Allow me to introduce myself... Shadow Thief. I see my reputation precedes me. As does death. 
- — Shadow Thief src
Carl Sands is Shadow Thief. He is not a thief of shadows, but a thief who uses a Dimensiometer to turn him into a two dimensional shadow state.
History
Origin
While growing up in Japan, American Carl Sands learned ninjutsu techniques and became a rather undistinguished industrial saboteur, accepting unremarkable sums to hinder and eliminate his clients' rivals. The Thanagarian criminal Byth then hired Sands to steal Hawkman and Hawkwoman's ship. To help Sands with this job, Byth gave him a Thanagarian belt device/"shadow vest" known as a Dimensiometer, which gave Sands the ability to shift his body into a shadow form.
Hawkman eventually defeated him, but Shadow-Thief would come into conflict with him many times after that. He eventually sold his soul to Neron for more power. Neron gave him a more powerful shadow suit with the ability to turn other people and objects into shadows.[1][2]
Professor Bennett, a man whose life's ambition was to patent efficient solar technology, learned of a French scientist name DuPree who was doing the same work. He hired Sands to attack DuPree, to slow him down just enough to give Bennett enough time to publish everything first. However, Sands was caught for the first time because of this.
The demon Neron granted Sands more power by giving him a new shadow suit, now with the ability to not only change him into a shadow, but other people and objects as well. Sands struck in Solar City, an island resort that was still under construction. Solar City had been built by Professor Bennett, and Sands wanted revenge. However, there was a press junket on the island, and both Linda Park and Billy Batson were there, and Linda had brought Wally West along. So both the Flash and Captain Marvel were on hand to defeat him.
Recently, the Shadow Thief has entered into the employ of St. Roch art trader Kristopher Roderic. Sands has been sent to the ends of the earth in service of Roderic's dark aims, and is hopeful that the unscrupulous collector will help him with a problem of his own.
Identity Crisis
During the events of Identity Crisis, Shadow Thief became deranged and began having delusional conversations with the Dimensionmeter. He ended up apparently killing Firestorm with Shining Knight's mystically enhanced sword. For killing Firestorm, he was prosecuted by Kate Spencer.
Confrinting the Justice League
Shadow Thief is later seen as a member of the Injustice League.[3] In truth however, Carl's actual allegiance lay with the same individual whom he heard in his head through the Shadow Suit he wore. Making him powerful enough to not only overwhelm the likes of Hakwman easily enough. But now give two teams of superpowered beings a run for their money, as well as initiate extinction level events in magnificent displays of raw power.[4]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
Darkness Manipulation: Sands was given true superpowers courtesy of a new backer, now not only could the Shadow Thief simulate his original abilities thanks to his Thanagarian tech. He could manipulate shadows to any degree he imagined with relative ease on his part.[5]
Abilities
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Dimensionmeter: It enables its wearer to shift his body into a two-dimensional, intangible "shadow" state. While the vest is activated, Sands can move quickly and silently across and through most surfaces and materials, all the while remaining impervious to physical contact and attack. Long-term side effects from prolonged use of the vest are unknown. Thanks to Neron, the suit and its uses are now magic based.[6] Enabling him to transform anything and anyone he affects using his powers into shadow matter. In things, this causes them to be insubstantial often making tall structures like buildings or railways crumble apart and fall dud to lacking proper physical supports. In people, it converts them into shadow wraiths like Sands's old suit did. Something which causes the effected insurmountable levels of anguish & pain.[7]
Related
- 67 Appearances of Carl Sands (New Earth)
- 12 Images featuring Carl Sands (New Earth)
- 1 Quotations by or about Carl Sands (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Carl Sands (New Earth)
Footnotes
  This character, team or organization, is or was primarily an enemy of the Hawkman, or his associates Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Hawkman Villains category." |
 Injustice League member |
 Secret Society of Super-Villains member |
