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MODOK

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"M.O.D.O.K." redirects here. For the TV series, seeM.O.D.O.K. (TV series).
For the legendary Welsh prince known as Modok, seeMadoc.For the prison agency of Missouri (abbreviated MODOC), seeMissouri Department of Corrections.

MODOK
Artwork fromSuper-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11
(September 2007),
art byEric Powell
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceTales of Suspense#94[1]
(October 1967)
Created byStan Lee
Jack Kirby
In-story information
Alter egoGeorge Tarleton
SpeciesHuman mutate-cyborg
Team affiliations
Partnerships
Notable aliases
  • MODOC (MobileOrganismDesignedOnly forComputing)
  • MODOK Superior
  • BRODOK (Bio-RoboticOrganismDesignedOverwhelmingly forKissing)
  • Ulti-MODOK
Abilities

MODOK(/ˈmoʊdɒk/;also written asM.O.D.O.K.;anacronymfor Mental/Mobile/Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing) is afictional characterappearing inAmerican comic bookspublished byMarvel Comics.Created byStan LeeandJack Kirby,the character first appeared inTales of Suspense#93 (September 1967).[2]The first MODOK isGeorge Tarleton,a former employee ofAdvanced Idea Mechanics(A.I.M.), an arms-dealing organization specializing in futuristic weaponry, who undergoes substantialmutagenicmedical experimentation originally designed to increase his intelligence. While successful, the experiments result in him developing a freakishly overdeveloped head and a stunted body, causing the character's signature look and use of a hoverchair for mobility. After the experiments, he kills his creators and takes control of A.I.M. Following Tarleton being changed back to normal, a new independent being created afterward dubs himselfMODOK Superior,becoming the enemy ofGwenpool.

Debuting in theSilver Age of Comic Books,MODOK has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity, and starred in theminiseriesSuper-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11#1–5 (Sept.–Dec. 2008), the self-titledone-shotM.O.D.O.K.: Reign Delay#1 (Nov. 2009) and theminiseriesM.O.D.O.K.: Head Games#1–4 (Dec. 2020–April 2021), the last of which was released as a promotion for the eponymousanimated seriesM.O.D.O.K.(2021), in which MODOK (and his younger alternate self,the Anomaly) was voiced byPatton Oswalt.

A different depiction of the character made his live-action debut in theMarvel Cinematic UniversefilmAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania(2023), portrayed byCorey StollasDarren Cross.

Publication history

[edit]

MODOK first appeared inTales of Suspense#93–94 (Sept.–Oct. 1967), and became a recurring foe for thesuperheroCaptain America,where he was created byStan LeeandJack Kirby.[3]WriterMike Conroystated "Inevitably, he (MODOK) returned to plague Captain America, whose physical perfection he so resented."[4]MODOK reappeared inCaptain America#112 (April 1969), 120 (Dec. 1969) and 133 (Jan. 1971). The character also featured in a storyline inSub-Mariner#49 (May 1972), before becoming the major villain in an extended storyline inThe Incredible Hulk(vol. 2) #167–170 (Sept.–Dec. 1973). MODOK also participated in "The War of the Super-Villains" storyline inIron Man#74–75 (May–June 1975). MODOK had a series of encounters with the superheroineMs. MarvelinMs. Marvel#5 (May 1977), 7 (July 1977) and 9–10 (Sept.–Oct. 1977). Constant battles against the Marvel heroes followed, includingIron Man Annual#4 (Dec. 1977);Marvel Team-Up#104 (April 1981) andMarvel Two-in-One#81–82 (Nov.–Dec. 1981). Following a failed bid to use fellow Hulk foe theAbominationto achieve his ends inThe Incredible Hulk(vol. 2) #287–290 (Sept.–Dec. 1983), MODOK is assassinated by theSerpent SocietyinCaptain America#313 (Jan. 1986). The character's body makes a ghoulish return inIron Man#205 (April 1986).

