Bullet Points (comics)

''Bullet Points'' is a comic book limited series that was published by Marvel Comics in 2006 and 2007, written by J. Michael Straczynski, illustrated by Tommy Lee Edwards and lettered by John Workman.

The series was released under the ''Marvel Knights'' imprint and examines the consequences to the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers is not injected with the Super-Soldier Serum but instead is Iron Man. Additionally, Peter Parker and Bruce Banner are given switched identities, with the former becoming the Hulk and the latter Spider-Man.

Plot summary

The series begins on December 8, 1940. Abraham Erskine and Benjamin Parker are killed by Heinz Kruger before they can use the Super-Soldier Serum as part of ''Project: Rebirth''.

Due to Erskine's death, ''Project: Rebirth'' is canceled. In its place, the government activates ''Project: Iron Man'' and gives the Iron Man armor to Steve Rogers, a failed Army applicant who impressed them with his determination. Iron Man debuts during the Battle of Guadalcanal, helps the Allies win World War II, and becomes an essential part of American military tactics, drafting Reed Richards to provide technical support.

Meanwhile, Benjamin's nephew Peter Parker becomes a disaffected, trouble-making punk without a parental figure to guide him. During a joyride with his friends, he wanders into an atomic bomb test site after their jeep breaks down and is exposed to massive amounts of radiation. The accident alters Peter's body, causing him to transform into the Hulk. Iron Man, who had recently retired, is called back into action to battle Peter, only to be killed by him.

Meanwhile, Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Sue Storm, and Johnny Storm embark on a space expedition to study cosmic rays. However, the rocket is sabotaged and explodes, killing all except Reed. Reed subsequently becomes the leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a scientific pioneer.

Blaming himself and his gamma bomb for Peter's condition, Bruce Banner researches methods of curing him and transforms into a feral spider hybrid after being bitten by a radioactive spider collected from the bomb test site. After going on the run for two years, Bruce is captured and becomes Spider-Man after his condition stabilizes.

Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer, arrive on Earth to consume it. After the two kill numerous superheroes, the Hulk emerges from seclusion and attacks Galactus before being fatally blasted by the Power Cosmic. This inspires the Surfer to attack Galactus, who kills him and leaves Earth.

Characters

* Iron Man (Steve Rogers): Soldier in World War II who volunteers for ''Project: Iron Man''. He dies after attempting to subdue and arrest the Hulk.
* Hulk (Peter Parker): Exposed to gamma bomb who turns into the Hulk whenever angry. He runs away after accidentally killing Iron Man. He later emerges from seclusion and dies while attacking Galactus.
* Dr. Reed Richards: Government scientist working on "Project: Iron Man", is director of S.H.I.E.L.D. after the crash landing of his rocket and the deaths of the co-pilots. He resembles Nick Fury in appearance.
* Spider-Man (Bruce Banner): S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist who is bitten by a radioactive spider and gains spider-like abilities.

See also

* '' JLA: The Nail'', a DC Comics miniseries with a similar concept.
* '' What If... Captain Carter Were the First Avenger?'', a What If... episode where Peggy Carter receives the serum instead while Steve Rogers utilizes a Hydra Stomper armor

References

*

External links

Issue #1 solicitationIssue #2 solicitationIssue #3 solicitationIssue #4 solicitationIssue #5 solicitationStraczynski press conference

{{Marvel Multiverse

2006 comics debuts
Comics by J. Michael Straczynski