Little Annoyed with Marvel's Texas "Rangers"

[anthony!]

So, being originally from Texas, I have to say I'm a little annoyed with Civil War's reveal of the Initiative's plan for Texas.

Now, the "Rangers" is a perfectly decent name for a Texas team. Expected, but decent.

BUT, I have to object to this team. Shooting Star? Texas Twister? Armadillo?!

I'll grant them, one "cowboy" themed character would be fine- even as team leader. But what about a spaced-themed character? Or an A.I. character?

Its so stereotypical I can't take that team all that seriously.

[Michael P]

The Rangers have actually been around for a while. Armadillo's a new wrinkle, though.

But really, what did you expect from a bunch of guys from New York and England?

[Shellhead]

For a Texas-based team, Armadillo might as well call himself Roadkill.

[jade_nova]

Shooting Star is not a space based character? Sounds like it could be.

[Brian Cronin]

Yeah, they're just updating an old team.

Who came up with the original Rangers, by the way?

Roger Stern? Len Wein? Anyone know offhand?

I think it was an issue of Hulk...

-Brian

[anthony!]

For a Texas-based team, Armadillo might as well call himself Roadkill.

A character named Roadkill is actually more interesting than a guy a guy who dresses as an Armadillo.

And I think Shooting Star is a cowgirl.

Hell, I'd even take a Max Lord-esque oil tycoon character.

[Expletive Deleted]

A character named Roadkill is actually more interesting than a guy a guy who dresses as an Armadillo.Unless it's a new character, that's not a costume.

[anthony!]

Unless it's a new character, that's not a costume.

So its worse...

[Cayman]

Yeah, they're just updating an old team.

Who came up with the original Rangers, by the way?

Roger Stern? Len Wein? Anyone know offhand?

I think it was an issue of Hulk...

-Brian

Bill Mantlo, wasn't it?

The Rangers rock.

[blackphoenix]

You think you got it bad, Anthony? Chicago is stuck with the friggin' Champions!:evilsmile I can't wait to see what losers they round up for that one(probably Brother Voodoo, Man Thing, and Howar the Duck)Chi-town is so screwed.

EDIT:OH NO...The Champions are the Great Lakes Avengers??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....

[Cayman]

You think you got it bad, Anthony? Chicago is stuck with the friggin' Champions!:evilsmile I can't wait to see what losers they round up fpr that one(probably Brother Voodoo and Man Thing)

Didn't we already see them in Civil War 6 and 7?

[Haunt]

You think you got it bad, Anthony? Chicago is stuck with the friggin' Champions!:evilsmile I can't wait to see what losers they round up for that one(probably Brother Voodoo, Man Thing, and Howar the Duck)Chi-town is so screwed.

Chicago has the space knights.


btw, didn't you guys hear that they would be revamping old heroes? for all you know, the Rangers could all be quite formidable now. i certainly wouldn't want to fight Texas Twister. that power of his is no joke. the only real 'cowboy' on the team is Phantom Rider. Shooting Star's no sillier than Hawkeye. Firebird is nearly a cosmic character. Red Wolf is a huge stereotype but is no slouch in the power department either.

[blackphoenix]

Chicago has the space knights.




We do? Where'd you hear this? I thought they were on Galador?

[TheDrizzt]

Chicago's team needs a cursed character called The Cub. Maybe make him Grizzly's son...

[Cthulhudrew]

We do? Where'd you hear this? I thought they were on Galador?

Different group. The Chicago Space Knights were mentioned in Civil War #6.

[FanboyStranger]

Chicago's team needs a cursed character called The Cub. Maybe make him Grizzly's son...

Have him be a multi-millionaire who spends his fortune on equipment that never works.

[anthony!]

i certainly wouldn't want to fight Texas Twister. that power of his is no joke.

Not with that costume.

People consider Hank Pym "formidable", but that still doesn't keep him from looking like a Yellowjack-ass with those shoulder pads.

[Den]

So, being originally from Texas, I have to say I'm a little annoyed with Civil War's reveal of the Initiative's plan for Texas.

Now, the "Rangers" is a perfectly decent name for a Texas team. Expected, but decent.

BUT, I have to object to this team. Shooting Star? Texas Twister? Armadillo?!

I'll grant them, one "cowboy" themed character would be fine- even as team leader. But what about a spaced-themed character? Or an A.I. character?

Its so stereotypical I can't take that team all that seriously.

