The Continuing Adventures of Tornado Girl
ORIGINS
There are many legends concerning the birth of Tornado Girl. Some say that she was created by the storm goddess as a foil to Hurricane Lass.
Others say that the Wicked Fairy, bored with the same ol’ magic stew, mixed a concoction of absinthe, saxophones, and giggle sprouts and behold, Tornado Girl emerged from the churning vapors.
For those who prefer a more natural birth, there’s the tale of how WindStorm swallowed the first spring breeze, along with the last purple rain, and afterward suffered pounding headaches, hearing nothing but Beethoven’s 9th symphony. After eleven days, Tornado Girl sprang full-grown from her mother’s left ear.
In addition to legends, there are a few historical theories as to TG’s origins. One such theory cites the creator as a mild-mannered state worker, Marian Small, who in order to gain the attention (and possible affection) of Rufus Drumwood, internationally known bagpiper, created the alter-ego of Tornado Girl as a dramatic lure. By all accounts, the ruse was successful and Marian is now Mrs. Drumwood and the Drumwoods have two children, Knight and Daisy.
Another less credible possibility is that the makers of the Twister game needed a new marketing gimmick and hired top advert man, Dutch Swanger, to develop a bold commercial twist. Dutch knew that a cyclonic blonde with Zip! Zang! Pow! was a sure winner.
However, the most documented and factual origin story recounts a writing contest held on March 22, 1999. The contest was originated by Kevin Hendryx, who, inspired by a game of croquet with his wife, Mary, issued the challenge: Write an opening line to a comic book story along the lines of “It was another typical day for Average-Man… or “Without warning, Volcano-Man exploded…”
On March 23, Mary Hendryx responded with several entries, one of which was the now famous, “Let’s play Twister!” suggested Tornado Girl.” (most TG fans incorrectly recall the phrase as “How about a game of Twister?”). The next day, Tornado Girl made her first literary appearance in Ghostrunner on Third, in which Mary wrote a description of the newly fledged superheroine. Not to be outdone, Kevin then drew the first illustration of Tornado Girl, and from such humble origins, TG was blown to the winds of fame.
Ciao!
Visit the Tornado Girl Store