Mephisto (Marvel Comics): Difference between revisions

Mephisto
Mephisto
	Mephisto, as seen on the variant cover for Amazing Spider-Man #545. Art by Marko Djurdjevic.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Silver Surfer #3 (Dec. 1968)
Created by	Stan Lee; John Buscema
In-story information
Alter ego	Mephistopheles
Team affiliations	Six-Fingered Hand
Notable aliases	Satan, Mephistopheles, Lucifer, Beelzebub
Abilities	Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, and reflexes; Immortality; Telepathy and Telekinesis; Magical energy manipulation

Browse history interactively

← Previous edit Next edit →

Content deleted Content added

VisualWikitext

Inline

Revision as of 02:00, 24 November 2009

Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Silver Surfer #3 (Dec. 1968) and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema.

Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books, the character is a demon, and has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including animated television series; feature film; toys; trading cards and video games.

Publication history

Mephisto debuted in Silver Surfer #3 (Dec. 1968), and was established as a perennial foe for the cosmic hero, also appearing in Silver Surfer #3 (Dec. 1968); #8 - 9 (Sep. - Oct. 1969) and #16 - 17 (May - Jun. 1970). Mephisto also becomes a foe for the Thunder God Thor, appearing in Thor #180 - 181 (Sep. - Oct. 1970), Astonishing Tales #8 (Oct. 1971) and reappearing again in Thor with issues #204 - 205 (Oct. - Nov. 1972).

Other notable appearance included posing as Satan in Marvel Spotlight #5 (Aug. 1972); tormenting the titular superhero team in Fantastic Four #155 - 157 (Feb. - Apr. 1975) and Thor #310 (Aug. 1981) and #325 (Nov. 1982). Mephisto also guest starred in two limited series: Vision and the Scarlet Witch vol. 2, #1 - 12 (Oct. 1985 - Sep. 1986) and Secret Wars II #1 - 9 (July 1985 - March 1986), before starring in the self-titled limited series Mephisto vs. #1 - 4 (April - July 1987), battling several of Marvel's super teams.

Mephisto continued to torment the Scarlet Witch in Avengers West Coast #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989); created a new adversary for the Marvel heroes in Daredevil #270 (Sep. 1989); appeared in the graphic novel Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989) and starred in the One More Day storyline in Amazing Spider-Man #544; Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24; The Sensational Spider-Man #41 and Amazing Spider-Man #545 (all 2007).

In 2009, Mephisto was ranked as IGN's 48th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.^[1]

Biography

Mephisto is responsible for a number of evil acts in the Marvel Universe, including capturing and holding the soul of Cynthia von Doom — the mother of Doctor Doom — until Doctor Strange and Doom free her to ascend to heaven and ^[2] creating the Ghost Rider by bonding the demon Zarathos to Johnny Blaze.^[3] As "Satan", Mephisto plagues Blaze for years. He is responsible for capturing the souls of Mister Fantastic (whose intelligence was also stolen by Mephisto), the Invisible Woman, and Franklin Richards due to a botched summoning by an exorcist.^[4] Mephisto creates Blackheart, a demonic entity that plagues many of Earth's heroes,^[5] and manipulates the sorcerer Master Pandemonium into gathering scattered fragments of his soul. When the Scarlet Witch attempts to use magic to conceive children with her husband, the android Vision, she unknowingly summons two of the soul fragments which are born as her infant twins. The revelation of her children's origin, followed by their loss when reabsorbed into Mephisto, later drives the Scarlet Witch insane.^[6] Mephisto also tries to destroy the Avenger Hawkeye when he enters Hell to try and save the soul of his deceased wife, Mockingbird.

Hawkeye rescues Patsy Walker, but fails to see Mockingbird.^[7] Mephisto also heals May Parker in exchange for changing the personal timelines of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and Mary Jane Watson so that they never married, claiming he did so because he hated their happiness.^[8]

Powers and abilities

Mephisto is an immortal demonic entity possessing magical powers and abilities gained by manipulation of the forces of magic. Mephisto is capable of using his power for a variety of uses, including superhuman strength, shape and size shifting,^[9] projecting illusions,^[10] manipulating memories,^[11] altering time,^[12] and is highly resistant to injury.^[13]

