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{{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Superherobox| <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
image=[[Image:MephistoFF.png‎]]
image=[[Image:SilverSurfer3.jpg|270px]]
|caption='''Mephisto vs. The Fantastic Four'''.<br>Art by [[John Buscema]].
|caption=Mephisto's first appearance in ''Silver Surfer'' vol. 1, #3. October 1968.
|comic_color=background:#ff8080
|character_name=Mephisto
|character_name=Mephisto
|real_name=Mephistopheles
|real_name=Mephistopheles
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|debut=[[Silver Surfer]] vol. 1, #3. (October 1968)
|debut=[[Silver Surfer]] vol. 1, #3. October 1968
|creators=[[Stan Lee]] (story) & [[John Buscema]] (art)
|creators=[[Stan Lee]] (story) & [[Sal Buscema]] (art)
|alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
|alliances=
|status=Active
|aliases= Satan, Mephistopheles, Lucifer, Beelzebul, the Devil
|alliances=None
|previous_alliances=[[Thanos]], countless others over centuries
|aliases= Mephisto, the Devil
|relatives=[[Blackheart]] (son), Mephista (daughter), Malevolence (daughter)
|powers= Unlimited magical powers<br>[[Immortality]]<br>Can take possession of [[souls]] that are willingly offered
|powers= Unlimited magical powers<br>[[Immortality]]<br>Can take possession of [[souls]] that are willingly offered
|}}
|}}


Mephisto is a [[fictional character]] that appears in the {{Marvel Universe}} and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[John Buscema]] in [[Silver Surfer]] vol. 1, #3 (October 1968).
Mephisto is a [[fictional character]] that appears in the [[Marvel Universe]] and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Sal Buscema]] in [[Silver Surfer]] vol. 1, #3 (October 1968).


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==


An entity of pure evil, Mephisto is commonly mistaken for the biblical version of [[Satan]], but has never been shown to be either [[devil]] or [[demon]]. Mephisto's true origin has yet to be revealed, despite at least two explanations as to his beginnings by Mephisto himself. Given that deceit and obfuscation are Mephisto's stock in trade, it is doubtful that anything presented to date is true. Despite the fact that Mephisto is not Satan, his appearance and behavior match the idea of the Devil. One particular trait - collecting the souls of the dead - has brought him into repeated conflict with the heroes of the Marvel Universe.
Mephisto has claimed to have been a creation of the extra-dimensional entity [[Nemesis (Ultraverse)|Infiniti]], which later became the [[Infinity Gems]] and Nemesis, but given his nature as a habitual liar and manipulator (plus the fact that telling this particular lie served an important purpose for his plot at the time), it seems that this is untrue. More reliable sources<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[Roy Thomas]]
| Penciller = [[Jackson Guice]]
| Inker = [[Jose Marzan]]
| Title = Doctor Strange
| Volume = 3
| Issue = 8
| Date = October 1989
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref> identify Mephisto as a "Class II" demon, or "Hell-Lord", born of the primeval concentration of evil energy left in the wake of the [[Elder Gods (Marvel Comics)|Elder Gods]] when they were driven from the Earth by [[Atum (comics)|Atum]] billions of years ago. That energy gave rise to the Hell Lords, who were given shape and form by the unconscious desires of the earliest humans to worship them. Mephisto was one of the first, but many more followed, each ruling over their own extra-dimensional nether-realm.


Like many Hell-Lords, Mephisto delights in exploiting humanity's belief in a singular figure of evil, the biblical [[Satan]], and has often posed as this entity in order to strike deceptive bargains with unwitting human, providing them with their desires in exchange for their souls. Mephisto draws power from captive souls, and often targets those who are particularly powerful, or exceptionally pure. It was this that led him into conflict with the pure-hearted [[Silver Surfer]], whom he tried to tempt, but failed miserably. Both the Surfer and the Thunder God [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] would become perennial foes for Mephisto, who detests the fact that they are shining examples of what mankind could one day become.<ref>{{Comic book reference
Repelled by the goodness of the [[Silver Surfer]], Mephisto revealed himself and tried to tempt the Surfer, but failed miserably. Both the Surfer and the Thunder God [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] would become perennial foes for Mephisto, who detests the fact that they are shining examples of what mankind could one day become. <ref>First battles in ''Silver Surfer'' vol. 1, #3 and ''Thor'' vol. 1, #180 - 181</ref>
| Writer = [[Stan Lee]]
| Penciller = [[John Buscema]]
| Copencillers = [[Gene Colan]]
| Inker = [[Joe Sinnott]]
| Coinkers = [[Paul Reinman]]
| Story = The Power And The Prize!
| Title = Silver Surfter
| Volume = 1
| Issue = 3
| Date = December 1968
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>
<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[Stan Lee]]
| Penciller = [[Neal Adams]]
| Inker = [[Joe Sinnott]]
| Story = When Gods Go Mad
| Title = Thor
| Volume = 1
| Issue = 180-181
| Date = September-October 1970
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>


