds, his voice trailing with unease at the sight of the skull-faced opponent. “Who…?” he starts to ask. Then, he nods, his face reflecting recognition.
Ghost Rider sends hellish fire out of each of his hands, sending it at Graviton, who is only now realizing who he is fighting. The suddenness and intensity of the attack sends Graviton back a few steps. For the first time, Graviton’s face loses some of its self-assuredness, as he tries to assess his foe, to determine the best mode of counter-attack.
“Ghost Rider!” Graviton responds, restoring his gravimetric force field to block Ghost Rider’s next attack of hellfire. “Yes, I have heard of you. I am certain that your powers are formidable…relatively speaking.”
Graviton gestures forward, as a large section of pavement rips up directly in front of Ghost Rider, causing him to hit the brakes on his motorcycle. However, it is not fast enough! Ghost Rider loses control over his bike, and his falls to the ground, his body skidding along the broken pavement, even as his bike—now returning to normal—flies through the air, crashing off in the distance.
As Graviton walks forward, he sees an unconscious Johnny Blaze laid out before him. He smiles a cocky smile.
“I trust I have made my point,” he comments, as Angel and Iceman look on. “Now, stay out of my way or I will have to kill you all!”
NEXT ISSUE: The Champions continue their battle with Graviton! What is Ares up to? And, what secret does Ivan hold for Black Widow and her fellow Champions? Stay tuned for the answers in Champions #3!
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CABLES OF CHAMPIONS
I’d like to start this issue by saying that I was really very pleasantly surprised by the kind response I received from 1070s Champions #1. I really didn’t know what to expect from the first issue of the return of a relatively obscure 70s series. But, it seems that the Champions had more fans than I thought. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for the Readers Choice Award, and I’d especially like to thank everyone who wrote out reviews and comments on the first issue. I’ll respond to your comments below.
First, though, a few comments on this issue. The title for this issue, “Ain’t no love in the heart of the city” is a song from Whitesnake. If you think they were just an 80s “hair band”, you really should check out some of their late 70s/early 80s material—pretty much a continuation of what Coverdale, Lord, and Paice were doing with Deep Purple. But I digress…
As always, I sincerely appreciate your comments, questions, and suggestions. I want this series to be fun for everyone. So, let me know what you like, don’t like, and want to see. I can always be reached at [email protected]. And now, on to your comment, starting with Cory Wiegel, who specifically asked that I print his letter here…
Hey Jeff,
Since I'm no longer an editor at Marvel 2000, that gives me more time to write letters and reviews to my former staff. I'm a big fan of letter columns, especially in fan fiction, so I just thought I'd send you one for "Cables Of Champions." First and foremost, great job on your first issue on the title. I like how you picked up directly after Champions #17 and were quick to familiarize us with the characters and what was going on in their lives at the time of the series' conclusions, but did so while getting the ball rolling with a few villains and side plots. The Vanisher, Ares, and I'm guessing Graviton (by the pilot's mention of gravity powers) are all excellent choices for the team to face given the era you're basing the series in. I'm personally looking forward to a throw-down between the Champions and Ares.
As far as the heroes are concerned, I felt like Archangel and Black Widow were the most well-handled. They came off as the strong minded ones of the group, the leaders naturally, and I look forward to where you can take them and their handling of the Champions. Hercules and his portrayal was very solid as well, but Ghost Rider's a little harder to comment on seeing as how he was a little down and out this issue. I think I'll have to see more of your Johnny Blaze to decide if I like him with this team or not. I didn't have a problem with the way Iceman and Darkstar were written, and I actually do like the idea of Darkstar (given her background) is on this team during the Cold War and an interesting time in history. I was just a little distracted with the way they interacted. It's been a while since I've read any Champions issues, but I was always under the impression that they weren't that close nor was she that interested in him. Is my memory faulty on this one or did you just want to take some liberties with their relationship? I like the idea of them being together, though, so it's cool either way by me.
Though I enjoyed the issue, there were a few things that I was curious about. I understand why you chose January 1978 as the month and year for '70s Champions to continue from, but why did you decide to establish that the Champions have been an established team in Los Angeles for three years? I know the series debuted in 1975, but it only ran for seventeen issues. Just seems to me that over the course of those issues and the adventures that the team had that not even a year would have passed (in universe) since the Champions formed. It struck me as odd when thinking about it because that means the Champions really haven't been doing much since coming together as a team.
Hey, while I have you, I've got a few questions and comments about this issue that I'd like to shoot your way. I know, I know. I approved your proposal and we've already talked a bit about future issues, but this e-mail is for a letter column and I do have some questions, regardless!
1.) I really enjoyed the Beast's guest-appearance this issue, especially with the nods to continuity. Do you have any plans for future guest-appearances or minor recurring roles? If so, can you clue us in on what you have in mind? He could be a lot of fun to see interact with the rest of this team.
