Product Code Database
Marlo Chandler is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Peter David, she first appeared in The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #347 (September 1988) and became an ongoing supporting character, (2025). 9781465478900, DK Publishing. ISBN 9781465478900 first in the above mentioned book and later in the Captain Marvel series published between 1999 – 2004. She is married to Rick Jones (a perennial sidekick to the Hulk) and was a best friend to Betty Ross, the wife of Hulk's alter ego Bruce Banner. Marlo is also depicted as the human host of Lady Death.
In keeping with her introduction during a storyline in which the Hulk was involved with organized crime, Marlo's name combines the surnames of fictional detective Philip Marlowe (with the spelling changed to Marlo, a top-1000 name for girls born in the 1960s and 1970s) and his creator Raymond Chandler.
As the comic book progresses, Marlo makes an appearance as the girlfriend of Rick Jones, who is Hulk's sidekick and best friend to the Hulk's alter ego Bruce Banner. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #375. Marvel Comics. She had met Rick while he was on a book tour promoting his memoir, Sidekick. It is only when Rick, not knowing of Marlo's previous relationship with the Hulk, introduces her to Banner and Betty Banner, that Marlo discovers that Joe Fixit was really the Hulk, and that Banner is not merely Fixit's friend but his alter ego. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #376. Marvel Comics.
Shortly after this introduction, Doc Samson integrates the three personalities of the Hulk (green, gray, and Banner), resulting in a being that possesses a Hulk body with Banner's intelligence. When Betty expresses skepticism of a continued relationship with this new version of her husband, she moves in with Marlo, with whom she becomes best friends. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #381. Marvel Comics.
Marlo is stabbed to death by Jackie Shorr, a deranged woman who claims to be Rick's biological mother. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #398 Rick eventually revives Marlo using the technology of the Leader. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #400 She does not come back all the way at first, and spends some time in a near vegetative state, only snapping out of it and regaining some form of consciousness when her brothers try to issue a court order to take her into care. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #406
Rick and Marlo marry, although the wedding is nearly called off. At his bachelor party, Rick discovers a soft porn film that featured Marlo stripping nude at the beach, which was one of several such films she appeared in just after she had finished high school, The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #417 but the couple reconciles thanks to the Hulk's intervention. Every supervillain from Kree to Mephisto appears at their wedding, due to the machinations of the Impossible Man. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #418 The two even become famous while hosting a successful talk show called Keeping up with the Joneses. During this time, they make occasional appearances in the Hulk series; Marlo and Betty Ross become close friends and live together for a while until Betty's death. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #467
Marlo and Rick separate for a time, and she occupies herself with running the couple's Los Angeles-area comic book store. Captain Marvel (vol. 3) #2 She and Rick reunite shortly after he is bonded with Genis-Vell, the son of the original Captain Marvel. Captain Marvel (vol. 3) #6 Soon after, Marlo is menaced by the Wendigo, a cannibalistic monster. She is saved by the Hulk. Captain Marvel (vol. 3) #3 During the Captain Marvel series, Marlo becomes possessed by the personification of Death. The large amount of cosmic powers leave her with a literal death wish, which manifests itself as reality changing to suit her desires. Captain Marvel (vol. 3) #31 Later, after coming to understand the situation, this talent goes away when she wishes for it to be gone. Captain Marvel (vol. 4) #25 The comic store itself often had stories featuring real-life incidents happening to Marlo and Rick. Marlo spends much of the time annoyed by a chain-smoking, female ghost only she can see and hear. This is the spirit of the girl killed during the Wendigo debacle. Marlo plays a major role in the Captain Marvel series.
At one point she develops an attraction for the superheroine Moondragon which surprises the pair. At first both were unsure of what to do and before they can explore the possibility Marlo is whisked away by her husband. Captain Marvel (vol. 3) #35 When the truth eventually comes out Rick stands aside to let Marlo and Heather figure out their feelings. After some time passes Marlo and Heather break up when Marlo realizes that whatever feelings she had, they are stronger towards Rick. Heather, brokenheartedly, states she must have subconsciously used her telepathy to enamor Marlo. This is not true, just Heather trying to make the split easier for Marlo. Captain Marvel (vol. 4) #24
As the Captain Marvel series ended, Rick, now separated from Captain Marvel, and Marlo are last seen happily in love and giving their marriage a second chance.
Marlo goes missing for some time and is revealed to have been kidnapped by the Leader. She was turned into a new version of the Harpy by the Leader. After telepathically manipulating her, the Leader sends her to battle Bruce Banner and Skaar. Afterwards when she recognizes Rick in his A-Bomb form, she returns to normal and reunites with Rick. The Incredible Hulk (vol. 2) #604
During the World War Hulks storyline, she as Harpy helps A-Bomb fight Ulik after averting a disaster on the train tracks he destroyed. When Ulik starts to choke Marlo, she is saved by A-Bomb who defeats Ulik. World War Hulks #1
During the Chaos War storyline, Doctor Strange reveals to the Hulk and his allies that Marlo is now a crucial factor in the war. Due to her time as a host of Death, Marlo could serve as a "Death substitute" if she is discovered which would result in everyone currently merely immobilized by Hell being killed by the hellfire. The Incredible Hulks #618 Marlo uses her connection to Death to bring Doc Samson, Jarella, Hiroim, and Rebecca Banner back from the dead to help the Hulks in their fight against a resurrected Abomination, a Zom-possessed Doctor Strange, and the forces of Amatsu-Mikaboshi. The Incredible Hulks #619 Marlo later uses her connection to Death to free Strange from Zom and send Abomination back to the afterlife. The Incredible Hulks #620
Marlo apparently reappears in Las Vegas some years later. Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #6 to talk with Ben Reilly, the clone of Spider-Man, recently brought back to life and having spent time acting as the new Jackal, but it is soon revealed that this is actually Death, using Marlo's body to talk with Reilly due to their prior bond. Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #7
For a time, Marlo possesses a "death wish" power after her time serving as host to the cosmic being known as Death, which results in her being able to unconsciously shape reality when she makes wishes, although this power only works if she is not consciously trying to use it. She eventually erases this power after she wishes that she no longer had it. It has been revealed the connection with Death can be rekindled under extreme circumstances, allowing her to access the powers of the cosmic being Mistress Death herself.
As the Harpy, Marlo has superhuman strength and durability as well as the ability to fly and fire energy bolts from her hands.
In Ruins, Marlo Chandler appears as a morphine addict living with Rick Jones who has gotten cancer from the gamma blast.
|
|
