Issue(s): Deathlok #26
Cover Date: Aug 93
Title: "The detriment of heroics"
Credits:
Gregory Wright - Writer
Kevin Kobasic - Penciler
Bruce D. Patterson & Dave Ryan - Inker
Mindy Newell - Assistant Editor
Tom Brevoort - Editor

Review/plot:
Deathlok has created a video game.

Seems like it has some interesting nuance to it. I'd play it.

Deathlok also gives his son Nick another version of "the talk", like he did in Deathlok #13.

Meanwhile, the Hobgoblin has been hired to attack Deathlok. He needs to do a good job so that he can improve his reputation and put himself back in the Foreigner's good graces. He especially needs to wash the stink off after his recent association with Eightball.

Deathlok is driving Nick back from visiting him in Coney Island. His computer warns him of an attack on his family's house. And since he can run faster than the car he's driving, he stops the car and gets out, telling Nick to call the police. But he doesn't, confident that his dad can handle anything without the police.

If it was a fight in an open field, that might be the case. The problem is that Deathlok's pregnant wife Tracy is around, and Nick arrives soon too.

But he still does manage to drive the Hobgoblin off. During Hobgoblin's escape, Deathlok's computer tells him that if he doesn't relinquish control, reflexive action is degraded.

Then Tracy goes into labor, and Deathlok runs her to the hospital. Misty Knight and the Thing show up for the event.

Afterwards, Deathlok visits Clayton Burr in prison. Deathlok has deduced that Burr was behind the hit. He threatens to "kill him twice" if anything happens to his family. This is the last we'll see of Burr.

Meanwhile, Deathlok's friend Jesus has a date (and a nice suit!).

But it turns out to be a trap.

And Luther Manning continues to have dreams about Deathlok.

I could be imagining it, but i feel like Kevin Kobasic is channeling Mike Zeck for that version of Deathlok (who Zeck drew during his Captain America run). It's the way the legs taper.

Quality Rating: C+

Historical Significance Rating: 1

Chronological Placement Considerations: This takes place before Deathlok annual #2, where Patricia is already born.

References:

• The Hobgoblin is trying to improve his reputation after "recent... difficulties" with the Demogoblin in Web of Spider-Man #95 through Spirits of Vengeance #6 and Eightball in Sleepwalker #21-22.
  
• Deathlok is targeted by Clayton Burr because of his "botched job in Paris" in Deathlok #17-21.
  
• Jesus' date shows him a picture with Deathlok and Ghost Rider, most likely from Deathlok #9-10

Crossover: N/A

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A

Kobasic could do worse than channel Zeck.