#daily buzz

BREAKING NEWS: AMERICA’S NEW LEADING MAN EMERGES

In the two years since Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, retired from the public eye the mantle of America’s pride has been held by his former wingman, Sam Wilson (formerly known as the Falcon). The response to Wilson’s tenure has been subjected to a great deal of criticism and what some have called “racist bias” from the beginning with the hashtag #notmycaptainamerica and #takebacktheshield trending on social media platforms. Analysts have called Wilson “too bipartisan” to hold the shield while citing that he failed to sign the Sokovian Accords and lived as an international war criminal for two years. This has led to debate over the fact that Wilson was gifted the shield by Rogers himself but now acts on behalf of America. The legitimacy of a Captain America not selected by America has remained contentious until now.

Worry no more, folks. Captain America is here.

Following the events of the Maximoff Anomaly in Westview, New Jersey on 9 March 2025, Wilson quietly stepped down and donated the shield to the Smithsonian Museum of American History for safe keeping. The shield is, however, government property and the United States claimed it a week later. They made the official announcement on 19 March 2025 that they had selected Captain Jonathan F. "John" Walker to take over as our brand new Captain America. A West Point graduate, Walker was a special operations officer of the U.S. Army's 75th Rangers Regiment whose body has been tested to show results that it is nearly past peak human performance. Walker was a suspected candidate for the role of Captain America back in 2023 when Rogers first stepped down before Wilson took over and people are currently rejoicing over the change. The government sponsored a rally for Walker last night, complete with a marching band and surplus of American pride. In addition to being a patriot, Walker is also a humble individual who claims he’s just “trying to be the best Captain America that he can be.”

To file away under freaky coincidences: @poe-also-bucky pointed out to me today that the person who conducted this podcast interview with Oscar back in 2013 was named EUGENE HERNANDEZ (🤔😱😂):

https://uomo-accattivante.tumblr.com/post/155528744519/this-is-the-corresponding-oscar-isaac-interview

WEDNESDAY, 27 AUGUST 2024. EDITED BY J. JONAH JAMESON.

TRAGEDY AT THE UNITED NATIONS: MUTANTS MURDERED

THIS JUST IN -- Reports made at approximately 21:35 cited an explosion at a United Nations building in New York. The space has been used by the nation of Krakoa ever since December when they annexed the Island and became a sovereign state. Sources have confirmed that the wing was occupied when the explosion occurred and there are significant casualties. The U.N. announced via press release that eight of their staffers were killed along with the Krakoan / S.H.I.E.L.D. contact Nance Winters, who oversaw the nations relations through the now defunct government organization.

Within an hour of the explosion, the normally private nation made an announcement to address the incident. Mutant leader and humanitarian Charles Xavier has been missing from public sightings for the last two months for unexplained reasons and in his absence various prominent members of the mutant community have stepped forward to deliver statements and attend press conferences. This one was headlined by Emma Frost, the White Queen of the Hellfire Trading Company and Scott Summers, the former mutant terrorist known as Cyclops who currently serves as the Island’s Captain Commander. Both Frost and Summers are a controversial choice after their unpopular tenure as the leaders of the mutant extremist group known as Nation-X and their later involvement in the Phoenix Five. Still, the two made a rare onsite appearance at 799 United Nations Plaza so Ms. Frost could deliver the following:

It would be remiss to say that our hearts are broken. The intensity of the sorrow that we are feeling is insurmountable and unable to be put into words, but I will try so we can properly explain the injustice that has been done today. As you can see from the carnage behind me, a peaceful meetings of mutants was attacked and the building obliterated. In addition to the eight staffers and Ms. Winters, we lost thirteen of our own in one foul, deliberate swoop. Krakoa, as a nation, has prided itself on its privacy and independence but in this instance transparency is needed to express urgency. Eleven prominent mutants were attending a meeting with an Avenger and an adjacent to discuss an extremely confidential matter that was not disclosed to anyone outside the meeting. We do believe what they knew got them killed. 

Today we mourn our following friends and family: from the Marauders, Katherine Pryde ( Shadowcat ) and Robert Drake ( Iceman ). From Excalibur the team’s head, Elizabeth Braddock ( Captain Britain ). From the recently formed X-Factor, Lorna Dane ( Polaris ) and David Alleyne ( Prodigy ). From the new mutants, Samuel Guthrie ( Cannonball ) and Danielle Moonnstar ( Mirage ). They were joined by two lines of Krakoan defense, Sage, who handles all technology and interfacing and Celeste, Mindee and Sophie Cuckoo, three of the Five-in-One who were there to run telepathic interference. Our Quiet Council of Krakoa also suffered a loss as both Kurt Wagner ( Nightcrawler ) and Jean Grey ( Marvel Girl ) from the Summer faction were present. I realize that many of you care not about the plight of mutants. Our lives are trivial, our deaths meaningless. We have toiled tirelessly to prove to our children that that is not the case. We will not be denied, and as of late, have begun to receive more mainstream support. It is because of this that I have to announce with great sorrow that the last two victims were William Kaplan ( Wiccan ) and his mother, Wanda Maximoff ( Scarlet Witch ). Despite her role in decimating our people five years ago, Maximoff has since been an invaluable link between her people and her team. Because she is the daughter of Erik Lensherr ( Magneto ) we hold hope that both she and Kapplan will be able to be resurrected along with the other mutants. Which, brings me to the next order of business.

