Polite Dissent

Two recent storylines in Marvel comics have looked at biological warfare. How accurate was the science and medicine? Surprisingly good.

In the “Red Zone” (Avengers #65-70), the Avengers face the devastation occuring after a cloud of bacteria is released from a secret government lab under Mount Rushmore. The disease is determined to be necrotizing fasciitis. The story by Geoff Johns and the haunting art by Olivier Copiel do an excellent job of showing the destruction even a small biological attack could cause.

The medicine is sound. The story correctly identifies Group A Streptococcus as being the main bacteria responsible for necrotizing fasciitis. Under normal circumstances, the disease spreads unbelievably quickly, so the speed of the genetically modified version is entirely possible. Airborne dissemination would be likely, as indicated in the story.

There were a couple small medical nit-picks: First, on at least one occasion, the bacterium is identified as a virus. Second, the characters and narration refer to necrotizing fasciitis as the name of the bacterium; it isn’t – it is the name of a disease that can be caused by several different bacteria (the most common, and the one ultimately identified in the comic, is Group A Streptococcus ). Finally, it surprises me that never once are antibiotics discussed. There’s a great deal of talk about using “enzymes.” While there’s no reason an enzyme wouldn’t work, why not stick with the tried and true treatment: an antibiotic effective against Group A Strep. Overall: A good well-written story with sound science. The art by Copiel fits the mood well.

In “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (Mystique #7-10), Mystique is sent to retrieve a vial of a genetically-modified smallpox vaccine. While on her mission, she encounters the Host, a mutant who controls viruses. Not as deep or as scary a story as the Red Zone; more of a caper-flick really.

The medicine is well thought out. The writer (Brian Vaughan) has clearly done his research. Vaccinia is correctly identified as the virus used for smallpox vaccination (not variola, the smallpox virus itself). Ebola is noted to be a hemorrhagic fever. He is correct in stating who has had smallpox vaccinations: most people born before 1970, military members, and some healthcare personnel. Vaughan also earns extra points for bringing up Murray Valley Encephalitis, a rare mosquito-borne virus found only in certain parts of Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea. My only nit-pick is the symptoms of the virus itself: while described as being Ebola-like, it shared few symptoms with Ebola (or smallpox). Overall, another good story. Mystique has surprised by being more readable than I anticipated, with captivating stories and good art.