How does the hood's gang compare to past super vilain groups?

[Roughneck]

The whole Skrull thing is still going on thoughh.....right?

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah. It's supposed to be next summer's big event, though, so don't expect much action on that front for a while.

 

[Purple Man]

Exactly, they'd be staring in Dooms direction so hard, Victor would think he forgot to put his mask on.

All his money would be well laundered, all the tech without a fingerprint or a speck of dust that could be traced to Latveria. It'd get to the point where Stark would be on the ol' satellite phone with Doom and say "I know you're behind this!" and Doom would just smile under that creepy metal mask and say "I have no clue what you are talking about." while the Hood is making a new video of him pistol whipping Pepper Potts and putting it on Youtube, titling it "Told you not to ***** with me vol 56"

 

[Sloth7d]

I can see the Void making an appearance in the Hood's gang very soon.

 

[The Overlord]

Very true. The only one on that list that really bugs me is Foolkiller, as he's supposed to be a crazy ass vigilante.

There are a few odd choices, Crusader is a religious zealot and he is supposed to be dead, so there are two good reasons why he shouldn't be a member. Maybe he is a Skrull.

Some personality conflict is always interesting, its always good to have a "Starscream" on the group. The Wizard could be the streamscream of this group. He always seemed pretty arrogant, but perhaps the failures of his various Frightful four gangs have humbled him enough for him to adopted a more subtle approach. The hood likely has more street smarts and better people skills then Wizard, so Wizard could let the Hood form the gang, so he can take it over later.

Another odd choice is Purple Man, with his powers money would be useless to him and he could in theory mind control the whole group. Perhaps Killgrave's powers don't work on the Hood or perhaps Killgrave thinks its fun to team up with other villains to torment heroes.

Still its way less odd than Zoom joining the Society.

Anyway two major critiques I have of this group, first, what's with the lack of spidey rogues? Spidey has the second best rogues gallery in comics and all of his villains are street level. Why aren't Vulture, Electro, Shocker, Rhino, etc members of this team?

Also Hood's plan seems a bit sloppy, if Tigra tells Stark of Hood's threats, they could put Tigra's mom in protective custody and send the Might avengers after him. so far Hood's plan hinges on Tigra being really stupid and really cowardly, I hope he has a plan B.

 

[Dread]

Okay:

Inner Circle:
The Hood (leader)
The Wizard
Dr. Jonas Harrow
Madam Masque
Crimson Cowl

Outer Circle
Blackout
Shockwave
Bushwacker
Slug
Centurius
The Answer
Chemistro
The Armadillo
Crossfire
The Blood Brothers
Cutthroat
The Brothers Grimm
Deathwatch
The Constrictor
Dr. Demonicus
The Controller
Foolkiller
The Corrupter
Graviton
The Crusader
Grey Gargoyle
The Griffin
Hydro Man
The Living Laser
Jigsaw
The U-Foes
Mandrill
The Wrecking Crew
Mentallo
Tiger Shark
Mister Fear
Typhoid Mary
Mister Hyde
Vermin
Purple Man
Rampage
Razor-Fist
Scarecrow

The Hood's team is organized more like an organized ring of mobsters than many straight up supervillain teams that specialize in either revenge against a particular hero or team of heroes (i.e. The Sinister Six, The Masters of Evil, etc) or on general world/city/nation conquest. They aim to go about their business of getting cash illegally and backing each other up upon doing so, especially by trying to put some "fear" into superheroes, with Tigra being an unhappy example.

Unfortunately, the thing that keeps me from taking the team totally seriously is the amount of stupid continuity and other errors in the assembly. Constrictor is working for the government now; specifically Gyrich's Shadow Initiative. Foolkiller is a vigilante who'd never assemble with fellow criminals. The U-Foes are sitting in the same room with a cabal of crooks like Crossfire, Corrupter, Mandrill, Controller, Mr. Fear, etc. who wanted to kill them less than 2 years ago in SPIDER-MAN: BREAKOUT. Mentallo was roasted by "Chameleon" in MODOK'S 11. Griffen was usually lacking anything beyond a beastial intellect in his last appearences, and now he's just talking like any ol' thug. Rampage, a.k.a. Stuart Clarke, has only been helping out The Punisher in WAR JOURNAL for an entire year at this point. And that doesn't go into various personalities; some of these criminals would never DREAM of working for others willingly. It goes on. But, it is a fact that Marvel editors are asleep at the switch, especially for Bendis. The man is a walking No-Prize factory.

 

[The Overlord]

The Hood's team is organized more like an organized ring of mobsters than many straight up supervillain teams that specialize in either revenge against a particular hero or team of heroes (i.e. The Sinister Six, The Masters of Evil, etc) or on general world/city/nation conquest. They aim to go about their business of getting cash illegally and backing each other up upon doing so, especially by trying to put some "fear" into superheroes, with Tigra being an unhappy example.