Last night, two adolescent mutants were arrested while on leave from the Island. Hope Summers and Eva Bell were taken into custody despite the fact that neither were using their abilities. Our sources have been able to confirm that they are not at the C.R.A.D.L.E. Holding Facilities but are most likely alive. Without them, we are unable to begin the resurrection process. Due to the nature of this attack we are considering it a direct call to arms and sign of war. We do not take this lightly. Now we mourn but we also prepare for the onslaught that must be rained down. You may wonder why I am the one they sent here today. It is not because all the other leaders were dead or incapacitated. Nor is it because I lost three daughters and Scott his wife. We are here because we get things done and right now that list is rather large. Perhaps in the past you could push us down but the Dawn of X began long ago and nobody is safe from retribution, President Osborn. Please, don’t worry that this is a threat. It’s not. It’s a promise. We’ll see you soon.”

So far, no further statements have been made on behalf of Krakoa to see if Ms. Frost’s words were being exaggerated. If our sources are to be believed then without Sage’s ability the nation will go dark in regards to updates and information, virtually crippling them. While we cannot say for certain that Ms. Frost is correct and this was a planned attack against the mutants by the United States government, the tragedy is currently under investigation. Elizabeth Braddock ( Captain Britain ) is a British citizen by default and M16 Agent Pete Wisdom has urged an international response due to the assorted citizenship of those present. Like always, the Daily Bugle will continue to update any further news. For now we send our sincerest apologies and best wishes to the Island of Krakoa during this difficult time.

— Irene Merryweather, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter of Mutant Affairs

AVENGERS OR ASSASSINS?  US PRESIDENT ATTACKED.

Tensions have been high ever since August 7th when a meeting called by the Avengers to sit down with President Norman Osborn became hostile. Mutant Nathan Summers ( Cable ) appeared to attack the President and in the following skirmish his father, Scott Summers ( Cyclops ) landed a direct blow on Osborn. Although America’s Avenger Star was there to help aid the President the entire group managed to escape. In this situation, it appears that the Avengers used diplomacy as a ruse to get closer to President Osborn. It’s no secret that the two groups have not gotten along ever since Osborn dismantled S.H.I.E.L.D. and created new teams such as America’s Avengers, H.A.M.M.E.R., C.R.A.D.L.E. and his own flavor of X-Men. With the recent development against the mutants it’s almost a dead-set certainty that things will continue to escalate.

— Sally Floyd, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

IN OTHER NEWS:

An unexpected announcement came from the Inhuman's in New Attilan that their current Queen, Crystalia Amaquelin, is abdicating the throne effective immediately. Amaquelin stepped in over a year ago after her sister Medusalith Amaquelin and her husband, Blackagar Boltagon, stepped down as Queen and King.  Some wondered if Crystalia’s days on the throne were numbered due to her infamous temper, but representatives have made it clear that her reason for resigning is so that the former King and Queen can resume their duties. “Princess Crystal has always known that her tenure of Queen was not longterm. She was to rule until her cousin, Prince Ahura Boltagon, came of age or her sister and cousin were able to once again manage their responsibilities. We appreciate her hard work keeping the Inhuman nation afloat and are glad to see where we go in the future.” Hopefully that transition goes smoothly and the now Princess Amaquelin is content in her further endeavors.

SUNDAY, 24 MAY 2024. EDITED BY J. JONAH JAMESON.

THIS IS AMERICA: OR, OUR NEW ‘AVENGER’ IN CHIEF –

It’s a new age for the people of America. As a world we’ve found ourselves embroiled in an  excess of trouble, chaos and confusion for the last six years and the United States have not been the exception. Today, we write about another day of sorrow and how we can maintain hope for the future. The White House made an order to fly all flags at half-staff in early April following the unexpected passing of President Matthew Ellis. The successor to former one-term President Barack Obama, Ellis had just started his second term when the Cleanse occurred in May of 2018. President Ellis was a victim of Thanos and the controversial Senator Robert Kelly acted as Commander in Chief in the interim. Upon his return he reassumed office for the last year before suffering a pulmonary embolism at the beginning of April.

Public opinion was divide during Ellis’ respective terms. Although Ellis was seen receiving aid from heroes such as Iron Man and Captain America, his stance on superhumans varied. It was Ellis who first introduced the world to be Advanced Threat Containment Union, a group established to deal with the rising numbers of Inhumans but ended up being tangled with Nazi organization H.Y.D.R.A. “The laws of nature have changed.” Ellis said when issuing his executive order. “And until the laws of man change to reflect that, we must do what we feel is right.“ On May 3rd. 2016 President Ellis became one of many leaders internationally to sign the Sokovian Accords that demanded more collaboration and responsibility from the Avengers. The Accords came as a response to events in countries such as Sokovia and Lagos where Avenger efforts led to deaths and needed to be addressed on a global level. "It is crucial that we unite and stand together to ensure that peace and security prevail over chaos and fear,” Ellis stated as he both commended the heroes for their work and chastised their carelessness. Over his political career Ellis worked with the now deceased Glen Talbot and General Thaddeus Ross, who sung his praises during a recent press conference.

Upon the passing of Ellis, it was expected that Vice President Lee would take over but the White House instead issued a statement that took many by surprise. Instead of Lee or any of the other Cabinet members in line for the office taking over, they were appointing former C.E.O. and businessman Norman Osborn into office effectively immediately. This came as a surprise to many as Osborn was believed to be deceased ever since he succumbed to a incredibly rare disease in 2021 during Thanos’ Cleanse. Osborn’s company, OSBORN, fell into the hands of his former partner Mendel Stromm due to Osborn’s teenaged son, Harry Osborn, being a victim of the Cleanse. When Thanos’ work was reversed Stromm agreed to remain in control of the company until Harry turned 18 and could legally take over. While that has yet to happen, Norman Osborn recently reappeared spinning a tale about being kidnapped and held hostage for three years. The Bugle is currently fact checking the story and looking into the supposed terrorist organization, but in the meantime the world not only celebrated the return of Osborn but also capitalized on his story of fighting for freedom against all odds.

