Speedball - Marvel Comics' Most Tragic Hero

Kind of crazy that a borderline joke character would be the catalyst for one of the biggest events in modern marvel history it's kind of like jar jar being responsible for Palpatine's rise to power

He remembered every single child... Damn. Also, he definitely had to train to be able to swiftly deal with the enemies in the end. This is truly a great character it seems

This character means a lot to me. I’ve got three types of arthritis and a super rare pain disorder called RSD/CRPS. As a kid I was in debilitating, literally crippling pain 24/7, so reading about a character who derived power from pain was really special for me. It allowed me to look at my situation an imagine it in a more optimistic light. I didn’t know anyone else with RSD, and because of that it was really hard for me to relate to other kids. But I felt like I could relate to penance when he had his suit on. It made me feel cool as a little boy imagining how strong I’d be with his powers.

Gotta love how with way lesser known superheroes, writers can get away with much more when writing stories

I actually learned about Penance through Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 and it was pretty disturbing and sad hearing about his origin honestly.

In a way, Speedball is what would happen if a superhero from the Boys actually owned up to their wreckless behavior. It’s eerily similar how the lead up to Nitro detonating plays out like a low tier reality television show. The heroes are more concerned about their acne and one liners than the fact children can be blown up.

The use of Penance's suit and how it helps with his powers is basically like Darth Vader's suit and how it strengthens his Dark Side connection.

The only thing I think you missed was that, over the course of Civil War, we didn't know who Penance was. It was a very well played mystery and the reveal was solid.

Personally, I like to believe that Robbie uses his old suit after becoming a teacher because although it symbolizes the pain and guilt he feels due to being the one that forced everyone to go fight Nitro, it also symbolizes his past and more innocent side. Something to show how he finally accepts how it’s his fault but he’s ready to change rather than dwell in his past mistakes and bring faith back to the name of “Speedball”

As a man that lost my dog in a house fire speedballs story really hits when your a child and only have your dog as a loved one

Its wild! I remember reading original Speedball back in the day.... Kinda liked the goofy vibe but didn't follow up. To see where it all went and ended up was pretty emotional, I gotta admit... Like hearing an old friend you hadn't seen in years had passed away! Good work, thank you!

Reminds me of going to see James Gunn’s Suicide Squad and almost crying because he told a good and brutal story with polka-dot-man of all people

Robbie as a teacher was a good choice. He has perspective on things that no other support can have.

I think it really is a good way to show how survivor's guilt can shred someone. I'm lucky to not have it and hope I never do, but I've read some harrowing stories. it's nice that they show someone feeling the consequences to their actions, and trying to adapt to it

I remember the first reveal of Robbie being Penance was when Richard Rider, Nova, returned to Earth following the Annihilation War in space, but after all the events of Civil War. Really great, and touching moment, where these two heroes who used to be New Warriors together, talk about all that's changed

I wouldn't even call his character arc edgy. He feels remorse for thinking of his own gains before helping others, and causing the deaths of many people. It's really well done.

I'm both a Speedball fan and a Penance fan, so I guess I'm a fan of... PEN BALL

9:03 This line was killing me for hours.

I like to imagine that the actual reason that Speedball didn’t want to continue as Penance is because he wants the costume to remain on Nitro for as long as possible.

Fun fact: penance (speedball) is a playable character in marvel ultimate alliance 2, he even has his own boss fight.