DC Database
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
DC Database
DC Database
127,498
pages
in: Good Characters, Public Identity, Americans,
and 25 more

Changes: Mark Shaw (New Earth)

Back to page
Sign in to edit
(Adding categories)
No edit summary
(15 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
| Alignment = Good
  
| Alignment = Good
 
| Identity = Public
  
| Identity = Public
−
| Affiliation = [[Manhunters]], [[Suicide Squad]], [[Shadow Fighters]]
 +
| Affiliation = [[Manhunters]], [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]], [[Shadow Fighters]]
 
| Relatives = [[Hugh Fletcher]] (father, deceased), [[Rose Shaw]] (mother), [[Eliot Shaw]] (step-father), [[Eleanor Shaw]] (half-sister), [[James Shaw]] (half-brother), [[Desmond Shaw]] (uncle)
  
| Relatives = [[Hugh Fletcher]] (father, deceased), [[Rose Shaw]] (mother), [[Eliot Shaw]] (step-father), [[Eleanor Shaw]] (half-sister), [[James Shaw]] (half-brother), [[Desmond Shaw]] (uncle)
 
| Universe = Earth-One; New Earth
  
| Universe = Earth-One; New Earth
Line 31: Line 31:
 
| HistoryText =
 
| HistoryText =
 
===Origin===
  
===Origin===
−
'''Mark Shaw''' was born Mark Fletcher. His father, Hugh, was a criminal and died when Mark was very young. His mother, Rose, married Eliot Shaw and Mark was legally adopted. Eliot and Rose had two additional children (James and Eleanor).
 +
'''Mark Shaw''' was born Mark Fletcher. His father, Hugh, was a criminal and died when Mark was very young. His mother, Rose, married Eliot Shaw and Mark was legally adopted. Eliot and Rose had two additional children (James and Eleanor).
   
 
===Manhunter Cult===
  
===Manhunter Cult===
 
{{Seealso|Manhunters}}
  
{{Seealso|Manhunters}}
 
[[File:Mark Shaw 001.jpg|thumb|left|125px|[[Manhunters|Original Costume]]]]
  
[[File:Mark Shaw 001.jpg|thumb|left|125px|[[Manhunters|Original Costume]]]]
−
As a young man, Mark was a public defender, unhappy about how easily criminals manipulated the system and got off without punishment. Shaw's uncle [[Desmond Shaw (New Earth)|Desmond Shaw]] introduced him to an ancient sect of crime fighters called the [[Manhunters]]. Shaw contacted the [[Manhunter Highmaster (New Earth)|Grand Master]], the sect's leader, through a magical lion medallion. Shortly, he assumed the '''Manhunter''' name and costume from a previous Manhunter.<ref>{{c|1st Issue Special #5}}</ref>,<ref>The unnamed Manhunter was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in ''[[First Issue Special]]'' #5. He reappeared in ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #140 and in a flashback in ''[[Secret Origins]]'' vol. 1, issue 22. This Manhunter wore a costume similar to Paul Kirk's 1940's outfit.</ref>
 +
As a young man, Mark was a public defender, unhappy about how easily criminals manipulated the system and got off without punishment. Shaw's uncle [[Desmond Shaw (New Earth)|Desmond Shaw]] introduced him to an ancient sect of crime fighters called the [[Manhunters]]. Shaw contacted the [[Manhunter Highmaster (New Earth)|Grand Master]], the sect's leader, through a magical lion medallion. Shortly, he assumed the '''Manhunter''' name and costume from a previous Manhunter.<ref>{{c|1st Issue Special #5}}</ref>,<ref>The unnamed Manhunter was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in {{c|1st Issue Special Vol 1 5}}. He reappeared in {{c|Justice League of America Vol 1 140}} and in a flashback in {{c|Secret Origins Vol 2 22}}. This Manhunter wore a costume similar to Paul Kirk's 1940's outfit, and Kirby probably intended him to be Paul Kirk, not knowing Kirk has already been reintroduced in {{c|Detective Comics Vol 1 437}}.</ref>
   
