MODOK: You Fool! You publish this months after the trade and program?!
Fracadactyl: Watch it MODOK! You have to present this stuff right for people to take seriously.
M: Oh I am going to enjoy watching you make a fool of yourself.
F: You would know how! Why do I hear Wally Wingert instead of Patton Oswalt?
Welcome to Comic Theory, where I try to get one over MatPat before he beats me to this show’s second season. Don’t worry, this mainly relates to the comics, so we’re staying on brand!
What’s MODOK?
For the non-Hulu fans and comic readers, MODOK is mad scientist organization AIM’s most notable weapon. Being a Megacephaloid, a person with a huge head and disproportionate limbs, designed by Jack Kirby will do that. He usually serves as an opponent for the Avengers alongside AIM for world domination. As a result, he’s often a two-dimensional villain with an ego that clashes with his in-house rival Monica Rappaccini. Unlike the TV version who serves as a sitcom dad in addition to his petty supervillainy. But between these two unlike counterparts is an exchanging narrative.
The Odd Origins
Before Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing (originally Computing) was George Tarleton. George was a simple technician/custodian with relationship problems. That all has to do with George’s father and AIM founder, Alvin Tarleton. Comics have a lot of bad dads, like Hulk’s Brian Banner; but Alvin could never see his son as anything but a means to an end. At the first sign of changing his mentally slow son into a living computer, he doesn’t hesitate. MODOC, naturally turns against AIM’s first incarnation to take control. But Alvin had a failsafe in the form of the comfort program JOD1E. Which brings us to the theory: The entirety of Marvel’s MODOK is an escape fantasy and a traumatically-induced hallucination combining with the JOD1E program.
MODOK Inputs
Considering George’s upbringing, he likely comes with a sheltered life with TV being his closest friend. Hence why the show has more than a few tropes in common with dysfunctional family sitcoms. From the suburban life and quirky family dynamics, the show combines with many of the comic character’s universe. Also from Wonder Man’s appearance and the first season’s finale, George might be a fan of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. With how much Alvin controls his early life, this might’ve been George’s only reprieve. Unfortunately it might’ve badly effected how he handles relationships like with Monica saying he lacks imagination.
As for the traumas, MODOK has plenty. From his initial transformation to his first death, JOD1E more than likely puts Big Head onto different paths. Hence why Moddy tries to ease up on the Killing part of his name. Also with Moddy’s body going back to his human form, JOD1E more than likely removes all of trauma from George. Only for all of Moddy’s mind and equipment to go into the singular MODOK Superior. So with a new body and attitude, it comes with a few growing pains like the memory of George volunteering rather than being forced to change. So with George’s subconsciousness comes a need for comfort that only slightly influences some of Modie’s decisions. Like trying to do good and be popular.
The Show’s Outline
So how does JOD1E set up everything? Well as Looper will tell you, it uses plenty of material from Moddy’s life mixing with TV show tropes. Some of Superior’s own experiences also influence what goes on as Modie becomes aware of himself. Which considering the timing of MODOK: Head Game‘s last issue release coincides closely with the show’s release date, it says a lot. Like it was time to leave the ideal world behind.
What Does This Mean For MODOK?
The MODOK show very much reflects Modie’s inner turmoil in the comics. Throughout most of his comic appearances, the Big Head’s ego and greed come from his self-loathing. He wants to create a perfect world by conquering everything he envies, like heroes who came out better from their experiences. Despite his brilliant mind, Modie and the people he interacts with are in a state of arrested development. Every little victory he achieves is just a means to an end for him. As a result with JOD1E now having a body, they’re all doomed to bring out the worst in each other. Because now nothing can buffer Modie out.
What do you all think? Does MODOK’s next appearance in the comics relate to the show in any way? Leave your thoughts in the comments. And as always, remember to look between the panels.