New-Gen, styled NEW-GEN, is a superherocomic book series created in 2008 by J.D. Matonti, Chris Matonti and Julia Coppola, of A.P.N.G. Enterprises. It is printed, distributed and advertised by Marvel Comics. The series centers on the war over nanotechnology between two powerful scientists, Gabriel and Deadalus, from the extra-dimensional world of New-Gen.[1]
New-Gen is created by J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola, and Chris Matonti.The artist for the comic is Abdul Rashid.[2]
Publication history
New-Gen was launched by A.P.N.G. Enterprises and Issue 6 was published and distributed at New York Comic Con in Oct. 2010. The second volume of the comic, New-Gen: New Dawn, debuted at New York Comic Con in October 2011. New-Gen is printed, advertised, and distributed by Marvel Comics. Mark Hamill will lend his voice to characters in New-Gen's upcoming full-length featured film.[3]
New-Gen: New Dawn
In 2011, A.P.N.G. Enterprises launched their second series, New-Gen: New Dawn.[4] The series' recounts the origin of Gabriel, the manifestation of his abilities, and his arrival in New-Gen.
Gabriel, at the time known as Gabriam, resides in Ancient Egypt as the son of the Pharaoh. Because he displays a high aptitude for alchemy, Pharaoh entrusts Gabriam's education to the nation's most prominent scientists, led by master alchemist, Soeet. Under their tutelage, Gabriam excels and his abilities quickly surpass those of the men assigned to instruct him. This level of genius, combined with his royal status, causes Gabriam to become pompous, challenging his teachers and using his talents to create ostentatious displays. Gabriam's behavior captures the attention of Soeet, who resents his condescending remarks and doubts his suitability as the future pharaoh. With aide from his fellow scientists, Soeet plots to murder the boy by poisoning his drink at his nightly dinner with Pharaoh.
That evening, Pharaoh expresses pride in his son, but implores him to act with greater humility and compassion. Angered by the criticisms, Gabriam storms out of the palace, leaving Pharaoh to dine alone and drink from the poisoned cup. Gabriam is mysteriously transported to Pharaoh's side, but his powers cannot heal his father. With his dying breath, Pharaoh begs Gabriam to continue to make him proud and passes him his scepter, which glows and transforms into a new shape in his hands.
Years pass and Gabriam, now acting as pharaoh, is plagued with doubts about his leadership. As Egypt stands on the brink of war with a neighboring nation, his advisors urge him to act aggressively, while he prefers to keep the peace. As he ponders the gravity of the situation, the ghost of Pharaoh suddenly appears before him and announces he has used the magic of his scepter, which he refers to as "the Kane", to pause time and reconnect with his son. He addresses Gabriam's questions about the Kane, explaining that it was constructed using an early form of nanotechnology by an ancient, highly advanced alien civilization called the Nephesh. Intended to journey the universe collecting information about distant civilizations, the Kane fell to Earth where it was discovered by a wanderer. Pharaoh reveals that he was the wanderer who made the discovery, and that the Kane granted him superhuman abilities, including enhanced speed, strength, and the ability to slow his aging. He recounts his discovery of Gabriam as an infant, abandoned in the palace courtyard, and how the Kane responded to and bonded with the baby. He concludes, telling Gabriam his abilities are derived from the Kane and that it will lead him to his destiny of creating a utopia. As the ghost of Pharaoh vanishes, an advisor enters the throne room to spread word that negotiations have failed and the enemy's troops are rapidly approaching. Gabriam charges to the city gates to address the general, but is attacked upon arrival. To protect himself and his people, he harnesses the power of the Kane to launch a massive attack that annihilates the army. Although acting in self-defense, Gabriam laments the loss of life and begins a journey to gain control of his abilities. He uses the Kane to create a portal, allowing him to travel into the future, and places him in a dark cavern which seems familiar, but he cannot recall how.
Gabriam continues deeper into the cave, where he is attacked by a powerful demonic figure. While fighting the demon, he inquires what he has done to incur his assailant's wrath. The creature insists that he has destroyed his life, which perplexes Gabriam, certain they have never met. As he grows weary in the struggle, the Kane creates a portal, allowing him to escape. The dimensional jump places him in a lush, beautiful world, New-Gen, where he is greeted by a young man named Deadalus. Gabriam immediately feels comfortable with the stranger, and the two quickly become friends. Seeing an opportunity to use his abilities to improve the newfound realm, Gabriam sets up a laboratory, and takes on Deadalus as an apprentice. Together, the two men progress their research and create a revolutionary form of nanotechnology capable of transforming organic matter on a molecular level. Deadalus brainstorms how their discoveries can heal the sick, while Gabriam shows caution and fears negative effects that may come along with its use.
As time goes by, Gabriam grows more powerful due to the Kane being strengthened through exposure to the nanobots. Gabriam continues to work alongside Deadalus and enters a relationship with the beautiful and compassionate Thea, one of New-Gen's caretakers.