I can understand your concern, though as others have pointed out, most of these characters have been around for decades so Dan Slott is in the hard place. If he revamps them entirely, someone will gripe about how they aren't the REAL Rangers... and if he plays up the sterotype, Texans will be rightfully annoyed. With Houston being the 4th most populous city in the country AND a major center for the Space program, a space based character would be great AND make sense. Dallas, tv shows aside, it IS a major finance city, so it would be a great place for a boy billionare or rich debutante in costume. But alas, with only so much time (it is a mini) I doubt the Rangers will have a chance to get much depth or changes made. Good luck to them though.

[Haunt]

I can understand your concern, though as others have pointed out, most of these characters have been around for decades so Dan Slott is in the hard place. If he revamps them entirely, someone will gripe about how they aren't the REAL Rangers... and if he plays up the sterotype, Texans will be rightfully annoyed. With Houston being the 4th most populous city in the country AND a major center for the Space program, a space based character would be great AND make sense. Dallas, tv shows aside, it IS a major finance city, so it would be a great place for a boy billionare or rich debutante in costume. But alas, with only so much time (it is a mini) I doubt the Rangers will have a chance to get much depth or changes made. Good luck to them though.

re-introducing: RAZORBACK!! good luck pig lovers.

[anthony!]

I can understand your concern, though as others have pointed out, most of these characters have been around for decades so Dan Slott is in the hard place. If he revamps them entirely, someone will gripe about how they aren't the REAL Rangers... and if he plays up the sterotype, Texans will be rightfully annoyed. With Houston being the 4th most populous city in the country AND a major center for the Space program, a space based character would be great AND make sense. Dallas, tv shows aside, it IS a major finance city, so it would be a great place for a boy billionare or rich debutante in costume. But alas, with only so much time (it is a mini) I doubt the Rangers will have a chance to get much depth or changes made. Good luck to them though.


All this is true, but it would be nice to see a place like Texas get a bit of authentic atention. Fact is, there are plenty of interesting stories that you'd think could be told in a large state with a rich history like TX.

[Sam T.]

Not with that costume.

People consider Hank Pym "formidable", but that still doesn't keep him from looking like a Yellowjack-ass with those shoulder pads.

Sorry...I think Yellowjacket has a cool costume!!

[Den]

All this is true, but it would be nice to see a place like Texas get a bit of authentic atention. Fact is, there are plenty of interesting stories that you'd think could be told in a large state with a rich history like TX.

I agree with that.

[Haunt]

Not with that costume.

People consider Hank Pym "formidable", but that still doesn't keep him from looking like a Yellowjack-ass with those shoulder pads.

i think he's taken his direction from Rex Kwando. no one wants a roundhouse kick to face from a guy with shoulder pads like that!

[protege]

Chicago has the space knights.


btw, didn't you guys hear that they would be revamping old heroes? for all you know, the Rangers could all be quite formidable now. i certainly wouldn't want to fight Texas Twister. that power of his is no joke. the only real 'cowboy' on the team is Phantom Rider. Shooting Star's no sillier than Hawkeye. Firebird is nearly a cosmic character. Red Wolf is a huge stereotype but is no slouch in the power department either.

Since we haven't seen them in a while, I wonder how mystic types like Phantom Rider and Red Wolf feel about having to register?

[Haunt]

Since we haven't seen them in a while, I wonder how mystic types like Phantom Rider and Red Wolf feel about having to register?

probably not too differently than everyone else. they aren't mystic in the Doctor Strange sense. they just happen to owe their powers to magic. Red Wolf fought during Vietnam so he's used to being registered.

[Madison Carter]

btw, didn't you guys hear that they would be revamping old heroes? for all you know, the Rangers could all be quite formidable now. i certainly wouldn't want to fight Texas Twister. that power of his is no joke. the only real 'cowboy' on the team is Phantom Rider. Shooting Star's no sillier than Hawkeye. Firebird is nearly a cosmic character. Red Wolf is a huge stereotype but is no slouch in the power department either.

And there is....another.

Being from Texas myself, I'm not all that offended. Stereotypical? Sure. But that's what you get with virtually any regional characters.

[Tien Long]

I keep on dreading what the team will be for my homestate of New Jersey.

[Gaastra]

new jersey will have the toxic avenger!!!

Fear his mop of justice!

[twilight]

Does Australia get a super team following Civil War?

