On the 27th day of this year’s Jack Kirby Tribute Month, focused on the Fantastic Four and related characters, today’s prompt is the Puppet Master, Philip Masters!
The Puppet Master is a very early antagonist, introduced in Jack and Stan’s FF run way back in issue #8. At the same time, we also meet his daughter Alicia for the first time, who ends up being a very important supporting character.
Apart from looking kind of creepy and ventriloquist doll-like, the Puppet Master doesn’t really cut all that impressive of an appearance. He’s not on any list you might find of “best or most interestingly costumed Kirby characters.” But he does have quite the power! Using a special radioactive clay, he can make figures of just about anyone, and force them to do his bidding. In his first appearance, he manages to take control of the Thing, sending him against his teammates! So heroes underestimate him at their risk.
That’s all I have to say about the Puppet Master. Hope you enjoyed my depiction. Who’s next? Tune in tomorrow to see!