During theTaking A.I.M.storyline inAvengers#386–387 (May–June 1995),Captain America#440 (June 1995),The Avengers#388 (July 1995) andCaptain America#441 (July 1995), MODOK is resurrected. More typical attempts to better the character's situation followed inIron Man/Captain America Annual 1998;TheDefenders(vol. 2) #9–10 (Nov.–Dec. 2001);Wolverine(vol. 2) #142–143 (Sept.– Oct. 1999);Captain America and theFalcon#9 (Jan. 2005) andCable & Deadpool#11 (March 2005). The character then made three humorous appearances, inWha...Huh?#1 (Sept. 2005);Marvel Holiday Special 2006(Jan. 2007) andGLA-Xmas Special#1 (Feb. 2006). After appearing briefly in themutanttitlesX-Men#200 (Aug. 2007) andTheUncanny X-Men#488 (Sept. 2007), MODOK was featured inMs. Marvel(vol. 2) #14–17 (June–Sept. 2007) and appeared in two miniseries:Marvel 1985#1–6 (July–Dec. 2008) andSuper-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11#1–5 (Aug.–Dec. 2008). MODOK also featured inThe Incredible Hulk(vol. 2) #600 (Sept. 2009);Astonishing Tales(vol. 2) #2 (May 2009) and the one-shot issueM.O.D.O.K.: Reign Delay#1 (Nov. 2009).

MODOK later gained a counterpart and successor in MODOK Superior, who first appeared inHulk(vol. 2) #29 and was created byJeff Parkerand Gabriel Hardman, who is depicted as the archenemy ofGwendolyn "Gwen" PooleinThe Unbelievable Gwenpool#1–25 (June 2016–April 2018),West Coast Avengers(vol. 3) #4 (Feb. 2019), andM.O.D.O.K.: Head Games#1–4 (Dec. 2020–March 2021).

Fictional character biography

[edit]

George Tarleton

[edit]

George Tarletonwas atechnicianfor the criminal organizationAdvanced Idea Mechanics(A.I.M.), founded by his father Alvin.[5]He was born inBangor, Maine.Having recently created theCosmic Cube,the A.I.M. scientists used advancedmutagenicsto alter Tarleton and created the super-intelligent man-mind originally named MODOC (an acronym for "Mental Organism Designed Only for Computing" ) to study and improve upon the object, alongside the JOD1E program.[5]MODOC,however, becomes ambitious, kills his creators and takes control of A.I.M. Renaming himself MODOK (an acronym for "Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing" ), he comes into conflict with the heroCaptain America,who is intent on rescuingS.H.I.E.L.D.agentSharon Carterfrom A.I.M.[6][7]MODOK becomes a recurring foe for Captain America, battling the hero on three more occasions, with the third and last encounter revealing the villain's origin.[8]MODOK also battlesNamor the Sub-MarinerandDoctor Doom,the latter intent on claiming the Cosmic Cube for himself.[9]MODOK reappears and abductsBetty Ross,changing her into theHarpywith gamma radiation at a higher level than that which turned Dr. Robert Bruce Banner into theHulkin a bid to destroy the monster. MODOK then follows the Hulk and the Harpy to a floatingaerie,where Banner cures Ross of her condition. MODOK and a team of A.I.M. agents arrive in time to kill the creature known as theBi-Beast,the guardian of the aerie, but not before activating aself-destructmechanism, forcing everyone on board to flee.[10]MODOK also accepts the offer of the extra-dimensional mystic theBlack Lamato participate in the latter's War of the Super-Villains,[a]but fails to gain the prize – a golden globe that is supposed to give the winner of the war ultimate power – after being defeated byIron Man.[11]

