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WARNING! Spoilers for Ultimate Spider-Man #14
The Fantastic Four‘s very first villain just received a major design overhaul as part of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe, and it completely re-imagines the classic character in a shocking way. Mole Man is known to be a goofy character among the Fantastic Four’s vast roster of enemies, but in this new continuity, he fills a different archetype that no one would see coming.
In Ultimate Spider-Man #14 by Jonathan Hickman, Marco Checchetto, Matt Wilson, and Cory Petit, Kraven hunts Peter Parker and Harry Osborn in a revamped version of the Savage Land that lurks beneath New York, but they aren’t the only ones present in this brutal territory.
As it turns out, Mole Man dwells within the Savage Land, and he boasts a new design to fit his role as the overseer of the Moloids who reside in the wilderness. This new Mole Man is a far cry from the one that the Fantastic Four regularly battle, and his role in the story also differs greatly from his typical portrayal.
Ultimate Mole Man Marks a Major Change From the Fantastic Four’s Classic Foe
Mole Man Is No Longer a Comic Relief Villain in The Ultimate Universe
The Mole Man who encounters Spider-Man and Harry Osborn in the Savage Land is scrawnier than usual, though he still brandishes a walking stick for support. However, one of his most notable differences is his facial hair. The original’s protruding teeth typically take up the bottom portion of his face, whereas this new Mole Man has a scraggly beard that gives him the appearance of a wise old man akin to Yoda. His personality aligns with this role as well. While Mole Man tends to be a sillier villain due to his comical appearance, this variant has a more serious demeanor as he offers cryptic guidance to Spider-Man.
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There’s more to this Mole Man than tending to his Moloids, as he’s also a member of the Sinister Six within the Ultimate Universe. With that being said, his loyalties aren’t entirely aligned with Kingpin and the other villains, as evidenced by his willingness to show Peter and Harry an escape route. Later, he speaks with Mysterio and alludes to their “day of action”, implying that they’re plotting against the rest of the Sinister Six. This Mole Man is far more calculating and intelligent than the original, it seems, and he’s playing a more serious role in Spider-Man’s story than he often does in the Fantastic Four’s adventures.
Mole Man Has Been Reinvented Ahead of His Potential MCU Debut
With rumors flying around about Mole Man potentially joining the MCU in this summer’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, now marks the perfect time to give him a makeover. If Mole Man were to be adapted, this new version may be the ideal direction to take the character. Marco Checchetto’s design takes the short, cartoonish villain and redefines him as a mysterious figure who can pose a legitimate threat if necessary – or, in this case, make a valuable (albeit temporary) ally to the heroes if it serves his interests. The Fantastic Four‘s first foe has changed for the better, and it’s about time he was improved upon.
Ultimate Spider-Man #14 is available now from Marvel Comics!
“}]] The Ultimate Universe improves a classic villain. Read More