TUESDAY'S TOP FIVE: TECHS AS A WEAPON
BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO
Sure superheroes rule, and the ones with the flashiest of powers and costumes sometimes get the most attention, but there are a lot of behind-the-scenes players who deserve praise and accolades as well. In today's top five, I'm looking at some of the good guys who used Techs as a Weapon to help keep the world safe and sound, or just to help make the world a better place. Although one or two of my choices might seem very obvious, I'm guessing at least one person on the list might cause a few of you to raise an eyebrow ....


LINUS "MICROCHIP" LEIBERMAN
The Punisher's ally is one third Jarvis the butler, one third Bill Gates and one third saint, I mean anyone who put up with Frank Castle for that long a period of time should be cannonized, even if he's not of that religious persuasion. Microship was ready, willing and able to come up with the most keen of equipment to help The Punisher in his battle against evil. The computer genius was able to hack enemies machines, hide Castles "illegal" assets, get him weapons and, more importantly, remind Castle about what was really important in his life and his goals. When Castle was close to going over the edge, many times Microchip grounded him, and helped him regain focus. Although those efforts seemed to meet with little success judging by Microchip's demise in the MAX and mainstream universe.










DR. WILL MAGNUS
A lot of scientists look like kindergarten students around Dr. Will Magnus. He's a genius' genius with doctorates in Theoretical Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Particle Physics. All of those sciences helped him create his most prized inventions, the Metal Men. He built the fantastic responsometer, which granted his Metal Men unique personalities and senses of identity. Magnus is able to fix just about any problems the Metal Men might have with each's make up and composition. He's also able to build other items the Metal Men might need or other items in general to better mankind. Although the pressure has gotten to Magnus on more than one occassion and he's needed to take a time out, his skill in creating the heoric Metal Men definitely puts him in my Top Five.










FORGE
Ok, being a mutant whose power is based on creating technology advances gives Forge an edge over the "normal" humans who have amazing skills, but Forge deserves to be on any list involving top notch techs. He's invented tons of weapons and items for the government, helped the X-Men with creating advanced security, fixing errors and amping up the danger room, updating vehicles and other things. Forge is like the best Macguyver could ever HOPE to become. With just a thought, Forge can create just about anything needed in any given situation. If I were trapped in a room with only a toothpick, safety pin, and piece of wax, I'd want Forge with me, because I know he could get us out of any situation!










GYRO GEARLOOSE
Gyro Gearloose is one of the coolest characters in the Scrooge McDuck universe. He has a mostly heart of gold, even though his good intentions usually end with disastrous results. He invents and invents and invents, but, most times, something key is missing from the invention that causes whomever purchases it more than a few problems. However, in the Disney Universe that's half the fun. Seeing whatever wacky creation Gyro comes up with and then witnessing Donald or Uncle Scrooge or anyone else trying to use that tech to his own advantage is the stuff of great comics. Plus, Gyro's Little Helper is one of the coolest robots in all of comics. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next and his unpredictable devices make him one of my Top Five!










BARBARA "ORACLE" GORDON
I loved Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. I hated what the Joker did to her. But I loved seeing her return as Oracle. I always thought she was one of the smartest women in comic books. Her taking over the information highway and combining brains, tech and crime-fighting in one fell swoop proved Barbara Gordon was a hero in more ways than one. She had the respect and admiration of her peers, she had the attention of everyone she contacted for information or help, and she used her skills and abilities to truly make the world a better place. Plus, she used her technology to help other heroes and unfortunates. I know the best of Oracle is yet to come and I'm on pins and needles with anticipation for her further role in the DCU. She's the number one in my Top Five, because she overcame so much to go so far!

Gyro Gearloose and his Little Helper are indeed some of the greatest characters ever. I only ever had a few of their stories when I was little, but I read them again and again.

Say, are there any GG collections out there? I should look for them! Thanks for the suggestion!

I think Gyro appears in some of the recent Scrooge McDuck trades that came out. I don't know that there is a specific trade just featuring him!

Jen