2.) The Vanisher has miraculously... vanished! Was this just a way for you to dispose of the subplot or do you plan on having him return at a later time? He's definitely an old school villain, very fitting of the tone and time period that you have this series set in. I'd like to see more from him.
3.) You mentioned in your first letter column that you have a specific line-up for this group in mind. Does this mean that some new members will be coming in while others depart? Or will you just be defining the group a little more with some new additions and/or supporting characters?
Thanks for reading, replying, and hopefully posting this letter in your next issue, Jeff! Keep up the good work at Marvel 2000 and good luck with the upcoming Tookie Awards!
Cory Wiegel
Cory, thanks for taking the time to review my first issue. And thanks for all the support you gave me when you were M2K editor. I think you have plenty to be proud of during your tenure. And, it didn’t hurt that you had very competent co-editors to help you out.
Okay, so now it’s time to answer some of your questions. Naturally, you were right about Graviton. I’m glad you like how I’m writing Angel (not Archangel, remember where we are J) and Black Widow. I also agree with your assessment on their leadership possibilities. One of the issues with Champions early in the series was that there was no leader. Then, of course, Black Widow was voted on as the leader of the group. But, I think Angel certainly came off like a co-leader at the least. And Angel’s one of my favorite characters, so I’m looking forward to writing him here as well. Now, your question about Darkstar and Iceman. You are right in saying that what you’re saying about their relationship was said after the fact. However, during the Champions series, they were definitely drawing closer, and I want to develop their relationship from that point forward.
As to the timeline, you are absolutely right. My comment about the Champions being around for three years was certainly the time period of the actual release of the comics. And you are right. It wasn’t three years’ worth of stories. That’s another reason I could have set the series earlier in the 70s, I suppose. J Anyway, just ignore that comment. I like to be vague about things like that anyway.
1) I have always liked the Beast, and he is one of those stalwart characters from the 70s that you really think of when you think of that era, especially if you’re an Avengers fan (as I am). I liked writing the Beast, so don’t be surprised if he pops up again in this series. And I have a few more surprise guest-appearances in mind for this series. Just stay tuned for that.
2) The Vanisher…a good character. I’m surprised that no one asked about the other guest-villains from #17, who fought with the Vanisher (more or less). Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean that he won’t return.
3) There will technically be a couple more characters added to the line-up, but most of these characters will be familiar to the fans of the series…although not all. And, of course, there will be frequent guest-appearances by 70s-era characters.
I think I answered all of your questions. Thanks again for taking the time to write a review. I appreciate your support for this series, and hope you continue to like where this series is heading.
This was great hence my vote in the issue of the week. Ok first one question, is this set in the 70's or is it just taking the characters and all we knew about them then and saying its the modern day? If this is the 70's as in Flares etc then the team must be seen at a disco at least once.
Anyway review:-
I know you didn't pick the team but it's great to see some spotlight on Angel and Hercules both of whom I think are brilliant (Herc's the best ever Avenger). The best thing is you write both of them (as well as the others but I'm focusing on these two) very well hitting the things I've always liked about them. Angel taking up a leadership role again is also brilliant because usually he's written so blandly and just flies about a bit but now he'll be forced to act decisively,
The story itself was solid. There wasn't too much happening as it just showed us the team members in some down time and then ramped it up for action next issue and so the characterisation carried you through here.
Incidentally one thing I really did love was all the references and even issue listings of old issues
So in short I really enjoyed this and am routing for the Champions. one of the things I'm hoping you do well is watching the team grow and change and fitting them into a place in the universe. The role of Earth's mightiest heroes are already taken so where do these guys fit in?
Ok so that’s it, and I look forward to the next issue/ finding out who the threat is.
Anthony Crutey
Thanks, Anthony. This series is definitely set in 1978, so don’t be surprised to see references to that time period. More importantly (I think), you’ll see characters as they existed in 1978. So, for instance, if I choose to have a guest-star, who has since been utterly re-written, you’ll see him as he was known to be in 1978. There will be some exceptions to this rule, though, and you won’t have to wait long for that either. That’ll be part of the second story arc. As to their role, they were the first super-group on the west coast, pre-dating the West Coast Avengers. I fully intend to have them assume the role of the west coast’s heroes. One has to wonder, though, if they had remained active longer, would they have been incorporated into the Avengers, or remained autonomous.
I am amazed at Jeff's ability to pick up a story from thirty years ago and make it flow flawlessly. To throw in all those notes about what happened in what issues from THIRTY YEARS AGO is just astounding. It's like the events at Marvel in the late 70s happened yesterday, and sometimes those were better days.
