Speed Demon (character)

Last updated
Speed Demon
Speed Demon Superior Foes of Spider-Man Vol 1 3.jpg
Speed Demon (foreground) and the Superior Spider-Man (background). Art by Mark Bagley.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance As Whizzer:
The Avengers #69 (Oct. 1969)
As Speed Demon:
The Amazing Spider-Man #222 (Nov. 1981)
Created by Roy Thomas
Sal Buscema
In-story information
Alter egoJames Sanders
SpeciesHuman mutate
Team affiliations Squadron Sinister
Sinister Syndicate
Thunderbolts
Sinister Six
Notable aliasesWhizzer, Harvey James
AbilitiesGenius-level chemist
Superhuman speed, stamina and reflexes

Speed Demon (James Sanders) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema, the character made his first appearance in The Avengers #69 (October 1969) as a member of the Squadron Sinister known as the Whizzer. [1]

Contents

Publication history

James Sanders first appears as the Whizzer in the final panel of The Avengers #69 (October 1969), the first chapter of a three-issue storyline by writer Roy Thomas and penciller Sal Buscema. The story arc introduced the supervillain team the Squadron Sinister, whose four members were loosely based on heroes in DC Comics' Justice League of America, with the Whizzer based on the Flash. [2]

Fictional character biography

The Grandmaster created the Squadron Sinister to battle the champions of the time-traveling Kang – the superhero team the Avengers. The Whizzer battles Avenger Goliath, but the fight is interrupted by the Black Knight. The Avengers eventually defeat the Squadron and they in turn are abandoned by the Grandmaster. [3] The Squadron reappear in the title Defenders , reunited by the alien Nebulon. The villains receive greater power in exchange for the planet Earth, and create a giant laser cannon in the Arctic to melt the polar ice caps, thereby covering the entirety of the Earth's surface in water. The superhero team the Defenders prevent the scheme and defeat the villains (and Nebulon), with Namor the Sub-Mariner humiliating the Whizzer. [4]

After this defeat the Whizzer and his teammates are teleported off-world by Nebulon, returning with an energy-draining weapon. The Squadron Sinister plan to threaten the Earth again but are defeated once more by the Defenders and the Avenger Yellowjacket. [5] The character has another brief encounter with several members of the Avengers, who seek a way to separate the power prism of Doctor Spectrum from fellow Avenger the Wasp. [6] The Whizzer disassociates himself from the Squadron Sinister and adopts a new costume and alias, Speed Demon.

Writer Bill Mantlo and penciller Bob Hall revamped the character in the title The Amazing Spider-Man , with Sanders returning to crime with a new costume and the alias Speed Demon. [7] The character makes a number of appearances in titles, including Marvel Team-Up against Spider-Man and Fantastic Four member the Human Torch, [8] in The Amazing Spider-Man as a member of the criminal group the Sinister Syndicate, [9] Marvel Tales , [10] Quasar , [11] and in the graphic novel Avengers: Deathtrap – The Vault (1991).

Speed Demon makes another abortive attempt to kill Spider-Man in the limited series The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man ; [12] battles Wolverine; [13] features in Web of Spider-Man ; [14] encounters Spider-Man and the New Warriors in Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #12, Web of Spider-Man Annual #8, and The New Warriors Annual #2 (all 1992); and in the title Captain America briefly skirmishes with the hero at an A.I.M. weapons expo. [15] After an appearance in the limited series Spider-Man: The Power of Terror, [16] Speed Demon is employed by crooked businessman Justin Hammer to battle the superhero team the Thunderbolts. [17]

Speed Demon is recruited to join the New Thunderbolts [18] but is eventually ejected from the team by heroine Songbird for stealing money to fund the team (including from the company of former teammate Kyle Richmond, who tracks the character as Nighthawk). [19] After a confrontation and unexpected skirmish with an apparently resurrected Hyperion and a new Doctor Spectrum (Alice Nugent, former lab assistant of Hank Pym), Speed Demon defects to join the reformed Squadron Sinister. [20]

