If we’ve done our job right, today’s post is not quite what you were expecting. I’ve been touting SF 500 for weeks now as a gigantic update–and it certainly is at quadruple the normal size–but the scope of the tale is actually quite intimate, not unlike SF 300 a couple years back. This is, simply, the one in which Captain Spectacular finds out. This is a moment we’ve been building to for a while, but it’s hardly the end of things. It’s not even the end of this chapter!
If you’re new to SuperFogeys or a casual reader, you might be wondering who that guy is in the last panel. Might I suggest clicking here? You’ll be glad you did.
There’s no question hitting 500 strips is a big freakin’ deal. Another reason SF 300 is special is that it marked the last time I produced the regular strip by myself. Since then, over the course of the past 200 strips, the incomparable Marc Lapierre has taken over art chores and done an incredible job keeping this ship not only running, but on time. I really was going to end it if I couldn’t find someone else. Luckily, I found the absolute perfect partner. Marc came in wanting to hew closely to my stylistic choices and then, over time, he made it his own. Now, when I think of SF, it’s his art style I picture. His contribution can’t be overstated. If you’ve been enjoying SF the past couple years, you have him to thank.
All that said… you may notice the art looks just a little bit different today. With an update this big, I wanted to help out in any way I could on the art. Marc pencilled today’s strip, but then I went ahead and inked it. What you’re seeing is a sort of amalgamation between our styles. I think it looks pretty cool, and hopefully it’s not too jarring. Marc is back in full force with the next strip, 501.
I want to thank you guys, too. Without your constant participation and interest, this simply would not be worth doing. From your comments to the support for the SuperFogeys Sourcebook & Adventure Game (coming soon!), you keep us going and you keep it interesting. I love it when you love the strip, and I love it when you hate it. Either way, I enjoy the conversation we share. Let’s keep it going!
Don’t forget–we’re taking a week off next week! I know this is a heckuva cliffhanger to leave you guys on, but Marc busted his butt to get this giant update done on time and needs to clear out some commission work and other things he fell behind on as a consequence. So, a reminder: next week is Fan Art Week! Send any and all fan art to me at bwhheasley (at) gmail (dot) com and I will run as much as I get all next week. Will anyone dare attempt old man Money Man? Will Zurida finally get her first fan art? Which version of Jerry do YOU want to draw? Whatever it is, I wanna see it!
SPECTACULAR (*wink nudget*) piece guys. Happy 500 to you, Brock… and 200 to Marc! Love the panel with just the zoom-in on captain’s face, well done.
I’m STILL so giddy that you both could work together!
Dawn, I still get a charge out of it, too. Thanks!
WHAAAT?!?!?! Is that the Money Man?! Holy cow!
And congrats on 500 strips!! Who’d've thunk it, huh?
Not me, that’s for sure. Sometimes I look at the SF Archive and it doesn’t even seem like something I did. It’s more like it just kind of happened. (Which, of course, totally sells short all the many, many hours I’ve put into this, but still…)
You’ve got talent in spades; don’t sell yourself short.
Also, a note for Marc: I love how Cap’s hair reflects his feelings. Like a doggy tail!
Well, I’ve been with Superfogeys since early on, and it just keeps getting better. I love seeing Money Man again! And the whole setup of this mega-update is awesome, even without any real intense reveals, it’s a great milestone and shows a lot about the characters.
Brock, a job well done for the last 500 strips, I expect 500 more and 500 after that! And Marc, your art has been great since you took over and really adds a new aspect to it.
I should say, no intense storyline reveals as far as the current events. Money Man being alive, that’s straight up crazy surprise.
I’m glad you mentioned Money Man–because I thought that was a pretty big reveal! Thanks for sticking with us all this time, Mike. You are truly one of the original SuperFans.
I always knew, I ALWAYS KNEW that if Money Man came back, he’d be sportin’ some major bling. The only fogey with undiminished powers, baby!
The Money Man never leaving home without his diamond topped cane. That should be a lesson in presentation to us all.
500!!!! This is so awesome!
And man. Poor Soviet Sam.
Sam? Why?
Remember Sam? The guy who curses himself every day for having KILLED Money Man?
He sounds familiar, I admit.
What the…
What…
Doctor Who put it best when he said, “What. What? What??”
(also, hooray for Sam?)
Wait, now it’s “hooray for Sam?” You guys are really confusing me today.
Sir! To be fair, you and Mr. Lapierre broke my fragile little mind! ‘snot my fault if my first coherent thought was “Good news for Sam!”
(Which you have now made me all paranoid about, blast it…)
Where was I? Oh yes.
