Difference between revisions of "Steeljack"

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{{Character infobox2
 
{{Character infobox2
 
|image        = file:steelJack.jpg
 
|image        = file:steelJack.jpg
 +
|imagewidth = 300
 
|status        = Retired  
 
|status        = Retired  
 
|realname      = Carl Donewicz
 
|realname      = Carl Donewicz
−
|debut        = {{KBAC2}} [[2:14|#14]]
+
|debut        =  
−
|earliest    = Mid-1960s
+
|earliest    =  
 +
1948 (as young child with mom)
 +
Mid-1960s (as Steel Jacketed Man)
 
|origin        = {{KBAC2}} #14
 
|origin        = {{KBAC2}} #14
 
|affiliation  = The [[Terrifying Three]]
 
|affiliation  = The [[Terrifying Three]]
−
|baseops      = Astro City in the Kiefer Square area
+
|baseops      = The [[Kiefer Square]] Neighborhood, Astro City
 
|rangeops      =  
 
|rangeops      =  
 
|relatives    =  
 
|relatives    =  
−
|aliases      = The Steel Jacketed Man
+
|aliases      = Originally went by the name of "The Steel Jacketed Man"
 
|occupation    =  
 
|occupation    =  
−
|birthdate    = early to mid 1940s
+
|birthdate    = (estimate) 1940
 
|maritalstatus =  
 
|maritalstatus =  
 
|height        =  6'4"
 
|height        =  6'4"
−
|weight        =  800 lbs
+
|weight        =  850 lbs
 
|eyes          = silver
 
|eyes          = silver
 
|hair          = silver  
 
|hair          = silver  
  
 
|headlines=
 
|headlines=
−
|appearances  = {{KBAC2}} [[2:14|#14]], [[2:15|15]], [[2:16|16]], [[2:17|17]], [[2:18|18]], [[2:19|19]], [[2:20|20]]<Br>
+
|appearances  = {{KBAC2}} [[{{KBAC2}} No.14|#14]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.15|15]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.16|16]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.17|17]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.18|18]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.19|19]], [[{{KBAC2}} No.20|20]]<Br>
 +
{{AC}} #32, 33, 34 <Br>
 
    
 
    
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Character page
 
{{Character page
 +
|intro =
 +
''"I've been running all my life, but I'm still in the same place."''
  
 
|history =
 
|history =
  
−
Carl "Carlie" Donewicz was a young boy growing up in the Kiefer Square section of Astro City when he started to run with gangs. You had to in that part of town, or you ended up in a world of hurt. Carl wanted out, and studied as best he could in order to make it happen, but things got complicated.  He had minor gang association with the [[Skullcrushers (street gang)|Skullcrushers]], and when it came to learning, well, he struggled.
+
=== Hard Times On Kiefer Square ===
 +
Carl "Carlie" Donewicz was a young boy growing up in the Kiefer Square section of Astro City when he started to run with gangs. You had to in that part of town, or you ended up in a world of hurt. Carl wanted out, and studied as best he could in order to make it happen, but things got complicated.  He had minor gang association with the [[Skullcrushers (Street Gang)|Skullcrushers]], and when it came to learning, well, he struggled.
  
−
After a fight in which he killed a boy, Carl went a little crazy, committing an assortment of violent crimes. At this point, he heard about [[Dr. Norton Ganss]], who could turn people into superhuman beings, and somehow, managed to arrange an appointment to discuss potential opportunities. After being told he was acceptable, Carl was placed in a tank, and emerged as the "Steel-Jacketed Man." Trying to pay back Ganss (and [[Donnelly Ferguson]], who had gotten him the appointment in the first place), Carl entered into the world of the "black masks" (a.k.a. "super villains").
+
After a fight in which he inadvertently killed a rival gang member, Carl went a little crazy, committing an assortment of violent crimes. In desperation he turned to [[Dr. Norton Ganss]], a scientist who could chemically enhance human physiology, giving people superhuman powers. Somehow, Carl managed to arrange an appointment to discuss potential opportunities. After being told he was acceptable, Carl was immersed in a tank filled with an assortment of liquids. When he emerged, his body chemistry was altered. The most noticeable, his skin  was transformed into a metallic material that provided armor protection and made him near invulnerable to harm.  He took the name "Steel-Jacketed Man" and Carl entered into the world of the "black masks" (a.k.a. "super villains").
  
−
In the early or mid 1960s, he was part of the [[Terrifying Three]] with [[Cutlass]] and the first [[Quarrel I|Quarrel]], though the partnership didn't last long.  
+
=== Time For a Team Up ===
 +
[[Image:Terrifying3c.jpg|380px|center]]
 +
In the early or mid 1960s, he was part of the [[Terrifying Three]] with [[Cutlass]] and the first [[Quarrel I|Quarrel]] as team mates. This partnership didn't last long.  
  
