ESPN / Marvel NBA Covers Collaboration Turns Dwight Howard into Wolverine

by Evan Dunlap on Oct 22, 2010 3:04 PM EDT in Diversions

Terry and Rachel Dodson - ESPN / Marvel Comics

Though Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is often linked to Superman--and with good reason, given his performance in the 2008 Sprite Slam Dunk contest--ESPN.com likened him to a different superhero in its team-up with Marvel Comics to create stylized comic-book covers representing every NBA team. With an assist from the husband-and-wife creative team of Terry and Rachel Dodson, Howard appears as Wolverine, the ubiquitous X-Man, in the NBA preview issue of ESPN The Magazine, on newsstands now. The image itself is a nod to Frank Miller's iconic portrayal of the Canadian mutant in a limited series published in 1982, three years before Howard was born.

The reasoning behind the selection? According to the Mag, Orlando's poor record in games decided by five points or less (.471 win percentage) last season means they need an injection of intensity. If Howard had Wolverine's attitude, it'd "take care of the intensity issues" the team has.

On a more practical level, Superman belongs to DC Comics, not Marvel, which also helps to explain the choice.

Notably, Howard has adjusted his attitude following last season's disappointing Eastern Conference Finals ouster at the hands of the Boston Celtics, as Ken Berger wrote last month:

"I really learned how to talk to my teammates, be a better leader, be more vocal," Howard said. "But also in the locker room, show my teammates a different side of me. The side that most people always see is me smiling and having fun, which is great. But I showed my teammates that when it's time to get serious, then it's time to get serious. And I'm going to expect them to do the same."

Next week's release of Howard's children's-music CD proves he's still a fun-loving guy off the court. But when he steps between the lines, he's all business. That attitude may help him dismantle the rest of the league with the same ruthless efficiency with which Wolverine dispatches mutant-hunting Sentinels. He just has to be careful not to enter a berserker rage; the league's new technical-foul rules could lead to fines or a suspension if he's too demonstrative.

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Comments

Love the cover.

Merges two of my favorite things in the world. But it would’ve been better with Dwight as Iron Man or Colossus. Even with the rationalization for Wolverine, there are just better candidates to apply him to. Like Gerald Wallace or KG.

I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.

by slickw143 on Oct 22, 2010 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

Oh oh or Steve Nash.

He’s short, Canadian, and tenacious, just like Wolverine! I’m putting too much thought into this…

I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.

by slickw143 on Oct 22, 2010 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Dwight is more like Ironman.Wolverine is better for a point guard

because they have tricks up their sleeve. Superman isnt marvel comic I think he’s more like ironman

by GoMagic000 on Oct 22, 2010 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

I'd have to go with the Hulk

on the grounds that Dwight’s physical strength, like the Hulk’s, seems tied into his anger. But it would have to be later Hulk, after Dr. Banner had gained full control of the Hulk persona. It’s too difficult to imagine D12 running around yelling, “Dwight will smash!”

by Redfield on Oct 22, 2010 4:09 PM EDT reply actions

Am I the only who thinks he is more like Kitty Pryde (Shadow Cat)?

She has the power to be intangible and is vital in being one of the leaders of the X-Men. Dwight brings a lot of “intangibles” to the table with his awesome defense and is vital as one of the leaders of the Magic.

Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek

by funny80sguy on Oct 22, 2010 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

Colossus! It's totally Colossus.

I love LeBron. No really, I love Jameer.

by slickw143 on Oct 22, 2010 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I like that one.

When the big fella was whistled for his fourth personal foul midway through the third quarter, Stan Van Gundy left Clark Kent alone. And in a phone booth measuring 94 feet across, Dwight Howard used that vote of confidence to transform into his alter ego. - Chris Sheridan

by thermodynamic on Oct 23, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions

DWIGHT SMASH.

People who criticize Howard are retarded as hell. The dudes a walking ball of numbers that makes a bunch slow team mates look like defensive dynamos.

Dwight Howard did not lose that boston series. If you think so go back and look at his numbers compared to everyone else’s. Dwight Howard does more than his share on this team, the problem is that the only one else who even seemed to be trying was Reddick, and I love the kid but Reddick is not going to carry a team.

So they lose and everyone calls for polish on Howard who imho is the biggest full court impact in the damn game. I know he’s not the most skilled, but neither is brock lesnar and he’s a ufc champ. The dude is more full court effective than Kobe, Durant, Wade unquestionably. I still think his defense out weighs lebron’s O, but I have a soft spot for bigs in general as I believe they have more effect on the court in just “presence.” Dwight’s down there don’t go there kinda stuff.

Without recognizing ‘presence’ on the court, I still put Howard at 2. 1st in blocks, rebounds and ~20 ppg in an offense that relies heavily on him 1 on 1 on the block or uses him in the pick n roll? I hope some media open their eyes this year.

by David Polega on Oct 22, 2010 5:07 PM EDT reply actions