BETATRON BOMB

Classification: Terrestrial technology

Creator: Unnamed HYDRA scientists

Users/Possessors: Imperial Hydra

First Appearance: Strange Tales I#137/1 (October, 1965)

Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Betatron Bomb was a powerful explosive which could be launched into Earth's orbit. If it was detonated, it could threaten virtually the entire globe. If it was destroyed prior to detonation, it would spread its fallout across the planet.

History: (Strange Tales I#137/1) - The launch site of the Betatron Bomb was known to HYDRA's Agent L, who passed microfilm of it on to S.H.I.E.L.D. before he died, but S.H.I.E.L.D. was unable to retrieve the microfilm thanks to HYDRA's interference. Nick Fury attempted to find the launch site in the Balkans using S.H.I.E.L.D.'s I.B.P., but the Imperial Hydra launched the bomb only seconds before Fury could have located it.

(Strange Tales I#138/1) - Fury had S.H.I.E.L.D. destroy the launch site, and they began to search for a solution to the threat. Tony Stark proposed his new invention -- the Brainosaur -- to disarm it, but HYDRA learned of the invention, and attempted to kidnap Stark and Fury. Although Stark evaded capture, Fury was brought into HYDRA's custody, and the Imperial Hydra enacted Project: Doomsday, having his Fox Division confront the United States government and force their surrender.

(Strange Tales I#139/1 - BTS) - HYDRA attempted to learn what Fury knew about the Brainosaur, but he knew nothing. Meanwhile, Stark was given approval to build the Brainosaur for S.H.I.E.L.D.

(Strange Tales I#140/1) - Stark piloted the Brainosaur into space where the Betatron Bomb waited, and used the Brainosaur to remove the bomb's radioactive firing mechanism, rendering it inert. HYDRA was temporarily defeated by S.H.I.E.L.D. as the Imperial Hydra was beaten back on Earth.

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and John Severin.

by Prime Eternal

CLARIFICATIONS:
The Betatron Bomb should not be confused with:

• Beta, one of the Ultra-Robots, @ X-Men I#21
• Beta, one of the Red Ghost's apes, @ Iron Man I#15
• Beta Beasts, creatures used by Betans against Mega Monsters, @ Godzilla#12
• Beta Flight, Department H's training team for Alpha Flight, @ Alpha Flight I#1
• Beta Flight, Department H's replacement team for Alpha Flight, @ Alpha Flight I#90
• Beta Flight, Department H's latest incarnation of trainees, @ Alpha Flight II#13
• Beta Ray Bill, Korbinite hero, wields Stormbreaker, @ Thor I#337
• Betans, extraterrestrials, gathered the Beta Beasts, @ Godzilla#12

Non-Marvel Copyright info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™  and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com

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