Tattooed Man

Last updated
Tattooed Man
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Abel Tarrant: Green Lantern (vol. 2) #23 (September 1963)
John Oakes:Skin Graft: The Adventures of a Tattooed Man #1 (July 1993)
Mark Richards: Green Lantern (vol. 4) #9 (2006)
Lala Johnson: Black Lightning Season 1×1 (January 2018)
Created by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane
In-story information
Alter egoAbel Tarrant
John Oakes
Mark Richards
Lala Johnson
Species Metahuman
Team affiliationsAbel Tarrant
Injustice Gang of the World
The Society
Suicide Squad
Mark Richards
The Society
Justice League
Titans
AbilitiesLiving tattoos

The Tattooed Man is the name of three characters appearing in media published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of Green Lantern.

Contents

An original version of the Tattooed Man, Latavius "Lala" Johnson, appeared as a recurring character in the Arrowverse television series Black Lightning , portrayed by William Catlett.

Publication history

The first Tattooed Man first appeared in Green Lantern (vol. 2) #23 (September 1963) and was created by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane. [1]

Fictional character biography

Abel Tarrant

Abel Tarrant is a burglar and former sailor who wields special chemical tattoos that enable him to create constructs. [2] [3] He later reforms and becomes a tattoo artist before being forced to battle Guy Gardner. [4]

Tarrant later returns to crime and joins the Suicide Squad before Mirror Master and Jewelee kill him. [5]

In Doomsday Clock , Tarrant is among the villains who meet with the Riddler to discuss the Superman Theory. [6] [7]

John Oakes

The second Tattooed Man was John Oakes, the main character of the Vertigo series Skin Graft: The Adventures of a Tattooed Man by Jerry Prosser and Warren Pleece. Oakes first appeared in Skin Graft #1 (July 1993).

Oakes is a cellmate of Abel Tarrant, who gives him cursed supernatural tattoos. He trains in Japan to control his abilities and absorbs the spirit of his lover Yuko following her death. [8]

Mark Richards

The third Tattooed Man first appeared in Green Lantern (vol. 4) #9. Mark Richards was a former U.S. Marine who went missing following a helicopter crash and was presumed dead until he showed up in Gotham City as a hit man. He claimed that the tattoos covering his body were the sins of men he had killed and that by the art of "sin-grafting", which he had learned from the nation of Modora, in which he takes the sins of others and puts them on himself, he claimed to be redeeming the men and women he killed. All his victims had tattoos of their sins. He was eventually stopped by Green Lantern and Batman.

In Infinite Crisis , Mark becomes a member of the Society. [9]

He appears as one of a group of villains seeking to avoid being sent to the prison planet. [10]

In Trinity , reality is altered by the removal of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In this world, Morgaine Le Fay's Dreambound recruit Richards to replace one of their fallen number. He becomes Sun-Chained-In-Ink and gains sun-based powers. As the series progresses, Richards comes to dislike the Dreambound, deeming them "losers". Reality eventually returns to normal, depowering Richards.

In Final Crisis , Richards becomes an honorary member of the Justice League while battling the Anti-Life Equation.

In DC's Brightest Day event, Mark appears as a member of Deathstroke's new team of Titans. [11] He is convinced to join by Deathstroke who offers to help him track down Slipknot, the person responsible for murdering his son. [12] After a breakout at Arkham Asylum, Richards was about to leave his team until Deathstroke reveals that he has captured Slipknot for him. [13] Deathstroke allows the two to fight to the death, with Richards winning after he beheads Slipknot. [14] After this act, Richards quits Deathstroke's team, declaring that he is done with killing. [15] When Richards returns to Liberty Hill, he discovers his old neighborhood is afraid of him and the gangbangers have forced citizens and even the police themselves to clean up the area. His former assistant explains to him that they have taken control of the community and made a fortune for themselves through crime. Richards was then confronted by Vixen who believed that he was responsible for the acts of violence committed by his former thugs. Vixen rescinds her offer of Justice League membership and attacks Richards. [16] After a brutal fight, Vixen willingly surrenders and Richards agrees to leave her and take care of his neighborhood in his own way. [17] Richards later rejoins Deathstroke's Titans. Upon returning to the labyrinth, Deathstroke reveals to them that the items the Titans collected were used to form a healing machine called the "Methuselah Device", intended to restore his dying son, Jericho. [18] After healing Jericho, Deathstroke declares that the machine can also resurrect the dead, including Richards' son. Richards initially accepts but after Cinder declares the Methuselah Device a curse, he joins her and Arsenal in fighting the other Titans to destroy it. [19] After Cinder sacrifices herself to destroy the Methuselah Device, Richards returns home. [20]

