Origin and First Appearance of Superheroes and Villains Beginning With A

Abattoir

Arnold Etchison, otherwise known as Abattoir (which means slaughterhouse), is an infamous serial killer of Gotham City, who murdered his entire family.

Although captured by Batman numerous times, Abattoir is on a never-ending mission to kill every single member of his family. 

During the Knightfall storyline, Jean Paul Valley, acting as Batman during Bruce Wayne's absence, killed Abattoir.

However, Abattoir's ghost returned, attempting to possess his last remaining blood relative's unborn child.

Able Crown

Able Crown was a small time crimelord of Gotham City and leader of the Burnley Town Massive street gang collective.

Able Crown also owned an orphanage, Able Crown Youth Center.

During a meeting with several of Gotham's crimelords, Able Crown and many other crimelords are killed in a deadly shootout.

Abra Kadabra

Citizen Abra, better known as Abra Kadabra, was a magician in the 64th century until he stole a time machine and warped to the present day, coming into contact with the Flash in Central City. 

Although the citizens of Central City believed Abra Kadabra was performing real magic, he was actually using technology and science developed during the 64th century.

Attempting to become a famous magician, Abra Kadabra's anger and greed take the best of him when people fail to respect his magic shows.

In turn, Abra Kadabra begins stealing and using his tricks to force people to watch his shows.

Although Abra Kadabra has been imprisoned several times, the Flash and Abra Kadabra continue to fight in many epic battles, spanning both space and time. 

In the Underworld Unleashed storyline, Abra Kadabra is given actual magic powers by the demon Neron.

Absorbing Man

Origin and First Appearance, Absorbing Man

Journey into Mystery #114, Marvel Comics, 1966

See more Thor comics values

Making his debut during the Silver Age of comics, Carl Creel, better known as Absorbing Man, is a formidable Thor villain.

Absorbing Man is capable of absorbing and becoming the properties of anything he touches, thanks to a potion given to him by Loki. 

Absorbing Man's special abilities have caused his downfall a number of times, such as when he turned into water and dissipated.

Absorbing Man's abilities have also led to his impaired mental state, causing Creel to become temporarily unstable and insane at times.

When not battling Thor and other Marvel Comic superheroes, Absorbing Man has shown a gentler side, first saving a city from a deadly explosion, and also marrying his love Titania.

Achilles Warkiller

Created by Zeus in an attempt to match the greatness of Wonder Woman, Achilles Warkiller is a sworn ally of the Olympic Gods.

Zeus created Achilles by combining the heart of the Hawaiian god Kane Milohai, the soul of an ancient hero, and Zeus' own divine fire.

Although loyal to Zeus and the Olympic Gods, Zeus' killing of Kane Milohai caused extreme strife with Wonder Woman, whom Achilles greatly admires and respects.

Achilles is often conflicted in his loyalty and his role as a hero.

He is blessed with the extraordinary powers of superhuman strength and speed, flight, and the ability to regenerate and heal wounds. 

Acolytes

Following under the leadership of Magneto, the Acolytes are a group of super villains who believe in mutant domination over humans. 

Over time, the members of the Acolytes has changed, but the original members consisted of Magneto, Chrome, Anne-Marie Cortez, Fabian Cortez, Delgado, and Winters.

Several of the members were killed by the destruction of Asteroid M, or at the hands of Holocaust.

Since the death of most of the members, Exodus went on to reform the Acolytes.

However, after saving Professor Xavier's life, Exodus disbanded the Acolytes in X-Men: Legacy #225.

Adam Strange

Adam Strange was an archaeologist, working in South America. He runs afoul of some natives, who give chase, until he is struck by a mysterious beam of energy and transported to the far-off planet Rann.

There, he learns that the Zeta Beam, as it is called, teleports whomever it strikes to Rann from Earth, and meets the scientist behind it, and his daughter, Alanna, who becomes Adam's love interest.

When the effects of the beam wear off, however, the person transported to Rann dematerialized and reappears back on Earth.

