Blackwing (character)

Last updated

Blackwing is the name of two supervillains and one hero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version is Silvermane's son Joseph Manfredi. The second version is a member of Joseph Manfredi's Heavy Mettle. The third version is a codename for Barnell Bohusk .

Contents

A 1940s version of Joseph Manfredi appeared in the second season of the Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Agent Carter , portrayed by Ken Marino.

Publication history

The first Blackwing appeared in Daredevil #118 and was created by Gerry Conway and Don Heck. [1]

Fictional character biography

Joseph Manfredi

Blackwing
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Daredevil #118 (Feb. 1975)
Created by Gerry Conway (writer)
Don Heck (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoJoseph Manfredi
Species Human
Team affiliations Masters of Evil
Skeleton Crew
HYDRA
Circus of Crime
Maggia
Heavy Mettle
Notable aliasesGiuseppe Manfredi, Joe Silvermane
AbilitiesExpert bat trainer
Skilled marksman
Specially mutated bats
Wears costume made of synthetic stretch fabric over chain mail body armor that grants:
Short distanced flight via directed motion hovering

Joseph Manfredi was born in Orlando, Florida and is the son of the crime lord Silvermane. When he debuted, he was a costumed animal trainer for the Ringmaster's Circus of Crime. While as a member of that group, he battled with Daredevil and escaped. [2] [3]

Blackwing worked as an agent for Silvermane's HYDRA (serving as the Air Action Division Leader) when his father was leader. He participated in the capture of Foggy Nelson. Blackwing battled Daredevil, Black Widow, Nick Fury, and S.H.I.E.L.D. and was once again defeated by Daredevil. [4]

Blackwing later teamed up with Jack O'Lantern to stake out his father's house when the Red Skull took the control of the base, turning the dilapidated mansion into his so-called Skull House. The duo searched Skullhouse and battled Captain America during this event. [5] Blackwing and Jack O'Lantern were recruited by Mother Night to join the Skeleton Crew after the Red Skull was impressed with their abilities. [6] Blackwing, Jack O'Lantern, and Cutthroat fought Crossbones and Diamondback before they joined the Skeleton Crew. Blackwing captured Diamondback, [7] and then battled Diamondback as she escaped. [8] He and the rest of the Skeleton Crew were defeated by Captain America, Diamondback, and Falcon. He was defeated in combat by Falcon, and taken to the Vault. [9]

The second Crimson Cowl recruited Blackwing to join her incarnation of the Masters of Evil. He was defeated alongside them. [10]

After that last defeat, Joseph abandoned the Blackwing identity and became a crime lord creating his own private villains in Heavy Mettle. He ordered Firestrike to bring him the battle suit of New Warriors member Turbo in hopes of proving himself to his father and the other crime bosses of New York. [11] The New Warriors defeated Joseph's group and Firestrike is currently in the Witness Protection Program in exchange for his testimony against Joseph Manfredi. [12]

Heavy Mettle version

A member of Joseph Manfredi's group Heavy Mettle also goes by the name of Blackwing. [11]

During the "Dark Reign" storyline, this Blackwing is shown as a new member of Norman Osborn's Shadow Initiative. [13] She was later injured during the attempt to retake 42, the Negative Zone Prison, from Blastaar's forces. Blackwing was killed in action. [14]

Barnell Bohusk

Powers and abilities

The first Blackwing is an expert trainer of bats, with which he has a highly developed empathic rapport. He has a number of specially mutated bats bred for abnormal strength, size, and intelligence. Blackwing wears a costume consisting of synthetic stretch fabric over chain mail body armor. Devices in his costume give him the power of flight for short distances, via directed motion hovering. Blackwing is also a skilled marksman.

The second Blackwing wears an armored suit that has wings enabling her to fly.

Other versions

In the pages of the Old Man Logan finale "Dead Man Logan", Joseph Manfredi is shown to be older and residing in Florida where he answers to Lizard. When Old Man Logan returns to Earth-21923, Manfredi's house is the first place he stops at. Logan makes light work of Manfredi's henchmen before Manfredi surrenders his vehicle. Once Logan has left, he arranges for a henchmen who lost his leg and a henchman who lost his arm to be patched up by Lizard. The group was later visited by Sabretooth. [15]

In other media

A 1940s variation of Joseph Manfredi appears in the second season of the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Agent Carter , portrayed by Ken Marino. This version is the leader of the Maggia's Los Angeles branch, an old acquaintance of Howard Stark, and formerly in a relationship with Whitney Frost. [16] Introduced in the episode "The Atomic Job", Manfredi reunites with Frost, who seeks his help in empowering herself with Zero Matter. [17] Despite their best efforts, they run afoul of Peggy Carter and the Strategic Scientific Reserve, who eventually defeat Frost and Manfredi. [18] [19] [20] [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Absorbing Man</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

The Absorbing Man is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and writer-artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #114, in the Silver Age of Comic Books. Carl Creel has the power to absorb and become any material he touched. Originally a supervillain, in later years, he has reformed into more of an antihero.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Owl (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

The Owl is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted usually as an enemy of the superheroes Daredevil, Spider-Man and Black Cat. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Joe Orlando, the character first appeared in Daredevil #3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silvermane</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Silvermane is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. A notorious crime boss and prominent figure in the Maggia, a fictional organized crime syndicate, he is usually depicted as an adversary of the superhero Spider-Man and the father of Joseph Manfredi. Silvermane later became a cyborg in an attempt to extend his lifespan.