The sudden ascent from deceased businessman to President of the United  States is the kind of comeback story that our country eats up, even if this humble reporter isn’t entirely sold on the story. To keep up with the whirlwind pace, Osborn’s Inauguration Gala was held on April 29th, 2020 in Manhattan to celebrate his victory, a date that is situated only a few days after the one year memorial of the Cleanse. Politicians, businessmen, America’s shiniest, world leaders and heroes were all invited to brush elbows and show their support for their new President. Shi’ar Empress Xandra Neramani was photographed along with Inhuman Royalty and Krakoan leaders. While all seemed to be smooth sailing, guests were caught off guard by the surprise unveiling of Osborn’s New Avengers, which saw him front and center as the Iron Patriot. The Patriot armor was briefly used in the past by the current War Machine, Lt. Colonel James Rhodes. The following speech followed his announcement:

“Thank you again to everyone who has taken the time to attend my ceremony today. As I mentioned before, I have a surprise in store for you tonight. As we all know, the backbone of my campaign has been the safety of our people, to ensure we’ll never face a threat like Thanos again. To defend every American from crimes of a less than ordinary nature and keep up with the growing threats. While we have relied on people such as the Avengers, the X-Men, and other groups in the past it is time for a change of pace. I’m grateful for all that they have done to keep our home safe. It is time for us to stop relying on a group of independent crime fighters. They’ve squabbled amongst themselves and each other with innocent civilian casualties too many times now. Which is why I present you with a force to defend our nation from any threat, capable of fighting aliens, robots or other superhumans, the Avengers of America!”

Osborn’s announcement was entirely unexpected as the Avengers had been in good standing ever since their work reversing Thanos’ Cleanse and the sacrifices of founding members Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) and Tony Stark (Iron Man). Some saw this as a direct affront to the existing Avengers while others believe a change of pace will be beneficial for a country that’s struggled  to regain its footing. At the time of the Gala, the official rostered Avengers included: Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Spider-Man (Unknown), Scott Lang (Ant-Man), Thor Odinson, Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Stephen Strange (Doctor Strange), Sam Wilson (Captain America), James Rhodes (War Machine), Hope Van Dyne (Wasp), Bruce Banner (the Hulk), Clint Barton (Hawkeye) and the Vision. Ms. Maximoff was barely eighteen when first recruited, and it has long been known that masked web head Spider-man is a minor even if we have not matched a face to the mask.

Identities have not been announced yet for most of the heroes, and some bear resemblance to formerly known criminals. The Bugle has requested a comment but are currently waiting for a response.  So far, confirmed members of America’s Avengers include: Star, Spider-Woman (Charlotte Witter),  Yellowjacket (Rita DeMara), the Minotaur, the Enchantress, Baron Zemo (Helmut  Zemo), the Iron Patriot (Norman Osborn), Beetle, Red-Hulk,  Bullseye and Moonstone. Due to most of the initial Avengers being unmasked, the public is unsure if they should trust a new set of heroes with secret identities. One Bugle commenter pointed out that some of the alias are tired to former criminals but no correlation has been confirmed.

The Avengers aren’t Osborn’s only endeavor either. The formerly America based X-Men separated recently to form their own island nation of Krakoa and now have sovereignty and no longer adhere to American laws. Osborn announced via a press conference his own X-Men, which is a “rejuvenating team of American mutants who remember where their true allegiance should be.” The roster currently includes Wolverine (James Hudson Jr.), the Goblin Queen (Madelyne Pryor), Miss Sinister (Claudine Renko), Belladonna (Bella Donna Boudreaux), Mimic (Calvin Rankin) and Melter (Christian Colchiss) and their leader ‘X’. This line-up definitely includes some who have ended up on the wrong side of the law, and X strongly resembles Charles Xavier, the mutant leader who goes by Professor X, right down to the unsettling helmet. All of America’s X-Men are reported to be vetted and redeemed despite their being little shown to support that.

Rounding out Osborn’s new order is his Cabal, a public version of the once rumored Illuminati that brought a group of very powerful leaders together. Osborn’s Cabal stands for “intentional and intergalactic unity on a scale never before seen,” according to Osborn spokeswoman Lily Hollister. Representatives include: Maximus Boltagon (the Inhumans), Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom (Latveria), Loki (Asgard), Ronan the Accuser (the Kree), Cal’ysee Neramani/Deathbird (Shi’ar Empire), Valerie Cooper (United States) and Emma Frost/White Queen (Krakoa). The final nail in the coffin of how the world used to be was Osborn’s decision to disband the government agency S.H.I.E.L.D. effective immediately to be replaced by the newly renewed H.A.M.M.E.R.

What Norman Osborn’s America looks like is a daunting picture to encapsulate. Our world has always grown, shifted and changed but we usually strive for it to be in a positive direction. Here at the Bugle we voice our concerns but also strive to report accurate and up to date news. As President Osborn’s term progresses we promise to be here for every twist and turn. Some say god bless America, but in this case I’ll settle with good luck, America.

— Reported by Ben Urich, senior reporter

FROM CRADLE TO C.R.A.D.L.E: THE CASE AGAINST UNDERAGED HEROES –

Tragedy struck a New Jersey high school last week. Coles Academic High School hosted activist Ailana Kabua who came from the Marshall Islands to speak as a keynote for the Concerned Scientists of America program, which brought together students from different districts. Although it was not disclosed at the time, the Avengers affiliated team the Champions were on the premise acting as bodyguards. In a strange turn of events a dragon crashed the event and the Champions made themselves known. In what appeared to be a field error, the synthezoid daughter of Avenger the Vision, Vivian Vision, phased through an energy based fist being created by Victor Alvarez (Power Man). The results was Vision losing control and pulling all the electricity from the atmosphere until the team managed to subdue her. As it stands, Vision is reported but was not the only one hurt. Student Kamala Khan protected Kabua as the two tried to escape, but Ms. Khan was unfortunately injured. Her parents provided the Bugle with an update that so far Kamala has been unresponsive in the ICU in critical condition.

