World Doc Ock's lair

[The Joker]

Howdy. New here. I got 100% on that quiz, mind if I stick around? B)

Hello there.

Welcome to the lair, a haven for fans of the mighty tentacled one Doctor Octopus. You're very welcome here, and I hope you become a regular

Congrats on your score. I see you know your Doc Ock stuff Been a fan of his long?? I've been a Doc Ock fan for 13 years now.

 

[The Amazing Lee]

I ranked 80% on the quiz.

 

[JackSkellington]

90% here.

Got the question about what Spidey needed to save Aunt May wrong.

 

[OctoHaz]

I see you know your Doc Ock stuff Been a fan of his long?? I've been a Doc Ock fan for 13 years now.

Would you believe, just a few months? I saw SM2 when it came out, of course, and was (like many) enamored of Molina's performance and the way the tentacles were realized. But I wasn't very much into comics, and so after getting (and enjoying, in an abstracted sort of way) the Marvel Masterworks collection that had the Unmasking story and the first Sinister Six appearance, I put the whole thing aside, mentally.

Earlier this summer, curious about the whole Civil War thing, my husband and I started reading comics seriously (him for the second time, since he, unlike me, didn't have a deprived childhood ). From there I rediscovered the not-so-good doctor all over again, this time from the comics angle, and my brain simply latched on.

And, as usually happens when I get an idea lodged into my head, I began reading everything I could get my hands on, physical and digital, that related to the subject. I've read a whoooooooole lotta Ock-comics, lemme tell ya, and I still can't get enough of the guy. B) He's intelligent, devious, twisted in carefully defined ways, and almost completely corrupt -- the "almost" being the key word here, since pure-evil characters don't interest me so much. And, of course, uniquely badass. The guy's middle-aged, overweight, wears glasses and a bowl-cut, and manages to be one of the nastiest villains in the Marvel universe. What's not to like?

I can't help but kick myself a little for missing out for all these years, but at the very least, I can try to make up for lost time, eh?

 

[The Joker]

Would you believe, just a few months? I saw SM2 when it came out, of course, and was (like many) enamored of Molina's performance and the way the tentacles were realized.

Yeah, Al Molina was the perfect casting choice for Ock. Couldn't have picked a better actor. I dislike some of the character changes they made to Octavius, but overall I loved Molina's Ock.

Def the best thing in SM-2.

But I wasn't very much into comics, and so after getting (and enjoying, in an abstracted sort of way) the Marvel Masterworks collection that had the Unmasking story and the first Sinister Six appearance, I put the whole thing aside, mentally.

Marvel Masterworks, I commend you. Alot of people buy the Essentials trades for the classic comics. But me, I need the colour. I don't like reading black and white comics. The colour adds life to the comic. So Masterworks is the best way to go IMO.

They've got a new Spidey one coming out in november btw.

Earlier this summer, curious about the whole Civil War thing, my husband and I started reading comics seriously (him for the second time, since he, unlike me, didn't have a deprived childhood ). From there I rediscovered the not-so-good doctor all over again, this time from the comics angle, and my brain simply latched on.

Ah you must have read Sensational Spider-Man #28, where Ock confronts Peter over the unmasking [and was less than thrilled as I'm sure you noticed].

I'm against this whole unmasking business. I think it's very out of character for Spidey. But I will say I really enjoyed Ock's reaction to it. It was everything it should have been. He was angry, humiliated, and felt betrayed because not only was Peter Parker under his nose many times in the past, Ock also had affiliations with Peter's Aunt whom he believed had been laughing at him behind his back for years, and best of all he once unmasked Spidey but refused to believe that Peter was Spidey because of the poor fight he gave.

Yep, I was impressed.

And, as usually happens when I get an idea lodged into my head, I began reading everything I could get my hands on, physical and digital, that related to the subject. I've read a whoooooooole lotta Ock-comics, lemme tell ya, and I still can't get enough of the guy. B) He's intelligent, devious, twisted in carefully defined ways, and almost completely corrupt -- the "almost" being the key word here, since pure-evil characters don't interest me so much. And, of course, uniquely badass. The guy's middle-aged, overweight, wears glasses and a bowl-cut, and manages to be one of the nastiest villains in the Marvel universe. What's not to like?

Couldn't agree more

Ock has earned his legendary status in Spidey's rogues gallery. I don't know if you've picked up on this angle about him, but one of my fav things about him is that he is a mirror image of Peter Parker. Both Peter and Otto come from middle class backgrounds, were science geeks with glasses, bullied at school, had no friends, unpopular with girls, lost their fathers at a young age, and both acquired their powers thru a radiation lab accident.

But unlike Peter, Otto used his own power for his own selfish and power hungry gain. What Peter would have become had he chosen not to use his great power with great responsibility.

And I love that. The best kind of villains are those that reflect something in the hero. And there have been several stories that touch on that theme between Spidey and Ock.

Btw, do you have any fav Ock stories??

I can't help but kick myself a little for missing out for all these years, but at the very least, I can try to make up for lost time, eh?

That's what TPBs are for. You can catch up on all the classics. Not to mention you can always come in here for a chat about the not so good Doctor

Btw congrats to Lee and Jack on their scores. Good going guys

And lets all be friendly you guys and welcome OctoHaz to the Hype and lair.

 

[The Amazing Lee]

welcome OctoHaz.

 

[Thirteen Shadows]

Welcome OctoHaz!

 

[OctoHaz]

First off, thanks for the welcome, folks. B)

Yeah, Al Molina was the perfect casting choice for Ock. Couldn't have picked a better actor. I dislike some of the character changes they made to Octavius, but overall I loved Molina's Ock.

Agreed, agreed. I could have done without the sentient tentacles (or the term "actuators"), but the look of the arms was verrrrrry nice. And, again, Molina himself was brilliant, an utter joy to watch in action.

Marvel Masterworks, I commend you. Alot of people buy the Essentials trades for the classic comics. But me, I need the colour. I don't like reading black and white comics. The colour adds life to the comic. So Masterworks is the best way to go IMO.

I too prefer the color, though I can deal with the b/w collections when necessary. Also, the Masterworks collections don't come out fast enough!

Even so, my biggest resource has been the Internet. I don't want to say how many comics I've downloaded... many because I just can't get my hands on the issues I want otherwise.

I have a folder on my computer titled "Essential Doc Ock". Over 100 files and it's not complete. But I'm not obsessed. Really.

They've got a new Spidey one coming out in november btw.

Gonna have to keep an eye out for it. B)

Ah you must have read Sensational Spider-Man #28, where Ock confronts Peter over the unmasking [and was less than thrilled as I'm sure you noticed].

I'm against this whole unmasking business. I think it's very out of character for Spidey. But I will say I really enjoyed Ock's reaction to it. It was everything it should have been. He was angry, humiliated, and felt betrayed because not only was Peter Parker under his nose many times in the past, Ock also had affiliations with Peter's Aunt whom he believed had been laughing at him behind his back for years, and best of all he once unmasked Spidey but refused to believe that Peter was Spidey because of the poor fight he gave.

Yep, I was impressed.

