Crossfire (comics)
Encyclopedia
Crossfire is a fictional character, a supervillain
in the Marvel Comics
universe
. He was created by writer Steven Grant
and artist Jim Craig in Marvel Two-in-One
#52 (June 1979). Crossfire is a former CIA
agent and is often depicted as an enemy of Hawkeye
.
#52 (1979) where he battled against the Thing and Moon Knight. His next appearance in Hawkeye
Vol. 1 #4 (1983) was the first of many encounters with the title character. Crossfire would later face off against Hawkeye in the pages of Captain America
#317 (1986), Avengers Spotlight
#24-25 (1989), Avengers West Coast
Vol. 2 #100 (1993) and Hawkeye & Mockingbird
#1-6 (2010). Crossfire has also battled Nick Fury in Nick Fury
: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Vol. 3 #40-41 (1992).
The character was one of the central villains in Spider-Man
: Breakout #1-5 (2005). Flashback scenes revealed elements of Crossfire’s life before his supervillain exploits.
Crossfire has made minor appearances in Agent X #6 (2002), Secret War
#3-5 (2004) and Union Jack
Vol. 2 #1-2 (2006). He appeared as a member of the Hood’s criminal syndicate in New Avengers Vol. 1 #35, 46, 50, 55-57, 60-61, 63-64 (2007–2010), New Avengers Annual #2 (2008), Secret Invasion
#6, #8 (2008), Dark Reign
: The Hood
#1-2, 4-5 (2009), Marvel Zombies 4
#2 (2009), Dark Reign: The Cabal #1 (2009), Captain America
: Siege
#1 (2010) and New Avengers: Finale #1 (2010).
. He later became an interrogation expert for the CIA. Cross was already building his own rogue covert operations when he romanced federal corrections officer Rozalyn Backus with whom he developed ultrasonic brainwashing technology. Backus was unaware of Cross' illicit activities, and they were engaged to be married until Cross stole the technology and disappeared. In his disappearance he faked his own murder and framed Backus for the murder. Surviving an attempt on his life, which cost him his left eye and his left ear, he replaced them with cybernetic implants and became a prosperous high-tech freelance subversive as Crossfire.
Plotting to make the growing superhero community exterminate each other via ultrasonic mind control, Crossfire abducted the Thing
to test his technology. Moon Knight
(secretly Cross' ex-CIA colleague Marc Spector) interfered and Crossfire was defeated.
(CTE), founded by his cousin, Darren Cross. When Hawkeye
and Mockingbird
investigated, Crossfire first tried to eliminate them using the assassins Bombshell
, Oddball
, and Silencer
. When his three assassins failed, Crossfire decided Hawkeye would make an ideal test subject for his super hero mind control plot, because Hawkeye was prominent enough in the super hero community to attract them en masse at his funeral and weak enough to be an easy target. Hawkeye thwarted the brainwashing, captured the criminals and rescued Mockingbird, whom he married shortly thereafter.
A vengeful Crossfire subsequently stalked the newlyweds to the estate of former film star Moira Brandon. The elderly actress was declared an honorary Avenger after she helped Hawkeye and Mockingbird recapture the supervillain. The juggling supervillain team known as the Death-Throws
freed Crossfire from police custody. But when he proved unable to pay them, they held Crossfire for ransom until Captain America
, Hawkeye, and Mockingbird captured the whole gang. Crossfire later escaped and placed a bounty on Hawkeye's arm, hoping to destroy the hero's archery skills and break his spirit. An army of supervillains (including Brothers Grimm
, Mad Dog
, Bobcat, Razor Fist
, Bullet Biker, and the Death-Throws) look to claim the reward, but are defeated by Hawkeye, Mockingbird, and Trick Shot. With the bounty hunting supervillains captured, Hawkeye pursues Crossfire through the sewers. Crossfire is knocked off the edge of an outfall dam and is left clinging on for his life. Hawkeye contemplates letting his foe fall to his doom and ending the feud between them once and for all. The archer ultimately saves Crossfire's life, letting him rot in prison instead.