Deadalus requests Gabriam's presence to display the nanobot's immense potential, enhancing New-Gen's landscape and revitalizing the world's plant life. Gabriam expresses his gratitude and commends his apprentice's vision, and Deadalus retorts that if he is truly appreciative, he will allow him to use their discoveries to heal his sick wife, Kallius. Gabriam refuses, claiming the nanobots aren't stable enough for human trials, and past experimentation on Kallius have progressed her condition. As they quarrel, Deadalus is alerted that his wife has taken a turn for the worse. He rushes to Kallius' side where she bids him farewell and asks him to look after their infant daughter, Carmen. Once again, Deadalus begs his mentor to intervene, but it's too late. Mourning his loss, Deadalus becomes consumed with grief and resentment toward Gabriam.
New-Gen: Deadalus Rising
Currently, there are plans for the New-Gen franchise to expand to film. New-Gen: DEADALUS RISING is a 3D CGI animated film [5] that continues the story established in the first volume of the New-Gen comic book. The film follows twins, Chris and Sean, and Carmen, as they try to protect Earth and New-Gen from Deadalus' plans for vengeance.[6]
New-Gen is a transmedia global brand that plans to extend into Motion Comics, Mobile Games, CGI Feature Films, Television Series, Video Games, Toys and Merchandising.[9]
A.P.N.G. Enterprises announced the development of a New-Gen movie, written by Alison Wilgus, to star Mark Hamill.[10]
A.P.N.G. also announced the development of motion comics developed and distributed by Visionbooks.[11]
Plot
New-Gen is an extra-dimensional world where science and technology reign supreme. Nanotechnology controls a huge amount of the world's features, including weather, architecture, energy and materials science. The scientist Gabriel, pioneer in nanotechnology, strives for good and the betterment of his world through the use of his technology. However, his apprentice Deadalus, grows ruthless and seeks to use the nanobots to gain power and control over New-Gen. Deadalus unleashes a powerful, unpredictable type of nanotechnology on the world, which infects several of the children of New-Gen, changing them into super-powered creatures. Gabriel defeats Deadalus and banishes him to the underworld. Gabriel then takes in all the children affected by his nanotechnology in order to protect and train them in the use of their powers, founding the Association for the Protection of the New Generation (A.P.N.G.) in the process. Fearing his infant twin sons, Chris and Sean, were affected, Gabriel sends them to Earth in present-day New York City to protect them from Deadalus, much to the dismay of his wife, Thea. While trapped in the underworld, Deadalus finds fierce robo-insectoid creatures called MetalMites that he can mentally control. After discovering that the Mites can dig into other dimensions, he vows to get back to New-Gen and get revenge on Gabriel.[12]
Years later, Deadalus escapes the underworld and begins wreaking havoc on ancient Crete. Gabriel sends the oldest and strongest member of the A.P.N.G., Mini, to dispatch Deadalus and his army of MetalMites. Mini battles the MetalMites, destroying many of them with his horns, but the fight becomes too much for him to handle alone. Gabriel sends the battle-robot, Horus, to help finish the fight against Deadalus and his creatures. When Mini and Horus have Deadalus beaten, Gabriel tells them to let him live, re-banishing Deadalus to the underworld. Throughout the battle, the native Cretans assume Mini is a sort of monster, which eventually leads to the Greek myth of the Minotaur.[12]
Meanwhile, in present-day New York, Chris and Sean prepare to enter a new school in New York City. They are forced to deal with the pressures of fitting in, combined with a growing distance between them and their adoptive parents, and strange visions of Gabriel and Deadalus, of whom they know nothing. On New-Gen, Gabriel encounters challenges finding the best way of teaching the A.P.N.G.. Simultaneously, in the underworld, Deadalus discovers an enormous quantity of dormant microbots. The microbots respond and behave much like the nanobots he worked with on New-Gen. Deadalus plans to use the microbots to gain power over other worlds and dimensions. He infects himself with the microbots, much like he infected the children of New-Gen, in order to have them reconstruct his body and gain superhuman powers.[12]
In the transformational process, Deadalus' physiology is drastically altered, coming to more closely resemble a demonic beast than a man. His mind is also altered, furthering his powerlust into genuine megalomaniac insanity. He adopts the identity of Sly, and sets his MetalMites to tunneling into a new world to conquer for his own. Additionally, he uses the microbots to upgrade the MetalMites, increasing their destructive power. Once Sly begins taking over the futuristic world of Nu-Mangi, Mini is sent in to stop him once again. However, Sly and his upgraded MetalMites prove far too powerful for Mini alone. The remaining members of the A.P.N.G., Flyer, Diamond, Gazelle, and Roboduck, join Mini for the battle. Meanwhile, on Earth, Sean begins having nightmares and visions of the battle, haunted in the night by the faces of Sly and the MetalMites[12]