Mephisto has committed three acts for which he is particularly reviled:
Mephisto captured the soul of Cynthia Von Doom - the mother of [[Doctor Doom]] - and held it for years, despite constant attempts from Doom to liberate it. With the aid of [[Doctor Strange]], Doom eventually succeeded in freeing her soul, which then ascended to [[heaven]].<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[Roger Stern]]
| Penciller = [[Mike Mignola]]
| Inker = [[Mark Badger]]
| Title = Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom: Triumph and Torment
| Date = October 1989
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>


* The first was capturing the soul of Cynthia Von Doom - the mother of [[Doctor Doom]] - and held it for years, despite constant attempts from Doom to liberate it. With the aid of [[Doctor Strange]], Doom eventually succeeded in freeing her soul, which then ascended to [[heaven]]. <ref>''Triumph and Torment:Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom'' (1989)</ref>
Mephisto had a long-running rivalry with the demon [[Zarathos]], who, with the aid of [[Centurious]] the Soulless Man, he succeeded in capturing several thousand years ago. Torturing Zarathos by bonding him with mortals throughout the years, Mephisto learned that in the past, Zarathos had clashed with the powerful Spirits of Vengeance, whose essence now resided in the Medallion of Power. In his search for the medallion, which had been divided between two families, Mephisto crossed paths with the Kale family in the 18th century. The Kale's village had come under attack from the demonic Furies, and Mephisto cut a deal with the patriach, Pastor Kale, to protect the village in exchange for the soul of his son, Noble. Mephisto activated the Kale family's fragment of the medallion, merging Noble with the power of the Spirits of Vengeance, and Noble became the first [[Ghost Rider (comics)|Ghost Rider]]. Mephisto's attempt to take Noble's soul was barred by the angelic being known as Uriel, and it was eventually settled that Noble's soul would remain unclaimed by either side, and would manifest in one member of each generation of his descendants.


In the present day, Noble's descendant Naomi bargained with Mephisto to spare her eldest son, [[Johnny Blaze]], from the curse. Mephisto complied, promosing that Johnny would not become ''the'' Ghost Rider... but that he could still become ''a'' Ghost Rider. To that end, Mephisto - in the guise of "Satan" - bonded [[Zarathos]] to Johnny's soul, creating a new Ghost Rider. As "Satan," Mephisto plagued Blaze for years but was unable to gain revenge. Blaze was eventually freed from Zarathos, <ref>{{Comic book reference
* The second concerned motorcyclist Johnny Blaze: after a botched attempt to gain Blaze's soul, Mephisto assumed the guise of "Satan" and created the [[Ghost Rider]] by bonding the demon [[Zarathos]] (a rival whom he had captured long ago) to Blaze. As "Satan," he plagued Blaze for years but was unable to gain revenge. Blaze was eventually freed of the Zarathos persona. <ref>''Marvel Spotlight'' vol. 1, #5</ref>
| Writer = [[Gary Friedrich]]
| Cowriters = [[Roy Thomas]]
| Artist = [[Michael Ploog]]
| Title = Marvel Spotlight
| Volume = 1
| Issue = 5
| Date = August 1972
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref> but in recent years, the demon would reconstitue himself within Johnny's body, turning him into the Ghost Rider once more. Similarly, Johnny's younger brother, Dan Ketch, would later manifest Noble Kale's soul, and become the newest Ghost Rider, before Noble was separated from him and became the Ghost Rider, and a Hell Lord in his own right.


* The final act involved manipulating the sorcerer Master Pandemonium into gathering fragments of Mephisto's soul, which had been scattered. Two of the fragments had been drawn into the body of the Scarlet Witch, who had unknowingly summoned the soul fragments in an attempt to use magic to conceive children with her husband, the android [[Vision (comics)|Vision]]. The fragments became a pair of infant twins who were ultimately absorbed back into Mephisto's essence. The revelation of her children's origins, followed by their loss, would later drive the Scarlet Witch insane <ref> ''Vision and the Scarlet Witch'' #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + ''Avengers West Coast'' vol. 1, #51 - 52. These events are responsible for [[Avengers Disassembled]] and [[House of M]]</ref>
Other notable appearance include the "Mephisto vs..." series, in which he battles the [[Fantastic Four]]; [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] and [[X-Men]] respectively. Mephisto also aligned himself with [[Thanos]] during the [[Infinity Gauntlet]], in a failed bid to obtain the [[Infinity Gems]] for himself (during which he spun the above tale of his origin as a creation of Infiniti).<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[Allen Milgrom]]
| Penciller = [[John Buscema]]
| Inker = [[Bob Wiacek]]
| Title = Mephisto vs.
| Issue = 1-4
| Date = April-July 1987
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>
<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Title = The Infinity Gauntlet
| Issue = 1-6
| Date = July-December 1991
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>


