Nuke Me with the New!

Untold Tales of the New Universe: Spitfire


Published in Amazing Fantasy #19 (May 2006)
Writer: Justin Gray
Penciler: Marshall Rogers
Inker: Al Vey
Colorist: Brad Anderson
Letterer: VC's Rus Wooton
Editor: Mark Paniccia

Marvel Solicitation

. . . ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of THE NEW UNIVERSE, an 8-page bonus story featuring SPITFIRE by Justin Gray and Marshall Rogers.

Plot Synopsis

Jenny "Spitfire" Swensen uses the original prototype of the MAX armor to investigate the Chernobyl meltdown as it's in progress. It turns out a paranormal is involved. He did not cause it, but has become charged with radiation trying to contain it. In order to save innocent Russians, he must die, which he does willingly.

Favorite Quote

"I share your hope, Dimitri, but I've never been much of an optimist when it comes to the human race."

Chronological Analysis

Because Jenny Swensen's father is still alive, this story takes place before Spitfire and the Troubleshooters #1. The date is also given as April 26, 1986 (which is when the Chernobyl disaster happened). According to the official timeline of the New Universe, Dr. Swensen was killed on August 5, 1986.

Review

Perhaps I'm being nitpicky, but that just means I'm an average comic book geek, right? The main thing that bothered about this story is that Dimitri Durovich is obviously a paranormal. But this story takes place before the White Event, so there should be no paranormals.

Putting that aside, it was nice to see Jenny working with her father. I haven't read Spitfire in a while, but I don't think this was touched on much during its run. If anything deserved an untold story, it was probably a story of Jenny and her father.

I was rather disturbed, however, with Jenny's attitude in taking Dimitri's life. There was no argument about finding a way to save him. No apparent hesitation in doing so. And no remorse seen when she returns home. Now, admittedly, this was only an eight page story, but I feel there should have been a greater emotional impact. After all, Jenny comments in Spitfire #1 that she's not a killer like her assailant.

Overall, it's not a bad story, although it obviously has some problems. I give it a "mildly recommended" rating.

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