Shagrek is a member of the Taurus Gang a group of criminals who are the enemies of the Legion of Super-Heroes.
History
He was found by miners working the outer asteroids of the Solar System sometime in the latter half of the 30th Century, and was brought by them to Earth. There he was confined to the Tokyo zoo as an exotic and dangerous life-form. When local children began to notice that the creature was learning to talk, xenobiologists were called in. They determined that the zoo had mistakenly caged a sentient creature. The creature was released, and the people of Tokyo tried to make Shagrek welcome.
Forever fierce, Shagrek's disintegration beams killed forty people on his first day of freedom. He was finally subdued by the Science Police. But rather than being took back to confinement, he was intercepted by Earth Science Police Chief Zoltorus and brought to Metropolis. Zoltorus was corrupt, leading a double life as Science Police Chief and mob boss. Somehow, Zoltorus convinced Shagrek to become an enforcer for his Taurus Gang, alongside Black Mace, Rogarth, Mystelor and Quanto. In the process, Zoltorus somewhat civilized Shagrek who developed a crush on Mystelor, much to her dismay.
The Taurus Gang were the leaders in the United Planets underworld but due to its inside information thanks to Zoltorus's illegally obtained access to R.J. Brande's fortune, and its super powered members. There were also many other minor operatives, and through them Zoltorus ran one of the most profitable extortion and smuggling rackets. They tried to get involved in stock manipulation by stealing the production reports of Gor Haxma's mines, but this failed thanks to the Legion of Super-Heroes, who were guarding it. They almost stole the Miracle Machine right out from under the noses of the Legion of Super-Heroes, and would have if not for the presence of trainee Chemical King.
When rival gangs calling themselves Scorpius took hostages to force the Legion of Super-Heroes into taking on Taurus for them. Shagrek and his partners demanded more money from Zoltorus, since the Legion's involvement was making their job harder. When Zoltorus refused, the gang members abandoned Zoltorus during a battle with the Legionnaires. Zoltorus was exposed and captured. Shagrek and the others went underground and, except for Black Mace, were not heard from again.
Powers and Abilities
Powers
- Alien Physiology:
- Superhuman Strength: He is many times stronger than a normal human being, although his strength level is unknown.
- Superhuman Durability: He is far more durable than a normal human, and can probably withstand impacts and pressures that could severely injure or kill a human with no discomfort.
- Energy Projection: He can fire energy beams from his antennae, powerful enough to turn normal humans to dust and to blast a hole in a steel wall.
Related
- 6 Appearances of Shagrek (Pre-Zero Hour)
- 2 Images featuring Shagrek (Pre-Zero Hour)
- 1 Quotations by or about Shagrek (Pre-Zero Hour)
- Character Gallery: Shagrek (Pre-Zero Hour)
Footnotes
Legion of Super-Heroes Villain(s) This character or group of characters is or was primarily an enemy of the Legion of Super-Heroes from the 31st Century, and may have existed in any of the various Legion continuities, including but not limited to the Original Legion, Reboot Legion, and the Prime Legion. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Legion of Super-Heroes villains" category. |