 
Mark Shaw later reappeared and the Manhunter sect and was shown to be comprised of androids, created billions of years before by the [[Guardians of the Universe|Guardians]] of [[Oa]] to police the galaxy. For millennia, they served the Guardians well. However, the Manhunters became obsessed with the act of 'hunting' criminals. Their code, "No Man Escapes The Manhunters", became more important to them than seeing justice done. Eventually, the androids rebelled against the Guardians, but were swiftly defeated by their creators. Those that survived went into hiding.<ref>{{c|Justice League of America #140}}</ref>
  
Mark Shaw later reappeared and the Manhunter sect and was shown to be comprised of androids, created billions of years before by the [[Guardians of the Universe|Guardians]] of [[Oa]] to police the galaxy. For millennia, they served the Guardians well. However, the Manhunters became obsessed with the act of 'hunting' criminals. Their code, "No Man Escapes The Manhunters", became more important to them than seeing justice done. Eventually, the androids rebelled against the Guardians, but were swiftly defeated by their creators. Those that survived went into hiding.<ref>{{c|Justice League of America #140}}</ref>
   
 
===Privateer & Star-Tsar===
  
===Privateer & Star-Tsar===
−
The latter-day Manhunters attempted to disgrace the Guardians with Mark Shaw at their side. They were opposed by the [[JLA]], especially by League member [[Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)|Green Lantern]]. Shaw realized that he had been duped by the Manhunters and turned on them, killing the Grand Master, who was revealed to be a robot. Mark Shaw quickly returned as a new hero called the '''Privateer''', but it was soon revealed that he was also working as a villain called the '''Star-Tsar''', in league with the [[Key]]. The [[Red Tornado (John Smith)|Red Tornado]] discovered this deception and Shaw went to prison<ref>{{c|Justice League of America #143}}</ref> on federal extortion charges.<ref>{{c|Manhunter #11}}</ref>
+
The latter-day Manhunters attempted to disgrace the Guardians with Mark Shaw at their side. They were opposed by the [[JLA]], especially by League member [[Hal Jordan (New Earth)|Green Lantern]]. Shaw realized that he had been duped by the Manhunters and turned on them, killing the Grand Master, who was revealed to be a robot. Mark Shaw quickly returned as a new hero called the '''Privateer''', but it was soon revealed that he was also working as a villain called the '''Star-Tsar''', in league with the [[Key]]. The [[Red Tornado (John Smith)|Red Tornado]] discovered this deception and Shaw went to prison<ref>{{c|Justice League of America #143}}</ref> on federal extortion charges.<ref>{{c|Manhunter #11}}</ref>
   