Armed with Rannian technology, Adam leads a double life: on Earth and on Rann, where his heart lies.

Adam Warlock

Adam Warlock was artificially created in a lab by a group of scientists known as the Enclave.

Fleeing from his makers, Adam journeys through space, eventually befriending High Evolutionary, who gives him the name Warlock and a Soul Gem.

Later, Adam fights against the Universal Church of Truth and its leader Magus. It is revealed that Magus is actually Adam Warlock's future evil self.

Adam's power is derived from his experimental birth and his Soul Gem. He possesses superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to manipulate cosmic energy for energy projection, flight and healing powers.

Advanced Idea Mechanics

Advanced Idea Mechanics, commonly known as A.I.M., is a group of intelligent scientists turned terrorists.

A.I.M. is dedicated to building advanced technology to overthrow the world leaders and governments.

Originally created by Baron von Strucker, a former Nazi officer, A.I.M. has created some very powerful weapons, such as the Cosmic Cube, which can alter reality and make any wish come true. 

A.I.M. also created MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing).

MODOK is a genetically modified human with a large head and extremely small body, giving him super-human intelligence and psionic abilities.

MODOK went on to become the leader of A.I.M.

Agamemno

Agamemno is the son of the first sentient being created at the birth of the universe, following the Big Bang.

After conquering galaxies and planets, Agamemno's father was killed in a rebellion, causing Agamemno to flee. 

Since his father's death, Agamemno has been on a quest to find the three items of power in the universe: the Central Power Battery of Oa, the Thanagarian Absorbascon, and a piece of Jewel Kryptonite. When combined, these three items will grant the user ultimate power.

Finally teaming up with Lex Luthor and several other criminals, Agamemno formed the Injustice League – the rivals of the Justice League.

After assembling all three items, Agamemno merged himself with the three powerful items to form a super weapon.

During an epic battle with the Justice League of America, Agamemno was defeated when Martian Manhunter steals two of the items, trapping Agamemno inside the Central Power Battery.

It is assumed Agamemno was destroyed along with the Central Power Battery.

Air Wave

Air Wave was Larry Jordan, a law clerk who became concerned about rising crime rates.

He decided to use his skills and interest in electricity and the radio to develop a radio set in his mask that allowed him to listen in on police communications, and a pair of special skates that let him travel along telephone lines.

He could also use magnetism to climb walls and relieve criminals of their guns.

He retired and was eventually replaced by his son, Harold.

Trivia note: Larry Jordan is the uncle of Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.

Alberto Falcone

Albert Falcone, known as the Holiday Killer, is the son of Gotham crime lord Carmine Falcone.

Pushed away by his father from getting involved in the "family business", Albert begins killing members of his father's mafia, becoming the vigilante known as the Holiday Killer (because he kills only on holidays).

Eventually, Albert kills his father and begins killing several other Gotham City criminals.

Batman, not impressed with Albert's work, eventually captures him. However, Albert is released from jail.

During Batman: Dark Victory, Albert's own sister, Sofia, smothers him to death, avenging her father's death.

Aliens of "Dimension X"

The Aliens of Dimension X are a group of evil aliens attempting to invade earth through whatever means necessary, including using monsters from their own dimension. 

After several students go missing, the Teen Titans investigate the Hillsdale High School and find that the Aliens of Dimension X are using the high school as a base of operation.

The Teen Titans enter Dimension X to rescue the kidnapped students.

Kid Flash severs the link between the dimensions, and the aliens are banished back to their own world.

Throughout the Teen Titans series, the Aliens of Dimension X attempt invasions, but are always driven back into their dimension.

Alkhema

Alkhema, also known as War Toy, is a robot made of adamantium.

Alkhema was built by Ultron as his mate and companion, but she ultimately betrayed Ultron to the Avengers.

Throughout her life, Alkhema and Ultron had a dynamic relationship, operating as partners one minute, then enemies the next.

Alkhema, longing for children of her own, develops her own army of Robos.