In the wake of this tragedy, the public and government began to look for the root of the problem and came to one conclusion:  unsupervised teen vigilante acts. As many of you remember, the United Nations passed the Sokovian Accords in 2016 to counteract independent superheroes. Although some of the affiliates of former Captain America Steve Rogers were arrested, the Accords fell apart after Thanos’ 2018 attack in Wakanda and have not been revisited. Congress called in the following Champions - some of  who maintain secret identities - to testify in front of the Subcommittee on Superhumans and Public Safety Legislation Hearing about S.315, aka the Underage Superhuman Welfare Act: Spider-Man (the one in red and black),  Riri Williams (Ironheart), Joaquin Torres (Falcon), Nadia Van Dyne (Wasp) and Nova. Other rostered members who were not subpoenaed include Lana Baumgartner (the former criminal known as Bombshell), Qureshi Gupta (Pinpoint) and Victor Alvarez (Power Man). Avengers Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Sam Wilson (Captain America) and the Vision also showed up to speak in favor of the kids, but statements like Danvers “They’re just kids” didn’t hold up against some of the perceived danger of child superheroes. One committee member went as far as to point out Ms. Van Dyne’s history with Russia’s Red Room that the deceased Natasha Romanoff graduated from as proof of child soldiers being detrimental.

The Bugle has attained a transcript of the speech that Senator Patrick gave earlier this morning from the Capitol on behalf of the Committee: Thank you all for coming. As you know, our proposed Bill has taken on new significance in light or recent events. After  careful consideration of Congressional testimony, the devastation caused by the malfunction of Viv Vision, who is missing, and the near death of Ailana Kabua… the Underage Superhuman Welfare Act will be passed into law. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate who voted across the aisle on this legislation. Parents and young people across America will feel a little bit safer at at night knowing that the law will no longer overlook people under the age of 21 who engage in superhero activity. We have already began to assemble the Child Hero Reconnaissance and Disruption Law Enforcement organization: C.R.A.D.L.E. This is an unprecedented collaboration between first responders and military personnel. Our capable and experienced commanders include Jake O, Carolina Washington, Timothy Dugan and former teen heroes Justice, Speedball and Timeslip. My fellow Americans: it is clear that teen superheroes have been given too many opportunities to harm themselves and others. We have denied them the guidance and structure that they deserve. That is not fair to them and that is not who we are. In naming this law, we want to honor an innocent young woman wounded in the Coles Disaster, who is fighting for her life as we speak. We’re all praying for her recovery. In her honor, we’re calling it Kamala’s Law.”

The swift announcement of C.R.A.D.L.E. was supported by President Norman Osborn, who lists Kamala’s Law in his policy change plan for America. Involving former child superheroes have left the population divided as some wonder if it is a glowing endorsement and others if it is a betrayal. C.R.A.D.L.E. operatives were spotted raiding the Champions Mobile Bunker, the home of child genius Lunella Lafayette and Riri William’s lab in Chicago. Current debate is surrounding how to force minor superheroes to comply in a safe and efficient way without harming them is ongoing, and established heroes under 21 must register and become affiliated. As it currently stands, Ms. Marvel is currently at large and wanted and most of the other Champions have yet to comply. The government has not yet issued on a statement on the status of American born mutants living on Krakoa, nor has the Fantastic Four made any comments even though Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) and Susan Storm-Richards (Invisible Woman) have been reported to Child Protection Services before due to the danger that their underage children have been subjected to.

“Danger has never cared how old I was. Danger never cared about  any of us,” Superhero Ghost Spider was recorded saying recently by a civilian making accusations about underaged heroes. Unfortunately, this goes deeper than just danger and caring is intrinsic to the matter. The road to Kamala’s Law is expected to be rocky and filled with resistance but the government is dedicated to following through. Whether or not this turns out to be for the betterment of society has yet to be seen. The Bugle will provide continual updates on the wellbeing of Kamala Khan and Kamala’s Law.

— Reported by Christine Everheart, senior reporter

IN OTHER NEWS:

Shi’ar royalty made their first pubic appearance in the first time in nearly a decade back in March at the Stark Unity Gala. The appearance of their current Empress - Xandra Neramani - raised a few eyebrows and not just because of her young age. Reportedly, Neramani is the daughter of the late Empress Lilandra Neramani and mutant leader turned diplomat Charles Xavier. A representative for Xavier confirmed the connection and issued a brief statement that: We are thrilled to have Xandra as a guest of Krakoa on Earth to promote good will between the Shi’ar, mutants and Earth as a whole. As saddened as we are to hear the confirmation of former Majestrix Lilandra we look forward to building new bonds for the future.” Empress Neramani is accompanied by her aunt, former disgraced Shi’ar Cal’syee Neramani (Deathbird) and former Emperor Kallark (Gladiator) as well as a select council. As it stands no timeline has been set for the Shi’ar visit and they are not considered hostile.

#NotmyThor and #NotmyCaptainAmerica continue to trend on social media despite protests from Avengers and fans alike. “It’s just so sexist,” high school student Nakia Bahadir blogged last week about the continued outcry against the yet to be unmasked female Thor who took over within the last six months. “People can have secret identities and she’s kicking ass and getting the job done. People can chill out.” There’s been similar anger and disappointment expressed in the last year since the deceased  Steve Rogers passed his shield onto his former partner Sam Wilson. Wilson has come under fire for being what some consider ‘too bipartisan’ on political issues. “The shield has always stood for the good of the American people,” he said when stopped recently. “It still does. Being Cap means fighting for the American people and that’s what I’m going to continue to do.” The Bugle will continue to poll public opinion as time goes on.