 
===Bounty Hunter===
  
===Bounty Hunter===
−
When the [[Millennium]] event occurred Mark was still serving his sentence. Due to his familiarity with the Manhunter cult, Shaw was offered the chance to accompany the [[Suicide Squad]] on a mission as the Privateer, and was released when the mission was completed.<ref>''{{c|Suicide Squad #8}}-[[Suicide Squad Vol 1 10|10]]''</ref> Mark donned a new costume to distance himself from the Manhunter cult, moved home to [[New York City]] (specifically [[Manhattan]]) and began hunting costumed criminals for the bounty. He chose to use the name Manhunter as a way of redeeming his earlier actions.<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 1|Manhunter #1]]''</ref> Although he consistently insisted he was a businessman, he often acted as a hero. Among the notable villains he captured are: [[Leonard Snart (New Earth)|Captain Cold]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 1|Manhunter #1]]''</ref> [[Thomas Blake (New Earth)|Catman]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 13|Manhunter #13]]''</ref> [[Werner Vertigo (New Earth)|Count Vertigo]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 7|Manhunter #7]]''</ref>, [[Kerry Austin (New Earth)|Mirage]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 15|Manhunter #15]]''</ref> [[John Henry Martin (New Earth)|Outlaw II]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 16|Manhunter #16]]''</ref> [[Oswald Cobblepot (New Earth)|Penguin]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 1|Manhunter #1]]''</ref> and [[Victor Gover (New Earth)|Sportsmaster II]].<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 17|Manhunter #17]]''</ref> He also got involved in numerous other adventures such as protecting [[Anna-Marie Vere (New Earth)|Anna-Marie Vere]] and the subsequent take down of her team known as [[Argent (Team)|Argent]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 6|Manhunter #6]]'', ''[[Suicide Squad Annual Vol 1 1|Suicide Squad Annual #1]]''</ref> "body-guarding" [[Wallace West (New Earth)|Wally West]] and disrupting a [[Durlans|Durlan]] infiltration plot during an [[Alien Alliance|Alien]] [[Invasion!]],<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 8|Manhunter #8]]-[[Manhunter Vol 1 9|#9]]'', ''[[Flash Vol 2 21|Flash #21]]-[[Flash Vol 2 22|#22]]''</ref> destroying/retrieving an alien robot for reverse engineering,<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 10|Manhunter #10]]-[[Manhunter Vol 1 12|#12]]''</ref> among others.
 +
When the [[Millennium]] event occurred Mark was still serving his sentence. Due to his familiarity with the Manhunter cult, Shaw was offered the chance to accompany the [[Suicide Squad (New Earth)|Suicide Squad]] on a mission as the Privateer, and was released when the mission was completed.<ref>{{c|Suicide Squad #8}}-{{c|Suicide Squad Vol 1 10|10}}</ref> Mark donned a new costume to distance himself from the Manhunter cult, moved home to [[New York City]] (specifically [[Manhattan]]) and began hunting costumed criminals for the bounty. He chose to use the name Manhunter as a way of redeeming his earlier actions.<ref name=MH1>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 1}}</ref> Although he consistently insisted he was a businessman, he often acted as a hero. Among the notable villains he captured are: [[Leonard Snart (New Earth)|Captain Cold]],<ref name=MH1/> [[Thomas Blake (New Earth)|Catman]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 13}}</ref> [[Werner Vertigo (New Earth)|Count Vertigo]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 7}}</ref>, [[Kerry Austin (New Earth)|Mirage]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 15}}</ref> [[John Henry Martin (New Earth)|Outlaw II]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 16}}</ref> [[Oswald Cobblepot (New Earth)|Penguin]],<ref name=MH1/> and [[Victor Gover (New Earth)|Sportsmaster II]].<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 17}}</ref> He also got involved in numerous other adventures such as protecting [[Anna-Marie Vere (New Earth)|Anna-Marie Vere]] and the subsequent take down of her team known as [[Argent (Team)|Argent]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 6}}, {{c|Suicide Squad Annual Vol 1 1}}</ref> "body-guarding" [[Wallace West (New Earth)|Wally West]] and disrupting a [[Durlans|Durlan]] infiltration plot during an [[Alien Alliance|Alien]] [[Invasion!]],<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 8}}-{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 9|#9}}, {{c|The Flash Vol 2 21}}-{{c|The Flash Vol 2 22|#22}}</ref> destroying/retrieving an alien robot for reverse engineering,<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 10}}-{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 12|#12}}</ref> among others.
   
−
During this time, he and his family were threatened by two shape-shifters named Dumas. The first, [[Stephen Forrest Lee (New Earth)|Stephen Forrest Lee]], was born with shape-shifting powers. He was recruited by the [[Manhunter Cult]] but turned to assassination and formed his own organization. In the 1930's he created the identity of Olivia Vancroft as a way of creating a love interest. Both Olivia and Dumas had obsessions with masks and when Manhunter first appeared, Olivia vowed to get it by "contracting" Dumas. Shaw killed the first Dumas,<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 1|Manhunter #1]]-[[Manhunter Vol 1 4|#4]]''</ref> but his body was soon recovered by ex-CIA agents looking to duplicate his powers. They succeeded in creating a serum but when Dumas' organization tracked them down, one of the got injected with the serum and became the second Dumas.<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 18|Manhunter #18]]''</ref> Shaw's battle with this Dumas led him to discover the Manhunter's true origins and ultimately give up the Manhunter identity.<ref>''[[Manhunter Vol 1 18|Manhunter #18]]-[[Manhunter Vol 1 24|#24]]''</ref>
 +
During this time, he and his family were threatened by two shape-shifters named Dumas. The first, [[Stephen Forrest Lee (New Earth)|Stephen Forrest Lee]], was born with shape-shifting powers. He was recruited by the [[Manhunter Cult]] but turned to assassination and formed his own organization. In the 1930's he created the identity of Olivia Vancroft as a way of creating a love interest. Both Olivia and Dumas had obsessions with masks and when Manhunter first appeared, Olivia vowed to get it by "contracting" Dumas. Shaw killed the first Dumas,<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 1}}-{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 4|#4}}</ref> but his body was soon recovered by ex-CIA agents looking to duplicate his powers. They succeeded in creating a serum but when Dumas' organization tracked them down, one of the got injected with the serum and became the second Dumas.<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 18}}</ref> Shaw's battle with this Dumas led him to discover the Manhunter's true origins and ultimately give up the Manhunter identity.<ref>{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 18}}-{{c|Manhunter Vol 1 24|#24}}</ref>
   
