Typeface (comics)

Last updated
Typeface
Gordon Thomas (Earth-616) from Civil War Front Line Vol 1 3 0001.jpg
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Peter Parker: Spider-Man vol. 2 #23 (November 2000)
Created by Paul Jenkins
Mark Buckingham
In-story information
Alter egoGordon Thomas
PartnershipsSecret Avengers
Notable aliasesGeordie, Captain A-Face, Sesame Street Pete, Shakespeare
AbilitiesSkilled and intelligent combatant

Gordon Thomas, known better as Typeface, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Peter Parker: Spider-Man vol. 2 #23 (November 2000), and was created by Paul Jenkins and Mark Buckingham.

Contents

Fictional character biography

What little is known about Typeface's past is seen in a flashback. In his civilian life as Gordon Thomas, he fights in an unknown war for the US Army in which he loses his brother Joey. Upon his return to America, Gordon's wife leaves him and takes their son with her. [1]

Feeling outcast, Gordon becomes a signsmith. He is happy for a time until a man named George Finch buys the company he is working for, Ace Signs, and Gordon is laid off. Gordon starts to hate everything that went wrong in his life and decides to become a super-villain, calling himself Typeface. He uses a grease pencil to write letters on his face, including a large, red "R" on his forehead, for "retribution". He begins committing vandalism throughout the city, and while attacking local thugs, he catches the attention of Spider-Man. Typeface uses his giant letters as weapons and manages to defeat the webslinger. [2] After successfully escaping and returning to his apartment, he replaces the "R" letter on his head with an "A" for "Annihilation". [1]

Thomas later seeks revenge against George Finch, but is stopped by Spider-Man. Typeface wants to kill Spider-Man for intervening, but when he sees the webslinger being attacked by the Spider-Hybrid, he has a flashback to the words his brother Joey once gave him: "Just live, man." Typeface decides to help Spider-Man defeat the Spider-Hybrid, and renounces his desire to kill Finch. However, Finch decides to exact revenge on Typeface for humiliating him, and finds the remote to the bombs Thomas would have used to kill him. Finch sets them off and demolishes an entire building and for a time it was believed that Typeface died in the explosion. [1]

Mysterious reappearance

Having survived the explosion, Typeface becomes a vigilante. He wages war against a gang called the "Penny-Ante Brigade". After taking out the gang (and another vigilante, Spellcheck, inspired by Typeface), Typeface mimics Spider-Man's note to police, left when he apprehends criminals: "Compliments from your friendly neighborhood Typeface." [3]

Civil War

Returning in Marvel's Civil War: Front Line , Typeface has chosen to side against the Superhuman Registration Act. He joins a small resistance cell that includes Battlestar, Gladiatrix, and Solo. During a visit by the reporter Sally Floyd, he talks about how he had held his brother who had died in a foreign country, Typeface feels his brother had died in the cause of freedom and this had motivated him to oppose the act. [4] Iron Man and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents attack, capturing Typeface and many other members of the group. Floyd and others escape. [5]

The prisoners are taken to a maximum security prison built in the Negative Zone called "Fantasy Island". While transferring, Typeface befriends Robbie Baldwin, otherwise known as Speedball. Both are concerned over the fate of a fellow prisoner adversely affected by the very nature of the Negative Zone. [6]

According to writer Paul Jenkins, he "may not survive the series," but when he dies his eyes will be covered by "little X's". [7] In Civil War: Frontline #10 he is slammed into a bus by Venom during the final battle. A quick examination of Typeface by a fleeing Ben Urich leads the Daily Bugle reporter to believe he is dead. Sally Floyd also witnesses the murder. [8] Post-death, Typeface's eyes were not seen.

