In Greek mythology, Icarus builds a set of wings and comes to a crashing demise when he flies too high and the sun melts the wax holding the contraption together.Taskmaster can relate. Long a black-cape stand-by in the Marvel Universe, Taskmaster became a central figure in Norman Osborn's Dark Reign era, training meta-powered underlings to become part of Norman's fifty-state Initiative. And, as a reward for his yeoman-like diligence, Taskmaster is offered a promotion to the Big Leagues -- or in his words: "I'm not playing in the Majors; I'm at the owners' meeting." He is chosen by Osborn to form the core of a new cabal to replace his crumbling partnership with the likes of Dr. Doom, Emma Frost, Prince Namor, Loki and the Hood -- two of whom have already betrayed him and one of whom, Loki, is playing serious mindgames.  This gives Taskmaster a lot to think about, as he confides with Constrictor. It's an amazing piece of dialogue (click on the thumbnail to the right for the whole scene.) that really delves into what makes villains like Taskmaster tick.Taskmaster: Some'a the conversations I've had with Osborn, I kinda get the feeling he might offer me a promotion.Of course, Taskmaster's butt barely gets a chance to warm his seat at the Big Boy's Table, when Doctor Doom walks in an fries it to a crisp. Tasky's sent to the hospital with wounds -- both medical and magical -- and gets even worse news: Osborn's storming Asgard. And Taskmaster is expected to be there. Front and center. Someone's gonna need some more wax.  Title: Seige #1 Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Olivier Coipel |
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