The DNAgents
Encyclopedia
DNAgents is a comic book created by writer Mark Evanier
and artist Will Meugniot
and published by Eclipse Comics
in 1983. It was later picked up briefly by Antarctic Press
. In June 2006, old issues were collected into DNAgents Volume 1.
It tells the story of a team of superhero
es created through genetic engineering
by the Matrix Corporation. The writing style tended towards wry humor, perhaps reflecting Evanier's other work in television, cartoon, and variety comedy writing.
, another Eclipse comic of the era written by Mark Evanier, was a frequent guest character, and a romantic interest for Rainbow.
In issue 13, an attempt to create a new DNAgent resulted in Snafu, who later became a pet to Sham.
In issue 14, the DNAgents engaged in a "non-crossover" with the Teen Titans comic—each team faced a parody of the other (the DNAgents met "Project Youngblood", the Titans dealt with the genetically-engineered "ReCombatants"). At the end of both stories, the homage/parody teams sacrificed themselves to save the main heroes.
Mark Evanier
Mark Stephen Evanier is an American comic book and television writer, particularly known for his humor work. He is also known for his columns and blogs, and for his work as a historian and biographer of the comics industry, in particular his award-winning Jack Kirby biography, Kirby: King of...
and artist Will Meugniot
Will Meugniot
Will Meugniot is an American writer, storyboard and comics artist, film producer and director.- List of works :* The DNAgents * Exosquad * G.I. Joe: Valor vs...
and published by Eclipse Comics
Eclipse Comics
Eclipse Comics was an American comic book publisher, one of several independent publishers during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1978, it published the first graphic novel intended for the newly created comic book specialty store market...
in 1983. It was later picked up briefly by Antarctic Press
Antarctic Press
Antarctic Press is a San Antonio-based comic book publishing company which publishes "American Manga" style comic books.Founded by Ben Dunn in 1984, Antarctic Press has produced over 850 titles with a total circulation of over 5 million...
. In June 2006, old issues were collected into DNAgents Volume 1.
It tells the story of a team of superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
es created through genetic engineering
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism's genome using modern DNA technology. It involves the introduction of foreign DNA or synthetic genes into the organism of interest...
by the Matrix Corporation. The writing style tended towards wry humor, perhaps reflecting Evanier's other work in television, cartoon, and variety comedy writing.
DNAgents
- Tank: Super-strong, wore heavy body armor to regulate and augment his strength. Naive & optimistic.
- Surge: Could fire blasts of lightning, very short-tempered.
- Rainbow: powerful telepath and illusionist. Since she was exposed to so many people's inner thoughts, she was the most "sophisticated" member of the group.
- Amber: Could project disks of electromagnetic energy as shields, weapons or stand on them to fly. Very outgoing socially and curious.
- Sham: Shapeshifter. Since he had no innate attack powers, he was also trained as a commando. Insecure and attached to his family. Numerous allusions were made to Sham being the most powerful of the DNAgents, including his kidnapping and use as a power-source for the villain Mega Man.
Other characters
CrossfireCrossfire (Eclipse comics)
Crossfire is a comic book series created by writer Mark Evanier and artist Dan Spiegle originally for Eclipse Comics. It was a spin off from DNAgents, which was also written by Evanier.-Plot:...
, another Eclipse comic of the era written by Mark Evanier, was a frequent guest character, and a romantic interest for Rainbow.
In issue 13, an attempt to create a new DNAgent resulted in Snafu, who later became a pet to Sham.
In issue 14, the DNAgents engaged in a "non-crossover" with the Teen Titans comic—each team faced a parody of the other (the DNAgents met "Project Youngblood", the Titans dealt with the genetically-engineered "ReCombatants"). At the end of both stories, the homage/parody teams sacrificed themselves to save the main heroes.
Other media
- In 1986 a sourcebook was printed by Fantasy Games Unlimited for using the characters with their Villains and VigilantesVillains and VigilantesVillains and Vigilantes is a superhero-themed role-playing game which competed primarily with Champions and Superworld in early to mid 1980s.-Origin:...
superhero role playing game.
- The DNAgents reappeared in a brief cameo in issue #41 of The Savage DragonSavage DragonSavage Dragon is an ongoing American comic book series created by Erik Larsen, published by Image Comics and taking place in the Image Universe. The comic features the adventures of a superheroic police officer named the Dragon...
in July 1997.