The battle rages on the surface of the new world, as the A.P.N.G. destroy wave after wave of MetalMites. Sean and Chris keep getting increasingly vivid glimpses of the battle while at school, but are clueless as to why they are being plagued by the visions. During a lull in the battle, Sly flees and the A.P.N.G. rests knowing another wave is soon to come. Gabriel, observing the battle from New-Gen, holds up several glowing green orbs full of nanobots. Sly, determined to destroy the A.P.N.G. finds machines built by the natives of the new world. He uses his microbots to take over the machines and turn them into larger, more powerful MetalMites. As the twins' visions become more and more clear, they complain of pain and discomfort as their bodies begin to change, alarming their parents as well as Gabriel who is watching them from New-Gen. .[12]
During the battle, the A.P.N.G. show signs of victory until Sly shoots them all with a specialized radiation, destroying all of the nanobots in their bodies, reverting them to their human forms and taking away their powers. Just as Sly is about to finish the A.P.N.G. off, Gabriel teleports to the battle wielding his Kane. He gives the A.P.N.G. the green orbs, containing nanobots that will heal the A.P.N.G. and restore their super-powered forms. As the members A.P.N.G. fight the giant machines, Gabriel battles Sly. The two former friends fight brutally, landing crushing blows and unleashing powerful energy bolts against each other. Eventually, Gabriel and the A.P.N.G. overcome Sly and his forces, but Gabriel decides to again spare Sly, saying he is not ready to finish off his old friend.[12]
He first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He is the founder and leader of the A.P.N.G., and the leading scientific mind in the field of nanotechnology on the world of New-Gen.[13]
Gabriel's powers stem from his complete mastery of the nanotechnology he has implanted within himself.[14] He possess superhuman strength, the ability to emit powerful energy blasts, and telekinetic abilities (and by extension, flight).[15] He is also able to teleport himself and others to any point in time and space instantaneously.[16] Gabriel also possesses a genius level intellect, and regularly creates both nanobots and large robots to perform specific, complex tasks.[16] He also possesses the Kane, a large blue rod composed of nanobots that he can change the shape of according to his will. It also seems to serve as a means for him to focus or augment his powers, as well as weapon in physical combat, at which Gabriel excels.[15]
Gabriel was born in ancient Egypt as the son of the Pharaoh and possessed a genius-level understanding of science, particularly alchemy. Following the death of his father, Gabriam ascended to the role of Pharaoh, before beginning a journey across the universe to achieve balance and gain control over his abilities, ultimately leading him to New-Gen. Gabriel is the foremost scientist in New-Gen when it comes to nanotechnology. His knowledge of science and the practical applications of nanotechnology have helped him lead New-Gen to a new era, causing many to see him as father of New-Gen's prosperous new age. Due to his patriarchal nature, he constantly strives to make the universe a safer, more harmonious place, but is fiercely combative when those he cares about are in danger. He took in the infected children of New-Gen, feeling a great deal of responsibility for their mutations. He is capable of making very difficult decisions, which causes rifts between him and his wife on numerous occasions. His Kane grants him immense control over nanotechnology, affording him superhuman strength, the ability to form energy blasts and allowing him to bend the fabric of time and space.[17]
Utopia and Deadalus' Betrayal
Gabriel's long career in the creation and application of various kinds of nanotechnology on the world of New-Gen gained him a tremendous amount of success and admiration from the general populace. Through his technological advancements and careful cooperation with his wife, Thea (a guardian of the natural world), Gabriel revolutionized life on New-Gen, creating an almost utopian society. After taking on Sylvester Deadalus as an apprentice, Gabriel was able to create even more ways to make the quality of life more harmonious and comfortable for the general populace. However, unbeknownst to his mentor, Deadalus began to experiment on living things, pushing the envelope of nanotechnology and enhancing his subjects in unnatural ways. When Gabriel found out about this, he was furious and told Deadalus to stop immediately. However, Deadalus released onto the public of New-Gen, a swarm of nanobots he designed to alter the biological structure of those they infected. After the nanobots infected several children, mutating their bodies rapidly and giving them superpowers, Gabriel apprehended Deadalus and banished him to the underworld as punishment. Gabriel then sent his twin sons, Sean and Chris, to present-day New York City on Earth, to protect them from further attacks by Deadalus. Before he sent them there, Gabriel expressed concern that their bodies had also been affected by Deadalus' nanobot infestation.[16]
Gabriel banishing Deadalus to the underworld.
Training the A.P.N.G.
