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ELIJAH SNOW Snow is the character we met first, and for all intents and purposes, the main character. He's also the one we know the most about -- which isn't saying much, since in fact we know very little. However, there have yet to be any scenes featuring Planetary characters which don't include him; Jakita Wagner and the Drummer haven't had any conversations out of his presence that we've been witness to. We've gotten to see his thoughts, his private estimation of the other characters; the end of Issue #4 leaps to mind. Nine issues in and there hasn't been one panel of the other two that hasn't come from his perspective, unless you count the flashback tale in Issue #9 -- which, presumably, is being told to Snow. He is our window on Planetary, and consequently the character we identify with, sympathize with, and trust. This of course may be a mistake, for as the end of #6 indicates, Snow too has some secrets, possibly even from himself, and possibly extremely dark. For some unknown reason he dropped off the face of the earth before being tracked down by Planetary. Why? As another character says: "Who knows the secret history of Elijah Snow? What are your teammates not telling you?" In the end, we may not like what we find out. His powers include control over temperatures, notably heat subtraction and ability to generate extreme winter-like conditions...which are not necessarily the same thing, although the effect is. If he has other powers, we've yet to see them, although enhanced strength is a possibility. (Issue #6)Characteristics: Cold (in more ways than one), bitter, humorless -- at least regarding the jokes of others. Not above a dry witticism himself. The Drummer calls him a cranky son of a bitch and gets no argument. Paranoid, but as has been said, it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you. Evidently a man of high morals, at least at present, he deeply admires Doc Brass, deeply loathes the sort of evil presented by The Four, is vaguely disgusted with the irreverent Drummer and uncertain about Wagner ("You're never what I expect, Jakita."), alternately annoyed and impressed by her. He's curious -- suspicious -- about Planetary and the Fourth Man, their goals, and their interest in him. The man gives off a strong sense that he would do the right thing at all costs. Random:
Born on January 1st, 1900. Knew Jenny Sparks (Stormwatch and The Authority) and John Cumberland ("The High"). Wears all white, as did his predecessor in Planetary. (Crazy thought: Does Snow's hidden past include previously being a member of Planetary?)
JAKITA WAGNER Wagner, who Ellis compared in his original pitch to The Avengers' Emma Peel, is one tough woman. Strength, blinding super-speed, and near invulnerability to physical harm -- all of these "Superman"-like qualities make the black leather-clad Wagner the team's powerhouse. She's not invulnerable, though, as nerve gas had her skittering to an alarmed halt (Issue #2), and in #6 she runs into some stronger and quicker than even her. It's not clear yet if bullets can harm her, but she's clearly more powerful than a speeding car (#3) or a trio of giant, radioactive ants (#8). William Leather (#6) respects her strength too: "Ask her about Broken Earth-A."Characteristics: Her Issue #1 line to Snow says it all: "I get bored easily. Planetary keeps me from getting bored." Clearly a very passionate individual, a thrill-seeker, a lover of danger and excitement (Issue #8), wonder (#2, #4), and at least one dangerous man, Jack Carter (#7). Fiercely loyal, too, judging by her reaction to the fate of the previous Third Man (#9). All this despite her outward appearance of cool, tough warrior. As Snow says, she surprises even him. Random:
Joined Planetary four years before Snow. Has one romantic relationship we know of, with the roguish Carter. Another is hinted at in the closing pages of Issue #9. Joined Planetary for the thrill of it, a fact we see evidence of written all over her face in virtually every issue. May or may not have drop-kicked someone or something across the Grand Canyon. Tenderly refers to The Drummer on various occasions as "crazy," "mentally ill," and "our monkey." Okay, I said it: She looks great in leather.
THE DRUMMER First name "The," second name "Drummer." May very well be crazy, although he disputes it. His talent is talking to machines -- getting information from them, and making them do what he says. No matter how big or how small, he can make it do what he wants. Carries a pair of drumsticks around; it's unclear whether he needs them or not. No other apparent powers except to annoy his fellow members of Planetary with his irreverence. A wiseguy with a good joke every now and then, and not so annoying that either Jakita ("I'll stomp you til you're faxable") or Elijah have carried out any of their threats as of yet. Probably just joking when he says (#2) "You'll regret being so damn abusive when the electric UFO gods transphase in from Dimension 10 to appoint me manager of the universe." Characteristics: Occasionally careless with his powers (#3) and with large alien objects (#4). All that being said, though, he can be deadly serious and straightforward when the situation calls for it (#6). Definitely the character we know the least about up to this point; hence his relatively short bio. Sorry. Random: A playful spirit (#2), but not without scars; one of his few field missions involved the sad fate of the previous Third Man.
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