−
Although he had some moderate success, Carl ended up in and out of prison, spending over twenty years in the Biro Island Correctional Facility. He was released in 1998 and vowed  to "go straight" and never return. This proved to be difficult due to his well-known reputation and distinctive likeness.
+
=== The Jail Bird Years ===
 +
Although he had some moderate solo success as a criminal, Carl ended up in and out of prison, spending over twenty years in the Biro Island Correctional Facility. When he was released in 1998 he vowed  to "go straight" and never return. This proved to be difficult due to his well-known reputation and distinctive likeness. Finding work was hard, especially when the system itself had rules that made moving on very difficult.
  
−
At the time he was released in the fall of 1998, there was a string of "Black Mask" killings going on in and near his old haunting grounds of Kiefer Square. The residents of the square with the broker Ferguson aiding them, hired him to investigate who was behind the series of brutal killings of their own. They reasoned with that Steeljack would be harder to hurt and therefore able to find out more information. Even though he didn't have much of a clue on what to do, Steeljack accepted their offer(knowing it was also breaking his parole agreement) to try and help out his fellow residents, as well try to for some kind of redemption for his past mistakes.
+
=== The Tangled Trail to Redemption ===
 +
Jack had a rough path and a lot of bad reputation to live down in order to make good on his vows. He bumped into a lot of friends, old and new, that wanted to exploit him for his skills, or take advantage of his situation.  No one, believed him, not even [[Samaritan]].
  
−
After starting his investigation, by interviewing the loved ones of the recently killed black masks, he was shocked to hear the same old stories over and over. "One big score and we'd be out," he'd hear and the realization of it all just made him sad.  
+
[[image:WatchingYou2.jpg|450px|center]]
  
−
The [[Goldenglove II|daughter]] of [[Goldenglove (original)|Goldenglove]] sought out Steeljack, insisting upon him helping her start a career as a cat-burglar with her fathers old power gloves. Steeljack tried talking sense into her telling her the small time crime racket was no way to get out of the Square. Again, she would hear none of it, thinking her youth and way of thinking was different and that she wouldn't wind up a loser in her fifties. Again, this hit Steeljack close to home as he heard a lot of himself in her.  
+
This distrust left him little choice but to turn to an old criminal colleague, [[Donnelly Ferguson]], known to many as the '''Broker'''. He could cut deals, and find work for any that weren't afraid to bend the laws, even break them for money. There was a string of "Black Mask" killings going on in and near Kiefer Square. The residents were getting nervous and anxieties ran high.  They needed help, but given the neighborhood, and the people involved, the official channels weren't doing much.  So they cut a deal, Steeljack needed the work, Kiefer Square needed a hero, and Donnelly could make a profit.
  
−
After a few days, he still found himself getting nowhere and the feeling of being a loser prevalent. Ferguson decided to take him for a drive, up to [[Patterson Heights]] and an old worn down mansion home to an older Hispanic man. After a little prodding from Ferguson, the man started introduced himself as Esteban Rodrigo Suarez Hidalgo, better known as [[El Hombre]]. Hidalgo, told his tale of a life in wealth and the boredom and the need for becoming El Hombre. And he also told of his downfall, in hiring the [[Assemblyman (villain)|Assemblyman]] to build a dangerous robot that only El Hombre could stop and wound up getting double crossed by the villain.  
+
Steeljack followed several twisted paths to find the killer. Some led nowhere, one was completely wrong, but the investigation dug up a lot of history about Astro City's past, including some juicy gossip about a couple of legendary Honor Guard members. Along the way we met a lot of new characters, some with [[Mock Turtle|dreams of finding Wonderland]], others wanting out, [[Goldenglove II|desperately]]. Eventually the hideous motivation for the killings was unraveled. A full synopsis of Jack's Hero-quest is detailed in [[The Conquistador's Plot]].
  
−
Ferguson wanted to shore Carl that it wasn't always the lowly thieves and black masks who made mistakes and tried to make atonements for their past sins. Even heroes who had it all can become tarnished angels.
 