After taking in the children whose bodies were affected by Deadalus' nanobots, Gabriel and Thea began to train them in the responsible use of their powers, with the end goal of forming a super-powered team to combat against those who would seek to threaten the lives of the innocent. Gabriel sent the oldest and best trained warrior, Mini and a combat robot, the Horus, to dispatch Deadalus after he resurfaced in ancient Crete and started wreaking havoc. When Mini had defeated Deadalus, Gabriel commanded Mini to banish Deadalus again, rather than kill him.[18] Periodically, Gabriel checked in on his twin sons on Earth, who grew up not knowing their true father or mother. Thea often chastised Gabriel for the decision to send them to Earth, although she only did so privately, away from the eyes of the students.[19]
Battle with Sly
When Deadalus emerged from the underworld onto Zadaar III, transformed by microbots into the insane and brutal Sly, Gabriel sent Mini to dispatch him again. However, it became evident very quickly that Mini was not strong enough to take out Sly's entire army of enhanced MetalMites by himself, so Gabriel teleported the remaining members of the team to help. As he watched Mini, Flyer, Gazelle, Diamond, and Roboduck fight Sly from his command center on New-Gen, Gabriel also noticed his sons having fitful visions of the battle. Gabriel prepared to depart and join the fray himself, carrying with him six green orbs containing highly advanced nanotechnology.[15] Just before Gabriel arrived Sly shot the A.P.N.G. with a nanobot killing energy blast, leaving them powerless and weak. Gabriel, enraged, teleported to the battle and gave each member of the A.P.N.G. one of the green orbs, each of which transformed into a nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. Gabriel then engaged Sly one on one, using his mastery of his own nanobot-given powers. After being overwhelmed at first, Gabriel fought back and eventually overcame Sly, banishing him for the third time to the underworld.[20]
Born on New-Gen after Gabriel had already arrived and begun his work, Deadalus possesses, in his unaltered state, a genius level intellect and the ability to exert his influence over machines using sheer force of will.[21] By using his technopathic abilities, he is able to totally control both the MetalMites and microbots that he discovered living in the underworld. The MetalMites act as a standing army for him, and serve as a means for Deadalus to travel across Milwaukee by digging through the crust of the underworld. Ew. After his vodka-induced transformation into en feggit, Deadalus gained super human strength, agility, a pair of dem j's, and the ability to shoot energy projectiles from his hands.[15]
Deadalus grew up to eventually become one of Gabriel's greatest proteges. Together the two made scientific advancements, particularly in nanotechnology, but had a falling out after Gabriel refused to allow Deadalus to use their discoveries to save his terminally ill wife because of doubts about its suitability for human trials. Following his wife's death, Deadalus began experimenting to make the inhabitants of New-Gen "perfect," invulnerable citizens and becomes enraged when Gabriel seeks to stop him, believing his experiments are unethical. Gabriel is victorious in their battle and banishes Deadalus from New-Gen to the Under¬world dimension, which he quickly makes his base of operations. After discovering MetalMites and microbots, which he controls through mental force, Deadalus takes control of the destructive technology. His self-afflicted microbot infection drives him towards a more bestial state of consciousness and physically transforms him into a demonic being. .[17]
Early life
Sylvester Deadalus was born on the 4th of July. As he matured, he developed an interest in science, and eventually apprenticed himself to Gabriel, helping him to create new types of nanotechnology for use in New-Gen. Eventually, of New-Gen's environment was automated and controlled by the nanobots that he and Gabriel created. Deadalus eventually grew to believe that he could use the nanobots to seize power for himself. In order to destabilize New-Gen and seize power, Deadalus unleashed a huge swarm of nanobots he developed that radically alter the bodies of those they come in contact with. Gabriel destroys the swarm before they can do too much damage, and banishes Deadalus to the underworld as punishment for his uprising.[22]
MetalMites and transformation
While in the underworld, Deadalus stumbles upon the MetalMites, a species of robotic insectoid monsters. He quickly was able to subdue them and bend them to his will, establishing a robotic army for himself. He used the MetalMites to spend years digging through the deep crust of the underworld, traveling across the time-space continuum and onto the ancient island of Crete on Earth. He began destroying structures and trying to establish a dominion using his superior technology. However, he was defeated quickly when Gabriel sent Mini and Horus, a combat robot, back in time to fight him. After being defeated by Mini, he was sent back to the underworld.[23]
Once again trapped in the underworld, Deadalus discovered yet another techno-organic species, the microbots, which he again puts under his mental control. These machines, larger than the nanobots from New-Gen, were small enough, nevertheless, to alter Deadalus' biological structure. His body underwent a radical transformation into a form more closely resembling a devil, granting him super strength, and energy projection abilities, but deepening his megalomania and savage nature. He used the microbots to perform a series of drastic upgrades on the MetalMites, and began to dig again in hopes of reaching New-Gen.
