Marlo Chandler is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
. Created by writer
Peter David
Peter Allen David (born September 23, 1956), often abbreviated PAD, is an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films and video games.Buxton, Marc (March 29, 2014)"From 'Future Imperfect' to '2099': Peter David's Greatest Hits" Co ...
, she first appeared in ''
The Incredible Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of '' The Incredible Hulk'' (May 1962). In his comic book a ...
'' 2nd Volume (September 1988) and became an ongoing supporting character, first in the above mentioned book and later in the ''
Captain Marvel'' series published between 1999 – 2004. She is married to
Rick Jones (a perennial sidekick to the Incredible
Hulk
The Hulk is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in the debut issue of ''The Incredible Hulk (comic book), The Incredible Hulk' ...
) and was a best friend to
Betty Ross
Elizabeth "Betty" Ross (later Talbot and then Banner) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and made her first appearance in ''The Incredible ...
, the wife of Hulk's alter ego Bruce Banner. Marlo is also depicted as the human host of
Lady Death.
In keeping with her introduction during a storyline in which the Hulk was involved with organized crime, Marlo's name combines the surnames of fictional detective
Philip Marlowe
Philip Marlowe () is a fictional character created by Raymond Chandler, who was characteristic of the hardboiled crime fiction genre. The hardboiled crime fiction genre originated in the 1920s, notably in ''Black Mask'' magazine, in which Dashiel ...
(with the spelling changed to ''Marlo'', a top-1000 name for girls born in the 1960s and 1970s) and his creator
Raymond Chandler
Raymond Thornton Chandler (July 23, 1888 – March 26, 1959) was an American-British novelist and screenwriter. In 1932, at the age of forty-four, Chandler became a detective fiction writer after losing his job as an oil company executive durin ...
.
Fictional character biography
Marlo first appears as an
aerobics
Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness (flexibility, muscular strength, and cardio-vascular fitness). It ...
and
swimming
Swimming is the self-propulsion of a person through water, or other liquid, usually for recreation, sport, exercise, or survival. Locomotion is achieved through coordinated movement of the limbs and the body to achieve hydrodynamic thrust that r ...
instructor and as a love interest for the
casino security enforcer "Joe Fixit", who was in reality the believed-dead Hulk living ''incognito''. His true identity was unknown to Marlo. She leaves him after seeing him appear to commit a brutal murder but, after the Hulk reaches out to her in a rare display of emotion, their relationship ends in a more amicable way.
She later appears as the girlfriend of
Rick Jones, who is Hulk's sidekick and best friend to the Hulk's alter ego Bruce Banner. She had met Rick while he was on a book tour promoting his memoir, ''Sidekick''. It is only when Rick, not knowing of Marlo's previous relationship with the Hulk, introduces her to Bruce and
Betty
Betty or Bettie is a name, a common diminutive for the names Bethany and Elizabeth. In Latin America, it is also a common diminutive for the given name Beatriz, the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin name Beatrix and the English name Beat ...
, that Marlo discovers that Mr. Fixit was really the Hulk, and that Bruce is not merely Mr. Fixit's friend but his alter ego.
Shortly after this introduction—Marlo assuring Betty that she has nothing to be jealous about as Bruce and Joe were two distinct people and Bruce has been unswervingly loyal to Betty—the psychiatrist
Doc Samson
Doc Samson (Leonard Skivorski Jr.) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as a superhero and psychiatrist in the Marvel Universe, known as a supporting character in ...
integrates the three personalities of the Hulk (green, gray, and Banner), resulting in a being that possesses a permanent Hulk body with Bruce's face and intelligence. When Betty expresses skepticism of a continued relationship with this new version of her husband, she moves in with Marlo, with whom she becomes best friends.
Marlo is stabbed to death by Jackie Shorr, a deranged woman who claims to be Rick's biological mother. Rick eventually revives Marlo using the technology of the Hulk villain known as
Leader
Leadership, both as a research area and as a practical skill, encompasses the ability of an individual, group or organization to "lead", influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. The word "leadership" often gets vi ...
. She does not come back all the way at first, and spends some time in a near vegetative state, only snapping out of it and regaining some form of consciousness when her brothers try to issue a court order to take her into care.
Rick and Marlo marry, although the wedding is nearly called off. At his
bachelor party
A bachelor party (in the United States and sometimes in Canada), also known as a stag weekend, stag do or stag party (in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth countries, and Ireland), or a buck's night (in Australia), is a party held/arranged by th ...
, Rick discovers a
soft porn
Softcore pornography or softcore porn, is commercial still photography or film that has a pornographic or erotic component but is less sexually graphic and intrusive than hardcore pornography, defined by a lack of visual sexual penetration. Softc ...
film that featured Marlo stripping
nude
Nudity is the state of being in which a human is without clothing.
