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SERGIUS O'HOOLIHAN

Real Name: Sergius O'Hoolihan

Identity/Class: Human

Occupation: Doorman at the Baxter Building in New York

Group Membership: Baxter Building maintenance staff

Affiliations: Fantastic Four (Human Torch/Johnny Storm, Invisible Woman/Susan Richards-Storm, Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards, Thing/Ben Grimm), Alicia Masters, Roberta

Enemies: None

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: "O'Hoolie" (nickname given by the Human Torch)

Base of Operations: Baxter Building, New York City, USA

First Appearance: Fantastic Four I#79 (October, 1968)

Powers/Abilities: O'Hoolihan does not possess any superhuman abilities, but the thickness of his Irish accent does border on the supernatural. Despite this, he is a pleasant, hard working courteous doorman who worked at the original Baxter Building for over 16 years. He prides himself on feeling part of the FF's extended family, as all the members usually greet him warmly.

History:

(Fantastic Four I#79) - The Human Torch said good morning to O'Hoolihan as he and Crystal exited the Baxter Building to go pick up Johnny's Stingray from the auto repair shop. Moments later, Ben Grimm emerged from the building as well, ready to visit his girlfriend Alicia Masters. Ben, having just taken on human form, asked O'Hoolihan to hail him a taxi. Sergius complied, but couldn't figure out how this unknown man knew his name or what business he might have at Alicia's. 

(Fantastic Four I#191) - As news of the Fantastic Four disbanding drew numerous reporters to the Baxter Building, O'Hoolihan was interviewed about his connections to the team. The doorman was about to offer up a tale about the time the team was fighting 'Doctor Doom or some such rascal', when Thing, Human Torch, Invisible Girl, Franklin and his governess Agatha Harkness appeared and inadvertently drew the press' attention away from O'Hoolihan.

I'm thinkin'

(Fantastic Four I#239) - O'Hoolihan was a little surprised when an unknown, darkhaired woman approached him in the lobby of the Baxter Building and called him by his name. She requested directions to the Fantastic Four's headquarters. Professional as always, Sergius didn't ask how she knew his name but instead pointed Petunia "Penny" Grimm to room 30c on the thirtieth floor, where the team had just opened a reception office manned by their robot receptionist Roberta. As he watched the Thing's aunt Petunia go, he wondered what business this 'foin broth of a girl' might have with the team or if she 'perish forbid' was 'one o'them wretched supervillains'.

(Thing I#10) - O'Hoolihan was on duty when a particularly morose Ben Grimm returned to the Baxter Building with his girfriend after a walk. Sergius warmly greeted the two of them, as Ben asked O'Hoolihan to keep the gawkers in the lobby at bay as he and Alicia made their way to the FF's private elevator.

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott.

Much like Willie Lumpkin, O'Hoolihan was a nice, almost folksy bit player that sort of grounded the Fantastic Four in reality. Their interactions with him proved that, in spite of their otherworldly adventures, they were still in touch with the common man. However, O'Hoolihan hasn't been seen since 1984's Thing I#10, so his final fate remains unresolved. Seeing as he was already getting on in years during his first appearance, it's entirely possible he retired after the original Baxter Building was destroyed by Kristoff Vernard in Fantastic Four I#278.

The main image shows the Battleworld version of Sergius. It was the only thing remotely resembling a decent body shot of ol' Sergius (and considering B.O was an exact copy of the real one, I figured I could get away with it ;)
--Norvo

Profile by Norvo.

CLARIFICATIONS:
Sergius O'Hoolihan has no known connections to


Battleworld version

Battleworld O'Hoolihan

 

After the first Secret Wars, the Thing was the only superhero who had remained on the Beyonder's Battleworld because he was able to assume his human form there. Battleworld was influenced by Ben's thoughts, which meant anything or anyone Ben thought of would eventually appear. When Ben ran into a replica of the Baxter Building, it came complete with its own O'Hoolihan. He initially greeted Grimm warmly, but pulled a gun on him when he noticed Ben couldn't operate the FF's private elevator. O'Hoolihan figured Ben might be one of the team's many villains in disguise and was ready to pull the trigger. Ben managed to save himself by reminding O'Hoolihan of his devotion to his job and the loyalty he felt to the FF. When Ben ordered him to put the gun away, Sergius was struck by a moment of hesitation. That was enough for Ben to pounce and knock out the imagined copy of the faithful doorman.

--Thing I#21













images: (without ads)
Thing I#21, p8, pan4 (main image, Battleworld version)
Fantastic Four I#79, p3, pan6 (greeting Crystal & Human Torch)
Fantastic Four I#239, p4, pan2 (with Petunia)
Thing I#21, p9, pan1 (Battleworld version)


Appearances:
Fantastic Four I#79 (October, 1968) - Stan Lee (writer), Jack Kirby (pencils), Joe Sinnott (inks), Stan Lee (editor)
Fantastic Four I#191 (February, 1978) - Len Wein (writer), George Perez (pencils), Joe Sinnott (inks), Len Wein (editor)
Fantastic Four I#239 (February, 1982) - John Byrne (writer, pencils, inks), Jim Salicrup, Lance Tooks (editors)
Thing I#10 (April, 1984) - John Byrne (writer), Ron Wilson (pencils), Hilary Barta (inks), Bob Budiansky, Michael Higgins (editors)
Thing I#21 (March, 1986) - John Byrne (writer), Ron Wilson (pencils), Joe Sinnott (inks), Mike Carlin (editor)


Last updated: 09/25/13

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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