I can't believe that some of you people are calling Stan Lee a liar to his face! Amazing! The arrogance of you. Marvel Universe handbook says he is not a Mutant, and until something is put in writing that he is, HE ISN'T!

Task Master WAS a god in my eyes, now he's just a S.H.I.E.L.D. techno-ninja rip-off.

Now maybe my memory isn't what it used to be, but I sure don't recall Stan Lee writing the OHTMU. Maybe a selected entry or two, but certainly not the entire thing and definitely the entry for Taskmaster (a character whom he has never used). So while they may be arguing with the OHTMU, I don't see how they are calling Stan Lee a liar, and since he doesn't seem to be participating in this thread I certainly don't see how it's "to his face."

I think that a good portion of this debate boils down to mutant vs. Mutant. Most people agree that someone who is basically human (not alien or such) and is born with a superhuman power is a mutant. But they are only a Mutant if they have the X-Factor Gene.

As far as we know storyline-wise he hasn't been tested for the X-gene. So despite what Michelene's original intent was with the character there is the possibility that he will be revealed to be a Mutant at some point. But he hasn't yet. So he's not a Mutant.

But is he a mutant? That all depends upon your interpretation of what he can do. It's not a skill - skills are taught and trained. He copies skills. What it comes down to is whether you see it as an ability (a natural talent like being double jointed, or a savant, or having an eidetic memory) or a power (a superhuman ability that goes beyond what humans are physically capable of).

Heh. The Marvel Universe Handbook doesn't even call Photographic Reflexes a power. They call it an ability. And it's apparently not singular to Taskmaster as it is "rare" according to his history.

Under Known Superhuman Powers: 'None' is what is says.

Under Abilities: 'Taskmaster possesses 'photographic reflexes' which enable him to watch another person's physical movements and duplicate them without practice, no matter how complex. This ability is only limited by the fact that he does not possess superhuman strength or superhuman attributes. He is a naturally gifted athlete who has trained himself to superb physical condition. His retention of a particular skill or technique is virtually permanent as long as he periodically reviews its source, either live or taped.'

It makes no mention of mutant abilities or even the words mutant or mutation.

I can't believe this is still going on....
Cat

At least one other person has had photographic reflexes in Marvel. It was a character in Daredevil, so Taskmaster isn't alone.

Motzart(or Beethoven, I don't remember which one) could reproduce any piano piece he heard once, prefectly. Would he be a mutant in the Marvel universe?
If I see anyone doing something enough times I'll be able to duplicate it. Taskmaster can do it after seeing it once.

Stan Lee created the Marvel Universe. It has been expounded on by other creators but he created the term Mutants for HIS universe. Therefore if HIS universe says Taskmaster has no superhuman powers, it is so.

so if thor/sersi/starfox/hercules spends 2000 years perfecting a skill that does not require superhuman abilities and taskmaster walks in the room and goes "oh, i can do that". You are just going to tell me that, that is just a talent or a knack, or an ability, but not a superpower?

Basically yes, lets say Thor's skill at throwing his hammer, Tasky could perfectly copy Thor's skill at throwing his hammer up to normal human limits. Obviously Thor possesses not only superhuman strength but agility as well and these would affect his skill with hammer throwing.

Then again, just because you are a god and spend 2000 years honing your skill does not mean you are the best. Starfox is a good fighter and all but I would not put his skill on the same level as say Punisher, a normal human.

Indeed. Captain America gave Starfox and Balck Knight Hand-to-hand combat lesson while he was an Avenger.

so..., will we ever see Tasky bask in his GOOD costume?

Oops, I meant back.

He does have to see them preform that skill, but yes as long as the skill requires no superhuman attributes to preform.

Again, many piano proteges are capable of duplicating any piece of music they have heard only once no matter how complex. Taskmaster is a physical protege, rare but nothing extra human

Hey Basil Elks,

Taskmaster COULD BASK..ILISK IN HIS COSTUME...

Touche.