Monica's now Photon no more...

[PFunk]

We for those who care for the second time Monica has given up her code name to Mar-Vel's son. Now she goes by the name of Pulsar, Which-dispite it sorta fits her better since she's more like a small star now. I really dislike.

Any thoughts?

[Alan2099]

Why isn't HE Captain Marvel anymore? Who is captain marvel these days?

[PFunk]

Why isn't HE Captain Marvel anymore? Who is captain marvel these days?

That's my point. He already had a good code name. the only reason why marvel did this it that they plan on bringing the orginal CM back.

[Cayman]

I like Pulsar better than Photon a bit. She needs a sidekick named Binary.

Cay

[StoneGold]

Spoiler warnings for those of us not able to get to the comics shop yet might have been nice.

[Ivan Isaacs]

Not "Marvel" did that but "Fabian Nicieza". And he stated on this very board that at least he won't bring back Mar-Vell (which would bring me to drop every Marvel title except my beloved Spider-Girl as long as he would be alive).

[The Shadow]

Spoiler warnings for those of us not able to get to the comics shop yet might have been nice.
Seconded :mad: :mad:

[Michael P]

Why isn't HE Captain Marvel anymore? Who is captain marvel these days?
He doesn't want to be, and Billy Batson.

[nubly]

who is billy batson?

[The Shadow]

who is billy batson?

http://toys.tinydiamonds.com/images/shazam.jpg

[The Shadow]

He's Captain Marvel in DC, but IIRC they let the copyright expire and Marvel scooped it and that's why all his comics are called "Shazam" or "Power of Shazam" etc.

[Cayman]

Maybe they are downplaying the MU Captain Marvels in order to feature Ultimate Captain Marvel more prominently?

Cay

[hbkabdul]

He's Captain Marvel in DC, but IIRC they let the copyright expire and Marvel scooped it and that's why all his comics are called "Shazam" or "Power of Shazam" etc.


Im not sure if that is true im not doubting it but it seems like i heard a different story on the matter you could be right though ill check with wikipedia later it seems like i read about it there. or maybe that was marvelman that i read about a while back having to change his name to miracleman but it seems like shazam was written about somewhere explaining why the title wasn't called captain marvel. but to the subject at hand i think its silly she loses her name twice to the same person but on the same token i have no vested interest in her to even care.

[RonnieThunderbolts]

Im not sure if that is true im not doubting it but it seems like i heard a different story on the matter you could be right though ill check with wikipedia later it seems like i read about it there. or maybe that was marvelman that i read about a while back having to change his name to miracleman but it seems like shazam was written about somewhere explaining why the title wasn't called captain marvel. but to the subject at hand i think its silly she loses her name twice to the same person but on the same token i have no vested interest in her to even care.

I'm pretty sure it isn't quite as described, a matter of "letting the copyright expire," but rather the end result of a legal dispute, but I'm not sure how accurate those memories are.

[Atom_basher]

They treat Monica Rambeau like a red headed step child. JUST BRING HER BACK. with a cool costume. and a more prominent role

[Ant-Man]

Why isn't HE Captain Marvel anymore? Who is captain marvel these days?

From what I hear, DC now owns the exclusive copywright to the name captain marvel, so Marvel had to ditch it.

[RonnieThunderbolts]

From what I hear, DC now owns the exclusive copywright to the name captain marvel, so Marvel had to ditch it.

No way... where did you hear that? It would've been on comics news sites if that were true, like when legal issues arose on who owned Captain America, or Superman in the last few years. I can't imagine that happening under the comics news community's radar, as it seems like big news. Also, isn't the new Superman/Captain Marvel comic using Shazam in the title still? The one by Josh Middleton? I don't know, maybe this is the case, which would explain everyone losing the Captain Marvel name.

I was thinking it would be to make Carol Danvers' possible use of Ms. Marvel again more unique if she were the only "Marvel" around. Still, you may very well be right, it just seems rather improbable that this kind of news would happen with no word getting to CBR, Newarama, Comics Continuum or the Pulse, that is all.

