There are heroes who use vast wealth to aid in fighting crime and super-powered threats. So it only makes sense that villains would do the same to further their goals while also making more money with it. Roxxon is one such company, but how does an oil company become such a threat to the likes of the Avengers and other heroes? Let’s find out!
Roxxon Oil Company struck it big in the 1930s, having gotten claims on some major oil reserves, this would cause its owner, Alexander Jones, to become a millionaire. As time went on Roxxon would buy up Republic Oil and Natural Gas, cementing its seat of power in the fuel game. Around this time, they would become a funder of S.H.I.E.L.D. but this was to give them a better public face since they also had secret ties to Hydra.
By the time Alexander’s son, Hugh, the company was more heavily involved in funding criminal workings than any of their S.H.I.E.L.D. funding days. Hugh would often get directly involved with heroes and villains but was never able to have any crimes stick to him. Regardless of his shady dealings and illegal actions, this just meant more earnings for Roxxon Energy Corporation, having now moved into all forms of power to get rich.
Hugh’s life became tied to the magical artifact, the Serpent Crown, which allowed him to have immense ability that he wanted to use for dangerous and selfish reasons. This lead to heroes and even some villains seeking him out to stop him. This tie with the crown didn’t just go away when it was taken away from him, the bond was forever, causing Hugh’s mind to slip away. Obsessed with regaining the crown, the Board at Roxxon would have him replace, there’s always new people ready to fill-in for money and power at the expense of others.
As CEOs would come and go at Roxxon, their goals for acquiring more wealth at any cost stayed the same. This would also cause them to gain the attention of other villains, who saw the company as a powerful acquisition for themselves. While these attempts had varying levels of success, the Board still ends up standing, ready to be lead by a CEO they find worth following. They may go up against Asgardians, Iron Man, or any other assemble of heroes, they want to make all the money by the end of the day, even if it means it has to be the last day.
There you have it! Roxxon have been a frequent threat in the Marvel multiverse. Whether on the big or small screen, they’ve had some impact on the story of heroes. They’ve recently been seen in the latest Spidey video game, Spider-Man: Miles Morales. See you next time!
Suggested Reading
Captain America #180
Dr. Bustos
drbustos@comicattack.net