A.I.M. becomes dissatisfied with the lack of scientific advancement under MODOK's leadership and MODOK's obsession with seeking revenge againstmetahumans,finally deposing him from power as a result. MODOK attempts to regain control of the organization and prove his worth by unleashing anerve agentonNew York City,which is prevented byMs. Marveland theVision.[12]MODOK next seeks revenge against Ms. Marvel, first attempting tomentally controlthe heroine[13]and then hiring theShi'arassassinDeathbirdto kill her;[14]Ms. Marvel overcomes both of these obstacles and defeats both Deathbird and MODOK.[15]MODOK's ambitions grow and he seeks world domination, but is thwarted by Iron Man and the superhero team theChampions.[16]After an attempt to plunder the resources of theSavage Landand a battle withKa-Zarand the Hulk,[17]the character develops a newbiological agentcalled Virus X. MODOK's attempts to test the agent on thehomelessis prevented by theThing,the Sub-Mariner and Captain America, although the villain escapes and the Thing almost dies when he is exposed to the virus.[18]

Abandoned by A.I.M. for these failures, the character resurrects long-time Hulk foe theAbominationfrom the dead, planning to use the monster against his former organization. The plan fails when the Abomination is revealed to be mentally unstable to the point of sheer cowardice whenever he evenhearsthe Hulk's name mentioned, although during the course of the storyline MODOK transformsDr. Katherine "Kate" Waynesboro(an associate of Bruce Banner) into Ms. MODOK, a female counterpart (the first) of himself. Horrified by MODOK's callous disregard for life, Waynesboro demands to be returned to human form and MODOK willingly complies.[19]Wishing to disassociate themselves from MODOK for good, A.I.M. hires theSerpent Societyto assassinate the villain. They succeed, withDeath Adderstriking the killing blow.[20]The Serpent Society returns MODOK's corpse to A.I.M., with the organization using it as asupercomputer.A rogue A.I.M. agent remotely operates MODOK's corpse in a bid to destroy Iron Man, with the battle ending with the corpse's destruction.[21]Although MODOK had died, A.I.M. temporarily replaced him with his more loyal, and in some ways more effective, second female counterpartMODAM.[22]

During theTaking A.I.M.storyline, MODOK is resurrected solely because A.I.M. needs him to assist in the creation of another Cosmic Cube. In one of the attempts to create the Cube, MODAM is killed (or at least disappears). Eventually it is revealed that MODOK has actually been stranded in an alternate dimension, but manages to return to Earth with the unintended help of the supervillain team theHeadmen.[23]After attempting to steal a device that boosts mental power,[24]MODOK agrees to aid the Headmen in their plans of conquest, but after taking control of A.I.M. once again he reneges on the agreement to avoid an encounter with the superhero non-team theDefenders.[25]MODOK next clashes with theCanadiansuperhero teamAlpha Flight[26]before being captured by a group composed ofU.S. Naval Intelligenceand adrug cartel.MODOK is thenlobotomizedand employed to infiltratespy satellitesand manipulate thestock market,but he recovers from the lobotomy and exploits the situation to his own benefit until he is captured and taken into custody byS.H.I.E.L.D.[27]

InGLX-Mas Special#1, MODOK and A.I.M. foughtDum Dum Duganand his S.H.I.E.L.D. squad, but were defeated bySquirrel Girland hersquirrelsidekick Tippy-Toe.[28]MODOK then seeks a sample of thecyberneticspecies thePhalanx,[29]and after brief encounters with themutantsuperhero team theX-Men,[30]battles Ms. Marvel once again, with the heroine this time aided by fellowAvengerWonder Manduring an elaborate scheme by renegade A.I.M. branches to kill MODOK, with one of the rogue A.I.M. agents being MODOK's long-lost son, who seeks revenge for his abandonment.[31]Employing an elaborate scheme anddouble-crossinvolving several supervillains, MODOK restores his personal wealth and power and re-establishes himself as the leader of A.I.M. once again.[32][33]MODOK was then seen inPuerto Ricoattempting to create an army of genetically enhanced monkeys called A.I.Monkeys to eliminate the recession in A.I.M., until he was defeated byMister Fantastic,theInvisible Womanand the rookie Puerto Rican superhero known as El Vejigante.[34]It is revealed that MODOK was involved in the creation of both theRed Hulkand theRed She-Hulkand is a member of theIntelligencia,a secret organization of genius-level supervillains.[35]

