T-14 T-14
Real Name: Unrevealed
Identity/Class: Human (advanced technology-user)
Occupation: Terrorist; possible scientist
Group Membership: A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics, specifically the group seeking results from Project Gladiator (led by Paul Allen) and their group that briefly captured the Man-Thing and Ka-Zar (including Q-5, R-17, the one who fell in the pit, and at least five others; the group that shot down the helicopter carrying in Allen, Ka-Zar, Morse, and Zabu; and presumably Detail Three)
Affiliations: Presumably Alan and his unidentified associate; the group involved with Dr. Calvin's shooting (including the mob leader and the shooter, as well as 3-4 others who may have been locals manipulated by the mob leader, or who may also have been A.I.M. agents); possibly Jasper Petrie (who also may or may not have been an A.I.M. agent or a manipulated local);
Enemies: Project Gladiator (Dr. Wilma Calvin, Hamilton, Dr. Barbara Morse (later Mockingbird), Dr. Ted Sallis/Man-Thing, Dr. Wendell), S.H.I.E.L.D., Ka-Zar (Kevin, Lord Plunder), Zabu
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: Unrevealed;
formerly an A.I.M. base in proximity to the Project Gladiator base in the Everglades swamps outside Citrusville, Florida
First Appearance: Astonishing Tales I#12 (June, 1972);
(identified) Astonishing Tales I#13 (August, 1972)
Powers/Abilities: As an agent of A.I.M., T-14 had access to advanced technology, including a blaster that could kill the engine of a helicopter without damaging the rest of the craft or its inhabitants, and a laser rifle that could dehydrate and incapacitate the Man-Thing. He wore the conventional A.I.M. anti-radiation suit, which limited his peripheral vision.
Height: Unrevealed (appeared to be roughly average height, so somewhere around 5'10")
Weight: Unrevealed
Eyes: Unrevealed (he was not seen without his A.I.M. helmet)
Hair: Unrevealed (he was not seen without his A.I.M. helmet)
History:
(Astonishing
Tales I#13 (fb) -
BTS) - T-14 was part of a group of A.I.M. agents headed by Paul Allen (who
was also a double agent within SHIELD) seeking to obtain the
results of Project Gladiator, a S.H.I.E.L.D. research program supporting Dr. Ted Sallis and tasked with creating a process
that would change an ordinary soldier into an indestructible warrior.
(Savage Tales I#1 (fb) - BTS / Astonishing Tales I#12 (fb) - BTS) - Threatened by A.I.M. agents, Sallis injected himself with the only sample of his serum and was transformed into the Man-Thing, although the involved A.I.M. agents perished, and Ellen Brandt was left addled, so no one else learned of Sallis' fate; and Sallis was presumed missing.
(Astonishing Tales I#12 (fb) -
BTS) - Reports of the monstrous creature prevented locals from helping
scouring the glades for evidence of Sallis, and it was feared that the
same creature that had burnt Brandt had also killed Sallis.
(Astonishing Tales I#12 (fb) - BTS) - Seeking to capture and/or destroy the Man-Thing so they could safely search for Sallis, AIM agents (including R-17, Q-5, and T-14, and at least six others) dug and then covered up a large pit in the wooded region a relatively short distance from Project: Gladiator base.
(Astonishing Tales I#12) - As after Allen and Morse returned via helicopter with Ka-Zar and his pet/partner, the saber-toothed tiger Zabu, AIM agents spotted them, and the acting agent in-charge ordered the others to bring it down the moment it came into sight (wishing to ensure that if anyone found Sallis, it would be AIM). Another agent asked this agent if he was sure, as they had received no signal, but the first agent stated that agents of AIM needed no coded orders. As the helicopter came into visual range, another agent ordered T-14 to fire their weapon, and T-14 achieved a direct hit, stopping the helicopters motor. Apparently two different AIM agents noted, "That whirlybird will never carry anyone to that lab hidden in the swamp," and "If anyone finds Dr. Ted Sallis, it will be the members of AIM."
(Astonishing Tales I#12 - BTS) - Allen
tried to
glide the craft in, and they crashed into water. Ka-Zar and Zabu
carried/swam Morse and Allen out of the craft and to the surface. The
quartet eventually reached Project Gladiator base, and they
updated Ka-Zar on the current situation. Ka-Zar then heard the Man-Thing
outside of the base and went after him after tethering Zabu to keep him
safe from the boggy marsh.
(Astonishing Tales I#12) - The AIM agents hid as the Man-Thing wandered into their trap and fell into the pit. As one of the agents prepared to destroy the Man-Thing with a laser-blast, Ka-Zar arrived and kicked down that agent. As the other AIM agents directed laser pistols at Ka-Zar, another agent ordered them not to shoot him (see comments). Without the AIM agents using their blasters, Ka-Zar began to batter the group, inadvertently knocking one of the agents into the pit.