— Reported by Melita Garner, junior reporter

KRAKOA CORRESPONDENCE:

We are currently looking into an international cult that could pose a significant threat to us. Sects of humans have risen up who are worshipping mutants like gods but have taken to attempt to drink mutant blood to achieve this. These humans consume the blackmarket  drug Pollen, which is made from Krakoan flowers and allows the consumer to attain vampiric qualities. Humans have been trying to steal Krakoan petals since we first made them known to the world and the Hellfire Trading Company vessel, the Marauder, has been working to provide safe transports for the drugs while we grow the flowers on the  Island. The X-Force team will continue to look into the matter.

An official source for Krakoa announced that mutants Jean Grey and Scott Summers welcomed son Charles Christopher Summers into the world on May 1st, 2024. Both mother and son are reported to be healthy and thankful for the two weeks of privacy. Hopefully this child is one of many to come as we embrace our decree: make more mutants.

The Quiet Council of Krakoa will be sitting down to discuss their current stance on President Norman Osborn at an undisclosed date and will report their agreement shortly after. As with all major issues, they thank you for your patience and encourage any comments or concerns to be brought to a representative. Until otherwise specified, the Hellfire Trading Company will continue to work in accordance with the already established laws with the United States.

As we enter into this new season, Krakoa is officially rolling out a new line of teams. Rosters will be posted shortly, but the Hellion and X-Factor groups will be joining preexisting ones such as the Marauders, X-Force, X-Men, Excalibur and New Mutants.

WEDNESDAY, 5 AUGUST 2024. EDITED BY J. JONAH JAMESON.

BACK & BETTER THAN EVER, OR, A TALE OF REALITY WARPING & RESURRECTIONS 

Gone, but never forgotten. That’s what we’ve repeated to ourselves time and time again in the six years since the Mad Titan Thanos snapped his fingers ( an act we call the Cleanse ) and half the world dissolved into ash. It wasn’t until five long years later that a group of brave heroes reversed what he had done and restored the world to a shade closer to what it once had been. This was, of course, not without great costs having to be paid. When Thanos was finally vanquished for good two founding Avengers were laid to rest: Natalia Romanova, the Black Widow, and Anthony Edward Stark, aka Iron Man. News of their deaths were confirmed by a representative for the New Avengers the day following the New Avengers Facility battle against the Black Order that culminated in the largest hero team-up we’ve yet to see.

Natalia Romanova, more commonly known by the alias Natasha  Romanoff started her career in Russia’s infamous Red Room academy, which turns young girls into trained assassins. Romanoff’s ledger was made public in 2014 following the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the revelation that the Nazi organization H.Y.D.R.A. had been embedded in the agency for years. After being recruited to S.H.I.E.LD. by fellow Avenger Clint Barton ( Hawkeye ), Romanoff worked as an agent for years before becoming a founding member of the Avengers in 2012, where she continued to serve until 2016 when the Sokovian Accords were passed and stricter international restrictions were put in place. Although she originally sided with Stark and the government, following the Clash of the Avengers in Berlin Romanoff dropped off the map. She was spotted once in Russia before going on the run with the former Captain America, Steve Rogers, and his associate Sam Wilson ( the former Falcon who has recently taken up the Cap mantle -- for more, on this please see Christine Everhart’s article on page 3 ). Despite two years as an international fugitive, Romanoff fought in the Battle of Wakanda against Thanos and acted as the representative to the public during the Cleanse. One of the more vocal Avengers dead set on righting Thanos’ wrong, a New Avengers spokesperson confirmed that Romanoff died on April 26th, 2023 securing the Soul Stone from a classified location alongside Barton. She was laid to rest in a private cemetery with the Romanoff Scholarship for at Risk Girls being created in her honor shortly afterwards.

Anthony 'Tony’ Stark was always in the public eye due to his father, Howard Stark, being an inventor, scientist, engineer, businessman and movie director. The elder Stark created Stark Industries, which his son later inherited after his untimely passing. As an arms dealer Tony was taken hostage in Afghanistan in 2008 but freed himself by creating a suit of armor. Living with an arc reactor in his chest, Stark became the first superhero with a public identity as Iron Man and became a founding member of the Avengers. After nearly sacrificing himself in 2012′s Battle of New York, Stark remained active even though it was his actions that led to the creation of the villainous robot Ultron and the untimely destruction of a large part of the European nation, Sokovia in 2015. Many considered Stark’s actions to be an apparent disrespect to life and property and urged him make amends. As a result, Stark sided with the Sokovian Accords and urged other heroes to sign as well.  Because of this he and Steve Rogers had a falling out that lasted years as Rogers went on the run and Stark started the Stark Internship, whose inaugural recipient was high school student Peter Parker ( who was recently unmasked as Spider-man ). After going to space in 2018 to try and stop Thanos, Stark came home after briefly being presumed missing and largely vanished from the public eye. The failure of the Avengers to stop Thanos from the Cleanse was something not commented on by Stark, who chose to move Upstate with his wife, Stark Industries C.E.O. Pepper Potts, and their daughter, Morgan Stark. He came out of retirement to help retrieve the Stones and was the one to don a specially created Infinity Gauntlet to kill Thanos once and for all. Following his passing Stark was buried a few days after and the Stark Foundation for the Rehoming of those Disrupted by the Cleanse was created.