 
===Later Years===
  
===Later Years===
⚫
It was later revealed that Mark Shaw was actually himself Dumas and much of his history was actually the result of mental programming by the US Government.<ref name="Manhunter13">''[[Manhunter Vol 3 13|Manhunter (Volume 3) #13]]''</ref> Shaw joined the [[Shadow Fighters]] in order to battle the supervillan [[Eclipso]]. It was assumed that Mark Shaw was killed opposing Eclipso alongside his other team members in the Shadow Fighters. This was soon revealed not to be the case.<ref name="Eclipso11">''{{c|Eclipso #11}}-[[Eclipso Vol 1 13|13]]''</ref>
  
   
  +
At some point [[Sarge Steel]] recruited Shaw to act to act as a double-agent among various terrorist networks. For this, Shaw took on the identity of his fallen foe Dumas, and asserted control of the shapeshifter's operations. It was later revealed that this was but one of many episodes of manipulation at the hands of the US Government, as most of Shaw's memories and personal history were actually the result of mental programming.<ref name="Manhunter13">{{c|Manhunter Vol 3 13}}</ref>
⚫
He was actually undercover at the time he was facing Eclipso, masquerading as his old enemy Dumas at the behest of [[Sarge Steel]].<ref name="Manhunter13"> When the call went out for heroes to fight Eclipso, Sarge Steel believed that it would raise too many questions as to where Mark Shaw was if he did not answer the call, and Sarge Steel sent along a ringer in Mark's place. The ringer thus only appeared once and is not known to have done anything but attack Eclipso and die.</ref>
  
  +
  +
===Eclipso===
  +
  ⚫
Years later, Mark Shaw seemingly joined the [[Shadow Fighters]] in order to battle the supervillan [[Eclipso]]. While many assumed that Shaw was killed opposing Eclipso alongside many other members of the Shadow Fighters<ref name="Eclipso11">{{c|Eclipso #11}}-{{c|Eclipso Vol 1 13|13}}</ref>, this was eventually revealed not to be the case.
  +
  ⚫
In fact, when the call went out for heroes to fight Eclipso, Sarge Steel believed, for whatever reason, that it would raise too many questions if Mark Shaw did not answer the call. Steel sent along an imposter in Shaw's place. This imposter thus, apparently, appeared only once and is not known to have done anything but attack Eclipso and die.
   
 
===Infinite Crisis===
  
===Infinite Crisis===
⚫
During the period leading up to the [[Infinite Crisis]], the Dumas personality reasserted control over Mark and he was tasked with killing anyone who had ever used the Manhunter title. He succeeded in killing [[Donald Richards (New Earth)|Dan Richards]], [[Chase Lawler (New Earth)|Chase Lawler]], and [[Kirk DePaul (New Earth)|Kirk DePaul]] before targeting the newest Manhunter, [[Katherine Spencer (New Earth)|Kate Spencer]], and even himself. Following a battle with Kate and an [[Omni Mind and Community|OMAC]], Mark was cleared of the Dumas identity by [[Dylan Battles (New Earth)|Dylan Battles]] who removed the Dumas program from within Mark. Dylan and Mark soon became roommates. Not long after, Mark Shaw was approached to take up the mantle of [[Azrael]] by the [[Order of St. Dumas]], but he turned them down.
 