In 2011, DC Comics rebooted the DC Universe as part of "The New 52". During the Forever Evil storyline, Tattooed Man appears as a member of the Crime Syndicate of America's incarnation of the Secret Society of Super Villains. In the aftermath of the Crime Syndicate's defeat, he was seen with its members when the Justice League apprehend them. [21]

During the Heroes in Crisis storyline, Tattooed Man is shown as a patient at Sanctuary. [22] He was among those killed by Savitar after he escaped from the Speed Force, which is blamed on Wally West losing control of it. [23] [7] In The Flash #796, it was revealed that the hero Gold Beetle replaced all of the dead heroes with clones from the 31st century.

Powers and abilities

Each of the Tattooed Man versions can bring their tattoos to life.

Collected editions

Other versions

Flashpoint

In the alternate timeline of the Flashpoint event, Tattooed Man is a member of Deathstroke's pirates before being killed during an ambush by Aquaman and Ocean Master. [24]

Similar characters

In other media

Television

Film

Video games

The Abel Tarrant incarnation of Tattooed Man appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure . [31]

Miscellaneous

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roy Harper (character)</span> DC Comics character

Roy Harper is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Roy is one of DC's most longstanding characters, originating in 1940s comics as Speedy, the teen sidekick of the superheroes Green Arrow and Black Canary. Like his mentor Green Arrow, Roy is a world-class archer and athlete who uses his exceptional marksmanship to fight crime. Along with other prominent DC Comics superhero sidekicks, he goes on to become a core member of the superhero group the Teen Titans. As an adult, Roy casts off his Speedy identity to establish himself as the superhero Arsenal, and later takes on the name Red Arrow to symbolise his coming-of-age and having become an equal of Green Arrow as he joins the Justice League. In addition to continuing to serve on occasion as one of the Titans, Roy has had leading roles in the superhero groups the Seven Soldiers of Victory, the Outsiders, Checkmate, the Justice League, and the Outlaws.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Light (Arthur Light)</span> Comic book character

Doctor Light is the name of two characters appearing in media published by DC Comics: supervillain Arthur Light and superhero Jacob Finlay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deathstroke</span> Supervillain in the DC Universe

Deathstroke is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, the character first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2 as Deathstroke the Terminator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geo-Force</span> Fictional DC Comics superhero

Geo-Force is a fictional superhero character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Markov is the younger Prince Twin of Markovia and the elder brother of Terra. One of the founding members of the superhero group the Outsiders, he was created by Mike W. Barr and Jim Aparo, and first appeared in a special insert in The Brave and the Bold #200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hal Jordan</span> Fictional superhero published by DC Comics

Harold"Hal"Jordan, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created in 1959 by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane, and first appeared in Showcase #22. Hal Jordan is a reinvention of the previous Green Lantern, who appeared in 1940s comic books as the character Alan Scott.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Solomon Grundy (character)</span> Fictional DC Comics supervillain

Solomon Grundy is a supervillain and occasional antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was originally depicted as a murder victim brought back to life as a corporeal revenant or zombie, though subsequent versions of the character have occasionally depicted a different origin. His name is taken from the 19th century nursery rhyme "Solomon Grundy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wally West</span> Fictional character

Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics as the original Kid Flash and the third Flash. His power consists mainly of superhuman speed. The nephew of Iris West, he first appeared in Flash #110 (1959), which depicted his transformation into Kid Flash. Under the mantle of Kid Flash, Wally was depicted as a teenage sidekick to his uncle-by-marriage, Barry Allen, and a founding member of the Teen Titans. After Barry's death in Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, Wally took on the role of the Flash in 1986, and was the main Flash in DC's lineup until Barry returned in The Flash: Rebirth in 2009. He would later return as the main Flash in 2021, as part of the Infinite Frontier relaunch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clock King</span> Two fictional characters, supervillains published by DC Comics

The Clock King is the name of three supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first Clock King debuted in World's Finest Comics #111, and was created by France Herron and Lee Elias.

