The Crimson Gem of Stilt-orak!
All that weird mystical joojoo stuff has passed. The Avengers, those glory-hounds, have saved the day again.
Wilbur Day, better known to the world as the feared Stilt-Man, steps out of his cockroach-infested apartment.
Alright, so Stilt-Man wasn't feared. But it was just a case of bad luck! He fought Thor once!
He'll be more feared someday. Other criminals will respect him. Heroes will fear him. He'll get there eventually. Dr. Doom will give him respect someday. He's sure of it.
He just needs a lucky break.
As he passes the nearby alleyway, something glints from the darkness. Something red. His eyes narrow, and he checks to make sure no one is watching him. He slips into the alley to investigate.
There, behind a wooden pallet... is a red gem. Words sparkle on the gem, carved into its depths.
Wilbur's eyes grow wide at the size of the incredible ruby before him. He reaches out to take hold of the gem, not caring about what words are inscribed on the gem.
Whosoever touches this gem shall possess the power of the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak! Henceforth, you who read these words, shall become forevermore a human juggernaut!
As he wraps his hand around the gem, his body begins to shift.
Metal plating begins to appear around him. Directed by his mind, the plates take on a familiar shape... forming a powerful white frame. His muscles ripple and grow. And his legs?
His legs begin to extend...
Finally, he catches his breath, leaning against the side of the building... before he notices that he's leaning against the top edge of the ten story apartment building.
Somehow, he thinks, ...this gem gave me my Stilt-Man suit! Only...
He looks down at his now-massive arms and chest, the gem embedded within his suit's solar plexus. ...it made me stronger, too! And this material... this is better than that adamatium suit I once had!
He smiles. "This is just the break I've been looking for! Forget Thor... With power like this, I'm done with small potatoes. People will respect me once I've defeated Silver Surfer!"
He looks back down the street at his apartment. "But before I do that... I really should get a better place to live." If he knocks over a few jewelry stores, that'll give him plenty of cash. That'll be a good place to start.
He begins to stride down the street, his stilt-like legs allowing him to go blocks in a single step. Time to do a little shopping.
Wilbur Day, better known to the world as the feared Stilt-Man, steps out of his cockroach-infested apartment.
Alright, so Stilt-Man wasn't feared. But it was just a case of bad luck! He fought Thor once!
He'll be more feared someday. Other criminals will respect him. Heroes will fear him. He'll get there eventually. Dr. Doom will give him respect someday. He's sure of it.
He just needs a lucky break.
As he passes the nearby alleyway, something glints from the darkness. Something red. His eyes narrow, and he checks to make sure no one is watching him. He slips into the alley to investigate.
There, behind a wooden pallet... is a red gem. Words sparkle on the gem, carved into its depths.
Wilbur's eyes grow wide at the size of the incredible ruby before him. He reaches out to take hold of the gem, not caring about what words are inscribed on the gem.
Whosoever touches this gem shall possess the power of the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak! Henceforth, you who read these words, shall become forevermore a human juggernaut!
As he wraps his hand around the gem, his body begins to shift.
Metal plating begins to appear around him. Directed by his mind, the plates take on a familiar shape... forming a powerful white frame. His muscles ripple and grow. And his legs?
His legs begin to extend...
Finally, he catches his breath, leaning against the side of the building... before he notices that he's leaning against the top edge of the ten story apartment building.
Somehow, he thinks, ...this gem gave me my Stilt-Man suit! Only...
He looks down at his now-massive arms and chest, the gem embedded within his suit's solar plexus. ...it made me stronger, too! And this material... this is better than that adamatium suit I once had!
He smiles. "This is just the break I've been looking for! Forget Thor... With power like this, I'm done with small potatoes. People will respect me once I've defeated Silver Surfer!"
He looks back down the street at his apartment. "But before I do that... I really should get a better place to live." If he knocks over a few jewelry stores, that'll give him plenty of cash. That'll be a good place to start.
He begins to stride down the street, his stilt-like legs allowing him to go blocks in a single step. Time to do a little shopping.