   
  ⚫
During the period leading up to the [[Infinite Crisis]], it was revealed that Shaw's time as Dumas and the mental manipulation of the US Government had adversely effected his psyche. He developed a split personality, believing himself to truly be Dumas. This Dumas personality asserted control over Shaw attempting to kill anyone who had ever used the Manhunter title. He succeeded in killing [[Donald Richards (New Earth)|Dan Richards]], [[Chase Lawler (New Earth)|Chase Lawler]], and [[Kirk DePaul (New Earth)|Kirk DePaul]] before targeting the newest Manhunter, [[Katherine Spencer (New Earth)|Kate Spencer]], and even himself. Following a battle with Kate and an [[Omni Mind and Community|OMAC]], Shaw was purged of the Dumas identity by [[Dylan Battles (New Earth)|Dylan Battles]] who removed the Dumas programming from Shaw's psyche. Dylan and Mark soon became roommates. Not long after, Mark Shaw was approached to take up the mantle of [[Azrael]] by the [[Order of St. Dumas]], but he turned them down.
⚫
| Powers =
 
  +
  ⚫
| Powers =
 
| Abilities =
 
| Abilities =
−
'''Manhunter Training''': As part of the Manhunter Cult's training, Mark has learned the following skills:
 +
* '''Manhunter Training''': As part of the Manhunter Cult's training, Mark has learned the following skills:
−
:* '''[[Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)|Fighting]]''': Manhunter has learned numerous martial-arts styles and fighting techniques.
 +
** '''[[Hand-to-Hand Combat (Advanced)|Fighting]]''': Manhunter has learned numerous martial-arts styles and fighting techniques.
−
:* '''[[Tracking]]''': Manhunter is able to find and track people through various terrains.
 +
** '''[[Tracking]]''': Manhunter is able to find and track people through various terrains.
   
 
| Strength =
 
| Strength =
Line 67: Line 73:
 
| Equipment =
 
| Equipment =
 
* '''[[Cybernetic Enhancement|Manhunter Mask]]''': Manhunter wears a specially designed metallic face mask that contains equipment giving him the following abilities/uses:
  
* '''[[Cybernetic Enhancement|Manhunter Mask]]''': Manhunter wears a specially designed metallic face mask that contains equipment giving him the following abilities/uses:
−
:* '''Automatic Activation''': The mask's sensors automatically activate upon donning.
 +
** '''Automatic Activation''': The mask's sensors automatically activate upon donning.
−
:* '''[[Enhanced Senses|Biological Scanning]]''': The mask scans and records biological information including heart rates and voiceprints of those observed.
 +
** '''[[Enhanced Senses|Biological Scanning]]''': The mask scans and records biological information including heart rates and voiceprints of those observed.
−
:* '''[[Energy Projection|Eye Beams]]''': An attachment that allows periscopic vision.
 +
** '''[[Energy Projection|Eye Beams]]''': An attachment that allows periscopic vision.
−
:* '''[[Toxic Immunity|Gas Filter]]''': The mask can filter disabling gases such as knockout gas.
 +
** '''[[Toxic Immunity|Gas Filter]]''': The mask can filter disabling gases such as knockout gas.
−
:* '''[[Enhanced Vision|Macroscopic/Telescopic Vision]]''': Lenses can magnify images.
 +
** '''[[Enhanced Vision|Macroscopic/Telescopic Vision]]''': Lenses can magnify images.
−
:* '''[[Enhanced Senses|Sensors]]''': The mask sensors include infra-red, heat and sound. The infra-red lenses only activate on command.
 +
** '''[[Enhanced Senses|Sensors]]''': The mask sensors include infra-red, heat and sound. The infra-red lenses only activate on command.
−
:* '''Unidirectional Mike''': The mask allows Mark to pick-up radio signals such as police scanners. It is possible the mask can amplify Mark's voice and magnify sounds as he was able to have a conversation with a person over 50 feet away.
 +
** '''Unidirectional Mike''': The mask allows Mark to pick-up radio signals such as police scanners. It is possible the mask can amplify Mark's voice and magnify sounds as he was able to have a conversation with a person over 50 feet away.
   