See how Ghost Rider DOESN'T suck in this story?:-)
David Golightly
Thanks, David. I like the opportunity to pick up from Champions #17. This is one of those great things about fan fiction. Marvel would never allow something like this to be published, but here we all get to see a rare glimpse of what could have been, kept in its original setting. I hope everyone likes what I have in mind for these characters.
Now, I come to the most intriguing of the pack for me, 70s Champions issue one. From the very beginning it felt like a throwback to the 70s! Even the dialogue felt like I was reading one of those old Roger Stern Avengers tales! But with the further exploration of the Vanisher, and the soundtrack (nice touch Jeff! 'The Spider' by Kansas? Keep the deep tracks comin!) I knew that this was going to be far more intricate than those issues were. It's enjoyable to read 70s versions of the characters, of course, but my favorite was the suave actor...Johnny Blaze! I wonder...as the series progresses will this turn into...80s Champions? LOL!
Part of the fun was reading the little footnotes of Jeff's explaining 70's continuity. In a story set in the 70s, it felt right to have Jeff interrupt every once in a while to fill us in. In any other type of story, it might have felt jarring.
Good show Jeff! One more thing: keep the soundtrack coming!
And why not just start this series as 70s Champions issue 18? I think that would have been a laugh-worthy detail.
Bryan Locke
Bryan, I appreciate it. I’m glad you liked the soundtrack. I want to have some fun with that, too. I’ll mix hits and deep tracks. After all, this is the AOR era. The idea of just continuing the numbering from the original series was probably a good idea, but I wanted to make it clear to everyone that this is a series set in the 70s. I hope everyone has some fun with the 70s incarnations of these characters.
I've pretty much left all fanfic behind but I had to let you know that I did check out 70s Champions # 1. I loved it. I love the old Champions and boy did this story bring back some memories.
Great stuff.
Barry Reese
Barr, thanks for taking the time to let me know that you saw the issue. You’ve written as much fan fiction, and contributed to character development, as much as anyone. I hope you keep reading. Don’t be a stranger.
Once again, thanks to everyone who took time to review the first issue, and to vote on the Readers Choice Awards. I appreciate the support, and I hope to keep this series entertaining for everyone.
- Jeff Melto
Part II: Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City!
WHAT HAS COME BEFORE: The Champions, having just defeated the Vanisher and the Sentinels, were enjoying some time off. The Angel had a visit by the Beast, who discovered that the Vanisher had…vanished! Hercules, Iceman, and Ghost Rider were enjoying an opening night party for Johnny’s new movie. Black Widow, returning to Los Angeles from New York, finds that gravity on the ground has gone haywire!
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♪Theme Music: “Jet Airliner” By the Steve Miller♪
Black Widow looks out the window of her plane, even as the pilot works to try to get the plane down to a safe landing distance. What she sees surprises even this long-time spy and super-heroine. From a center point, gravity has gone wild. There are vehicles of all kinds—automobiles, planes, and even motorcycles—that are moving towards and away from a location in the distance.
“I need to put this plane down close by,” the pilot remarks, as he struggles to pull the steering mechanism on the plane upward. “The instruments are going haywire, and I won’t be able to keep it aloft if I get any closer to…whatever’s going on.”
“I understand,” Black Widow returns. She motions towards a clearing, where a narrow dirt road can be seen. “Try to land over there. I know I can get to where I’m going from there.”
The pilot nods. “Okay,” he responds, focusing on the steering mechanism, while looking alternately at his instruments and also the clearing that Black Widow had talked about. “I don’t think I can get it any further than that anyway.”
Black Widow looks over at the pilot seated beside her, who is feverishly looking over at the field and his instrument panel. She shakes her head, realizing that, although this is a SHIELD agent, he’s done very little field work. He is a dedicated pilot, but she realizes that there is quite a difference between flying an aircraft—even under optimal conditions—and having a super-villain run him through the paces. “Okay,” she consoles the pilot. “Just do the best you can.”
# # # # # # # # # #
♪Theme Music: “Win, Lose, or Draw" By the Allman Brothers♪
At the center of the disturbance, Black Goliath is working hard to ward off large flying objects, while trying to protect civilians from a scene of gravity gone wild. At his fifteen-feet height, Black Goliath catches a flying bus filled with terrified civilians, whose screams fill the air. He grabs either side of the bus, the back of the bus slamming into his mid-section. The impact forces him to take four steps back, as his feet skid across the pavement, and he lets out an involuntary grunt.
Putting the bus down at gently as possible, but still rocking the shocks, Black Goliath rips the back door off the bus, and urges the bus riders off the bus. “Hurry up and get off the bus!” Black Goliath urges, gesturing away from the center of the disturbance. “And headthat way as fast as you can.”
