Talon (comics)
Encyclopedia
Talon is a feline Inhuman
in the Earth-691
timeline of the fictional Marvel Universe
, sorcerer apprentice to Krugarr. Created by Jim Valentino
, Talon debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy #18 (Nov. 1991). He is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
in a storyline where the Guardians had briefly returned to Earth, but Bob Harras
, the X-Men
editor of the time, did not want it established that Wolverine could live that long. Thus, Valentino created Talon, influenced by Steve Englehart
's take on the Beast
during Beast's "party hearty" time with the Avengers
.
born in the city of Attilan
on the Blue Area of the Moon, circa 31st Century A.D. in an alternate future. He becomes a student of the mystic arts, and an apprentice to Krugarr. In one of his earliest appearances, he helps the team battle a gang of murderous criminals who take after the Punisher
. One of the gang injures Major Victory
with a shot to the forehead. Talon deflects a shot fired at Vance Astro, and sends Krugarr to save Vance's life. With the assistance of Hollywood
, Krugarr manages to save the Major's life. Alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Commandeers, Talon battled the Punishers, and then joined the Guardians.
Talon personally battles the villain Rancor and her lieutenants, later taking delight in the violence. He tries to bond with fellow teammate Yondu
over the fact both are very different from the rest of the team. Talon confesses to Yondu he was unable to keep up with the demands made upon him by Krugarr and was forced to leave. In explaining why he is still friends with Krugarr, Talon states 'I may be a flake—but I'm a nice one.' Soon after this conversation, Talon joins in the effort with the Guardians, the Silver Surfer
, and Firelord to help stop Galactus
once and for all. With Nikki
, Talon learned the origin of the Guardians.
Talon is with the team when they confront the ancient supernatural threat of Samhain. The Ireland-bound deity was seeking the same item the Guardians were, the 'Book of Kells
'. The heroes believed it would help the educational system back in New York City.
Around this time, Talon and the Guardians travel to the past to the 20th Century, during the Infinity War
incident. Talon developed Gral's Disease, and was revealed to his teammates to be an Inhuman. He first encountered 20th Century Inhumans at this time. Inside Avengers Mansion
, they fight an incarnation of the Masters of Evil
led by Doctor Octopus
. This gains the attention of the Magus
, who sends evil doubles of the Guardians and the Masters, in an attempt to absorb and overwhelm everyone. The two teams work together and slay all the doubles. When Doctor Octopus urges the Masters to again attack, they turn on him as they do not wish to harm the people who had helped them survive. Talon and the heroes are roped into cleaning up the mess made by the battle. Alongside Charlie-27
and Nikki, Talon attacks the Badoon
home world.
Also, Talon and the Guardians battle the ancient villain Dormammu
. The villain had slain Doctor Strange
, who had taken on the role of the Ancient One/Mentor to Krugarr.
The Guardians are taken into the realm of the Beyonder
, a powerful other-dimensional entity. Talon then helps out in a power struggle in the realm of the gods, Asgard.
They battle the entity called 'the Protégé'. Talon receives a serious spinal injury; he cannot move around very much without intense pain.
At some point, Talon encounters the time-traveling Thor Corps
, several wielders of the Mjolnir hammer.
Talon utilizes a device that had brought back Charlie-27 from near death. However, Talon's repaired spine brings with it new problems, an altered appearance and behavior; he even attempts to wrest leadership from the hands of Vance.
Talon is featured in a solo story in the penultimate issue of the series.
The team later comes to view Talon as a liability. They do not bother to establish contact with him before taking a trip back in time to battle the original 'Martian' invasion.
. He has a feline form: an orange fur-covered body, razor-sharp talons on his hands and feet, pointed ears, pronounced canine teeth, and a 3' prehensile tail. He has superhuman strength, is an Olympic-level acrobat and gymnast, and is a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant. The talons on his hands and feet can be detached and hurled as weapons, then regrow instantly. In addition he has learned some limited knowledge of magical lore, giving him the ability to manipulate the forces of magic for a number of effects, though his ability to control these effects was occasionally hampered by his inexperience. After Talon aided his former mentor Krugarr in the defeat of Dormammu
, Krugarr gave Talon a mystic amulet that enhanced both the power of his spells and his control over them. (Despite depictions of Talon calling upon the Eye of Agamotto
, his amulet is not the same artifact worn by the Sorcerer Supreme
of Earth's dimension, which has been clearly shown to be in Krugarr's possession.) Like all Inhumans, Talon's immune system is probably weaker than that of an average human.