Funny thing about that... I remember spotting that little panel in the Spidey Unmasking issue that shows Ock in shadowy profile watching the press conference. I recalled reading the unmasking story back in that Masterworks collection and I told my husband how cool it would be if someone referenced that. I also told him I was sure no one would, because it was so long ago.

I picked up SSM 28 almost by accident, attracted to the artwork on the cover. It became a must-buy both for that and the Ockness, and you can imagine my utter and total glee when I saw that early story referenced, with recreated panels and everything!

I love this whole issue. The artwork, the writing, the characterisations... everything. And especially Otto's reaction! The quiet "What?" at the television. The enraged, "I'll thank you not to tell me to CALM DOWN!" His reaction to Jordan's interruption (that's one brave kid). Everything. Pure Ockly goodness, beginning to end.

As for the Peter Unmasking controversy, my husband and I are taking a "wait and see" position. We're both personally hoping that Peter wakes up and gets back on the side of the angels; there are indications that he knows what's going on isn't right, but he needs to take the next step. I kinda want to shake him. I also feel bad for fans of Iron Man and Reed Richards; both characters are getting painted with a very ugly brush.

Ock has earned his legendary status in Spidey's rogues gallery. I don't know if you've picked up on this angle about him, but one of my fav things about him is that he is a mirror image of Peter Parker. Both Peter and Otto come from middle class backgrounds, were science geeks with glasses, bullied at school, had no friends, unpopular with girls, lost their fathers at a young age, and both acquired their powers thru a radiation lab accident.

But unlike Peter, Otto used his own power for his own selfish and power hungry gain. What Peter would have become had he chosen not to use his great power with great responsibility.

And I love that. The best kind of villains are those that reflect something in the hero. And there have been several stories that touch on that theme between Spidey and Ock.

Yes, yes yes yes. B) Ock is a perfect foil for Spidey, and I did pick up on the whole nerd-done-good/nerd-gone-bad thing. Probably one of the things that makes Doc Ock compelling to me is that I KNOW that superior attitude, the "I'm smarter than everyone around me and thus I am better than everyone around me" combined with an utter lack of empathy. It's echoed in every nerd and geek that's sneerily used the term "mundanes" to describe anyone who doesn't share in their interests, who isn't as smart or "enlightened" as they are. I know the mindset because I used to share in it. Fortunately, I grew out of it. B) (Though it resurfaces when I have to deal with a particularly irritating customer at work...)

Btw, do you have any fav Ock stories??

Ooooh, there are so many. Among my favorites...

His bit in the Clone Saga, Web of Death, ranks high -- at least until his death, and even then the parallel between the Parker's reconciliation and Stunner weeping over Ock's body is something I find quite moving.

The Owl/Black Cat/Ock story, which has been mentioned earlier in this thread. He's wonderfully villainous. Plus, it has one of my favorite Ock-moments, when the doctors are reattaching his tentacles and he refuses a sedative, insisting that he wants to feel the pain so that he'll know what Spider-Man and Black Cat will feel; I love the way the panels close in on his crazed, enraged face. Ock's own special brand of crazy.

And for another favorite moment, his bit in Marvels, wherein the protagonist goes to talk to him in prison. His denial that he'd lost control of his arms. His refusal to confirm or deny anything, simply because he enjoyed seeing Spidey squirm. Plus, wow, great artwork.

That's what TPBs are for. You can catch up on all the classics. Not to mention you can always come in here for a chat about the not so good Doctor

Thank goodness for TPBs and the Internet. B)

 

[The Joker]

Even so, my biggest resource has been the Internet. I don't want to say how many comics I've downloaded... many because I just can't get my hands on the issues I want otherwise.

I have a folder on my computer titled "Essential Doc Ock". Over 100 files and it's not complete. But I'm not obsessed. Really.

Nice.

Some of the older issues are very hard to find. For example, the Doc Ock/Owl gang war arc I got from several locations. Some issues off ebay, some off mycomicshop.com, and some from the comic store.

Btw, it's ok to be obsessed

Funny thing about that... I remember spotting that little panel in the Spidey Unmasking issue that shows Ock in shadowy profile watching the press conference. I recalled reading the unmasking story back in that Masterworks collection and I told my husband how cool it would be if someone referenced that. I also told him I was sure no one would, because it was so long ago.

I picked up SSM 28 almost by accident, attracted to the artwork on the cover. It became a must-buy both for that and the Ockness, and you can imagine my utter and total glee when I saw that early story referenced, with recreated panels and everything!

Absolutely.

There's nothing better than having a writer that acknowledges continuity, and actually lets past stories shape the character as a person. Which is why I dislike Peter being so stupid by unmasking himself. Past stories should tell him how dangerous it is for your enemies to know who you are. Heck he's said it himself a million times in the past.

I love this whole issue. The artwork, the writing, the characterisations... everything. And especially Otto's reaction! The quiet "What?" at the television. The enraged, "I'll thank you not to tell me to CALM DOWN!" His reaction to Jordan's interruption (that's one brave kid). Everything. Pure Ockly goodness, beginning to end.

The art was gorgeous.

When I saw the preview panels I was wondering why Ock was going after Peter shirtless. Then they showed him pumping his weights when he saw the unmasking broadcast. So he went straight off in a fit of rage.

I like that they've buffed him up a bit.

As for the Peter Unmasking controversy, my husband and I are taking a "wait and see" position. We're both personally hoping that Peter wakes up and gets back on the side of the angels; there are indications that he knows what's going on isn't right, but he needs to take the next step. I kinda want to shake him. I also feel bad for fans of Iron Man and Reed Richards; both characters are getting painted with a very ugly brush.

You should pay a visit to the comics forum some time. Many heated debates over this.

How are they going to go back from this?? All his enemies know who he is. He and his friends and loved ones will be looking over their shoulders for the rest of their lives.

A retcon is the only hope IMO.

Yes, yes yes yes. B) Ock is a perfect foil for Spidey, and I did pick up on the whole nerd-done-good/nerd-gone-bad thing. Probably one of the things that makes Doc Ock compelling to me is that I KNOW that superior attitude, the "I'm smarter than everyone around me and thus I am better than everyone around me" combined with an utter lack of empathy. It's echoed in every nerd and geek that's sneerily used the term "mundanes" to describe anyone who doesn't share in their interests, who isn't as smart or "enlightened" as they are. I know the mindset because I used to share in it. Fortunately, I grew out of it. B) (Though it resurfaces when I have to deal with a particularly irritating customer at work...)

The geek gone good:

The geek gone bad:

They even wore the same style of glasses

Ooooh, there are so many. Among my favorites...

His bit in the Clone Saga, Web of Death, ranks high -- at least until his death, and even then the parallel between the Parker's reconciliation and Stunner weeping over Ock's body is something I find quite moving.

One of my favorites. How many villains would save their dying enemy so they can have the distinguished pleasure of killing him themselves??

I love Ock's twisted sense of logic. And his relationship with Stunner was very interesting. Alas, because she's a product of the clone saga we'll probably never see her again.