The loss of body hair was one of the physical characteristics that marked the biological evolution of modern humans from their hominin ancestors. Adaptations related to h ...
at the
beach
A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles. The particles composing a beach are typically made from rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles, etc., or biological sources, such as mollusc shel ...
, which was one of several such films she appeared in just after she had finished high school, but the couple reconciles thanks to the Hulk's intervention. Every supervillain from
Kree
The Kree, briefly known as the Ruul, are a fictional scientifically and technologically advanced militaristic list of fictional extraterrestrials, alien race appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are native to the p ...
to
Mephisto
Mephisto or Mephistopheles is one of the chief demons of German literary tradition.
Mephisto or Mephistopheles may also refer to:
Film and television
* ''Méphisto'', a 1931 French film
* Mephisto (1981 film), ''Mephisto'' (1981 film), a German- ...
appears at their wedding, due to the machinations of the
Impossible Man
The Impossible Man is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''Fantastic Four'' #11 (February 1963), and was created by writer Stan Lee and writer/artist Jack Kirby. The Impossible ...
. The two even become famous while hosting a successful
talk show
A talk show (or chat show in British English) is a television programming or radio programming genre structured around the act of spontaneous conversation.Bernard M. Timberg, Robert J. Erler'' (2010Television Talk: A History of the TV Talk Show ...
called ''Keeping up with the Joneses''. During this time, they make occasional appearances in the Hulk series; Marlo and
Betty Banner
Elizabeth "Betty" Ross (later Talbot and then Banner) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and made her first appearance in ''The Incredible ...
(wife of Bruce Banner) become close friends and live together (again) for a while until Betty's untimely death.
Marlo and Rick separate for a time, and she occupies herself with running the couple's
Los Angeles
Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
-area comic book store. She and Rick reunite shortly after he is bonded with
Genis-Vell
Genis-Vell, also known as Legacy, Captain Marvel, and Photon, is a fictional superhero turned supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is depicted as the son of Mar-Vell of the extraterrestrial Kree Empir ...
the son of the original Captain Marvel, who took on that mantle himself. Soon after, Marlo is menaced by the
Wendigo
Wendigo () is a mythological creature or evil spirit originating from the folklore of Plains and Great Lakes Natives as well as some First Nations. It is based in and around the East Coast forests of Canada, the Great Plains region of the U ...
, a cannibalistic monster. She is saved by the Hulk. During the ''Captain Marvel'' series, Marlo becomes possessed by
the personification of Death. The large amount of cosmic powers leave her with a literal death wish, which manifests itself as reality changing to suit Marlo's desires. Later, after coming to understand the situation, this talent goes away when she wishes for it to be gone. The comic store itself often had stories featuring real-life incidents happening to Marlo and Rick. Marlo spends much of the time annoyed by a chain-smoking, female ghost only she can see and hear. This is the spirit of the girl killed during the Wendigo debacle. Marlo plays a major role in the ''Captain Marvel'' series.
At one point she develops an attraction for the superheroine
Moondragon
Moondragon (Heather Douglas) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A powerful telepath, master martial artist, minor telekinetic and highly skilled geneticist, Moondragon's most notable characteristi ...
which surprises the pair. At first both were unsure of what to do and before they can explore the possibility Marlo is whisked away by her husband. When the truth eventually comes out Rick stands aside to let Marlo and Heather figure out their feelings. After some time passes Marlo and Heather break up when Marlo realizes that whatever feelings she had, they are stronger towards Rick. Heather, brokenheartedly, states she must have subconsciously used her telepathy to enamor Marlo. This is not true, just Heather trying to make the split easier for Marlo.
As the ''Captain Marvel'' series ended, Rick, now separated from Captain Marvel, and Marlo are last seen happily in love and giving their marriage a second chance.
Marlo goes missing for some time and is revealed to have been kidnapped by the Leader. She was turned into a new version of the Harpy by the Leader. After telepathically manipulating her, the Leader sends her to battle Bruce Banner and
Skaar Skaar may refer to:
*Skaar (comics), a fictional character from Marvel Comics
*Skaar Ridge, a ridge on the southeast side of Mount Augusta in Queen Alexandra Range
*Bryn Christopher or Skaar, British singer
People with the surname
*Andrew O. Skaar ...
. Afterwards when she recognizes Rick upon regressing back from his A-Bomb form, she returns to normal and reunites with Rick.
During the ''
World War Hulks
"World War Hulks" is a comic book crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics that ran in 2010 following the "Fall of the Hulks" storyline.
The plot builds on the depowering of Bruce Banner by Red Hulk during the " Dark Reign" storyline and ...
'' storyline, she as Harpy helps A-Bomb fight
Ulik
Ulik is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He usually appears as an adversary of Thor. Ulik was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and first appears in ''Thor'' #137 (February 1967).
Debuting in t ...
after averting a disaster on the train tracks he destroyed. When Ulik starts to choke Marlo, she is saved by A-Bomb who defeats Ulik.
