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Warning: Contains spoilers for One World Under Doom #3!!
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest Joker fan around. I tend to lean toward the idea that the Clown Prince of Crime is overplayed and overused, but Marvel’s flamboyant villain, Arcade, is a different story. He’s the closest answer to the Joker within that particular universe, and one moment with the Avengers has officially made me a fan.
One World Under Doom #3 saw several villains, including the eccentric Murderworld specialist, Arcade,aligning with the Avengers to take on Emperor Doom. Things are, unsurprisingly, tense as soon as they arrive at the Impossible City, but I think Arcade managed to steal the show immediately.
Not only did he essentially call the Avengers useless in stopping Doom on their own, but he showed no qualms about mouthing off to Thor. He wasted no time naming the Asgardian the “God of Thunder and God of Cowardice,” and I can’t help but tip my hat to the sheer audacity that takes.
Arcade’s Bold Taunt to Thor Proves He’s More Dangerous Than Ever
One World Under Doom #3 by Writer Ryan North, Artist R.B. Silva, Colorist David Curiel, and Letterer Travis Lanham
Arcade is far from new blood in the Marvel Universe. He’s been around for a long time, and I’ve watched him become a thorn in the side of plenty of heroes, including an ongoing feud with Wolverine. Even with his history of boldness, though, insulting Thor in the middle of the Avengers base is a different level of impressive. The confidence Arcade displays is further reminiscent of Joker, who rarely allows himself to seem out of his depth. There’s typically an answer or quip at the ready for everything, and the moment with Thor proves that Arcade is much the same.
In a one-to-one match, I’d never claim that Arcade could actually take down Thor. Although he’s a contract killer in his own right, his true strengths come from the ability to prepare for fights well in advance. Again, much like Joker, he causes the most damage when he’s had time to concoct an elaborate plan that his opponent won’t see coming or can’t stop before he puts it into action. That sort of attack isn’t going to happen right in front of the God of Thunder, but Arcade’s sheer confidence that he can get away with direct insults still left me impressed.
Arcade Proves He’s Marvel’s Answer to Joker’s Unmatched Threat Level
Murderworld Makes Arcade a Danger Even the Strongest Heroes Can’t Ignore
One of Joker’s most iconic qualities, at least as far as I’m concerned, is his uncanny ability to be a threat to characters that would easily defeat him on paper. Not only has he caused devastation across Gotham City, but he’s consistently brought incredible amounts of pain and grief down on Batman and most of his allies, even managing to come out ahead of Superman himself. It should be unbelievable, yet it’s happened so many times that it’s hard to be surprised anymore. I see the same ability in Arcade, who has achieved feats against many heroes stronger than him.
Arcade’s primary vehicle for violence is his so-called “Murderworlds,” which are essentially a series of traps tailored to a target. These can be incredibly expansive, like his Avengers Arena setup that pulled in sixteen young heroes to compete in Hunger Games-style fights to the death, or more personalized like his repeated attacks against Wolverine. Not only has he managed to subdue some of Marvel’s most powerful characters in what amounts to his personal funhouse (something I think even Joker would envy, or at least delight in), but he often walks away unscathed or bounces back for future terror.
Arcade Deserves a Bigger Role in Marvel’s Villain Lineup
Marvel’s Joker? Arcade Proves He’s Ready for the Spotlight
Given his fairly long history of villainy and success, I think Arcade’s confrontation with Thor and his subsequent role in facing Doom show that he’s ready to take on a bigger role in the Marvel Universe. Not only does he have a proven track record, but he also brings a flair for the dramatic and creativity that can be personalized and tailored to whoever he’s set his sights on. That kind of versatility is a rare find, and combining it with his sharp tongue has made him a winner in my book, and I absolutely want to see more.
The qualities that seem played out with Joker are, instead, refreshing with Arcade. Marvel needs an injection of whimsy with their villains, and Arcade doesn’t hide behind the facade of a cackling madman. He’s openly calculated and takes pride in the Murderworlds he comes up with, and he’s willing to make heroes and fellow rogues alike fight for survival within them, if needed. Although I’ve enjoyed his past appearances, I didn’t give them much thought. I’m officially paying attention now, and Arcade mocking Thor has converted me into a fan, hoping Marvel gives me more of its own personal Joker.
One World Under Doom #3 is available now from Marvel Comics.
“}]] Joker has some real competition in the Marvel Universe. Read More