Courtesy of a phenomenon known as the Wellspring of Power, an interdimensional source of superhuman abilities, the Grandmaster – guiding force behind the return of the Squadron Sinister – has been increasing the Squadron Sinister's powers. He directs Speed Demon and the Squadron (now joined by Nighthawk, who wishes to stop New Thunderbolts team leader Baron Zemo) to find the main source of the Wellspring. For a time the character, deprived of the use of the Wellspring, is powerless and has his legs broken in a battle with New Thunderbolts member Joystick. Empowered in the final battle against the New Thunderbolts, Speed Demon takes advantage of the chaos caused when Zemo defeats the Grandmaster to viciously beat Joystick in retaliation for his injuries. Speed Demon and the members of the Squadron scatter and escape. [21]

Speed Demon appeared in Brand New Day as one of the villains in the Bar With No Name. [22] He later joined the Hood's gang, and attacks Mister Negative. [23]

In Marvel Now! , Speed Demon appears as a member of the latest incarnation of the Sinister Six. [24] Speed Demon features as one of the main characters in Superior Foes of Spider-Man .

Speed Demon later appears robbing a pawn shop with Man Mountain Marko when they are caught by Rage. After a brief fight, they escape while Rage gets arrested by the Americops. [25] He is later captured by Sam Wilson, as the former Captain America, who forced him to confess of his and Marko's involvement in the pawn shop robbery. [26]

Speed Demon was among the villains who were killed by Black Ant and a restored Hank Pym and revived to join the Lethal Legion. [27]

Powers and abilities

Speed Demon battles Spider-Man on the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #222 (Nov. 1981). Art by Walt Simonson. Spider-man-222.jpg
Speed Demon battles Spider-Man on the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man #222 (Nov. 1981). Art by Walt Simonson.

As a result of mutagenic chemicals concocted under the Grandmaster's mental guidance, Speed Demon possesses superhuman speed, stamina, and reflexes. The character can create cyclones (by running in circles) and run up walls and across water. Speed Demon's superhumanly fast thought processes and reflexes enable him to perceive his surroundings while moving at high speeds, pick up objects, and execute complex acrobatic maneuvers.

James Sanders possesses a master's degree in chemistry.

Reception

Other versions

House of M

An alternate universe variant of James Sanders from Earth-58163 appears in New Thunderbolts #11. This version is a biochemist. [31]

Marvel Zombies

A zombified alternate universe variant of Speed Demon from Earth-2149 appears in Marvel Zombies . [32]

In other media

Related Research Articles

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

Whizzer is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first character debuted during the Golden Age in USA Comics #1, and was reintroduced in Giant-Size Avengers #1. A second villainous version debuts during the Silver Age in The Avengers #69, and a second heroic version debuting in The Avengers #85.

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

The Rhino is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita Sr., and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #41. The character is a Russian thug who underwent an experimental procedure that gave him an artificial skin covering and superhuman strength. Rebelling against the scientists responsible for his transformation, Rhino used his newfound powers to become a successful criminal, and soon clashed with superheroes like Spider-Man and the Hulk. The character is typically portrayed as a dimwitted brute, capable of great destruction, but ultimately easily deceived.

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

MacDonald "Mac" Gargan is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #19. Mac Gargan is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Peter Parker / Spider-Man. He debuted as a private investigator hired by J. Jonah Jameson to learn how Peter Parker took pictures of Spider-Man. In the following issue, Jameson decided to turn Gargan into a deadly adversary for Spider-Man through a barely-tested procedure, which left Gargan with an irremovable scorpion-themed armor and the predatory instincts of the arachnid. Driven insane by his mutation, Gargan instead turned to a life of crime as the Scorpion, and went on to menace both Spider-Man and Jameson, whom he held responsible for his transformation. Since then, having finally removed the armor, Gargan has also served as the third host of the Venom symbiote, and a member of the Dark Avengers as Spider-Man, but eventually returned to his Scorpion alias as it kept him alive due to the strain both the neural-armors and symbiote put on his body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shocker (character)</span> Fictional Marvel supervillain

The Shocker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr, the character debuted in The Amazing Spider-Man #46 in March 1967. He is usually depicted as an enemy of the superhero Spider-Man, and belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up his rogues gallery.

