The Most Unlikely Avenger Could be Marvel's Next Juggernaut
Spoilers for Avengers #41 ahead!
Howard the Duck has entered the competition for the Phoenix Force. While he is quickly defeated, this is not the only time Howard has flirted with great power—in one potential future, he harnesses the powers of the Juggernaut. Howard competes for the Phoenix Force in Avengers #41, written by Jason Aaaron with art by Javier Garron and colors by David Curiel. The issue, part two of the Enter the Phoenix story, is available now.
Howard the Duck is one of Marvel’s most enduring cult characters. A three-foot tall anthropomorphic duck from another dimension, he was created by writer Steve Gerber and artist Val Mayerik. Howard debuted in 1973’s Adventure into Fear #19, and after a series of back-ups in other magazines, graduated to his own book in 1976. Howard has the distinction of being one of the first Marvel character to receive his own film; in 1986, a solo movie debuted to negative reviews and horrible box office. Howard experienced a resurgence in interest after a cameo in an end-scene in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. He recently headlined a solo title and still continues to make appearances in Marvel titles. And now the Phoenix Force has descended on the Earth, seeking a new host, and Howard is in its sights.
In Greenwich Village, both Howard and the Red Widow are fighting, and both are possessed by the Force. Despite Howard’s powers, and his knowledge of Quack-Fu (a martial-arts style on his world), he is no match for Red Widow, who is one of the most formidable fighters in the world. After subduing Howard, the Widow strolls away as if nothing happened.
But this may not be Howard’s first brush with great power, as it was revealed that in the future, Howard will find the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, which gives the Juggernaut his powers. This leads to a Howard/Juggernaut mashup—the “Juggerduck.” Initially there was confusion as to whether or not this was the real Crimson Gem, but it has been confirmed to be authemtoc, and Howard was going to get those powers. In the end, it is for the best Howard was disqualified from the Phoenix competition. It is revealed he would abuse the powers horribly. He mentions a “reckoning” that was a long time coming, and that humans would no longer laugh at him. Yet Howard continues to get these opportunities for major upgrades, partially because the idea of a three-foot duck with the Phoenix Force or the Juggernaut’s powers is funny. Plus, it is awesome to see overlooked, cult characters like Howard get his moment to shine.
The search for a new Phoenix Force host rages on, and Howard the Duck will fortunately not be the new host. His actions during the brief period he possessed the force confirm he would be a terrible choice, and the same probably goes for the power of the Juggernaut as well.
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