Warriors of Plasm

Last updated

Warriors of Plasm was the flagship title of Jim Shooter's Defiant Comics comic book company.

Contents

Besides the original first issue (#1) of the comic (1993), there was also a zero issue (#0) of Warriors of Plasm which was released as an insert in Previews magazine, and as a trading card set that could be put together in a binder to be read as a comic. [1] There was also a Warriors of Plasm graphic novel titled Home for the Holidays, published in between issues #5 and #6.

Originally called Plasm, the title was changed after Marvel Comics threatened Defiant Comics with a lawsuit [2] over a similarly titled series, Plasmer .

Jim Shooter changed the name to Warriors of Plasm in an attempt to avoid any further legal issues with Marvel. However, Defiant Comics still wound up defending themselves in a court battle with Marvel over the name.

Defiant Comics won in court, but had spent over $300,000 in legal fees [2] to defend itself. The loss of capital would help lead to Defiant's eventual collapse.

Publication history

Warriors of Plasm was published for a total of 13 issues from August 1993 to August 1994. Most of the books were written by Jim Shooter and illustrated by David Lapham. Shooter had discovered Lapham during his tenure as editor-in-chief of Valiant Comics.

The series also featured the talents of Len Wein, a former editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics, and Dave Cockrum, who helped co-create many of the "new" X-Men at Marvel Comics with Chris Claremont.

The final issue of Warriors of Plasm was one of only two books published by Defiant to carry the Schism storyline. Originally, Jim Shooter had planned to do a "crossover" including all of Defiant's titles and characters, but because of the failure of the company only Warriors of Plasm #13 and Dogs of War #5 ever saw publication.

Plot

Far from earth is a planet which is also a living organism: the Org of Plasm. The Org must constantly be fed. This is accomplished by conquering new planets. Lorca, the Supreme Acquisitor, leads this mission. Lorca soon sets his sights on Earth.

However, he devises an attempt to overthrow the rulers of Plasm. To do so he genetically modifies five humans. When his rebellion is thwarted, he sends them home. These humans gain superpowers and then set themselves in preparation to attempt to defend the Earth from the oncoming alien invasion from Plasm. The humans do not function well together, suffering leadership conflicts and the desire to regain their normal lives.

Characters

On Plasm, the main characters are:

The five genetically altered superheroes are all residents of New Jersey. They are:

Notes

  1. Voger, Mark (2006). The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 161. ISBN   978-1-893905-53-5.
  2. 1 2 Jim Shooter Interview: Part 2, Comic Book Resources, October 10, 2000

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Shooter</span> American comic book writer (born 1951)

James Shooter is an American writer, editor and publisher for various comic books. He started professionally in the medium at the age of 14, and is known for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comics' ninth editor-in-chief, and his work as editor in chief of Valiant Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eternals (comics)</span> Group of comic book characters

The Eternals are a fictional race of humanoids appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were created by Jack Kirby, making their first appearance in The Eternals #1.

<i>Infinity Abyss</i> 2002 Marvel Comics series

Infinity Abyss is a six-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics from August to October in 2002. The series was written and pencilled by Jim Starlin.

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

Killraven is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a freedom fighter in several post-apocalyptic alternate futures. Created by co-plotters Roy Thomas and Neal Adams, scriptwriter Gerry Conway, and penciller Adams, the character first appeared in Amazing Adventures vol. 2, #18. The series featured the first dramatic interracial kiss in American color comic books.

<i>Alien Legion</i> Science fiction comic book series

Alien Legion is an American science fiction comic-book series, with several associated titles, created by Carl Potts, Alan Zelenetz, and Frank Cirocco for Marvel Comics's Epic Comics imprint in 1983. It features a military unit, Force Nomad, similar to the French Foreign Legion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guardians of the Galaxy (1969 team)</span> 1969 superhero team by Marvel Comics

Guardians of the Galaxy is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Guardians first appear in Marvel Super-Heroes #18. The initial roster consisted of Vance Astro, Martinex T'Naga, Captain Charlie-27, and Yondu Udonta. Later members included Stakar Ogord, Aleta Ogord, and Nikki.

Defiant Comics was a comic book publishing imprint of Enlightened Entertainment Partners, LP. Defiant was established in 1993 by former Marvel Comics and Valiant Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter.

David Lapham is an American comic book writer, artist, and cartoonist, best known for his work on the independent comic book Stray Bullets.

<i>Secret Wars II</i> 1985–1986 Marvel Comics limited series

Secret Wars II is a nine-issue comic book limited series and crossover published from 1985 to 1986 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Marvel's then editor-in-chief Jim Shooter and primarily pencilled by Al Milgrom.

Breed is the title of three limited series of comic books published in the US, written and drawn by Jim Starlin. The first two were published by Malibu Comics under its Bravura imprint; the third limited series was published by Image Comics.

Dark Dominion is an American comic book series that was published monthly by Defiant Comics from October of 1993 until July of 1994. It spanned a total of 10 issues until Defiant ceased publication. There was one #0 issue published as a trading card set and binder.

Prudence & Caution was a monthly comic book series published by Defiant Comics in 1994. Only two issues were published, during the months of May and June respectively, before Defiant ceased publication of the series.

Dogs of War is a comic book series originally published by Defiant Comics from April 1994 until August 1994. The series lasted only five issues before Defiant ceased publication of the title.

<i>Ultimate Galactus Trilogy</i> Collection of three comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics

The Ultimate Galactus Trilogy is a collection of three comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. All three series are set in the Ultimate Marvel universe and are written by Warren Ellis. The series showcase the arrival of the planet-eating entity Gah Lak Tus on Earth.

Plasmer is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Glenn Dakin and Pascual Ferry. Plasmer was a short-lived 1993 comic book series from Marvel UK.

<i>Electric Warrior</i> (comics)

Electric Warrior is an American comic book series, published by DC Comics in 1986 and 1987. Set outside the continuity of the DC Universe, the series was written by Doug Moench with artwork provided by Jim Baikie. A total of eighteen issues were published.

Monsters Unleashed is the title of an American black-and-white comics magazine published by Magazine Management and two color comic-book miniseries from Marvel Comics. The first ran from 1973 to 1975. The two miniseries ran consecutively in 2017.

<i>Marvel Zombies</i> (comic book) Comic book metaseries by Marvel Comics

Marvel Zombies is a comic book metaseries published by Marvel Comics. The series features zombie versions of Marvel Universe superheroes and supervillains who have been portrayed as both protagonists and antagonists through the different limited series within the metaseries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annihilators (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional comic book team

The Annihilators are a fictional team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are a group of powerful space-based characters from various alien races. They act as a deterrent to galactic war.

References