[Kirk G]

From what I hear, DC now owns the exclusive copywright to the name captain marvel, so Marvel had to ditch it.
I think it fairly well documented that Stan Lee always felt threatened by the fact that their Company name was Marvel, yet they didn't have the rights to the classic big red's name, Captain Marvel.
So, in about 1971 or so, when someone noticed that the copyright on the character had lapsed, Marvel made it's move, and had introduced Captain Mar-Vel... but when they could grab the concept of wristbands and exchanging places with a kid, they altered the dear green and white Gene Colan image to the Gil Kane black blue and red image and have held onto it ever since.
Now, as for WHY they killed him off...
and WHY they introduced Monica as Capt. Marvel...
and WHY they now are no longer using the name...
well, I guess that's something someone else will have to explain.... :rolleyes:

[Dermie]

Not "Marvel" did that but "Fabian Nicieza". And he stated on this very board that at least he won't bring back Mar-Vell (which would bring me to drop every Marvel title except my beloved Spider-Girl as long as he would be alive).

I'm sorry, but that is wrong.

It WAS Marvel that did that. Fabian was told by Marvel editorial that he was no longer allowed to use the "Captain Marvel" name. Fabian was the one who picked the new codename, but it was MARVEL who told him he couldn't use Captain Marvel anymore.

[Ant-Man]

I'm sorry, but that is wrong.

It WAS Marvel that did that. Fabian was told by Marvel editorial that he was no longer allowed to use the "Captain Marvel" name. Fabian was the one who picked the new codename, but it was MARVEL who told him he couldn't use Captain Marvel anymore.

Correct. Because DC has the exclusive rights to the name Captain Marvel ;) .

[RonnieThunderbolts]

Correct. Because DC has the exclusive rights to the name Captain Marvel ;) .

One reason I doubt it so much, other than the fact that it hasn't been reported on, is that according to Comicsc Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0503/20/dcpanel.htm) as of March of this year, they are still calling the new mini-series Shazam/Superman: First Thunder. Now, if they have exclusive rights to the name, WHY aren't they using it. If they own it, HOW did that come to pass?

Again, do you care to cite a source? I am interested, but I read far too many rumors that people accept as gospel (I'm sure often from reliable sources) that turn out to be complete bull to just take someone's word for it. You've said it twice and I've heard hide nor hair of this anywhere else. If you want to protect your "source" I understand, but if you don't mind, I'm curious where the tidbit comes from.

On the topic of the thread, I got around to reading the issue and I must say, while Pulsar is OK, I much prefer Kurt Busiek's idea for her, Morningstar. Similar meaning and much cooling sounding to me. She's got another name stolen from an alien (all 3 of her titles so far) but it isn't the worst name for her. I just hope she makes more appearances in the near future, I really like Monica and would love for her to find a niche in the Marvel Universe.

[PFunk]

Spoiler warnings for those of us not able to get to the comics shop yet might have been nice.

Sorry. Since it was all over the various message boards I thought it was well known by now.

[PFunk]

They treat Monica Rambeau like a red headed step child. JUST BRING HER BACK. with a cool costume. and a more prominent role

My thoughts exactly. She more than has the potental of being one of Marvels major heroians. She just needs a supportive creative team to do so (take a look a Black Panther).

But for now keep her away from the avengers.

[PFunk]

Actually heres a link to unaccepted pitch for a new Marvel super-team book, Power Men by Dwayne McDuffie (of Cartoon Networks Justice League, and Static Anmiated Series) yeats back. Which Monica also was to undergo a name change in that.

http://homepage.mac.com/dmcduffie/site/PowerMenpitch.html

[Sandy Hausler]

We for those who care for the second time Monica has given up her code name to Mar-Vel's son. Now she goes by the name of Pulsar, Which-dispite it sorta fits her better since she's more like a small star now. I really dislike.

Any thoughts?

Since we haven't seen her in years and there's no reason to believe we will see her again in the near future, why should we care what she calls herself?

Sandy Hausler

[Typo Lad]

and WHY they introduced Monica as Capt. Marvel...
and WHY they now are no longer using the name...
well, I guess that's something someone else will have to explain.... :rolleyes:

To retain said copyright.

[PrimalScream]

Why isn't HE Captain Marvel anymore? Who is captain marvel these days?

his sister is.i also think she is dating moondragon.thats what i heard.

[Typo Lad]

his sister is.i also think she is dating moondragon.thats what i heard.

He has a sister?