Crossfire was among the army of technology based supervillains recruited by Lucia Von Bardas
to attack Nick Fury and a group of superheroes who were involved in a secret war
in Latveria
a year earlier. The hired supervillains were revealed to each be a component of a bomb designed to destroy the city. Nick Fury and the heroes were able to foil the plot and arrested the supervillains involved, including Crossfire.
whose secret power nullification technology Cross had hoped to exploit. Recaptured following an encounter with S.H.I.E.L.D.
, Cross was imprisoned in the Vault where Rozalyn Backus (long since exonerated) was a member of the Vault's Guardsman
force. Seemingly aiding and then foiling an escape plot by the U-Foes and Crossfire, Backus turned the criminals against each other, faked her own death, and stole a fortune in cash and goods from the criminals, including Vector's power nullification chamber (which Backus later claimed she secretly destroyed since she felt it was too dangerous to preserve). The criminals were later transferred to the new Raft super-prison, and all escaped during Electro's mass breakout, with Crossfire leading a gang of his fellow mind-manipulators: Controller
, Corruptor, Mandrill
, and Mister Fear
. Pursuing Backus, the chamber and their grudges against each other, the U-Foes and Crossfire's gang fought a super-powered gang war in New York until the New Avengers broke it up. Crossfire and his gang were recaptured (except the Corruptor) and Backus surrendered herself to the authorities.
Along with the Death-Throws, Crossfire was hired by R.A.I.D to take part in a terror plot in London
, only to be foiled by Union Jack
and Sabra
. Crossfire was knocked from the top of Tower Bridge
and fell to the River Thames
below. He was believed to have perished when he didn't resurface.
, who is looking to take advantage of the split in the superhero community caused by the Superhuman Registration Act. Crossfire becomes a member of the Hood's crime syndicate who go on to battle the New Avengers. He is seen battling his old enemy, Clint Barton, in his Ronin guise.
Crossfire appears is part of the Hood's crime syndicate that come together with the superheroes to battle the Skrull invasion force in New York City. After the Skrull invasion was thwarted, the Hood led his criminal army (including Crossfire) against the New Avengers, who were laying in wait for the Norman Osborn's newly formed Dark Avengers
. Once again, Crossfire is seen battling Clint Barton and the recently returned Mockingbird.
Crossfire is later seen conferring with the Hood to discuss the zombie virus
. The Hood wishes to use the virus to gain more power and influence in the world. Crossfire protests, explaining that one of the reasons he was compelled to ally himself with the Hood was that 'world-conquering' schemes would be avoided. Crossfire is quickly put in his place with a single stern gaze from the supervillain kingpin.
Led by the Wrecking Crew and Dr. Jonas Harrow, Crossfire and the rest of the Hood's crime syndicate rebel against their leader and seek out to make their own deal with Norman Osborn. They attack and defeat the New Avengers and subdue the Dark Avengers. Crossfire was part of the Hood's criminal army that took part in the siege
of Asgard
, an event orchrestrated by Norman Osborn
. After the battle was over and the heroes had won, Crossfire managed to evade capture and branched out on his own once more.
and Mockingbird
thwart Crossfire's illegal arms dealings, much to the supervillain's anger. He is later confronted by Jaime Slade
, the new Phantom Rider
, who suggests that they form an alliance. Together, along with Crossfire's new robotic army of Death T.H.R.O.W.S. (Techno Hybrid Remotely Operated Weapons Systems), the villainous pair plot to destroy the lives of the two heroes. Crossfire and the Phantom Rider are ultimately foiled, but not before Crossfire almost succeeds in killing Hawkeye and Mockingbird, severely wounds Mockingbird's mother, and murders Hamilton Slade. As a result, Crossfire is captured and viciously beaten by Hawkeye. Despite being imprisoned with numerous injuries, Crossfire takes away a small victory in knowing that he has pushed Hawkeye to his breaking point.