The Owl/Black Cat/Ock story, which has been mentioned earlier in this thread. He's wonderfully villainous. Plus, it has one of my favorite Ock-moments, when the doctors are reattaching his tentacles and he refuses a sedative, insisting that he wants to feel the pain so that he'll know what Spider-Man and Black Cat will feel; I love the way the panels close in on his crazed, enraged face. Ock's own special brand of crazy.

One of Ock's most villainous acts. Trying to blow up an entire city just to prove a point.

And I loved how he was so nasty and vicious in his quest for revenge on Peter and BC, that he frightened Peter SO much that Peter thought Ock was going to kill him. So he went and said good bye to all his friends and loved ones.

Only a truly great villain can instill that kind of fear in a hero.

And for another favorite moment, his bit in Marvels, wherein the protagonist goes to talk to him in prison. His denial that he'd lost control of his arms. His refusal to confirm or deny anything, simply because he enjoyed seeing Spidey squirm. Plus, wow, great artwork.

Heh, what a man. Rotten to his egotistical core.

 

[OctoHaz]

Some of the older issues are very hard to find. For example, the Doc Ock/Owl gang war arc I got from several locations. Some issues off ebay, some off mycomicshop.com, and some from the comic store.

Didn't know about mycomicshop.com; have to bookmark it. Basically, I buy when I can, download when I can't, and promise myself I'll still buy if the opportunity presents itself. I have a dream of filling a comic book box with Ock-comics. But, yeah, not obsessed at ALL. B)

Btw, it's ok to be obsessed

Indeed. B)

(Despite continuity errors, I really liked Year One.)

There's nothing better than having a writer that acknowledges continuity, and actually lets past stories shape the character as a person. Which is why I dislike Peter being so stupid by unmasking himself. Past stories should tell him how dangerous it is for your enemies to know who you are. Heck he's said it himself a million times in the past.

Maybe he'd just been hanging out with the Avengers for too long. Who can say? B/ Though (at the risk of cluttering Ock's lair with talk of the web-head) the fact that both Aunt May and Mary-Jane both argued for his unmasking was surely an influence; he puts a lot of stock by those two.

Discussions of Peter's stupidity aside, it's a definite shame to lose one of the few secret-identity heros left. I also doubt that Peter'll be unmasked forever.

When I saw the preview panels I was wondering why Ock was going after Peter shirtless. Then they showed him pumping his weights when he saw the unmasking broadcast. So he went straight off in a fit of rage.

I like that they've buffed him up a bit.

I like that they actually showed WHY he was buffed up (visible evidence of weightlifting) instead of just showing him buff! It's amazing how much Otto's weight has fluxuated in the past. Sometimes (as in the Web of Death story) from issue to issue!

They even wore the same style of glasses

So they did! Of course, round glasses are wonderfully easy to draw, speaking from personal experience.

One of my favorites. How many villains would save their dying enemy so they can have the distinguished pleasure of killing him themselves??

I love Ock's twisted sense of logic. And his relationship with Stunner was very interesting. Alas, because she's a product of the clone saga we'll probably never see her again.

It strikes me that in that sequence, Otto's both at his most and least balanced. Because the idea of saving someone's life just so you can have the pleasure of continuing to fight them and eventually kill them is twisted, and yet there's a certain, I dunno how to describe it... calm about the man. I imagine that Stunner/Angelina had a lot to do with that; the one and only period where Otto's actually lucked out in the love department, however briefly.

This is, by the way, one of the things that makes me latch onto Doc Ock as a character. Otto Octavius is not a good man. Not in the slightest. He's egotistical, arrogant, callous, selfish, megalomanical, twisted, wrathful, and backstabbing. At his best, he's utterly amoral. At his worst... well. And yet, buried in all this corrupted rottenness, in this ugly banquest of deadly sins, are these little bits of something better, something good.

That kinda stuff fascinates me. B)

I still hold out hope that someone, somewhere, will bring Stunner back into play. After all, Carolyn Trainer makes an appearance in Spider-Girl (alternate continuity, I know, but still better than her sad little cameo in Secret War).

One of Ock's most villainous acts. Trying to blow up an entire city just to prove a point.

Later, he decides to release a deadly bacterium to kill everyone in Manhatten just so that it'll kill Spider-Man too and then Ock won't have to deal with him (this being when Ock was suffering crippling arachnopobia). Not to mention attempting to poison five million Bugle readers just to establish his credentials (like he has to?!).

Or fixing a reactor about to go meltdown simply because he would die in the explosion. Not because anyone else would die, just him.

Generally speaking, other people just don't matter much to Otto Octavius. B)

And I loved how he was so nasty and vicious in his quest for revenge on Peter and BC, that he frightened Peter SO much that Peter thought Ock was going to kill him. So he went and said good bye to all his friends and loved ones.

Only a truly great villain can instill that kind of fear in a hero.

Agreed. That was another great part of that story.

Also liked how Ock, even though in extremes of pain after Spidey'd torn off his tentacles, was still able to control them well enough to hold Black Cat down so his minions could fill her with bullets. Now that is determination!

(Scans from Marvels snipped.)

That's the moment I was talking about. Great stuff.

Heh, what a man. Rotten to his egotistical core.

Amen.

 

[WolfCypher]

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs9/i/2006/045/f/e/spidey_by_Demacros.jpg

Who is that attacking Spider-Man? It looks like the Kingpin...

(1st one to find the error gets an Oreo)

 

[Venom Drool]

what ish is that from.. in prison..?

 

[The Joker]

I have a dream of filling a comic book box with Ock-comics.

You'll get there. I've got a comic storage box specifically for my Doc Ock comics. I nearly have every comic he's appeared in. He's been in so many. Not just Spidey comics. He's crossed swords with the Fantastic Four, Captain America, Daredevil, and the Hulk to name a few.

Indeed. B)

Heh, awesome.

You can really see the seeds of his villainous personality being sewn early all thru his young years.

(Despite continuity errors, I really liked Year One.)

So did I. God his mother was such a biotch.

Maybe he'd just been hanging out with the Avengers for too long. Who can say? B/ Though (at the risk of cluttering Ock's lair with talk of the web-head) the fact that both Aunt May and Mary-Jane both argued for his unmasking was surely an influence; he puts a lot of stock by those two.

Well that's another thing. It's not just Spidey being mischaracterized, it's Aunt May and MJ. Like Peter, they know all too well the reprecussions of the enemy knowing the man behind the mask.

Do they really want to look over their shoulder every time they take a stroll in the park, or take a trip to the super market etc?? Because that's what they'll be doing. Spidey has a list of enemies longer than all four of Ock's tentacles put together. And that's not including the public who hate him.

What employer would hire a guy who's likely to attract the likes of Doc Ock, Electro, Mysterio etc to the work place and endanger everyone??

It's amazing how much Otto's weight has fluxuated in the past. Sometimes (as in the Web of Death story) from issue to issue!

It's the same with most of the villains. Artists draw them in many diff ways. Heck recently Ock was sporting long black hair.

Thank goodness he's back to the good old bowl cut.

So they did! Of course, round glasses are wonderfully easy to draw, speaking from personal experience.

Ah another artist among us. I'd be interested to see any Doc Ock art you've done, if any.