During the ''
Chaos War
"Chaos War" is a Marvel Comics storyline that began publication in October 2010 across nine comic book series: the five-issue miniseries ''Chaos War'', written by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente, supplemented by seven branded miniseries or one-sho ...
'' storyline,
Doctor Strange
Doctor Stephen Strange is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in ''Strange Tales'' #110 (cover-dated July 1963). Doctor Strange serves as Sorce ...
reveals to the Hulk and his allies that Marlo is now a crucial factor in the war. Due to her time as a host of Death, Marlo could serve as a "Death substitute" if she is discovered which would result in everyone currently merely immobilized by Hell being killed by the hellfire. Marlo soon uses her connection to Death to bring Doc Samson,
Jarella
Jarella is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Along with Betty Ross Banner and Caiera, she was one of the Hulk's great loves. The character was introduced in ''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #140 (M ...
,
Hiroim
Hiroim is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted usually as a supporting character in Hulk books.
Publication history
He first appeared in '' Incredible Hulk'' vol. 3 #92 and ...
, and Rebecca Banner back from the dead to help the Hulks in their fight against a resurrected
Abomination
Abomination may refer to:
* Abomination (Bible), covering Biblical references
**Abomination (Judaism)
*Abomination (character)
The Abomination is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original ...
, a
Zom
Zabu
Zadkiel
Zadkiel is a former archangel in the service of Heaven and an enemy of the Ghost Rider, named after the mythical angel of the same name. Created by Jason Aaron, the character debuted in ''Ghost Rider'' (vol. 4) #27.
Zadkiel was i ...
-possessed Doctor Strange, and the forces of
Amatsu-Mikaboshi
In Japanese mythology, (あまつみかぼし), also called (あめのかがせお), Hoshigami Kaseo (星神香香背男, ほしがみかがせお), Kaseo (香香背男, かがせお), Amenoseo (天背男, あめのせお), or Ame no Murakumo n ...
. Marlo Chandler later uses her connection to Death to free Doctor Strange from Zom and send Abomination back to the afterlife.
Marlo apparently reappears in Las Vegas some years later. to talk with
Ben Reilly
Benjamin "Ben" Reilly (), also known as the Scarlet Spider, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Grown in a lab by the Miles Warren / Jackal, he is a clone of Peter Parker / Spider-Man tasked ...
, the clone of
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, he first appeared in the anthology comic book '' Amazing Fantasy'' #15 (August 1962) in the ...
, recently brought back to life and having spent time acting as the new
Jackal
Jackals are medium-sized canids native to Africa and Eurasia. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many canines of the subtribe canina, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed ...
, but it is soon revealed that this is actually Death, using Marlo's body to talk with Reilly due to their prior bond.
Powers and abilities
Marlo Chandler is an expert gymnast and swimmer.
For a time, Marlo possesses a "death wish" power after her time serving as host to the cosmic being known as Death, which results in her being able to unconsciously shape reality when she makes wishes, although this power only works if she is not consciously trying to use it. She eventually erases this power after she wishes that she no longer had it. It has been revealed the connection with Death can be rekindled under extreme circumstances, allowing her to access the powers of the cosmic being Mistress Death herself.
As the new
Harpy
In Greek mythology and Roman mythology, a harpy (plural harpies, , ; lat, harpȳia) is a half-human and half-bird personification of storm winds. They feature in Homeric poems.
Descriptions
They were generally depicted as birds with the hea ...
, Marlo has superhuman strength and durability as well as the ability to fly and fire energy bolts from her hands.
Other versions
Ultimate Marvel
The
Ultimate Universe
Ultimate Marvel, later known as Ultimate Comics, was an imprint (trade name), imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring re-imagined and modernized versions of the company's superhero characters from the Ultimate Marvel Univers ...
version of Marlo Chandler makes a brief appearance as the hostess at a Kansas diner that is visited by the Hulk and
Power Princess
Zarda, commonly known as Power Princess, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Multiple versions of the character have appeared, each from alternate realities in Marvel's multiverse.
Publication ...
.
[''Ultimate Hulk'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics.]
In ''
Ruins
Ruins () are the remains of a civilization's architecture. The term refers to formerly intact structures that have fallen into a state of partial or total disrepair over time due to a variety of factors, such as lack of maintenance, deliberate ...
'' Marlo Chandler appears as a morphine addict living with Rick Jones who has gotten cancer from the gamma blast.
References
External links
Marlo Chandlerat Marvel.com
Marlo Chandlerat Marvel Wiki
Marlo Chandlerat Comic Vine
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chandler, Marlo
Characters created by Peter David
Comics characters introduced in 1988
Fictional avatars
Fictional bisexual females
Fictional characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability
Fictional gymnasts
Fictional harpies
Fictional pornographic film actors
Marvel Comics characters who are shapeshifters
Marvel Comics LGBT characters
Marvel Comics female characters
Marvel Comics mutates
Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength