Hey everybody, welcome back to another great character spotlight, right here in Marvel Snapshot! In this edition, we’ll be checking out one of the most unusual characters ever created in the Marvel Universe! Her name is Ruby Thursday, and she was created by the ingenious mind of Steve Gerber, and also artists extraordinaire Sal Buscema and Jim Mooney (The Defenders #32, 1976)! A woman of mystery that has a “head” for certain types of business! Let’s get down to it!
Thursday Rubinstein (presumably her real name) was a scientist who was involved in certain experiments that were, shall we say, a bit unethical. She then took it upon herself to attempt something very incredible. She grafted an organic computer to her head, and it’s made of some kind of plastic material. Her new “head” responds to her mental commands, and can assume any shape, size, or weapon she can think of to use.
In her first appearance, she was part of the “Headmen” and fought alongside Gorilla-Man, Shrunken Bones, and Chondu the Mystic. This team of oddballs caused some havoc for the Defenders, and especially Nighthawk. Most of the story revolved around Chondu the Mystic being resurrected in another body. She made a subsequent appearance in that title, and her part to play revolved around the death of Omega the Unknown.
Ruby made sporadic appearances throughout the years, most notably in Web of Spider-Man, Sensational She-Hulk, and more recently in Wolverine: Origins. In the latter series, Ruby was brought into the twisted world of Wolverine’s past. The evil despot Romulus used her to help locate Wolverine and defeat him. As you can tell, she might look kind of kooky, but she’s a force to be reckoned with!
As usual, check out my recommended reading list, along with some awesome images of Ruby doing her thing! Enjoy!
Recommended Reading
The Defenders #32, 33, 35, 76, 77, and Annual #1 (1972)
Omega the Unknown #10 (1976)
Web of Spider-Man #73 (1985)
Wolverine: Origins #43-45 (2006)
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
What a bizarre design. I’m surprised I’ve never heard of her.
She seems like she could be tons of fun to write.
I am annoyed, however, that even with such a unique character, and with a “face” like that, they still manage to sexualize her character, and show as much skin as possible.
I long for a day where comic costumes aren’t bathing suits. Just so they can be taken more seriously.