 
* '''[[Power Baton]]''': Manhunter modified, via modular attachments, the power baton given to him by the Manhunter cult. The original baton serves as a power source. Once completely drained the baton can replenish the energy in 3 hours. With the additions, it provides him the following abilities/uses:
  
* '''[[Power Baton]]''': Manhunter modified, via modular attachments, the power baton given to him by the Manhunter cult. The original baton serves as a power source. Once completely drained the baton can replenish the energy in 3 hours. With the additions, it provides him the following abilities/uses:
−
:* '''Blade''': A blade pops out of the end and can be used for fighting or cutting.
 +
** '''Blade''': A blade pops out of the end and can be used for fighting or cutting.
−
:* '''Bo Staff''': The baton can function as a weapon.
 +
** '''Bo Staff''': The baton can function as a weapon.
−
:* '''Grappling Line''': The baton can fire a several-dozen length of high-tensile cord which Manhunter can use as a swingline.
 +
** '''Grappling Line''': The baton can fire a several-dozen length of high-tensile cord which Manhunter can use as a swingline.
−
:* '''Javelin/Spike''': The end of the baton contains a retractable spike that enables the baton to be thrown much like a javelin.
 +
** '''Javelin/Spike''': The end of the baton contains a retractable spike that enables the baton to be thrown much like a javelin.
−
:* '''Magnetic Pulse''': The baton can create a magnetic pulse (either with attractive or repulsive polarity) enabling him to pull/push items including himself.
 +
** '''Magnetic Pulse''': The baton can create a magnetic pulse (either with attractive or repulsive polarity) enabling him to pull/push items including himself.
−
:* '''Nunchaka''': The baton can be separated into two ends connected by a cord allowing the baton to function as nunchaka.
 +
** '''Nunchaku''': The baton can be separated into two ends connected by a cord allowing the baton to function as nunchaku.
−
:* '''Sonic Maser''': The baton can emit a high-frequency, piercing soundwave that is similar to Black Canary's Sonic Cry.
 +
** '''Sonic Maser''': The baton can emit a high-frequency, piercing soundwave that is similar to Black Canary's Sonic Cry.
   
 
* '''Manhunter Costume''': The costume contains heavy padding in the upper torso and is made of a leathery material. It also contains numerous small devices such as:
  
* '''Manhunter Costume''': The costume contains heavy padding in the upper torso and is made of a leathery material. It also contains numerous small devices such as:
−
:* '''Cutting Tools'''
 +
** '''Cutting Tools'''
−
:* '''Flash Discs''': On the back of the hands are disks that create a blinding flash.
 +
** '''Flash Discs''': On the back of the hands are disks that create a blinding flash.
−
:* '''Flashlight'''
 +
** '''Flashlight'''
−
:* '''Lockpick Tools'''
 +
** '''Lockpick Tools'''
 
| Transportation =
 
| Transportation =
 
| Weapons =
 
| Weapons =
   
−
| Notes =
+
| Notes = {{Multicont Earth-One}}
 
| Trivia =
 
| Trivia =
 
| Recommended =
 
| Recommended =
Line 99: Line 105:
 
| Wikipedia = Manhunter (Mark Shaw)
  
| Wikipedia = Manhunter (Mark Shaw)
 
| Links =
 
| Links =
−
* [http://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=manhunter3 Manhunter at the DCU Guide]
 +
* [https://www.dcuguide.com/who.php?name=manhunter3 Manhunter at the DCU Guide]
 
}}
  
}}
 
[[Category:Manhunter]]
  
[[Category:Manhunter]]
Line 112: Line 118:
 
[[Category:Enhanced Vision]]
  
[[Category:Enhanced Vision]]
 
[[Category:1975 Character Debuts]]
  
[[Category:1975 Character Debuts]]
  +
[[Category:Bounty Hunters]]

Revision as of 11:43, 4 August 2019


Origin

Mark Shaw was born Mark Fletcher. His father, Hugh, was a criminal and died when Mark was very young. His mother, Rose, married Eliot Shaw and Mark was legally adopted. Eliot and Rose had two additional children (James and Eleanor).