Luke Cage
tells Hawkeye that, as long as he is the leader of the Thunderbolts
, Crossfire will never be given the opportunity to be part of his team. Steve Rogers
had already recommended that Crossfire should not be considered for the Thunderbolt program due to his technological prowess that could see the supervillain override the nanite system used to control the inmates.
An explosion caused Crossfire to lose his left eye, left ear, and 85% loss of hearing in his right ear. His left eye was replaced with an infrared imaging device which affords him a semblance of sight even in total darkness, while his left ear was replaced by an audio sensor that is far more sensitive than the human ear. The loss of natural hearing in his right ear has resulted in Crossfire being unaffected by his own ultrasonic technology. His costume is made of Kevlar and has special hidden compartments containing various weaponry and devices. Crossfire uses twin handguns and a sniper rifle as his weapons of choice.
, as his foot soldiers. However, deciding to leave behind the "fifth rate hacks in ridiculous costumes", Crossfire created a new army for himself. His "Death T.H.R.O.W.S". (Techno Hybird Remotely Operated Weapons Systems) are robotic constructs that obey only his commands and each carry a small capable arsenal concealed within their armored shells.
Originally, the robotic Death T.H.R.O.W.S. were known as 'Magnum Z's'. The Magnum Z's were fully automated smart soldiers created for the United States. But the US senate ceased their development when they realised that the Magnum Z's abilities were in conflict with the Geneva Convention. Crossfire acquired some of the defunct Magnum Z's to use in a plot to conquer the Isle of El Guapo, then later adapted them for his own purposes.
Avataars: Covenant of the Shield, where the Marvel Universe is re-imagined in a fantasy setting. In this reality, Crossfire is known as Iron Cross, and is a member of the Minions of Evil
.
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
in the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
. He was created by writer Steven Grant
Steven Grant
Steven Grant is an American comic-book writer best known for his 1985-1986 Marvel Comics mini-series Punisher, with artist Mike Zeck and for his creator-owned character Whisper.-Biography:...
and artist Jim Craig in Marvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-In-One was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics that featured the Fantastic Four member, the Thing, in a different team-up each issue with a different character. The series continued from the team-up stories starring the Thing in the final two issues of Marvel...
#52 (June 1979). Crossfire is a former CIA
Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers...
agent and is often depicted as an enemy of Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
.
Publication history
Crossfire's first appearance was in Marvel Two-in-OneMarvel Two-in-One
Marvel Two-In-One was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics that featured the Fantastic Four member, the Thing, in a different team-up each issue with a different character. The series continued from the team-up stories starring the Thing in the final two issues of Marvel...
#52 (1979) where he battled against the Thing and Moon Knight. His next appearance in Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
Vol. 1 #4 (1983) was the first of many encounters with the title character. Crossfire would later face off against Hawkeye in the pages of Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
#317 (1986), Avengers Spotlight
Solo Avengers
Solo Avengers was an American comic book series, published by Marvel Comics, and was a spin-off from the company's superhero team title Avengers. It ran for 20 issues until it was renamed Avengers Spotlight with issue 21...
#24-25 (1989), Avengers West Coast
West Coast Avengers
The West Coast Avengers is a fictional group of superheroes that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. The team first appear in The West Coast Avengers #1 and was created by Roger Stern and Bob Hall.- Publication history :...
Vol. 2 #100 (1993) and Hawkeye & Mockingbird
Hawkeye & Mockingbird
Hawkeye & Mockingbird is a comic book ongoing series published by Marvel Comics starring superheroes Hawkeye and Mockingbird.-Publication history:...
#1-6 (2010). Crossfire has also battled Nick Fury in Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
Vol. 3 #40-41 (1992).
The character was one of the central villains in Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
: Breakout #1-5 (2005). Flashback scenes revealed elements of Crossfire’s life before his supervillain exploits.
Crossfire has made minor appearances in Agent X #6 (2002), Secret War
Secret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
#3-5 (2004) and Union Jack
Union Jack (Joseph Chapman)
Union Jack is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe and the third person to take on the role of Union Jack...
