MOON FISH MONSTER (Roxxon)

Real Name: None

Identity/Class: Fish, mutate

Occupation: Killer mutated moon fish

Group Membership: None

Affiliations: None

Enemies: Triton

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Unspecified artificial underground lagoon on the Earth's moon, presumably near or connected to the Inhuman city of Attilan

First Appearance: Marvel Comics Presents I#28 (late September, 1989)

Powers/Abilities: The moon fish monster was able to match Triton's speed (listed as superhuman in the OHtMU) and agility (listed as enhanced human) (see comments). Its powerful jaws were at least large enough to fully swallow Triton, with pointed teeth that were about 6-8" in length. Mounted behind dark red disc-shaped eyes (about 6" across), it had two antennae (about 8' long) that delivered powerful bio-electrical charges, capable of paralyzing a regular person's nervous system.

Its length, compared to Triton, was at least five times his height (5 x 6'1" = over 30'). It had orange scales that were bubbly on its upper hide, with several spikes and fins, and a long tail (which ended in a diamond-shaped tailfin) that doubled as a tentacle to ensnare larger prey; this made it almost a cross between a fish and a serpent.

History: (Marvel Comics Presents I#28/4 - BTS) - At least one container from the Roxxon Corporation holding radioactive waste found its way to an unspecified artificial underground lagoon on the moon and infected at least one of the local fish that caused it to mutate and grow to extreme proportions.

(Marvel Comics Presents I#28/4) - The Inhuman Triton was enjoying respite from recent violent political intrigue and swam alone in an artificially generated lagoon on Attilan, when he was attacked by a monstrous fish creature that suddenly emerged from the shadows. Triton managed to evade the creature and sought to swim away, but the moon fish monster kept up. He punched away another attack, but the beast ensnared Triton with its tentacle-like tail, before its two antennae hit Triton's chest, and delivered a powerful bio-electrical charge that threatened to paralyze his nervous system.

Triton punched the fish creature harder, then used a thick branch of coral to jam its jaws apart. This was ineffective as the beast crushed the coral and Triton stared into the jaws of death! Triton told himself that he had no choice but to kill it, and broke its neck by quickly standing on the creature's lower jaw and lifting with great intensity. Triton reflected on his recent actions as the moon fish monster lay inert (presumably dead) on the lagoon floor.

Nearby, two small fish-like creatures emerged from a ruptured Roxxon radioactive waste container after the underwater battle.


Comments: Created by Robert Campanella (writer), Javier Saltares (penciler) and José Marzan, Jr. (inker).

While the moon fish monster matched Triton's speed and agility, it should be noted that both these aspects may have been (slightly) impeded given the potential confines of the underwater lagoon.

It is unknown if this creature acted territorially, was hungry, or if the Roxxon chemicals made it behave more aggressively.

It was not specified how quickly the mutation took, nor if the infected waters had any effect on Triton.

As this story has not been picked up further, it may be safe to ASSume that Triton reported the incident to the relevant Attilan authorities and the lagoons were made safer.

The symbol on the side of the waste container denotes radioactive materials.

The back cover of MCP#28 lists this chapter as "Triton vs. Mutated Moon Life", identifying that the moon fish monster was a lagoon native.

It would seem that Roxxon Industries dumped the radioactive waste after the generation of the artificial underground lagoons, as it would seem strange not to do something about it upon creation of the lagoon when Attilan settled on the moon. As such, this needn't have taken place on the moon (unless it was brought along from Attilan's move from the Himalayas).

Can anyone identify from when the Roxxon logo is?

Profile by: Grendel Prime

CLARIFICATIONS:
The moon fish monster has no known connection to:

  • Any other mutated fish monsters
  • Any other moon monsters
  • Any other beings altered by Roxxon Industries

    images:
    Marvel Comics Presents#28/4, p31, pan4 (profile),
    p32, pan5 (fishies).

    Appearances:
    Marvel Comics Presents I#28 (September, 1989) - Robert Campanella (writer), Javier Saltares (pencils), Jose Marzan (inks), Terry Kavanagh (editor)

    Last updated: 08/31/05

    Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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