We have another Ock fangirl here called Silver S [who's very busy these days that we rarely see her ] who has her own Doc Ock strip called 'Boy Genius'. It's a hilarious strip which shows Spidey, MJ, and the villains all as kids atending school together and getting up to all kinds of funny adventures together.

Here's the link to her site: http://www.jennifertanner.com/

It strikes me that in that sequence, Otto's both at his most and least balanced. Because the idea of saving someone's life just so you can have the pleasure of continuing to fight them and eventually kill them is twisted, and yet there's a certain, I dunno how to describe it... calm about the man. I imagine that Stunner/Angelina had a lot to do with that; the one and only period where Otto's actually lucked out in the love department, however briefly.

Octavius may be one of the nastiest super villains around, but buried under all that evil is some shred of humanity. That was really shown with his dealings with May Parker.

Sure he kidnapped her, used her home as a hideout from the law, trashed her house and caused her to have a stroke, and tried to marry her just for her inheritance of a nuclear facility, but he did genuinely care for her because she treated him like a respected scientist and a gentleman.

He's even protected her from harm, like when Hammerhead crashed their wedding reception.

Octavius may only associate himself with women who are useful to him, but he does care for them too.

This is, by the way, one of the things that makes me latch onto Doc Ock as a character. Otto Octavius is not a good man. Not in the slightest. He's egotistical, arrogant, callous, selfish, megalomanical, twisted, wrathful, and backstabbing. At his best, he's utterly amoral. At his worst... well. And yet, buried in all this corrupted rottenness, in this ugly banquest of deadly sins, are these little bits of something better, something good.

That kinda stuff fascinates me. B)

Likewise.

Every villain should have some shred of humanity in them. Otherwise they're just not as interesting IMO. You don't want a villain who just twirls his moustache while doing their evil deeds. You gotta have dimension.

I still hold out hope that someone, somewhere, will bring Stunner back into play. After all, Carolyn Trainer makes an appearance in Spider-Girl (alternate continuity, I know, but still better than her sad little cameo in Secret War).

Oh Carolyn, with her pink hair running around wearing Otto's arms. I wasn't too pleased with that. But I was pleased they were keeping the spectre of Doctor Octopus alive, just until Otto returned.

And Carolyn was a great character. She all but worshipped Octavius. And that pleased him greatly.

Later, he decides to release a deadly bacterium to kill everyone in Manhatten just so that it'll kill Spider-Man too and then Ock won't have to deal with him (this being when Ock was suffering crippling arachnopobia). Not to mention attempting to poison five million Bugle readers just to establish his credentials (like he has to?!).

And he tried to conquer the world by curing cocaine addiction [and betraying the rest of the Sinister Six in the process]:

Or fixing a reactor about to go meltdown simply because he would die in the explosion. Not because anyone else would die, just him.

"I care nothing for you or this city Spider-Man. But the world must not be denied my genius".

Generally speaking, other people just don't matter much to Otto Octavius. B)

Also liked how Ock, even though in extremes of pain after Spidey'd torn off his tentacles, was still able to control them well enough to hold Black Cat down so his minions could fill her with bullets. Now that is determination!

Ock's savagery against Black Cat is awesome because I can't stand her as a character. So to see Ock handing her out a can of ass whoop is just a delight to watch.

And he proved she's more of a hindrance than a help to Spidey. How many times did he have to stick his neck out to save her in that arc??

Btw OctoHaz, have you ever read Adam Trot-Castro's Sinister Six novels??

http://ic1.deviantart.com/fs9/i/2006/045/f/e/spidey_by_Demacros.jpg

Who is that attacking Spider-Man? It looks like the Kingpin...

(1st one to find the error gets an Oreo)

Link wont work dude. Says I don't have permission to access it....

what ish is that from.. in prison..?

It's from a book called Marvels. Art by Alex Ross as you can see. Ben Urich is investigating the circumstances around Captain Stacy's death.

As you can see Ock is being less than helpful.

 

[WolfCypher]

Let's try it again...I hate this! Its been happening lately with pictures.

Can you guess who that is attacking Spider-Man? Me thinks the Kingpin...

(1st one to find the error gets an Oreo)

 

[The Joker]

Let's try it again...I hate this! Its been happening lately with pictures.

Can you guess who that is attacking Spider-Man? Me thinks the Kingpin...

(1st one to find the error gets an Oreo)

Aha, I see the error. Doc Ock does not have FIVE tentacles

Good pic though. Spidey looks great.

 

[OctoHaz]

You'll get there. I've got a comic storage box specifically for my Doc Ock comics. I nearly have every comic he's appeared in. He's been in so many. Not just Spidey comics. He's crossed swords with the Fantastic Four, Captain America, Daredevil, and the Hulk to name a few.

He put the pain on Iron Man too, didn't he? Plus his participation in Secret Wars. The man does get around. Heh.

Ah-hah. Just managed to find (readload) a couple of issues from "Lethal Foes of Spider-Man". Parts 1 and 4. Can't help but love a story that begins with a full page picture of Ock (even if he is in teh_pain from his arms getting destroyed... two thousand miles away(!)).

Now here's a thought. Ock feels damage to the arms as pain; yet he's upgraded them often enough that he obviously has no problems with I guess you could call surgery. Probably it's just the difference between things he's doing /himself/ to the arms and things that are inflicted by outside forces.

Also, wow. Hargrove. What a wuss. B)

You can really see the seeds of his villainous personality being sewn early all thru his young years.

That's what makes Year One work, IMO, despite the disconnects later on with established history. I also like the hints, before the accident, that Otto is aware that there's something not quite right with himself. The way he pauses after ranting at the psychiatrist, for example, and especially his speech just before discovering his mother's betrayal:

So did I. God his mother was such a biotch.

Ohyeah. I think you could make a case that Mary's treatment of her son caused far more damage than Torbert ever could.

By the way, what did you think of the Year One artist's conception of Mary Octavius? Was it just me, or did she bear a striking resemblence to May Parker?

What employer would hire a guy who's likely to attract the likes of Doc Ock, Electro, Mysterio etc to the work place and endanger everyone??

Mmm. Something to think about, yeah. Giving it some thought.

It's the same with most of the villains. Artists draw them in many diff ways. Heck recently Ock was sporting long black hair.

Thank goodness he's back to the good old bowl cut.

Ramos Ock! *shudder* Yes, I've seen it. The only redesign worse than that time they had Otto wearing armor on his arms and legs in the very late 90s. Yes, let's take a singular and unique-looking character and turn him into a cookie-cutter villain in long black coat, greasy black hair, and little Matrix glasses.

Even the version with robot-armor arms and legs (in, what was it, 1999?) was better than that gorilla-nosed monstrosity. BP

Ah another artist among us. I'd be interested to see any Doc Ock art you've done, if any.

These days, just about all I do is Ock Art. B) I've just come out of a long dry spell, and it's this sudden interest in comics that has, honestly, helped me break out the pencils again. Plus, Otto's just too damn fun to draw.

Most of my drawing ends up being done at work, between calls, and thus ends up in my Scraps folder at deviantArt (http://octohaz.deviantart.com/gallery/scraps/) -- unfinished sketches but ones that I like nonetheless for one reason or another. Which isn't to say I don't have anything in the main gallery; it's just less there. B)

Silver S is amazing, and I adore "Boy Genius".