For the last year, the world mourned the losses of both Stark, Romanoff and other deceased heroes, such as the synthezoid known as the Vision who was killed by Thanos in 2018 when the Titan stole the Mind Stone from his forehead. Rumors began flying recently, however, when Avenger Wanda Maximoff ( the Scarlet Witch ) appeared to be spotted with a man who resembled the Vision. This set in motion what appears to be a new era in which what we lost has been returned to us. The New Avengers were able to confirm that it was, indeed, the Vision returned by means not yet confirmed. Mutants have been known for their resurrections as of late, but that seemed limited to their nation of Krakoa. It never seemed like something that we’d see in our world at large. Not until recently, that is.

On August 3rd, 2024, President Norman Osborn held a press conference that promised a sign of hope and change. Osborn’s Avengers, known as America’s Avengers, have been received with various degrees of public support. Along with him Osborn brought team member Star, who was recently revealed to be reporter Ripley Ryan. A controversial member, it has been revealed that Ryan possessed the Reality Stone from her home world of Earth-616 in her chest. “I don’t want to dip into the cliché and say that I live to serve,” she stated at the press conference. “but my goal is to be an Avenger for the people, and that means doing everything in my power to make the world a better place. Thankfully, I happen to have a lot of power.” This sentiment was echoed by Osborn, who pointed out that in the past the Avengers had failed as public servants and had instead caused more harm than good. He went on to add, “Instead of trying something futile like banning them once more, we’ve taken a new route. We’re leading by example, making good of our gifts. We’re making America a place you can feel safe and secure in. Consider this the first step.”

The ethics behind President Osborn’s following announcement have already been debated on popular social sites like Twitter as the public weighs on that which was once considered impossible: resurrection. That’s right, folks. You’re hearing it first here from the Daily Bugle that President Norman Osborn along with the help of Star has resurrected Natasha Romanoff and Tony Stark. The two were present at the conference and expressed gratitude for their return but remained, for the most part, silent and let Osborn speak. A call to the New Avengers confirmed that they were unaware of the President’s plans or the return of their teammates. We have reached out to Stark’s widow, but so far Ms. Pott’s has been unreachable.

“The last thing we wanted to do was dishonor Stark and Romanoff’s respective sacrifices, but this was a wrong that we knew we could right. Under careful supervision Star was able to achieve a great feat and there’s no ulterior motive or fear that reality will crumble. We’ve  worked with multiversal experts to see what it’s possible to achieve. We also won’t be pushing Iron Man or Black Widow to join America’s Avengers. They’re welcome to rejoin their old team or retire and enjoy the world they helped save. This is the power that heroes who work in the best interest of the people possess. This is a world that we can live in, and America’s Avengers are dedicated to continuing this notion. We hope you accept this offering and remember that we live in a world of possibility.”

As soon as the dust clears the Bugle plans on reaching representatives for Romanoff and Stark to try and get individual statements. Osborn spokeswoman Lily Hollister, who handles statements for America’s Avengers, has promised that more details will soon be revealed and that an exclusive interview with Star will take place. In the meanwhile, sources have reported that Stark and Romanoff have been taken to the New Avengers Compound in Upstate New York to reacclimatize. The Bugle will continue to update the story as it unfolds, but in the meantime we wish the best to our fallen heroes and hope they’re happy to see the world they died to protect. If we live in a world where the dead walk again, what will we become when life is no longer fleeting?

— Ben Urich, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN: CAP’S, THOR’S AND MORE. OH MY.

Captain America. Thor. Captain America. Thor. The names are likely to be familiar to anyone who follows the Avengers, but lately things have become a bit convoluted. Following the final battle against Thanos on April 26th, 2023 our beloved Captain America, Steve Rogers, retired and passed the shield off to friend and former Falcon Sam Wilson. In the year since we’ve reported the trajectory of Wilson’s attempt to get his footing as the public pushed back with the unfortunately popular hashtag #NotmyCaptainAmerica. Some have accredited the hesitation to embrace Wilson as Captain American as a racist statement due to Wilson being an African-American man, while others attribute it to an inability to let go of the old and embrace something new. Rogers, meanwhile, has voiced his support for his friend but has remained out of the debate for the most part. Old rumors have placed Rogers and the deceased Romanoff in a romantic relationship, and his withdrawal from the spotlight could be a direct result of her death and the two years he spent on the run as an international fugitive. An issue some have had with Wilson is that appears to be too ‘bipartisan’ to be Captain America, and they prefer the United States Government’s option to #takebacktheshield: John Walker. Walker stated that he was flattered to be considered but doesn’t step on any toes. Still, if Rogers picked Wilson as a replacement he must see something in him that the rest of the us should believe in.

Similarly, there’s a new Thor in town. Although we love Thor Odinson whether he’s rocking long hair or short, he seemed to fall on hard times during the Cleanse and has only recently resurfaced as a hero. In the meanwhile a new blonde, helmeted, Mjölnir wielding Thor has made an appearance. Although dubbed the Mighty Thor by some, public reactions to a female Thor has been mixed as preciously repeated. Despite this she has served as a New Avengers as of late even though it appears that no one knows her true identity. When asked if she had any inclination of who it could be, Asgard’s current King, the Valkyrie, scoffed and stated, “No, but she’s worthy so that must mean something. Asgardia needs the help she can get, and we seem to have a preference for beautiful sparkly blondes.” It not the most illuminating statement, and while it may be concerning that their leader doesn’t even know the name of one of their champions the Asgardian’s need a break after all the sorrow they’ve faced between Thanos and the mutants during the Avengers v X-Men conflict of last year. As for our original Thor, he’s been spotted in both Norway where Asgardia is located and around New York with a very large axe. As it stands we’re not totally sure of the relationship between the two Thor’s and why they share a name, but it only seems like a matter of time before some answers come to light. Some wonder if Thor Odinson will try to take the throne back, especially as reports about the Valkyrie’s drink continue to pop up. Welcome to Earth, Asgardians. Hope you like speculations.