In Civil War: Frontline #11, he is carried away in a stretcher, with the sheet pulled over all but his letter-covered arm. [9]

A recovered Typeface is later shown among the patrons of an underground casino that Spider-Man, Deadpool, and Saturn visit on Christmas. [10]

Reception

In 2020, CBR.com ranked Typeface 10th in their "Marvel: 10 Famous Villains From The 2000s To Bring Back" list. [11]

In other media

An alternate universe-displaced incarnation of Typeface appears in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse , voiced by an uncredited actor. [12]

Related Research Articles

The Daily Bugle is a fictional New York City tabloid newspaper appearing as a plot element in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Daily Bugle is a regular fixture in the Marvel Universe, most prominently in Spider-Man comic titles and their derivative media. The newspaper first appeared in the Human Torch story in Marvel Mystery Comics #18. It returned in Fantastic Four #2. Its offices first shown in The Amazing Spider-Man #1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mysterio</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Mysterio is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #13. He is primarily depicted as an adversary of the superheroes Spider-Man and Daredevil. While Mysterio does not possess any superhuman abilities, he is a former special effects artist, illusionist and actor who uses his talents to commit crimes. He is a founding member of the supervillain team the Sinister Six.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walrus (Marvel Comics)</span> Comics character

The Walrus is a comedic supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the enemy of Spider-Man and Frog-Man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madcap (comics)</span> Comics character

Madcap is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Jenkins (writer)</span> British comic book writer

Paul Jenkins is a British comic book writer, screenwriter, novelist, and narrative director. He has had much success crossing over into the American comic book market. Primarily working for Marvel Comics, Jenkins had a big part shaping the characters of the company, helping via the Marvel Knights imprint to propel Marvel from Chapter 11 bankruptcy before choosing to focus on independent publications. He is also noted for his groundbreaking narrative work in the field of video games, and is recognized as one of the world's preeminent "cross-media" creators for his work across such multiple media as animation, video games, comic books, and film.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shriek (character)</span> Marvel Comics supervillainess

Shriek is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is usually depicted as an enemy of Spider-Man, and the lover of Cletus Kasady.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Rabbit (comics)</span> Comics character

White Rabbit is a supervillainess appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by J.M. DeMatteis, Kerry Gammill, and Mike Esposito, the character first appeared in Marvel Team-Up #131. White Rabbit is a wealthy criminal who based her supervillain persona on Alice in Wonderland. She is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Spider-Man.

Grizzly is the name of four unrelated fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first is a wild west villain, the second is an A.I.M. Agent, the third is a foe of Spider-Man, and the fourth is a mutant and member of Six Pack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Symbiote (comics)</span> Fictional race in Marvel Comics

The Klyntar are species of extraterrestrial symbiotes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with Spider-Man. The symbiotes form a symbiotic bond with their hosts, through which a single entity is created. They are able to alter their hosts' personalities and/or memories by influencing their darkest desires, along with amplifying their physical and emotional traits and personality and thereby granting them super-human abilities. There are more than 40 known symbiotes in the Marvel Universe.

Kangaroo is the name of two fictional characters, supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Both are noted for their leaping ability.

<i>Civil War</i> (comics) 2006–2007 Marvel Comics crossover storyline

"Civil War" is a 2006–07 Marvel Comics crossover storyline consisting of a seven-issue limited series of the same name written by Mark Millar and penciled by Steve McNiven and various tie-in books. The storyline builds upon events in previous Marvel storylines, particularly "Avengers Disassembled", "House of M", and "Decimation". The series' tagline is "Whose Side Are You On?"

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solo (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

James Bourne, also known as Solo is a fictional character, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Web of Spider-Man #19 in October 1986 and was created by writer David Michelinie and artist Marc Silvestri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ox (comics)</span> Two fictional Marvel Comics supervillains

The Ox is the alias of two characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original incarnation, Raymond Bloch, is one of the founding members of the Enforcers, a team usually in the employment of crime bosses like the Kingpin, Mister Fear, or Hammerhead, and a recurring threat of the superheroes Spider-Man and Daredevil. The second incarnation, Ronald Bloch, also became a member of the Enforcers after his twin brother's apparent death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Man Mountain Marko</span> Marvel Comics supervillain

Man Mountain Marko is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marko was and remains an affiliate of numerous organized-crime entities in the Marvel universe, including the Maggia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weasel (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character in Marvel Comics

Weasel is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Weasel is a friend, sidekick, information broker and arms dealer for Deadpool. Weasel is perhaps Deadpool's best friend. However, because of his frequent mood swings and tenuous mental state, Deadpool still often abuses or mistreats him. Weasel has also displayed an opportunistic streak against his friend's interests on occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venom (character)</span> Marvel Comics character

Venom is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a sentient alien symbiote with an amorphous, liquid-like form, who survives by bonding with a host, usually human. This dual-life form receives enhanced powers and usually refers to itself as "Venom". The symbiote was originally introduced as a living alien costume in The Amazing Spider-Man #252, with a full first appearance as Venom in The Amazing Spider-Man #300.