During theFall of the Hulksstoryline, it is revealed that MODOK is a member of the Intelligencia, a secret organization of genius-level supervillains who had a part in the creation of both the Red Hulk and the Red She-Hulk.[36]They captured some of the smartest men in the world and brought about the events that would lead up to theWorld War Hulksstoryline. When several heroes are subjected by the Intelligencia to the Cathexis ray, which can transferradiant energyfrom one subject to another,Amadeus Chois affected as well. Unlike the others, who become "Hulked-Out Heroes", his mind expands and becomes so powerful that he gains the ability to warp reality within a 10-foot radius. Using this power, he reverses the process that created MODOK, turning him back into George Tarleton, who knows no better than to get away as quickly as possible.[37]George Tarleton was taken into custody by the U.S. military and remains confined, where Bruce Banner occasionally calls on him to help defuse the "doomsday plans" that MODOK installed in the possibility that his master plan should fail. However, Tarleton appears to remember next to nothing of his former life as MODOK and, in fact, seems to be either traumatized or just a normal man again.[38]

MODOK Superior

[edit]

Unknown to everyone, the doomsday plans left behind by MODOK actually serve as a distraction. The plans themselves are coordinated by a "cluster" of brains, cloned from MODOK's own, who act as one non-sentientsupercomputer.This cluster is destroyed by the Red Hulk and the doomsday plans are stopped. However, one of the cloned brains, rather than being utilized as an organic computer, is allowed to develop naturally and then uploaded with MODOK's mind. This new MODOK (who has the same physical appearance, genius-level intelligence and psionic powers as the original MODOK, but apparentlynoneof his weaknesses) calls himselfMODOK Superiorand prepares to make hisownmark on the world independent of his predecessor.[39]Cooperating with the Intelligencia once again, MODOK Superior and the Intelligencia attempt to study the body of aSpaceknight,which had crashed on Earth for unknown reasons. When the Avengers attempt to stop them, the body is revealed to be the latest vessel for the consciousness of Ultron. In the battle with the Avengers, MODOK Superior takes on Thor, claiming he has the power of a god – and being immediately struck down as a result.[40]

During the "Fear Itself"storyline, MODOK Superior reviews the attacks by Skadi and tells his followers that she is actually theRed Skull's daughterSin,who has tapped into the powers of theAsgardians.He then views from his surveillance that the Red Hulk is fighting the Thing (in the form of Angrir: Breaker of Souls). When he learns that Zero/One and the Black Fog are also after the Red Hulk, MODOK Superior plans to get to the Red Hulk first.[41]MODOK Superior prevents the Black Fog from killing the Red Hulk. MODOK Superior becomes intangible to keep himself from getting attacked by Angrir (who shoots down Zero/One's Helicarrier). MODOK Superior has his encounter with Zero/One and both of them declare a truce to help fight the soldiers of the Serpent. During that time, MODOK Superior starts to develop a crush on Zero/One.[42]In the prologue to theAvengers vs. X-Menstoryline, MODOK Superior targets an ex-A.I.M. scientist named Dr. Udaku who was being escorted to the Pentagon by Wakandan forces. Before MODOK Superior could kill Dr. Udaku, theScarlet Witcharrives and fights MODOK Superior, while smaller MODOK pawns surround the Scarlet Witch. In the nick of time,Ms. MarvelandSpider-Womanarrive and help to defeat MODOK Superior and A.I.M.[43]MODOK Superior and some rogue A.I.M. agents joined up with S.H.I.E.L.D. to make a deal to take downAndrew Forson(the then-current leader of A.I.M.).[44]

Agents of MODOK

[edit]

After a brief retirement, MODOK Superior returned and organized a group of assassins called the Agents of MODOK (Mercenary Organization Dedicated Only to Killing) where they killed evil people. However, he made the mistake of recruitingGwen Poolewhen she killed his top assassin and took credit for his kills.[45]When he found out that she was not a superhuman and had no special training, he attempted to eliminate her, but she turned on him and sent him into outer space with an injured eye and damaged equipment.[46]She then took over his organization for a brief time, but when her plans defeated a group of alien arms dealers and did not get them any money (having turned the client, an oldDoombotwho escaped from a fight in the past with Squirrel Girl, against them) the organization was disbanded and everyone went their separate ways.[47]After reuniting, the organization faces off against MODOK Superior when he returns from outer space, who decides to flee rather than fight them.[48]