Jack O'Lantern is an alias used by several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madame Masque</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Madame Masque is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan, the character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #97. An occasional love interest and enemy of Iron Man and the daughter of Count Nefaria, she originally wore a golden mask to cover up her disfigured face and continues to do so after her face was healed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nuke (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character in Marvel Comics

Nuke is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli, the character first appeared in Daredevil #232. Nuke's most distinguishing feature is an American Flag tattooed on his face.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maggia (comics)</span> Fictional organization

Maggia is a fictional international crime syndicate appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The organization exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as Earth-616, as well as other Marvel universes. Its structure is somewhat similar to the real-world New York Mafia, but the Maggia differs in that it frequently hires supervillains and mad scientists to work for them. Some of the prominent Maggia members are supervillains themselves, such as Hammerhead, Silvermane, Count Nefaria and his daughter Madame Masque. The Maggia has come into conflict with various superheroes, including Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and the Avengers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Faustus (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Doctor Faustus is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted usually as an adversary of Captain America. An Austrian psychiatrist and criminal mastermind who employs psychological manipulation on his enemies, the character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Captain America #107.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackhammer (comics)</span> Fictional comic book character

Jackhammer is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Garrett (comics)</span> Comics character

John Garrett is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<i>Agent Carter</i> (TV series) 2015–2016 Marvel Television series

Marvel's Agent Carter, or simply Agent Carter, is an American television series created by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely for ABC, based on the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter following her roles in the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger and the 2013 Marvel One-Shot short film of Agent Carter. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and shares continuity with the franchise's films and other television series. The series was produced by ABC Studios, Marvel Television, and Fazekas & Butters, with Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas, and Chris Dingess serving as showrunners.

<i>Agent Carter</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the American television series Agent Carter, which is inspired by the film Captain America: The First Avenger and the Marvel One-Shot short film of the same name, features the character Peggy Carter, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, as she must balance doing administrative work and going on secret missions for Howard Stark while trying to navigate life as a single woman in 1940s America. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and was produced by ABC Studios, Marvel Television, and Fazekas & Butters. Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas, and Chris Dingess served as showrunners.

<i>Agent Carter</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second and final season of the American television series Agent Carter, which is inspired by the 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger and the 2013 Marvel One-Shot short film of the same name, features the character Peggy Carter, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, as she moves to Los Angeles to deal with the threats of the new atomic age in the wake of World War II, gaining new friends, a new home, and potential new love. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise, and was produced by ABC Studios, Marvel Television, and Fazekas & Butters. Tara Butters, Michele Fazekas, and Chris Dingess served as showrunners.

"The Atomic Job" is the fifth episode of the second season of the American television series Agent Carter, inspired by the films Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Marvel One-Shot short film also titled Agent Carter. It features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter as she tries to steal an atomic bomb, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Lindsey Allen and directed by Craig Zisk.

"Monsters" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television series Agent Carter, inspired by the films Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Marvel One-Shot short film also titled Agent Carter. It features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter the growing threat of Whitney Frost, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Brandon Easton and directed by Metin Hüseyin.

"The Edge of Mystery" is the eighth episode of the second season of the American television series Agent Carter, inspired by the films Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Marvel One-Shot short film also titled Agent Carter. It features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter trying to defeat Whitney Frost, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Brant Englestein and directed by Metin Hüseyin.

"A Little Song and Dance" is the ninth episode of the second season of the American television series Agent Carter, inspired by the films Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Marvel One-Shot short film also titled Agent Carter. It features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter trying to defeat Whitney Frost, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Chris Dingess and directed by Jennifer Getzinger.

"Hollywood Ending" is the tenth episode of the second season, and premature series finale, of the American television series Agent Carter, inspired by the films Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and the Marvel One-Shot short film also titled Agent Carter. It features the Marvel Comics character Peggy Carter trying to defeat Whitney Frost, and is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Michelle Fazekas and Tara Butters and directed by Jennifer Getzinger.

References

  1. DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 54. ISBN   978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. Daredevil #118. Marvel Comics.
  3. Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Supervillains. New York: Facts on File. pp. 388–389. ISBN   0-8160-1356-X.
  4. Daredevil #122-123. Marvel Comics.
  5. Captain America #396-397. Marvel Comics.
  6. Captain America #398. Marvel Comics.
  7. Captain America #405-408. Marvel Comics.
  8. Captain America #409. Marvel Comics.
  9. Captain America #410. Marvel Comics.
  10. Thunderbolts #24-25. Marvel Comics.
  11. 1 2 The New Warriors vol. 2 #3-4. Marvel Comics.
  12. The New Warriors vol. 2 #6-7. Marvel Comics.
  13. Avengers: The Initiative #26. Marvel Comics.
  14. Avengers: The Initiative #27. Marvel Comics.
  15. Dead Man Logan #7. Marvel Comics.
  16. Wagmeister, Elizabeth (November 4, 2015). "Ken Marino Joins Season 2 Cast of 'Marvel's Agent Carter' (EXCLUSIVE)".
  17. Zisk, Craig (director); Lindsey Allen (writer) (February 9, 2016). "The Atomic Job". Marvel's Agent Carter. Season 2. Episode 5. ABC.
  18. Hüseyin, Metin (director); Brandon Easton (writer) (February 16, 2016). "Monsters". Marvel's Agent Carter. Season 2. Episode 7. ABC.
  19. Hüseyin, Metin (director); Brant Englestein (writer) (February 23, 2016). "The Edge of Mystery". Marvel's Agent Carter. Season 2. Episode 8. ABC.
  20. Getzinger, Jennifer (director); Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters (story); Chris Dingess (writer) (February 23, 2016). "A Little Song and Dance". Marvel's Agent Carter. Season 2. Episode 9. ABC.
  21. Getzinger, Jennifer (director); Chris Dingess (story); Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters (writer) (March 1, 2016). "Hollywood Ending". Marvel's Agent Carter. Season 2. Episode 10. ABC.