Can you believe it's been a decade? It's been 10 years since Marvel Comics gave us a one-shot comic that changed the way we look at nameless henchmen forever. That's right, we're talking about the fantastic, hilarious, and surprisingly relatable Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra, which was released on August 26, 2015!
Who Is Hank Johnson?
Forget the Super-Soldiers and cosmic gods! This comic, written by TV legend David Mandel (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm) and with art by Michael Walsh, focuses on the true unsung hero of the Marvel Universe: the average guy. Hank isn't a megalomaniac trying to take over the world. He's just a regular family man with a mortgage, credit card debt, and a nagging wife who thinks he should ask for a promotion. Oh, and his day job is working for the evil terrorist organization, HYDRA.
The Funniest Comic You Never Knew You Needed
Hank Johnson, Agent of Hydra is a brilliant satire of corporate life, wrapped in a superhero story. The humor comes from the hilariously mundane situations Hank finds himself in. Have you ever wondered what happens to the guy Nick Fury punches in the head when he's breaking into a HYDRA base? Well, Hank is that guy! The comic shows us a different side of the Marvel world, filled with office politics, HR complaints (yes, even at HYDRA!), and the struggles of a father just trying to get by.
A One-Shot That Became a Fan Favorite
Despite being a tie-in to the massive Secret Wars event, this comic stands entirely on its own. Its unique premise and perfect comedic timing made it an instant hit with fans. It's a testament to great storytelling, proving that you don't need a huge, earth-shattering event to create a memorable comic. You just need a relatable character, a fantastic writer, and the courage to ask, "What if a villain's henchman was just… a dude?"
So, on this special 10th anniversary, let's raise a toast to Hank Johnson. He's the everyman who proved that even in a world of capes and powers, the most compelling stories can be about the most ordinary people. Hail Hank!
Do you think the comic still holds up after 10 years? Would you be interested in seeing more "henchman stories" from other villainous organizations in the Marvel Universe?