Why Marvel’s Machine Man Deserves a Grandcomeback Now

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For more than eight decades, Marvel Comics has amassed a colossal collection of superheroes, making it one of the most extensive pantheons within the comic book world. However, with an abundant selection of characters to draw upon for their comics, films, and TV series, Marvel has traditionally zeroed in on a limited number, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, and Wolverine, leaving others of equal intrigue largely overlooked. The downside of Marvel’s extensive character pool is that the continual emphasis on well-known figures often results in lesser attention and gradual fading into obscurity for other equally fascinating characters, who seldom receive the spotlight and chances they deserve to shine brightly.

It’s true that some once-prominent Marvel heroes, who helped increase the brand’s popularity and reach new heights, have sadly been overlooked and pushed to the periphery of the Marvel Universe. It’s a sad reality for comic book enthusiasts when beloved characters fade into obscurity. However, one aspect that never changes in the world of comics is that no character stays down for long. And there’s no hero whose time seems ripe for a return more than Machine Man.

Machine Man is a Classic Kirby Creation

Machine Man is an intriguing superhero due to his unique origin within the Marvel Comics Universe. Unlike other characters who were organically born into the universe, he was created as a secondary character by renowned comic book creator Jack Kirby for Marvel’s interpretation of Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. While the original story by Arthur C. Clarke and Kubrick’s film focused on AI, advanced technology, and technological evolution, Machine Man represents an extension of these themes as a personal creation by Kirby.

Following the end of the original series, Marvel and Kirby developed the Machine Man subplot into a self-contained comic book series in 1978. This series expanded on the narrative that Kirby had set up in his 2001 adaptation. The story revolves around Aaron Stack, a robot raised as a human by its creator, exploring what it means to be an advanced, humanoid piece of technology amidst a world of humans. His journey is made more complex by his decision to become a superhero, a field where meta-humans, deities, androids, and alien beings are also grappling with their roles within society. Initially led by Kirby for the first nine issues, the series was later taken over by Steve Ditko and eventually Tom DeFalco, who carried on Kirby’s narrative thread.

Machine Man is the Model Modern-Day Superhero

The moment has arrived for the return of Machine Man, as he now embodies the ideal superhero for our technologically advanced era. With artificial intelligence becoming more integrated into our daily lives, a graphic novel centered around a self-aware machine seeking its role in a world dominated by humans and organic beings is more pertinent than ever. When Machine Man initially appeared in 1976, he might have seemed like an outlandish concept, even within the Marvel Universe’s extraordinary setting. Yet, in today’s world of AI, robots, and ongoing discussions about consciousness, his narrative has never felt more contemporary. Machine Man’s examination of the timeless question – what constitutes humanity? – is becoming increasingly complex due to technological advancements, placing this comic book at the forefront of a highly relevant debate.

Furthermore, launching a fresh series would offer Marvel an excellent chance to pay tribute to its originator – Jack Kirby. Kirby’s initial concept of Machine Man was truly remarkable. Featuring extendable limbs, wheels that deploy from his feet, and a collection of embedded tools that overshadow Batman’s utility belt, Machine Man was a spectacular embodiment of 1970s sci-fi combined with Kirby’s distinctive aesthetic. A new series could update the design to appeal to contemporary viewers while maintaining Kirby’s unique touch.

It’s A Great Time for a Machine Man Comeback

Reintroducing Machine Man wouldn’t just be a simple restart; instead, it would provide an opportunity to weave him into Marvel’s well-known comics and narratives seamlessly. Characters like Hulk, Avengers, Eternals, Guardians of the Galaxy, and S.H.I.E.L.D. all have ties with Machine Man. As Doctor Doom, who previously confronted Machine Man during his power grab attempts, is now leading the world, reviving their past conflict would feel fitting within the current Marvel Universe narrative.

Machine Man stands out among Marvel’s legacy heroes not just by being a fitting icon for our AI-centric times, but in numerous ways that set him apart. Firstly, he provides an intriguing perspective through which Marvel and its fanbase can tackle issues stemming from contemporary events and technological advancements. In essence, there’s a treasure trove of storylines that could sustain a series for years to come, mirroring Marvel’s longstanding practice of incorporating real-world issues into their narratives.

On the flip side, Machine Man isn’t a fresh face in the Marvel Universe; he boasts an extensive backstory and significant ties to other beloved characters. This heritage not only makes his return to the Marvel Universe effortless but also enriches the existing narrative landscape.

Indeed, it’s time to boot up Machine Man once again.

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2025-06-04 05:40