Chapter 17 | Page 13b: Hard bargaining

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Brad Guigar

At Evil Inc, even labor negotiations can spiral out of control — especially when “hard bargaining” takes on a whole new meaning. Cassie Cruz just realized that the conference room she prepped for Dr. Muskiday’s… unconventional solution… is already booked for a high-stakes union negotiation. Unfortunately, it looks like Doctor Threat and the henchpersons may have already reached an agreement.

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Transcript

Panel 1
Cassie Cruz (angry):
“We are NOT having an orgy at our desks!”

Dr. Muskiday (calmly defensive):
“Of course not! I stocked the conference room with mattresses and lube.”

Panel 2
Cassie Cruz (panicking):
“The conference room?! Doctor Threat is scheduled to negotiate a new contract with the henchpersons’ union in there!”

Panel 3
Cassie Cruz (looking toward a slightly open door):
“Where’s Doctor Threat?”

Dr. Muskiday (matter-of-fact):
“I believe that’s him in the middle of — erm — ‘collective bargaining.’”

(Sound effects from behind the closed conference room door:)
“Hhh hhh”
“Plap Ngh Plap Plap”
“Hngh hhh”
“mmf mmf mmf”

Detailed Alt Text

A three-panel comic set inside an office at Evil Inc.

Panel 1: Cassie Cruz, a professional woman with short brown hair, red glasses, a white blazer, and a low-cut yellow top, stands beside her desk looking furious. A small pink “emotion cloud” with a skull icon floats near her head, indicating anger. She shouts that they are not having an orgy at their desks. Standing nearby is Dr. Muskiday, a short humanoid with a fly’s head—large red compound eyes, small body, and lab coat—who calmly explains that he already prepared the conference room with mattresses and lube.

Panel 2: Close-up on Cassie clutching her head in alarm. Her expression is wide-eyed and panicked. She exclaims that the conference room is supposed to be used for an important union negotiation between Doctor Threat and the henchpersons’ union.

Panel 3: Cassie and Dr. Muskiday stand in a hallway facing a slightly open conference room door. Cassie asks where Doctor Threat is. Muskiday gestures toward the door and awkwardly suggests that Doctor Threat is inside, in the middle of “collective bargaining,” implying something sexual. From inside the room comes exaggerated, comic-style sound effects indicating vigorous activity: heavy breathing (“hhh hhh,” “hngh”), rhythmic “plap” noises, and muffled sounds (“mmf mmf”). The implication is that the union negotiation has devolved into an orgy inside the conference room.

Five to Pull / One to Pass: Oct. 7

Posted on October 7, 2009 by Brad Guigar

Dark Reign The List Secret Warriors #1
 Creative team: Story by Jonathan Hickman; Art by Ed McGuinness

Villain to Watch: Norman Osborn

They say: Norman Osborn’s got it in for Marvel’s super spy, but what happens when he needs Nick Fury to uncover a breach in National Security?

Nothing good, nothing good at all. It’s lies, interrogations, double-crosses and just a whole bunch of meanness – It’s the LIST. Plus, Nick Fury Files and a classic reprint.

I say: I have to admit, I have to put this on the Pull List with an asterisk. It sounds like a great book, but when I read “Plus, Nick Fury Files and a classic reprint,” I’m thinking they add to cram in filler to reach a page count.

Nonetheless, Nick Fury is becoming a central figure in the Norman Osborn-dominated Marvel Universe. I’m telling you, if anyone can turn Ares, it’s him. And he’s quietly building an underground insurrection that will doubtlessly become one of Osborn’s greatest threat.


Deadpool #16
 Creative team: Story by Daniel Way; Art by Paco Medina and Jason Pearson

Villain to Watch: The Merc with the Mouth

They say: Deadpool is convinced that, after years of gun-for-hire work, he has found his true calling: He’s going to be an X-Man! One problem, though: they don’t want him! And can you blame them? Wade’s just as likely to fire on his friends as his enemies!

But Cyclops is smart enough not to get on Deadpool’s bad side. He has a plan to keep Deadpool both close enough to monitor and far enough away so that no one gets hit by the shrapnel. But Deadpool has a plan, too..

I say: This is something I heard time and time again while I was in Columbus for Mid-Ohio-Con: I’m missing out big by not pulling the Deadpool series. So, this makes the list based on my respect for the people that come to see me at conventions.

