THE MODEL SOLDIERS
Membership: Charlie,
Jenni, Louise,
Marianne
Townsend, Sarah
Townsend
Purpose: Mercenaries
Aliases: None
Affiliations: Maggia (Mr.
Astin);
formerly Mys-Tech;
unresolved/passing affiliation with Dark
Angel (Shevaun Haldane) and Psylocke (Betsy Braddock)
Enemies: Mys-Tech (including Vernon Matthews)
Base of Operations: Headquarters in Britain, United Kingdom;
mobile via their van
First Appearance: Dark Angel#7 (January, 1993)
History:
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers operated in
Britain as mercenaries, working for the highest bidder.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - Marianne was the leader of the Model Soldiers.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers developed contacts with Astin and the Maggia. Marianne considered Astin a jerk, but met with him on more than one occasion and would claim it was always a pleasure seeing him.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers broke through security with an ease that earned the respect of underworld groups around the world.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers did a few jobs for Mys-Tech.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers had merchandise that Marianne felt was superior to that of the Maggia.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - When the Model Soldiers heard about Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone project, they realised it would sell well abroad. They decided to stop working for Mys-Tech, acquire the technology, and look after themselves.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - Sarah Townsend infiltrated Mys-Tech and worked on board their satellite. She became part of a project involving a beam that induced violence by triggering a hormonal/chemical imbalance.
(Dark Angel#7) - Marianne listened to the radio at the Model
Soldiers headquarters. She turned it off, and was informed by Charlie that Astin
was on his way up. Jenni held Astin at gunpoint, while Louise frisked him. He
was unarmed, so they let him through, and Charlie brought him a drink. Astin
informed Marianne that the Maggia were offering the Model Soldiers a degree of
involvement in some work they had coming up in "this country."
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - Meanwhile, Sarah Townsend was busy downloading details of the Mys-Tech project she was working on.
(Dark Angel#7) - Mys-Tech's Commander Ritinski contacted the satellite and spoke to Sarah Townsend, amongst others. Once communications had been severed, Sarah told her co-worker Mathews that she was going to get some sleep.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - Sarah actually went to contact Marianne.
(Dark Angel#7) - Sarah informed Marianne that the details of the project had been downloaded, and nobody at Mys-Tech suspected a thing.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - The following day, Marianne, Charlie, Jenni and Louise broke security at Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse. They planned to hi-jack their receiving equipment when Mys-Tech activated their violence-inducing beam. Using the equipment in their van, Louise began recording.
(Dark Angel#7) - The Model Soldiers listened in at a distance as Crowe and Gryffn spoke about the security of their operation. Louise announced that she had it all of their conversation on tape. Meanwhile, Charlie watched from the roof of the van using binoculars. She let her teammates know that Mys-Tech's people had gone to full alert.
(Dark Angel#7 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers noticed two women, Shevaun Haldane and Betsy Braddock sneaking around. They left their van.
(Dark Angel#7) - As Shevaun and Betsy inspected the van, the
Model Soldiers got the drop on them. Louise restrained Betsy, and they all
leveled their guns at Shevaun. Marianne ordered her team to kill the two women,
but they fought back. Marianne was concerned that the sound of the Model
Soldiers gunfire would alert Mys-Tech security troopers to their presence, and
ordered her team to finish the women off. She herself was able to blindside
Betsy, stunning her, and they held the two women at gun point. However, Mys-Tech's
security troopers arrived and told them to drop their guns. Crowe, Porlock and
Gryffn were also present, and Crowe shot at Shevaun.
(Dark Angel#8) - The bullet was stopped (unbeknownst to anybody present, this was due to the mental powers of Tyburn), and during the confusion the Model Soldiers made a dash for it.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Mys-Tech's security troopers quickly lost track of the Model Soldiers, who began to plan their next move.
(Dark Angel#8) - Marianne told Charlie to wait, and asked Louise to try and see what was going on back at the warehouse. Louise saw Crowe and his men escorting Shevaun and Betsy away.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Mys-Tech's guards took the Model Soldiers' van into the warehouse, and decided to examine it later.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers decided to infiltrate the warehouse.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Meanwhile, problems arose with the project on board the satellite.