Alkhema is killed by Hawkeye in an epic battle.

Allatou

Allatou is a female demon who can possess and control humans.

She is the wife of Nergal, a member of Satan's Infernal Court. 

Following several battles with The West Coast Avengers and Hellstorm, Satan's own son, Allatou is eventually defeated and left alone in Hell where she belongs.

All-Star Squadron

The All-Star Squadron is a group of superheroes, assembled following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Dozens of superheroes make up the group, including members of the Justice Society of America, Green Arrow, Captain Marvel, and Blue Beetle. 

Due to Adolf Hitler's Spear of Destiny, the All-Star Squadron was tasked with keeping peace in America instead of fighting in Germany.

However, many members were drafted into the Army as their civilian identities.

All-Winners Squad

The All-Winners Squad was Timely's first attempt at a super-team comic.

It consisted of Captain America and his sidekick, Bucky, Namor the Sub-Mariner, The Human Torch and Toro, The Whizzer, and Miss America.

There are only two appearances of the All-Winners Squad in the Golden Age, but they were successfully revived by Roy Thomas at Marvel in the 1970s, and integrated with the Invaders and the Liberty Legion.

Alpha Flight

Alpha Flight was first conceived as part of Wolverine's backstory, but was then expanded into a full Canadian super-team of its own.

The initial line-up was Vindicator (later known as Guardian), Sasquatch, Northstar, Aurora, Shaman, and Snowbird.

Later members included Puck and Marrina.

Alpha Flight was an officially-sanctioned group by the Canadian government, operating for most of its history out of Department H, the division of Canadian defense that is concerned with super-powered threats to Canada.

Al-Tariq

Faysal Al-Tariq is a terrorist who battles against Captain America. 

Al-Tariq holds a town captive, but is killed by Captain America in Captain America Vol 4 #6, causing Steve Rogers to reveal himself as Captain America to the world.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace is a New God of the planet Apokolips and a close ally of Darkseid.

She is the sister of Glorious Godfrey / G. Gordon Godfrey, who leads a successful anti-superhero campaign on earth.

When Superman comes to Apokolips to attempt to stop Godfrey's hateful campaign on Earth, Amazing Grace seduces Superman, and he loses his memory and powers.

Superman, under the control of Amazing Grace, goes on to join his former nemesis Darkseid in his fight against Orion.

After Superman (click for price guide) regains his memory and powers and leaves Apokolips, Amazing Grace is rarely seen.

Amazing Man

John Aman was an orphan from the American West, raised by Tibetan monks.

He had been chosen because of his perfect body, and was trained by the monks until his physical and mental abilities were at superhuman levels.

They also taught him the nifty trick of using a special chemical solution that allowed him to dissolve in a cloud of green mist.

Once they were satisfied with his training, the monks sent John out to do good in the world under the name Amazing Man.

See our Rare Comics Gallery for more Golden Age greats.

American Crusader

American Crusader started as Professor Archibald Masters, mild-mannered astronomy professor.

When an experiment with an "atom-smasher" went awry, he acquired the usual trifecta of super-powers: super-strength, flight, and invulnerability.

Donning an ill-fitting red-and-blue set of tights and a saggy black cowl and cape, he became American Crusader, crime fighter.

After a few years, he disappeared, and is now in the public domain.

Amazo

Amazo is the world's first android, created by evil genius Professor Ivo.

Amazo has the ability to replicate any power he encounters, making him a very powerful enemy. 

Originally programmed to find a way to prolong or immortalize Professor Ivo's life, Amazo has been both a friend and foe of the Justice League of America (click for price guide).

Amazo has been deactivated several times by the JLA, but they sometimes reactivate him to order to use his help.

American Flagg

American Flagg was an early example of what independent comics could do differently than the "big two."

Set in the year 2031, Reuben Flagg was a stand-up comedian who was rendered obsolete by computer-generated entertainment, and ended up working for the corporate/governmental conglomerate who run the world, named The Plex.