Octavius may be one of the nastiest super villains around, but buried under all that evil is some shred of humanity. That was really shown with his dealings with May Parker.

Sure he kidnapped her, used her home as a hideout from the law, trashed her house and caused her to have a stroke, and tried to marry her just for her inheritance of a nuclear facility, but he did genuinely care for her because she treated him like a respected scientist and a gentleman.

He's even protected her from harm, like when Hammerhead crashed their wedding reception.

Octavius may only associate himself with women who are useful to him, but he does care for them too.

At least he cares about May and Stunner, though the fact that he didn't rip into Carolyn Trainer for wearing his arms is pretty indicitive that she, too, is on the very very short list of people Otto actually cares about. In fact, I think that those three are the only people on that list since Mary-Alice died. (Unlimited #3, another favorite Ock-story.)

(Just re-read that one. Love how Otto refuses to admit that he's actually working on something benevolent for once. Mainly because, yeah, Spidey /wouldn't/ believe him, so why try, eh?)

Every villain should have some shred of humanity in them. Otherwise they're just not as interesting IMO. You don't want a villain who just twirls his moustache while doing their evil deeds. You gotta have dimension.

Right! Dimension and motivation. The villain needs to be as well-defined, if not moreso, than the hero. Otherwise, the story doesn't work, not nearly as well. And one thing I like about Marvel is that they're good about giving their villains motivation other than "rar i evil i do bad rar". B)

Oh Carolyn, with her pink hair running around wearing Otto's arms. I wasn't too pleased with that. But I was pleased they were keeping the spectre of Doctor Octopus alive, just until Otto returned.

And Carolyn was a great character. She all but worshipped Octavius. And that pleased him greatly.

I think one can remove the "all but" and just say she did, indeed, worship the ground Otto walked on. Though she did make a few comments during her time as Lady Ock in the Clone Saga about being an improvement... Ah, well. What Otto doesn't know won't hurt Carolyn. B) I guess the power just went to her head. The important thing is that when the chance came, she jumped at the chance to bring Otto back. Not to mention (judging from Unlimited 18) nursed him back to health.

Coming back from the dead is hard on a body.

And he tried to conquer the world by curing cocaine addiction [and betraying the rest of the Sinister Six in the process]:

Was that the first appearance of Otto in the white Armani?

(Nifty scanned bookpages snipped. Note to self: hunt down books for reading. t

I agree that Otto's entirely (as much as anyone and moreso than most people) in control of himself. He may not have become the Octopus on purpose, but he's very much (the way I see it) chosen the life he's lived, the things he's done. Otto Octavius could, if he wanted to, go legit. He actually did in the Carlyle plot, and had a few moments where he almost chose the good during that period he was a guest of that mental hospital.

So he's not crazy in the sense that he's not in control of himself or can't help himself. He's not entirely sane, but he knows exactly what he's doing.

Btw OctoHaz, have you ever read Adam Trot-Castro's Sinister Six novels??

I only just heard about them from this thread, so no, not yet. Hopefully one day. B)

 

[The Joker]

He put the pain on Iron Man too, didn't he?

Actually yes I believe so. He was also in the Sub-Mariner comic too. As you said, he get's around.

Ah-hah. Just managed to find (readload) a couple of issues from "Lethal Foes of Spider-Man". Parts 1 and 4. Can't help but love a story that begins with a full page picture of Ock (even if he is in teh_pain from his arms getting destroyed... two thousand miles away(!)).

Lethal Foes was pretty good. Set right before Spider-Man Unlimited #3 too. He makes a refernce to a task he has to do in it.

His upgrades to his arms generally involve increasing their strength. Coating them in adamantium was the biggest upgrade ever. Made them indestructible.

It's been said that he upgrades his arms at least once a year. He did something with them in Countdown too. I remember him bragging about it to Spidey. And we did see him working on them early in that story.

Now here's a thought. Ock feels damage to the arms as pain; yet he's upgraded them often enough that he obviously has no problems with I guess you could call surgery. Probably it's just the difference between things he's doing /himself/ to the arms and things that are inflicted by outside forces.

I think only if the internal circuits are severed then he feels it badly. After all they are mentally linked to him.

That's what makes Year One work, IMO, despite the disconnects later on with established history. I also like the hints, before the accident, that Otto is aware that there's something not quite right with himself. The way he pauses after ranting at the psychiatrist, for example, and especially his speech just before discovering his mother's betrayal:

Yep, great stuff. The scene by his father's grave and in the psychiatrist's office were my favorites. His way of thinking was really getting warped and nasty. And he kept envisioning everyone dying in a nuclear blast

I loved how he called his scientific crew 'Otto's arms'. That was a nice touch.

Oh yeah. I think you could make a case that Mary's treatment of her son caused far more damage than Torbert ever could.

Well she was certainly instrumental in ruining his relationship with Mary Alice, then she goes and get's herself a man behind Otto's back.

Selfish old bag.

By the way, what did you think of the Year One artist's conception of Mary Octavius? Was it just me, or did she bear a striking resemblence to May Parker?

Ha! Come to think of it I guess she did. In other stories she is not that old looking, doesn't wear glasses, and is very overweight.

Even the version with robot-armor arms and legs (in, what was it, 1999?) was better than that gorilla-nosed monstrosity. BP

LOL!

Oh god that was his worst design EVER!! Holy cow Otto the fashion police should have arrested you.

These days, just about all I do is Ock Art. B) I've just come out of a long dry spell, and it's this sudden interest in comics that has, honestly, helped me break out the pencils again. Plus, Otto's just too damn fun to draw.

Most of my drawing ends up being done at work, between calls, and thus ends up in my Scraps folder at deviantArt (http://octohaz.deviantart.com/gallery/scraps/) -- unfinished sketches but ones that I like nonetheless for one reason or another. Which isn't to say I don't have anything in the main gallery; it's just less there. B)

Very impressive

I love the one of Ock reading a book while having Spidey dangled in his tentacles t: Your Doc Ock scribbles and Doc Ock goes grrrr look awesome too.

Heck they all look great. I shall have to inspect them closer later. You've got talent.

At least he cares about May and Stunner, though the fact that he didn't rip into Carolyn Trainer for wearing his arms is pretty indicitive that she, too, is on the very very short list of people Otto actually cares about. In fact, I think that those three are the only people on that list since Mary-Alice died. (Unlimited #3, another favorite Ock-story.)

Carolyn and Stunner saved his ass.

And they both worship him. He's not going to get rid of that kind of help in a hurry. And yes, he did care for them. Especially Stunner:

(Just re-read that one. Love how Otto refuses to admit that he's actually working on something benevolent for once. Mainly because, yeah, Spidey /wouldn't/ believe him, so why try, eh?)

Maybe Otto refused to admit it because he could hardly believe it himself lol. Spidey was convinced he was up to something REALLY nasty. If he only knew.....

Right! Dimension and motivation. The villain needs to be as well-defined, if not moreso, than the hero. Otherwise, the story doesn't work, not nearly as well. And one thing I like about Marvel is that they're good about giving their villains motivation other than "rar i evil i do bad rar". B)

Exactly.