I was told that if I appreciated the zaniness of Plastic Man’s JLA appearances, I would certainly like Deadpool. With a solicit that promises Deadpool trying out for the X-Men, I’m beginning to think that they’re right.


Doctor Voodoo Avenger of the Supernatural #1
 Creative team: Story by Rick Remender; Art by ???

Villain to Watch: None announced, but expect Doc Strange standbys Dormamuu and Baron Mordo

They say: Launching from the pages of New Avengers, Jericho Drumm assumes the role of Marvel’s new Sorcerer Supreme as Doctor Voodoo! Having foreseen an unimaginable evil that will soon envelop the Marvel Universe, the Eye of Agamotto has passed the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme on to the one man who has the unique gifts to stave off the coming darkness — but is Doctor Voodoo ready for the momentous duty as avenger of the supernatural? As Jericho begins to grapple with his colossal new position, malevolent beings of vast power see his arrival as an opportunity to strike. Rising stars Rick Remender and ???* will crack open a new chapter in the Book of Vishanti to tell the ongoing adventures of the new Sorcerer Supreme in the Mighty Marvel fashion!

** Artist to be announced.

I say: I have to admit, I hate-hate-hate the idea of Dr. Strange losing the Sorcerer Supreme mantle. I’m pulling this book for two reasons. First: I’m keeping an eye on the storyline, and second, I’m hoping to see Voodoo crash-and-burn, paving the way for Stephen Strange to return. And who knows… maybe I’ll come to appreciate Jericho Drumm in his new role.

Stranger things have happened.


House of M Masters of Evil #3
 Creative team: Story by Christos N. Gage; Art by Manuel Garcia

Villain to Watch: Magneto

They say: What do you do if your criminal gang has outgrown their territory? If you’re The Hood you set your sights on taking over a whole country! But the mineral-rich South American nation of Santo Rico already has rulers-the X-foes known as Madison Jeffries and his insane, flesh-twisting brother Lionel–who don’t intend to give it up without a fight! Oh, and we finally learn how Magneto feels about all this.

I say: I just noticed that each of the Pulls this week have been qualified recommendations. Up until now. Because House of M: Masters of Evil has been a terrific read in its first two issues. The dialogue has provided great moments for my A Scanner Dorkly blog feature, and the art has that sharp, solid quality that I love. Plus, the Madame Masque / Hood love story is intriguing as heck.

Hood has announced that he’s expanding his crime empire to country-wide proportions. This issue is going to see him take the next important step to achieving that goal. One way or another, it’s promising to be a fascinating read.


Justice League Cry for Justice #4
 Creative team: Story by James Robinson; Art by Mauro Cascioli

Villain to Watch: Various

They say: How far would you go for justice?

The heroes have found themselves turning to darker tactics in their search for retribution. Starman and Congorilla have captured the killers who took down some of their friends, but now what do they do with them? Meanwhile, Green Lantern and company wrestle with the idea of torturing villains for information in order to save lives.

I say: Heh. Another qualified pull.

I’ve been following this series for the first three issues and — beautiful art aside — I’m still waiting to be grabbed.

I am completely uninterested in the Starman/Congorilla plot, but the central story hold promise.

I’d just like to see Robinson set the hook with this issue and give us a reason to crave the rest of the series.

…And One To Pass


Spider-Man 1602 #1
 Creative team: Story by Jeff Parker; Art by Ramon Rosanas

Villain to Watch: Unknown

They say: A return to the acclaimed universe created by Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert picks as “The Spider” has reached manhood in the New World! The young nation has grown peacefully, but Norman Osbourne’s treachery finds a way to spoil the peace and put Peter’s life on a new course – back to Europe. Jeff Parker joins artist Ramon Rosanas to begin the final story of the 1602 saga!

I say: Sometime a series likes to see what would happen with a popular character if he was thrust into the past. Some things are better left in the past. Like the original Gaiman/Kubert series.

Mentions

Honorable:
Amazing Spider-Man #608
Batman and Robin #5
Bloom County Complete Library #1 (TPB)
X-Babies #1
Voyages of the She-Buccaneer

Dishonorable:
Mangalicious Tick #3
Doom Patrol #3