Issue 126 - Rogue

07/14/21 • 64 min

2 Listeners

Capes On the Couch - Where Comics Get Counseling

Intro
Background (1:40)
Rogue created by Chris Claremont and Michael Golden in Avengers Annual #10 (August 1981)
Born Anna Marie in Mississippi, her parents disappeared when she was young, and she was raised by her strict aunt - she rebelled as a teen, earning the nickname Rogue
After kissing a boy named Cody, her latent mutant abilities manifested, sending Cody into a coma - she discovered any skin-to-skin contact with a person would cause her to absorb their life force, and in some cases their memories - she covered herself up to avoid touching anyone ever again
Mystique found Rogue and began mentoring her, eventually bringing her into the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants - she was sent to attack Carol Danvers - during the fight, prolonged contact caused Rogue to permanently absorb Carol’s powers, and gave Carol amnesia - the Danvers identity would remain with Rogue for many years, eventually causing Rogue to seek out Professor Xavier for assistance
She eventually joined the X-Men, slowly earning their trust and becoming a valuable teammate, even as Danvers continued to control her in periods of stress or unconsciousness - after losing her powers in a battle with Master Mold, she discovered the Danvers identity was also gone
As her powers returned, she also began an on-again/off-again relationship with Gambit, but her lack of physical intimacy and his dishonesty caused friction for a long time - after a battle with Destiny robbed them both of their powers, they left the X-Men and moved in together to explore their relationship
After another battle with Mystique where her foster mother tried to kill her, she absorbed Mystique’s powers and left her for dead - went to the Australian outback to figure out how to control her powers - with the help of Xavier, she was able to control her absorption for the first time in her life
Eventually started a relationship with Magneto, although it was largely long-distance, as they both had other commitments
Originally stayed neutral during AvX, but joined the staff at the Xavier Institute after a fight broke out on campus and She-Hulk inadvertently injured some children
Turned down a marriage proposal from Magneto, and ended their relationship
Joined the Avengers Unity Division as a mutant representative, eventually becoming field leader
Restarted her relationship with Gambit, and after Kitty Pryde broke off her engagement to Colossus at the altar, Gambit proposed to Rogue on the spot, and they were married instead - got transported to the Mojoverse for their honeymoon, since Mojo wanted a famous couple for his new show
Issues (6:15)
- Authoritarian upbringing caused her to rebel
- Inability to touch anyone caused problems in her relationships, both romantic and platonic (18:26)
- Broken relationship with Mystique, where they alternate between trying to kill each other and trying to work together (27:06)
Break (34:36)
- Plugs for BetterHelp, Grief Burrito, and Chris Claremont
Treatment (36:11)
- In-universe - Use other mutants to help transmute the energy flow as a result of contact and help her move past that
- Out of universe - (40:06)
Skit (49:22)
- Hello Rogue, I’m Dr. Issues. - Hey there, sugah.
- So, what can I do for you? -I don’t know, what can you do?
- *sarcasm* Hardee har har. I have the ability to listen to what you have to say, synthesize that dialogue in a way that may have some benefit to you and your relationships, while monitoring for any signs of a formal diagnosis that needs more focused treatment. -Shoot, I thought you were gonna get all flustered like most guys do when someone like me talks coy with them.
- I got over that a long time ago. -Must be nice
- Meh. -*pause* Well, I guess that’s my way of saying I’m stuck. I either push people away too quickly, or I dive in and get myself into stuff I can’t just walk out of.
- Why not? -That’s a really easy one. Do you know about my powers?
- I do my homework, sure. -Well, imagine if your first chance at a physical connection, you destroy their life...I mean, REALLY destroy it. You don’t get over that. There’s no amount of talking that can fix that.
- *pause* I’m terribly sorry. From the tone in your voice I can tell it wasn’t intentional. -But it doesn’t stop there. I was led to do some horrible things to people and I didn’t know the consequences. That’s the type of thing that some people can’t ever live with themselves over. Do you get what I’m saying?
- Hmm...has it ever gotten to that point for you, where life wasn’t worth it anymore? -No! Well, not like that, but to disappear, to not hurt a...