Vol. 2 #1-2 (2006). He appeared as a member of the Hood’s criminal syndicate in New Avengers Vol. 1 #35, 46, 50, 55-57, 60-61, 63-64 (2007–2010), New Avengers Annual #2 (2008), Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
#6, #8 (2008), Dark Reign
Dark Reign (comics)
"Dark Reign" is a 2008–2009 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics. It deals with the aftermath of the "Secret Invasion" storyline, which led to a shift of power in the Marvel Universe toward Norman Osborn. The title "Dark Reign" refers to Osborn's rise to national power and the...
: The Hood
Hood (comics)
The Hood is a fictional character, a supervillain, and a crime boss in the . Created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell, the character first appeared in The Hood #1 .-Publication history:...
#1-2, 4-5 (2009), Marvel Zombies 4
Marvel Zombies 4
Marvel Zombies 4 is a four-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics beginning in April 2009. It is part of the Marvel Zombies series...
#2 (2009), Dark Reign: The Cabal #1 (2009), Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
: Siege
Siege (comics)
Siege is a fictional character, owned by Marvel Comics, who exists in the Marvel Universe.-Creative origins:John Kelly was initially created by Dwayne McDuffie and Gregory Wright as a pseudo-preview of their then-upcoming relaunch of Deathlok as well as to provide existing in-continuity backstory...
#1 (2010) and New Avengers: Finale #1 (2010).
Fictional character biography
William Cross was born in Madison, WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
. He later became an interrogation expert for the CIA. Cross was already building his own rogue covert operations when he romanced federal corrections officer Rozalyn Backus with whom he developed ultrasonic brainwashing technology. Backus was unaware of Cross' illicit activities, and they were engaged to be married until Cross stole the technology and disappeared. In his disappearance he faked his own murder and framed Backus for the murder. Surviving an attempt on his life, which cost him his left eye and his left ear, he replaced them with cybernetic implants and became a prosperous high-tech freelance subversive as Crossfire.
Plotting to make the growing superhero community exterminate each other via ultrasonic mind control, Crossfire abducted the Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
to test his technology. Moon Knight
Moon Knight
Moon Knight is a fictional character, a mercenary-turned-superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character exists in the Marvel Universe and was created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin...
(secretly Cross' ex-CIA colleague Marc Spector) interfered and Crossfire was defeated.
Feud with Hawkeye
Crossfire secretly rebuilt his operations at Cross Technological EnterprisesCross Technological Enterprises
Cross Technological Enterprises is a fictional corporation in the Marvel Comics universe...
(CTE), founded by his cousin, Darren Cross. When Hawkeye
Hawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
and Mockingbird
Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)
Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
investigated, Crossfire first tried to eliminate them using the assassins Bombshell
Bombshell (Marvel Comics)
Bombshell is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. Bombshell first appeared in Hawkeye Vol...
, Oddball
Oddball (comics)
Oddball is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. The character first appeared in Hawkeye Vol.1 #3 and was created by Mark Gruenwald.-Publication history:...
, and Silencer
Silencer (comics)
Silencer is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Universe, member of the Strikeforce: Morituri. The character was created by Peter B. Gillis and Brent Anderson.-Publication history:Silencer was created by writer Peter B...
. When his three assassins failed, Crossfire decided Hawkeye would make an ideal test subject for his super hero mind control plot, because Hawkeye was prominent enough in the super hero community to attract them en masse at his funeral and weak enough to be an easy target. Hawkeye thwarted the brainwashing, captured the criminals and rescued Mockingbird, whom he married shortly thereafter.