Flagg's idealistic vision of the USA is at odds with the greed and bureaucracy of The Plex, and so he must work against it in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

Americop

Americop, born Bart Gallows, is a former police officer turned vigilante.

Dissatisfied with the American justice system, Gallows begins taking matters into his own hands, forming the identity Americop.

Americop's vigilante ways angers Captain America (click for price guide), and the two are often at odds with each other.

Americop is paralyzed when an energy burst is accidently unleashed by Penance.

Gallows has no superpowers, but he is well trained in martial arts and has full Kevlar body armor (including facemask).

Amos Fortune

Amos Fortune was a criminal and leader of the Royal Flush Gang who battled the Justice League. 

Fortune, obsessed with luck, discovered that humans had "luck glands," and that he could manipulate them.

Fortune and his gang attempted to end the JLA's 'good' luck, but was defeated.

Later, Fortune and his Royal Flush Gang team up with Roulette, and were running and manipulating gambling operations.

However, when Fortune kills Two of Clubs, one of his faithful cronies, Two of Clubs' vengeful wife shoots Fortune dead.

Amygdala

Aaron Helzinger is a large and angry man, known for his violent outbursts.

While not exceedingly smart by any means, Helzinger is a very strong and powerful Batman villain (click for Batman villains list article).

While in custody at Arkham Asylum, a surgeon removes Helzinger's amygdala in an attempt to calm him down.

However, this has the opposite effect, and Helzinger becomes even more violent, thus giving rise to his alias.

During the Knightfall series, Bane releases all of the prisoners at Arkham, including Amygdala. However, Batman defeats Amygdala with a karate chop to the back of his neck, his weak point.

Anaconda

Stellar employee of Roxxon Oil Company, Blanche "Blondie" Sitznski, was invited to join Roxxon's elite secret operations team.

Following a bioengineering experiment, Sitznski's bones were layered with elastic-like adamantium, allowing her to elongate her arms and body, while also giving her superhuman strength.

Sitznski can also breathe underwater.

Taking on the alias Anaconda, Sitsnski joins the Serpent Squad, pitting her against The Avengers (click for price guide).

Anarky

Lonnie Machin is a brilliant young man with hopes of creating a better world through whatever means necessary.

While his ideas are often positive, his methods are questionable, leading to conflicts with Batman and Robin.

Born a child prodigy, Anarky uses his own inventions and computer skills to fulfill his visions, including stealing money from corporations and donating it to third world countries, and attacking those he deemed "wrong doers" in Gotham.

Lonnie was captured by Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong, aka the General, shot and poisoned, resulting in Lonnie's paralysis and comatose state.

Lonnie's only functioning part left is his brain, which is connected to an advanced computer system to allow for communication.

Lonnie, stripped of his Anarky role by The General, now takes on a new identity – Moneyspider.

Anna Mercury

Leaping between parallel worlds, fiery redhead Anna Mercury is on a mission to prevent technologically advanced weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

Using her own radical technology and dual wielding two trusty pistols, Mercury can jump across buildings, walk through walls, disappear, and of course, travel between parallel worlds.

Little is known about Anna Mercury's background, except that she works as a British secret agent behind the scenes to protect Earth and other worlds.

Annihilus

As one of the ultimate villains of the Fantastic Four, Annihilus is an alien species obsesses with survival and destroying anything he views as a threat.

Hailing from the Negative Zone, a nearly uninhabited void in space, Annihilus is on a mission to gain more power rule over the Universe.

Armed with advanced intelligence, the Cosmic Control Rod, and a an army of servants, Annihilus is in a constant battle with the Fantastic Four, the Avengers, and other superheroes and villains.

The Angel

This Angel bears no relation to the Silver Age mutant, Warren Worthington III.

This Angel was a non-super-powered detective who wore tights and a cape, but no mask.

He never bothered to conceal his identity as well-to-do former surgeon Thomas Halloway, even after he acquired the Mystic Cape of Mercury, which allowed him to fly.