(Dark Angel#8) - Vernon Matthews, a Mys-Tech employee at the satellite, informed Sarah Townsend of the problems, but she felt there was just some more refinement needed. They were interrupted by Gryffn, who appeared on a communication screen. She screamed that the project was compromised, and claimed that a traitor had leaked information. Ordered to eliminate the traitor, Townsend told Gryffn she would get back to her right away.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - As Sarah was the traitor, she merely pretended to investigate.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Meanwhile, inside Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse, the Model Soldiers had infiltrated the warehouse and found Shevaun and Betsy.
(Dark Angel#8) - The Model Soldiers looked on from the shadows as Shevaun and Betsy also secretly watched Crowe, Gryffn and Porlock.
(Dark Angel#8) - Back on the satellite, Sarah Townsend told Matthews that she couldn't identify the traitor and suggested he take a rest before taking over from her. As Matthews left, she began typing a message for Marianne. Her message came through to the Model Soldiers van, which was still stored in Mys-Tech's warehouse. The message was unobserved by the Model Soldiers.
(Dark Angel#8 - BTS) - Tyburn blew up the Model Soldiers van.
(Dark Angel#8) - Meanwhile, the Model Soldiers held Shevaun and Betsy at gun point again. They introduced themselves, and Shevaun recognized the groups name from her fathers files. Shevaun tried to convince them to help destroy the project, but the mercenaries didn't see the profit in it. However, they were spotted by Mys-Tech's security troopers. The Model Soldiers opened fire on the men, while Shevaun and Betsy fled.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - The Model Soldiers got away from the security troopers and caught up to Betsy and Shevaun, who was now in her Dark Angel armor.
(Dark Angel#8) - They watched as Dark Angel and Betsy fought more troopers. Deciding that the situation was getting out of hand, they decided to help. Suddenly there was an explosion, ordered by Crowe, that destroyed the warehouse.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Dark Angel generated a cosmic forceshield to protect herself, Betsy and the Model Soldiers from the blast.
(Dark Angel#8) - Marianne thanked Dark Angel, who suggested that rather than thank her they change their job. They realized that Mys-Tech would think they were all dead, meaning they were free to do as they pleased. Marianne told the heroes that they would see them around.
(Dark Angel#8 (fb) - BTS) - Meanwhile, Sarah Townsend shot Vernon Matthews, intending to frame him as the traitor.
(Dark Angel#8) - Sarah contacted Commander Ritinski to inform him that the traitor had been found. Ritinski asked to question the traitor, but Sarah apologized and said that wouldn't be possible as she had carried out Gryffns instructions to the letter by eliminating him.
Comments: Created by Gary Russell, Duke Mighten and Helen Nally.
The Model Soldiers compared themselves to Solo in America and Silver Sable's Wildpack in Europe. Considering their mercenary nature, and the fact that they only helped the heroes towards the end in extremis, I've left Dark Angel and Psylocke as passing affiliations. As Dark Angel herself comments, they may well be on opposing sides in any future encounters. Of course that's IF the Model Soldiers return, though to be fair Dark Angel has seen a little action recently in Revolutionary War and Iron Man.
There is a voice on the radio that Marianne listens to belonging to a lady called Sadie Miller. This character is more than likely named after the daughter of Liz Sladen, who played Sarah Jane Smith in Doctor Who. The writer of this story, Gary Russell, is a well known fan of Doctor Who having worked as the editor of Doctor Who Magazine, a producer and director for Big Finish Productions on several Doctor Who audio dramas, a writer of Doctor Who novels, and script editor on episodes of the revived Doctor Who television series, amongst other things. The fictitious Sadie Miller was broadcasting from Manchester for Victoria FM on the frequency 102.40. Another influence on the characters is surely the program Charlie's Angels, about a female group of private investigators bankrolled by millionaire boss Charlie Townsend. Charlie's Angels references in a series called Dark Angel? I like it!
The Model Soldiers headquarters may have been in Manchester. They were listening to a Manchester based radio station and were seen operating in Manchester. However, it isn't definitively stated that it is in Manchester. As they were seen in their headquarters the day before they were seen at the Manchester warehouse, however, it is possibly that they had traveled from outside Manchester. They do seem to be in a fair sized city with high rise buildings.
Charlie, Jenni, and Louise are only ever referred to by their first names. I'd suggest if they were to receive names via an official profile, or should any writer drag them out of obscurity for a new story, then perhaps their surnames could reflect the ladies who worked on the debut issue of Hell's Angel; Bernie Jaye, Helen Nally and Helen Stone. That's just my suggestion.
V. Matthews' full first name, Vernon, was presumably revealed in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z hardcover Mys-Tech entry.