[Mean Mr Mustard]

Uh... the new Champions look like they kick ass.
A bit stuck on the "classic super-hero team" template (an archer, a strong guy, a speedster, etc) but hey, it makes sense because of the pantheon/government-created backgrounds.

The Rangers are fine.

[Haunt]

I keep on dreading what the team will be for my homestate of New Jersey.

introducing...Waste-Management Man and Joisey Girl and Jersey Devil!


Uh... the new Champions look like they kick ass.

yeah but 10 bucks say that they are dead before the year is out. i think they were created to serve as cannon fodder for some big threat that will force more classic Champions to reunite. because there is no way there are going to be two characters named 'Hercules' in the marvel universe.

[protege]

I'm more worried about the Rangers, than the Champions- But who would be on a revamped Champions team, i wonder? BW's in Mighty Avengers, Angel and Iceman are forever Xmen, and Ghost Rider probably won't sign up again.

[tedward1984]

I am really curious about the Champions title. I wonder if Angel will try to sue the government for using the name he chose for his team.

They're obviously kicking off the series with this new team from the CW mini, but they've gotta aknowledge the original series.

[Shellhead]

I'm more worried about the Rangers, than the Champions- But who would be on a revamped Champions team, i wonder? BW's in Mighty Avengers, Angel and Iceman are forever Xmen, and Ghost Rider probably won't sign up again.

With his movie out now, it seems like a missed bet that Marvel didn't assemble a Champions team in recent months that included Ghost Rider.

[Valen]

As long as we don't get s Wizard of Oz themed team for KS, I will be a happy man.

[Nightstar1441]

Well, it's about time Marvel did something with the Rangers....anything really. They've been around since first appearing in the Hulk and then West Coast Avengers.

I've always liked most of the characters

The Champions could give Marvel a chance to pull some solid 2nd raters and showcase them.

[Haunt]

As long as we don't get s Wizard of Oz themed team for KS, I will be a happy man.

Canada had Puck. just imagine a munchkin land themed superhero.

[Devil May Care]

Slott is writing a Rangers book? I'm there.

[Roger Stern]

Bill Mantlo, wasn't it?

The Rangers rock.

Yes, Bill was the first to put together The Rangers.

-- Uncle Rog

[Madison Carter]

Does Australia get a super team following Civil War?

Right after we give it Statehood. May be a while, we still have to do the same for Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Iraq, England and Monster Island first.

[Expletive Deleted]

... and Monster Island first.Okay, now I want to see a "Mr. Giganto Goes to Washington" storyline.

[sgt pepper]

God I hope Ohio gets the Great Lakes Avengers. If not, then maybe we can at least get Kickers, Inc.

[ultramandingo]

You think you got it bad, Anthony? Chicago is stuck with the friggin' Champions!:evilsmile I can't wait to see what losers they round up for that one(probably Brother Voodoo, Man Thing, and Howar the Duck)Chi-town is so screwed.


....i thougt chicago got "rom the space knight" ( cool)

i would so buy a Brother Voodoo, Giant Size Man Thing, and Howard the Duck team up MAX book - ennis writes , dillon draws

[Frank]

As long as we don't get s Wizard of Oz themed team for KS, I will be a happy man.

ahahahaha! That would be awesome, actually.

The Emerald Corp. It would draw inspiration from Wizard of Ozm the Green Lantern Corp and Superman.

You get a little girl, dressed like Dorothy but she has super-strength and fly. She comes from another planet. Her whole town is inffected by a green substance and you get freak of natures. Such as her dog that has mutated into a man-dog and he's scared all the time(cross between Toto and the Lion). A small big headed old man who can do anything, or can he? (his powers would be casting illusions).


As for the Rangers, I just wish creators would take the time to revamp characters, not just putting old ones in similar settings. I think Texas Twister could use a revamp. Firebird is uber-lame. A girl with a firebird motif in the MU, who hasn't seen that before? :rolleyes: I would make the Rangers crazy gunslingers with super-powers. Some guy called Spaceman, lost hero with a cowboy hat from the 1950s a man that has been experimented on by aliens, merging him with an oil pipeline. He would have a big chunk of machine thing in his chest that would make him do super-hero things. But not unlike Iron Man would have to "recharge" but instead of electricity it would be by pumping oil.

[ultramandingo]

ahahahaha!

