The Mankind Liberation Front was a secretive criminal organization founded by billionaire industrialist and longtime archenemy to Superman Lex Luthor to combat the rising tide of metahuman violence and their increasing hold on society.
History
Primarily consisting of non-powered old villains who managed to survive the supervillain purges that followed in the wake of Magog's assassination of the Joker, they were founded with the express purpose of dealing with the worsening brutality and recklessness associated with this new generation of "heroes", in the hopes of humanity regaining control over its own destiny. Their membership including Batman foes Selina Kyle (Catwoman) and Edward Nigma (The Riddler); Vandal Savage; Lord Naga; King, former leader of the Royal Flush Gang, as well as third generation villains like Ra's al Ghul's successor, Ibn al Xu'ffasch (who is Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul's illegitimate son, although their relationship is understandably strained.).
The MLF came into existence during Superman's ten-year absence, conducting events behind the scenes in an attempt to destroy metahumans and rule the world. This activities included successfully rebranding Belle Reve and Arkham survivors into superheroes and covertly inserting them into the wider vigilante community (who make of 8% of the hero population) and sabotaging disaster relief efforts for victims of the Kansas incident, so as to exacerbate the tensions between metahumans and humans.
The MLF allied with Batman's cadre of superheroes as a united front against the Justice League over their concept of capturing violent metahumans in a prison known as The Gulag and converting them to renounce their violent ways, in order to better protect mankind during the impending metahuman war. After forming this alliance, Luthor then planned to exacerbate the conflict between the League and the captives by unleashing a brainwashed Captain Marvel to release the Gulag prisoners. However, Batman and his forces turned against the MLF once they discovered Luthor's intentions - as was part of the heroes' plans from the beginning - but were unable to prevent Captain Marvel from carrying out Luthor's order. By the end of the crisis, the MLF members were apprehended and sentenced to tending the victims of the Gulag battle by Batman.
Trivia
- According to Lord Naga the MLF controlled 8% of the superhero population before aligning with the Silent Cavalry, though which of them were controlled is unknown.
See Also
- 3 Appearances of Mankind Liberation Front (Earth-22)
- 1 Images that include Mankind Liberation Front (Earth-22)
- Team Gallery: Mankind Liberation Front (Earth-22)
Links and References
Footnotes