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Tales to Astonish #37: The Ant-Man Trapped by the Protector (1959)
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Overview:
Tales to Astonish #37, published in November 1962, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features Ant-Man facing off against a criminal mastermind known as The Protector.
Plot Summary:
In this issue, the city is being terrorized by a mysterious figure known as The Protector, who has been extorting money from local businesses by threatening to destroy their properties if they do not comply with his demands. The police are baffled by The Protector's ability to make good on his threats, as he seemingly has access to advanced technology that allows him to carry out his destructive plans.
Hank Pym, as Ant-Man, decides to take on the case after reading about The Protector's crimes in the newspaper. He shrinks down to ant size and infiltrates one of the businesses targeted by The Protector to gather more information. Using his helmet to communicate with the ants, Ant-Man is able to uncover The Protector's hideout and learns that the villain is using a powerful explosive device to carry out his threats.
Ant-Man confronts The Protector in his lair, using his size-changing abilities and the help of his ant allies to disable the villain's explosives. A battle ensues, with The Protector trying to outsmart Ant-Man by using his gadgets and traps. However, Ant-Man's quick thinking and resourcefulness allow him to defeat The Protector and turn him over to the authorities.
Significance:
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Introduction of The Protector: This issue introduces The Protector, a villain who uses technology and fear to commit crimes, showcasing the types of technologically advanced foes Ant-Man would often face.
- Further exploration of Ant-Man's detective skills: The story emphasizes Hank Pym's ability to solve crimes and gather intelligence, highlighting his role as not just a superhero but also a skilled detective.
- Expansion of Ant-Man's rogues' gallery: The Protector adds to the growing list of villains in Ant-Man's rogues' gallery, each with their unique methods and challenges for the hero.
Tales to Astonish #38: Betrayed By The Ants (1959)
Overview:
Tales to Astonish #38, published in December 1962, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features Ant-Man facing off against a new adversary known as Egghead.
Plot Summary:
In this issue, a brilliant but disgraced scientist named Elihas Starr, nicknamed Egghead due to his intellectual prowess and distinctively shaped head, plots to defeat Ant-Man and regain his lost reputation. After losing his job at a government research facility for attempting to sell secrets to the Communists, Egghead turns to a life of crime, devising a scheme to outwit and destroy Ant-Man.
Egghead studies Ant-Man's abilities and develops a plan to use Pym's connection with ants against him. He concocts a fake alliance with the ants, attempting to manipulate them into betraying Ant-Man by promising them food and protection. Unaware of Egghead's true intentions, the ants are initially swayed by his offer.
As Egghead sets his trap, Ant-Man becomes aware of the betrayal when his ant allies lead him into a dangerous ambush. Using his quick thinking and scientific knowledge, Ant-Man manages to escape the trap and confront Egghead. In the ensuing battle, Ant-Man reveals Egghead's deceit to the ants, who turn on the villain and help Ant-Man defeat him.
Egghead's plans are foiled, and he is arrested, but he vows revenge on Ant-Man, setting the stage for future confrontations between the two.
Significance:
This issue is significant for several reasons:
- Introduction of Egghead: This issue marks the first appearance of Egghead, who would become one of Ant-Man's most persistent and intelligent foes.
- Ant-Man's connection with the ants tested: The story explores the trust and communication between Ant-Man and his ant allies, showing that even these relationships can be manipulated by a clever adversary.
- Development of recurring villain: Egghead's vow for revenge establishes him as a recurring antagonist, adding depth and continuity to Ant-Man's story arcs.
- Ant-Man's resilience and intelligence: This issue highlights Ant-Man's ability to think quickly and adapt to new challenges, reinforcing his role as a hero who relies on both his scientific mind and his powers.
Editor's Note:
The next part Tales to Astonish (1959) #39-40 is now released, visit here. If you have a favorite comic that you'd like us to explain in detail, feel free to leave a comment! You can also reach out to us on Instagram, Discord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!
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