A lesbian sister?

Man, the things I miss...

[Anthony]

Since we haven't seen her in years and there's no reason to believe we will see her again in the near future, why should we care what she calls herself?

Sandy Hausler
Some of us still care about the character.

[Anthony]

Actually heres a link to unaccepted pitch for a new Marvel super-team book, Power Men by Dwayne McDuffie (of Cartoon Networks Justice League, and Static Anmiated Series) yeats back. Which Monica also was to undergo a name change in that.

http://homepage.mac.com/dmcduffie/site/PowerMenpitch.html
I remember reading that about a year ago. While I like a lot of things Dwayne has done in the past. He was the one that actually depowered her. I somewhat understand his motivation, it hard writing a powerful character and not make said character appear incompetent. Still didn't like it though

[Dermie]

He has a sister?

A lesbian sister?

Man, the things I miss...

Yes, the two of them were last seen in CM #25. And she probably is using the CM name for now--but since I don't expect we'll see her again anytime soon, it is probably a moot point.

[Typo Lad]

Yes, the two of them were last seen in CM #25. And she probably is using the CM name for now--but since I don't expect we'll see her again anytime soon, it is probably a moot point.

Half sister or full on?

Full on would be... tricky...

[Dermie]

Since we haven't seen her in years and there's no reason to believe we will see her again in the near future, why should we care what she calls herself?

Sandy Hausler

Because the character has fans who care.

And actually, there IS reason to believe she'll appear again in the near future--Hudlin has talked about using her as a guest star in his BP series. (of course, given the continuity errors in that title, she'll probably still be calling herself Photon...or Captain Marvel...)

[Dermie]

Half sister or full on?

Full on would be... tricky...

Full sister. She was created the same way he was.

[PFunk]

Since we haven't seen her in years and there's no reason to believe we will see her again in the near future, why should we care what she calls herself?

Sandy Hausler

Actually Hudlin is bringing her back as a co-star during Black Panther's second story arc. And some in my group says that this is a way of marvel creating/judging the fallout it would cause.

So I'll think we're be seein more of Photon/Pulsar.

[jackalope]

On the topic of the thread, I got around to reading the issue and I must say, while Pulsar is OK, I much prefer Kurt Busiek's idea for her, Morningstar. Similar meaning and much cooling sounding to me.
The name Morningstar has some unfortunate baggage. It is one of the traditional names for Satan/Lucifer, taken from the Bible.

Isiah 14:12 "How have you fallen from the heavens, O morning star, son of the dawn! How are you cut down to the ground, you who mowed down the nations!"

This may explain why the name was not used for Monica.

On a completely unrelated note, Pulsar is the name of a minor villain in the Champions RPG (http://herogames.com/Champions/index.jsp).

[Doom Hammer]

I wish Monica would've picked Poledancer. ;)

[Phoney Bone]

If there is any justice in the world, Carol Danvers will get the Captain Marvel name.

[Shellhead]

They should emulate DC even more and have Marvel's version of the Marvel Family. The guy that died in the 80's could be referred to as Marv Marvel. The blonde avenger could be known as Carol Marvel, it certainly isn't any worse a name than Warbird. Then there could be Monica Marvel and Gen-is Marvel.

[PrimalScream]

If there is any justice in the world, Carol Danvers will get the Captain Marvel name.

she is taking the name Ms.Marvel again.thats what i hear.

[BoosterBronze]

she is taking the name Ms.Marvel again.thats what i hear.

I always thought the name change to Warbird was pointless, and that the name Warbird sucked. Hopefully she'll be in her good costume, not the Copiel "I'm indestructible but I still need kneepads." one

[Shellhead]

I always thought the name change to Warbird was pointless, and that the name Warbird sucked. Hopefully she'll be in her good costume, not the Copiel "I'm indestructible but I still need kneepads." one

I would phrase it more like "my current codename and costume suck so much that I need kneepads."

[pureclint]

I always thought the name change to Warbird was pointless, and that the name Warbird sucked. Hopefully she'll be in her good costume, not the Copiel "I'm indestructible but I still need kneepads." one


Haha such easy joke material.


