Thunderstrike (Kevin Masterson)

Thunderstrike
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Thor vol. 1 #392 (June 1988)
Created by	Tom DeFalco Ron Frenz
In-story information
Alter ego	Kevin Masterson
Team affiliations	A-Next
Abilities	Superhuman strength and durability Sonic blasts

Kevin Masterson, a fictional character that appeared in Marvel Comics. The character was first introduced as a supporting character in Thor and later in spin-off series Thunderstrike, as the son of Eric Masterson, the featured character of both series. Kevin Masterson was later re-introduced MC2 series A-Next, as the superhero Thunderstrike, a theme which would be revisited in an Heroic Age of Marvel Comics in the eponymys limited series

Publication history

Kevin Masterson was created by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz, first appearing in Thor vol. 1 #392 in June 1988 as the son of the Eric Masterson. He would continue to appear in a supporting role in Thor and spin-off series, Thunderstrike.

The character would be re-imagined in What If vol. 2 #105, appearing for the first time as a new version of Thunderstrike. An origin for Kevin Masterson as Thunderstrike would appear in the follow-up MC2 series A-Next #1, where he would continue to be featured, as part of the ensemble cast of characters. He would also appear in the MC2 series Last Hero Standing and sequel Last Planet Standing; as well as, the follow-up series Avengers Next.

The use of Kevin Masterson as a legacy version of Thunderstrike was a theme revisited during the Heroic Age. It was announced that the character would return in a new five-issue miniseries by co-creators Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz in November 2010. Promotionals leading into the event began in August depicting the mace stating "One will rise..." and "The World Still Needs Heroes." The first issues received generally positive reviews, lauding the premise, characterization and plotting.

Fictional character biography

MC2

Kevin Masterson is granted the mace of his deceased father by Jarvis, the Avengers butler, per his father's will. The mace is stolen from Kevin and evecomes into the possession of Loki, who had creates a spell to tap the dormant power within the mace. Kevin leaps into the midst of the spell, absorbing the mace and the magics it contains. He becomes his own version of Thunderstrike and a founding member of a new version the Avengers.

As the series continues, Thunderstrike's biggest challenge comes when the Avengers travel to a dark parallel dimension, where he encountered a dark version of his father. The alternate Eric Masterson recognized Thunderstrike as Kevin, who learns that in this reality, he, not Eric, has died. The alternate Eric and Kevin bonded, and once the Avengers defeat the dark dimension's ruler, Kevin stays behind to be with his "father".

Kevin returns to his home reality, and rejoins the Avengers to aid in the battle with Seth. When Galactus destroys Asgard, Thunderstrike seemingly loses his powers in Last Planet Standing. He is kidnapped by Ulik and Sylene, daughter of Loki, as part of a plan to restore Asgard; but, Kevin Masterson struggles against his captors. Ultimately is responsible for turning the tables on the villains. Thena, daughter of Thor, who had also taken part in the battle against her cousin, is able to restore Kevin's power, allowing him to become Thunderstrike once again.

Thunderstrike (limited series)

An embittered adolescent Kevin Masterson is featured in the Thunderstrike limited series. The character previously featured as a idealistic child is shown to have anger, behavioral problems, and disillusioned outlook on "spandex-covered glory hounds."

He is given his father's enchanted mace by Steven Rogers; which to their mutual disappointment triggers no change in the character (although he does receive an open invitation to the Avengers Academy).

While on his way home, Kevin tries to save a mother and child from a rampaging Rhino, and is transformed into a superhero. Kevin briefly battles the Rhino, and shortly after Kevin is defeated, he realizes that he is in his father's body.

Powers and abilities

MC2

Kevin has the ability to change from his normal form into the superhuman Thunderstrike. As Thunderstrike, he has the powers contained within the mace. Thunderstrike is superhumanly strong and durable. He can generate explosive bursts of sonic force (his "thunderbolts") from his hands, and direct them as blasts of force, or focus the energy into his fists to deliver super-strong punches. Thunderstrike can direct his blasts downwards to launch himself into the air, and while he cannot fly, can propel himself great distances. He even learned how to modulate the frequency of his sonic energies, to shatter objects just by touching them, without harming nearby people.

References

• Thunderstrike (Kevin Masterson) at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)