We have a psychology student here called Herr Logan, and he can vouch that Octavius is one of the most psychologically real comic book villains around.

I think one can remove the "all but" and just say she did, indeed, worship the ground Otto walked on. Though she did make a few comments during her time as Lady Ock in the Clone Saga about being an improvement... Ah, well. What Otto doesn't know won't hurt Carolyn. B) I guess the power just went to her head. The important thing is that when the chance came, she jumped at the chance to bring Otto back. Not to mention (judging from Unlimited 18) nursed him back to health.

Did you notice in Unlimited 18 how Carolyn soft soaped alot of stuff. Talking exactly the way Ock talked about his colleagues, how they were all jealous of him etc.

I liked that. Shows how similar they think. How Carolyn almost justifies to herself why Otto is what he is.

Was that the first appearance of Otto in the white Armani?

Indeed it was. His snazziest look [next to the movie look] IMO. I also like this green suit he wore in Revenge of the Sinister Six:

I agree that Otto's entirely (as much as anyone and moreso than most people) in control of himself. He may not have become the Octopus on purpose, but he's very much (the way I see it) chosen the life he's lived, the things he's done. Otto Octavius could, if he wanted to, go legit. He actually did in the Carlyle plot, and had a few moments where he almost chose the good during that period he was a guest of that mental hospital.

You know, even if Carlyle's offer was legit, I still think Ock would have tried to take advantage of the situation in some way.

I'd still like to know how he was a free man in that arc. What lunatics let a terrorist super villain out of prison on parole??

I only just heard about them from this thread, so no, not yet. Hopefully one day. B)

I STRONGLY urge you to track them down.

Ock is fantastic in them. Man, his villainy is pitch perfect in it. And there's a neat twist with him near the end.

Btw OctoHaz, do you own any Ock merchandise like statues, busts, posters, action figures etc?? I have pics of mine if you're interested in seeing them.

 

[J. J. Jameson]

If only I had the knowledge to be able to whip up instances and appearences like Ock and OctoHaz can.

Honestly, I haven't been into comics for that long. Maybe around 3 years now. But I went insane and read every Spider-Man comic I could get my hands on. Right now I have a fairly good idea of what happend in the life of Spider-Man from origin to 1981. (I've read from AF #15 up to #265 in Amazing Spider-Man, with selected issues (Ock-Owl powers struggle/Black Cat beat up by Ock arc) of Spectacular SM. I get most of my readings done in summer when I don't have things like Lit class to worry about.) I know the major events that have taken place between 1981 and today. I try not to dig too deeply into it though, as I want to enjoy those issues for what they are when I reach them. So yeah, when I communicate with the long time readers on the Hype! I can interact and respond with confidence and know what I'm talking about.

One thing I would like to have cleared up is the "Year One" story. These issues were supposed to become the origin issues for both Spidey and Ock, I gather. (I personally hate the idea of them messing with origins, unless its somewhere like the Ultimate Universe). In the first arc of Daredevil vol. 2, "Year One" origins (YOO) are depicted in the one double page splash. That was when? '98? So which is the definitive origins of today? Stan Lee/Ditko or YOO?

 

[The Joker]

If only I had the knowledge to be able to whip up instances and appearences like Ock and OctoHaz can.

Heh, ain't nothing dude. We're just a couple of Doc Ock geeks having a good old chat, and it's great fun t:

Honestly, I haven't been into comics for that long. Maybe around 3 years now. But I went insane and read every Spider-Man comic I could get my hands on. Right now I have a fairly good idea of what happend in the life of Spider-Man from origin to 1981. (I've read from AF #15 up to #265 in Amazing Spider-Man, with selected issues (Ock-Owl powers struggle/Black Cat beat up by Ock arc) of Spectacular SM. I get most of my readings done in summer when I don't have things like Lit class to worry about.) I know the major events that have taken place between 1981 and today. I try not to dig too deeply into it though, as I want to enjoy those issues for what they are when I reach them. So yeah, when I communicate with the long time readers on the Hype! I can interact and respond with confidence and know what I'm talking about.

I'm an EXPERT on Stan Lee's era. Spidey's finest days no question. I'm fairly knowledgable on the 70's and 80's. The 70's moreso.

The 90's was a hit and miss period for Spidey IMO. Alot of crappy stories stemmed from that decade. And alas we're experiencing it again in this one too

One thing I would like to have cleared up is the "Year One" story. These issues were supposed to become the origin issues for both Spidey and Ock, I gather.

No, Just Ock.

That whole bit of Peter and Otto bumping into eachother at the radiation experiment set up was BS! An unncecessary way to show the similarites between Peter and Otto.

Peter seemed a little disturbed by the anger Otto expressed regarding the bullies.

So which is the definitive origins of today? Stan Lee/Ditko or YOO?

In terms of Spidey, definitely Lee/Ditko. Ock was not given a backstory with Stan Lee. That was covered in Spider-Man Unlimited #3, and I take that as his official backstory. His official first encounter with Spidey is also Lee/Ditko.

Writers can revamp origins and try and spice them up etc, but Lee/Ditko are the official stories IMO.

 

[J. J. Jameson]

Heh, ain't nothing dude. We're just a couple of Doc Ock geeks having a good old chat, and it's great fun t:



I'm an EXPERT on Stan Lee's era. Spidey's finest days no question. I'm fairly knowledgable on the 70's and 80's. The 70's moreso.

The 90's was a hit and miss period for Spidey IMO. Alot of crappy stories stemmed from that decade. And alas we're experiencing it again in this one too



No, Just Ock.

That whole bit of Peter and Otto bumping into eachother at the radiation experiment set up was BS! An unncecessary way to show the similarites between Peter and Otto.

Peter seemed a little disturbed by the anger Otto expressed regarding the bullies.



In terms of Spidey, definitely Lee/Ditko. Ock was not given a backstory with Stan Lee. That was covered in Spider-Man Unlimited #3, and I take that as his official backstory. His official first encounter with Spidey is also Lee/Ditko.

Writers can revamp origins and try and spice them up etc, but Lee/Ditko are the official stories IMO.

Thanks for the answers Ock! I totally agree that Lee/Ditko stories should not, and never will be, replaced. It's classic stuff. I'll have to make a note to try to get my fingers on Ulimited #3.

You will also notice I put a link to the Lair in my sig. It would be nice to get some new Ock-lovin' Hypesters to the thread. I find it interesting at how, even though all Ock fans have the same answer when it comes to Ock's core personality, every fan will have a slightly different take on the character. Heck, that's what keeps these boards going!

 

[The Joker]

I'll have to make a note to try to get my fingers on Ulimited #3.

You should do. It's a great story. You might be able to track it down on ebay. I got mine there.

You will also notice I put a link to the Lair in my sig. It would be nice to get some new Ock-lovin' Hypesters to the thread.

Yes, I just noticed that. And you've got an Ock avvy too. You've gone all Ock, and I approve

I find it interesting at how, even though all Ock fans have the same answer when it comes to Ock's core personality, every fan will have a slightly different take on the character. Heck, that's what keeps these boards going!

