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CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

Raphael

5 votes

The Rocketeer

9 votes

Edgy MD Dec 01 2014 05:57 AM

Two guys from outside the Marvel and DC pantheons may in set a record in that they have about eight publishers between the two of them. Both also carry a lot of weight on their back. [fimg=350]http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/104/f/e/raphael_tmnt_04_by_deadpea-d4w6jot.jpg[/fimg] [fimg=300]https://georgespigot.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/the-rocketeer-01.jpg[/fimg] Name: Raphael Name: The Rocketeer AKA: Hamato Raphael Firenzi, Nightwatcher, The Shredder AKA: Cliff Secord, The Flying Man Creator(s): Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird Creator(s): Dave Stevens Place of Birth: New York, NY Place of Birth: Unrevealed, probably on the road, as his parents were part of a travelling airshow. How He Came to Be: Mutagen chemicals spilled upon him and his brothers, causing them to mutate into humanoid turtles. How She Came to Be: Recovered a rocket pack designed by Howard Hughes and perfected by the Nazis, strapped that thing on his back and became something else. Base of Operations: New York, NY (sewers) Base of Operations: Los Angeles Teams: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teams: None in particular. Signature Lines: "Gotta go. You know, crime to fight, butts to kick. " Signature Lines: "It's the closest I'll ever get to heaven." Arch-Enemy: Xever Arch-Enemy: Neville Sinclaire Paramour(s): Ninjara Paramour Betty Has Been Played By: Josh Pais, Nolan North. Alan Ritchson Once Played By: Billy Campbell Could Have Been Played By: Danny Bonaduce Could Have Been Played By: Bill Pullman Song I Think Of: "Star Turtle" Song I Think Of: "Baby's Got Rockets" Powers: "Raffy is highly skilled in ninjutsu. He has Olympic-level agility, speed, and strength, and I don't meanTturtle Olympics, neither. He is also a master of kobudo --- martial arts weaponry. Like Elektra, he takes red for his trademark color a twin pair of sai --- which he uses offensively and defensively --- for his trademark weapons. He enjoys a powerful armored shell that protexts his back and, to a lesser extent, his torso. In a crisis, he can withdraw his extremities inside the shell and so heighten his protection against physical attacks. He is a master of stealth and a deeply adept practitioner of Chi Gong, the disciplining of mind and body and spiritual energy, particularly for martial arts focus. He's morecold-blooded and vicious in the dealing of his blows than his brothers. He also heals faster than humans." Powers: Basically, a stouthearted, courageous young man. He's a quick-thinking, skilled stunt pilot, good in a fight, with pretty good marksmanship. Just the kind of American we need to stop Hitler. But the ace in the hole comes when he gets his hands on his jetpack, and this modest skill set is exactly what we need from the man willing to strap it on. Has a cool helmet and a modestly protective flight suit. Weaknesses: Like his brothers, Raphael is functionally a teenaged boy, prone to showing off, rash judgement, and stupid pranks. Raphael is particularly sensitive to being insulted. Not armored on his extremities. Weaknesses: He's just a man. Nothing super about him. Not even top-flight human, just a good-hearted young dude. Definitely bleeds. Prone to rash decisions. I think he needs to wear asbestos underpants. Definitely needs rocket fuel, and that stuff isn't for sale at the grocery store.

MFS62 Dec 01 2014 07:23 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 01 2014 07:27 AM

"Beware the Mutant." * And Rocketeer is using something every kid wanted to have. No question on this one. Later * = The Omega Man (1971)

Benjamin Grimm Dec 01 2014 07:25 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

When I saw this poll, I knew I'd vote for the Rocketeer, because I liked his graphic novel and the underrated movie from around 1990 and I had no idea who Raphael was. It never occurred to me that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would be included in this competition. If they're in, especially if they get four entries, then I fully expect to see Underdog and Mighty Mouse. And maybe even Popeye.