Mirage is the name of two fictional villains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

The Crime Master is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as an example of the professional-criminal type, and an enemy of Spider-Man. Created and designed by artist and plotter Steve Ditko with writer and editor Stan Lee, he first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #26, published in July 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janice Lincoln</span> Comics character

Janice Lincoln is a supervillainess appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Jackson "Butch" Guice, the character first appeared in Captain America #607. Janice Lincoln is the daughter of supervillain Tombstone. She is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Spider-Man. The character has also been known as Beetle and Lady Beetle at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cottonmouth (Cornell Stokes)</span> Comics character

Cottonmouth is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Paul Jenkins  ( w ), Mark Buckingham  ( p ),Tom Palmer,Rodney Ramos ( i ),Joe Rosas ( col ), Richard Starkings , Troy Peteri ( let )."Warning Signs" Peter Parker: Spider-Man ,vol. 2,no. 24(December 2000). Marvel Comics .
  2. Paul Jenkins ( w ),Mark Buckingham ( p ),Dan Green,Rodney Ramos ( i ),Joe Rosas ( col ),Richard Starkings, Troy Peteri ( let )."Read 'Em and Weep"Peter Parker: Spider-Man,vol. 2,no. 23(November 2000).Marvel Comics.
  3. Ted McKeever  ( w ),Ted McKeever ( a ), Steve Buccellato  ( col ),Paul Tutrone ( let )."Alphabet City" Spider-Man's Tangled Web ,vol. 1,no. 18(November 2002). Marvel Comics .
  4. Paul Jenkins  ( w ),Ramon Bachs ( p ), John Lucas  ( i ), Laura Martin  ( col ),Randy Gentile ( let )."Embedded: Part Three"Civil War: Front Line,vol. 1,no. 3(July 12, 2006). Marvel Comics .
  5. Paul Jenkins ( w ),Ramon Bachs ( p ),John Lucas ( i ),Laura Martin ( col ),Randy Gentile ( let )."Embedded: Part Four"Civil War: Front Line,vol. 1,no. 4(July 26, 2006).Marvel Comics.
  6. Paul Jenkins ( w ), Steve Lieber  ( a ),June Chung ( col ),Randy Gentile ( let )."The Accused: Part Five"Civil War: Front Line,vol. 1,no. 5(September 8, 2006).Marvel Comics.
  7. Newsarama story on Civil War
  8. Paul Jenkins ( w ),Ramon Bachs ( p ),John Lucas ( i ),Laura Martin ( col ),Randy Gentile ( let )."Embedded: Part Ten"Civil War: Front Line,vol. 1,no. 10,p. 11(January 3, 2007).Marvel Comics.
  9. Paul Jenkins ( w ),Ramon Bachs ( p ),John Lucas ( i ),Larry Molinar ( col ),Randy Gentile ( let )."Embedded: Part Eleven"Civil War: Front Line,vol. 1,no. 11,p. 4/4(February 28, 2007).Marvel Comics.
  10. Nick Giovanetti, Paul Scheer  ( w ), Todd Nauck  ( a ),Rachelle Rosenberg ( col ),Joe Sabino ( let ),Jordan D. White, Nick Lowe  ( ed )."The Spider-Man/Deadpool Ho-Ho-Holiday Special!" Spider-Man/Deadpool ,vol. 1,no. 12(December 28, 2016).United States:Marvel Comics.
  11. C. B. R. Staff (June 5, 2020). "Marvel: 10 Famous Villains From The 2000s To Bring Back". CBR. Archived from the original on November 7, 2022. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  12. Perine, Aaron (June 16, 2023). "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Editor Shares Surprising Villain Origin". comicbook.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved August 31, 2023.