The character has been shown to be energized by sources of evil in the human realm, such as the alien Dire Wraiths.^[4] Like other demons, Mephisto is symbiotically linked to, and considerably more powerful within, his own realm, and the character is able to transform the structure at will.^[14] Within it he has threatened multiple solar systems, and stalemated a nourished Galactus until the latter ran out of energy and threatened to consume it.^[15] If Mephisto's physical form is destroyed, the character will regenerate and reform in his domain.^[16]

Mephisto is known for acquiring souls, but cannot subjugate the will of another being without his victim's deliberate permission. This is usually some form of pact.^[17]

In other media

Mephisto makes a cameo appearance the animated television series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981 - 1983) and was due to appear in the proposed second season of the Silver Surfer) with the demonic nature toned down and made acceptable for children.^[18].

Actor Peter Fonda plays Mephisto ("Mephistopheles") in human form in the 2007 feature film Ghost Rider.

Mephisto also appears in the video games Silver Surfer (1990); as a secret character in the game Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1998 - 1999) as a palette swap of Blackheart and the character's voice is heard in a bonus mission in the Fantastic Four. Mephisto also features in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (2006) voiced by Fred Tatasciore and Ghost Rider (2007), voiced by Kirk Thornton.

Footnotes

^ Mephisto is number 48 , IGN.
^ Astonishing Tales #8 (Oct. 1971) and Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989)
^ Marvel Spotlight #5 (Aug. 1972)
^ ^a ^b Fantastic Four #277 (Apr. 1985)
^ Daredevil #270 (Sep. 1989)
^ Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + Avengers West Coast #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989)
^ Thunderbolts Annual (2000)
^ One More Day — Amazing Spider-Man #544; Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24; The Sensational Spider-Man #41 and Amazing Spider-Man #545 (all 2007)
^ Thor #310 (Aug. 1981) and Daredevil #279 (Apr. 1990)
^ Thor #310 (Aug. 1981)
^ Silver Surfer vol. 3, #1 (Jul. 1987)
^ Amazing Spider-Man #545 (Jan. 2008)
^ Infinity Gauntlet #5 (Nov. 1991)
^ Silver Surfer #3 (Oct. 1968)
^ The Silver Surfer: Judgment Day (1988)
^ Mephisto vs. Fantastic Four #1 (Apr. 1987)
^ Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989)
^ Interview with Larry Brody

External links

Mephisto at Marvel Directory
Mephisto at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe

[1] Mephisto is number 48 , IGN.

[2] Astonishing Tales #8 (Oct. 1971) and Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989)

[3] Marvel Spotlight #5 (Aug. 1972)

[Fantastic_Four_#277_Apr._1985-4] Fantastic Four #277 (Apr. 1985)

[5] Daredevil #270 (Sep. 1989)

[6] Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + Avengers West Coast #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989)

[7] Thunderbolts Annual (2000)

[8] One More Day — Amazing Spider-Man #544; Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #24; The Sensational Spider-Man #41 and Amazing Spider-Man #545 (all 2007)

[9] Thor #310 (Aug. 1981) and Daredevil #279 (Apr. 1990)

[10] Thor #310 (Aug. 1981)

[11] Silver Surfer vol. 3, #1 (Jul. 1987)

[12] Amazing Spider-Man #545 (Jan. 2008)

[13] Infinity Gauntlet #5 (Nov. 1991)

[14] Silver Surfer #3 (Oct. 1968)

[15] The Silver Surfer: Judgment Day (1988)

[16] Mephisto vs. Fantastic Four #1 (Apr. 1987)

[17] Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989)