Unfortunately, the thing that keeps me from taking the team totally seriously is the amount of stupid continuity and other errors in the assembly. Constrictor is working for the government now; specifically Gyrich's Shadow Initiative. Foolkiller is a vigilante who'd never assemble with fellow criminals. The U-Foes are sitting in the same room with a cabal of crooks like Crossfire, Corrupter, Mandrill, Controller, Mr. Fear, etc. who wanted to kill them less than 2 years ago in SPIDER-MAN: BREAKOUT. Mentallo was roasted by "Chameleon" in MODOK'S 11. Griffen was usually lacking anything beyond a beastial intellect in his last appearences, and now he's just talking like any ol' thug. Rampage, a.k.a. Stuart Clarke, has only been helping out The Punisher in WAR JOURNAL for an entire year at this point. And that doesn't go into various personalities; some of these criminals would never DREAM of working for others willingly. It goes on. But, it is a fact that Marvel editors are asleep at the switch, especially for Bendis. The man is a walking No-Prize factory.

Perhaps Constrictor is a spy for the government? In a team like this double crosses seem inevitable.

Still it is an interesting idea and the villains of MU need more face time. Of course it is shame that Bendis messed up the lineup a bit regarding characters who are supposed to be dead or not really organized crime types. A little tweeking of the lineup would have been better.

Anyway in terms of these villains willing to work together, it is way more logical then other villain lineups. I think Wizard joined the team, so he can pull a "Starscream". That makes more sense than Zoom joining the Society.

 

[Dread]

Still it is an interesting idea and the villains of MU need more face time. Of course it is shame that Bendis messed up the lineup a bit regarding characters who are supposed to be dead or not really organized crime types. A little tweeking of the lineup would have been better.

Anyway in terms of these villains willing to work together, it is way more logical then other villain lineups. I think Wizard joined the team, so he can pull a "Starscream". That makes more sense than Zoom joining the Society.

It is like many things Bendis does. The IDEA itself is fine, perhaps even good. It is the EXECUTION where he stumbles. However, aside for the glaring errors, it isn't too bad. Hood makes some good speaches, and for the villains where it would make sense for them to mobilize with him, it works.

As for Wizard, after seeing him do the same schtick he has been doing for 40 years in McDuffie's FF, complete with some really stupid decisions on Wiz's part, I may not mind a new angle on him. Bendis may botch it, but Wizard has got to do something besides "lead the Frightful Four ineptly, lose, repeat." I at least like Yu's somewhat grittier tweak on the costume.

 

[The Overlord]

It is like many things Bendis does. The IDEA itself is fine, perhaps even good. It is the EXECUTION where he stumbles. However, aside for the glaring errors, it isn't too bad. Hood makes some good speaches, and for the villains where it would make sense for them to mobilize with him, it works.

As for Wizard, after seeing him do the same schtick he has been doing for 40 years in McDuffie's FF, complete with some really stupid decisions on Wiz's part, I may not mind a new angle on him. Bendis may botch it, but Wizard has got to do something besides "lead the Frightful Four ineptly, lose, repeat." I at least like Yu's somewhat grittier tweak on the costume.

It at least potential, though I'm not sure I'm sold on the hood being able to convince these guys to be his "employees", I still need some convincing.

Perhaps Constrictor is a spy for the government? In a team like this double crosses seem inevitable.

Anyway, the Wizard needs a serious M.O change, the frightful Four is one of the least impressive villain teams ever (Trapster isn't a match for anyone on the FF) and Wizard also came across as the least intelligent evil genius in MU. He is like a fifth rate Doom wannabe, he is all ego with little to back it up. Wizard changing tactics would good for him. Wizard wanting to be a major major player in the NYC underworld, but determining he lacks the needed people skills to form a true syndicate, Wizard playing along with the Hood, let him do the heavy lifting and networking, so he can bump off the Hood and take the prize for himself. That be more clever than Wizard's normal M.O, but would still fit with his arrogant personality. A group like this needs a "Starscream" and Wizard would fit the bill perfectly.

Of course I still have to complain of the lack of Spidey Rogues, Spidey has the second best rogues gallery in comics and they are all street level villains. There are only two C-list Spidey villains, why aren't Shocker, Electro, Vulture, Rhino, etc members?

 

[Dread]

It at least potential, though I'm not sure I'm sold on the hood being able to convince these guys to be his "employees", I still need some convincing.

Perhaps Constrictor is a spy for the government? In a team like this double crosses seem inevitable.

Anyway, the Wizard needs a serious M.O change, the frightful Four is one of the least impressive villain teams ever (Trapster isn't a match for anyone on the FF) and Wizard also came across as the least intelligent evil genius in MU. He is like a fifth rate Doom wannabe, he is all ego with little to back it up. Wizard changing tactics would good for him. Wizard wanting to be a major major player in the NYC underworld, but determining he lacks the needed people skills to form a true syndicate, Wizard playing along with the Hood, let him do the heavy lifting and networking, so he can bump off the Hood and take the prize for himself. That be more clever than Wizard's normal M.O, but would still fit with his arrogant personality. A group like this needs a "Starscream" and Wizard would fit the bill perfectly.

