Superman Revenge Squad
Encyclopedia
The Superman Revenge Squad is the name of two fictional organizations in the DC Comics
universe. As their name suggests, they are enemies of Superman
.
, including red kryptonite
induced nightmares, hypnotising
Superman into committing destructive acts, and tricking Superman into revealing his secret identity. They transferred the intelligence of a Superman robot into a super-powered body, making him Wonder Man, and hoping he would destroy Superman with some Kryptonite that he was given and to which he was invulnerable. However he realised their plot and with Superman threw the ship with such force it would take years for the two members to break free, but Wonder Man then told as the body would soon die. Once they lured Superman into following them to 1,000,000 AD, where he lost his powers and was trapped on the Earth, due to the Sun having turned Red by then. He used a miniature Kandorian rocket left in his Fortress, after shrinking with red kryptonite, to travel back to his own time. They appeared briefly in the first Superman Red/Superman Blue
(July 1963) story line, they were about to attack the Earth after teaming up with Brainiac, but, in that moment, the anti-evil rays Superman developed strike them and they reform.
In their earliest appearances the Squad members appeared hooded in order to keep their identities a secret. Later versions of the Squad wore modified versions of Superman's costume, with the S-shield made of Kryptonite, and their heads shaved bald in tribute to Lex Luthor
.
In one of their final pre-Crisis appearances, in DC Comics Presents #87 (November 1985), the Squad sends Superman into a parallel universe, where he meets Superboy-Prime
, the sole superhero of Earth-Prime.
Although Revenge Squad members went nameless in several stories, those who were identified include leader Rava and Scout 627 (Action Comics #287); Dixo and Vagu (Action Comics #295); Dorx and Krit (Action Comics #380); Dramx-One, Fwom, Jumrox, Klakok, Nryana (Superman #366); Nakox (Superman #367); and Tydru (Superman #368).
, who assembles various characters with a grudge against Superman and attempts to frame Lex Luthor
as their leader.
Members include:
In Action Comics #736 (August 1997), Edge assembles another version of the team, with the same purposes.
Members include:
Post-Infinite Crisis
, Lex Luthor
constructs a new team as part of the "Superman: Last Son
" storyline. Superman himself joins the team to fight against General Zod
's army of evil Kryptonians.
Members include:
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
universe. As their name suggests, they are enemies of Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
.
Pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths
In pre-Crisis continuity, the Squad originated as the Superboy Revenge Squad, debuting in Superboy #94 (January 1962); the Superman Revenge Squad subsequently appeared in Action Comics #286 (March 1962). Both squads are composed of aliens from the planet Wexr II, whom Superboy had prevented from achieving galactic conquest. The squad later grows to include members from other planets, all of whom are sworn enemies of Superman. Many of the Squad's plans to destroy Superman use psychological warfarePsychological warfare
Psychological warfare , or the basic aspects of modern psychological operations , have been known by many other names or terms, including Psy Ops, Political Warfare, “Hearts and Minds,” and Propaganda...
, including red kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
induced nightmares, hypnotising
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is "a trance state characterized by extreme suggestibility, relaxation and heightened imagination."It is a mental state or imaginative role-enactment . It is usually induced by a procedure known as a hypnotic induction, which is commonly composed of a long series of preliminary...
Superman into committing destructive acts, and tricking Superman into revealing his secret identity. They transferred the intelligence of a Superman robot into a super-powered body, making him Wonder Man, and hoping he would destroy Superman with some Kryptonite that he was given and to which he was invulnerable. However he realised their plot and with Superman threw the ship with such force it would take years for the two members to break free, but Wonder Man then told as the body would soon die. Once they lured Superman into following them to 1,000,000 AD, where he lost his powers and was trapped on the Earth, due to the Sun having turned Red by then. He used a miniature Kandorian rocket left in his Fortress, after shrinking with red kryptonite, to travel back to his own time. They appeared briefly in the first Superman Red/Superman Blue
Superman Red/Superman Blue
Superman Red/Superman Blue refers to two different DC Comics storylines featuring Superman.-"The Amazing Story of Superman-Red and Superman-Blue!":...
(July 1963) story line, they were about to attack the Earth after teaming up with Brainiac, but, in that moment, the anti-evil rays Superman developed strike them and they reform.
In their earliest appearances the Squad members appeared hooded in order to keep their identities a secret. Later versions of the Squad wore modified versions of Superman's costume, with the S-shield made of Kryptonite, and their heads shaved bald in tribute to Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
.
In one of their final pre-Crisis appearances, in DC Comics Presents #87 (November 1985), the Squad sends Superman into a parallel universe, where he meets Superboy-Prime
Superboy-Prime
Superboy-Prime, also known as Superman-Prime, or simply Prime, is a DC Comics superhero turned supervillain, and one of several alternate Supermen. The character first appeared in DC Comics Presents #87 , and was created by Elliot S...
, the sole superhero of Earth-Prime.
Although Revenge Squad members went nameless in several stories, those who were identified include leader Rava and Scout 627 (Action Comics #287); Dixo and Vagu (Action Comics #295); Dorx and Krit (Action Comics #380); Dramx-One, Fwom, Jumrox, Klakok, Nryana (Superman #366); Nakox (Superman #367); and Tydru (Superman #368).
Post-Crisis on Infinite Earths
In Adventures of Superman #543 (February 1997), a new version of the Revenge Squad is introduced. The new Squad is established by Morgan EdgeMorgan Edge
Morgan Edge is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain, leader of the mob known as Intergang and one of Superman's enemies. He was created by Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 .-Pre-Crisis:...
, who assembles various characters with a grudge against Superman and attempts to frame Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
as their leader.