…the WORLD is he doing with Zurida? Answer: Money Man’s real superpower is DIPLOMACY. First Spy Gal recruited, then her? I feel like Reagan, Churchill, Cicero, and Franklin would ALL find him a worthy adversary!
“DIPLOMACY.” That’s awesome.
So the money man isn’t dead? So…….soviet sam can get some inner peace and become the hero he’s been trying to become!
500 strips…
CONGRATS it’s been a LONG LONG time since i commented but WOW this was amazing!!!!
Always good to hear from you, drew! As for Sam… he’s not exactly in the room, but if you think we’re not gonna get his reaction to this at some point, you’re (dead) wrong.
Mind. Blown. Wife says you need to come over and clean the bits of my brain off the wall.
Congrats on 500. Much fan love to you and Marc for the past, present, and future doses of awesome.
Tell your wife I’m so sorry. Thanks, Greg!
Well done, both of you! Keep up the great work!
On the way to #1000!
Thanks, Aaron?
#1000? I can’t even fathom that.
Wat?
Also , still love the comic dude and Marc continues to amaze
Agreed!
Congrats on making 500!!
Also great family bonding moment in this strip.
Yet that ending… Did even Dr. Rocket knew about this twist ?
I can tell you right now… Dr. Rocket did NOT see this coming.
WOW….JUST WOW!
That’s what we like to hear! (Okay, read.)
This is the best strip yet, I mean there’s just so much to wrap my head around.
I can’t wait to see how this will play out…please tell me M.M. is going to make at least one appearance?
Yes, I can guarantee that you will see Money Man in at least one more strip in this chapter. Possibly more. (I know the exact number, I just don’t want to ruin anything.)
He could mean Mega Matt.
Oh, Sam, did you mean Mega Matt?
Yeeeessssss, Brock…what DID happen to Mega Matt? *waggling eyebrows meaningfully*
Congrats on 500 strips, my friend. This twist caught me by total surprise, but it fits. The Money Man needed something to pull his team together, just as Nick Fury needed a “push” for his Avengers — the Money Man dying was like some near-mint Captain America trading cards that weren’t in Coulson’s pocket.
Sort of makes you wonder about Coulson…
Well, Marvel is making an “Agents of SHIELD” TV series (the pilot has already been shot) that takes place after Avengers and Coulson is the lead, so…
Yes, yes I did. And I’m a girl just for the record
Hairy Zeus on a traffic light….. The Money Man.
Now that’s an image.
Congrats. Who’d'a thunk it? I still check in every Monday and Thursday, even if I don’t comment so much. I love this strip. Great work, guys!
Always, always good to hear from you, Chip. I’m as amazed as you that we’re here.
Soviet Sam’s angst has been for nothing.
I hope not.
What the…. The MONEY MAN…. I’m still like WHAT THE HELL …………
*speechless*
Darn you now I have to wait a week…
Sorry about that! Gives you some time to think though, right? Here’s a secret (don’t tell anybody though): there’s more to unpack in this strip that people are giving it credit for.
And the only guy we thought who had actually died ended up surviving… (insert batman joke here)!
Isn’t that always the way?
OMG! Well played sir, you got me there. Must said that The Money Man has been one of my fav char since I started reeding (I always thought that his way to “fight” crime was hillarious, intead of doing it like Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne using all that money to get some trinkets). BTW, why does Michelle has any idea of the time? Her line doesn’t fit quite well, actually she should be quite shocked since she has just be awaken… and saw an old CS, an old Tom and the green offspring of his ex-husband
Congrats for the 500th strip! It’s been a pleasure to enjoy such a great work! Please continue for another great 500 more!
I think I mentioned this in the comments to a previous strip, but you have to think Michelle has seen just about everything in her time as a superhero spouse and ex-spouse. I’m sure she was quite shocked when she initially got “not dead,” but her ability to adapt and roll with it is probably a lot great than yours and mine. She’s a strong woman in any case. She can get angsty later.
Congratulations BrocK. It’s amazing to see what this has become after the My Space blog that is came from. The story line has taken exciting turns and the art (well done Marc) continues to amaze! Here’s to the next 500!!!
Thanks so much, Ryan. You were there at the beginning.
Awesome! Congrats to both Brock and Marc. One of my favorites.
Thanks, Oracle!
Hey guys, I just wanted to drop by and say congrats to you both on a job well done. The SuperFogeys has truly grown into a rich and textured superhero universe with an intricate narrative full of fun and mystery — not to mention all of the clever spins it puts on classic superhero tropes. Of course, I’ve known Marc for over 20 years and his cartooning work here is the best and most consistent I have seen. His action is dynamic and the facial expressions are always tremendous. I’m looking forward to seeing where the saga is headed. Congrats!