Dazed, the agent struggled to regain his bearings; while he could not see in the dark pit, he could hear the Man-Thing shuffling toward him. Terrified, the agent burst into flames at the Man-Thing's touch.
Angered at the other AIM agents lack of concern for their comrade's plight, Ka-Zar attacked them anew, but one of the agents struck him with the butt of his rifle. Not having intended to do so, the agent's blow nonetheless knocked Ka-Zar into the pit as well.
(Astonishing Tales I#13) - Standing above the pit, an AIM agent asked R-17 why he didn't fire and destroy the monster, and R-17 explained that they (he and another armed agent standing beside him) couldn't see clearly and that they might hit Ka-Zar. When the Man-Thing caught Ka-Zar (who did not fear him and thus did not burn) and lifted him above his head, the AIM agents were able to approximate the Man-Thing's location (and safely avoid hitting Ka-Zar); R-17 or one of the other AIM agents then blasted the Man-Thing, and the heat of the weapon dehydrated the creature sufficiently to cause its collapse.
With the Man-Thing falling atop Ka-Zar, the AIM agents incorrectly
surmised that he was mangled and would be of no use in finding Sallis.
Agent Q-5 ordered another agent (likely R-17) to spray the pit
with laser beams until they were
certain he was dead. 
Hearing commotion from the bushes, T-14 warned the others of someone approaching, but all were surprised by the arrival of Zabu, who -- having chewed through the rope tethering him back at Project Gladiator base -- charged an agent (presumably R-17); despite another agent (presumably Q-5)'s urging the armed R-17 not to panic and instead shoot the creature, Zabu swiftly slashed R-17, shattering his weapon; his body a twisted ruin, R-17 was dead before he hit the ground.
T-14 asked what they could do, noting that none of their other weapons cold stop that brute. Another agent (perhaps Q-5) assured T-14 that there would be other moments and that they would regroup to fight again..."But now, don't talk--Run!"
(Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Barbara Morse subsequently informed Paul Allen that -- with Sallis and Calvin out of the picture -- she was next in command; and, due to the number of AIM agents in the area, they would move Project Gladiator headquarters in New York.
(Astonishing Tales I#13 (fb) - BTS) - Allen went with Dr. Wendell to prepare Dr. Calvin for the journey.
AIM agents shot Dr. Wendell and abducted Dr. Calvin.
Allen orchestrated this, but it is
unrevealed whether Dr. Wendell realized Allen's true allegiance. Allen
reunited with AIM and took to wearing his AIM costume again.
(Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Dr. Wendell informed Barbara and Ka-Zar of Dr. Calvin's abduction before dying.
Using Zabu to terrify the AIM agent who had shot Dr. Calvin, Ka-Zar learned where they could find Paul and Dr. Calvin. Locating the mound the shooter had described, Ka-Zar found and air vent, which he then crushed closed. Ka-Zar then had Zabu and Barbara wait with him, knowing AIM agents would investigate and reveal an entrance.
(Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Scouting the area around their base, a trio of AIM agents (Detail Three) encountered the waiting Ka-Zar and Zabu, both of whom dodged their blasts and ultimately incapacitated the agents before accessing the AIM base via the portal through which the AIM agents had exited.
Barbara, Ka-Zar, and Zabu stormed the facility,
but as Barbara located and rushed toward Dr. Calvin, Paul Allen pulled off
his mask, grabbed Barbara from behind, and held her at gunpoint. As Paul moved
towards Calvin and announced his plans to kill her since he couldn't
take her with him, the Man-Thing smashed through the wall. Paul
panicked as his bullets didn't faze the Man-Thing, and he begged
Barbara or Ka-Zar to stop the creature. The Man-Thing then reached
forward, grabbed the terrified Paul and lifted him into the air, frying
his face's flesh.
Believing Paul dead, Ka-Zar fled with Dr. Calvin, Barbara, and Zabu, after which the Man-Thing flipped a lever that detonated the AIM facility, apparently killing Paul and everyone else present.
Although not shown, the Man-Thing survived...Comments: Created by Roy Thomas, John Buscema, and Dan Adkins.
It is presumed that T-14 perished in the explosion of the AIM base, but it is certainly possible that he escaped.
As AIM uniforms are identical, it is pretty much impossible to tell who was whom unless they are being called by name/designation. So, I included all information on the AIM agents associated with activities involving T-14 in the history to make sure it was all covered.
Why did the AIM agents shoot down a helicopter piloted by their leader, Paul Allen?
Why did the AIM agent instruct the other agents not to shoot Ka-Zar?
It's a LONG way off before AIM gets its own profile, and I guess I
could have added all of these as sub-profiles under Paul Allen, but
since they, at least, had designations, and they were involved in some
important struggles, I figured they were worth a separate profile. I
could have profiled each of the designated AIM agents individually, but
that seemed excessive. Even this comment is getting excessive...