Thanks to Alan Green for the images.
Profile by Changeling.
CLARIFICATIONS:
The Model Soldiers have no known connections to
Marianne and Sarah Townsend have no known connections to
As a member of the Model Soldiers, Charlie operated in Britain as a mercenary, working for the highest bidder.
In time, the Model Soldiers planned to acquire Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone technology for themselves. Charlie announced the arrival of Mr. Astin, who made Marianne Townsend and the Model Soldiers an offer. Marianne declined, with the other Soldiers in consent.
The following day, Marianne, Charlie, Jenni and Louise broke security at Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse. They encountered Dark Angel and Psylocke. Initially they fought, attracting the attention of Mys-Tech security. The Model Soldiers made a dash for it, but continued to observe events at the warehouse for a while.
They then decided to infiltrate the warehouse, where they ran into Dark Angel and Psylocke for the second time. Dark Angel tried to convince them to help destroy the project, but the mercenaries didn't see the profit in it. However, a fight ensued with Mys-Tech's security troopers, and they decided to aid the two heroes. Suddenly there was an explosion, ordered by Crowe, that destroyed the warehouse. Dark Angel generated a cosmic force shield to protect herself, Betsy and the Model Soldiers from the blast. Marianne thanked Dark Angel. They realized that Mys-Tech would think they were all dead, meaning they were free to do as they pleased.
Charlie is skilled in the use of guns.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
As a member of the Model Soldiers, Charlie operated in Britain as a mercenary, working for the highest bidder.
In time, the Model Soldiers planned to acquire Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone technology for themselves. Jenni held Mr. Astin at gun point while Louise frisked him. Astin made Marianne Townsend and the Model Soldiers an offer. Marianne declined, with the other Soldiers in consent.
The following day, Marianne, Charlie, Jenni and Louise broke security at Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse. They encountered Dark Angel and Psylocke. Initially they fought, attracting the attention of Mys-Tech security. The Model Soldiers made a dash for it, but continued to observe events at the warehouse for a while.
They then decided to infiltrate the warehouse, where they ran into Dark Angel and Psylocke for the second time. Dark Angel tried to convince them to help destroy the project, but the mercenaries didn't see the profit in it. However, a fight ensued with Mys-Tech's security troopers and they decided to aid the two heroes. Suddenly there was an explosion, ordered by Crowe, that destroyed the warehouse. Dark Angel generated a cosmic forceshield to protect herself, Betsy and the Model Soldiers from the blast. Marianne thanked Dark Angel. They realised that Mys-Tech would think they were all dead, meaning they were free to do as they pleased.
Jenni is skilled in the use of guns and knives.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
As a member of the Model Soldiers, Charlie operated in Britain as a mercenary, working for the highest bidder.
In time, the Model Soldiers planned to acquire Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone technology for themselves. Louise frisked Mr. Astin. Astin made Marianne Townsend and the Model Soldiers an offer. Marianne declined, with the other Soldiers in consent.
The following day, Marianne, Charlie, Jenni and Louise broke security at Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse. They encountered Dark Angel and Psylocke. Initially they fought, attracting the attention of Mys-Tech security. The Model Soldiers made a dash for it, but continued to observe events at the warehouse for a while.
They then decided to infiltrate the warehouse, where they ran into Dark Angel and Psylocke for the second time. Dark Angel tried to convince them to help destroy the project, but the mercenaries didn't see the profit in it. However, a fight ensued with Mys-Tech's security troopers and they decided to aid the two heroes. Suddenly there was an explosion, ordered by Crowe, that destroyed the warehouse. Dark Angel generated a cosmic forceshield to protect herself, Betsy and the Model Soldiers from the blast. Marianne thanked Dark Angel. They realised that Mys-Tech would think they were all dead, meaning they were free to do as they pleased.
Louise is skilled in the use of guns.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
The Model Soldiers operated in Britain as mercenaries, working for the highest bidder, with Marianne as their leader. They developed contacts with Astin and the Maggia. Marianne considered Astin a jerk, but met with him on more than one occasion and would claim it was always a pleasure seeing him.
In time, the Model Soldiers planned to acquire Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone technology for themselves. Louise frisked Mr. Astin. Astin made Marianne Townsend and the Model Soldiers an offer. Marianne declined, with the other Soldiers in consent.
Later, she was contacted by her sister with a report on the situation at Mys-Tech's satellite.