He was the fourth-most-popular Timely hero of his era, behind the 'big three' (Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch).

Angel (Warren Worthington)

Warren Worthington III was born into a life of privilege and heir of the billion dollar company Worthington Industries. 

As a teenager, wings began growing out of Warren's back. At first ashamed, Warren realized he could use his new powers for good, thus spawning his superhero ego, Angel.

Angel is recruited by Professor Xavier and becomes one of the founding members of the X-Men. 

Later, Angel is brought under Apocalypse's control, and undergoes heavy genetic modification, transforming into Death, one of Apocalypse's Four Horsemen.

Finally, with Iceman's help, Warren breaks free of Apocalypse's control and rejoins the X-Men.

Animal Man

Buddy Baker was a mild-mannered man until he was exposed to radiation from a crashed alien spaceship, but at first he didn't know how it had affected him.

Later, on a hike with a friend, Buddy must defend he and his pal from a bunch of escaped circus animals.

He finds that he has powers and abilities from all of them, which he uses to subdue them, eventually defeating the alien whose crashed ship empowered him in the first place.

Like Archie Comics' Jaguar, he can use the powers of any animal.

Several issues later, he gets his costume and begins using the name Animal Man.

Later, he joined a group called the Forgotten Heroes, and was eventually rebooted several times.

Anomaly

Created by Project Cadmus, a team of genetic scientists, Anomaly is a clone of convicted murderer Floyd "Bullets" Barstow.

Anomaly joins the Superman Revenge Squad, with other Superman foes like Misa, Maxima, and Morgan Edge.

Anomaly has the power to turn his body into any substance he touches.

Answer

Origin and First Appearance, Answer 

Spectacular Spiderman #91, Marvel Comics, 1984

Top 20 Most Valuable Comic Books from the Copper Age

As the top hit man for HYDRA, Aaron Nicholson had an answer to nearly every problem, giving rise to his alter ego.

During an experiment, Answer is genetically engineered develop any power needed in any situation.

With his new powers, Answer joins Kingpin's crime ring, and becomes sworn foe of Spiderman.

Answer is tasked with reviving Kingpin's comatose wife by absorbing Dagger's powers.

However, this goes horribly wrong; Vanessa dies, and Answer is nearly killed as well.

Ant-Man

Created by Henry Pym, Ant-man has the ability to shrink to microscopic levels or grow to nearly 100 feet.

Ant-Man, along with his girlfriend/wife the Wasp (Janet van Dyne), is one of the founding members of the Avengers.

Henry Pym assumed the role of Ant-Man for many years until the Wasp's death.

Since then, Pym has become several other superheroes, including Goliath, Yellowjacket, and the Wasp (in remembrance of his wife).

During Pym's absence as Ant-Man, Scott Lang, a thief, finds Pym's Ant-Man suit during a break in.

Using Ant-Man's powers, Lang saves his daughter, Cassie, who suffers from a heart defect.

Cassie later goes on to become Stature, a member of the Avengers.

Find out what the Ant-Man movie is doing for prices of this book!

Anthony Lupus

Suffering from debilitating headaches, Olympian Decathlon champion Anthony Lupus seeks a cure from Professor Milo.

Discovering that Lupus suffers from lycanthropy, Milo creates a potion derived from Alaskan Timber Wolves, activating Anthony's dormant werewolf nature.

Lupus transforms into a werewolf every full moon, and is unable to control his violence and rage.

Professor Milo hopes that eventually, Lupus will kill Batman.

After a battle with Batman, Lupus leaves Gotham and moves to Alaska, searching for a cure.

Anya Corazon

Anya Corazon was a normal schoolgirl until she joined the Spider Society as their Hunter.

During her initiation, she is marked with a spider tattoo that gives her superhuman strength, speed, the ability to shoot webs from her arms, and an exoskeleton.

Her arch enemies are The Sisterhood of the Wasp, Kraven, and the Kravinoff Family.

