Marvel Comics is known for superhero books amid their sprawling shared universe, but the company once had quite a few licensed comics, as well. These were typically based on hit movies of the era, namely science fiction thrillers that are still remembered to this day. One of those was Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey, which gave rise to an actual hero in the Marvel Universe.
Machine Man might be a fairly obscure Marvel character, but he, like many classic Marvel heroes, was created by Jack Kirby. The product of cosmic machinations, Machine Man fits right at home with Kirby’s other creations. Though the comic book version of 2001 might be long since forgotten, Machine Man himself is still around, having become a staunch ally of the Avengers.
2001: A Space Odyssey Gave Rise to Marvel’s Machine Man
Though the iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey film released in 1968, the comic book version from Marvel didn’t come out until 8 years later in 1976. This book mostly followed the events of the film, with additional elements pulled from Arthur C. Clarke’s original novel and an early draft of the movie’s script. After the publication of the adaptation’s treasury edition, Jack Kirby would further explore its themes in a monthly series. For the most part, these issues would examine the same concepts of the movie, albeit in somewhat different settings. The 8th issue of the series, however, was eventually added to the Marvel universe proper.
The story of this issue introduced the X line of robots, with the main entry in the series being X-51, aka Mr. Machine. Unfortunately, these robots begin malfunctioning upon achieving sentience, engaging in a violent rage. Thankfully, X-51 is able to circumvent this issue, namely with a little cosmic help from a Monolith. These constructs are central to the story of 2001: A Space Odyssey, as their presence allows humanity to transcend their boundaries and achieve a higher level of existence. In further appearances, Mr. Machine would be renamed Machine Man, thereafter becoming a part of the Marvel Universe.
Machine Man Has Been an Obscure But Central Part of Marvel Comics
The Machine Man comics that followed 2001: A Space Odyssey had the title character on the run from the authorities, making him very similar to characters like the Incredible Hulk. In fact, he would next appear in the Jade Giant’s ongoing comics, even sharing his mutual disdain for living among humanity. Machine Man would at one point try to make contact with Iron Man, who he believed to be a “machine man” himself. Unfortunately, Tony Stark was struggling with alcoholism and the onslaught of Obadiah Stane, with the ensuing battle nearly killing several civilians. This incident would be recalled by Stark years later as part of the impetus for his actions in the Civil War storyline.
Machine Man has also assisted the Avengers against the evil Ultron, even falling in love with the robot Jocasta at one point. For the most part, however, he’s been mostly relegated to brief appearances and obscure series, none of which have really raised his profile in the Marvel Universe. That includes his being the protagonist in Earth X, an alternate universe tale that was essentially Marvel’s equivalent to DC’s landmark storyline Kingdom Come.
His biggest claim to fame was a 1985 miniseries, as well as a major part in the Iron Man 2020 crossover event. Marvel Comics #1001 also brought back the Monolith, seemingly establishing that his origins in 2001: A Space Odyssey series are still canon. The Monolith was also revealed as being connected to the cosmic Celestials, who were also created by Jack Kirby. Thus, while Machine Man might not the most vital Marvel hero, he’s definitely connected to some of Marvel’s biggest and most important properties.
