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Willem Wardenaar - Adam Aaronson (Machine Teen)
First Appearance: Machine Teen #1 (Jul, 2005)
“If I’ve learned anything today, it’s that we always have a choice.”
I really want to talk about this very average, fun and cheesy comic called “Machine Teen” (Not Machine Man). It is a simple by-the-book series that was definitely (probably) inspired by many 80s/90s movies. It is a pretty good series, just cheesy and kind of fun. it reminds me a lot of the Disney TV movie, “Not Quite Human”, and I really hope I’m not dating myself there.
It has a simple story and doesn’t throw any huge twists but I’d recommend it. The big twist is pretty much spoiled in the series title (kid’s a robot). The synopsis of the story is Adam is created by his father, Dr. Isaacs, who is on the run from his bad boss, Holden Radcliffe (seriously, the premise really is similar to “Not Quite Human”). the difference is Adam believes he is human, until circumstances develop and he learns of what he really is.
I also liked the comic’s use of coloring, starting with bright colors and using darker colors as the series progressed.
The series also is the first (and only) appearance of Holden Radcliffe, from “Agents of SHIELD”. Ava in AoS is essentially a genderbent (and evil) version of Adam.
These are just some snippets over its 5 issue mini, released during Marvel’s “Marvel Next” imprint. Beyond the 5 issues, the character made some minor appearances in “Hulk: House of M” and “Avengers Academy”. With speaking roles! And to clarify, the main character is not a rebooted/younger version of Machine Man. I could see this character being used in “Champions” or some other young Avenger-like series. Or as a canon fodder during another Marvel event. Though thankfully as a robot he could just be rebuilt.
Top 11 Favorite Comics featuring Younger Superheroes (Teen/Young Adult)
12. Honorable Mention #1 - Machine Teen
I came across this series during a time I was not reading comics at all and was only just starting getting back into it. I’m not sure why I found this series so interesting but it just was. Overall, it was ok, not great but not bad. The miniseries is a little cheesy and aimed at younger readers (it reads like the plot of an 80s/90s movie) as it was part of Marvel Next. I’m including it because, as it features a young adult character, it also helped me get back into reading comics. it was during a time I was not reading anything and led me back to reading Spider-man, X-men, etc.
The main character is good if a little boring, but the art is solid. Obviously, the title gives away the twist but I’d still recommend it. The character does show up briefly in House of M: Hulk and Avengers Academy, but in very minor roles. It would be nice to see this character show up some more in a Young Avengers/New Warriors type book, or even in the Champions book. Also fun fact, the character is NOT a younger version of Machine Man but a distinct creation. And it was the comic where Holden Radcliffe, from Agents of SHIELD, debuted, and died by story end.
Favorite Young Adult/Teen Heroes (links) 1. Nova (Richard Rider and Sam Alexander) 2. Avengers Academy 3. Champions 4. New Warriors 5. Blue Beetle (Jamie Reyes) 6. Super Sons (Jon Kent and Damian Wayne) 7. Titans (DC Rebirth) 8. Darkhawk 9. Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes) 10. Runaways 11. Wolverine and the X-men/Nightcrawler (X-Students) 12. Honorable Mention #1 - Machine Teen 13. Honorable Mention #2 - Spider-Man 14. Honorable Mention #3 - Firebreather
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