Intro
Background (1:40)
Rogue created by Chris Claremont and Michael Golden in Avengers Annual #10 (August 1981)
Born Anna Marie in Mississippi, her parents disappeared when she was young, and she was raised by her strict aunt - she rebelled as a teen, earning the nickname Rogue
After kissing a boy named Cody, her latent mutant abilities manifested, sending Cody into a coma - she discovered any skin-to-skin contact with a person would cause her to absorb their life force, and in some cases their memories - she covered herself up to avoid touching anyone ever again
Mystique found Rogue and began mentoring her, eventually bringing her into the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants - she was sent to attack Carol Danvers - during the fight, prolonged contact caused Rogue to permanently absorb Carol’s powers, and gave Carol amnesia - the Danvers identity would remain with Rogue for many years, eventually causing Rogue to seek out Professor Xavier for assistance
She eventually joined the X-Men, slowly earning their trust and becoming a valuable teammate, even as Danvers continued to control her in periods of stress or unconsciousness - after losing her powers in a battle with Master Mold, she discovered the Danvers identity was also gone
As her powers returned, she also began an on-again/off-again relationship with Gambit, but her lack of physical intimacy and his dishonesty caused friction for a long time - after a battle with Destiny robbed them both of their powers, they left the X-Men and moved in together to explore their relationship
After another battle with Mystique where her foster mother tried to kill her, she absorbed Mystique’s powers and left her for dead - went to the Australian outback to figure out how to control her powers - with the help of Xavier, she was able to control her absorption for the first time in her life
Eventually started a relationship with Magneto, although it was largely long-distance, as they both had other commitments
Originally stayed neutral during AvX, but joined the staff at the Xavier Institute after a fight broke out on campus and She-Hulk inadvertently injured some children
Turned down a marriage proposal from Magneto, and ended their relationship
Joined the Avengers Unity Division as a mutant representative, eventually becoming field leader
Restarted her relationship with Gambit, and after Kitty Pryde broke off her engagement to Colossus at the altar, Gambit proposed to Rogue on the spot, and they were married instead - got transported to the Mojoverse for their honeymoon, since Mojo wanted a famous couple for his new show
Issues (6:15)
- Authoritarian upbringing caused her to rebel
- Inability to touch anyone caused problems in her relationships, both romantic and platonic (18:26)
- Broken relationship with Mystique, where they alternate between trying to kill each other and trying to work together (27:06)
Break (34:36)
- Plugs for BetterHelp, Grief Burrito, and Chris Claremont
Treatment (36:11)
- In-universe - Use other mutants to help transmute the energy flow as a result of contact and help her move past that
- Out of universe - (40:06)
Skit (49:22)
- Hello Rogue, I’m Dr. Issues. - Hey there, sugah.
- So, what can I do for you? -I don’t know, what can you do?
- *sarcasm* Hardee har har. I have the ability to listen to what you have to say, synthesize that dialogue in a way that may have some benefit to you and your relationships, while monitoring for any signs of a formal diagnosis that needs more focused treatment. -Shoot, I thought you were gonna get all flustered like most guys do when someone like me talks coy with them.
- I got over that a long time ago. -Must be nice
- Meh. -*pause* Well, I guess that’s my way of saying I’m stuck. I either push people away too quickly, or I dive in and get myself into stuff I can’t just walk out of.
- Why not? -That’s a really easy one. Do you know about my powers?
- I do my homework, sure. -Well, imagine if your first chance at a physical connection, you destroy their life...I mean, REALLY destroy it. You don’t get over that. There’s no amount of talking that can fix that.
- *pause* I’m terribly sorry. From the tone in your voice I can tell it wasn’t intentional. -But it doesn’t stop there. I was led to do some horrible things to people and I didn’t know the consequences. That’s the type of thing that some people can’t ever live with themselves over. Do you get what I’m saying?
- Hmm...has it ever gotten to that point for you, where life wasn’t worth it anymore? -No! Well, not like that, but to disappear, to not hurt a...