Thanks a million, Jeff. Marc’s work with you on Boxcar Astronaut was what first drew my eye towards his work and I’ll always be indebted to you for that. I haven’t known Marc as long as you (technically, we’ve never even met!), but I have to agree with you on his progression as an artist. I’ve always known he was good, but the work he’s doing now is just beyond anything I ever expected.
By the way, I don’t know if you ever stated this but…do you know how this all ends?
Yep. I am, and have always been, working towards an end point. Some things I didn’t plan for have popped up along the way (that’s only natural), but the ending is fixed.
I liked Boxcar Astronaut. It was such a shame what those hackers did to that site.
Panel 4… Panel 4.. omg.. is that an actual sincere smile on zurinda’s face?? My god it is…and if money man is there… maybe she is working on side of GOOD now???
Anything is possible. Either way, there could be more to Zurida than at first appears.
Wow! Money Man! I was so not expecting that. Just like 300, this was so worth the wait.
Although, now that Cap knows about Jerry, does this signal the beginning of the end? Leading into the final battle between the Fogeys and the Third Man?
Today’s strip certainly signals the beginning of something. Your guess is a good one. Jerry and the consequences of his action have served as the one continuous thread through all the chapters, and I’m sure that will remain true until the end. So glad you dug this one, Chris!
Happy 500! Not only is Money Man alive and for some reason reminding me a lot the great Vincent Price in Edward Scissorhands – if he’d let his mustache go wild – but he’s in Zurida’s palace. Most interesting. I’m going to engage in my usual speculation and theorize this may have something to do with Mega Matt. I’m also very tempted to start over analyzing his use of “shouldn’t”. So many wild theories! Can’t. Help. It. (<= should be read in William Shatner's voice). Jerry isn't really evil, Thrice Evil switched bodies with him at some point and that's what the whole brain-scrambling implant thing is about! Jerry, Dr Klein and The Third Man, three identities for the Thrice Evil! *Whew* I feel better now. Just joking about that theory, but if it turns out to be right I will claim that I called it
Also, very surprised Zurida let CS have his moment. It almost even looks like she's got a little bit of a smile in panel four. Thank you for 500 brilliant strips Brock! And a special thanks to Marc from all us fans for helping it get this far and keeping it going!
You’re asking the right questions, Andrew. It’s not just that Money Man is suddenly there, what he’s saying is also important and worth examination. Loving the theories. I’m not saying a word, but I love the connections you’re making.
Congratulations on 500 guys!
I learned that Superfogeys had been updated yesterday through the sounds of expletives from the other side of the room. When I turned to my boyfriend to inquire what was wrong, he covered up his screen and told me to “CHECK SUPERFOGEYS”.
We’re big fans of the Money Man, so this is pretty exciting. You have, however, messed up all my what-if-the-Money-Man-survived-and-lived-out-his-life-in-a-robot-suit story ideas!
Comment of the week. Of the month. Seriously, I love this story. That something Marc and I create could inspire that reaction… well, that’s just about perfect, isn’t it?
First off congrats on the 500th strip.
Secondly…buh wha?! Well uh…er…he’s certainly aged well….
Has he? I see spots!
Hi Brock. Now that I have two children, I have kept reading but stopped commenting. But I just had to comment on this one because I love it. Also, I don’t remember reading anything about Jerry revealing CS’ identity in the seventies. was that in an origin story or is this a new reveal?
Hey Tad, good as always to hear from you. I know how it is with the kids.
The thing about Jerry revealing Cap’s identity has been referenced twice that I can recall: 1. In Chapter 5 ( http://superfogeys.com/2008/09/30/167-captain-spectaculars-shame/ ) and 2. In Jerry’s Origin ( http://superfogeys.com/2011/06/17/sf-origins-jerry-pg-10-lost-faith/ ). Not new info, but it has been a while since it was referenced. I probably should have included a link in the text. Might do that later. Thanks for asking!
Okay the way money man, It shouldn’t be leads me to believe he’s from an alternate reality or something. Like one where Moneyman wasn’t killed because Swifty never traveled through time and never brought Megamatt to the moment in which he enraged Soviet Sam enough to kill Money Man, or the opposite this is an alternate reality in which Megamatt’s interference somehow saved money man. Hmmmm? *Thinking face* Or he never really died which makes sence I mean he was stinking rich he could dissapear for all this time without anyone finding him.
Whatever turns out to be true, you’ve got some good theories going here. Points for you.