  
−
Soon, the [[Mock Turtle]] came flying into the Square with the [[Red Queen]]'s [[Red Queen's Men|troops]] in the [[Chessmen]] armor in hot pursuit. Steeljack naturally, helped him to safety, while gathering all hands on deck to set up an ambush. After soundly defeating the armored criminals, everything showered Carl with praises, as they figured he stumbled on whoever was gunning them all down. <br>
+
=== A Jack of All Trades ===
−
Sadly, Steeljack and everyone else was wrong, as a few weeks later the Mock Turtle, was found murdered like the others after having been hired. This led to total doubt and the feelings of a failure stuck with Carl. It reached the point where he had to reach out to Ferguson, to help him secure a job for both money and continuing his investigation.  
+
Cut to nearly twenty years later. Steeljack is pretty much making good on his desire to stay clean.  He is still tending the cemetery, but that seems to be one of several side jobs. He also does heavy-lifting work for the city, which includes doing salvage operations on the bottom of the Gaines River. But his major focus, no doubt influenced by his experience solving the Kiefer Square murder mystery, is running a detective agency.  His investigation skills are lacking, but he gets bail-jumper work, and other jobs requiring somebody strong and tough.  His most dangerous case is on going and it involves Cutlass. She was a romantic interest, but the breakup included cutting open his chest and leaving him for dead or the police, whichever came first. Now he's trying to clear her name.  It's a complex relationship.
  
−
Steeljack was blinded and taken to the man hiring people, [[The Conquistador]]. Going over all his plans, of a nationwide disruption capturing the attention of heroes and [[E.A.G.L.E.]], while using the small time criminals to rob Astro City's banks, jewelery houses and other places, Steeljack seems to pick up who the Conquistador actually is, surmising him to be Hidalgo, but he couldn't put all of the pieces together. He started visiting Hidalgo's potential contacts, including [[Maria Alvarado]] and the [[Irregulars]], which led him to [[Bravo|Detective Ruiz]]. Ruiz didn't want to hear anything though, which led to Carl sinking back to the Square with downward spirits again.
+
[[Image:CutlassAndJack.jpg|450px|center]]
  
−
Upon returning he was confronted by [[Goldenglove]]'s wife, telling her that Ferguson set up Yolanda with a job and she begged Carl to stop her from completing it. Carl tracked her to South [[Kanewood]], where she was in the middle of the robbery and he tried talking her out of it. But some of the probes that the Conquistador had been using had been tracking the two of them and started opening fire, eventually leveling the house and by the time Carl dug himself out, he wound up surrounded and captured by police.
+
|powers =
−
 
+
'''Super strength'''
−
Ferguson came to his cell and Carl finally got him to admit, that he figured out mid way that it was Hidalgo hiring everyone and setting them up for a big fail. Ferguson was too scared to let everyone know the truth at this point fearing for his own life. Carl meanwhile was stuck in a quandary, realizing that he had to breakout or otherwise the [[Conquistador's Plot]] was going to go on unhinged.
 
−
 
 
−
After being apprehended, Donewicz managed to used his weight to break free of the helicopter taking him to [[Biro Island]]. After finding a safe house, he began making his way east through Kansas towards Chicago. He met with former mob contacts and agreed to take a job, but only for the use of high tech jet pack, which he planned to try and break into [[Honor Guard]]'s Headquarters.
 
−
 
 
−
While sounding like an incredibly insane thing, Donewicz's was only trying to warn them about upcoming plans of the Conquistador and who he really was and how he's trying to save lives.
 
−
 
 
−
Unfortunately once he makes it in and they hear him out, the group goes to Detective Ruiz and he doesn't corroborate Carl's story, which means Carl wound up back on his way to Biro Island once again. But once again Carl escapes, managing to overpower [[Quarrel II|Quarrel]] and force a crash landing and leaving him with the realization that he is the only one that can stop Hidalgo. 
 
−
 
 
−
By the next day, the plan was in full swing, with black masks performing robberies all across Astro City, while more powerful hired guns distracted the major heroes all across the country. Steeljack had arrived by biplane after arriving hundreds of miles of in Wyoming, discovering the pandemonium The Conquistador wanted, was working perfectly.  Putting his best detective skills to use, he remembered smelling sand and hearing seagulls, surmising that his base must be in or near the a major building near water, like the [[Wildenberg Center]]. This proved to be correct.
 
  
−
As Donewicz and the Conquistador met, Donewicz revealed that he knew that Hidalgo was behind the mask. Hidalgo here revealed his true plan, once the black masks started coming, he would emerge in a new identity, El Guerrero and capture all of the criminals when all of the other heroes couldn't. But the other part, was that there would be mysterious electrical charge which would "accidentally kill all of the villains, but would leave the insulated Hidalgo protected. It was then that Donewicz realized that Hidalgo was the black mask killer, and he was targeting anyone he thought was piecing together out too much information about his plans.
+
'''Steel skin''' His DNA has been chemically altered, allowing his skin to incorporate iron into it, converting it to steel in the process. Even by super-being standards, he is highly durable. Like regular human skin, the outer layers of his steel skin decays and dies over time to be replaced by new metallic cells. It does heal when injured, but it is showing sign of rusting as he ages. So far there is no sign of a cellular return to a more normal human-like composition, but to maintain his health, he is taking iron supplements.
  