I’m sure everyone has their preference on which Avenger they prefer, but I personally am open to trying something new. After all, we as people aren’t stagnate beings. Some things change and people do as well. It’s natural to see mantle passed from one hero to another as time goes on. Hero work is, in a strange way, a job and sometimes positions need to be filled. Of course, time will only tell how well these new faces hold up against the daunting legacies of those who came before them. If it counts for anything, they have the good luck of this reporter.

— Christine Everhart, Daily Bugle News Senior Reporter

IN OTHER NEWS:

Despite the passing of Kamala’s Law within the last few months, underaged superhero activity has remained at an all time. The black-suited web crawler Spider-man was recently spotted with his team, the Champions, in Brooklyn despite the fact that their teammate, Ms. Marvel, remains at large for her part in a recent incident at Coles Academic High School that left civilians injured. Recently registered underaged heroes include Ghost Spider, the two children of Reed and Susan Richards ( Franklin and Valeria Richards ), Billy Kapplan ( Wiccan ) and Nadia Van Dyne ( the Wasp ). The majority of the public has so far responded positively to the idea of underaged heroes requiring some form of accountability but response from the heroes has been negative. 

TUESDAY, 13 AUGUST 2023. EDITED BY J. JONAH JAMESON.

THE TRAGEDY IN TIMES SQUARE: MUTANTS & TERRORISM

TW: The article contains anti-mutant rhetoric that could be considered offensive

Some things are never meant to be. In the last week since I wrote my piece on the decimation of mutants Post-Cleanse ( see our august 7th issue for full coverage ) I’ve received a fair share of negative comments that I was not giving mutants a chance or my words were generalizing and hateful. I, personally, was not offensive. It’s my job to report the news and if that gets people talking it’s good. It’s on this side of a terrible tragedy though that I see I am now justified in my beliefs. Yesterday at approximately 1700 hours energy spikes were reported in Times Square. A popular New York tourist trap, the few blocks that it encompasses statistics show an average of 330,000 - 460, 000 visitors daily. News of this energy spike should have been reported to the Avengers instantly due to the high number of civilians, but it was instead the mutant X-Men who arrived at the scene to handle the situation internally. Recognized among the group was not one but two Cyclops (Scott Summers), the Wolverine (James ‘Logan’ Howlett) and two Icemen (Robert Drake). Also in the group was an unidentified man with Wolverine like claws, a telepathic man with a golden energy beam, a silver haired speedster, an unidentified who looked surprisingly like the deceased Pietro Maximoff and a woman in a baseball cap that some onlookers said looked like the Avenger Wanda Maximoff. Please see page two for elaboration on the potential presence of Maximoff.

Leading this merry band of mutant terrorists was Erik Lehnsherr, a man known as Magneto who has often been painted as the bad guy in your history books. Lehnsherr has, as of late, been residing on the mutant island nation of Krakoa and is believed to be in the Hellfire Club, headed by one Emma Frost. Next to him was Jean Grey, an original founding member of the X-Men who passed in the late 1980′s for reasons undisclosed but has been present in the last five years. All of these mutants stood against the 21 year old mutant Jean Grey ( not the one who was deceased ). Before going into the conflict, I have to ask my readers: how are the X-Men duplicating themselves? Are they clones? There’s no one worse to clone than a mutant, that’s for sure. The double appearance of Iceman, Cyclops and Grey raise some valid questions but the doppelgängers are surprisingly not the worst part of this situation. It was the younger Ms. Grey who seemed to be the problem. Early reports from the tragedy state that Ms. Grey arrived shortly before the other mutants did and seemed to be talking to herself and agitated. When the X-squad or whatever they like to be called these days arrived they attempted to talk to Ms. Grey before she lashed out and attacked. After that it appeared to be an all-out brawl with some civilians being escorted to safety and others being left behind and in danger. Photos and videos taken on site show something beautiful, terrible and disgusting. The pretty colors and swooping mutants may look like something out of an action movie but they were not superheroes. They were abominations with very little regard to human life.

Within the course of 45 minutes Ms. Grey managed to incapacitate most of the group and nearly killed a good deal of them, including the elder Ms. Grey. The conflict was only ended when Mr. Howlett managed to stab Ms. Grey through the chest, effectively stopping her attack. There was then an explosion that caused tremors and shattered windows as far down as the West Village. The explosion manifested itself in the shape of a giant bird made of fire, with reports stating it was picked up by satellites globally. In an exclusive video taken by an onlooker Grey’s body can be seen prone on the ground at the center of the blast radius. This video contains graphic imagery but can be found on the Daily Bugle webpage. Grey was later confirmed to be deceased, but Lehnsherr had fled the scene with her body before ambulances or reporters arrived. All of the mutants conveniently left, actually, before they had to answer for their actions to the public. Though it came as a surprise to this humble supporter, Mr. Lehnsherr responded to our requests for a statement. He advised the Bugle, “What happened in Times Square can only be described as a tragedy, as I am sure you have all already concluded on your own. Jean Grey lost control and it was our job to help her and control the damage to the best of our ability. It was never her intention to cause harm to either our kind or yours. In the end a decision was made, one that ended not with us helping her but with us taking her down. These were the decisions and actions of a small group who took the situation into their own hands. We will never know if the situation could have ended differently, but the city is safe now as it stands. Even though Jean paid for it with her life. Her body was immediately taken to the Island of Krakao after the incident and will remain there until a proper ceremony is planned in her honor. She will be missed.”

