PORTABLE DISTORTERS

Classification: Terrestrial technology

Creator: S.H.I.E.L.D. ordnance division

User/Possessors: Unidentified S.H.I.E.L.D. agent

First Appearance: Strange Tales I#142/1 (March, 1966)

Powers/Abilities/Functions: Worn on an individual's hands, the units broadcasted inaudible frequencies which could upset any opponent's nervous system, as well as throw off his sense of timing, rendering him unable to strike a physical blow.

History:
(Strange Tales I#142/2 (fb) - BTS) - At some point, the Portable Distorters were developed by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ordnance division and given to an agent to test in a physical combat training session.

(Strange Tales I#142/1) - While awaiting an impending attack on S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters by the partnership of Mentallo and the Fixer, Nick Fury went to inspect his troops. He walked into the training session, where he saw the agent with the Portable Distorters holding off an "attack" of six others armed with pugel sticks. Seeing Fury enter, the men stopped the exercise and came to attention. The agent wearing the Portable Distorters explained to Fury how the devices worked, causing the anxious Fury to gruffly reprimand him ("When I need a speech, I'll ask fer one!"), then Fury ordered him to pass the devices out to the squad and stand by.

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Mike Esposito.

Profile by John Kaminski

CLARIFICATIONS:
The Portable Distorters have no known connection to:

• Distorter, Hulk foe @ Marvel Super-Heroes III#3/4
• Spatial Distorter, Bereet's Bag of Tricks @ Rampagin Hulk I#1
• any other similar devices

images: (without ads)
Strange Tales I#142, p5, pan4 (main image)