−
Steeljack engaged in a physical battle with Hidalgo, seemingly losing the fight several times in the confrontation. Eventually though,  mustering enough power to finally crack the villian's armor, causing water to seeped in and shorted out Hidalgo's electrically powered plated sheilding.  
+
Supernatural creatures which are negatively affected by cold iron can be harmed by Steeljack's punches.
  
−
Exhausted, on the verge of passing out, Steeljack is vaguely is aware of several of Honor Guard's flying members, the "angels" arriving, to take control of the situation. They quickly and discretely wisk Hidalgo away and advise Steeljack to stay put, help is on the way..  
+
The metal in his skin makes using touchscreen interfaces difficult or impossible.
  
−
One of the first responsers was Detective Ruiz.  He brought Steeljack up-to-speed on what was happening along with some background details concerning Honor Guard investigating Carl's claims, but couldn't accept them without some kind of proof. Ruiz admitted his team came to the same conclusions, but by the time they felt comfortable taking action, it would have been too late to save the black masks. Ruiz also told Donewicz he would be probably be cleared of all charges once things got sorted out.
+
|observations =
 +
* Steeljack's physical appearance, facial features, body movement, is heavily influenced by the persona of actor [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Mitchum Robert Mitchum]. Mitchum played several film noir characters that are reflected in the personality and character chemistry of Carl Donewicz, '''the Steel Jacked Man'''.
 +
* His weight? It's a guess based on a comment made to Ismiri, i.e. Cutlass.  He claims to have weighed more earlier in his career.
  
−
The following Spring, most of the residents of Kiefer Square managed to forgive Carl for robbing of them of their big pay days, due to the fact that he kind of saved all of their lives. Donnelly Ferguson, fearing retaliation for his role in Hildago's plot, wheter active or passive,  fled the confines of Astro City. Carl settled down and took a meager role as caretaker of the Boneyard Cemetery. He provided him with minor funds for living, and the means to finally place an angel statuette upon the tombstone of his beloved mother.
+
* One final insightful observation directly from creator Kurt Busiek...  
−
 
−
|powers =
 
−
Steeljack is super-strong. His DNA has been chemically altered, making his body tissues incredibly resilient, behaving in a manner similar to high grade metallic steel. Even by super-being standards, he is highly durable. Like regular human skin, the outer layers of his steel skin decays and dies over time to be replace by new metallic cells.  It does heal when injured, but it is showing sign of rusting as he ages.  So far there is no sign of a cellar return to a more normal human-like composition. 
 
  
−
|footnotes=
+
''"He’s an ordinary guy wrapped in an extraordinary shell, but the “ordinary guy” shines through. He doesn’t have a mission, or a calling, he’s just getting by the best he can."''
−
The basis for Steeljack's physical appearance is heavily influenced by the physical appearance and emotional attitudes of actor [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Mitchum Robert Mitchum]. Mitchum played several film noir characters that shared many of the traits that make up the personality and basic character chemistry of Carl Donewicz, '''the Steel Jacked Man'''.
 
  
 +
== Issues of Interest ==
 +
{{steeljack-issues}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
[[Category: Villains]]
+
[[Category: Villains]][[Category: Heroes]]

Latest revision as of 19:28, 7 January 2022


Logo-slim.png
Sample.gif
Steeljack
SteelJack.jpg
© Juke Box Productions


AstroFacts


Status: Retired
Real Name: Carl Donewicz
Earliest Appearance: 1948 (as young child with mom)

Mid-1960s (as Steel Jacketed Man)

Origin: Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #14
Affiliation: The Terrifying Three
Base of Operations: The Kiefer Square Neighborhood, Astro City


Personal Data


Aliases: Originally went by the name of "The Steel Jacketed Man"
Date of Birth: (estimate) 1940
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 850 lbs
Eyes: silver
Hair: silver


InfoDump


Appearances (in Publication Order): Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Astro City #32, 33, 34


Event Timeline

1948     Flashback

Sample.gif




Steeljack

"I've been running all my life, but I'm still in the same place."

History

Hard Times On Kiefer Square

Carl "Carlie" Donewicz was a young boy growing up in the Kiefer Square section of Astro City when he started to run with gangs. You had to in that part of town, or you ended up in a world of hurt. Carl wanted out, and studied as best he could in order to make it happen, but things got complicated. He had minor gang association with the Skullcrushers, and when it came to learning, well, he struggled.

