SAM’S SCHOOL for SUPERVILLAINSBayonne, NJLesson #15: LoyaltyOur aspiring antagonist is learning a hard truth about being a supervillain; it’s often a lonely job. Unlike our adversaries, who attract others longing for “truth, justice and the American way,” etc., usually you are forced to associate with creeps and lowlifes who (unlike you, of course) are in it for themselves. Failing a sufficient number of those types, you must hire mercenaries whose loyalty is only as strong as their paycheck, or henchmen who engage in sadistic acts for the enjoyment of it.Even then, the budding bad guy runs the risk of something in his cohort switching on and turning him away from the dark side, occasionally giving the ultimate sacrifice in the process instead of making OTHERS give the ultimate sacrifice. (“Just once, I wish someone would be so loyal to ME!” – attributed to Soviet premier after the sacrificial death of Anton Vanko in saving Iron Man… probably apocryphal.)Of course, the advantage of an accomplished supervillain is that he or she can overcome such setbacks and rise to achieve his goal – or just cause more trouble – another day. As our case study continues to unfold, we’ll see if he has the stuff to do just that… now that we’ve finally met him…
davidf42 over 9 years ago
Morning, Anniephans!
Saddle up yer ponies an les go give them boys a visit, Amelia!
Here’s the link to the 2006 Annie story, “What Bugs You.”
Starman1948 over 9 years ago
A blissful Sunday to everyone.-—————————-The true villain appears. And his muscle men disappear.-—————————-Have an abundant day my friends.
jrankin1959 over 9 years ago
SAM’S SCHOOL for SUPERVILLAINSBayonne, NJLesson #15: LoyaltyOur aspiring antagonist is learning a hard truth about being a supervillain; it’s often a lonely job. Unlike our adversaries, who attract others longing for “truth, justice and the American way,” etc., usually you are forced to associate with creeps and lowlifes who (unlike you, of course) are in it for themselves. Failing a sufficient number of those types, you must hire mercenaries whose loyalty is only as strong as their paycheck, or henchmen who engage in sadistic acts for the enjoyment of it.Even then, the budding bad guy runs the risk of something in his cohort switching on and turning him away from the dark side, occasionally giving the ultimate sacrifice in the process instead of making OTHERS give the ultimate sacrifice. (“Just once, I wish someone would be so loyal to ME!” – attributed to Soviet premier after the sacrificial death of Anton Vanko in saving Iron Man… probably apocryphal.)Of course, the advantage of an accomplished supervillain is that he or she can overcome such setbacks and rise to achieve his goal – or just cause more trouble – another day. As our case study continues to unfold, we’ll see if he has the stuff to do just that… now that we’ve finally met him…
punchydugan over 9 years ago
“It’s the Riders on the radio..” The quitting thugs" reminds me of what happens when bad guys realize that they are going up against Doc Savage.
Major Matt Mason Premium Member over 9 years ago
Sensible thugs! Who’da thunk it? :)
Starman1948 over 9 years ago
Warbucks will go calling on the villain. And all will see how despicable he really is. I offer 1 clue: ‘Leapin Lizards’.-————-Be well my friends.
Ronald Hathcock Premium Member over 9 years ago
If this is the story I think it is, its ending is strange!