Massacre (Marvel Comics)

Last updated
Massacre
Massacre, as he appears on the cover of Superior Spider-Man.jpg
Massacre as seen on the cover of The Superior Spider-Man #4.
Publication information
First appearance The Amazing Spider-Man #655 (April 2011)
Created by Dan Slott
Marcos Martin
In-story information
Alter egoMarcus Lyman
Species Human
AbilitiesLack of emotion
Genius-level intellect
Use of guns and bombs

Massacre is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He primarily appears in Spider-Man related publications. The character is responsible for the murder of Ashley Kafka, a supporting character in various Spider-Man comic books and adapted media. [1]

Contents

Publication history

The character's first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man #655 (published April 2011), during the Big Time storyline and was created by Dan Slott and Marcos Martin. The character also appeared in the following issue. [2] [3] Massacre would go on to make his return in the fourth issue of the Superior Spider-Man series. [4] [5] He was killed by the eponymous character in the next issue of that series, [6] [7] before being "reanimated" by Ben Reilly in a cloned body (with his soul intact) during Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy , being one of the few reanimated to survive the event. [8]

Fictional character biography

Marcus Lyman was an ordinary man until a failed assassination attempt nearly claimed his life. He and his wife Judy Lyman were successful traders for a local Wall Street firm in New York City until an unhappy client planted a car bomb on their vehicle. The bomb killed Judy Lyman but Marcus survived with a piece of shrapnel from the explosion stuck in his forehead, penetrating his brain. The shrapnel was successfully removed but not without consequence: the damage had caused certain connections in Lyman's brain to no longer function. As a result, he lost his ability to feel emotion. He was sent to the Ravencroft Institute For The Criminally Insane, where he was treated by Dr. Ashley Kafka. Dr. Kafka was disturbed by Lyman and she found that there was nothing she could do to help his mental state, advising that he be held under observation indefinitely. [9]

Now calling himself "Massacre", Marcus Lyman escaped the Ravencroft Institute and began kidnapping hostages. He held the hostages in a building, killing one of them to prove that he was willing to do so. The police began attempting negotiations with Massacre. [10] Having temporarily lost his Spider-sense, [11] Spider-Man arrived on the crime scene in an attempt to free the hostages, but was barely able to do so due to Massacre's heavy artillery. Massacre managed to escaped the scene, though not before Spider-Man secretly placed a Spider Tracer on him. Massacre resurfaced not long after, kidnapping another set of hostages at his former Wall Street firm but Spider-Man arrived on the scene prepared. Now donning a bullet proof costume and magnetic webbing, Spider-Man was able to defeat Massacre and rescue the hostages. When asked about his motivations, Massacre admitted that he had no particular reason for committing the crimes he did. Massacre was sent back to the Ravencroft Institute. [12]

At the Ravencroft Institute, Dr. Kafka became increasingly afraid of Massacre, believing him to be her most dangerous patient. Her fears were realized when Massacre once again escaped Ravencroft, killing Kafka in the process. [13] Massacre then went on a killing spree, threatening to murder anyone who crossed his path. Massacre soon took hostages at a Burger Town restaurant and, in retaliation for an employee pressing an alarm button, murdered them. Massacre then tracked down the manager of the Phizzy Cola company (Burger Town being one of its subsidiaries) and offered to help fix Phizzy Cola's public image after the killings by continuing to murder innocents wearing the logo of Phizzy Cola's rival company in exchange for a large sum of cash. Fearing for her own life, the manager agreed to Massacre's offer. Because of all of the harm Massacre has caused to innocent civilians, the Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus's mind in Spider-Man's body) decides to end Masacre's killing spree by killing him with his own gun. Just before his death, Massacre claimed to feel a spark of emotion. [14] [15]

During the Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy storyline, Massacre is among the villains "reanimated" by Jackal and his company New U Technologies ( Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider seeing the embodiment of Death herself confirm those reanimated to have had their souls intact on being brought back). Although New U Technologies is supposed to revive individuals without any defects, Massacre assumedly retains the shrapnel in his brain as he is seen with the metal plate over his head. [8] He was involved in a fight with the other cloned supervillains until it was broken up by a clone of Prowler. [16]

During the Devil's Reign storyline, Massacre was seen as an inmate of the Myrmidon. Moon Knight fought him in one of the prison matches and defeated him. [17]

Powers and abilities

While Massacre does not have any traditional super-powers, an accident made it nearly impossible for him to feel any emotion. Massacre also has a genius level intellect.