At one point Mephisto also encounters the rock band [[KISS (band)|KISS]]. After being transformed into comic book superheroes, band leader [[Gene Simmons]] meets and battles Mephisto in Hell. It is not known if this story is part of mainstream Marvel continuity. <ref>''Marvel Super Special'' #1 (1977)</ref>
When Mephisto captured the souls of [[Mister Fantastic]] and the [[Invisible Woman]] of the Fantastic Four and their young son, [[Franklin Richards]], his own soul was shattered into several fragments by the child's vast power. He manipulated the sorcerer [[Master Pandemonium]] into gathering the fragments for him; two of the fragments were subsequently drawn into the body of the [[Scarlet Witch]], who had unknowingly summoned the soul fragments in an attempt to use [[magic (paranormal)|magic]] to conceive children with her husband, the android [[Vision (comics)|Vision]]. The fragments became a pair of infant twins who were ultimately absorbed back into Mephisto's essence. The revelation of her children's origins, followed by their loss, would later drive the Scarlet Witch insane, bringing about the events of ''[[Avengers Disassembled]]'' and ''[[House of M]]''.<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[Steve Englehart]]
| Penciller = [[Richard Howell]]
| Inker = [[Andy Mushynsky]]
| Coinkers = [[Jim Mooney]], [[Michael Esposito]], ''et al''
| Title = The Vision & Scarlet Witch
| Volume = 2
| Issue = 1-12
| Date = October 1985-September 1986
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>
<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Writer = [[John Byrne]]
| Penciller = [[John Byrne]]
| Inker = [[Mike Machlan]]
| Title = Avengers West Coast
| Volume = 1
| Issue = 51-52
| Date = November 1989-December 1989
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>

Mephisto also appeared in ''Marvel Super Special'' #1 (1977) which featured the rock band [[KISS (band)|KISS]]. After being transformed into comic book superheroes, band leader [[Gene Simmons]] meets and battles Mephisto in Hell. It is not known if this story is part of mainstream Marvel continuity.<ref>{{Comic book reference
| Story = KISS
| Title = A Marvel Comics Super Special
| Issue = 1
| Date = September 1977
| Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
}}</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Line 127: Line 42:
==Appearances in other media==
==Appearances in other media==
===Film===
===Film===
* Mephisto is portrayed by actor [[Peter Fonda]] in the film ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]'' (released 2007). The movie also stars [[Nicolas Cage]] as Johnny Blaze.
* Mephisto was portrayed by actor [[Peter Fonda]] in the 2007 ''[[Ghost Rider (film)|Ghost Rider]]'' movie, referring to him as "the ''Devil''" and named as [[Mephistopheles]]. He appears only in human form throughout the film, with occasional CGI effects briefly adding fangs and other demonic features to his face. A shadow shows a hunched, [[goat]]-legged, horned creature. A small glimpse of his face in a demon form is also shown in the film, with a charred & blue face, yellow eyes, two horns, sharp fangs and pointed ears. Rather than being specifically summoned by Blaze, as in the original comic origin, Mephistopheles approaches him on his own; the reasons for this and the consequences remain the same in both versions, as Blaze signs away his soul in order to save his cancer-ridden father's life.


===Television===
===Television===
Line 135: Line 50:
===Video games===
===Video games===


* Appeared in the ''[[Silver Surfer (video game)|Silver Surfer]]'' video game for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]].
* Mephisto appears in the ''[[Silver Surfer (video game)|Silver Surfer]]'' video game for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]].
* Hidden character in the [[Capcom]] fighting game ''[[Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter]]''; however, the Mephisto in that game is merely a [[palette swap]] of [[Blackheart]] and not Mephisto himself.
* Mephisto is also a hidden character in the [[Capcom]] fighting game ''[[Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter]]''.
* Mephisto's voice is heard in a bonus mission in the [[Fantastic Four (video game)|2005 Fantastic Four video game]].
* Mephisto's voice is heard in a bonus mission in the [[Fantastic Four (video game)|2005 Fantastic Four video game]].
* A main boss in the game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''.
* Mephisto is also a [[Boss (video games)|Boss]] character in the game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''.