Of course I still have to complain of the lack of Spidey Rogues, Spidey has the second best rogues gallery in comics and they are all street level villains. There are only two C-list Spidey villains, why aren't Shocker, Electro, Vulture, Rhino, etc members?

I took it that these baddies aren't exactly "employees" of The Hood, but rather they are following his organization and sharing of their huals. As in investing time, effort and capital and then reaping the benefits. As well as mobilizing to counter the 50 State Initiative before it can be completed.

As for Constrictor, quite frankly I have zero faith in Bendis explaining that or caring to. I can imagine some issue of Slott's AVENGERS: INITIATIVE where Slott will claim Constrictor is Gyrich's mole. HE cares about continuity. Bendis sees it as something only "fanboys" complain about.

I don't mind the lack of Spider-Man villains there. Sometimes they are overused and become easy punching bags; Rhino being the easiest example. Shocker actually has a fairly decent success rate against Spider-Man (there have been many occasions where fate or an ally have saved Spidey from Shocker, at least until the past 5 years or so), but less so against other heroes. Plus, Shocker could be used in better ways.

The Frightful Four aren't bad in theory, but like many rogues they have been allowed to be defeated into submission so often that they appear foolish many times. Bad guys need SOMETHING to maintain some threat level.

The Wrecking Crew, for instance, were actually CHALLENGING in OMEGA FLIGHT.

 

[KangConquers]

It at least potential, though I'm not sure I'm sold on the hood being able to convince these guys to be his "employees", I still need some convincing.

(Trapster isn't a match for anyone on the FF)

One of the oddest/ funniest fights in marvel history is the one time Trapster overwhelmed and defeated Spider-Man. I forget the issue, but it was just so hillarious.

Hood's gang is a good street level gang. I don't see World Domination in their future, but I certainly see a lot of money in it.

 

[Sloth7d]

One thing you have to consider is this is just an assembley. A lot of these guys might not even join the Hood. Still, if what you guys say is true, I have to wonder why he invited FoolKiller there. Maybe he's to be made an example of like that one guy in NA #33.

 

[Anubis]

I don't think this is really the Hood and his pal. I think they're Skrulls.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Why?

 

[Anubis]

I just don't see them suddenly becoming these competent criminals all of a sudden. Particularly his pal. He was a drug addled dumbass, now he's underboss of the new LacostraNostra? I mean, sure, you can factor in the fact that Bendis throws out all established personality whenever he uses a character that isn't his own, but I don't know. This seems different.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Well, the Hood is relatively new. Who's to say what he could or couldn't do? I wouldn't be surprised if he's getting his ideas from someone else, though. I wouldn't really be surprised if he turns out to be a Skrull, either.

 

[Anubis]

Or maybe that Demon that he stole his gear from in the first place.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah, Wikipedia's entry on the Hood does mention how he's been portrayed with demonic eyes or even an outright demonic face lately that he never displayed in his mini-series. Maybe the demon killed him, took his hood back, and decided to masquerade as him.

 

[Anubis]

It's certainly a possibility. I just get the feeling that everything isn't what it seems.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

We should call you Luke Cage.

 

[PhotoJones]

Anubis is a Skrull, trying to spread paranoia.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I could see it.

 

[Kitsune]

Doom wouldn't be that uncivilized.

He would, however, kill the Hood and all his cronies for daring to approach his royal person unbidden.

I want to see that issue.

 

[TheCorpulent1]

I would, too.

 

[Docker2.0]

Why would Captain Nazi and Black Manta work together? Because Black Adam would rip your face off and Deathstroke would cut your bubble head off.

I like the prospect of controlling super villains through fear rather than the tired "Let's team up to feebly attack team X with plan Y and get our butts handed to us for the Z time."

Super villains should have to pay their dues if there is one top dog organizing it all.

And Doom and the Hood meeting isn't as farfetched as one might believe. Especially with Latveria being such an integral part of the Secret War. Hood could come looking for tech, money, or political asylum for himself or members of his crew. Hell Doom could be bankrolling the Hood. Let the Hood have New York while Doom makes his play for the world.

As much as a lot of people around here tend to believe, Bendis isn't some incompetent shmuck. Marvel wouldn't be at the levels its at if that were true. People just don't expect, understand, grasp, or whatever the way he thinks. Personally I like to get inside the writers head, and think like a writer when I read. I am rarely disappointed with the books I read and for thirty five issues New Avengers has been one of my favorite books month in and month out.

Though the collective was a bit of a disappointment, but I feel that editorial had a big part in Decimation and Bendis did a commendable job with House of M soooo...

There's a villian named Captain Nazi? DC villian right?