Previous Episode

Issue 125 - Black Widow (with Dr. Janina Scarlet)

Intro
- Superhero Therapy - explanation by Dr. Scarlet
Background (5:16)
Natalia Alianovna “Natasha” Romanova created by Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck in Tales of Suspense #52 (April 1964)
Young Natalia was trained and raised by the Red Room, a secret Soviet facility training assassins - she was sent to America to assassinate Anton Vanko, who had defected from Russia, but was defeated by Iron Man - then she enlisted Hawkeye’s help in fighting him, but they were defeated as well - when Clint saved her, she began falling for him, and he helped her defect - she later joined the Avengers
Began working for SHIELD, and then started a relationship with Daredevil while he was stationed in San Francisco
Encounters Yelena Belova, another graduate of the Red Room, who wants to take Natasha out so she can inherit the Black Widow mantle - uses psychological manipulation to force Yelena to confront her own past
Has a relationship with Bucky Barnes for a time, while he’s working as the Winter Soldier
Serves on the Secret Avengers under Captain America
Killed during the Incursion event merging the mainstream and Ultimate Marvel universes, but resurrected after Molecule Man restores the damage done - only to be killed again, this time by Hydra-influenced Steve Rogers
After her death, the Red Room cloned her, including her memories, and tasked her with taking out Hydra and SHIELD - the clone, calling herself Natasha Romanoff, instead eliminated the Red Room leadership and freed all the recruits
Issues (7:49)
- Manipulation by the Red Room, and its repeated attempts to bring her back under their control, mean she’s never free from her past
- Also constantly trying to redeem herself for her assassinations (16:05)
- Life of a spy/secret agent means her identity is always in flux (22:53)
Break (34:06)
- Plugs for BetterHelp, Sips Suds & Smokes, and Cullen Bunn
Treatment (36:10)
- In-universe - Use Dr. Issues as a target, force her to face inequity
- Out of universe - Empty chair exercise to discuss feelings with people that have been wronged (39:02)
Skit (46:21)
- DOC: Hello Natasha, I’m Dr. Issues.
- NATASHA: Good afternoon, Doctor.
- D: I’m afraid we’re going to have to go through a bit of an introductory period. Normally I get a file on my patients before I meet with them, but yours was almost entirely redacted.
- N: That’s just how it is in my line of work.
- D: That’s fair, but I’ve worked with your colleagues before, and I’ve never seen anything quite like this. It’s like the whole thing was covered in black Sharpie.
- N: Some of my employers would kill both of us if they even knew I was speaking with you. Frankly this conversation is more dangerous than most.
- D: In that case I appreciate you speaking with me. And be sure to know I take all the necessary precautions for my own safety, as well as the confidentiality of my clients.
- N: No offense, doc, but that won’t stop some of the more... unsavory characters I’ve dealt with. They’ve come at me in Avengers Mansion, I don’t think this office will hold them.
- D: Sad to say, but I’ve dealt with worse. So we’ll deal with that threat if and when it comes. Let’s get back to you. What can we accomplish today?
- N: Probably less than what I would want out of this.
- D: How so?
- N: This is going to be the type of scenario where I don’t say names, I only give hints. If you are sharp enough to follow my lead, then maybe I can learn something from you.
- D: Way more nebulous than I imagined. Usually when people do that, I think they’re demonstrating paranoia.
- N: Is it really paranoia when you know people are truly after you?
- D: But the fight, flight, or freeze phenomenon doesn’t turn itself on and off like a switch if you’ve exhausted yourself in that vigilant state for too long. Plus, it makes it difficult for anyone to get to know you.
- N: Thank you for stating the obvious. No, really, thank you. People don’t understand that it’s inherent in what I do. I didn’t sign up for this life. I was bred for it.
- D: Maybe that’s true, but
- N: *interrupting, clearly upset* No maybes about it! I can’t say that much about such things but...think about how organized different agencies can be, especially under authoritarian rule.
- D: Got it. Sorry to cast any doubt to your experience. I’m thankful that you’re keeping the conversation on track. Is it fair to ask, then, how being so harshly molded at a young age influences you n...

