Marvel Comics continues to introduce new characters through the television medium every year. With talk about multiple new Marvel TV shows coming out in the near future, comic book fans are likely to foam at the mouth with anticipation over which characters might get the small screen treatment in the upcoming months and years. Out of all of the characters introduced in the Marvel Universe over the years, Daimon Hellstrom is the least likely ever to be seen on TV. The son of Satan was never intended for the medium.
Brief history
Daimon Hellstrom first appeared in Ghost Rider Vol. 2 #1 in 1973. In the Marvel Universe, he is actually the son of Satan and holds many of the powers of his father. Hellstrom and his sister Satana learned the black arts from their father in the hopes that they would join the elder demon in his conquest to take over the souls of Earth. Satana joined her father, but Daimon decided to use his powers for good as an exorcist. He became a regular member of the Defenders and later became a member of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Paranormal Containment Unit.Common controversy
As a comic book collector who specializes in the comics of the 1970s, I have read many letters (in the letters sections of comics and through other mediums) over the years blasting Marvel for the creation of the Son of Satan. One common thread is the thought that the display of power Hellstrom has through his father could draw young minds to satanic worship or the practice of black magic. The idea of using black magic for good is an argument that dogged Marvel Comics about Hellstrom, but was oddly overlooked by possible critics of Doctor Strange or other black arts practitioners. An attempt to bring the character to TV could reopen these old arguments and could jeopardize the standing the company has with advertisers.Marvel TV and religion
While religion occasionally plays a strong role in the characterization of many characters in the comics, such as Nightcrawler's Catholicism, Marvel has strayed from addressing religion in the TV versions of their characters. Religion is like politics in the sense that a conversation started about either subject can easily end up in a debate or an argument. By straying from these topics altogether, Marvel escapes potential issues in the near future.Hellstrom and the inevitable
It would be impossible to showcase Hellstrom as the Son of Satan without addressing religion on a national stage. Church groups across the country would prepare to attack the publisher, and boycotts could be structured to take money out of the coffers of the company. Even though Ghost Rider was able to be portrayed on the big screen, Daimon has more of a direct connection with religion since his father is supposed to be the Fallen Angel. Where Ghost Rider was a tortured soul looking for redemption, Hellstrom is Hell incarnate and could cause more wounds than worth for the comic book company.More from this Contributor:
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