Monica is a cool character but has never caught on as a major player (one could easily argue that the constant power and name changes have helped her down that path). As Sandy, pointed out she will more then likely be shuffled back her boat soon enough as Marvel does not see her as a Money Maker, and I highly doubt BP will make her one.

I would have prefered if she never had used the Captain Marvel name as it made no sense to give it to her. And I honestly think if she had a different name from the get go a lot of her coming and goings would never have occured.

[PFunk]

This is where I respectfully disagree. Black characters always had a hard time of making it in the fanboy dominated comics field. And back then Monica was no exection. But I felt her not having a successful book is more due to not having creative teams that were behind her more than anything else (that and a lousy costume didn't help matters either). As very few people wanted to use her. The name had nothing to do with this one. As one person stated Monica's Marvel's Red Headed stepchild.

Now with Black Panther we do have atleast a writer that cares enough about her to do just that. Her fanbase is there. Mavel just needs to connect to it. And I feel Hudlins the guy to give Monica the boost that she needs.

As for redoing Monica's costume. Here's my shot at it.

http://members.aol.com:/pfunk30000/photon01

[pureclint]

I agree with you that not having a creative team support them hurts a characters chances but Monica DID have a creative team support her back in her Avengers run, she was even team leader. Over the last 15 years or so, she has had no creative team support her and that has of course hurt her.

Now I did not say the lack of character consistantcy was the only thing that held her back but to say it has not hurt her is a bit niave I think.

[PFunk]

I agree with you that not having a creative team support them hurts a characters chances but Monica DID have a creative team support her back in her Avengers run, she was even team leader. Over the last 15 years or so, she has had no creative team support her and that has of course hurt her.

True. And it was during that time when Monica's star rose. But instead of captializing on it they just left it as is. And once that creative team left she was dumped ASAP to the background. Where she's been ever since.

Now I did not say the lack of character consistantcy was the only thing that held her back but to say it has not hurt her is a bit niave I think.

No. All I'm saying it that if you don't have both a creative team and company support behind you then you're a no go. And monica hasn't had much of either during her career. YET she still managed to developed a fanbase. She just needs both a creative team and Marvel to back her up.

[pureclint]

No. All I'm saying it that if you don't have both a creative team and company support behind you then you're a no go. And monica hasn't had much of either during her career. YET she still managed to developed a fanbase. She just needs both a creative team and Marvel to back her up.

True enough, of course just about every character has a fan base out there, except maybe D-Man.

[PFunk]

True enough, of course just about every character has a fan base out there, except maybe D-Man.

Actually I think even D-Man has a fanbase. it's just not an active one. :)

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

This is where I respectfully disagree. Black characters always had a hard time of making it in the fanboy dominated comics field. And back then Monica was no exection. But I felt her not having a successful book is more due to not having creative teams that were behind her more than anything else (that and a lousy costume didn't help matters either). As very few people wanted to use her. The name had nothing to do with this one. As one person stated Monica's Marvel's Red Headed stepchild.

Now with Black Panther we do have atleast a writer that cares enough about her to do just that. Her fanbase is there. Mavel just needs to connect to it. And I feel Hudlins the guy to give Monica the boost that she needs.

As for redoing Monica's costume. Here's my shot at it.

http://members.aol.com:/pfunk30000/photon01

I absolutely agree.
And also, any character can only develop a fanbase IF it's given a chance by the company, its staff and creators that are willing to support her.

I hate when people say things like "Who cares about Photon/Thundra/character X...there's a reson for nobody using her, blah, blah blah..."
Duh...if she never appears anywhere, how do they expect Thundra/Photon/Character X to become a viable, vital, "cool" character?

Anyway, I agree that Photon is a fantastic character, ripe for cool stories and if given the opportunity, she could headline her own book...
(And I personally feel the market could use more well-written,solidly drawn female solo books that don't reduce the characters to a punchlines or to sexual objects)

[PFunk]

I absolutely agree.
And also, any character can only develop a fanbase IF it's given a chance by the company, its staff and creators that are willing to support her.

I hate when people say things like "Who cares about Photon/Thundra/character X...there's a reson for nobody using her, blah, blah blah..."
Duh...if she never appears anywhere, how do they expect Thundra/Photon/Character X to become a viable, vital, "cool" character?

Anyway, I agree that Photon is a fantastic character, ripe for cool stories and if given the opportunity, she could headline her own book...