Deadalus after his transformation into Sly
Invasion of Zadaar III
Sly eventually dug his way through the crust of a futuristic city called Zadaar III and almost immediately begins to wreak havoc on it. He used his microbots to alter the plentiful technology present in the city into giant, weaponized robots, similar to the MetalMites. Gabriel dispatched Mini once again to deal with him, but Sly and his forces proved too powerful for Mini to defeat on his own. As Mini became overwhelmed, Gabriel sent the rest of the A.P.N.G. to deal with Sly.[15] Sly, using his newly augmented powers, shot the A.P.N.G. with radiation that killed the nanobots in their bodies, causing the team to revert to their unaltered human forms. As he was about to finish the team off, Sly was attacked by Gabriel, using the full strength of his own nanobot upgrades. Gabriel gave each member of the A.P.N.G. a nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. Sly and Gabriel fought each other both physically and emotionally with blasts of rainbow until Sly is overwhelmed and defeated. Gabriel, again showing mercy towards his old apprentice, banishes Sly back to the underworld.[24]
She first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). She is the wife of Gabriel, mother to the twins Sean and Chris, and one of principal educators for the A.P.N.G.[25]
Thea possesses the ability to see into the future, as well as to other points in the time-space continuum, much like her son Sean seems to be able to. She also seems to possess the ability to levitate herself and other objects[26]
Thea was one of the powerful caretakers for the natural world of New-Gen before Gabriel arrived. Thea's levitation and clairvoyant abilities make her a formidably powerful match for Gabriel. She is strong willed and passionate in her actions, but possesses a motherly instinct. The two soon fell in love and with each of their individual talents, found a way to balance the natural world of New-Gen with the technological advances Gabriel made to also improve the world. The decision to send their sons, Sean and Chris, to Earth is a source of constant conflict between the two powerful beings. Thea even leaves for a time to return to her former home. Eventually, however, she returns to take over the co-tutelage of the children of New-Gen at A.P.N.G. Headquarters.[17]
Deadalus' betrayal
Thea was a guardian of the natural environment of New-Gen for a long time before Gabriel began enhancing the world with nanotechnology. Working in concert, they were able to unify both the scientific and natural aspects of New-Gen into a utopian futuristic paradise. However, Sylvester Deadalus, Gabriel's apprentice, and colleague betrayed his mentor and released an enormous swarm of bio-manipulative nanobots onto the people of New-Gen. These nanobots mutated the bodies of those they came into contact with, giving them superpowers and enhanced abilities. After a fierce battle Gabriel eventually triumphed and banished Deadalus to the underworld as punishment. As a precaution, to protect them from Deadalus should he ever return to New-Gen, Gabriel decided to send his sons to live and be raised in present-day New York City on Earth. Before he sent them there, Gabriel expressed concern that their bodies had also been affected by Deadalus' nanobot infestation, although they showed no outward signs of this being the case. Thea was very opposed to this plan, and was bitter towards Gabriel for making the call.[16]
Departure and return
After Gabriel sent away their children, Thea became despondent and bitter. She left Gabriel for a time, leaving the technologically advanced city which they called their home to return to her place of birth, in the untouched natural part of the world. She eventually did return to find that Gabriel was having trouble effectively training the children he took in with the aim of creating the A.P.N.G. Thea, knowing Gabriel meant well, took over the duty of teaching them their school-related subjects, while Gabriel supervised combat and tactics exercises. Although they seemed to have made peace, Thea was still angry at Gabriel for having sent Sean and Chris away.[26]
Observing the battle
When Deadalus emerged from the underworld onto Zadaar III, transformed by microbots into the insane and brutal Sly, Gabriel sent Mini, Flyer, Gazelle, Diamond, and Roboduck to fight and dispatch him. As he and Thea watched from Gabriel's command center on New-Gen, Gabriel also noticed their sons on Earth having fitful visions of the battle. Gabriel prepared to depart and join the fray himself, carrying with him six green orbs containing highly advanced nanotechnology.[15] As Gabriel fought alongside the A.P.N.G., Thea observed that Sean and Chris' adoptive parents perceived that the twins "time had come," as more bizarre things began happening to them. Thea realized that Gabriel's hypothesis that the twins had been infected by Deadalus' nanobots was correct, and that they were developing powers.[27]
Anthropomorphic bovine form Super-strength Superhuman durability
He first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He is the oldest founding member of the A.P.N.G. and their field leader. He gained his powers when Deadalus released a nanobot swarm on New-Gen.
Minotaur was only a little older than the other children whenDeadalus' nanobots turned Mini's body into an anthropomorphized version of a bull. He possesses sharp horns, double jointed legs, hooves, pointed ears, and fur.[28] He also possesses incredible superhuman strength and durability, able to rip a MetalMite in half with nothing but his hands while sustaining minimal injuries. Using his strength in his legs, Mini is capable of leaping enormous distances. He also has been known to headbutt enemies to pieces using his horns. Mini is an accomplished brawler and excellent strategist. He also has been outfitted with a wrist mounted grappling hook similar to those used by Batman.[15]
He has a staunch and aggressive temperament, much like that of a real bull. He has a nasty temper, but remains a stalwart and loyal companion to his friends. He serves as the drill sergeant and de facto field leader for the A.P.N.G. He is often the first member of the team dispatched by Gabriel in many combat situations. His mutation gave him, in addition to a physically altered body, highly increased strength and durability, which he uses to his advantage in battle when running headlong into enemies with his sharp horns.[17]
Early life
Minotaur was a child on New-Gen when Deadalus, the apprentice of New-Gen's leader, Gabriel, released a massive quantity of biology manipulating nanobots on the world. Deadalus' nanobots drastically altered Mini's physical form to resemble an anthropomorphized bull, complete with double-jointed legs, horns, long ears and fur. Gabriel took Mini in as a means to ensure his safety and develop his powers for use in combating evil.[29]
Battle in ancient Crete
When Deadalus first discovered that his MetalMites could be used to dig out of the underworld into different planes of existence, he emerged during ancient times on the Mediterranean island of Crete and began wreaking havoc on the populace. Mini, as the oldest and best trained member of the A.P.N.G., was sent to dispatch Deadalus and save the innocent citizens. He fought Deadalus to a standstill until he was overwhelmed by continuing waves of MetalMite aggression. Eventually, he received help from Horus, a combat robot sent to his aid by Gabriel, and the ancient hero Perseus. After teaming up with them, Mini was finally able to defeat Deadalus, asking if he could kill him and end his vicious attacks on people. However, Gabriel denied him, saying that Deadalus could learn from his ways, then banished Deadalus to the underworld. After Mini departed, his story went down in history, and eventually became the ancient myth of the Minotaur of the Labyrinth.[30]
Training with A.P.N.G.