A vengeful Crossfire subsequently stalked the newlyweds to the estate of former film star Moira Brandon. The elderly actress was declared an honorary Avenger after she helped Hawkeye and Mockingbird recapture the supervillain. The juggling supervillain team known as the Death-Throws
Death-Throws
The Death-Throws are a fictional team of supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. They first appeared in Captain America #317 and were created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary. Introduced as enemies of Hawkeye, the Death-Throws consists primarily of jugglers who each use various juggling props...
freed Crossfire from police custody. But when he proved unable to pay them, they held Crossfire for ransom until Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, Hawkeye, and Mockingbird captured the whole gang. Crossfire later escaped and placed a bounty on Hawkeye's arm, hoping to destroy the hero's archery skills and break his spirit. An army of supervillains (including Brothers Grimm
Brothers Grimm (comics)
The Brothers Grimm are two sets of fictional twin comic book supervillains, owned by Marvel Comics and existing in that company's Marvel Universe.-First Pair:The first appearance of the first Brothers Grimm came in Spider-Woman #3...
, Mad Dog
Mad Dog (comics)
Mad-Dog is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe.-Publication history:His first appearance is in Miss America Comics #2 . His first appearance as Buzz Baxter in modern comics was in Amazing Adventures #13 , and his first appearance as Mad-Dog was in Defenders vol...
, Bobcat, Razor Fist
Razor Fist
Razor Fist is a Marvel Comics supervillain. There have actually been 3 characters, all virtually identical in appearance and ability, to go by this title. The original Razor Fist was killed off in the comic books many years ago. The next two characters to take the title were brothers...
, Bullet Biker, and the Death-Throws) look to claim the reward, but are defeated by Hawkeye, Mockingbird, and Trick Shot. With the bounty hunting supervillains captured, Hawkeye pursues Crossfire through the sewers. Crossfire is knocked off the edge of an outfall dam and is left clinging on for his life. Hawkeye contemplates letting his foe fall to his doom and ending the feud between them once and for all. The archer ultimately saves Crossfire's life, letting him rot in prison instead.
Crossfire was among the army of technology based supervillains recruited by Lucia Von Bardas
Lucia von Bardas
Lucia von Bardas is a fictional character, a supervillain in comic books published by Marvel Comics.- Fictional character biography :Lucia von Bardas is a Latverian woman who used to teach at the University of North Carolina in the United States. After Victor von Doom was deposed as the leader of...
to attack Nick Fury and a group of superheroes who were involved in a secret war
Secret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
in Latveria
Latveria
Latveria is a nation in the . It is an isolated European country ruled by the supervillain Doctor Doom, supposedly located in the Banat region. It is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, and also borders the Symkaria to the south. Its capital is Doomstadt.-Publication history:Latveria first...
a year earlier. The hired supervillains were revealed to each be a component of a bomb designed to destroy the city. Nick Fury and the heroes were able to foil the plot and arrested the supervillains involved, including Crossfire.
Breakout
At some point during one of his prison stays he befriended Vector of the U-FoesU-Foes
U-Foes are a fictional comic book supervillain team appearing in various series published by Marvel Comics. The group first appeared in Incredible Hulk #254...
whose secret power nullification technology Cross had hoped to exploit. Recaptured following an encounter with S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
, Cross was imprisoned in the Vault where Rozalyn Backus (long since exonerated) was a member of the Vault's Guardsman
Guardsman (comics)
Guardsman was the name of a superhero in the Marvel Universe, but was later applied to a small squad of agents. He/they wear suits of power armor while working security at the Vault; the suits were designed by Tony Stark, better known as the superhero Iron Man....
force. Seemingly aiding and then foiling an escape plot by the U-Foes and Crossfire, Backus turned the criminals against each other, faked her own death, and stole a fortune in cash and goods from the criminals, including Vector's power nullification chamber (which Backus later claimed she secretly destroyed since she felt it was too dangerous to preserve). The criminals were later transferred to the new Raft super-prison, and all escaped during Electro's mass breakout, with Crossfire leading a gang of his fellow mind-manipulators: Controller
Controller (comics)
Controller, in comics, may refer to:*Controller , a supervillain in Marvel Comics*Controllers , an alien race in DC Comics...