Manhunter Cult

See also: Manhunters
Mark Shaw 001

Original Costume

As a young man, Mark was a public defender, unhappy about how easily criminals manipulated the system and got off without punishment. Shaw's uncle Desmond Shaw introduced him to an ancient sect of crime fighters called the Manhunters. Shaw contacted the Grand Master, the sect's leader, through a magical lion medallion. Shortly, he assumed the Manhunter name and costume from a previous Manhunter.[1],[2]

Mark Shaw later reappeared and the Manhunter sect and was shown to be comprised of androids, created billions of years before by the Guardians of Oa to police the galaxy. For millennia, they served the Guardians well. However, the Manhunters became obsessed with the act of 'hunting' criminals. Their code, "No Man Escapes The Manhunters", became more important to them than seeing justice done. Eventually, the androids rebelled against the Guardians, but were swiftly defeated by their creators. Those that survived went into hiding.[3]

Privateer & Star-Tsar

The latter-day Manhunters attempted to disgrace the Guardians with Mark Shaw at their side. They were opposed by the JLA, especially by League member Green Lantern. Shaw realized that he had been duped by the Manhunters and turned on them, killing the Grand Master, who was revealed to be a robot. Mark Shaw quickly returned as a new hero called the Privateer, but it was soon revealed that he was also working as a villain called the Star-Tsar, in league with the Key. The Red Tornado discovered this deception and Shaw went to prison[4] on federal extortion charges.[5]

Bounty Hunter

When the Millennium event occurred Mark was still serving his sentence. Due to his familiarity with the Manhunter cult, Shaw was offered the chance to accompany the Suicide Squad on a mission as the Privateer, and was released when the mission was completed.[6] Mark donned a new costume to distance himself from the Manhunter cult, moved home to New York City (specifically Manhattan) and began hunting costumed criminals for the bounty. He chose to use the name Manhunter as a way of redeeming his earlier actions.[7] Although he consistently insisted he was a businessman, he often acted as a hero. Among the notable villains he captured are: Captain Cold,[7] Catman,[8] Count Vertigo,[9], Mirage,[10] Outlaw II,[11] Penguin,[7] and Sportsmaster II.[12] He also got involved in numerous other adventures such as protecting Anna-Marie Vere and the subsequent take down of her team known as Argent,[13] "body-guarding" Wally West and disrupting a Durlan infiltration plot during an Alien Invasion!,[14] destroying/retrieving an alien robot for reverse engineering,[15] among others.

During this time, he and his family were threatened by two shape-shifters named Dumas. The first, Stephen Forrest Lee, was born with shape-shifting powers. He was recruited by the Manhunter Cult but turned to assassination and formed his own organization. In the 1930's he created the identity of Olivia Vancroft as a way of creating a love interest. Both Olivia and Dumas had obsessions with masks and when Manhunter first appeared, Olivia vowed to get it by "contracting" Dumas. Shaw killed the first Dumas,[16] but his body was soon recovered by ex-CIA agents looking to duplicate his powers. They succeeded in creating a serum but when Dumas' organization tracked them down, one of the got injected with the serum and became the second Dumas.[17] Shaw's battle with this Dumas led him to discover the Manhunter's true origins and ultimately give up the Manhunter identity.[18]

Later Years

At some point Sarge Steel recruited Shaw to act to act as a double-agent among various terrorist networks. For this, Shaw took on the identity of his fallen foe Dumas, and asserted control of the shapeshifter's operations. It was later revealed that this was but one of many episodes of manipulation at the hands of the US Government, as most of Shaw's memories and personal history were actually the result of mental programming.[19]

Eclipso

Years later, Mark Shaw seemingly joined the Shadow Fighters in order to battle the supervillan Eclipso. While many assumed that Shaw was killed opposing Eclipso alongside many other members of the Shadow Fighters[20], this was eventually revealed not to be the case.

In fact, when the call went out for heroes to fight Eclipso, Sarge Steel believed, for whatever reason, that it would raise too many questions if Mark Shaw did not answer the call. Steel sent along an imposter in Shaw's place. This imposter thus, apparently, appeared only once and is not known to have done anything but attack Eclipso and die.

