In writing this era, I've been reading up a lot on the Korean War. I always knew the basics, but wow, what a complicated conflict that was. I wonder why it was never considered World War III? When you really boil it down, I think that' what it was. I mean, it was the UN vs the Communist countries. You had Russia in there, China, Korea... etc. It was a bloody mess. Some say it was never really resolved. A very interesting moment in history. I'd love to go back and do a full story about this some time. Maybe a one shot, or HBN: THE HIDDEN YEARS...
I love how we only have five more years until HBN disappears, man the suspence of whats going to happen later is killing me. I'm also glad to see that HBN has morals enough to not want to kill again.
Here's an interesting bit for anyone who cares. But originally, way back in October I was talking with Platinum about including "The Fighting American" in this govt team I was making for a future arc. There was actually some talk about making this team the "ALLIED SUPERMEN OF AMERICA" which was written by Alan Moore in the SUPREME comic series, that team had Fighting American in it. I thought it would be cool to do a SIMON/KIRBY character in here, but personally, I didn't really want to be connected to Rob Liefeld's universe of characters, (Supreme, Youngblood) I wanted to create my own continuity and universe for HBN. Plus, it was sort of complicated who owned what and could do what with Fighting American and versions of him. I didn't want to muddy up any waters in regard to Kirby and Simon's legacy. Maybe someday I can have the opportunity to do it the right way.
SO... you get THE AMERICAN. A character I've had around in my head longer than HBN. In which, he'd be the guy that in modern day, we'd send after terrorists around the world, and his name would be feared, and his actions would be questionable if only the tax paying citizens were aware of his covert actions. I even had a slogan to use for him here, which I never have.. "RED, WHITE... BLACK AND BLUE!"
That's our boy. I wonder if the Elementress is feeling the same conflict. Or Captain Kremlin, even.
Speaky2k - Just an FYI, "Big Shot" was a parody of "The Punisher" from Marvel Comics. So "The American" is more a parody of the Punisher, really. But I think more of "U.S. Agent".
Just showing my geekiness.
-Posted on Mar 06, 2007
User: Anonymous
I always thought HBN was more of a "shadow" hero than a "group" hero..
I always thought The American looked a little like Big Shot from The Tick cartoon, now I am sure they are related after seeing that picture of him shooting. Maybe he's Big Shot's father. See http://www.thetick.ws/tvheroes.html or http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/b/bigshot.htm for photos and info on Big Shot.
Can't wait to see the tension that's going to develop from this. I think we can safely expect a confrontation between The American and everyone's favorite ex-communist propaganda posterboy.
so we have an antihero with the american? or just regular soldier with powers? also I share the same feeling, Mr. forever. maybe they will be sent to a suicide mission.
Very good; i was wondering when he'd quit. The american is not a hero - he's a very strong soldier with his conscience knocked off. HBN doesn't have to mingle with that sort of dudes, he's better than that!
The only reason for the korean war not being called WW3 was that there were no invasions of the countries supporting the different factions: Russia was never invaded or directly attacked, and neither were any UN countries - it was just a place were the cold war raged up and where each side pumped resources in for no real reason at all. If i would have been the american president by then i woulda said "shall i tell you where to shove Korea?" and have been done with it, but noooo....
I've been to Korea. Every new soldier that shows up there has to go to the DMZ. It's crazy. You can see manned north korean machine gun nests and all sorts of lunacy I'll save for some other place.
Some sayit was never resolved becasue itis not. It is on an indefinite cease-fire. but the DMZ is constantly guarded and the land mines do go off. Also U.S. Soldiers can get their Veteran of War status by being stationed there for some period of time.
I always thought HBN was more of a "shadow" hero than a "group" hero..