Inhumans
The Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
in the Earth-691
Earth-691
In the fictional Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth 691 or Earth-691 is the name used to identify a secondary continuity inhabited by Killraven and the original Guardians of the Galaxy.-Overview:...
timeline of the fictional Marvel Universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
, sorcerer apprentice to Krugarr. Created by Jim Valentino
Jim Valentino
Jim Valentino is an American writer, penciler, editor and publisher of comic books.-1970s - 1992:Valentino began his career in the late 1970s creating small press and mostly autobiographical comics. The early-mid 1980s saw normalman which first appeared as a back-up story in Aardvark-Vanaheim's...
, Talon debuted in Guardians of the Galaxy #18 (Nov. 1991). He is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Origins
Initially, creator Jim Valentino wanted to use WolverineWolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
in a storyline where the Guardians had briefly returned to Earth, but Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
, the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
editor of the time, did not want it established that Wolverine could live that long. Thus, Valentino created Talon, influenced by Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart is an American novelist. In his earlier career he was a comic book writer best known for his work at Marvel Comics and DC Comics, particularly in the 1970s...
's take on the Beast
Beast (comics)
Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
during Beast's "party hearty" time with the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
.
Fictional character biography
Talon is an InhumanInhumans
The Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
born in the city of Attilan
Attilan
Attilan is a fictional city in the that houses the Inhumans. It first appeared in Fantastic Four #47 . It has also been known as the Great Refuge and New Attilan.-Fictional history:...
on the Blue Area of the Moon, circa 31st Century A.D. in an alternate future. He becomes a student of the mystic arts, and an apprentice to Krugarr. In one of his earliest appearances, he helps the team battle a gang of murderous criminals who take after the Punisher
Punisher
The Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
. One of the gang injures Major Victory
Vance Astro
Vance Astro, born Vance Astrovik and going by the nickname Major Victory, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero from the Earth-691 timeline of the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:...
with a shot to the forehead. Talon deflects a shot fired at Vance Astro, and sends Krugarr to save Vance's life. With the assistance of Hollywood
Wonder Man
Wonder Man is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Avengers #9 .-Publication history:Wonder Man debuted in the superhero-team title The Avengers #9 Wonder...
, Krugarr manages to save the Major's life. Alongside the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Commandeers, Talon battled the Punishers, and then joined the Guardians.
Talon personally battles the villain Rancor and her lieutenants, later taking delight in the violence. He tries to bond with fellow teammate Yondu
Yondu
Yondu is a fictional superhero in the future of the Marvel Comics universe, and a founding member of the Guardians of the Galaxy.-Fictional character biography:...
over the fact both are very different from the rest of the team. Talon confesses to Yondu he was unable to keep up with the demands made upon him by Krugarr and was forced to leave. In explaining why he is still friends with Krugarr, Talon states 'I may be a flake—but I'm a nice one.' Soon after this conversation, Talon joins in the effort with the Guardians, the Silver Surfer
Silver Surfer
The Silver Surfer is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Jack Kirby. The character first appears in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue arc that fans call "The Galactus Trilogy"....
, and Firelord to help stop Galactus
Galactus
Galactus is a fictional character appearing in comic books and other publications published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character debuted in Fantastic Four #48 , the first of a three-issue story later known as "The Galactus...
once and for all. With Nikki
Nikki (comics)
Nicholette "Nikki" Gold is a fictional character, a woman in the Earth-691 timeline of the fictional Marvel Universe, genetically engineered to live on the planet Mercury. As such, she has a superhuman ability to withstand heat and ultraviolet radiation, and can see clearly in very bright light...
, Talon learned the origin of the Guardians.
Talon is with the team when they confront the ancient supernatural threat of Samhain. The Ireland-bound deity was seeking the same item the Guardians were, the 'Book of Kells
Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier...
'. The heroes believed it would help the educational system back in New York City.
Around this time, Talon and the Guardians travel to the past to the 20th Century, during the Infinity War
Infinity War
The Infinity War is a six-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in 1992. The series was written by Jim Starlin and penciled by Ron Lim, Ian Laughlin, Al Milgrom, Jack Morelli and Christie Scheele....
incident. Talon developed Gral's Disease, and was revealed to his teammates to be an Inhuman. He first encountered 20th Century Inhumans at this time. Inside Avengers Mansion
Avengers Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, Avengers Mansion has traditionally been the base of the Avengers. The enormous, city block-sized building is located at 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City.-Creative origin:...