[18] Interview with Larry Brody

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{In-universe|date=November 2009}}
-{{Primary sources|date=November 2009}}
 {{Superherobox <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
 |image= OMD Mephisto-Final.PNG
@@ Line 16: / Line 14: @@
 '''Mephisto''' is a [[fictional character]] that appears in [[comic books]] published by [[Marvel Comics]].  The character first appears in ''[[Silver Surfer]]'' #3 (Dec. 1968) and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[John Buscema]].
+Debuting in the [[Silver Age of comic books]], the character is a [[Demons in the Marvel Universe#Devils|demon]], and has appeared in over four decades of Marvel continuity. The character has also appeared in associated Marvel merchandise including [[animated]] [[television series]]; [[feature film]]; [[toy]]s; [[trading cards]] and [[video game]]s.
 ==Publication history==
+Mephisto [[debut]]ed in ''[[Silver Surfer]]'' #3 (Dec. 1968), and was established as a perennial foe for the cosmic hero, also appearing in ''Silver Surfer'' #3 (Dec. 1968); #8 - 9 (Sep. - Oct. 1969) and #16 - 17 (May - Jun. 1970). Mephisto also becomes a foe for the Thunder God [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]], appearing in ''Thor'' #180 - 181 (Sep. - Oct. 1970), ''[[Astonishing Tales]]'' #8 (Oct. 1971) and reappearing again in ''Thor'' with issues #204 - 205 (Oct. - Nov. 1972).
-Mephisto is a [[Demons in the Marvel Universe#Devils|demon]] and is the ruler of an extra-dimensional land of the dead, sometimes called "Hell" or "Hades." Mephisto is commonly mistaken for (and sometimes poses as) the biblical version of [[Satan]]. It is believed <ref>''Dr. Strange'' vol. 3, #8 (Oct. 1988)</ref> that Mephisto and many other "Hell Lords" were created from the primeval concentration of evil energy that remained of the [[Elder Gods (Marvel Comics)|Elder Gods]] when they were consumed by, and eventually expelled out of the entity [[Atum (comics)|Atum]] millions of years ago.<ref>''Thor'' Annual #10 (1982)</ref>
-Both the [[Silver Surfer]] <ref>''Silver Surfer'' #3 (Dec. 1968); #8 - 9 (Sep. - Oct. 1969) and #16 - 17 (May - Jun. 1970) and ''Fantastic Four'' #155 - 157 (Feb. - Apr. 1975)</ref> and the thunder god [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] <ref>''Thor'' #180 - 181 (Sep. - Oct. 1970); #204 - 205 (Oct. - Nov. 1972); #310 (vol. 1, Aug. 1981) and #325 (Nov. 1982)</ref> become perennial foes for Mephisto, who detests the fact that they are shining examples of what mankind could one day become.
+Other notable appearance included posing as [[Satan]] in ''[[Marvel Spotlight]]'' #5 (Aug. 1972); tormenting the titular superhero team in ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' #155 - 157 (Feb. - Apr. 1975) and ''Thor'' #310 (Aug. 1981) and #325 (Nov. 1982). Mephisto also guest starred in two [[limited series]]: ''[[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]] and the [[Scarlet Witch]]'' vol. 2, #1 - 12 (Oct. 1985 - Sep. 1986) and ''[[Secret Wars II]]'' #1 - 9 (July 1985 - March 1986), before starring in the self-titled [[limited series]] ''Mephisto vs.'' #1 - 4 (April - July 1987), battling several of Marvel's super teams.
+Mephisto continued to torment the Scarlet Witch in ''[[Avengers West Coast]]'' #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989); created a new adversary for the Marvel heroes in ''[[Daredevil (comics)|Daredevil]]'' #270 (Sep. 1989); appeared in the [[graphic novel]] ''Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom'' (1989) and starred in the ''One More Day'' storyline in ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #544; ''Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'' #24; ''The Sensational Spider-Man'' #41 and ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #545 (all 2007).
-Mephisto is responsible for a number of evil acts, including capturing and holding the soul of Cynthia von Doom — the mother of [[Doctor Doom]] —  until [[Doctor Strange]] and Doom free her to ascend to [[heaven]] and <ref>''Astonishing Tales'' #8 (Oct. 1971) and ''Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom'' (1989)</ref> creating the [[Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)|Ghost Rider]] by bonding the demon [[Zarathos]] to Johnny Blaze.<ref>''Marvel Spotlight'' #5 (Aug. 1972)</ref>  As "Satan", Mephisto plagues Blaze for years. He is responsible for capturing the souls of [[Mister Fantastic]] (whose intelligence was also stolen by Mephisto), the [[Invisible Woman]], and [[Franklin Richards]] due to a botched summoning by an exorcist.<ref name="Fantastic Four #277 Apr. 1985">''Fantastic Four'' #277 (Apr. 1985)</ref> Mephisto creates [[Blackheart]], a demonic entity that plagues many of Earth's heroes,<ref>First appears in ''Daredevil'' #270 (Sep. 1989)</ref> and manipulates the sorcerer [[Master Pandemonium]] into gathering scattered fragments of his soul. When the [[Scarlet Witch]] attempts to use magic to conceive children with her husband, the android [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]], she unknowingly summons two of the soul fragments which are born as her infant twins. The revelation of her children's origin, followed by their loss when reabsorbed into Mephisto, later drives the Scarlet Witch insane.<ref>''Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + ''Avengers West Coast'' #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989)</ref> Mephisto also tries to destroy the Avenger [[Hawkeye (comics)|Hawkeye]] when he enters Hell to try and save the soul of his deceased wife, [[Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)|Mockingbird]]. Hawkeye rescues [[Patsy Walker]], but fails to see Mockingbird.<ref>''Thunderbolts'' Annual (2000)</ref> Mephisto also heals [[Aunt May|May Parker]] in exchange for changing the personal [[timelines]] of Peter Parker ([[Spider-Man]]) and [[Mary Jane Watson]] so that they never married, claiming he did so because he hated their happiness.<ref>''One More Day'' — ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #544; ''Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'' #24; ''The Sensational Spider-Man'' #41 and ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #545 (all 2007)</ref>