Agree. Now it Marvel would see if possible to give her one (starting with a mini-series or two)

(And I personally feel the market could use more well-written,solidly drawn female solo books that don't reduce the characters to a punchlines or to sexual objects)

This is starting to be so much of a pet peeve of mine that I'm begining to drop books due to this. Unfortunatly, we're probally get more of this with todays fanboys.

Maybe Monica should get a series now...

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

This is starting to be so much of a pet peeve of mine that I'm begining to drop books due to this. Unfortunatly, we're probally get more of this with todays fanboys.

Maybe Monica should get a series now...

MARVEL seems to be having a desire to push their female characters as of late:In October, She-Hulk is back in a big way, Spider-Woman has an upcoming Essentials trade, a Giant Sized Special, and a possible solo ongoing, plus her role in the NA book and a Bowen Mini bust coming up, Ms MARVEL/Warbird is apparently going to have a big role in House Of M, Storm has a mini currently, Black Widow is getting another mini soon, etc.
Even DAZZLER is back in House Of M.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Monica comes back in a big way too.
A dream team would be the Dodsons in art, Busiek or Gail Simone writing.
And yes, a change in costume would be cool,I do like your design, P-Funk.

I would also love to see Falcon, Thrathlon,Firebird, Silverclaw and Living Lightning back.
(BTW...where are the Asian avengers? Ever been any?Sunfire? )

[Alan2099]

As for redoing Monica's costume. Here's my shot at it.

http://members.aol.com:/pfunk30000/photon01
Looks a bit too much like the female Dr. Light over at DC for my tastes.

[Dermie]

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Monica comes back in a big way too.
A dream team would be the Dodsons in art, Busiek or Gail Simone writing.

I think Roger Stern should have first crack at a Monica series. (or, if he's not available--me! :D )

I would also love to see Falcon, Thrathlon,Firebird, Silverclaw and Living Lightning back.
(BTW...where are the Asian avengers? Ever been any?Sunfire? )

Sunfire was never an Avenger. Mantis is the only Asian member the Avengers have had, to date (she is Vietnamese).

Falcon is back in HouseOfM, and Marvel has talked about bringing him back in his own solo series. Priest had been offered the book, and at last report was still considering it.

[CyberCoyote]

I like that look for Monica :) And yeah, she gets dumped on, so much that they bled it into her character and she became disinterested in heroics herself.

Pulsar is a good name, I suppose. A rose is a rose and all, but for some reason Photon sounds rather passive and Pulsar has an 'action' edge to it. For me at least.

As for the whole Captain Marvel mess, there really was only one Captain Marvel to me, although bringing him back after having one of the best end stories in comics would be a crime (House of M?) Danvers is another under rated character who looks to be heading back into the spotlight, Ms Marvel works fine by me. I actually liked Warbird and with her Kree origins often forgotten the reference made sense for a pilot.

Danvers, Monica, Wonder-Man (dips into the two company name thing again), Pym, and the Vision make up the power core of a damned near unstoppable Avengers group. Too bad they aren't all in there together :(

[Dermie]

I like that look for Monica :) And yeah, she gets dumped on, so much that they bled it into her character and she became disinterested in heroics herself.

Actually, Monica never really became disinterested. After the injuries that forced her to step down from active duty, it was a long time before she was healthy enough to return to duty, and by that time the Avengers had moved forward and put together a new roster.
Then Monica got to work on starting her own business, with her father, which currently takes up the majority of her time, which is why she is only a part-time hero. (also, her mother stole her communicard for a while, to prevent Monica from getting Avengers calls).

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

What happened to Monica?
What injuries?

[Dermie]

What happened to Monica?
What injuries?

After Roger Stern left AVENGERS, the next writer (Walt Simonson) wiped out the existing team and put a new one in place...it was basically an earlier version of "Avengers Disassembled".
He had Namor's wife, Marrina, transform into a giant sea serpent. Monica nearly died trying to stop Marrina--she tried to fry the serpent with electricity, and ended up losing most of her body mass in the process, using so much energy.
Monica was barely able to pull herself back together, and spent the next several months in hospital recovering. That was the end of Monica's stint as an active Avenger.