MODOK Superior and a group of A.I.M. members attacked a HYDRA airship to capture Shiklah, who was in its custody.Deadpoolsaved her and stole MODOK Superior's Doomsday Chair.[49]MODOK Superior was taken to the hospital, where he vowed vengeance on Deadpool for stealing his Doomsday Chair.[50]During the "Secret Empire"storyline, MODOK Superior appears as a member of the Army of Evil and took part in the attack on Manhattan in retaliation for what happened at Pleasant Hill during the"Avengers: Standoff!"storyline.[51]MODOK Superior resurfaced in a new form during a confrontation with the newest incarnation of theWest Coast Avengers(of which Gwen Poole is now a member), appearing as an attractive, long-haired man, calling himselfBRODOK(Bio-Robotic Organism Designed Overwhelmingly for Kissing) and insisting that he was now reformed.[52]The team eventually exposed his scheme to turn various citizens ofLos Angelesinto giant mindless monsters[53]and defeated him, reverting him back to the traditional appearance that George Tarleton once had.[54]

During the "Iron Man 2020"story arc, the War Machine was about to be experimented on by some Deathloks on Lingares when he is saved by someone. When the War Machine catches up to the rest of Force Works and gives them their equipment, they discover that his rescuer is MODOK Superior. He states that he wants to add his brainpower to Force Works as its newest member.[55]It turns out that MODOK Superior was the one behind the Deathloks of Lingares and manipulated Force Works into taking out Ultimo's head so that he can take control of it and ultimately becomeUlti-MODOK.After the bearded Deathlok was beheaded by theU.S. Agent,the War Machine temporarily turned into a Deathlok to control the remaining Deathloks into fighting Ulti-MODOK. When Quake briefly opened a lava-filled chasm, Ulti-MODOK fell into it, with the Deathloks following him down into it as well.[56]

Family life

[edit]

In the four-issue miniseriesM.O.D.O.K.: Head Games,MODOK Superior begins to have vivid hallucinations of a family life with a human wife and son, named Jodie and Lou, and a similarly robot daughter named Melissa. Believing that he is malfunctioning, and his life threatened byMonica Rappacciniand the rest of A.I.M., MODOK Superior sets out to "fix" himself. After being briefly killed and resurrected by Gwen Poole, his search for answers leads him to his childhood home, where he is reunited with his father and A.I.M.'s true founder, Alvin Tarleton. Alvin reveals to MODOK Superior that he forced his son George to undergo the process of becoming the original MODOK against his will as, contrary to his origin, George was a rather inept employee at A.I.M. His wife Jodie was a manifestation of a program called JOD1E that was meant to sequester him. Now empowered with the knowledge of his true upbringing, MODOK Superior traps his father's consciousness inside his phone and uses the bodies of leftover Super-Adaptoids to create solidified and weaponized versions of his imaginary family.[57]

Powers, abilities, and equipment

[edit]

Formerly, George Tarleton was subjected to a mutagenic process that granted him hyper-intelligence, thus sacrificing his body in exchange for the world's most humungous brain.[58]He possesses highly enhanced intuition, pattern solving, information storage/retrieval, and logical/philosophical structuring. MODOK's unique ability to predict probable outcomes of tactical andstrategicscenarios is so extraordinary that it bordered onprecognition.His hunches are heightened to the degree they were almost always correct. He can recall every moment with his perfect memory. However, his creativity remains at an average human level.

