LOOK Kids!! COMICAZI!!

Who says that comics aren’t literate?  Comics have been borrowing liberally from mythology and classic literature such as Shakespeare for decades.  I’m sure that I’m not the only one who was propelled to read actual books and such from what I came across in comics.

In this instance, I’m rather glad that I read of the actual King Midas of Greek mythology before stumbling over the comics version.  I only know of his appearances in Iron Man, once in #19 or so and much later in a multi-part storyline.  Here’s a rare cover appearance of the buffoon:

The comic book Midas was portrayed as a conniving, savvy businessman who actually took over Stark Industries.  Iron Man is Tony Stark for those of you not in the know.
I have only ever come across 2 tales of Midas which is fitting considering this guy was lame!  Not just dumb but actually confined to a mechanical hover chair like some third-rate tubby Professor X.  He did have an exoskeleton that enabled him to stand and waddle that magnified his strength.  Whoopee.  And, yes, when he laid hands upon you, you were turned to gold.  Just like the Midas of myth.

The cover pictured above is the final chapter in a 6-part saga featuring Midas’ takeover and subsequent destruction of Stark Industries.  This later becomes the catalyst for the new and improved Stark Enterprises and the excellent run by Michelinie/Romita Jr/Layton.
The Midas Saga was actually not bad.  It guest-starred lots of obscure Marvel characters and there are early appearances by Jack Of Hearts.  Plus, it was written by Boisterous Bill Mantlo, one of the greatest Marvel writers of the 70’s and 80’s.
But Midas was just dumb.  There was no way to really take him seriously.  He supposedly survives the final clash but I’ve not seen him since.  And this tale is 30 years old.  Perhaps losers should lie along with sleeping dogs.

Comicazi Mike