The Marvel Cinematic Universe has made huge waves by introducing beloved comic book staples to the big screen, often for the very first time. But, there are often more interesting reveals to be had below the A-list, where the lesser-known heroes and unheard-of characters finally get their chance in the spotlight.
She-Hulk: Attorney At Lawis on its way to the small screen as the next Disney+ MCU limited series.Fans of Jennifer Waltersand her unique take on her cousin’s big green monster powers are stoked to see her finally make her debut in the massive multimedia empire. But, She-Hulk isn’t making the jump without a host of supporting players, including one strange new face.
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Jennifer Walters comes complete with her traditional supporting cast, including her cousin and mentor Bruce Banner and old family nemesis Abomination, but other figures pop up as well. In between all the charming comedy and fast-paced action ofthe newShe-Hulktrailer, lies a two-second shot of a mysterious masked figure rising to his feet and taking a fighting stance. While a ton of characters pop up in this brief trailer, the unique suit and bizarre presentation have captured the attention of many viewers. Marvel fans immediately identified the green-suited warrior as longtime minor figure Frog-Man and set to work figuring out what he could be doing in She-Hulk’s home city.
The Fabulous Frog-Man was introduced forty years ago in issue #121 ofMarvel Team-Up. His history since that faithful day has been quiet and uneventful, featuring only a couple of major appearances. Frog-Man isessentially a joke character, a genuine and earnest man who does his best to fight crime but is also clumsy and silly. His costume looks inherently toyetic, he resembles one of He-Man’s less beloved foes. Frog-Man does not have any solo projects, he exclusively appears as a minor team member amongst lesser-known groups or second fiddle to a bigger hero. His two-second appearance in theShe-Hulktrailer is almost unquestionably his biggest moment to date. He’s not quite as obscure asEl Muerto, for example, but he’s pretty close.
Eugene Patilio is theson of a determined but unsuccessful inventor who struggles mightily to stay afloat financially after the tragic death of his mom. Alongside his recent bereavement, his father has become destitute and abusive. Eugene’s dad once attempted the path of so many comic book characters who are down on their luck, he donned a costume and set to work robbing banks. This attempt was short-lived and ill-fated, landing him in jail almost immediately. His terrible inventions were part of his pitiful caper, as he fashioned himself a set of electrically enhanced springs that allowed him to jump massive heights. To reclaim his father’s pride and attain a better life for both men, Eugene stole the suit that his dad once used for evil and did his best to use it for good.
Frog-Man’s first outing saw him pursue the fast-moving criminal Speed Demon, bounding into action to capture his first target.Spider-Man and The Human Torchwere already in hot pursuit, but struggling to land a hit on the impossibly fast foe. Frog-Man’s erratic movements put him in near-death free-falls every other step, but, in a stroke of luck, he accidentally landed on the Speed Demon. Frog-Man was a hero, regardless of his grace in doing so, and he immediately started trying to expand into other markets. He vaguelyhelped out Captain Americafor around an hour. He formed a team with Spider-Kid which then swiftly disbanded. He tried to join the Defenders and was soundly rejected. Not all of Frog-Man’s activities were bitter failures, he teamed up with his own father to capture the mischievous White Rabbit. From that lofty height, Frog-Man’s hero career and overall life took a sharp downward spiral.
Frog-Man was one of many animal-themed costumed figures to be captured by Alexei Kravinoff,AKA, Kraven the Hunter. Eugene was hunted for sport alongside figures like Rhino and The Kangaroo, until the deadly games were broken up by The Punisher, setting Frog-Man free. As if being kidnaped and hunted for sport wasn’t bad enough, he was then replaced by a Skrull in the Secret Invasion event. This alternate Frog-Man saw some success in the Action Pack team, but the genuine article had to undergo group therapy to deal with the trauma of being replaced.
Frog-Man’s peak came in the Spider-Island event, during which he helped The Avengers defeat the Flag Smasher. As usual, he succeeded only through luck and all help he provided came by accident. His most recent appearance saw him join a team of fellow unknowns recruited by Iron Man to pursue Michael Korvac into space. In the meantime, he works as a busboy in an oyster restaurant in Greenwich Village.
Frog-Man is a gag character who pops up to provide a humorous unintentional ally to the more serious superheroes. With a full backstory and a history of being sidelined, Frog-Man will finally be jumping onto the main stage of the MCU whenShe-Hulk: Attorney at Lawdrops this August.
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