Members include:
- Morgan EdgeMorgan EdgeMorgan Edge is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain, leader of the mob known as Intergang and one of Superman's enemies. He was created by Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 .-Pre-Crisis:...
- MaximaMaxima (comics)Maxima is a fictional character from the DC Comics Superman titles. She was created by writer Roger Stern and artist George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
- Barrage
- RiotRiot (DC Comics)-Frederick Von Frankenstein:Frederick Von Frankenstein is the last of a long line of scientists in his family. His father put tremendous pressure on him to succeed in school and in the lab. The sheer volume of work proved too much for one man, so Freddy used his uncle Hal's phase shifter to create...
- Misa
- AnomalyAnomaly (comics)Anomaly is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Adventures of Superman #539.-Fictional character biography:...
In Action Comics #736 (August 1997), Edge assembles another version of the team, with the same purposes.
Members include:
- Morgan Edge
- Baud
- Barrage (only returning field member)
- ParasiteParasite (comics)The Parasite is the name of several fictional characters that appears in Superman comic book stories published by DC Comics. A supervillain, Parasite has the ability to temporarily absorb the energy, knowledge and super-powers of another being by touch, making him a formidable foe for the Man of...
- RockRock (comics)Rock is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Superman. Man of Tomorrow #8 in 1997 and was created by author Roger Stern and artistst Tom Grummett.-Fictional character biography:...
Post-Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis
Infinite Crisis is a 2005 - 2006 comic book storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of an eponymous, seven-issue comic book limited series written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, and Jerry Ordway, and a number of tie-in books...
, Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
constructs a new team as part of the "Superman: Last Son
Superman: Last Son
"Last Son" is a five-issue comic book story arc featuring Superman in the monthly Action Comics. It is written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner, the director of the well-known 1978 film Superman: The Movie and a portion of Superman II, with pencils by Adam Kubert...
" storyline. Superman himself joins the team to fight against General Zod
General Zod
General Zod is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, a supervillain who is one of Superman's more-prominent enemies. The character first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 , and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp...
's army of evil Kryptonians.
Members include:
- MetalloMetalloMetallo is a comic book supervillain and cyborg who appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metallo's trademark is his kryptonite power source, which he often uses as a weapon against Superman. His traditional identity is John Corben...
, now armed with several kinds of KryptoniteKryptoniteKryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
, including gold. - ParasiteParasite (comics)The Parasite is the name of several fictional characters that appears in Superman comic book stories published by DC Comics. A supervillain, Parasite has the ability to temporarily absorb the energy, knowledge and super-powers of another being by touch, making him a formidable foe for the Man of...
- SupermanSupermanSuperman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
- Lex LuthorLex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
- BizarroBizarroBizarro is a fictional character that appears in publications published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp as a "mirror image" of Superman and first appeared in Superboy #68...
In other media
- A version of the Superman Revenge Squad appears in the Justice LeagueJustice League (TV series)Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
episodes "Hereafter" (Parts 1 and 2). While the members are largely different as they consisted of MetalloMetalloMetallo is a comic book supervillain and cyborg who appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metallo's trademark is his kryptonite power source, which he often uses as a weapon against Superman. His traditional identity is John Corben...
, KalibakKalibakKalibak is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in New Gods #1 .- Fictional character biography :...
, LivewireLivewire (DC Comics)Livewire is a fictional character and a supervillain in the . She first appeared in 1997 in Superman: The Animated Series and was voiced by Lori Petty. Her first appearance in the comic books was in the publication of Action Comics #835 .-Animated series:Leslie Willis was once Metropolis' most...
, Weather WizardWeather WizardWeather Wizard is a fictional DC Comics supervillain. The Weather Wizard first appeared in Flash #110 .- Early life :...
, and ToymanToymanThe Toyman is the name of three comic book supervillains and one adolescent superhero in the DC Comics universe. They mostly appear in Superman stories. The first Toyman appeared in Action Comics #64 . His real name is Winslow Schott.The Toyman uses toy-based or toy-themed devices and gimmicks in...
, their goal remains the same. After the other members are defeated by the Justice League, Toyman blasts Superman with an enormous energy cannon, apparently killing him. Flash prevents Wonder Woman from avenging Superman when she tries to "punch a hole" in Toyman's head." It is later discovered that Toyman's energy cannon had actually sent Superman 30,000 years into the future. Superman wandered the post-apocalyptic future Earth, until he returned home with help from immortal villain Vandal SavageVandal SavageVandal Savage is a fictional character, a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 1 #10 , and was created by Alfred Bester and Martin Nodell....
, who was repentant for causing Earth's destruction with a weapon he stole from Ray Palmer."
- A version of the Superman Revenge Squad appeared in Superman 64Superman 64Superman: The New Adventures, often referred to as Superman 64: The New Adventures or Superman 64, or simply just Superman, is an adventure video game that was first shown at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in 1997 , released by Titus Software on May 31, 1999 on the Nintendo 64...
. In this game, it consists of Lex LuthorLex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
, DarkseidDarkseidDarkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
, Parasite, BrainiacBrainiac (comics)Brainiac is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #242 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
, MetalloMetalloMetallo is a comic book supervillain and cyborg who appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metallo's trademark is his kryptonite power source, which he often uses as a weapon against Superman. His traditional identity is John Corben...
, and MalaMala (Kryptonian)Mala is a fictional supervillain in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Superman #65 in the story "The Three Supermen from Space!"-Fictional character biography:...
.
External links
- http://superman.nu/wiki/index.php/Superman_Revenge_Squad Supermanica entry on the pre-Crisis Superman Revenge Squad
- http://www.supermanhomepage.com/comics/who/who-intro.php?topic=srs another good entry from supermanhomepage