Welcome back, Spidey fans! I hope you’re all doing well. For this month’s Spider-Tracer, I thought I’d try something a little different, while adding a familiar element or two, and seeing how things go. This month, we’re going to take a look at a Spider-Man character that I feel deserves a figure, one that’s never had a figure before, in fact: The Foreigner! So, get ready Spidey fans, we’re going to take a look at 5 reasons why the Foreigner deserves a Marvel Legends figure!
5. Trained Sabretooth
It’s said that the Foreigner (real name unknown) trained Wolverine’s number one adversary, Sabretooth. Given all the terrible things Sabretooth has done over the years, that says a lot about the training he received from ol’ Foreigner, no?
4.Silver Sable’s Ex-Husband
When you hear the phrase stating “It’s a small world!”, the same can be applied to Earth-616 of the main Marvel Universe; it’s all connected, as they say. Further tying him into Spidey’s world, the Foreigner was revealed to be the ex-husband of Silver Sable! Since their divorce, the two have attempted to kill each other several times over the years. Getting a Foreigner figure would allow us to pose him squaring off with his ex-wife, if you so choose, which sounds like a very cool idea to me!
3. Kingpin’s Rival
Sure, villains and heroes fight all the time, but sometimes, even villains will spar with one another, as was the case with Kingpin and the Foreigner. The two regularly have a chess game with one another, with the Foreigner making it into Fisk’s headquarters by means of a disguise, which has ranged from Ronald Reagan to an electrician (I suppose it was his way of insulting Fisk’s security). However, things weren’t always as simple as a chess game. Once, the Foreigner hired the Ned Leeds Hobgoblin to steal a ledger from Kingpin which detailed his European activities, though Leeds would fail in this endeavor. Later, displeased with the Foreigner (for another reason, which ranks as number one on this list), Kingpin had the elevator Foreigner was in blown up, though the international criminal survived; he was, understandably, not happy about it, however.
2.The Wild Pack
One thing fans of the Marvel Legends line love to do is build a team with their figures. I’m no exception, and something I’d really enjoy doing, is building the recent Wild Pack team from the “Sinister War” storyline. Half the team already exists in plastic form, with Jack O’Lantern, Black Ant (albeit in a different costume), and Taskmaster (there’s a few versions to choose from) already made. All we need is Slyde, Chance, and, of course, ol’ Foreigner himself!
1.Had Ned Leeds Killed
One of the most notorious things the Foreigner ever did, was have his men kill Daily Bugle reporter (and long-time supporting character), Ned Leeds. While on assignment in Germany, Ned was ambushed and murdered thanks to a hit put out on him by Jason Macendale, the original Jack O’Lantern. Ned was, of course, believed to have been the original Hobgoblin, although the truth wouldn’t come out for many years. This event changed Betty Brant forever as a result, which had a lasting effect on Peter’s personal life. With such a despicable act on his resumé, I’d say this act alone qualifies him for getting a Marvel Legends figure (I also wouldn’t say no to getting his men made as an Army Builder figure, as well).
And just to show what a Foreigner figure might look like, here’s a custom of the villain that I whipped up over the weekend.
He’s made from US Agent, Loki and Punisher parts; the blasters are from a Hatut Zeraze figure. I went for his costume in “The Spectacular Spider-Man” #’s 209-210.
Hasbro can make him from existing parts, save, perhaps, for a new head, as I did have to trim some loose hair strands in the front of his forehead off. For years, I considered making the business suit version, but thought this look would really set him apart from my other Spidey villains on the shelf. With Foreigner showing up in the upcoming “Karen the Hunter” film, I’m hopeful that this boosts his chances of getting a figure, even if just a little boost.
What do you guys think? Would you buy a Marvel Legend figure of the Foreigner? Do you have a favorite Foreigner moment? Sound off in the comments section below!
English (US) · 