Equipment

Massacre uses guns and bombs.

See also

Related Research Articles

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

Electro is the name of two supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Reilly</span> Fictional character in the Marvel Universe

Benjamin "Ben" Reilly, also known as the Scarlet Spider, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Grown in a lab by Miles Warren/Jackal, he is a clone of Peter Parker/Spider-Man tasked with fighting him but instead becoming an ally, later even regarded as a "brother". Created by writer Gerry Conway, the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #149 and is seemingly killed in the same issue. The character returned and featured prominently in the 1994–96 "Clone Saga" storyline, adopting the "Scarlet Spider" alias with a costume similar to Spider-Man's consisting of a red spandex bodysuit and mask complemented by a blue sleeveless hoodie sweatshirt adorned with a large spider symbol on both sides, along with a utility belt and bulkier web-shooters. This Scarlet Spider costume was designed by artist Tom Lyle. When Peter Parker temporarily left the Spider-Man role, Ben became the new Spider-Man while wearing a new costume variation designed by artist Mark Bagley. However, Reilly dies at the hands of Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, sacrificing himself to save Parker who then resumes the Spider-Man role.

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

The Jackal is an alias used by several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually depicted as enemies of the superhero Spider-Man. The original and best known incarnation, Miles Warren, was originally introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #31 as a professor at the fictional Empire State University. Later storylines established him as also being a scientist researching genetics and biochemistry, and revealed an unhealthy romantic obsession he had for Gwen Stacy. Warren was driven mad with grief and jealousy so he created his Jackal alter-ego to seek revenge on Spider-Man, whom he blamed for Gwen's tragic death. To this end, he trained himself in martial arts, and created a green suit and gauntlets with claw-like razors. Although the Jackal initially didn't possess any superpowers, he later gained enhanced strength, speed and agility by mixing his genes with those of a jackal.

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

Carrion is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as an enemy of Spider-Man.

Kangaroo is the name of two fictional characters, supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Both are noted for their leaping ability.

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

Madame Web is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #210, published November 1980, and was created by writer Denny O'Neil and artist John Romita Jr. She is usually depicted as a supporting character in the Spider-Man comic book series, where she appears as an elderly woman with myasthenia gravis, connected to a life support system resembling a spiderweb.

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

The Prowler is an alias used by several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. These characters are primarily depicted as wearing a green and purple battle suit with a cape and clawed gauntlets.

The Tarantula is a fictional character name used by several characters, usually supervillains, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Most of these characters are primarily depicted as wearing a red and blue suit with retractable blades.

Mirage is the name of two fictional villains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

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

Montana is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is depicted as the leader of the Enforcers, a team of assassins usually employed by other villains such as the Big Man, the Green Goblin, and the Kingpin, which often places them in conflict with the superheroes Spider-Man and Daredevil.

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

Norman Virgil Osborn is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 as the first and best-known incarnation of the Green Goblin. He has endured as one of Spider-Man's most prominent villains, and is regarded as one of his three archenemies, alongside Doctor Octopus and Venom.

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

Vermin is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as an adversary of Captain America and Spider-Man. A geneticist working for Baron Zemo and Arnim Zola, Edward Whelan was subjected to an experiment that mutated him into a humanoid rat, gaining superhuman abilities, as well as the predatory instincts of a rat. The character's most notable appearance was in the storyline "Kraven's Last Hunt".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spider-Man: Big Time</span> 2010–2011 Marvel Comics storylines

"Big Time" is a series of comic book storylines in The Amazing Spider-Man, published by Marvel Comics from 2010 to 2011. It follows the 102 consecutive issues of the "Brand New Day" publishing scheme and is the first shift in publishing for The Amazing Spider-Man since "Brand New Day" began. The frequency of publication dropped from three issues monthly to two issues, but the length of the comic book expanded from 22 to 30 pages. This extra length is sometimes used for back-up stories and sometimes for a longer main story. Concurrently with the story going in The Amazing Spider-Man, Marvel also started the new series Spider-Girl vol. 2, Osborn, and Carnage, which are considered part of "Big Time." All nine issues of "Big Time" have sold out at Diamond Comic Distributors and have a second printing with a variant cover.