Originally going by the alias Araña, Anya Corazon accepts the name of Spider-Girl and is a close ally of Ms. Marvel, Spider-Man, Red Hulk, and Spider-Woman.

Appa Ali Apsa

Check out our Silver Age Green Lantern comics price guide here!

Appa Ali Apsa was one of the immortal Guardians of the Universe who was chosen to live among the people of Earth.

Traveling with Green Lantern across the world, Appa Ali Apsa learns a lot about life and chooses to withdraw as one of the Guardians of the Universe.

Later, Appa Ali Apsa lives alone on planet Oa, slowly going insane from the isolation.

To solve the problem Appa Ali Apsa transports several cities from Earth to Oa, becoming the ruler over millions of people.

Green Lantern and the other Guardians of the Universe kill Appa Ali Apsa and put an end to his insane and tyrannical ways.

Apocalypse

Apocolypse is an incredibly powerful, immortal mutant villain who has been alive for 5,000 years.

He has had a hand in many of the important events in history, and is responsible for the conversion of Angel into Archangel.

He is a very formidable X-Men villain, and appears many times as a mastermind behind the scenes.

He started as En Sabbah Nur, born in 3,000 BC, in Akkaba. His grey skin and blue lips marked him as a mutant from the moment of his birth, but his full mutant powers manifested themselves somewhat later in life.

Apocolypse can teleport and manipulate any kind of energy, as well as having superhuman physical strength, speed, and endurance. He also has psionic abilities and can manipulate molecules, creating compounds from other compounds.

He remains a powerful adversary to this day.

Aqualad

Aqualad is the teenage Atlantean sidekick of Aquaman.

He is also a founding member of the Teen Titans.

Aqualad's powers are mostly the same as Aquaman's‚ superhuman speed, strength, and the ability to live underwater. 

Later, Aqualad becomes Tempest after discovering a pool of ancient magic.

As Tempest, his powers become incredibly strong, and he can time travel, shoot energy beams, and he becomes telepathic.

Aquaman

Aquaman came along two years after Namor, Timely's undersea character.

His backstory, oddly enough, started out very different from Namor's, eventually and ironically changing into something very much like the Sub-Mariner's.

Originally, Aquaman was the son of an undersea explorer and a mother who died when he was a baby.

His father immersed (no pun intended) himself in his work and taught his son the ways of the ocean, eventually including the ability to breathe underwater and communicate with sea life.

Later, his origin was revised to include a father who was a lighthouse keeper and a mother who was an outcast princess from the lost city of Atlantis.

Notably, Aquaman was one of the few DC superheroes outside of the "big three" to remain in constant publication through the dry years between the Golden and Silver Ages.

Aqueduct

Peter van Zante was an injured soldier undergoing experimental radiation treatment out in the ocean.

During a freak storm, a lightning strike revives Zante, giving him special powers.

Originally going by Water Wizard, Zante later adopts the alias Aquaduct, and has the ability to manipulate water in any way he chooses.

Becoming a professional but easily-defeated criminal, Aqueduct is in constant battle with Ghost Rider (click for price guide) and the Avengers.

Later, Aquaduct joins the Forces of Nature, a team of super villains consisting of Aqueduct, Skybreaker, Sunstreak, and Terraformer.

Archangel

Warren Worthington III, otherwise known as The Angel, had his wings mutilated in a battle with Marauder Harpoon, and they develop gangrene and must be amputated.

The villain Apocolypse spirits the depressed Warren away, offering him new wings in exchange for Warren's service to him, as his Horseman Death.

Warren agrees, and becomes Archangel.

He is genetically modified and brainwashed by Apocolypse and given blue skin and razor-edged metal wings, as well as the name "Death."

Eventually, Warren would break free from Apocalypse's control and rejoin the X-Men, even eventually regrowing his original wings after the metal ones shatter.

Aries

Aries has appeared several times throughout the Marvel Universe, each time as a different person or entity.

However, no matter who or what embodies Aries, he is always a member of Zodiac, a team of super villains bent on world domination.