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

Hydro-Man is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist John Romita Jr., the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #212. Hydro-Man is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Spider-Man.

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

Hyperion is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, of which there are several notable versions. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Sal Buscema, the original Hyperion made his debut in The Avengers #69. The alternate versions are each from a different dimension of the Marvel Multiverse, and consist of both heroes and villains. Thomas says that the character was intended as a pastiche of DC's iconic hero Superman.

Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. There have been several versions of the character: two supervillains-turned-superheroes from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity (Earth-616), Kyle Richmond and Tilda Johnson ; two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Jackson F. "Jack" Norriss and Joaquin Pennyworth; five from alternate universes, who belonged to various incarnations of the Squadron Supreme, including Kyle and Neal Richmond of Earth-712, and an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916 who primarily kills white supremacists and mentors Tilda upon travelling to Earth-616; and a simulacrum of Kyle Richmond created by Mephisto and programmed by the Power Elite to serve as a member of the Squadron Supreme of America, under the command of Phil Coulson.

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

Captain Universe is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden, the character first appeared in Micronauts #8. Captain Universe is the guardian and protector of Eternity. Rather than a character with a single identity, it is a persona that has merged with several hosts during its publication history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elders of the Universe</span> Fictional comic book supervillains

The Elders of the Universe are a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Collector was the first Elder to appear, and featured in The Avengers #28, but the idea that he was a member of a group known as the Elders was not introduced until The Avengers #174.

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

The Grandmaster is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in The Avengers #69. The Grandmaster is one of the ageless Elders of the Universe and has mastered most civilizations' games of skill and chance. Different media appearances depict him as the Collector's brother.

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

Mephisto is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Silver Surfer #3, and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema and based on Mephistopheles: a demon character from the Faust legend, who has sometimes been referred to as Mephisto. Introduced as a recurring adversary of the Silver Surfer and Ghost Rider, Mephisto has also endured as one of Spider-Man's most prominent adversaries, being responsible for Norman and Harry Osborn's respective transformations into the Green Goblin and Kindred; and for the superhero's loss of his marriage to Mary Jane Watson, considering their future daughter Spider-Girl his archenemy. Mephisto has often come into conflict with Doctor Strange, Doctor Doom, Scarlet Witch and other heroes of the Marvel Universe, being responsible both for the creation of the Cosmic Ghost Rider and the descents of Phil Coulson and Otto Octavius into villainy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thunderbolts (comics)</span> Group of fictional characters in Marvel comics

The Thunderbolts are an superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team consists mostly of reformed supervillains. Created by Kurt Busiek, the team first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Spectrum</span> Comics character

Doctor Spectrum is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character to date—three supervillains from the mainstream Marvel Universe belonging to the team Squadron Sinister (Earth-616) and two heroes from different alternate universes. The two heroes each belong to a version of the team Squadron Supreme, the Squadron Supreme of Earth-712 and the Squadron Supreme of Earth-31916 respectively). Doctor Spectrum is a pastiche of DC's Green Lantern.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abner Jenkins</span> Fictional character

Abner Ronald Jenkins, also known as the Beetle, MACH-1, MACH-2, MACH-3, MACH-IV, MACH-V, MACH-VII and MACH-X, is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Carl Burgos, he debuted in Strange Tales #123 as the original Beetle, a supervillain wearing an armor plated, mechanical suit he had designed himself after growing frustrated with his ordinary job as an aircraft mechanic and deciding to turn to crime. Although in his first appearance he fought the Human Torch and the Thing of the Fantastic Four, later storylines established Jenkins as a recurring foe of Spider-Man, usually working as a henchman for various criminal organizations opposing the hero. Jenkins later formed his own criminal organization known as the Sinister Syndicate.

Blizzard is the name of different fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, who are primarily enemies of Iron Man.

