Marvel’s new series M.O.D.O.K offers a unique twist on the big-headed supervillain by casting him in an animated adult comedy. While he might not be a carbon copy of his comic book counterpart, M.O.D.O.K’s series offers up quite a healthy helping of fan service for those die-hard Marvel buffs out there.
The show is absolutely stuffed to the gills with references, Easter eggs, and even guest appearances by famous figures from both Marvel Comics and the MCU. It might take a couple of re-watchings to get them all, but true believers will be able to spot most of them with ease.
Iron Man’s Guest Appearance
Getting the most obvious out of the way, the series starts off with a bang as M.O.D.O.K does battle with Iron Man himself. Although not as suave and sophisticated as Robert Downey Jr.’s version, Jon Hamm’s interpretation does have a certain familiar swagger.
It’s just another day at the office for the man in the metal suit, but M.O.D.O.K handles it as any good supervillain should, with palpable rage, and over-the-top presentation. And yet Stark can’t afford to miss his favorite cooking show even for an epic battle.
Fin Fang Foom
Although the character Ventures dangerously close to ridiculousness, seeing the dreaded Fin Fang Foom serving up some chow at a restaurant somehow works. It’s not the most outlandish thing the character has ever done, and certainly not the last time he appears in the show.
That being said, Fin Fang Foom is a character that has yet to see an ideal representation in modern Marvel media. So, it’s nice to know the big green dragon hasn’t been forgotten.
Lucky Jim Howlett Lager
If the name “Lucky Jim Howlett” sounds familiar to any Marvel Buffs out there, it more than likely means they’re well-versed in the lives of the X-Men. While some might know him only as Logan, Lucky Jim Howlett was one of the identities given to the one and only Wolverine.
The name specifically refers to one of the alternate versions of Wolverine witnessed by Captain America in his WWII days, and the reference can be seen on a beer commercial M.O.D.O.K. catches on TV.
Arcade’s Arcade
Although it might seem a bit redundant, the idea of one of the X-Men’s most dangerous villains owning an actual arcade really isn’t that much of a stretch. Although the reference seen in the series’ first episode is greatly watered-down, there’s no reason it wouldn’t really exist.
Arcade is a villain obsessed with games, carnival rides, casinos, and of course video games, so why wouldn’t he have a fully functioning arcade? It might not be as infamous as Murder World, but the guy has to pay the bills somehow, right?
The Pym Particle Pill
Yet another easter egg reveals itself early on with one of M.O.D.O.K.’s schemes to win back control of his company. And it just so happens to involve a major plot device from the comics and the MCU, the Pym Particle.
Although M.O.D.O.K.’s particle pill is a far cry from the formula used in both the Ant-Man comics and movies, it’s still cool to see Pym’s work referenced, especially when it’s used for comedic effect.
Pure Pandemonium
Master Pandemonium is a curious being to say the very least, and seeing him anywhere other than an animated cartoon might be a bit of a longshot. With that in mind, it’s hard to fault the show for wanting to include him with the rest of its Madness.
Seeing him cast as a talk show host is one of the strangest moments in the series, but there’s no denying that Pandemonium melts into the role with little effort. Unfortunately, his choice of wardrobe isn’t nearly as spectacular as his original design.
Villains in the Soho Lair
This is where appearances and references start to really add up. M.OD.O.K. visits the Soho Lair where several of Marvel’s less-mainstream villains can be seen enjoying a couple of cold ones.
Included amongst the barflies are Mr. Sinister, Madame Masque, The Leader, and Kang the Conqueror. A place where famous villains hang out and unwind might be a tad on the tropey side, but it’s a great way to rack up some references.
A Vs. Capcom Reference
Marvel fans who grew up popping coins into cabinets might notice something familiar about an animation change while M.O.D.OK. and Monica duke it out. Suddenly, the two get a 16-bit makeover and slightly resemble characters in an old-school fighting game.
This more than likely references one of two things. Either this is supposed to be a reference to the popular Marvel Vs. Capcom series that got its start in the arcades, or one of the many Marvel-inspired beat-em-up titles that populated the consoles and cabinets of yesteryear.
The Asgard Episode
Fans of both the Thor movies and comics definitely lost their minds over the Asgard episode and those with a simple love for Norse gods definitely got a dose of fan service as well. The episode features a generous portion of the Viking pantheon.
There are special appearances by Balder, Ymir, and Valkyrie, even Ratatoskr shows up to get in on the action. Now if only a certain blonde God of Thunder could waltz right in.
The Pawn Shop
The scene in the pawn shop in episode four needs to be paused to be truly appreciated. There are several props and items used in various comics featured in the background, and true-blue Marvel fans will be able to recognize them instantly.
Amongst the various items for sale, fans will see Doctor Strange’s Wand of Watoomb, Dazzler’s Rollerskates, the Soul Sword, a BAMF doll, and even the remains of HERBIE the Robot, just to name a few. Stan Lee would certainly be proud.