After all the people have exited from the bus, Black Goliath lifts it over his head, straining his muscles as he tilts it back, arching his back, as he takes two steps back. Rushing forward, Black Goliath throws the bus over his head towards the center of the disturbance. It rockets under the speed of his powerful throw towards a spot where other objects are moving up and away.
The bus moves forward at great speed until it reaches a spot several feet from the center of the disturbance, where a familiar bearded figure notices the speeding bus. Graviton raises his hand, gesturing towards the bus, which stops its descent towards him, spinning in mid-air.
“Oh, damn!” Black Goliath exclaims, as he sees the bus heading his way much faster than he sent it towards Graviton, propelled by the villain’s mastery over gravity. He watches the bus coming at him at tremendous speed, shuffling his feet, as he prepares to meet the rapidly-approaching bus, although he hasn’t decided yet how he will do so. “I was hoping that bus would get to him before he got to it. No dice.”
Black Goliath manages to duck under the flying bus, as it shoots over his head. He lets out a brief sigh of relief. However, he listens for sounds of a crash behind him. When he hears none, he instinctively looks up, his eyes growing increasingly larger at the sight that greets them. “I’m not believing this!” he says, shaking his head in disbelief and shock. He does not have time to say anything else, however, due to his situation. When he looks up, he sees the bus swoop up into the air directly above him, and then plummet down, its gravity increasing significantly as it makes its way directly down, burying him under its weight! The ground shakes under the weight of the falling bus, and the pavement cracks, creating a large crater upon impact, with Black Goliath buried deep under the bus!
# # # # # # # # # #
INTERLUDE
♪Theme Music: “Us and Them” By the Pink Floyd♪
Mount Olympus. Two powerful young gods make their way down the golden streets. One of them, Enyalios, is dressed in full military garb. He is wearing a chestplate and a military tunic. His sandals have a metal plate in the front, and come to just under his knees. A red cape drapes in the wind behind him. His thin beard accentuates his dark, set eyes, as he makes his way to his destination with a purpose. A spiked mace swings from a holster on his belt.
On his left, Phobos strides with equal purpose. He is wearing leather armor, and much lower sandals. A cloak is pulled back away from his head, and shifts into a dark cape, drifting halfway down his shin. His dark hair seems to blend in with the color of his dark cloak, and his dark eyes shift from side to side, noting with some measure of satisfaction that all manner of small creatures seem to scurry about amid his approach.
“I see that father hath called thee as well,” Enyalios remarks, looking over with disdain at his somewhat smaller brother. Enyalios is two inches taller and much more muscular. He has come to view his brother as a bit of an annoyance, viewing his powers as artificial. He has always preferred to inflict fear on a more personal level.
“Indeed he has,” Phobos returns, not even bothering to meet his brother’s sanctimonious look. “It suits me well. Inflicting terror on mortals hath always been my favorite pastime.”
Despite himself, Enyalios cannot help but smile at his brother’s remark. Over the many years he has been alive, he has prided himself with bringing his own band of terror to humankind, with one constant war after another. How easy he has found it to be as well. A whisper in the ear of a politician is all it usually takes to get the process started. He smiles with satisfaction, as he thinks of his past works in this area.
The two gods stop at the entrance of a large Greco-style temple. Four pillars rise high off the front porch of the structure, reaching fifteen feet straight up. As they enter the temple, which houses their father, murals of historical conflicts adorn the walls, as do various trophies—both of war instruments once held by historic figures, and of more personal conquests, including all manner of beasts slain by the master of this house.
The two come to a sudden stop, and strike their chests with their closed fists, spreading out their palms outward into a salute when they are greeted by the sight of their father, who enters the room, his eyes fixing on his two children with some measure of fatherly pride. He is holding a spear in his right hand, and ushers them back outside onto the porch.
“Greetings, father!” Enyalios calls out with authority in his voice, as his hand returns to his side, even as he looks over at his father, with whom he shares many similarities. “I am here at thy request.”
“As am I, father!” Phobos adds, not wanting to be outdone by his brother.
“Very good,” Ares returns, walking with his children onto the ground immediately in front of his abode. “Soon, we will journey to the world of the humans. But first, we must make preparations for our journey there. I have work for each of you to assist in these preparations. Come, let us talk.” So saying, he twists the spear in his hand, and slams the point of the spear into the ground, as energy erupts from the contact with the Olympian soil.
END OF INTERLUDE
# # # # # # # # # #
♪Theme Music: “Searching” By the Lynyrd Skynyrd♪
The Angel flies over the Los Angeles skyline, noticing objects literally defying the laws of gravity. He sees objects of varying sizes take to the air. Some of the objects levitate, while others become projectiles of death and destruction, powered by a self-proclaimed god.
