| Aladdin | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics Malibu Comics |
| First appearance | Hardcase #4 |
| In-story information | |
| Type of organization | Intelligence agency |
| Base(s) | Various locations throughout the USA |
Aladdin was a fictional government organization from Malibu Comics' Ultraverse imprint.
Contents |
Aladdin was a U.S. government agency apparently founded sometime in the 1960s to deal with the growing number of Ultras (super-powered beings) in their world. 1n 1970, their scientific division, using a synthesis of organic brain tissue and computer systems called G.E.N.I.E. (Genetically Engineered Neural Intelligence Experiment) were examining alien technology and corpses discovered by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, when some unknown event caused the corpses to release a cloud of material which caused G.E.N.I.E. to develop sentience and grow into a true fusion of organic and mechanical technology.
The newly upgraded G.E.N.I.E. also contained information from the alien lifeforms/technology it had assimilated. It told the Aladdin scientists of a cosmic force called Shu-Ji, a nearly Godlike power to alter reality; but attempts to access this force by human beings proved dangerously unsuccessful. G.E.N.I.E. decided to genetically engineer the proper recepticals for the Shu-Ji: two human males, each holding a fraction of the power. However, the power could not be fully controlled until they matured, and so it was decided to raise the boys separately, and keep them unaware of their true natures.
At the age of eighteen, Aladdin tried to take custody of the two, only to see them taken away by the creature called Rune, who coveted their power for himself. The two came into contact, and merged into a vastly powerful being called Gemini, who easily escaped custody. Aladdin and G.E.N.I.E. have created another pair of embryos, to repeat the project in another 18 years.
Aladdin in more recent years has been portrayed as a ruthless organization that believes a war between Ultras and normal humans is inevitable, and to that end recruits, drafts and blackmails as many Ultras to work for them as they can, and also perform experiments on Ultra DNA, with the goals of enhancing Ultra powers, making Ultras easier to control or defeat, and to try to bestow Ultra powers on ordinary humans. They utilize forces such as the Aladdin Assault Squad to enforce their will, and do not hesitate to utilize excessively violent methods and individuals. Aladdin also keeps careful track of the activities of every known Ultra on Earth.