Today, dear readers, we take a look at the oddest hero of the 1963 timeline! Believe it or not, this orb-headed individual, who shares similarities with Arnim Zola from Captain America, is in fact the Iron Man of the group. His name is Hypernaut! However, as you’ll soon learn, this hero shares similarities with another hero. One who isn’t of Marvel.
Steve Bissette is the artist and does an excellent job as always.
The story begins with the origin twist I mentioned earlier. While talking to his alien primate buddy, Queep, Hypernaut explains a familiar origin. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. A pilot, in this case one named Dan Stevens, crashes a prototype jet, discovering a corps of super powered aliens. While there’s no doubt that the crashing, injury, and the eventual metal exterior leads him to be more like Iron Man, there’s no doubt that Mr. Stevens shares similarities with Hal Jordan, aka the Green Lantern!
However, while contemplating if it’s Dan Steven’s mind or a copy within his robot body, Queep alerts Hypernaut of strange danger entering his illusion of a citadel.
The strange, pasta-shaped creature seems to defy laws of dimensional physics, and proves to be too much for the hyper hero! However, Hypernaut comes to the conclusion that the creature comes from a fourth dimensional plane of existence, allowing him to have the upper hand.
While monologuing believing that the creature has gotten the upper hand, Queep flies with his comrade’s head into the body of the beast!
Eventually, using 4D logic, the team find the brain of the beast and shut him down, destroying him in the process! This allows Hypernaut to recuperate.
Thus, ending this strange and confusing tale. However, this is not the last time we will see U.S.A and Hypernaut. In the meantime, enjoy these pinups by Rick Veitch and Steve Bissette. And finally, join us next time for 1963 #4 part 1!