As for the Marrina was finally stopped when Namor killed her using Black Knight's sword. Killing Marrina reactivated the sword's curse, which started affecting Black Knight's mind and body. Namor quit due to his grief over Marrina.
Dr. Druid was seduced by an enemy, Kang Nebula, and using his telepathic powers he took over the leadership of the Avengers after Monica was forced to resign. He and Nebula enslaved the remaining Avengers, Thor, Black Knight and She-Hulk. The Avengers eventually broke free, and Druid was lost in a time bubble during the fight. She-Hulk quit the team out of shame of her actions while under Druid's control. Black Knight finally transformed into a metal statue. All that was left was Thor.

[XPac]

Monica's new name is fine... though it's kind of silly that she would change her name again rather than having Gengis change it. I wonder how long it'll be before he steals her current name too. He'll probably be calling himself Monica a year from now.

I've always liked Monica personally... though in a lot of ways I do think she's one of those characters which are actually TOO Powerful to write well unless a writer has a real love of the character. I think that's why writers sort of shy away from her. Granted there are more powerful characters than her with their own series... if some writers went through the trouble of creating a rogues gallery for her that were at her level, it would work. But like I said, it would take a writer that really had a love of the character.

[PFunk]

Looks a bit too much like the female Dr. Light over at DC for my tastes.

That's strange because I've never seen the new female Dr. Light costume.

[Frank]

How do you go from Photon to Pulsar? It`s like going from "The Horned One" to "The Bull". What`s the point? Just name her Captain Marvel or kill her. Or like someone said put her in a Shazam!-like family with the others. I just feel to make a character better like Monica it shouldn`t be half-ass, whether you go all the way and make her important or don`t bother at all.

[CyberCoyote]

Then Monica got to work on starting her own business, with her father, which currently takes up the majority of her time, which is why she is only a part-time hero. (also, her mother stole her communicard for a while, to prevent Monica from getting Avengers calls).

"MOM! C'Mon, Kang's armies are taking over the world! Where's my Avengers Card?" Parents can be such downers.

That's really what I meant by disinterested, they wrote away her motivations. But Monica is one of those heroes with a real reason to be a hero, she chose law enforcement for a career. That and she's powerful as all get, visually interesting, and one of the strongest female characters (black, white, or Skrullian) there is. (When they choose to show her in her originally depicted light)

Oh, and hiya Dermie, nice to see ya over here :)

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

If there is any justice in the world, Carol Danvers will get the Captain Marvel name.

Here, here. I suggested that to Fabian when I first learned that Marvel pulled the "Captain Marvel" name from use. I suspect Marvel has plans to introduce yet another "Captain Marvel" in the near future, although I'm not sure why. Genis seemed to be a fairly popular character, even though his solo series didn't make it.

The reason Monica was given the name "Captain Marvel" in the first place was, as Morts said, to retain Marvel's copyright to the name. Same reason in the years between Mar-vell's death and Monica's first appearance that Mar-vell made a couple surprise appearances (usually in a flashback or leading the armies of the dead or somesuch) from time to time.

As for Monica, I thought Roger Stern suggested "Daystar" as a better name than "Photon" (although I'm not sure I agree). I hadn't heard of the "Morningstar" name, but I agree that it has a fairly unfortunate connotation.

"Pulsar" seems as good a name for Monica as any. Now we just have to get her into an ongoing series...

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

This is where I respectfully disagree. Black characters always had a hard time of making it in the fanboy dominated comics field. And back then Monica was no exection. But I felt her not having a successful book is more due to not having creative teams that were behind her more than anything else (that and a lousy costume didn't help matters either). As very few people wanted to use her. The name had nothing to do with this one. As one person stated Monica's Marvel's Red Headed stepchild.

Now with Black Panther we do have atleast a writer that cares enough about her to do just that. Her fanbase is there. Mavel just needs to connect to it. And I feel Hudlins the guy to give Monica the boost that she needs.

As for redoing Monica's costume. Here's my shot at it.

http://members.aol.com:/pfunk30000/photon01


I like it. Nice work!

[Christopher O]

Here, here. I suggested that to Fabian when I first learned that Marvel pulled the "Captain Marvel" name from use. I suspect Marvel has plans to introduce yet another "Captain Marvel" in the near future, although I'm not sure why. Genis seemed to be a fairly popular character
I wouldn't be surprised if one of the results of HoM was Carol assuming the name Captain Marvel. As for Monica's name change, I don't really care. She's not a character I enjoy reading about.