“This is insane,” the Angel comments, speaking into a com-link that looks like a metal bracelet on his wrist. “I tell you, Bobby, this is like Magneto all over again. Buses flying in the air, and people running for cover. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants was in town.”
Angel’s long-time friend and former teammate in the X-Men speaks through the com-link. “I understand. Just hold the fort. We’re on the way, and should be at your location in a matter of minutes. Hercules is eager to mix it up with this fella.”
Angel ducks under a Datsun, which continues to fly over his head, until it crashes into a large skyscraper in the near distance. “It looks like he’ll have his chance,” Angel comments, shaking his head. “If there’s anything left of LA by the time you and the others get here, that is.”
The Angel swoops down, his body shifting through the air, as he dodges all manner of flying projectiles with a speed and skill that shows that he was born to fly. As he nears the center of the disturbance, he sees the subject of the rampage causing destruction to Los Angeles—Graviton!
Reaching Graviton, Angel hovers over him. He sees immediately that Graviton has a bus directly behind him, the remnants of a small car in front of him, and to each side a moving van and a pick-up truck. Around these vehicles are several women. Three of them are dressed in fashionable clothing, and are from a local modeling agency. The others were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. But, they all have in common a beauty that has attracted Graviton’s attention.
“You must be Graviton,” the Angel calls out to the villain, who quickly turns and faces him, looking him over with disdain.
“A brilliant observation,” Graviton remarks. “Your costume would suggest that you are one of the so-called heroes…I believe the Falcon?”
“Angel!” the blond-haired hero shoots back, clearly annoyed.
Graviton shakes his head dismissively. “It does not matter,” he responds. “I suggest that you stay out of the way. I had thought that, with the prevalence of so-called super-heroes on the east coast, there would not be any left for California. Why am I not surprised that I was mistaken?”
“Stay out of the way?!” the Angel exclaims, his face reflecting irritation and surprise at Graviton’s audacity. “You’ve got to be kidding! Have you noticed that you’re doing your best to wreck this city?! I don’t know what you’re here for, but if you think I’m just going to let you…”
Graviton shakes his head, and rolls his eyes with increasing irritation. “You will not let?” he responds with a mocking tone. He gestures at the Angel, who suddenly realizes that he is no longer in control over his movements. It is an unsettling realization. “You may have noticed that I control gravity. I can make you heavy enough to crash on your face, or light enough to disappear into the atmosphere.” He waves his hand, and the Angel shoots away from him with great speed. “Or, I can just send you…away!”
Ice Man rides in on an ice bridge, which he continues to create immediately in front of him with his powers. “Hold on, buddy,” Ice Man comments, confident that he can save his friend. “I’ll get you!” As he sees Angel flying straight up, he immediately directs his powers upward, creating a cylinder leading straight up, and a cone angles at the top, which catches the Angel in its grasp. Angel starts to slide down the cylinder, heading straight for the ice bridge.
As Angel lands on the ice bridge, he smiles up at Ice Man. “I knew I kept you around for something,” Angel jokingly remarks.
“Good thing for you that you were right,” Ice Man returns, also with a smile.
Ice Man and the Angel look up at a WHOOSHING sound that echoes in above them and swoops downward, until it ends in a loud, resounding BOOM as Hercules jumps through the air, landing with a loud crash directly in front of a stunned Graviton. As he does so, he creates a series of fissures in the pavement, as well as a small crater upon his landing.
“Much have I heard of thee, Graviton!” Hercules comments, smiling his broad smile, as he slams his fist into Graviton, pushing him back with the impact of his thundering blow! “Thou art a braggart, and worse, thou hath sought to harm my friend Angel! For that, thou must suffer the wrath of the prince of power!”
“I have little doubt,” Graviton returns, twisting his neck to face Hercules once again, “that your blow would have taken my head off if not for my force field. Even so, I don’t think I’ll let you try again.” He gestures over to Hercules, who immediately starts to sink into the ground, his weight increased a millionfold. Hercules disappears from sight, heading straight down into the earth, leaving only an expanding crater in his wake.
The Angel and Ice Man look down at the scene before them with shock etched on their faces, never having seen Hercules taken out of commission so quickly. The Angel shakes his head, getting to his feet.
“I’m not sure how,” the Angel comments, “but we need to take this man out…and fast!”
“Yeah,” Ice Man returns, “as soon as you figure that one out, let me know.”
While they are talking, the air around them suddenly starts to crackle, and become super-heated. They can hear the popping of flames before they feel the intense heat put off as Ghost Rider’s bike rapidly appears on the scene, hellfire trailing in its wake. The bike’s tires are aflame, and Ghost Rider’s skull face twists into something resembling a smile, as flames encircle his face, sparkling in his empty eye sockets, as he directs his attention at Graviton.
