Mantis was mentioned as a rival to mighty Darkseid at moments in the Fourth World books, but the leader of the Bugs turned out ultimately to be merely another henchman. His elevation is likely because, as seen above, he was part of the original concept drawings.
I missed Forever People #2 at first and was exceedingly enticed by this full-page illustration from New Gods #2. Mantis seemed a dandy villain and I was thrilled when he showed up in later issues of New Gods.
His role was taken up somewhat by the Lightning Lady in the pages of Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers, as she was the commander of her own batch of bug-people.
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One of Kirby's most spectacular costumes, IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It shouldn't work really but it does. Kirby got paid to redesign it for the toy makers. It's a pity.
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