 In 2009, Mephisto was ranked as [[IGN]]'s 48th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.<ref>[http://comics.ign.com/top-100-villains/48.html Mephisto is number 48 ], [[IGN]].</ref>
+==Biography==
+Mephisto is responsible for a number of evil acts in the Marvel Universe, including capturing and holding the soul of Cynthia von Doom — the mother of [[Doctor Doom]] —  until [[Doctor Strange]] and Doom free her to ascend to [[heaven]] and <ref>''Astonishing Tales'' #8 (Oct. 1971) and ''Triumph and Torment: Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom'' (1989)</ref> creating the [[Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)|Ghost Rider]] by bonding the demon [[Zarathos]] to Johnny Blaze.<ref>''Marvel Spotlight'' #5 (Aug. 1972)</ref>  As "Satan", Mephisto plagues Blaze for years. He is responsible for capturing the souls of [[Mister Fantastic]] (whose intelligence was also stolen by Mephisto), the [[Invisible Woman]], and [[Franklin Richards]] due to a botched summoning by an exorcist.<ref name="Fantastic Four #277 Apr. 1985">''Fantastic Four'' #277 (Apr. 1985)</ref> Mephisto creates [[Blackheart]], a demonic entity that plagues many of Earth's heroes,<ref>''Daredevil'' #270 (Sep. 1989)</ref> and manipulates the sorcerer [[Master Pandemonium]] into gathering scattered fragments of his soul. When the [[Scarlet Witch]] attempts to use magic to conceive children with her husband, the android [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|Vision]], she unknowingly summons two of the soul fragments which are born as her infant twins. The revelation of her children's origin, followed by their loss when reabsorbed into Mephisto, later drives the Scarlet Witch insane.<ref>''Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + ''Avengers West Coast'' #51 - 52 (Nov. - Dec. 1989)</ref> Mephisto also tries to destroy the Avenger [[Hawkeye (comics)|Hawkeye]] when he enters Hell to try and save the soul of his deceased wife, [[Mockingbird (Marvel Comics)|Mockingbird]].
+Hawkeye rescues [[Patsy Walker]], but fails to see Mockingbird.<ref>''Thunderbolts'' Annual (2000)</ref> Mephisto also heals [[Aunt May|May Parker]] in exchange for changing the personal [[timelines]] of Peter Parker ([[Spider-Man]]) and [[Mary Jane Watson]] so that they never married, claiming he did so because he hated their happiness.<ref>''One More Day'' — ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #544; ''Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man'' #24; ''The Sensational Spider-Man'' #41 and ''Amazing Spider-Man'' #545 (all 2007)</ref>
 ==Powers and abilities==
@@ Line 34: / Line 39: @@
 ==In other media==
+Mephisto makes a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] appearance the [[animated]] [[television series]] ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]]'' (1981 - 1983) and was due to appear in the proposed second season of the ''[[Silver Surfer (TV series)|Silver Surfer]]'') with the demonic nature toned down and made acceptable for children.<ref>[http://marvelite.prohosting.com/surfer/toon/lbrody.html Interview with Larry Brody<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
-===Television===
-* Mephisto makes a [[Cameo appearance|cameo]] appearance in an episode of the ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]]'', (1981 - 1983) and was due to appear in the proposed second season of the ''[[Silver Surfer (TV series)|Silver Surfer]]'') with the demonic nature toned down and made acceptable for children.<ref>[http://marvelite.prohosting.com/surfer/toon/lbrody.html Interview with Larry Brody<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
+Actor [[Peter Fonda]] plays Mephisto ("Mephistopheles") in human form in the 2007 [[feature film]] ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]''.
-===Film===
-* Actor [[Peter Fonda]] plays Mephisto ("Mephistopheles") in human form in the 2007 [[feature film]] ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]''.
+Mephisto also appears in the [[video game]]s ''[[Silver Surfer (video game)|Silver Surfer]]'' (1990); as a secret character in the game ''[[Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter]]'' (1998 - 1999) as a [[palette swap]] of [[Blackheart]] and the character's voice is heard in a bonus mission in the ''[[Fantastic Four (video game)|Fantastic Four]]''. Mephisto also features in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' (2006) voiced by [[Fred Tatasciore]] and ''[[Ghost Rider (video game)|Ghost Rider]]'' (2007), voiced by [[Kirk Thornton]].
-===Video games===
-* Mephisto appears in the ''[[Silver Surfer (video game)|Silver Surfer]]'' (1990) game for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]; as a secret character in the game ''[[Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter]]'' (1998 - 1999) as a [[palette swap]] of [[Blackheart]] and the character's Mephisto's voice is heard in a bonus mission in the ''[[Fantastic Four (video game)|Fantastic Four]]''. Mephisto also features in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' (2006) voiced by [[Fred Tatasciore]] and ''[[Ghost Rider (video game)|Ghost Rider]]'' (2007), voiced by [[Kirk Thornton]].
-==References==
+==Footnotes==
 {{reflist}}
@@ Line 49: / Line 51: @@
 * [http://www.marveldirectory.com/individuals/m/mephisto.htm Mephisto] at Marvel Directory
 * {{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/mephisto_demon.htm|Mephisto}}
 {{Ghost Rider}}
@@ Line 58: / Line 59: @@
 [[Category:1968 comics characters debuts]]
 [[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
-[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
 [[Category:Marvel Comics demons]]
 [[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]