# # # # # # # # # #
INTERLUDE II
♪Theme Music: “Question of Balance” By the Moody Blues♪
While the heroes are battling the menace of Graviton, we turn our attention back across town, to where the Champions have made their home for the past several months—their skyrise headquarters. A familiar figure, Ivan, makes his way into the headquarters of the Los Angeles team of heroes, looking around with some measure of urgency.
“Natasha!” Ivan calls out, as he enters the den where the heroes relax in the evening. He sees a large television screen, perhaps twenty-five inches (!) in the corner of the wall. On the opposite wall, a fireplace sits, unused. On the wall between the two are two large glass windows, between which is situated a sliding glass door, leading out onto a terrace overlooking the city below.
However, Ivan does not have the time to appreciate the view for the moment. He instead makes his way through the den, and down the hallway leading to the individual quarters of the members.
“Natasha!” he calls out again, as he makes his way down the hallway, briefly opening a series of doors leading down towards the end of the hallway. He pushes open a door, and sees that it must be that of the Black Widow. “Natasha?” he says somewhat reluctantly, almost under his breath, as he pushes his way into the room. As he enters the room, he sees a plush bed in the center of the room. He smiles to himself, remembering that Natasha has always appreciated the finer things in life. The canopy over her bed drapes downward in a series of ruffles.
On the far wall, Ivan spots a stereo, with a turntable atop a receiver and tape deck. He walks over, unable to resist the urge to look at the turntable. There is no record on the turntable, but he sees a series of albums on the shelf beside the stereo. He picks up an album, noting that it is Tchaikovsky. He nods with approval, before turning his attention back across the room, realizing that his days in the spy business has made him too curious—even of his friends.
Realizing that he is alone in the building, Ivan returns to the den, and makes his way for the window. There, he sees objects lifted into the air in the distance. Although safe where he is, he has never done the thing that has kept him safe. Instead, he instinctively rushes back the way he came, making his way quickly for the outer door, rushing out of Champions headquarters.
END OF INTERLUDE II
# # # # # # # # # #
♪Theme Music: “Hot Blooded” By Foreigner♪
Ghost Rider rides his flaming bike across the pavement, twisting and moving with unbelievable ease, as he avoids flying debris of all shapes and sizes, focusing his fiery eyes on Graviton. The villain stands before him, having just moved Hercules away from the conflict. The Angel and Ice Man watch the scene taking place before them.
“I think you’ve done enough damage here!” Ghost Rider comments, his voice utterly unnatural. The voice is at once eerie and demanding.
“WHAT?!” Graviton responds, his voice trailing with unease at the sight of the skull-faced opponent. “Who…?” he starts to ask. Then, he nods, his face reflecting recognition.
Ghost Rider sends hellish fire out of each of his hands, sending it at Graviton, who is only now realizing who he is fighting. The suddenness and intensity of the attack sends Graviton back a few steps. For the first time, Graviton’s face loses some of its self-assuredness, as he tries to assess his foe, to determine the best mode of counter-attack.
“Ghost Rider!” Graviton responds, restoring his gravimetric force field to block Ghost Rider’s next attack of hellfire. “Yes, I have heard of you. I am certain that your powers are formidable…relatively speaking.”
Graviton gestures forward, as a large section of pavement rips up directly in front of Ghost Rider, causing him to hit the brakes on his motorcycle. However, it is not fast enough! Ghost Rider loses control over his bike, and his falls to the ground, his body skidding along the broken pavement, even as his bike—now returning to normal—flies through the air, crashing off in the distance.
As Graviton walks forward, he sees an unconscious Johnny Blaze laid out before him. He smiles a cocky smile.
“I trust I have made my point,” he comments, as Angel and Iceman look on. “Now, stay out of my way or I will have to kill you all!”
NEXT ISSUE: The Champions continue their battle with Graviton! What is Ares up to? And, what secret does Ivan hold for Black Widow and her fellow Champions? Stay tuned for the answers in Champions #3!
# # # # # # # # # #
CABLES OF CHAMPIONS
I’d like to start this issue by saying that I was really very pleasantly surprised by the kind response I received from 1070s Champions #1. I really didn’t know what to expect from the first issue of the return of a relatively obscure 70s series. But, it seems that the Champions had more fans than I thought. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for the Readers Choice Award, and I’d especially like to thank everyone who wrote out reviews and comments on the first issue. I’ll respond to your comments below.