Indeed.

Though alot of the fan threads have been quiet lately. OctoHaz livened things up a bit in here though. Always good to have some new fans come along.

I might make another quiz later just for fun.

 

[OctoHaz]

Lethal Foes was pretty good. Set right before Spider-Man Unlimited #3 too. He makes a refernce to a task he has to do in it.

Hurrah for continuity! I'll have to keep an eye out for it. I'm holding off reading part 4 'til I get my claws on parts 2 and 3, though.

His upgrades to his arms generally involve increasing their strength. Coating them in adamantium was the biggest upgrade ever. Made them indestructible.

Virtually indestructable, anyway. B) Close enough as makes no difference. What did he do for the next set? The writers seem to have backed off from them being indestructable, since I've seen a few bits where they've gotten damaged (like the Ock/Fusion story).

It's been said that he upgrades his arms at least once a year. He did something with them in Countdown too. I remember him bragging about it to Spidey. And we did see him working on them early in that story.

*nod* It took me a while to get over my intense dislike of the artwork and the Ock redesign in order to read the story, and I did like how they showed him upgrading. Like showing Otto actually lifting weights, it's a good bit of storytelling. Makes it seem less "we're changing this just to change it" and more character-motivated.

(So what the heck possessed Otto to grease and dye his hair and don the Matrix leather coat? BP B) )

Yep, great stuff. The scene by his father's grave and in the psychiatrist's office were my favorites. His way of thinking was really getting warped and nasty. And he kept envisioning everyone dying in a nuclear blast

I loved how he called his scientific crew 'Otto's arms'. That was a nice touch.

Ooh, yeah. I really did like how the writer foreshadowed the arms, both there and, while still in college, his remark about how he has only so many hands. You can already see his frustration at his body's limitations.

Well she was certainly instrumental in ruining his relationship with Mary Alice, then she goes and get's herself a man behind Otto's back.

Selfish old bag.

Exactly. *fistshakes* And let's not forget planting those seeds of arrogance and superiority. She loved him, but it was a clingy, possessive, territorial sort of love.

Ha! Come to think of it I guess she did. In other stories she is not that old looking, doesn't wear glasses, and is very overweight.

I've noticed that. And since there's more evidence of the overweight version, I take that image as canon.

Oh god that was his worst design EVER!! Holy cow Otto the fashion police should have arrested you.

*laugh* Yeah. I mean, when a man in red and blue webby pajamas can mock your fashion sense, you've made a really bad choice. B) Though I found myself able to tolerate the new design in Negative Exposure... partly because most of the time Ock wasn't in the big coat, and partly because the art overall was good.

I love the one of Ock reading a book while having Spidey dangled in his tentacles t: Your Doc Ock scribbles and Doc Ock goes grrrr look awesome too.

Did you notice what I had Ock reading? B) The image occurred to me one dinner out with the spouse; we'd just come from the comic book store with a small stack of "serious" Marvel comics (catching up on Civil War stuff) and one issue of... something very very light and fluffy.

Heck they all look great. I shall have to inspect them closer later. You've got talent.

Thanks. B)

Carolyn and Stunner saved his ass.

And they both worship him. He's not going to get rid of that kind of help in a hurry. And yes, he did care for them. Especially Stunner:

Ah, Stunner. We hardly knew ye.

I find Stunner to be an interesting character. At first, my reaction was 'what the heck is that?!' but upon reading further, seeing the contrast between the character's Stunner-self and her Angelina-self, after reading her issues during and after the Clone Saga... I find myself liking her a heck of a lot. I love how enthusiastic she is. And I can't help but admire how unhesitatingly willing she was to lay down her life for Otto. Carolyn may have been sure that Stunner'd be safe during the ritual due to her special nature, but the expression on Stunner's face makes me think that the woman didn't even think of that and didn't care.

Would Carolyn have sacrificed her life for Ock? I don't think so. She was devoted to him, but I don't think she was that devoted.

Maybe Otto refused to admit it because he could hardly believe it himself lol. Spidey was convinced he was up to something REALLY nasty. If he only knew.....

Spidey always thinks the worst of Ock. Granted, he has very good reason to...

Did you notice in Unlimited 18 how Carolyn soft soaped alot of stuff. Talking exactly the way Ock talked about his colleagues, how they were all jealous of him etc.

I liked that. Shows how similar they think. How Carolyn almost justifies to herself why Otto is what he is.

Yep. Also how Carolyn took the same line Otto's mother did in badmouthing Mary-Alice. I always wondered, though, exactly what happened afterward... Carolyn seems to vanish and (from what I can tell) never works in partnership with Ock again.

Indeed it was. His snazziest look [next to the movie look] IMO. I also like this green suit he wore in Revenge of the Sinister Six:

I love the suits. I also have a deep fondness for the old-fashioned green jumpsuit. Loved the most recent look he sported in a recent Thunderbolts:

You know, even if Carlyle's offer was legit, I still think Ock would have tried to take advantage of the situation in some way.

Oh, probably. This is Otto we're talking about, after all. But you know that he was gratified that someone would actually make such an offer. Appeals to the ego and all that.

I'd still like to know how he was a free man in that arc. What lunatics let a terrorist super villain out of prison on parole??

Hah, good question. That, and why the heck was May surprised that Otto Octavius was Doctor Octopus? I mean, she'd seen him with the arms and even had addressed him by his nickname in the past?

I also wanted him to thrash Carlyle. Grr froth. But of course I'm biased.

I STRONGLY urge you to track them down.

Ock is fantastic in them. Man, his villainy is pitch perfect in it. And there's a neat twist with him near the end.

My husband works for a bookstore. Think they might still be in print?

Btw OctoHaz, do you own any Ock merchandise like statues, busts, posters, action figures etc?? I have pics of mine if you're interested in seeing them.

I have one action figure of him in jumpsuit and bowlcut, but I haven't found a good spot for him yet. We have a cat, you see. A very... mischief-minded cat. B)

That whole bit of Peter and Otto bumping into eachother at the radiation experiment set up was BS! An unncecessary way to show the similarites between Peter and Otto.

Peter seemed a little disturbed by the anger Otto expressed regarding the bullies.

I agree about the bumping-into; it seemed... unnecessary, and made their relative ages far too close. Though, when stood on its own, this bit:

...is a nice show of contrast between the two of them and their attitudes pre-accident.

In terms of Spidey, definitely Lee/Ditko. Ock was not given a backstory with Stan Lee. That was covered in Spider-Man Unlimited #3, and I take that as his official backstory. His official first encounter with Spidey is also Lee/Ditko.

Writers can revamp origins and try and spice them up etc, but Lee/Ditko are the official stories IMO.

I agree with you there. Also, the Unlimited stories mesh with what was already known about Ock as created by Lee/Ditko, whereas Year One diverges significantly post-accident. It's a shame that the writer didn't choose to stay more in line with continuity.

By the way, what do y'all think of this bit from the end of Web of Death?

I'm a little dubious of Spidey's optimism, myself. On the one hand, I can't see Octavius harming Aunt May. But Mary-Jane? He's already threatened her at least once.