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

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashley Kafka</span> Comics character

Dr. Ashley Kafka is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, usually in stories revolving around the superhero Spider-Man. Introduced in The Spectacular Spider-Man #178, she was created by writer J. M. DeMatteis and artist Sal Buscema. The character was inspired by therapeutic hypnotist Frayda Kafka. In the comics, Dr. Kafka is a psychiatrist at the Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane, and an occasional ally of Spider-Man. After having been killed by Massacre, Dr. Kafka was twice "reanimated" with her soul intact in a cloned body by Ben Reilly and Norman Osborn, dying again in the former body to the Carrion Virus before going on to become the Queen Goblin in the latter body after being magically corrupted by Osborn's "sins" by the Beyond Corporation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Maria Marconi</span> Fictional Marvel character

Anna Maria Marconi is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She was initially depicted as a love interest of Spider-Man, notably during the time when his body was taken over by Doctor Octopus's mind. She has since been depicted as a close friend to Peter Parker after he regains his mind.

The comic book stories published by Marvel Comics since the 1940s have featured several noteworthy concepts besides its fictional characters, such as unique places and artifacts. Since the introduction of Peter Parker as a character in 1962, with the superhero alter-ego, Spider-Man, a number of these locations have been prominently featured in connection with storylines specific to this character. These have then been carried over to depictions of Spider-Man in film, video games, and other media. There follows a list of those features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy</span> 2016–17 Marvel Comics Spider-Man storyline

"Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy" is a 2016–17 Marvel Comics storyline starring Spider-Man. The story was notable for bringing long-dead Spider-Man supporting character Ben Reilly back to life. The storyline led Reilly to reclaim the heroic Scarlet Spider mantle and appear in his own comic book series. The story received generally mixed reviews, with critics praising the art style and action, however criticized the story and the retcons, as well as the treatment of Ben Reilly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Connors (character)</span> Comics character

William "Billy" Connors is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is usually depicted as a supporting character of Spider-Man, and the son of Dr. Curt Connors, also known as the Lizard. Much of his character's story deals with the trauma of his father's uncontrollable powers. Billy was later injected with Curt's Lizard Formula to cure him of a deadly virus, which also mutated him into an anthropomorphic lizard.

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

The Kindreds, or simply Kindred, is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Introduced in 2004 as Gabriel and Sarah, the alleged twin children of Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy, with Gabriel becoming the Grey Goblin and later the second American Son, their true origin is later revealed during the Sinister War story-arc as a series of constantly dying and recreated clones of Peter Parker and Gwen, created by a corrupted A.I. copy of Harry Osborn, that were then transformed into demonic revenants by Mephisto as Kindred.

References

  1. "The Defining Moments That Made Otto Octavius A "Superior" Spider-Man". comicbookresources.com. 5 July 2023.
  2. The Amazing Spider-Man #655-656 April & May 2011
  3. "Preview: Amazing Spider-Man #656". comicbookresources.com. 5 July 2023.
  4. The Superior Spider-Man #4 April 2013
  5. "Superior Spider-Man #4: Massacre's Back". Crave Online. 15 June 2023.
  6. The Superior Spider-Man #5 May 2013
  7. "Countdown: Top 10 Things That Made "Superior Spider-Man" a Superior Comic Book". multiversitycomics.com.
  8. 1 2 Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy #2. Marvel Comics.
  9. The Amazing Spider-Man #655. Marvel Comics.
  10. The Amazing Spider-Man #655. Marvel Comics.
  11. The Amazing Spider-Man #654. Marvel Comics.
  12. The Amazing Spider-Man #656. Marvel Comics.
  13. The Superior Spider-Man #4. Marvel Comics.
  14. The Superior Spider-Man #5. Marvel Comics.
  15. "Review: Superior Spider-Man #5". Crave Online. 15 June 2023.
  16. Prowler vol. 2 #1. Marvel Comics.
  17. Devil's Reign: Moon Knight #1. Marvel Comics.