First, though, a few comments on this issue. The title for this issue, “Ain’t no love in the heart of the city” is a song from Whitesnake. If you think they were just an 80s “hair band”, you really should check out some of their late 70s/early 80s material—pretty much a continuation of what Coverdale, Lord, and Paice were doing with Deep Purple. But I digress…
As always, I sincerely appreciate your comments, questions, and suggestions. I want this series to be fun for everyone. So, let me know what you like, don’t like, and want to see. I can always be reached at [email protected]. And now, on to your comment, starting with Cory Wiegel, who specifically asked that I print his letter here…
Hey Jeff,
Since I'm no longer an editor at Marvel 2000, that gives me more time to write letters and reviews to my former staff. I'm a big fan of letter columns, especially in fan fiction, so I just thought I'd send you one for "Cables Of Champions." First and foremost, great job on your first issue on the title. I like how you picked up directly after Champions #17 and were quick to familiarize us with the characters and what was going on in their lives at the time of the series' conclusions, but did so while getting the ball rolling with a few villains and side plots. The Vanisher, Ares, and I'm guessing Graviton (by the pilot's mention of gravity powers) are all excellent choices for the team to face given the era you're basing the series in. I'm personally looking forward to a throw-down between the Champions and Ares.
As far as the heroes are concerned, I felt like Archangel and Black Widow were the most well-handled. They came off as the strong minded ones of the group, the leaders naturally, and I look forward to where you can take them and their handling of the Champions. Hercules and his portrayal was very solid as well, but Ghost Rider's a little harder to comment on seeing as how he was a little down and out this issue. I think I'll have to see more of your Johnny Blaze to decide if I like him with this team or not. I didn't have a problem with the way Iceman and Darkstar were written, and I actually do like the idea of Darkstar (given her background) is on this team during the Cold War and an interesting time in history. I was just a little distracted with the way they interacted. It's been a while since I've read any Champions issues, but I was always under the impression that they weren't that close nor was she that interested in him. Is my memory faulty on this one or did you just want to take some liberties with their relationship? I like the idea of them being together, though, so it's cool either way by me.
Though I enjoyed the issue, there were a few things that I was curious about. I understand why you chose January 1978 as the month and year for '70s Champions to continue from, but why did you decide to establish that the Champions have been an established team in Los Angeles for three years? I know the series debuted in 1975, but it only ran for seventeen issues. Just seems to me that over the course of those issues and the adventures that the team had that not even a year would have passed (in universe) since the Champions formed. It struck me as odd when thinking about it because that means the Champions really haven't been doing much since coming together as a team.
Hey, while I have you, I've got a few questions and comments about this issue that I'd like to shoot your way. I know, I know. I approved your proposal and we've already talked a bit about future issues, but this e-mail is for a letter column and I do have some questions, regardless!
1.) I really enjoyed the Beast's guest-appearance this issue, especially with the nods to continuity. Do you have any plans for future guest-appearances or minor recurring roles? If so, can you clue us in on what you have in mind? He could be a lot of fun to see interact with the rest of this team.
2.) The Vanisher has miraculously... vanished! Was this just a way for you to dispose of the subplot or do you plan on having him return at a later time? He's definitely an old school villain, very fitting of the tone and time period that you have this series set in. I'd like to see more from him.
3.) You mentioned in your first letter column that you have a specific line-up for this group in mind. Does this mean that some new members will be coming in while others depart? Or will you just be defining the group a little more with some new additions and/or supporting characters?
Thanks for reading, replying, and hopefully posting this letter in your next issue, Jeff! Keep up the good work at Marvel 2000 and good luck with the upcoming Tookie Awards!
Cory Wiegel
Cory, thanks for taking the time to review my first issue. And thanks for all the support you gave me when you were M2K editor. I think you have plenty to be proud of during your tenure. And, it didn’t hurt that you had very competent co-editors to help you out.
Okay, so now it’s time to answer some of your questions. Naturally, you were right about Graviton. I’m glad you like how I’m writing Angel (not Archangel, remember where we are J) and Black Widow. I also agree with your assessment on their leadership possibilities. One of the issues with Champions early in the series was that there was no leader. Then, of course, Black Widow was voted on as the leader of the group. But, I think Angel certainly came off like a co-leader at the least. And Angel’s one of my favorite characters, so I’m looking forward to writing him here as well. Now, your question about Darkstar and Iceman. You are right in saying that what you’re saying about their relationship was said after the fact. However, during the Champions series, they were definitely drawing closer, and I want to develop their relationship from that point forward.
As to the timeline, you are absolutely right. My comment about the Champions being around for three years was certainly the time period of the actual release of the comics. And you are right. It wasn’t three years’ worth of stories. That’s another reason I could have set the series earlier in the 70s, I suppose. J Anyway, just ignore that comment. I like to be vague about things like that anyway.
1) I have always liked the Beast, and he is one of those stalwart characters from the 70s that you really think of when you think of that era, especially if you’re an Avengers fan (as I am). I liked writing the Beast, so don’t be surprised if he pops up again in this series. And I have a few more surprise guest-appearances in mind for this series. Just stay tuned for that.