Otto is, of course, a lot calmer about finding out who Spider-Man is during this arc, but then, he was in control of the situation, and I bet that made all the difference.

 

[The Joker]

Virtually indestructable, anyway. B) Close enough as makes no difference. What did he do for the next set? The writers seem to have backed off from them being indestructable, since I've seen a few bits where they've gotten damaged (like the Ock/Fusion story).

He adds little gadgets and doodads to them. Makes the claws stronger too. Remember how he crushed the dummy's head with ease in Countdown and then said "Better".

(So what the heck possessed Otto to grease and dye his hair and don the Matrix leather coat? BP B) )

Well the trenchcoat was obviously a nod to the movie. As for the hair, I don't know what possessed Ramos. Does Octavius seem like the hippy type to you??

Hell no!!!

Exactly. *fistshakes* And let's not forget planting those seeds of arrogance and superiority. She loved him, but it was a clingy, possessive, territorial sort of love.

It was the worst kind of love a mother can have for her child. She'd let him be lonely and miserable forever as long as he stays by her side.

Like I said, she was a biotch.

*laugh* Yeah. I mean, when a man in red and blue webby pajamas can mock your fashion sense, you've made a really bad choice. B) Though I found myself able to tolerate the new design in Negative Exposure... partly because most of the time Ock wasn't in the big coat, and partly because the art overall was good.

I really liked his Negative Exposure look [loved the story too]. Ock at his manipulative best.

Did you notice what I had Ock reading? B)

Yes, Spider-Man loves Mary Jane lol

Ah, Stunner. We hardly knew ye.

I find Stunner to be an interesting character. At first, my reaction was 'what the heck is that?!' but upon reading further, seeing the contrast between the character's Stunner-self and her Angelina-self, after reading her issues during and after the Clone Saga... I find myself liking her a heck of a lot. I love how enthusiastic she is. And I can't help but admire how unhesitatingly willing she was to lay down her life for Otto. Carolyn may have been sure that Stunner'd be safe during the ritual due to her special nature, but the expression on Stunner's face makes me think that the woman didn't even think of that and didn't care.

Stunner was definitely not the type of woman I envisioned Ock with. She had wild hair, a very kinky looking outfit, and she wasn't exactly the educated type like Carolyn was.

And yet Octavius loved her. And there was a spark between them. I liked how she called him Doc, and reassured him that he was better than Spider-Man was.

Like I said, she was good for his ego.

Would Carolyn have sacrificed her life for Ock? I don't think so. She was devoted to him, but I don't think she was that devoted.

She probably wouldn't have. But I wont say a definitive no. She risked her life for him. She worshipped the ground he walked on. She might have. Just maybe.

Spidey always thinks the worst of Ock. Granted, he has very good reason to...

Exactly. When has Spidey ever seen a nice side to Ock?? Can't blame him for thinking the worst. He couldn't even believe it when Ock offered him a cure for his virus.

Yep. Also how Carolyn took the same line Otto's mother did in badmouthing Mary-Alice. I always wondered, though, exactly what happened afterward... Carolyn seems to vanish and (from what I can tell) never works in partnership with Ock again.

Carolyn was seen in some Secret War mini a couple of years ago. But other than that she's not been seen. I guess she's out lived her usefulness to Ock. Though I'd love to see her and Stunner reunited with Ock. A bizarre family reunion of sorts.

I love the suits. I also have a deep fondness for the old-fashioned green jumpsuit. Loved the most recent look he sported in a recent Thunderbolts:

I really like that one too. I'm a big fan of the classic Ock look with the goggle type glasses. I have a bust of Ock with that look.

Hah, good question. That, and why the heck was May surprised that Otto Octavius was Doctor Octopus? I mean, she'd seen him with the arms and even had addressed him by his nickname in the past?

Oh May. She was one naive woman back in the day. Ock had her wrapped around his little finger. He could stand at the altar with her and have four tentacles sticking out of him, and she thought nothing of it because he was that charming.

Heh, I remember when Betty Brant and May were kidnapped by Ock, and May was going on about how charming Ock was, and Betty tried to warn her about him and May says something like "Now now dear, we musn't be prejudiced against the poor man just because he seems to have some trouble with his arms"

My husband works for a bookstore. Think they might still be in print?

I'd say so. If all else fails try Amazon or Ebay. They really are awesome. Real page turners I promise you.

I have one action figure of him in jumpsuit and bowlcut, but I haven't found a good spot for him yet. We have a cat, you see. A very... mischief-minded cat. B)

Ah I see. Sounds like ML8 Ock, one of the best Ock figures ever. I have him too. I'll post pics later of my stuff if you like.

I agree about the bumping-into; it seemed... unnecessary, and made their relative ages far too close. Though, when stood on its own, this bit:

...is a nice show of contrast between the two of them and their attitudes pre-accident.

There ya go. It's a nice comparison of them and all, but not necessary to mess with continuity.

I love the snarling look on Otto's face there.

I agree with you there. Also, the Unlimited stories mesh with what was already known about Ock as created by Lee/Ditko, whereas Year One diverges significantly post-accident. It's a shame that the writer didn't choose to stay more in line with continuity.

Exactly. Which is why I reccommend J.J.J. gets Unlimited #3.

By the way, what do y'all think of this bit from the end of Web of Death?

I'm a little dubious of Spidey's optimism, myself. On the one hand, I can't see Octavius harming Aunt May. But Mary-Jane? He's already threatened her at least once.

I think Spidey was right there about deluding himself, certainly about MJ. Ock would have no problem hurting her. He has done before.

But no way would he harm May. He cares for her. One of the few people he actually likes.

Notice how he calls Ock his deadliest and most ruthless enemy

Otto is, of course, a lot calmer about finding out who Spider-Man is during this arc, but then, he was in control of the situation, and I bet that made all the difference.

Exactly.

It was under his terms and conditions. Spidey's life was in his hands there.

 

[J. J. Jameson]

Yes, I just noticed that. And you've got an Ock avvy too. You've gone all Ock, and I approve

Yes. I've been sort of flipping through characters and then doing them as a "theme" (Custom title, avvy, and sig link). It's only natural that Ock should have his place.

I'm going to feel stupid if I ever go Spider-Man theme. Even though he's my favorite character, if I'd put him for my avvy, that would be a bit out of place, considering my name and all. t:

 

[Kraven]

I'm sorry to interupt your regular scheduled program, but I felt I had to share a story.

Ahem.

Alrighty then. Well, it all started off late last night when I pondered to myself, "You know what I'm in the mood for? Reading that one issue of SSM (recent one) with Doc Ock in it." So I go down into the dark depths of the basement, and flick on the light. When the light turned on, I saw many dead bees scattered throughout my floor. (That's not the bad part though.) So, being the man of steel that I am, I make my way across the floor, crushing the living bees in my path. Anyway, I finally get to my comic box thing and open it only to discover that the issue is not there. I look through the box to see if it's mixed in somewhere else, but it's not. I search the house high and low, only to discover it is nowhere in sight. The End.

....................Sorry, I had to elaborate to make it cooler.

I wish I knew where Ock lived, he probably has multiple copies....