Courtesy of A.I.M. technology, MODOK wore a headband on his forehead that enables him to focus his mental power into devastating energy beams variously known as "Brain-Beams"[13]or "Mind-Beams".[59]He has vast psionic abilities, plus allowing him to contact others throughtelepathy,mentally control individuals or large groups, and generateforce fieldsstrong enough to withstand minor nuclear explosions. A side effect of this mutation was also the enormous growth of Tarleton's head to the extent that his own body can no longer support its weight without assistance. Now, he relies on an exoskeleton and a hoverchair called the Doomsday Chair for support, as well as movement. The Doomsday Chair is also equipped with destructive weapons, including missiles and lasers. Twice in his career, MODOK employed a large mechanical android body specially made so he could fit inside its head for greater mobility.[60]

His organs also wore out quickly, necessitating the use of harvested clones which are utilized to sustain his life.[61]As the leader ofA.I.M.,MODOK has advanced technology, vast resources, and a personal army at his disposal.

MODOK's successor, MODOK Superior, also has the same appearance, intellect, and powers as Tarleton does, but apparentlynoneof his weaknesses.

Reception

[edit]

Accolades

[edit]
  • In 2014,IGNranked MODOK 100th in their "Top 100 Comic Book Villains" list.[62]
  • In 2019,CBRranked MODOK 18th in their "25 Smartest Characters In The Marvel Universe" list.[63]
  • In 2019,IGNranked MODOK 25th in their "Top 25 Marvel Villains" list.[64]
  • In 2022,Screen Rantincluded MODOK in their "10 Smartest Marvel Telepaths" list.[65]

Other versions

[edit]

Marvel Adventures

[edit]

A version called MODOC (Mental Organism Designed Only for Conquest) appears in the titleMarvel Adventures: The Avengers,briefly turning the Avengers into (superior) versions of itself before being defeated.[66]

Ms. Marvel

[edit]

Over the course of her two comic book series,Carol Danvers(Ms. Marvel) had several interactions with both A.I.M. and MODOK; among others, she was both saved from being disincorporated by 24 embryonic MODOCs who had been outfitted with reality-altering powers when working in unison and separated into two separate entities to fulfill her fondest wish.[67]Also, reference was made by A.I.M. personnel to many actual MODOCs who, apparently, reallydidfunction in the way that MODOK was originally supposed to have done (namely, as docile organic supercomputers).[68]

MODOT

[edit]

MODOT(Mobile Organism Designed Only for Talking), formerlyNobel PrizehopefulDimitri Smirkov,appears in the thirdHoward the Duckminiseries and, unlike his predecessor MODOK, can walk without the aid of a hoverchair. He had no designs of world conquest, but instead was only interested in making money; this may be because the branch of A.I.M. that created him did so specifically so he couldtalkthe head office into increasing their budget. He ended up practically ruling the airwaves, influencing millions of viewers through 100 android hosts, anchormen and reporters, all controlled directly by him.[69]

MODOG

[edit]

Iron Man has an encounter withMODOG(Mobile Organism Designed Only for Genocide) inThe Invincible Iron Man(vol. 2) #2. Iron Man dispatches him with ease, dumping him into outer space.[70]

MAX

[edit]

The miniseriesU.S. War Machine,published under the mature-audienceMAXimprint, showcases another version of MODOK salvaged by S.H.I.E.L.D. when it is discarded by A.I.M., apparently a victim ofracial prejudice.[71]

Ultimate Marvel

[edit]

TheUltimate Marvelversion of the character features in the titleUltimate Vision,experimenting with aGah Lak Tusprobe on an A.I.M. space station. Although he starts the story as the amoral cyborg genius George Tarleton, after he is infected by the Gah Lak Tus probe, he is eventually reduced to a disembodied head.[72]

Another version of MODOK appeared inUltimate Armor Wars#2, whenDoctor Faustusrevealed that he, too, was a cyborg and harbored a tiny MODOK inside his hollow head.[73]

Nextwave

[edit]

At least four versions of MODOK, apparently based aroundElvis Presley,were created by theBeyond Corporationto defend their secret weapons factory, State 51. They were defeated by theNextwaveSquad. Their principal mode of attack seemed to involve shooting cheeseburgers at their target.[74]