It wasn’t her intention. A rather weak excuse considering the irreparable damage that has been done. Hate is the last thing that we need to promote in a world like this one, one rocked by prejudice and both literal and figurative monsters. What happened in Times Square last night is, by all means, an act of terror against those who couldn’t defend themselves in a gross disregard. Property damage around the area has yet to be assessed by damage control services, but several theaters in the area and other restaurants and museums have been shut down for the foreseeable future with companies promising to get them up and running again as soon as possible. Some onlookers spoke of a voice in their ear forcing them to fight one another, but that ended as soon as Grey was fatally attacked. As many as two dozen civilians have been confirmed as deceased with up to a hundred injured and currently being checked at Mt. Sinai hospitals around the island. If you have a loved one who has not been accounted for yet, please call the Bugle Hotline to connect with others and authorities. 

Regarded as a leader on the island of Krakoa - which is a whole subject of suspicion all together - Ms. Emma Frost also released an official statement for the Hellfire Club and the mutants of the nation. Ms. Frost went on record saying, “We hate to see history repeat itself, but sometimes it does. The world has never been kind to mutants but we aren’t prone to pity ourselves or perceived injustices. Instead we plan and we protect our own, which we attempted to do here. The Hellfire Club was not made aware of the plan to subdue Miss Grey due to the urgency of the situation, but we will not persecute our friends and family where no persecution is due. An action of a man is not limited to one finite moment in time and while Logan Howlett has chosen to not speak with the media for obvious reasons and a general lack of interest in a witch hunt, his actions were understandable. The same goes for still living Jean Grey, long a staple member of the community. Both are acting as Co-Headmasters of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning and would not take the loss of a student lightly. Tragedy is tragedy and we would never deny that. We will, however, remain thankful that the blast radius was not as deadly as it could have been. At this time we ask that the general public leave Krakoa to process this and the loss of one so young. As stated, her body will remain on the island until buried and there is no intent to turn it over to the United States government. We are mutants and we will do as we must. Any further questions or concerns can be direct to Briar Raleigh and we will respond at our discretion and convenience.”

After all we know about Frost and Lehnsherr it’s hard to take either of them at their word. Magneto has often been seen going against the X-Men, so his supposed grief at the loss of one seems to be a cheap act. Frost is held in higher regards due to her work with children, but her ascension to the throne in the long rumored and formerly secret Hellfire Club has swayed public perception away from her favor. Regardless, it is the ever steady former acting president Senator Robert Kelly who has weighed in on the incident. “We need to call things as the are,” he told a solemn crowd at the site of the incident this morning. “We’ve always needed to call things what they were but we never wanted to. We got caught up in mutant rights when there should be no such things. Mutants are not human. They don’t pretend to be. Mutants are as much human as Thanos was. Their bodies do not belong and they are a danger to others and clearly themselves as well. Had they truly cared about the American people a problem of this magnitude would have been reported so inhibitor collars and Sentinel Services could have been present to deescalate the situation. If an animal attacks a human they’re put down. Ms. Grey should have been put down long before she was able to do as much harm as she was. The innocent people who died today won’t get brought back, so  I truly hope Jean Grey feels the weight of those souls wherever she is. I’ll be speaking directly to President Ellis about the incident and reaching out to the Avengers for their compliance in helping to control this dilemma that is haunting the American people. In the meantime, hold your loved ones close. Watch your back when you’re on the street. America is no longer safe as long as mutants run free.”

What happened is a tragedy. No one can deny that. It doesn’t matter if you side with the mutants or the humans. Lives were lost and people were  fractured. Once again we have to rebuild from an incident that never should have occurred. Today I wrote this article with a heavy heart. I pray I don’t have to write another tomorrow. 

—- Gayle Rogers, Daily Bugle News

A FAMILY AFFAIR:

As mentioned above, photos from the incident in Time Square place a woman who looks remarkably like Wanda Maximoff was spotted on site. Maximoff, an Avenger since 2015, has had a rather rocky career in the limelight due to her attack on Lagos and later status as a war criminal along with Steve Rogers. A confirmed victim of the Cleanse, Maximoff returned and was soon associated again with the Avengers after being pardoned for her international crimes. Interestingly enough, another figure at the scene was a silver haired speedster who resembled Maximoff’s deceased twin brother Pietro, who was a casualty of the Ultron attack in Sokovia also in 2015. The presence of the Maximoff twins lines up only when you remember the fact that they are the children of Erik Lehnsherr, a fact known by the public despite a lack of official acknowledgement by any of the three. The Maximoff involvement would be another strike against the Scarlet Witch as the Avengers have purposefully remained out of mutant affairs so far. A representative for Maximoff or the Avengers could not be reached.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Public opinion polls have shown that reception to our new Captain American, Sam Wilson, is currently lower than that of Steve Rogers before he put down the shield. People have cited that they lack the familiarity with Wilson that they had with Rogers while others could not list a specific reasons. Some have wondered if the lack of interest is due to the turbulent history of the shield as of late or due to more racially charged matters. There’s been no word from Wilson on the matter.

Everyone’s favorite Champions were spotted in Libya recently as shown by the news and social media posts. They continue to take the world by storm with their modern way of reaching their audience and social justice causes. Ms. Marvel and Spider-man ( not the red and blue one )  were recently seen in Manhattan along with a few other members of the team taking selfies before having to leave on a mission. We’re rooting for you, Champions!

What is Krakoa? There will be an academic lecture at New York University on Thursday with Dr. Kate Peterson and Dr. Edward Busha to discuss the political implications of a mutant nation on a social and economic level. Tickets are being sold in advance and at the door.

Il materiale di origine: Oscar Isaac photographed by Eugene Hernandez and Irene Cho for Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Daily Buzz while promoting “Inside Llewyn Davis” at Cannes Hotel Majestic Barrière during the 66th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. (21st May, 2013)

This is the corresponding Oscar Isaac interview podcast (recorded 21st May, 2013) referred to in my photo post immediately below. (Unfortunately, Tumblr won’t allow me to post audio and photos in the same entry.)