Aries' trademark is a pair of horns worn on his head, used to ram his opponents.

Nearly all of the Aries characters end up killed or powerless.

Arkon

Arkon is the and ruler of Polemachus, a world in another dimension.

The people of Polemachus celebrate warfare and force, and Arkon is the best warrior in the world.

Like all people of Polemachus, Arkon possesses superhuman strength and dexterity.

Polemachus' planetary rings act as the sun, yet the rings' abilities are beginning to fail. Arkon has to find a way to revive the rings, so he travels to Earth for help.

After a few heated conflicts, Arkon and the Avengers eventually find a way to work together.

Arkon has a long and diverse relationship with the Avengers and the X-Men.

Armadillo

Seeking help in all the wrong places, Antonio Rodriguez asks the evil Dr. Karl Malus to give him superhuman powers.

During the process, Rodriguez is genetically transformed into a humanoid armadillo with superhuman strength and durability, and razor-sharp claws.

Armadillo turns to a life of crime to earn money to cure his girlfriend of a terminal illness.

However, after her recovery, she is appalled at Armadillo's appearance and actions. After several run-ins with Captain America, he is jailed.

Armadillo later becomes a professional wrestler and performs many good deeds which benefit other superheroes.

However, this doesn't last long, and Armadillo quickly falls back into partnerships with several villains.

The Arrow

The Arrow was the secret identity of Ralph Payne, agent for an unspecified US Government Intelligence Agency.

Becoming frustrated at having to operate through official channels, Payne decided to don a costume and use his archery skills to fight crime.

He wore a red, Robin Hood-styled outfit that concealed his face completely.

Typically for the time, he ended up fighting foreign agents and Nazi spies along with the garden-variety American criminals.

Artemis Crock

Artemis is the former protégé of Green Arrow, becoming a skilled archer and master fighter.

As the daughter of Sportsmaster and Huntress, both villains, Artemis is quite aggressive.

Artemis begins a life of crime at a young age, and joined the Injustice Society, committing many crimes and thefts.

Artemis became romantically involved with Icicle and gave birth to a daughter, Isabelle Rose.

Using the name Artemis for a long time, she eventually adopted the name Tigress, a name used by her mother.

Artemiz

Artemiz is a New God of Apokolips and member of the Female Furies.

Little is known about her past.

She is deadly with a bow and arrow, and commands a pack of Cyberhounds.

Suicide Squad first appeared in Brave and the Bold #25, though it has been re-invented many times over the years to fit the changes in the DC Universe timelines, Crisis and so on.

Asbestos Man

Professor Orson Kasloff was one of the smartest and most gifted chemists in the world, yet no one knew who he was.

Frustrated with his lack of money and recognition, Kasloff creates Asbestos Man and begins a life of crime.

Wielding a "super asbestos" shield, capable of withstanding nearly any force, especially fire, Asbestos Man challenges the Human Torch to battle in order to prove his worth to the criminal underground.

After two fierce battles, the Human Torch defeats Asbestos Man; he was imprisoned and hasn't been seen since.

Assembly of Evil

During The Acts of Vengeance storyline, the Jester forms a supervillain team to take on the Avengers.

Cloak and Dagger join the team, posing as villains, but in reality, they were planning on taking down the Assembly of Evil.

At a press conference, the Assembly of Evil attempts to take on the Avengers, but are swiftly defeated with the help of Cloak and Dagger.

The Atom

Al Pratt began as a man with no super-powers.

He could not shrink, as his Silver Age equivalent could.

Rather, he was a short and weak college student until, driven by a desire to impress a girl, he turned to Joe Morgan, ex-boxer, who trained him into a superb physical specimen.

Having no super-powers was no problem for the Atom, as he was a fighter of such skill and strength that he hardly needed them.

He co-founded the JSA, and was a member until All-Star Comics ceased publication in 1951.

He gained super-strength in 1948, when the JSA battled Per Degaton.

