“Yesterday’s” Comic> Prototype #6

This cover gives you the wrong impression about which one is the baddie in the story.

Prototype #6

Malibu Comics/Ultraverse (January, 1994)

“Down In Flames”

WRITERS: Len Strazewski & Tom Mason

PENCILER: Roger Robinson

INKER: Jeff Whiting

COLORING: Rob Alvord & Violent Hues

LETTERER: Tim Eldred

EDITOR: Roland Mann

Prototype tries using Prime as a heat shield on re-entry, an idea Lady Killer had for him to get home. Unfortunately the plan doesn’t work completely. Jimmy survives but the amor is practically melted. Meanwhile, Bob meets with the Aladdin agent, James Alexander, who uses Bob’s notes to beef up their own prototype-style armor. Ultratech sends an assassin who can kill with a touch and turn invisible, an attempt at creating a biological prototype. Unfamiliar with his new armor it at best protects Bob from her touch, but Alexander is poisoned and Bob has to rush him to the hospital. Bact at Ultratech, Leland provides Jimmy with a new Prototype armor with some enhancements, but Jimmy isn’t happy with the one that tingles his pleasure centers, not wanting to become a virtual druggie. That’s when an old enemy of Bob’s named Arena shows up.

What they got right: For a moment there I was worried Arena was a villain we were supposed to remember. I kind of like the design of the Aladdin Prototype (for lack of a new codename). It was also nice to see how Jimmy got back to Earth, and maybe he’s starting to realize his boss may not have his best interests in mind, even if he doesn’t know just how low a scumbag Leland is. We also learn Jimmy is a “natural Ultra”, whatever that means.

What they got wrong: Not really any complaints, outside of having to look up Alexander’s name elsewhere.

What I think overall: This has been an interesting series thus far. The reading order I’m using, the one that keeps putting Prime on the back burner, must want me to finish this story because it wants the next two issues read as well. Personally I still wish I had a list that simply gave me the release order but I do want to see where this story goes.