, Corruptor, Mandrill
Mandrill (comics)
Mandrill is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. His first appearance was in Shanna the She-Devil #4. He was created by writer Carole Seuling and artist Ross Andru...
, and Mister Fear
Mister Fear
Mister Fear is the name of several fictional characters, all supervillains in the Marvel Comics Universe. Mister Fear first appears in Daredevil Mister Fear is the name of several fictional characters, all supervillains in the Marvel Comics Universe. Mister Fear first appears in Daredevil Mister...
. Pursuing Backus, the chamber and their grudges against each other, the U-Foes and Crossfire's gang fought a super-powered gang war in New York until the New Avengers broke it up. Crossfire and his gang were recaptured (except the Corruptor) and Backus surrendered herself to the authorities.
Along with the Death-Throws, Crossfire was hired by R.A.I.D to take part in a terror plot in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, only to be foiled by Union Jack
Union Jack (Joseph Chapman)
Union Jack is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe and the third person to take on the role of Union Jack...
and Sabra
Sabra (comics)
Sabra is the alias of Ruth Bat-Seraph, a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:...
. Crossfire was knocked from the top of Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name...
and fell to the River Thames
River Thames
The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...
below. He was believed to have perished when he didn't resurface.
The Hood's crime syndicate
Crossfire is revealed to have survived the fall and is among the supervillains gathered by the HoodHood (comics)
The Hood is a fictional character, a supervillain, and a crime boss in the . Created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell, the character first appeared in The Hood #1 .-Publication history:...
, who is looking to take advantage of the split in the superhero community caused by the Superhuman Registration Act. Crossfire becomes a member of the Hood's crime syndicate who go on to battle the New Avengers. He is seen battling his old enemy, Clint Barton, in his Ronin guise.
Crossfire appears is part of the Hood's crime syndicate that come together with the superheroes to battle the Skrull invasion force in New York City. After the Skrull invasion was thwarted, the Hood led his criminal army (including Crossfire) against the New Avengers, who were laying in wait for the Norman Osborn's newly formed Dark Avengers
Dark Avengers
Dark Avengers was an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is part of a series of titles that have featured various iterations of the superhero team the Avengers...
. Once again, Crossfire is seen battling Clint Barton and the recently returned Mockingbird.
Crossfire is later seen conferring with the Hood to discuss the zombie virus
Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is a five-issue limited series published from December 2005 to April 2006 by Marvel Comics. The series was written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips and covers by Arthur Suydam. It was the first series in the Marvel Zombies series of related stories...
. The Hood wishes to use the virus to gain more power and influence in the world. Crossfire protests, explaining that one of the reasons he was compelled to ally himself with the Hood was that 'world-conquering' schemes would be avoided. Crossfire is quickly put in his place with a single stern gaze from the supervillain kingpin.
Led by the Wrecking Crew and Dr. Jonas Harrow, Crossfire and the rest of the Hood's crime syndicate rebel against their leader and seek out to make their own deal with Norman Osborn. They attack and defeat the New Avengers and subdue the Dark Avengers. Crossfire was part of the Hood's criminal army that took part in the siege
Siege (comics)
Siege is a fictional character, owned by Marvel Comics, who exists in the Marvel Universe.-Creative origins:John Kelly was initially created by Dwayne McDuffie and Gregory Wright as a pseudo-preview of their then-upcoming relaunch of Deathlok as well as to provide existing in-continuity backstory...
of Asgard
Asgard (comics)
Asgard is a fictional realm within the Marvel Comics universe based on the Asgard of Norse mythology and is home to the Asgardians and other beings of Norse mythology...
, an event orchrestrated by Norman Osborn
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
. After the battle was over and the heroes had won, Crossfire managed to evade capture and branched out on his own once more.