v t e Ghost Rider
Gary Friedrich Mike Ploog Roy Thomas
Ghost Riders	Johnny Blaze Danny Ketch Noble Kale Robbie Reyes
Supporting characters	Blade Caretaker Doctor Strange Midnight Sons Moon Knight Punisher Roxanne Simpson Shriker Spider-Man Stunt Master
Teams	Avengers Champions Defenders Heroes for Hire Legion of Monsters Midnight Sons Thunderbolts
Villains	Aqueduct Blackheart Blackout Centurious Circus of Crime Deacon Deathwatch Jack O'Lantern Lilith Lucifer Madcap Mephisto Moondark Nightmare Orb Scarecrow Skinner Zadkiel Zarathos
Publications	Ghost Rider Road to Damnation
In other media	Ghost Rider (2007 film) Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Ghost Rider (video game) Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Ghost Rider
Alternative versions	Vengeance Phantom Rider 2099 Cosmic Ghost Rider

v t e Silver Surfer
Stan Lee Jack Kirby
Supporting characters	Adam Warlock Air-Walker Alicia Masters Avengers Beta Ray Bill Drax the Destroyer Eternals Fantastic Four Firelord Galactus Guardians of the Galaxy Infinity Watch Mantis Nova (Richard Rider) Nova (Frankie Raye) Pip the Troll Shalla-Bal Stardust Starjammers Thor Uatu the Watcher
Enemies	Annihilus Black Order Blastaar Carnage Champion of the Universe Collector Dar-Benn Doctor Doom Ego the Living Planet Elders of the Universe Galactus Grandmaster High Evolutionary Knull Korvac Kree Mephisto Midnight Sun Morg Nebula Obliterator Possessor Reptyl Ronan the Accuser Red Shift Skrulls Stranger Super-Skrull Supreme Intelligence Terrax Thanos Tyrant
Group affiliations	Annihilators Defenders Heralds of Galactus The Order
Titles and storylines	Silver Surfer (comic book) Annihilation Fantastic Four The Galactus Trilogy Heroes Reborn The Infinity Gauntlet Ultimate Fantastic Four
Other media	Silver Surfer (1990 video game) Silver Surfer (1998 animated series) Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (film) Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (video game)
See also	Power Cosmic Surfing with the Alien The Power Cosmic