Cyclone is the alias of a number of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

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

Whirlwind is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales To Astonish #50. David Cannon belongs to the subspecies of humans called mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. He is a recurring antagonist of the superheroes Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne. He has also been known as Whirlwind and Human Top at various points in his history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squadron Sinister</span> Marvel Comics fictional group

The Squadron Sinister is a supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Squadron Sinister first appeared in the final panel of The Avengers #69, created by Roy Thomas and Sal Buscema. The team is a pastiche of DC's Justice League.

Hippo is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janice Lincoln</span> Supervillainess appearing in Marvel Comics

Janice Lincoln is a supervillainess appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Jackson "Butch" Guice, the character first appeared in Captain America #607. Janice Lincoln is the daughter of supervillain Tombstone. She is a recurring antagonist of the superhero Spider-Man. The character has also been known as Beetle and Lady Beetle at various points in her history.

References

  1. ↑ Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains . New York: Facts on File. p. 324. ISBN   0-8160-1356-X.
  2. ↑ Interview with Roy Thomas and Jerry Bails in The Justice League Companion (2003) pp. 72 – 73
  3. ↑ The Avengers #69–71 (Oct. – Dec. 1969). Marvel Comics.
  4. ↑ The Defenders #13–14 (May – June 1974). Marvel Comics.
  5. ↑ Giant-Size Defenders #4 (1974)
  6. ↑ The Avengers Annual #8 (1978). Marvel Comics.
  7. ↑ The Amazing Spider-Man #222 (Nov. 1981). Marvel Comics.
  8. ↑ Marvel Team-Up #121 (Sep. 1982). Marvel Comics.
  9. ↑ The Amazing Spider-Man #280 (Sep. 1986). Marvel Comics.
  10. ↑ Marvel Tales #242 (Oct. 1990). Marvel Comics.
  11. ↑ Quasar #17 (Dec. 1990). Marvel Comics.
  12. ↑ The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man #1–4 (May – Aug. 1991). Marvel Comics.
  13. ↑ Wolverine #167 (Oct. 2001). Marvel Comics.
  14. ↑ Web of Spider-Man #7 (1991). Marvel Comics.
  15. ↑ Captain America #414 (Apr. 1993). Marvel Comics.
  16. ↑ Spider-Man: The Power of Terror #1 – 4 (1995). Marvel Comics.
  17. ↑ Thunderbolts #35–37 (Feb.–Apr. 2000). Marvel Comics.
  18. ↑ New Thunderbolts #2 (Jan. 2005). Marvel Comics.
  19. ↑ New Thunderbolts #15 (Jan. 2006). Marvel Comics.
  20. ↑ New Thunderbolts #15–16 (Jan. – Feb. 2006). Marvel Comics.
  21. ↑ Thunderbolts #102–108 (July 2006–Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.
  22. ↑ The Amazing Spider-Man #522. Marvel Comics.
  23. ↑ Dark Reign: Mister Negative #1–3. Marvel Comics.
  24. ↑ The Superior Spider-Man #1. Marvel Comics.
  25. ↑ Captain America: Sam Wilson #17. Marvel Comics.
  26. ↑ Captain America: Sam Wilson #19. Marvel Comics.
  27. ↑ Avengers Inc. #4. Marvel Comics.
  28. ↑ "The 25 Fastest Characters In The Marvel Universe, Officially Ranked". CBR. May 27, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  29. ↑ Allan, Scoot (July 13, 2020). "10 Most Powerful Members of the Sinister Syndicate, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  30. ↑ Stanford, Jerry (June 19, 2021). "Marvel: The 20 Fastest Speedsters, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  31. ↑ New Thunderbolts #11. Marvel Comics.
  32. ↑ Marvel Zombies 3 #2–3 (2009). Marvel Comics.
  33. ↑ "Speed Demon Voice - Avengers Assemble (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved February 4, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its opening and/or closing credits and/or other reliable sources of information.
  34. ↑ Nolan, Liam (July 22, 2022). "SDCC: Marvel Studios Animation Panel Reveals Future of X-Men '97, What If and Marvel Zombies". Comic Book Resources . Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.