Steppenwolf (comics)
| Steppenwolf | |
|---|---|
 General Steppenwolf |
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | New Gods vol. 1 #7, (February 1972) |
| Created by | Jack Kirby (writer & artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Steppenwolf |
| Species | New God |
| Place of origin | Apokolips |
| Team affiliations | Darkseid's Elite |
| Abilities | Superhuman strength and speed. |
Steppenwolf is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in New Gods vol. 1 #7 (February 1972), and was created by Jack Kirby.
Contents |
[edit] Fictional character biography
As one of the New Gods, Steppenwolf (which is German for "Wolf of the Steppe," or coyote) is the brother of Heggra, and the uncle of Uxas (Darkseid). He is also a member of Darkseid's Elite. He leads the military of Apokolips and also rides a hover bike which may be at the same level of technology as Orion's.
Steppenwolf is one of the earliest survivors of Doomsday, the monster who once killed Superman. 245,000 years ago, Steppenwolf takes an Apokolips shuttle with Darkseid, Master Mayhem and a small crew to the planet of Bylan 5. The planet holds delicate natural materials Apokolips needs for weaponry, material which would be destroyed in the event of an invasion. The forcible marriage of Darkseid to the planet's princess comes to an end when Doomsday attacks. Master Mayhem is swiftly torn apart. Darkseid ignores Steppenwolf's orders to use Omega Beams and engages the creature in hand to hand combat. Steppenwolf sees the destruction wrought has doomed the planet and all who live on it. He teleports Darkseid out of harm's way, agreeing with Darkseid not to mention this to anyone. Doomsday escapes by stowing away on the Apokolips shuttle.[1]
Most of Steppenwolf's appearances under the pen of Jack Kirby are in flashbacks: his debut, in New Gods #7, was a flashback story where he is introduced and helped Darkseid murder the wife of Darkseid's hated rival, Highfather. Highfather later tracks down and kills Steppenwolf in retaliation as the murder reignites the war between the two sides. [2]
Though dead, he is resurrected in New Gods V2 #6, with a new costume (a Kirby redesign for the figure's Super Power action figure). Though considered a "mockery", Steppenwolf is given the job of running Darkseid's military forces. He has recently been seen fighting The Flash (Bart Allen) and the Justice League of America.[3]
In the pages Terror Titans #2, Steppenwulf appears as a member of the board of the Dark Side Club. He is killed by Clock King, who was using the Club for gladiator fights and simple cruel amusements.
[edit] Powers and abilities
Steppenwolf is an expert military leader and tactician. He has enhanced strength, agility and endurance and is also an expert in the handling of animals. He carries electro-axe with which he is an expert in combat and a cable snare that fires lethal energy beams and can ensnare opponents.
[edit] In other media
[edit] Television
- Steppenwolf was seen in the Superman: The Animated Series episode "Apokolips Now" voiced by Sherman Howard. He led a horde of Parademons against the city of Metropolis in his search for Superman. Steppenwolf's aircraft was then shot down by Dan Turpin (piloting an Army chopper) and fell into the ocean.
- Steppenwolf reappeared briefly in Part I of the Justice League episode "Twilight" voiced by Corey Burton. Retreating from an aborted invasion of New Genesis, Steppenwolf's ship was crippled and teleported, via Boom Tube, right into Darkseid's stronghold. Steppenwolf was presumably killed beforehand by the noble but otherwise merciless Orion.
- Steppenwolf appears in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "Duel of the Double Crossers" voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson. He appears as Mongul's champion of the arena Batman and some other alien gladiators end up fighting him. Steppenwolf was defeated when Jonah Hex came to the aid of Batman. Steppenwolf also appears in "Death Race to Oblivion". He raced on Mongul's behalf against the other heroes and villains for the fate of Earth. After losing the race to Batman, Mongul blasts Steppenwolf for his failure.
[edit] Toys
- There was a Steppenwolf action figure in the Kirby-designed Super Powers Collection.
- In 2010 Mattel released two versions of Steppenwolf for DC Universe Classics line, one in the original green Kirby design, and the red update as he appeared in the Super Powers Collection.[4]
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Doomsday: Year One Annual
- ^ New Gods #7
- ^ The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #9
- ^ OAFE - DC Universe Classics 11: Steppenwolf reviews
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