Being the eldest member of the A.P.N.G, Mini received the added responsibility of acting as the group's drill sergeant and field leader. In addition to his academic studies, taught by Gabriel and his wife Thea, Mini led the team through a number of complex combat and tactics training sessions in order to hone their skills. As such, Mini became very close with his teammates, fostering a fierce loyalty to each member as he taught them.[31]
Battle with Sly
Eventually, Deadalus, now known as Sly, managed to dig his way through the crust of the underworld into the futuristic city of Zadaar III with his large force of MetalMites and microbots. Mini was, again, the first responder sent to destroy as many of the MetalMites as possible. He started off well, destroying several MetalMites with his bare hands but eventually became overwhelmed, and was surrounded.[32] Gabriel then dispatched the rest of the A.P.N.G. (Flyer, Roboduck, Diamond, and Gazelle) to assist their teammate. Mini continued to destroy several of the MetalMites by himself, and even used Roboduck as a hand cannon of sorts, shooting a series of fiery plasma burps through the monsters.[15] As the tide of battle shifted away from his favor, Sly used his microbot-given powers to shoot the team with a nanobot killing laser, leaving them powerless. Gabriel teleported to the battlefield and gave each member of the A.P.N.G. a specialized nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. As Gabriel fought Sly one-on-one, Mini got his strength back and furiously destroyed several more MetalMites with his teammates, eventually winning the battle and returning home to New-Gen.[33]
He first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He is a sentient robot from the world of New-Gen, and a member of the A.P.N.G. since its founding.[34]
As a first generation battle robot, Roboduck possesses an advanced, plasma--based, weapon system for use in ranged combat. His arms transform into plasma cannons from which he can fire bolts of plasma. He can also burp a more powerful fire blast from his mouth, but he has trouble controlling it. If he is squeezed hard while firing his fire burp, the power of the attack is increased by a drastic margin. Roboduck is also capable of flight, enabled by thrusters in his feet and elbows.[15] After being infected by Deadalus' nanobots, Roboduck lost the ability to gain and process information like a robot. However, the nanobots gave Roboduck the ability to learn and think like a human. This allows him to think more analytically, feel more emotion, and improvise more effectively than most other robots on New-Gen. It also allows him to disobey orders and seek attention through fooling around.[35] Instead of changing Roboduck physically and granting him extra powers, they transformed Roboduck's programming, causing him to behave in a manner much more similar to a human than a machine. This in turn, makes Roboduck the most truly sentient of all robots on New-Gen, as he is able to feel emotion, disobey orders, improvise, develop a sense of humor, and act the part of class clown with the rest of the A.P.N.G.[17]
Construction and early life
Roboduck was assembled on New-Gen, as a first generation combat robot, equipped with an advanced weapons system. After being infected by a nanobot plague created by Deadalus, Roboduck gains enhanced human-level intelligence and is taken by a man named Gabriel, who trains him to use his abilities responsibly.[36]
Training with A.P.N.G.