The following issue revealed that the Beyond Corporation was being run by a disguised infantMODOK Junior,apparently conceived by a MODOK and a MODAM. This MODOK escapes the Nextwave Squad, but it is subsequently killed by its master,Devil Dinosaur.[75]

Amalgam Comics

[edit]

A version of the character features inIron Lantern#1, a one-shot issue (one of 24) that is part of theAmalgam Comicsimprint, which is itself part of the four-issue miniseriesDC vs. Marvel.MODOK is crossed with theDC ComicscharacterHector Hammondto formH.E.C.T.O.R.(Highly Evolved Creature Totally Oriented for Revenge), who is the leader of the Weaponers of A.I.M. (a cross between DC's theWeaponers of Qwardand Marvel's A.I.M.)[76]

Marvel Zombies

[edit]

AMarvel ZombiesMODOK is seen being eaten by zombified versions of theShe-HulkandHawkeye.Later, it is discovered that this universe'sAsh Williamshad watched this MODOK being devoured.[77]

Earth X

[edit]

An alternate version of MODOK appeared inEarth X.In recent history, MODOK, like every other telepath on the planet, was killed when theRed Skull's powers first manifested. MODOK's Doomsday Chair, ironically, was later recovered by the Skull's army and the Skull used it as his personal throne.[78]

Old Man Logan

[edit]

In the pages ofAvengers of the Wastelands,which takes place on Earth-21923 and serves as a sequel toOld Man Logan,MODOK is among the villains that attack Danielle Cage's group in Osborn County. He was killed byViv Vision.[79]

MODORD

[edit]

ADazzler-centered story, "Disco Highway", in issue #4 of the miniseriesX-Men:Serve and Protect,released in February 2011, features a character namedMODORD(Mental Organism Designed Only for Roller Derby).[80]

M.O.D.O.K.: Assassin

[edit]

During theSecret Warsstoryline, theBattleworlddomain of Killville is based on a reality where MODOK killed every known superhero, which resulted in its citizens being in constant danger from every supervillain and murderer in Killville.[81]

MODAAK

[edit]

In the pages ofSpider-Gwen,which takes place on Earth-65, Captain America fights againstMODAAK(Mental Organism Designed As America's King).[82]The author based this character on the then-U.S. Presidential candidateDonald Trump.[83]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]
  • MODOK and a smaller version of him calledELF(External Life Form) appears inIron Man(1994), voiced byJim Cummings.[84]This version was a scientist who married supermodel Alana Ulanova before his jealous superior, theRed Ghost,turned him into MODOK. Seeking a cure, MODOK joined and became subservient to theMandarin.
  • MODOC appears inIron Man: Armored Adventures,voiced byLee Tockar.[84]The "C" in this version's acronym stands for "Conquest" and is the product of genetics and robotics capable of generating powerful psychic blasts. A.I.M. assembles him in the episodes "Ready, AIM, Fire" and "Panther's Prey" before using theLiving Laserto activate him in the episode "Designed Only for Chaos". Following this, MODOC appears in the episodes "Uncontrollable" and "The Hawk and the Spider". In the latter episode,Justin Hammerreassembles MODOC following A.I.M.'s defeat, but Iron Man deactivates his mind before his body is obliterated by Hammer's security.
  • MODOK appears inThe Super Hero Squad Show,voiced byTom Kenny.[84]This version is a member of Doctor Doom'sLethal Legion,who is often paired with theAbominationascomic relief.Additionally, the "K" in his acronym stands for "Kicking-butt".
  • MODOC appears inThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes,voiced byWally Wingert.[84]This version is a leading member of A.I.M. who uses the same acronym as the version depicted inIron Man: Armored Adventures.
  • MODOK appears inUltimate Spider-Man,voiced byCharlie Adler.[84]
  • MODOK appears inAvengers Assemble,[85]voiced again by Charlie Adler.[84]This version is the leader of A.I.M.. Throughout the first season, he aids theRed Skullin founding theCabaland aiding in their plans until the Red Skull betrays them, after which MODOK leads the Cabal in defeating their former leader with the Avengers' help before teleporting himself and his allies away. Following this, MODOK makes minor appearances in the second through fourth seasons. In the episode "Head to Head", MODOK temporarily wields theMind Stone,gaining enhanced psychic powers and the additional ability to possess inanimate objects, before he is defeated and the Mind Stone placed into Avengers custody.
  • MODOK appears inPhineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel,[86]voiced again by Charlie Adler.[84][87]
  • MODOK appears in theGuardians of the Galaxyshort "Star-Lord vs. MODOK", voiced again by Charlie Adler.[84]
  • MODOK appears inMarvel Disk Wars: The Avengers,voiced byAtsushi Imaruokain the Japanese version and by Wally Wingert in the English version.[84]This version is a member of theMasters of Evil.
  • MODOK appears inMarvel Future Avengers,voiced again by Atsushi Imaruoka in the Japanese version and byMick Wingertin the English version.[84]
  • MODOK appears inSpider-Man,voiced again by Charlie Adler.[84]This version was created by A.I.M. using robotics technology and stolen mental projection devices.[88]
  • MODOK appears in aself-titled TV series,voiced byPatton Oswalt.[89]This version has a family, consisting of wife Jodie Ramirez-Tarleton, son Louis "Lou" Tarleton, and daughter Melissa Tarleton, the last of whom shares his appearance. Additionally, a time-displaced college-aged version of MODOK calledthe Anomaly(also voiced by Oswalt) appears throughout the series.[90]