So, why did I pick T-14 for the main profile and put Q-5 and
R-17, in the sub-profiles, rather than putting Q-5 or T-14 in the
main spot? In the immortal words of John Blutarsky, "Why not?"
Actually, I was going to put R-17 in the main profile (because he was
the first one I saw identified), but then I saw T-14 as the earliest
one identified in Astonishing Tales I#12, while the other two were not
identified until #13.
And, in working on this
profile, T-14 was the most frequently referenced. Q-5 was identified
once, R-17 twice, and T-14 thrice...at least as far as I saw...
Profile by Snood.
CLARIFICATIONS:
T-14 should be distinguished from:
His real name unrevealed, Q-5 was part of the AIM
group headed by Paul Allen and tasked with obtaining the super-solider
serum developed by Ted Sallis at Project Gladiator, in the swamps near
Citrusville, Florida.Q-5 was one of the (at least) nine AIM agents who supervised (and may have dug) the pit into which they trapped the Man-Thing. 
It seems likely that he was the one who originally
questioned why R-17 wasn't shooting at the Man-Thing in the pet (to
which R-17 replied that he didn't want to risk hitting Ka-Zar (see above comments).
He was presumably the one who pointed out when the Man-Thing raised
Ka-Zar over his head, bringing the latter into their view. After R-17
blasted and incapacitated the Man-Thing, Q-5 called him a fool, noting
that Ka-Zar had likely been mangled after falling along with collapsing
bog-beast. Considering Ka-Zar no longer useful, he ordered R-17 to
spray the pit with laser beams and finish him off. T-14 then noted the sound of "someone" approaching, and they were surprised by the charging sabretoothed-tiger, Zabu. It was presumably Q-5 who futilely instructed R-17 not to panic and to shoot the creature. After Zabu had slain R-17, it was likely Q-5 who ordered T-14 and the at least 3 other standing agents to flee so they could regroup. Q-5 was presumably back at the AIM base when Ka-Zar, Zabu, and Barbara Morse assaulted it, ultimately culminating with the Man-Thing blowing up the base. --Astonishing Tales I#12; (identified) Astonishing Tales I#13 Note: Q-5 seemed to have some sort of authority, as he was the one who ordered R-17 to finish off Ka-Zar after the Man-Thing fell on top of him. Given this apparent authority, it seems likely that Q-5 could have been one of the ones who directed T-14 to fire at the helicopter headed for Project Gladiator (see the main entry). Of the three agents seen standing over the pit containing the Man-Thing, Q-5 was the one not carrying a laser rifle. It is presumed that Q-5 perished in the explosion of the AIM base, but it is certainly possible that he escaped. |
  His real name unrevealed, R-17 was part of the AIM group
headed by Paul Allen and tasked with obtaining the super-solider serum
developed by Ted Sallis at Project Gladiator, in the swamps near
Citrusville, Florida.R-17 was one of the (at least) nine AIM agents who supervised (and may have dug) the pit into which they trapped the Man-Thing. An agent (likely Q-5) questioned why R-17 wasn't shooting at the Man-Thing in the pet, to which R-17 replied that he didn't want to risk hitting Ka-Zar (see above comments). When an agent (again, likely Q-5) pointed out when the Man-Thing raised Ka-Zar over his head, bringing the latter into their view, it was apparently R-17 who noted that he could fire directly below Ka-Zar and strike the monster. As intended, he blasted and incapacitated the Man-Thing, but Q-5 called him a fool, noting that Ka-Zar had likely been mangled after falling along with collapsing bog-beast. Considering Ka-Zar no longer useful, Q-5 ordered R-17 to spray the pit with laser beams and finish him off. As R-17 agreed to follow Q-5's instruction, T-14 then noted the sound of "someone" approaching, and they were surprised by the charging sabretoothed-tiger, Zabu. It was presumably Q-5 who futilely instructed R-17 not to panic and to shoot the creature. Nonetheless, Zabu dove at and slashed R-17, shattering his weapon; his body a twisted ruin, R-17 was dead before he hit the ground. --Astonishing Tales I#12; (identified) Astonishing Tales I#13 Note: In the above left image, I would think that the one answering the question directed to R-17 was R-17 (the one on the far right), as opposed to the one standing nearest the one asking the question. The other one is LIKELY T-14. R-17 may or may not have been one of the agents involved with the shooting down of the helicopter headed for Project Gladiator (see the main entry). |
   His real name unrevealed, this agent was part of the AIM group
headed by Paul Allen and tasked with obtaining the super-solider serum
developed by Ted Sallis at Project Gladiator, in the swamps near