Hawkeye & Mockingbird
HawkeyeHawkeye (comics)
Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
and Mockingbird
Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)
Mockingbird is a fictional character, a superhero in the who first appears in the Ka-Zar story in Astonishing Tales #6 written by Gerry Conway and pencilled by Barry Smith...
thwart Crossfire's illegal arms dealings, much to the supervillain's anger. He is later confronted by Jaime Slade
Phantom Rider (Jaime Slade)
Phantom Rider is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. She made her first appearance in Hawkeye & Mockingbird #1 and was created by Jim McCann and David Lopez.-Publication history:...
, the new Phantom Rider
Phantom Rider
The Phantom Rider is the name of several fictional characters, Old West heroic gunfighters appearing in comic books in the Marvel Comics universe...
, who suggests that they form an alliance. Together, along with Crossfire's new robotic army of Death T.H.R.O.W.S. (Techno Hybrid Remotely Operated Weapons Systems), the villainous pair plot to destroy the lives of the two heroes. Crossfire and the Phantom Rider are ultimately foiled, but not before Crossfire almost succeeds in killing Hawkeye and Mockingbird, severely wounds Mockingbird's mother, and murders Hamilton Slade. As a result, Crossfire is captured and viciously beaten by Hawkeye. Despite being imprisoned with numerous injuries, Crossfire takes away a small victory in knowing that he has pushed Hawkeye to his breaking point.
Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
tells Hawkeye that, as long as he is the leader of the Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
, Crossfire will never be given the opportunity to be part of his team. Steve Rogers
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
had already recommended that Crossfire should not be considered for the Thunderbolt program due to his technological prowess that could see the supervillain override the nanite system used to control the inmates.
Powers and abilities
Crossfire has no superhuman powers, but is a highly trained former CIA operative. He is an expert marksman with proficient unarmed combat skills and extensive espionage training. Crossfire is a master of brainwashing techniques and has been known to develop his own technology to further these skills. With his gifted intellect, Crossfire is an expert in the field of robotics and cybernetics. He also has specialized knowledge of applied ultrasonics. Crossfire created the "undertaker" machine, a brainwashing device which employs ultrasonic waves to stimulate rage in the emotion centers of his victims' brains.An explosion caused Crossfire to lose his left eye, left ear, and 85% loss of hearing in his right ear. His left eye was replaced with an infrared imaging device which affords him a semblance of sight even in total darkness, while his left ear was replaced by an audio sensor that is far more sensitive than the human ear. The loss of natural hearing in his right ear has resulted in Crossfire being unaffected by his own ultrasonic technology. His costume is made of Kevlar and has special hidden compartments containing various weaponry and devices. Crossfire uses twin handguns and a sniper rifle as his weapons of choice.
Death T.H.R.O.W.S.
In the past, Crossfire was known to employ the supervillain group, the Death-ThrowsDeath-Throws
The Death-Throws are a fictional team of supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. They first appeared in Captain America #317 and were created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary. Introduced as enemies of Hawkeye, the Death-Throws consists primarily of jugglers who each use various juggling props...
, as his foot soldiers. However, deciding to leave behind the "fifth rate hacks in ridiculous costumes", Crossfire created a new army for himself. His "Death T.H.R.O.W.S". (Techno Hybird Remotely Operated Weapons Systems) are robotic constructs that obey only his commands and each carry a small capable arsenal concealed within their armored shells.
Originally, the robotic Death T.H.R.O.W.S. were known as 'Magnum Z's'. The Magnum Z's were fully automated smart soldiers created for the United States. But the US senate ceased their development when they realised that the Magnum Z's abilities were in conflict with the Geneva Convention. Crossfire acquired some of the defunct Magnum Z's to use in a plot to conquer the Isle of El Guapo, then later adapted them for his own purposes.
Covenant of the Shield
An alternate version of Crossfire appears in the 2000 three issue limited seriesLimited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
Avataars: Covenant of the Shield, where the Marvel Universe is re-imagined in a fantasy setting. In this reality, Crossfire is known as Iron Cross, and is a member of the Minions of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
.
External links
- Crossfire at Marvel.com
- Crossfire's Mind Control Gang at Marvel.com
- Crossfire at Marvel.wikia.com