, they fight an incarnation of the Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
led by Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus
Doctor Octopus is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1963. A highly intelligent mad scientist, Doctor Octopus is one of Spider-Man's greatest foes...
. This gains the attention of the Magus
Magus (comics)
The Magus is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain. He is an evil version of the hero Adam Warlock.-Publication history:The Magus was created by Jim Starlin, and appears as an image in Strange Tales vol...
, who sends evil doubles of the Guardians and the Masters, in an attempt to absorb and overwhelm everyone. The two teams work together and slay all the doubles. When Doctor Octopus urges the Masters to again attack, they turn on him as they do not wish to harm the people who had helped them survive. Talon and the heroes are roped into cleaning up the mess made by the battle. Alongside Charlie-27
Charlie-27
Captain Charlie-27 is fictional character in the Earth-691 timeline of the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Charlie-27 first appeared in Marvel Super-Heroes #18 , and was created by Arnold Drake and Gene Colan....
and Nikki, Talon attacks the Badoon
Badoon
The Badoon are a reptilian alien species in the fictional Marvel Comics universe. They are notable for having a gender schism, resulting in two separate societies; the Brotherhood of Badoon and the Sisterhood of Badoon .The Brotherhood live on the planet Moord, while the Sisterhood reside on the...
home world.
Also, Talon and the Guardians battle the ancient villain Dormammu
Dormammu
Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a...
. The villain had slain Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was co-created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Strange Tales #110 ....
, who had taken on the role of the Ancient One/Mentor to Krugarr.
The Guardians are taken into the realm of the Beyonder
Beyonder
The Beyonder is a fictional character in . Created by Jim Shooter and Mike Zeck, the immensely powerful Beyonder first appeared in Secret Wars vol. 1 #1 as an unseen force. He reappears in Secret Wars II #1 , which was created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom.-Publication history:The Beyonder was a...
, a powerful other-dimensional entity. Talon then helps out in a power struggle in the realm of the gods, Asgard.
They battle the entity called 'the Protégé'. Talon receives a serious spinal injury; he cannot move around very much without intense pain.
At some point, Talon encounters the time-traveling Thor Corps
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
, several wielders of the Mjolnir hammer.
Talon utilizes a device that had brought back Charlie-27 from near death. However, Talon's repaired spine brings with it new problems, an altered appearance and behavior; he even attempts to wrest leadership from the hands of Vance.
Talon is featured in a solo story in the penultimate issue of the series.
The team later comes to view Talon as a liability. They do not bother to establish contact with him before taking a trip back in time to battle the original 'Martian' invasion.
Powers and abilities
Talon has some superhuman abilities thanks to his genetically superior Inhuman physiology, and has possibly been exposed to the mutagenic Terrigen MistTerrigen Mist
The Terrigen Mist is a fictional substance from the Marvel Comics universe. It plays a prominent role in the stories of the Inhumans, a fictional race of super-humans...
. He has a feline form: an orange fur-covered body, razor-sharp talons on his hands and feet, pointed ears, pronounced canine teeth, and a 3' prehensile tail. He has superhuman strength, is an Olympic-level acrobat and gymnast, and is a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant. The talons on his hands and feet can be detached and hurled as weapons, then regrow instantly. In addition he has learned some limited knowledge of magical lore, giving him the ability to manipulate the forces of magic for a number of effects, though his ability to control these effects was occasionally hampered by his inexperience. After Talon aided his former mentor Krugarr in the defeat of Dormammu
Dormammu
Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Strange Tales #126 Dormammu is a...
, Krugarr gave Talon a mystic amulet that enhanced both the power of his spells and his control over them. (Despite depictions of Talon calling upon the Eye of Agamotto
Eye of Agamotto
The Eye of Agamotto is a fictional mystical item in the Marvel Comics universe. The artist Steve Ditko, drew inspiration from the real world charm called 'The All Seeing Eye of the Buddha', known among Buddhists as "The Amulet of Snail Martyrs", a Nepali symbol meant to protect its wearer against...
, his amulet is not the same artifact worn by the Sorcerer Supreme
Sorcerer Supreme
Sorcerer Supreme or Sorceress Supreme is a title granted in the fictional Marvel Universe to the "practitioner of the mystic or magic arts who has greater skills than all others or commands a greater portion of the ambient magical energies than any other organism on a given world or dimension". By...
of Earth's dimension, which has been clearly shown to be in Krugarr's possession.) Like all Inhumans, Talon's immune system is probably weaker than that of an average human.