Atomic Robo

First built by Nikola Tesla, Atomic Robo is a self-aware robot with adventures spanning across space and time.

Atomic Robo is a smart and humorous robot who gets himself into bizarre situations, sometimes dangerous, sometimes just plain wacky.

Atomic Skull

Michaels was a brilliant scientist who suffered from extreme headaches and uncontrollable seizures, caused by electrical impulses in his brain.

Seeking a cure from an evil scientist, Michaels is implanted with a device which focuses his electrical impulses into a powerful blast.

However, this has the opposite effect and he becomes unstable and violent.

Michaels blames the lack of a cure on Superman, who has imprisoned the only scientist that could help him.

Seeking revenge, Michaels dons the name Atomic Skull.

Attuma

Born with superhuman abilities, Attuma is of the Atlantean Homo mermanus species.

Attuma is severely weakened when outside of water. Attuma believes he is the one mentioned in a prophecy that will conquer Atlantis.

During his many battles attempting to conquer Atlantis, Attuma is often stopped by the Fantastic Four and Namor the Sub-Mariner.

However, Attuma eventually succeeds, capturing the throne of Atlantis several times.

During an underwater attack on New York City, Attuma is beheaded by the Sentry.

Later, Doctor Doom revives Attuma, giving him new powers and the ability to live on land.

The Authority

The Authority is part of DC's Wildstorm Universe, and is a super-team that was started by Jenny Sparks, former member of the Stormwatch team, to fill the void that the ending of Stormwatch created.

Aside from Jenny, the original members of The Authority were:

• former Stormwatch member Jack Hawksmoor, Spica (successor to The Engineer -- with blood replaced by nanotechnology, she can fly and create any machine at will)
• former Stormwatch member Swift
• former Stormwatch member Apollo
• former Stormwatch member Midnighter, and
• The Doctor (a shaman who can do magic, reincarnate himself, has heightened senses, and has access to all the racial memories of humanity's ancestors).

The Authority is still around, having seen several permutations and many changes.

The Avengers

Marvel's second modern super team, the Avengers, came together when Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, The Wasp, and The Hulk came together by accident because of a plot by Loki, Thor's half-brother.

After defeating Loki, the five decide that they are unbeatable as a team.

The Wasp suggests that they need a catchy name, "something colorful and dramatic, like ‘The Avengers,' or…" and Ant-Man cuts her off, since that name is perfect.

Hulk only lasted a few issues, even though he was portrayed as more intelligent and less brutal then, to be replaced by a revived Captain America.

Later, most of the heroes in the Marvel universe would at one point or another be part of the Avengers, who have survived countless reboots and spin-offs.

Awesome Android

Created by the Mad Thinker (whose first appearance is also in FF#15), Awesome Android is a towering 15 foot tall cyborg.

Following the Mad Thinker's commands, Awesome Android commits various crimes.

During many battles with the Fantastic Four and even the X-Men, Awesome Android and the Mad Thinker are defeated.

The Mad Thinker upgrades Awesome Android's system, causing him to become self-aware. Awesome Android rebels against the Mad Thinker and adopts a new name – Awesome Andy, and a more peaceful life.

Later, Awesome Andy reboots his memory, rejoins the Mad Thinker, and becomes Awesome Android again.

Awesome Threesome

The Awesome Threesome was a short-lived team of three robotic super villains who fought against Aquaman.

The group consisted of Torpedo Man, Claw and Magneto.

Axis Amerika

Origin and First Appearance, Axis Amerika

Young All-Stars #1, DC Comics, 1987

Click for appraisal

Axis Amerika was a team of super villains created by Adolf Hitler to kill America's superheroes, specifically the All-Star Squadron.

Axis Amerika attacked the All-Star Squadron's headquarters direct, but were defeated by Fury, "Iron" Munro, Flying Fox, Green Lantern, Neptune Perkins and Tsunami.

Since their defeat, Axis Amerika has disbanded, and the whereabouts of most members are unknown.