Relocating the Marvel Universe — Part 37 — Georgia

GEORGIA

One of the key southern states, Georgia is the ninth most populated state in the country.

ATLANTA (U.S. Agent, Falcon, Damage Control)

Serving as sort of a yin and yang to one another, U.S. Agent and the Falcon have chosen to put the city of Atlanta under their collective guardianship.
Since the two heroes are on the opposite ends of the political spectrum, they often clash and do so with legendary intensity. As such, much of the populace of Atlanta has taken sides in the rivalry, proclaiming themselves to be “Falcons” or “Agents.” 

Notes: The idea of Falcon and U.S. Agent sharing a city really intrigues me. I think that it could work as an excellent series — it’s kind of like pitting Fox News against MSNBC in a single market. Who comes out on top is all determined by how effectively they do their job and win over the populace. While they are rivals, the important thing to remember is that they are also willing to work together no matter what they think about one another. They both think the other is an idiot, but they also know the other is exceptional at what they do.
As for Damage Control, since NYC is no longer Superhero Central in the U.S., the company opted for a location that allowed them quick transit to anywhere in the country. Since Atlanta has year-round good weather, a major shipping port, an international airport and train system, it’s perfect to work as a base of operations.

AUGUSTA (Ariel, Wither, Litterbug)

As other mutants have set up safehouses in other cities (here too), the mutants known as Ariel, Wither and Litterbug have set up a similar safehouse in Augusta. As the leader, Ariel, who was presumed dead by the X-Men a few years ago, does her best to stay totally undercover in all her activities. Instead, she lets Litterbug and Wither do the “field work” while she actively uses her teleportation powers to jump mutants and former mutants (de-powered on M-Day) to safety zones and away from persecution by regular humans.

Ariel, in particular, uses her skills to shuttle “evacuees” just outside the X-Men’s mansions, to other safe houses, safe countries and even into other dimensions.

The three maintain a safehouse in what appears to be a decomissioned factory in Augusta. Inside, however is a full dormitory that can house up to 30 individuals.

While staying with the Augustians, other mutants and former mutants aren’t allowed outside or to use their powers. The prohibition mostly works, and when it doesn’t Litterbug and Wither are in charge of containing them.

Likewise, Litterbug and Wither (with occasional help from Ariel) work to protect Augusta from superhuman threats when they can.

Notes: The intriguing news is that when I planned this series, back in 2009 or so, the rarely-used Ariel was still alive in the Marvel Universe. In that time then she was killed off,  but when has that stopped any superhero? Especially one that can teleport and use a mutant-powered persuasion on you too. It’s easy t fake a death with those kinds of powers. In fact, her WikiPedia entry says that’s exactly what happened. She cleverly let the X-Men think she was dead only to reappear a year or so later. Yep, that’s how comics roll!

It’s probably hard for most of the country to believe that the residents of Georgia let a gigantic, red, inter-dimensional, hyper-intelligent tyrannosaurus rex hang out in their town. Well, that’s what not one, but two of Georgia’s cities do. With a homebase in Columbus, Devil Dinosaur and his compatriot, Moon Boy, commute to college classes in Athens, which takes most drivers about 2 hours. For Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy, it’s a much shorter hop since they take a renovated PogoPlane on their near-daily trips to school and back again.
In Reed Richards’ mind, the old Fantastic Four transport serves two purposes. First, it requires a biometric print by one of the adventurers to operate, meaning the F.F. can keep close tabs on the duo. Second, it keeps Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy away from the general populace and generally out of trouble.
In Columbus, the two reside just a few minutes outside the U.S. Army’s Fort Benning in a sub-basement of the Downtown Columbus’ Springer Opera House. Yes, that’s what we said, Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy live in the basement of an opera house. Why? This is because both are enrolled in the University of Georgia’s drama program. In fact, part of the reason they took up residency in Georgia (aside from the nice weather) is because of the unique deal offered to them by university recruiters, the government of Augusta and Reed Richards. The basics of the deal are this: Get an education, protect the city (well, cities) where you reside and provide public relations services as needed.
The deal, thus far, has worked out wonderfully. Devil and Moon get a place to live, a community that welcomes them, an education and an opportunity to stretch their adventuring muscles.
As such, Devil and Moon have seen a lot of action in the entirety of Georgia and are often called upon to help out when dire situations arise.
Throughout the state, the two are known for their fun-loving attitudes and are viewed quite favorably. Sure, Devil might gobble up a few farmer’s pig on the way. And yes, Moon tends to get a little frisky with the ladies, but both get their jobs done well enough.
Notes: First off, thanks for the great image Joel R. Carroll!
Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy are a weird addition to the Marvel Universe and they shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I figured the best way to do that is to send them off to college. From there, they can have all sorts of college-brand adventures. Maybe one story they pledge a fraternity and find it’s actually an AIM recruiting organization. The next time, they find themselves being bullied by the football team. Another adventure shows the budding thespian trying to put on a one-act play for the folks of Augusta — but, really, who can play opposite Devil Dinosaur? Next, they’re recruited by the ROTC to do live-ammo artillery practice at Fort Benning. Nothing too serious, and a lot of fun