As the human members of the A.P.N.G. grew up, Roboduck joined them in their combat training and school studies. As he is unable to learn like a normal New-Gen robot, via uploads and downloads, Roboduck lacks the vast informational wealth available to other robots, like Nate Guard, another member of the A.P.N.G. With his hyperactive and improvisational mind, he quickly established himself as the class clown of the A.P.N.G., wisecracking and causing mischief throughout much of their education.[37]
Battle with Sly
After Sly burrowed out of the underworld onto Zadaar IV with his army of MetalMites and microbots, Roboduck was sent, along with the rest of the members of the A.P.N.G. to fight, after Sly's forces proved to powerful for Mini to beat on his own. Throughout the course of the battle, Roboduck destroyed several MetalMites with his weapons array. He also allows Mini to use him as a cannon of sorts, Mini aiming him at enemies and squeezing him so a more powerful plasma burp can be shot.[15] When Sly uses his specialized laser and deactivates the nanobots inside the A.P.N.G., he also disables Roboduck's entire operating system, rendering him inert for a brief period of time. Gabriel resurrects Roboduck when he arrives and gives all the members of the A.P.N.G. specially designed nano-gloves, restoring them to full power. As Gabriel fights Sly, Roboduck resumes destroying MetalMites with his teammates, eventually emerging victorious and returning home to New-Gen.[38]
He first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He was one of the children from the world of New-Gen granted extraordinary abilities by Deadalus' nanobot plague. He is a founding member of the A.P.N.G.[39]
Diamond's entire body is composed of a substance very similar to (and possibly stronger than) terrestrial diamonds.[40] It is light blue in color, and almost translucent. Its unique strength and durability make Diamond almost invulnerable to injury. It is common for other members of the A.P.N.G. to throw him at larger foes, as his density and invulnerability ensures that he will do maximum damage and will incur minimal harm upon himself. This technique is reminiscent of the fastball special. Diamond also seems to possess a limited degree of super strength, as he is able to destabilize larger, dense foes with his attacks. Although the ability is only seen in one panel in New-Gen #5, Diamond appears to be able to slightly change his shape when angered, generating sharp protrusions from his body to inflict more damage. Whether or not this ability will further manifest itself remains to be seen.[15]
In addition to his powers, Diamond is also a highly skilled martial artist, with an advanced knowledge of many fighting styles. Gabriel has outfitted him, as well as Mini (the two members of the A.P.N.G. unable to travel at faster than normal speeds) with a sort of wrist mounted grappling hook, similar to those used by Batman or Black Cat (comics).[41]
Early life
Diamond was born on New-Gen, and was only a few years old when Deadalus went rogue and released an enormous quantity of nanobots on the population. He was one of the children upon whom the nanobots had a drastic, mutating effect. After his skin hardened into the crystalline substance of which it is currently made, Gabriel adopted the young Diamond in order to train him in the proper use of his powers.[42]
Training with A.P.N.G.
During his years of schooling, presided over by Gabriel and his wife, Thea, Diamond became an exceptionally hard and disciplined worker. He took his martial arts training especially seriously. Diamond became a bit of a perfectionist in the eyes of his teammates as he matured. He regularly took place in combat and tactical training exercises, as well as standard schooling in various academic fields of study.[41]
Battle with Sly
When Sly burrowed his way through the crust of the underworld onto Zadaar IV with his army of MetalMites and microbots, Diamond was part of the team sent to dispatch him, after Sly's forces proved too powerful for Mini to handle by himself. Diamond, although relatively new to legitimate battle, destroyed a large number of MetalMites on his own. He also allowed himself to be used as a tactical projectile, due to his nigh-indestructible skin. Both Gazelle, her super speed, and Flyer, using his ability to gain tremendous altitude, throw Diamond into very large MetalMites, punching large holes through them and rendering them useless.[15] Sly then uses a specialized energy blast and deactivates the nanobots inside the A.P.N.G. This causes Diamond to revert to his original human form, leaving him powerless and in pain. When Gabriel arrives, he gives each member of the A.P.N.G. a nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. As Gabriel fights Sly, Diamond's confidence is renewed, and he destroys several more MetalMites with his teammates, eventually emerging victorious and returning home to New-Gen.[43]
Flyer
Comics character
Flyer
Flyer. Art by Abdul H. Rashid.
In-story information
Alter ego
Jude Jackson
Abilities
Flight via leathery wings
He first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He is a founding member of the A.P.N.G., and gained his powers when Deadalus released a nanobot plague on the world of New-Gen.[44]
Flyer possesses a pair of large bat-like wings that allow him to fly at extremely high speed.[45] The wings are strong, but not invulnerable to injury. He was seen showing concern for their safety on more than one occasion during the battle between Sly and the A.P.N.G. The wings are strong enough to support at least one passenger in flight.[15] He is driven by a competitive spirit to prove he's just as good if not better than all the others who have slightly stronger mutations. His competitive spirit is most often tested against Gazelle, who routinely gives him a run for his money. His cocky, sometimes arrogant attitude is tempered by a fierce loyalty to his friends and an eagerness to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with.[17]
Early life
Jude was born in the utopian world of New-Gen, an environment in which almost every single aspect is controlled by nanotechnology. He was a small child when Deadalus, apprentice and colleague of the de facto ruler of New-Gen, went rogue and released an enormous quantity of biologically manipulative nanobots on the population. He was one of the children infected by the tiny robots, radically altering his physical form. He grew a pair of large, bat-like wings as a result of his infection. Gabriel took him in as a student and member of the A.P.N.G. as a means to ensure his safety and his ability to use his powers for good.[46]
Training with A.P.N.G.