== References ==
== References ==
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* [http://www.knightmare6.com/faq/cosmic_entities_marvel/mephistopheles.html Knightmare6.com; Mephisto]
* [http://www.knightmare6.com/faq/cosmic_entities_marvel/mephistopheles.html Knightmare6.com; Mephisto]
* [http://marvelite.prohosting.com/surfer/profiles/mephisto.html Profile of Mephisto]
* [http://marvelite.prohosting.com/surfer/profiles/mephisto.html Profile of Mephisto]
* [http://www.marvel.com/universe/Mephisto Marvel.com; Mephisto]



[[Category:Magic users in comics]]

[[Category:Marvel Comics demons]]
[[Category:1968 introductions]]
[[Category:Magic_users_in_comics]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:Fictional demons]]
[[Category:1968 introductions]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]



[[nl:Mephisto]]
[[nl:Mephisto]]

Revision as of 23:30, 29 March 2007

Mephisto
File:SilverSurfer3.jpg
Mephisto's first appearance in Silver Surfer vol. 1, #3. October 1968.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceSilver Surfer vol. 1, #3. October 1968
Created byStan Lee (story) & Sal Buscema (art)
In-story information
Alter egoMephistopheles
Team affiliationsNone, Thanos, countless others over centuries
Notable aliasesMephisto, the Devil
AbilitiesUnlimited magical powers
Immortality
Can take possession of souls that are willingly offered

Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in the Marvel Universe and was created by Stan Lee and Sal Buscema in Silver Surfer vol. 1, #3 (October 1968).

Fictional character biography

An entity of pure evil, Mephisto is commonly mistaken for the biblical version of Satan, but has never been shown to be either devil or demon. Mephisto's true origin has yet to be revealed, despite at least two explanations as to his beginnings by Mephisto himself. Given that deceit and obfuscation are Mephisto's stock in trade, it is doubtful that anything presented to date is true. Despite the fact that Mephisto is not Satan, his appearance and behavior match the idea of the Devil. One particular trait - collecting the souls of the dead - has brought him into repeated conflict with the heroes of the Marvel Universe.

Repelled by the goodness of the Silver Surfer, Mephisto revealed himself and tried to tempt the Surfer, but failed miserably. Both the Surfer and the Thunder God Thor would become perennial foes for Mephisto, who detests the fact that they are shining examples of what mankind could one day become. [1]

Mephisto has committed three acts for which he is particularly reviled:

  • The first was capturing the soul of Cynthia Von Doom - the mother of Doctor Doom - and held it for years, despite constant attempts from Doom to liberate it. With the aid of Doctor Strange, Doom eventually succeeded in freeing her soul, which then ascended to heaven. [2]
  • The second concerned motorcyclist Johnny Blaze: after a botched attempt to gain Blaze's soul, Mephisto assumed the guise of "Satan" and created the Ghost Rider by bonding the demon Zarathos (a rival whom he had captured long ago) to Blaze. As "Satan," he plagued Blaze for years but was unable to gain revenge. Blaze was eventually freed of the Zarathos persona. [3]
  • The final act involved manipulating the sorcerer Master Pandemonium into gathering fragments of Mephisto's soul, which had been scattered. Two of the fragments had been drawn into the body of the Scarlet Witch, who had unknowingly summoned the soul fragments in an attempt to use magic to conceive children with her husband, the android Vision. The fragments became a pair of infant twins who were ultimately absorbed back into Mephisto's essence. The revelation of her children's origins, followed by their loss, would later drive the Scarlet Witch insane [4]

At one point Mephisto also encounters the rock band KISS. After being transformed into comic book superheroes, band leader Gene Simmons meets and battles Mephisto in Hell. It is not known if this story is part of mainstream Marvel continuity. [5]

Powers and abilities

Mephisto is pure evil and possesses supernatural powers. As Mephisto exists metaphysically he is essentially invulnerable to conventional harm. Mephisto can use his magic to accomplish virtually anything - when in battle with Thor in the underworld he utilised super strength, size shifting and illusions to match the Thunder god. Mephisto and his realm are also symbiotically linked. If Mephisto is destroyed (as he was by Franklin Richards) he will begin to regenerate and reform there.

Mephisto also has the ability to take possession of living souls, but he only has claim over said souls if some form of pact is involved: he cannot indiscriminately abduct souls at will. Mephisto rules his realm through fear and manipulation, and has claimed that if his slaves were to ever rise as one against him, he would be powerless to stop them from destroying him.

Appearances in other media

Film

Television

Video games

References

  1. ^ First battles in Silver Surfer vol. 1, #3 and Thor vol. 1, #180 - 181
  2. ^ Triumph and Torment:Dr. Strange and Dr. Doom (1989)
  3. ^ Marvel Spotlight vol. 1, #5
  4. ^ Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1 - 12 (1985 - 1986) + Avengers West Coast vol. 1, #51 - 52. These events are responsible for Avengers Disassembled and House of M
  5. ^ Marvel Super Special #1 (1977)
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