The following day, Marianne, Charlie, Jenni and Louise broke security at Mys-Tech's Manchester warehouse. They encountered Dark Angel and Psylocke. Initially they fought, attracting the attention of Mys-Tech security. The Model Soldiers made a dash for it, but continued to observe events at the warehouse for a while.
They then decided to infiltrate the warehouse, where they ran into Dark Angel and Psylocke for the second time. Dark Angel tried to convince them to help destroy the project, but the mercenaries didn't see the profit in it. However, a fight ensued with Mys-Tech's security troopers and they decided to aid the two heroes. Suddenly there was an explosion, ordered by Crowe, that destroyed the warehouse. Dark Angel generated a cosmic forceshield to protect herself, Betsy and the Model Soldiers from the blast. Marianne thanked Dark Angel. They realised that Mys-Tech would think they were all dead, meaning they were free to do as they pleased.
Marianne Townsend is skilled in the use of guns and knives. She is a competent team leader.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
Sarah Townsend is Marianne's younger sister.
She infiltrated Mys-Tech, and worked on the violence-inducing beam project that took place on their satellite.
When Mys-Tech found Shevaun Haldane, Betsy Braddock, and the Model Soldiers at their Manchester warehouse, they realized there was a traitor on the project, but not that it was Sarah. Sarah was able to frame her coworker, Vernon Matthews, as the traitor and kill him. As per Gryffn's instructions, the traitor was to be eliminated.
Sarah Townsend is skilled in the use of guns. She was referred to as Doctor Townsend while undercover at the Mys-Tech satellite. This may have been part of her cover story, and not an actual qualification that she had earned.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
The Model Soldiers'
Headquarters
The Model Soldiers were briefly seen holding a meeting with Mr. Astin at their HQ, and Marianne was seen receiving a video call from her sister, Sarah.
The Model Soldiers Headquarters is a multistory building with a luxurious sun lounging area on its top floor.
No other features have been seen, but the Model Soldiers have access to advanced technology which is presumably stored at their HQ in some manner.
--Dark Angel#7
The Model Soldiers used a red van, registration number K231 FG1, on their mission to hi-jack Mys-Tech's emotion-hormone equipment.
After an altercation with Dark Angel and Psylocke attracted the attention of Mys-Tech, the van was confiscated by Mys-Tech's security troopers. They left the vehicle inside their warehouse to examine at a later time. If they had examined it immediately, they would hve intercepted a communication from Sarah Townsend. However, Sarah's message went unheard, except perhaps by Tyburn who destroyed the van for reasons of her own.
The Model Soldiers' van, was kitted out with high tech surveillance and communications equipment. It's highly likely the Model Soldiers could easily replace this van, especially as they don't seem at all bothered about its being captured and destroyed by Mys-Tech. To be clear, they wouldn't know that Tyburn destroyed the van, but would more than likely assume it destroyed along with the warehouse.
--Dark Angel#7 (Dark Angel#8
Astin was an American who worked for the Maggia and had met Marianne multiple times. He offered her a chance to work with the Maggia again, but she refused.
The nature of the work the maggia had planned in the UK wasn't disclosed.
At least, there's no further mention of the Maggia in this storyline and I can't recall any other Marvel UK storylines that involved the Maggia.
That said, Astin appears to be a throwaway character for the purpose of showing how the Model Soldiers were moving on to bigger things.
--Dark Angel#7
images: (without ads)
Dark Angel #8, p19, pan6 (main image)
Dark Angel #7, p2, pan4 (Marianne)
Dark Angel #7, p3, pan1 (MODEL Soldiers. In bikinis)
Dark Angel #7, p16, pan2 (Confronting Dark Angel and Psylocke)
Dark Angel #7, p13, pan4 (Charlie)
Dark Angel #8, p6, pan3 (Jenni)
Dark Angel #7, p16, pan4 (Marianne)
Dark Angel #7, p8, pan3 (Sarah)
Dark Angel #7, p3, pan7 (Headquarters)
Dark Angel #7, p13, pan1 (Van)
Dark Angel #7, p3, pan2 (Mr. Astin)
Appearances:
Dark Angel #7 (January 1993) - Gary Russell (script), Duke Mighten (art), Helen Nally
(colors), Paul Neary (editor-in-chief)
Dark Angel #8 (February 1993) - Gary Russell (script), Duke Mighten (art), Duncan
Oakley (inking assistance), Helen Nally (colors), Paul Neary (editor-in-chief)
Last updated: 02/09/16.
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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