Vic Sage Dec 01 2014 08:14 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

Raphael is the sole TMNT delegate, due to his excessive badassery. But i'm not sure i get your point, Grimm. TMNT was an independent comic book for years, before cartoons, merch and films brought the turtles mainstream. They clearly fall within any definition of comic book-based superhero i can imagine. Mighty Mouse and Underdog were cartoon characters first, and Popeye, if he falls within the definition of superhero (i contend he doesn't), started first in comic STRIPS, prior to the existence of the superhero comic book. While I considered including a "platinum age" division for proto-superhero characters from the pulps and strips that preceded ACTION #1 and who have had a rich comic book history since (like Conan, Kull, The Phantom, Tarzan, The Lone Ranger, Flash Gordon, etc.), instead I wanted to keep the brackets focused on the "comic book superhero" origin characters only. Because once you open that door, where does it stop? Does Jesus count? Gilgamesh? That way madness lies. If you're simply dogging TMNT, you're of course entitled to your opinion, but they were a very cool B&W indie spoof of superheroes, like Cerebus, when they started out.

metsmarathon Dec 01 2014 08:44 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

wait.. .only ONE ninja turtle? i was really hoping to vote mikey all the way. raphael was alwyas my least favorite turtle, but on his shell my hopes shall lie.

Ceetar Dec 01 2014 08:51 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

metsmarathon wrote: wait.. .only ONE ninja turtle? i was really hoping to vote mikey all the way. raphael was alwyas my least favorite turtle, but on his shell my hopes shall lie. I liked Raph third. Leonardo was my least favorite. He always seemed like the buzzkill. Michaelangelo for our name similarity, then Donatello for the nerdy science stuff. I hope shredder makes the villains bracket.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 01 2014 09:26 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

Vic Sage wrote: If you're simply dogging TMNT, you're of course entitled to your opinion, but they were a very cool B&W indie spoof of superheroes, like Cerebus, when they started out. I guess that's what I was doing. I only know of them as cartoon characters.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 01 2014 10:15 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

I read the first few Turtles books; fun, but nothing special. I've seen the movie, and reseen it fairly recently. Well-made stuff. But as far as the original... anyone care to talk up our jet-packed buddy?

Vic Sage Dec 01 2014 01:03 PM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

ROCKETEER? Dave Stevens' art, and the whole retro-feel of the book, were terrific, and the movie is a vastly under-appreciated little gem. And Jennifer O'Connell is always -- ALWAYS -- a good idea. That said, Raphael kicks Cliff's jetpackin' ass.

MFS62 Dec 02 2014 06:38 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

Vic Sage wrote: While I considered including a "platinum age" division for proto-superhero characters from the pulps and strips that preceded ACTION #1 and who have had a rich comic book history since (like Conan, Kull, The Phantom, Tarzan, The Lone Ranger, Flash Gordon, etc.), instead I wanted to keep the brackets focused on the "comic book superhero" origin characters only. Attention, Ming. Attention, Ming. Looks like you're going to get omitted, too. Please don't blast the Earth to atoms. Later

Edgy MD Dec 02 2014 07:28 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

The deco-inspired artwork on the Rocketeer is just fantastic. And his jacket clearly inspired the Monkees. The inherent notion is that all we need to make the world safe is not good and smart and innovate dreamers to develop the technological breakthrough for human flight, but also daring and lovesick young men with the crazy courage to say, "Strap me in, there's no time!" its at he heart of the American character, or at least America's idealized notion of it's character. And yeah, it's what every fantasy-dazzled boy wanted, whether he knew it or not.

Edgy MD Dec 10 2014 02:51 PM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

I know you were waiting for the turnout on this one. Rocketback beats shellback. Greatest generation rejoices. Gen Y says meh, whatever.

Ceetar Dec 11 2014 09:20 AM Re: CPF War of the Supes, Round 1: Raphael vs. The Rocketeer

Edgy MD wrote: I know you were waiting for the turnout on this one. Rocketback beats shellback. Greatest generation rejoices. Gen Y says meh, whatever. They call themselves Millennials now.