What… I’m sorry; WHAT?! How, you- Well played Mr. Heasley, well played… And congratulations on the 500
Thanks!
By the way, in panel 3… Is that Zurida showing just a small bit of compassion? Because pity is not something I think she’d ever show:/
Pity is not her strong suit, that’s true. But we do know there are some things she cares about… so the potential for compassion is there.
Put me down for this actually being Mega Matt who took on the mantle of the Money Man but knowing he never reappeared just hid himself away until this day helping from the shadows. Either that or he told Money Man about the future.
Now THAT is a wild theory. I’ve always said Mega Matt will return… you posit he already has… very interesting.
Actually Lewis’ explanation makes the most sense. Not that I necessarily think it’s true, due to the fact that Money Man was very “Bruce Wayne” and Mega Matt is more like a less cool Dan Hibiki, but Matt’s future-edge would be the most likely explanation of both how he got the cash and his ability to survive.
I had to look up Dan Hibiki. That’s a hilarious reference though.
Deadman walking!
Zombie Money Man!
Congrats! I can’t wait for the next 500! Also, stay cool and have a great summer.
Don’t ever change, Jesse. Don’t ever change.
So, when Sam finds out about this, is he more likely to kill Money Man accidentally in a rage over having been deceived all these years or accidentally in a fit of joy by crushing his rib cage in a bear hug?
I’d say it’s a 50/50 split.
I only JUST noticed that Money Man has… 5 fingers! Am I late to the parade? Has he always had an extra digit? Is this an ominous occurrence? Hmmmm…
I was wondering how long it would take someone to notice that. I do believe you’re the first, Chip. There should be a prize.
What?!?!
I just looked again. The closeup has one thumb and one finger, the last panel has 1 thumb and 3 fingers. Where is the 5th digit I’m not seeing?
You may need to look again… or hit refresh on your browser. Full disclosure: it’s a long intended detail that got forgotten during the creation of the art. What you’re probably seeing is a cached early version of the page that got replaced very quickly on the day the strip was posted. Not trying to cause confusion, honest.
Son of a gun! It’s there now!
Magical!
Whoa! I assumed it was a mistake( though I secretly hoped it wasn’t). VERY cool! Cannot wait to hear why he has 5 fingers! And there should be a prize!
Absolutely wonderful! Loved this strip from start to finish. (The pencil and ink teamup works well, gentlemen!) Can’t wait to see what’s next–and to see Zurida get hers!
Thanks, Chris! I’d love to do art with Marc again sometime.
Man where was I last Week!!??!! How did I miss this!! Holey Canole…MONEY MAN!!! Somebody go, go now…get Soviet Sam…IT’S MONEY MAN!!!
Glad to have you back, Todd! I thought I’d gotten the word out to everybody, but I guess the social media net I cast wasn’t quite wide enough.
Hard to believe Marc has been on board for 40% of the Fogeys. Congrats Guys!
I want to see Soviet Sam react with such glee upon seeing a living Money Man, that he throws him a giant bear hug and crushes him to death. Shrugs and says “Oh Vell, serves right for faking out for decades”.
You’ve done such a good job setting Zurida up to be a super hot green alien arch-villian, that I never imagined her to be a super hot green alien double agent.
That family is going to be so messed up once the endorphins wear off. Pot-bellied Grandpa husband. Son older than you. I’d almost ask Zurida to put me back.
“it shouldn’t be” – in a time travel comic, I’m preparing me to be extra confused.
“Shouldn’t be” is still pretty ambiguous at this point, but I’ll try, as always, to make the eventual explanation as simple as possible. More than that I cannot say, but I promise that SOME of the answers are coming soon.
I noticed that. I’m wondering if the Captain’s to blame for the way Jerry turned out? If he had treated him better…? If EVERYONE had treated him better…?
So much has been said already in the comments that I’ll just go with…
OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD!
Heh.
What has always cracked me up about the Money Man is that his monocle string just flies around freely and is not tied to his suit or anything else. I realize that’s a silly detail to focus on, but I have always liked it. Marc did a great job with it here.
I love this observation.
Brock and Mark, absolutely perfect 500th page. You’d think it was planned this way! ;`)
Though I haven’t been commenting due to lack of time, I have been reading in spurts and retweeting when I notice. You guys are an amazing team. Looking forward to 500 (at least) more! <3
Thanks, Jande! And congrats to you as well. YOU left the 100th comment on this post! Here is your No Prize:
Congrats again!
Ahhh! Would that be the coveted Marvel No-Prize? I actually won one once.
No way! That’s a real badge of honor.
But yeah, I’m just shamefully ripping it off.
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