Marvel Cinematic Universe

[edit]

Multiple original incarnations of MODOK appear or were considered to appear in media set in theMarvel Cinematic Universe(MCU):

Video games

[edit]

Merchandise

[edit]
  • Toy Bizproduced a MODOK action figure for the 1994Iron Mananimated series tie-in toy line.
  • In 2006,Toy Bizproduced a "Build-A-Figure" MODOK figure for Wave 15 of theirMarvel Legendstoyline.
  • In 2010,Hasbromade a kid-friendly version of MODOK for its revisedSuper Hero Squadline, packaged together with Iron Man. He is described on the back of the pack as a "hovering psychic super menace". Originally, MODOK was supposed to be called MODOC (Mental Organism Designed Only for Chaos), but was changed to his more familiar name, though the description does not reveal what the acronym stands for.
  • In 2014,LEGOreleased the "Hulk Lab Smash" set for its Marvel Super Heroes theme, which introduced MODOK as a new mini-figure.[111]In 2020, a new brick-built variant of MODOK was released in the Avengers Helicarrier set.[112]
  • In 2011,Bowen Designsreleased a statue of MODOK that was designed and sculpted by the Kucharek brothers.[113]
  • In 2021, a new MODOK figure was released by Hasbro as part of a revival of the Marvel Legends toyline.[114]

Collected editions

[edit]
Title Material collected Published date ISBN
Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11 Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11#1–5 February 20, 2008 978-0785119920
M.O.D.O.K.: Assassin M.O.D.O.K.: Assassin#1–5 January 7, 2016 978-0785198765
M.O.D.O.K.: Head Trips Captain America#133;Incredible Hulk#287–290;Iron Man Annual#4;Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11#1–5;Fantastic Four in...Ataque del M.O.D.O.K.!#1;Marvel Adventures: The Avengers#9;M.O.D.O.K.: Assassin#1–5; material fromTales of Suspense#93–94 December 10, 2019 978-1302920746
M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games#1–4;M.O.D.O.K.: Reign Delay#1;Fall of the Hulks: M.O.D.O.K.#1 May 20, 2021 978-1302924904

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Chronicled inIron Man#68–72 (Dec. 1974–March 1975), 74–75 (May–June 1975), 77 (Aug. 1975) and 80–81 (Nov.–Dec. 1975). The remaining issues – #73 (April 1975), 76 (July 1975), 78 (Sept. 1975) and 79 (Oct. 1975) – are all separate one-issue Iron Man stories that are completely unconnected to the main storyline.

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[edit]
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