Next Episode

Issue 127 - DOCTOR DOOM

Intro
Background (1:55)
Doctor Doom created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962)
Victor Von Doom was born to Romani parents - his mother was killed by Mephisto when he was young, and he grew up learning about mysticism and technology in an effort to bring her back
He went to Empire State University, where he encountered Reed Richards - while building a machine to communicate with the dead (specifically his mother), Reed corrected his math, but Victor’s ego refused to let him make the necessary corrections, and the machine exploded, scarring him permanently - he fled and created a suit of armor, including a mask - he put it on his face before it had sufficiently cooled, which burned him further and fused it to his face
He spent the next several years seeking vengeance on the FF in various ways, but always defeated by Reed’s genius and/or the combined effort of the team
Began battling other Marvel heroes, and during the original Secret Wars event managed to obtain the power of the Beyonder, although he wasn’t able to maintain it
Does assist the FF when Sue is pregnant with her second child - Johnny goes to him for help, knowing he won’t pass up the chance to one-up Reed - his help succeeds, and all he asks is that the child be named Valeria, after a former love of his
Occasionally works alongside Namor, including as part of the Cabal
After another battle with Reed, begins losing mental capacity - Valeria helps restore his mind in exchange for his assistance, and he joins the Future Foundation to help defeat the Council of Reeds
During the second Secret Wars event, he usurps the power of the Beyonder again and becomes God Emperor Doom - his ability, coupled with that of the Molecule Man, creates a brand new universe, where the members of the Fantastic Four are serving him in various capacities (Sue is his wife, Johnny is the sun, Ben is the wall surrounding the capital) - Reed and a collection of surviving heroes defeat Doom, and using the restorative power of the Beyonder, heal Doom’s face
Takes over as the new Iron Man after Tony’s defeat in Civil War II, and serves heroically for a time until he’s attacked by the Hood, where he gets burned yet again
Issues
- Matt’s description: “The two traits that have defined his character for 60 years. The narcissistic personality disorder to end all narcissistic personality disorders, and the mother fixation to end all mother fixations. Both just amped up to eleven and beyond. But, he certainly makes it work, doesn't he? You honestly can't tell me if you dropped the comic book version of Doom into the real world, not only would he not be out of place among the pack of sideshow clowns who have been running the world since the fall of communism, but he'd be among the most revered leaders in the world for his effectiveness in providing for his citizens. And I wonder if it's the rare instance of an NPD being used for good. Latervians canonically have a first world standard of living. Universal education, free healthcare, little to no pollution, no crime to speak of, and an economy that's as thriving as a country subject to constant embargoes from the United States can be. Moreover, every single one of his citizen matters to him, the same as if they were extensions of himself, which -- let's face it -- is probably how he views them. If you're a farmer with a crop blight problem, Doom will personally come to your farm, figure out what's causing it, eradicate it, and supply you with a new proprietary super-effective soil nutrient solution he devised in the shower that morning. If you leave the country, there's literally nowhere you can't go to and come back from safely. The Latverian passport is just a card that says "Admit this person into your country or suffer the wrath of DOOM." It's never once been questioned. If you harm even a single hair on a Laterivan citizen's head, Doom will personally track you across the entire universe, through time, or across dimensions and force you to make restitution. Now, obviously, he does this because it's an affront to his unquenchable ego for everything in his country to not be the greatest in all of creation. But -- and this might be delving into the PoliSci angle a bit -- in 2021, would anyone really care why he did it? His country is fed, clothed, housed, educated, productive, and healthy. Yes, he wants to conquer the world (and really, everything beyond it, but we'll start with the world), but it's because he genuinely believes that humanity is being deprived of the benefits they would have under his magnanimous rule, and I'm sure it legitimately breaks his heart.As a psychologist, how would you even start getting through to him? What kind of circumstances would you need? He's got to be one of the toughest nuts to crack in any comic book universe.
- Ego/Vanity (10:...