After a fight in which he inadvertently killed a rival gang member, Carl went a little crazy, committing an assortment of violent crimes. In desperation he turned to Dr. Norton Ganss, a scientist who could chemically enhance human physiology, giving people superhuman powers. Somehow, Carl managed to arrange an appointment to discuss potential opportunities. After being told he was acceptable, Carl was immersed in a tank filled with an assortment of liquids. When he emerged, his body chemistry was altered. The most noticeable, his skin was transformed into a metallic material that provided armor protection and made him near invulnerable to harm. He took the name "Steel-Jacketed Man" and Carl entered into the world of the "black masks" (a.k.a. "super villains").

Time For a Team Up

Terrifying3c.jpg

In the early or mid 1960s, he was part of the Terrifying Three with Cutlass and the first Quarrel as team mates. This partnership didn't last long.

The Jail Bird Years

Although he had some moderate solo success as a criminal, Carl ended up in and out of prison, spending over twenty years in the Biro Island Correctional Facility. When he was released in 1998 he vowed to "go straight" and never return. This proved to be difficult due to his well-known reputation and distinctive likeness. Finding work was hard, especially when the system itself had rules that made moving on very difficult.

The Tangled Trail to Redemption

Jack had a rough path and a lot of bad reputation to live down in order to make good on his vows. He bumped into a lot of friends, old and new, that wanted to exploit him for his skills, or take advantage of his situation. No one, believed him, not even Samaritan.

WatchingYou2.jpg

This distrust left him little choice but to turn to an old criminal colleague, Donnelly Ferguson, known to many as the Broker. He could cut deals, and find work for any that weren't afraid to bend the laws, even break them for money. There was a string of "Black Mask" killings going on in and near Kiefer Square. The residents were getting nervous and anxieties ran high. They needed help, but given the neighborhood, and the people involved, the official channels weren't doing much. So they cut a deal, Steeljack needed the work, Kiefer Square needed a hero, and Donnelly could make a profit.

Steeljack followed several twisted paths to find the killer. Some led nowhere, one was completely wrong, but the investigation dug up a lot of history about Astro City's past, including some juicy gossip about a couple of legendary Honor Guard members. Along the way we met a lot of new characters, some with dreams of finding Wonderland, others wanting out, desperately. Eventually the hideous motivation for the killings was unraveled. A full synopsis of Jack's Hero-quest is detailed in The Conquistador's Plot.


A Jack of All Trades

Cut to nearly twenty years later. Steeljack is pretty much making good on his desire to stay clean. He is still tending the cemetery, but that seems to be one of several side jobs. He also does heavy-lifting work for the city, which includes doing salvage operations on the bottom of the Gaines River. But his major focus, no doubt influenced by his experience solving the Kiefer Square murder mystery, is running a detective agency. His investigation skills are lacking, but he gets bail-jumper work, and other jobs requiring somebody strong and tough. His most dangerous case is on going and it involves Cutlass. She was a romantic interest, but the breakup included cutting open his chest and leaving him for dead or the police, whichever came first. Now he's trying to clear her name. It's a complex relationship.

CutlassAndJack.jpg

Powers

Super strength

Steel skin His DNA has been chemically altered, allowing his skin to incorporate iron into it, converting it to steel in the process. Even by super-being standards, he is highly durable. Like regular human skin, the outer layers of his steel skin decays and dies over time to be replaced by new metallic cells. It does heal when injured, but it is showing sign of rusting as he ages. So far there is no sign of a cellular return to a more normal human-like composition, but to maintain his health, he is taking iron supplements.

Supernatural creatures which are negatively affected by cold iron can be harmed by Steeljack's punches.

The metal in his skin makes using touchscreen interfaces difficult or impossible.

Observations

  • Steeljack's physical appearance, facial features, body movement, is heavily influenced by the persona of actor Robert Mitchum. Mitchum played several film noir characters that are reflected in the personality and character chemistry of Carl Donewicz, the Steel Jacked Man.
  • His weight? It's a guess based on a comment made to Ismiri, i.e. Cutlass. He claims to have weighed more earlier in his career.
  • One final insightful observation directly from creator Kurt Busiek...

"He’s an ordinary guy wrapped in an extraordinary shell, but the “ordinary guy” shines through. He doesn’t have a mission, or a calling, he’s just getting by the best he can."

Issues of Interest

Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #14 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #15 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #16 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #17 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #18
Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #19 Kurt Busiek's Astro City Vol.2 #20 Astro City #32 Astro City #33 Astro City #34





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