2) The Vanisher…a good character. I’m surprised that no one asked about the other guest-villains from #17, who fought with the Vanisher (more or less). Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean that he won’t return.
3) There will technically be a couple more characters added to the line-up, but most of these characters will be familiar to the fans of the series…although not all. And, of course, there will be frequent guest-appearances by 70s-era characters.
I think I answered all of your questions. Thanks again for taking the time to write a review. I appreciate your support for this series, and hope you continue to like where this series is heading.
This was great hence my vote in the issue of the week. Ok first one question, is this set in the 70's or is it just taking the characters and all we knew about them then and saying its the modern day? If this is the 70's as in Flares etc then the team must be seen at a disco at least once.
Anyway review:-
I know you didn't pick the team but it's great to see some spotlight on Angel and Hercules both of whom I think are brilliant (Herc's the best ever Avenger). The best thing is you write both of them (as well as the others but I'm focusing on these two) very well hitting the things I've always liked about them. Angel taking up a leadership role again is also brilliant because usually he's written so blandly and just flies about a bit but now he'll be forced to act decisively,
The story itself was solid. There wasn't too much happening as it just showed us the team members in some down time and then ramped it up for action next issue and so the characterisation carried you through here.
Incidentally one thing I really did love was all the references and even issue listings of old issues
So in short I really enjoyed this and am routing for the Champions. one of the things I'm hoping you do well is watching the team grow and change and fitting them into a place in the universe. The role of Earth's mightiest heroes are already taken so where do these guys fit in?
Ok so that’s it, and I look forward to the next issue/ finding out who the threat is.
Anthony Crutey
Thanks, Anthony. This series is definitely set in 1978, so don’t be surprised to see references to that time period. More importantly (I think), you’ll see characters as they existed in 1978. So, for instance, if I choose to have a guest-star, who has since been utterly re-written, you’ll see him as he was known to be in 1978. There will be some exceptions to this rule, though, and you won’t have to wait long for that either. That’ll be part of the second story arc. As to their role, they were the first super-group on the west coast, pre-dating the West Coast Avengers. I fully intend to have them assume the role of the west coast’s heroes. One has to wonder, though, if they had remained active longer, would they have been incorporated into the Avengers, or remained autonomous.
I am amazed at Jeff's ability to pick up a story from thirty years ago and make it flow flawlessly. To throw in all those notes about what happened in what issues from THIRTY YEARS AGO is just astounding. It's like the events at Marvel in the late 70s happened yesterday, and sometimes those were better days.
See how Ghost Rider DOESN'T suck in this story?:-)
David Golightly
Thanks, David. I like the opportunity to pick up from Champions #17. This is one of those great things about fan fiction. Marvel would never allow something like this to be published, but here we all get to see a rare glimpse of what could have been, kept in its original setting. I hope everyone likes what I have in mind for these characters.
Now, I come to the most intriguing of the pack for me, 70s Champions issue one. From the very beginning it felt like a throwback to the 70s! Even the dialogue felt like I was reading one of those old Roger Stern Avengers tales! But with the further exploration of the Vanisher, and the soundtrack (nice touch Jeff! 'The Spider' by Kansas? Keep the deep tracks comin!) I knew that this was going to be far more intricate than those issues were. It's enjoyable to read 70s versions of the characters, of course, but my favorite was the suave actor...Johnny Blaze! I wonder...as the series progresses will this turn into...80s Champions? LOL!
Part of the fun was reading the little footnotes of Jeff's explaining 70's continuity. In a story set in the 70s, it felt right to have Jeff interrupt every once in a while to fill us in. In any other type of story, it might have felt jarring.
Good show Jeff! One more thing: keep the soundtrack coming!
And why not just start this series as 70s Champions issue 18? I think that would have been a laugh-worthy detail.
Bryan Locke
Bryan, I appreciate it. I’m glad you liked the soundtrack. I want to have some fun with that, too. I’ll mix hits and deep tracks. After all, this is the AOR era. The idea of just continuing the numbering from the original series was probably a good idea, but I wanted to make it clear to everyone that this is a series set in the 70s. I hope everyone has some fun with the 70s incarnations of these characters.
I've pretty much left all fanfic behind but I had to let you know that I did check out 70s Champions # 1. I loved it. I love the old Champions and boy did this story bring back some memories.
Great stuff.
Barry Reese
Barr, thanks for taking the time to let me know that you saw the issue. You’ve written as much fan fiction, and contributed to character development, as much as anyone. I hope you keep reading. Don’t be a stranger.
Once again, thanks to everyone who took time to review the first issue, and to vote on the Readers Choice Awards. I appreciate the support, and I hope to keep this series entertaining for everyone.
- Jeff Melto