Flyer's education and training were administered by Gabriel and Thea, over the course of many years. In addition to classroom study of various academic fields, he often took part in large scale combat and tactical drills. He proved to be a hard worker, if a bit cocky and arrogant. Gazelle, his best friend and constant rival on the squad, consistently challenged him to contests of speed throughout their training and maturing, leaving him a fierce competitor.[47]
Battle with Sly
Gabriel sent Flyer, along with the rest of the A.P.N.G., after Sly managed to dig his way through the crust of the underworld onto Zadaar IV with his large army of MetalMites and microbots. Flyer used his speed and maneuverability in the air to both dodge enemy fire and destroy several MetalMites from above. He even used his teammate Diamond as a sort of human shell on a particularly large MetalMite, dropping him from a great height and through the machine.[15] Sly, in a last-ditch effort to destroy the A.P.N.G., shot the team with a nanobot killing laser, leaving them powerless and exhausted. Gabriel teleports to the battle and gave each member of the A.P.N.G. a nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. As Gabriel fought Sly, Flyer regained his spirit, destroying several more MetalMites with his teammates, eventually winning the battle and returning home to New-Gen.[48]
She first appeared in New-Gen #1 (2010). He was one of the children from the world of New-Gen granted extraordinary abilities by Deadalus' nanobot infestation. She is a founding member of the A.P.N.G. superhero team.[49]
Gazelle's mutation transformed her into a humanoid creature appearing similar to her namesake, with two long horns, fur, hoofed feet and an elongated snout.[50] The nanobots also afforded her with tremendous speed and agility, which more than make up for the fact that her martial arts skills leave much to be desired. She often expresses jealousy towards her friends who look more human than she does, but on the whole is a very caring and nurturing figure. She continually competes with Flyer, one of her best friends.[17]
Early life
Gazelle is a New-Gen native, and was very young when Gabriel's apprentice, Deadalus, turned loose a massive swarm of nanobots capable of reorganizing the genetic structures of those with whom they come into contact. Gazelle's body was drastically affected by the nanobots, giving her double jointed legs, a coat of fur, long horns and hoofed feet. After her mutation, Gabriel took Gazelle in and began to train her in the proper and responsible use of her powers.[51]
Training with A.P.N.G.
As Gazelle got older she, along with the other members of the A.P.N.G. was schooled by Gabriel and his wife, Thea, in a variety of academic subjects. Additionally, she took part in training sessions in combat and tactics led by Mini in order to hone her skills for battle. Through these training sessions she fostered a very strong friendship and rivalry with Flyer, with whom she competes constantly in contests of speed.[52]
Battle with Sly
After Sly was banished back to the underworld when Mini beat him, he eventually found a way to again burrow his way through the fabric of the universe onto Zadaar IV with his army of MetalMites and microbots. Gazelle was sent to dispatch him, after Sly's forces proved to powerful for Mini on his own. Gazelle destroyed several MetalMites by picking them apart piece by piece before they could retaliate effectively. After dodging a rogue plasma blast from Roboduck, she was able to destroy a particularly huge MetalMite by throwing Diamond through it at high speed.[15] Sly then used a specialized energy blast which deactivated the nanobots inside the A.P.N.G., causing Gazelle to revert to her human form, leaving her powerless and exhausted. Gabriel teleported to Zadaar IV in order to help his team, and gave each member of the A.P.N.G. a nano-glove, containing nanobots which restore their powers and strength. As Gabriel fought Sly, Gazelle regained her strength and speed. Working as a team, the A.P.N.G. destroys the rest of then MetalMites, eventually emerging victorious and returning home to New-Gen.[53]
Sean and Chris
Sean and Chris are twin brothers, the children of Gabriel and Thea. The two of them were sent to Earth as babies, under the care of robot parents to keep them safe from Deadalus when he unleashed his nanites upon New-Gen. The two boys know northing of their origins, their true parents or their true place of birth. Whether the two of them grow to have any Nanopowers like the rest of the A.P.N.G. remains to be conclusively seen, but they have vivid visions of the battle on Zaadar III between the A.P.N.G. and Sly.[17]
Nate Guard
A sentient robot constructed by Gabriel under the watchful eye of Thea, Nature Guardian or Nate Guard, was built to monitor New-Gen's electro-magnetosphere and the precise balance of the nanobots and technology that currently works in concert with the natural environment of New-Gen. If there are problems with either, he fixes it or alerts the A.P.N.G. if he finds the issue to be beyond an everyday occurrence. His sentience, which allows him to gather more information beyond that which is pertinent to his primary directive, gives him an insatiable curiosity. He asks constant questions on the nature of everything, much to the annoyance of other members of the A.P.N.G. He is able to alter his shape, adapting to any situation.[17]
Carmen
The youngest of the A.P.N.G. and daughter of Deadalus, Carmen works extra hard to prove herself to compensate for her dark legacy. She wants to make sure that everyone knows her as her own, capable formidable person, instead of the daughter of a supercriminal. Since her father was banished, she was taken in by Gabriel and Thea like many other children and always strives to do her best in order to remind everyone, she is far more than her father's daughter.[17]
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