[Dermie]

Monica's new name is fine... though it's kind of silly that she would change her name again rather than having Gengis change it.

Genis WAS considering changing his name in the issue--but Monica found a new name she liked first.
Anyway, "Photon" is a more appropriate name for Genis anyway--since his power is to manipulate photonic energy.
And a "pulsar" involves electromagnetic radiation, so it is an apporpriate name for Monica.

How do you go from Photon to Pulsar? It`s like going from "The Horned One" to "The Bull". What`s the point? Just name her Captain Marvel or kill her.

Whoa, that seems very extreme and wasteful. What possible reason is there to kill her just because someone else is using her codename?

Honestly, isn't the character more important than the name??

[Kirk G]

Genis WAS considering changing his name in the issue--but Monica found a new name she liked first.
Anyway, "Photon" is a more appropriate name for Genis anyway--since his power is to manipulate photonic energy.
And a "pulsar" involves electromagnetic radiation, so it is an apporpriate name for Monica.



Whoa, that seems very extreme and wasteful. What possible reason is there to kill her just because someone else is using her codename?

Honestly, isn't the character more important than the name??

Why is everyone getting upset with Monica's decision to change her name in the latest T-bolts? Was she even featured in the T-bolts prior to this????

Someone enlighten me, please!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6539082215

[LordAllMighty]

As for redoing Monica's costume. Here's my shot at it.

http://members.aol.com:/pfunk30000/photon01

I like this; it’s very up to date. I've seen the female Doctor Light's costume and their nothing alike (IMO).

I guess if you wanted to make sure that they don't look similar, you could give her the wing flaps back, not as big as the old ones, maybe from the elbow to the rip cage, other then that perfect :D

The costume also works in her human state, where she has superhuman strength (10 tons), high durability and electromagnetic control abilities (hopefully she still retains these powers); I can even see her doing the Starfire energy hair trail.

[Dermie]

Why is everyone getting upset with Monica's decision to change her name in the latest T-bolts? Was she even featured in the T-bolts prior to this????
Someone enlighten me, please!


I answer this question for you in the other thread, so I won't bother to repeat it here. But in answer to the other question, Monica had a cameo last issue. Other than that, no. She is just here now due to her links with Genis.

[Kid Kyoto]

He's Captain Marvel in DC, but IIRC they let the copyright expire and Marvel scooped it and that's why all his comics are called "Shazam" or "Power of Shazam" etc.

IIRC it was a question of trademarks. Copyrights protect content (art, stories, characters) trademarks protect distinctive marks that identify a product (names, logos, packaging).

Names cannot be copyrighted. Imagine if authors had to check if the name 'John Fox' had ever been used by anyone. It would be impossible. So ANYONE can make a comic with a character named 'captain marvel' 'wolverine' or 'batman' but the character has to be completely different from any other characters with those names (to prevent a copyright violation).

However you cannot name a comic Batman, Wolverene or Captain Marvel if someone else already is making a product (a comic book) with that identifying trade mark.

There are a couple of other characters who share a name but are completely different DC and Marvel both a Sandman and a Red Star but only the company that puts out a book by that name first can call a book that.

In Cap's case Marvel put out a Captain Marvel book while Fawcett/DC's Cap was in legal limbo and snatched up the copyright.

[Kirk G]

I answer this question for you in the other thread, so I won't bother to repeat it here. But in answer to the other question, Monica had a cameo last issue. Other than that, no. She is just here now due to her links with Genis.
What link is that?
Anything other than borrowing her name?

[Frank]

Genis WAS considering changing his name in the issue--but Monica found a new name she liked first.
Anyway, "Photon" is a more appropriate name for Genis anyway--since his power is to manipulate photonic energy.
And a "pulsar" involves electromagnetic radiation, so it is an apporpriate name for Monica.



Whoa, that seems very extreme and wasteful. What possible reason is there to kill her just because someone else is using her codename?

Honestly, isn't the character more important than the name??

I liked her when she was important and she was Captain Marvel. As this b-character with radiation powers...not so much.