As for the Rangers, I just wish creators would take the time to revamp characters, not just putting old ones in similar settings. I think Texas Twister could use a revamp. Firebird is uber-lame. A girl with a firebird motif in the MU, who hasn't seen that before? :rolleyes: I would make the Rangers crazy gunslingers with super-powers. Some guy called Spaceman, lost hero with a cowboy hat from the 1950s a man that has been experimented on by aliens, merging him with an oil pipeline. He would have a big chunk of machine thing in his chest that would make him do super-hero things. But not unlike Iron Man would have to "recharge" but instead of electricity it would be by pumping oil.

..... id go with a billion -aire type guy whos parents were killed by a drunk texas air guard dude , so he dresses up like a cowboy to fight crime and some super powered cheer leaders and ....uh , man-bull

[Frank]

..... id go with a billion -aire type guy whos parents were killed by a drunk texas air guard dude , so he dresses up like a cowboy to fight crime and some super powered cheer leaders and ....uh , man-bull

hah hahaha!

[Jmacq1]

It does make sense for the teams to be tailored somewhat to the culture of the state they're headquartered in. And of course the Rangers already existed (more or less). They have a Native American and a Hispanic member among their ranks, but I do agree with the original poster that at least one "Non-stereotype" could have been included among the ranks. If for no other reason than to represent the thoroughly modern, urban sections of Texas (Dallas, Houston, etc...).

Heck, get some Texas oil billionaire's son or daughter to become a power-armor based hero(ine).

As for Firebird...she's been around almost (but not quite) as long as certain members of the X-Family that shall remain nameless (IIRC), so...kind of moot. Just because she's less popular/more obscure doesn't necessarily make her a rip off.

[ManSpider]

sorry dude, but i got no sympathey. im from englad, born n bred.
n we're stereotyped as tea drinking, butler owning, castle dewelling folk who all speak like the queen. u jus hav to accept stereotyping.

"not now giles i am on the personal computer, one will take it with two lumps of sugar in the east wing, thank you"

[Blackcat]

I miss Rawhide Kid and Two Gun on this team !

[Jeff-E]

What kills me is that I was born in Houston, I later moved to St.Louis, but the first time I ever saw a farm, or even rode a horse was when I moved away from Texas! I heard about the Texas Rangers before seeing them, and I have to say to Marvel; "Damage people, (I use damage instead of cussing) not everyone between New York, and L.A. are stereotyped idiots, there are MAJOR FREAKIN CITIES between the two."

[jefseg77]

I am born and raised in Dallas and still live there (GO-Cowboys, FC-Dallas, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars!!!) and this team is about what I expected, but are they getting there own series or will they be cannon fodder and "red shirted" in an Avengers story?

[sherlockbones]

what is armadillo´s status anyway? last thing i remember was armor wars/deathtrap when he was just whinning around and that his wife hates him. poor fella, he should takes lessons in love at juggernaut´s school for misshaped abominations.

[Haunt]

what is armadillo´s status anyway? last thing i remember was armor wars/deathtrap when he was just whinning around and that his wife hates him. poor fella, he should takes lessons in love at juggernaut´s school for misshaped abominations.

sleep with She-Hulk because she's easy? :confused:

[StoneGold]

Heh, funny thing is, can you imagine the nerd crapstorm that would be raising about now if they had the Rangers and Texas Twister wasn't still on the team? I'm talking about the same nerds pissed because Iceman isn't on the Champions.

[Alan2099]

not everyone between New York, and L.A. are stereotyped idiots, there are MAJOR FREAKIN CITIES between the two."
There were, but Nitro and the Hulk blew them all up. :D

[ultramandingo]

sorry dude, but i got no sympathey. im from englad, born n bred.
n we're stereotyped as tea drinking, butler owning, castle dewelling folk who all speak like the queen. u jus hav to accept stereotyping.

"not now giles i am on the personal computer, one will take it with two lumps of sugar in the east wing, thank you"

....but you do get MI-I3 and captain midlands!

[Lanowar]

sigh sorry but in the scheme of things if your annoyed by a one panel picture featuring a bunch of characters that before this would never have been used then what exactly does that say?

Seemed like a good enough line up to me, I hear they'll pop up in the Initiative soon but thats about it really.

[Arilou]

....but you do get MI-I3 and captain midlands!

But Captain Midlands is *awesome*!

[DoctorDoom]

I don;t have a problem with the Texas "Rangers"

[Kayless]

I keep on dreading what the team will be for my homestate of New Jersey.
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force. :D