34 – MULTIPLE MAN

Subject: Multiple Man
Real Name: Jamie Madrox
Height: 5’11″ Weight: 155 lbs.
Group Affiliation: X-Factor
First Appearance: Giant-Size Fantastic Four #4, February 1975

Power Ratings:

• Energy Projection: 1/7
• Mental Powers: 2/7
• Strength: 2/7
• Fighting Ability: 3/7
• Intelligence: 2/7

I remember a classmate of mine in 2nd grade being obsessed with Jamie Madrox, aka Multiple Man. He loved the costume and the name, both of which, arguably, really are badass (as cool, in fact, as his teammate, Strong Guy. And while his power wasn’t particularly exciting or powerful, it was at least unique and probably far more useful than many other mutants’ abilities.

The art is pretty good, with that tessellated quality you would expect from a portrayal of the character. The smile belies his happy-go-lucky sense of humor, and the trenchcoat is just stylish. The side-b portrait still has that sense of mischief, but still suffers from Lee’s inability to really differentiate the masses of white males that populated the majority of the X-Books, under the masks and hoods.

I also can’t remember off the top of my head if the bit of trivia in his character bio was something I knew beforehand, but it is interesting nonetheless: while it’s well known that his multiplying ability is triggered by a kinetic impact (like a slap on the back), turns out his costume is actually a special suit that insulates him from such unwanted impacts (he usually claps his hands to trigger it himself).

The Power Ratings again seem appropriate, as far as the different criteria go; but again, they are inadequate at highlighting what makes Multiple Man unique as a superhero. Not that I can think of an appropriate power criterion that would be sufficient.