Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers

Is this 'in continuity'?

This works as both in continuity and as a joke - it can be read at both levels! But to be technical, it's part of the regular Marvel line, and is not Marvel Adventures or some other 'what if.'

What about the Infinity gems?

According to a recent story, the Illuminati (including Reed and Bolt) recently gained control of the gems. But in this story, Reed and Black Bolt are trying to find them. So either this story happened first, or the Illuminati Black Bolt is a skrull (hence the real BB is still unaware of the gems), or one of the two stories is not 'in continuity.'

So is it in continuity or not?

Pet Avengers issue 4 features Barack Obama, so this is firmly set in Real Time. Real Time is a good indicator of the Marvel Universe (because the original classics were in real time, the definitive stories since then have been in real time, and the alternative, Marvel Time, destroys the Marvel universe.)

So if we had to choose between Illuminati and Pet Avengers, then Pet Avengers has a greater claim to being in continuity.

Summary

There's a running joke in all Lockjaw stories: Lockjaw is treated as being stupid, yet his actions show him to be a lot smarter and more capable than his accusers. And he's fine with that. He just enjoys life, and has a lot more fun than they do!

And that's Pet Avengers in a nutshell.

Lockjaw has a stronger will than the humans:

The story begins with Reed Richards warning that a strong will is the key to controlling the infinity gems. He fears the danger that can occur if they are held by people with weak wills. Enter Lockjaw: Lockjaw controls the gems, and they do not corrupt him, he does whatever he wants, and nobody is in any danger.

Contrast this with what happens in all previous Infinity Gem stories: when humans (or human-like beings) get hold of the gems, chaos and danger result!

So according to Reed Richards' logic, Lockjaw has the strongest will. The joke of course is that Richards and the Inhumans assume that Lockjaw is the weak one.

This is a universal truth, not just in comics: the ones who understand the least always think they understand the most. And the ones who really have it together are condemned as being simple. It was ever thus!

Reed completely misunderstands the situation

To underline the joke (that Reed is completely wrong yet cannot see it), Reed states that the gems are unmistakable. He then comes within inches of a gem, its holder literally jumps on him to tell him that he has it, and Reed doesn't notice!

And so we begin a typical Lockjaw adventure: the pompous humans are ineffective (and dangerous when they get any power), so Lockjaw needs to save the universe on his own. Which he does, effortlessly, while having fun.

Lockjaw is more capable than Reed Richards

The adventure really begins at the top of page three, where we first meet Lockjaw. In the previous pages we have seen that Reed Richards, the world's smartest man, with almost unlimited technology and contacts with earth's mightiest heroes, comes to the moon to find the infinity gems. And despite his best efforts, he fails.

But as soon as Reed states the problem, in the exact same frame (top of page 3), Lockjaw hears him, understands the problem, and goes straight to the gems!

Lockjaw makes everyone else look stupid. And that's why they can never admit his intelligence.

Lockjaw saves the universe - again!

Clearly Lockjaw understands the cosmic threat, and he assembles a team to solve the problem. In the remaining issues he no doubt discovers the gems and ensures they are more securely hidden than before. Once again, Liockjaw saves the universe while the humans and inhumans stand around helpless and confused.

Lockjaw: the most powerful being in the universe?

Note that the greatest powers in the universe have tried to control the gems, and have failed. But Lockjaw does it with ease. His is a different kind of power.

Lockjaw makes everyone's life better

Lockjaw doesn't limit himself to merely saving the universe. Oh no, that would be too easy. Where's the challenge? Lockjaw also changes lives, and makes new friends wherever he goes. The rest of the issue shows how...

* Lockjaw takes a super-frog with low ambition and shows him that he can save the world.

* Lockjaw takes a lonely and depressed dragon and gives him real friends.

* Lockjaw takes a bitter and unfriendly cat and forces him to make friends with his greatest enemy.

* Lockjaw takes a pampered idiot of a dog and turns him into a hero.

Ansd in all this, Lockjaw naturally takes control, and a great time is had by all!

TO BE CONTINUED!