Citrusville, Florida.He was one of the (at least) nine AIM agents who supervised (and may have dug) the pit into which they trapped the Man-Thing. (Astonishing Tales I#12) - The AIM agents hid as the Man-Thing wandered into their trap and fell into the pit. As one of the agents prepared to destroy the Man-Thing with a laser-blast, Ka-Zar arrived and kicked down that agent. As the other AIM agents directed laser pistols at Ka-Zar, another agent ordered them not to shoot him (see comments). Without the AIM agents using their blasters, Ka-Zar began to batter the group, inadvertently knocking one of the agents into the pit. Dazed, the agent struggled to regain his bearings; while he could not see in the dark pit, he could hear the Man-Thing shuffling toward him. Terrified, the agent burst into flames and perished at the Man-Thing's touch. --Astonishing Tales I#12Note: It was dark inside the pit, which is why his mask looks blue in the above image. There were images from #13 showing a flashback to the man falling into the pit and being slain by the Man-Thing. They were more brightly lit, and maybe I'll include them some day if this agent ever receives a real name and/or gets his own profile. |
  They part of the AIM group headed by Paul Allen and tasked with obtaining the super-solider serum developed by Ted Sallis at Project Gladiator, in the swamps near Citrusville, Florida. (Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Using Zabu to terrify the AIM agent who had shot Dr. Calvin, Ka-Zar learned where they could find Paul and Dr. Calvin. Locating the mound the shooter had described, Ka-Zar found and air vent, which he then crushed closed. Ka-Zar then had Zabu and Barbara Morse wait with him, knowing AIM agents would investigate and reveal an entrance. (Astonishing Tales I#13) - Exiting through a previous hidden door, Detail Three was instructed to scout the entire area with lasers at the ready. One of them considered that the vent was probably just clogged with stuff from "this filthy swamp," but another countered that they dare not take any chances. The third agent then spotted the waiting Ka-Zar and Zabu (with Barbara remaining hiding), informing the "jungle man" that he might as well lay down and die, as he could never outrun a laser beam. However, both Ka-Zar and Zabu dodged their blasts, and Ka-Zar slammed one of the agent's heads to the ground, incapacitating him. Shooting at Zabu while running in the opposite direction, a second agent noted how the cat had been taught to duck and that it moved too fast for him to get a bead on it. Zabu caught the man by the literal seat of his pants and threw him to smash into a tree, taking him out as well. Swinging by a vine, Ka-Zar wrapped it around and the third agent, smashing him forcefully against a tree and leaving him bound there. Ka-Zar, Zabu, and Barbara then ccessed the AIM base via the portal through which the AIM agents had exited. --Astonishing Tales I#13Note: The agents of Detail Three seemed to be encountered Ka-Zar and Zabu for the first time, rather than any who had fled from them before, so I doubt any of them were Q-5 or T-14. Left outside the base, it is possible that some or all of "Detail Three" survived the base's destruction. There are good images of the three agents being taken out, but I've spent far too much time on this profile as is, and I'm fatiguing. If someone wants to add them, feel free. |
  Tasked with obtaining the super-solider serum
developed by Ted Sallis at Project Gladiator, in the swamps near
Citrusville, Florida, and AIM group
headed by Paul Allen established a base under a great earth mound in the swampland.(Astonishing Tales I#13 (fb) - BTS) - AIM agents shot Dr. Wendell and abducted Dr. Calvin. Allen orchestrated this, but it is unrevealed whether Dr. Wendell realized Allen's true allegiance. Allen reunited with AIM and took to wearing his AIM costume again.(Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Using Zabu to terrify the AIM agent who had shot Dr. Calvin, Ka-Zar learned where they could find Paul and Dr. Calvin. Locating the mound the shooter had described, Ka-Zar found and air vent, which he then crushed closed. Ka-Zar then had Zabu and Barbara Morse wait with him, knowing AIM agents would investigate and reveal an entrance. (Astonishing Tales I#13 - BTS) - Scouting the area around their base, a trio of AIM agents (Detail Three) encountered the waiting Ka-Zar and Zabu, who incapacitated the agents before accessing the AIM base via the portal through which the AIM agents had exited. (Astonishing Tales I#13) - Barbara, Ka-Zar, and Zabu stormed the facility; they were followed by the Man-Thing, who ultimately slew Paul Allen before flipping a lever that detonated the AIM facility, apparently killing Paul and everyone else present. Ka-Zar (carry the captured --Astonishing Tales I#13 |
Appearances:
Astonishing Tales I#12 (June, 1972) - Roy Thomas (writer), John Buscema (penciler), Dan Adkins (inker), Stan Lee (editor);
Astonishing Tales I#13 (August, 1972) - Roy Thomas (writer), John Buscema & Rich Buckler (penciler), Dan Adkins (inker), Stan Lee (editor)
First posted: 10/24/2021
Last updated: 10/24/2021
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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