Copperhead is the name of several supervillains appearing in comic books published by DC Comics, mostly as enemies of the superhero Batman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">H.I.V.E.</span> DC Comics supervillain organization

The H.I.V.E., which stands for the Hierarchy of International Vengeance and Extermination, is a fictional terrorist organization appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cheshire (comics)</span> Comic book character

Cheshire is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics. She is a long-standing rival of the superhero team, the Teen Titans, and occasional love interest of Roy Harper and Thomas Blake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atomic Skull</span> Fictional characters in DC Comics

The Atomic Skull is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an enemy of Superman. The character first appeared in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Icicle (comics)</span> Comic book character

Icicle is the name of two supervillains appearing in comic books published by DC Comics: Joar Mahkent and Cameron Mahkent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadow Thief</span> Comics character

Shadow Thief is the name of three fictional supervillains published by DC Comics. The first is a recurring foe of Hawkman named Carl Sands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ravager (DC Comics)</span> Fictional characters in the DC universe

Ravager is an alias used by multiple fictional characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Most appear in series featuring the Teen Titans and have a connection to the villain Slade Wilson / Deathstroke. The name has also been used by the unrelated super-hero team The Ravagers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Phosphorus</span> Fictional DC Comics supervillain

Doctor Phosphorus is a supervillain who has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. Primarily an enemy of Batman, the villain exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garth (comics)</span> Fictional superhero from DC Comics

Garth is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon, He first appears in Adventure Comics #269. The character is commonly associated with both Aquaman and the Teen Titans alongside the team's various incarnations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beast Boy</span> Fictional character

Beast Boy is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He has also gone under the alias Changeling. Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Bob Brown, he is a shapeshifter who possesses the ability to transform into any animal he chooses. The character first appeared in Doom Patrol #99 and is usually depicted as a member of the Doom Patrol and the Teen Titans.

References

  1. ↑ Wells, John (2015). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 125. ISBN   978-1605490458.
  2. ↑ Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Supervillains. New York: Facts on File. p. 337. ISBN   0-8160-1356-X.
  3. ↑ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 154. ISBN   978-1-4654-8578-6.
  4. ↑
    • Green Lantern (vol. 3) #2 (July 1990)
    • Green Lantern (vol. 3) #81 (December 1996)
    • Chronos #6 (August 1998)
    • Infinite Crisis Special: Villains United one-shot (June 2006)
  5. ↑ Checkmate (vol. 2) #6 (November 2006)
  6. ↑ "Doomsday Clock #2 Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  7. 1 2 Doomsday Clock #6. DC Comics.
  8. ↑ Cohen, Jason (June 10, 2009). "Skin Graft: The Adventures of a Tattooed Man #1-4". Vertigo Spotlight. Comics Bulletin . Retrieved 2009-07-25.
  9. ↑ Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special #1. DC Comics.
  10. ↑ Justice League of America (vol. 2) #17. DC Comics.
  11. ↑ "Get a first look at Fabrizio Fiorentino's TITANS artwork". Dccomics.com. 23 April 2010. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  12. ↑ Titans: Villains for Hire one-shot (May 2010), DC Comics.
  13. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #30 (December 2010). DC Comics.
  14. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #31 (January 2011). DC Comics.
  15. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #32 (February 2011). DC Comics.
  16. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #35 (May 2011). DC Comics.
  17. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #36 (June 2011). DC Comics.
  18. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) Annual 2011 (July 2011). DC Comics.
  19. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #37 (July 2011). DC Comics.
  20. ↑ Titans (vol. 2) #38 (August 2011). DC Comics.
  21. ↑ Justice League (vol. 2) #30. DC Comics.
  22. ↑ Heroes in Crisis #3. DC Comics.
  23. ↑ Heroes in Crisis #8. DC Comics.
  24. ↑ Flashpoint: Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #2 (July 2011). DC Comics.
  25. ↑ Batman #484
  26. ↑ Worlds' Finest #16
  27. ↑ "Tattooed Man Voice - Batman: The Brave and the Bold (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 15, 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 credits or other reliable sources of information.
  28. ↑ "Black Lightning - Netflix". January 19, 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-06-04. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  29. ↑ Mayimbe, El (May 19, 2008). "Supermax: Green Arrow Story Details + Villains/Inmates Gallery - Movie News - Latest Movie Reviews and trailers". Latino Review. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved June 1, 2008.
  30. ↑ Kit, Borys (April 22, 2015). "Common Joins 'Suicide Squad' (Exclusive)". The Wrap. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  31. ↑ Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  32. ↑ Harvey, James (9 April 2012). ""Young Justice", "Green Lantern: The Animated Series" July 2012 Comic Solicitations, More". The World's Finest. Retrieved 2 December 2018.
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.