Infinite Crisis

During the period leading up to the Infinite Crisis, it was revealed that Shaw's time as Dumas and the mental manipulation of the US Government had adversely effected his psyche. He developed a split personality, believing himself to truly be Dumas. This Dumas personality asserted control over Shaw attempting to kill anyone who had ever used the Manhunter title. He succeeded in killing Dan Richards, Chase Lawler, and Kirk DePaul before targeting the newest Manhunter, Kate Spencer, and even himself. Following a battle with Kate and an OMAC, Shaw was purged of the Dumas identity by Dylan Battles who removed the Dumas programming from Shaw's psyche. Dylan and Mark soon became roommates. Not long after, Mark Shaw was approached to take up the mantle of Azrael by the Order of St. Dumas, but he turned them down.


Abilities

  • Manhunter Training: As part of the Manhunter Cult's training, Mark has learned the following skills:
    • Fighting: Manhunter has learned numerous martial-arts styles and fighting techniques.
    • Tracking: Manhunter is able to find and track people through various terrains.

Equipment

  • Manhunter Mask: Manhunter wears a specially designed metallic face mask that contains equipment giving him the following abilities/uses:
    • Automatic Activation: The mask's sensors automatically activate upon donning.
    • Biological Scanning: The mask scans and records biological information including heart rates and voiceprints of those observed.
    • Eye Beams: An attachment that allows periscopic vision.
    • Gas Filter: The mask can filter disabling gases such as knockout gas.
    • Macroscopic/Telescopic Vision: Lenses can magnify images.
    • Sensors: The mask sensors include infra-red, heat and sound. The infra-red lenses only activate on command.
    • Unidirectional Mike: The mask allows Mark to pick-up radio signals such as police scanners. It is possible the mask can amplify Mark's voice and magnify sounds as he was able to have a conversation with a person over 50 feet away.
  • Power Baton: Manhunter modified, via modular attachments, the power baton given to him by the Manhunter cult. The original baton serves as a power source. Once completely drained the baton can replenish the energy in 3 hours. With the additions, it provides him the following abilities/uses:
    • Blade: A blade pops out of the end and can be used for fighting or cutting.
    • Bo Staff: The baton can function as a weapon.
    • Grappling Line: The baton can fire a several-dozen length of high-tensile cord which Manhunter can use as a swingline.
    • Javelin/Spike: The end of the baton contains a retractable spike that enables the baton to be thrown much like a javelin.
    • Magnetic Pulse: The baton can create a magnetic pulse (either with attractive or repulsive polarity) enabling him to pull/push items including himself.
    • Nunchaku: The baton can be separated into two ends connected by a cord allowing the baton to function as nunchaku.
    • Sonic Maser: The baton can emit a high-frequency, piercing soundwave that is similar to Black Canary's Sonic Cry.
  • Manhunter Costume: The costume contains heavy padding in the upper torso and is made of a leathery material. It also contains numerous small devices such as:
    • Cutting Tools
    • Flash Discs: On the back of the hands are disks that create a blinding flash.
    • Flashlight
    • Lockpick Tools


  • Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-One era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and should be considered apocryphal.

Related

External Links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1st Issue Special #5
  2. ↑ The unnamed Manhunter was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in 1st Issue Special #5. He reappeared in Justice League of America #140 and in a flashback in Secret Origins (Volume 2) #22. This Manhunter wore a costume similar to Paul Kirk's 1940's outfit, and Kirby probably intended him to be Paul Kirk, not knowing Kirk has already been reintroduced in Detective Comics #437.
  3. ↑ Justice League of America #140
  4. ↑ Justice League of America #143
  5. ↑ Manhunter #11
  6. ↑ Suicide Squad #8-10
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Manhunter #1
  8. ↑ Manhunter #13
  9. ↑ Manhunter #7
  10. ↑ Manhunter #15
  11. ↑ Manhunter #16
  12. ↑ Manhunter #17
  13. ↑ Manhunter #6, Suicide Squad Annual #1
  14. ↑ Manhunter #8- #9, The Flash (Volume 2) #21- #22
  15. ↑ Manhunter #10- #12
  16. ↑ Manhunter #1- #4
  17. ↑ Manhunter #18
  18. ↑ Manhunter #18- #24
  19. ↑ Manhunter (Volume 3) #13
  20. ↑ Eclipso #11-13


Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms