Trickster (DC Comics)
| Trickster | |
|---|---|
| File:1428 4 113.jpg | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Flash Vol. 1 #113 (June–July 1960) |
| Created by | John Broome Carmine Infantino |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Giovanni Giuseppe stage name: James Jesse |
| Team affiliations | Rogues |
| Notable aliases | James Jesse |
| Abilities | gadgets give him the ability to perform amazing tricks like walking on air. |
The Trickster is the name of two DC Comics supervillains and a enemy of the Flash. He first appeared in Flash #113.
James Jesse
The original Trickster was an apparently funny joker whose most favourite occupation is damaging enemies like the Flash by explosive teddies. His alter ego is called James Jesse, although his real name is Giovanni Giuseppe. He was a circus acrobat who decided to become a criminal for the thrill. He created shoes that allowed him to walk on air and other dangerous gag gadgets for his crimes. He would clash with Flash many times.
He was among the villains who were brainwashed into heroes by The Top. As hero he was even able to defeat Neron, with Captain Marvel's help. He soon retired and joined the FBI.
Axel Walker
A little later, teenager Axel Walker stole all of Jesse's gadgets and shoes and became the new Trickster. He joined Blacksmith's Network and destroyed files from Goldface and Hunter Zolomon for her. He soon joined Captain Cold's rogues.
Working as an agent of the FBI, James Jesse gathered the reformed rogues to stop Captain Cold and his rogues. When Trickster I and II clashed, the Top appeared and undid his brainwashing of Jesse. Jesse soundly defeated the younger Trickster and rejoined the rogues. Walker is expected to resurface under a different alias.
Other media
In the live-action television series The Flash (1990–1991), the Trickster was played by Mark Hamill (who played Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga and the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series). In the episode "The Trickster", private investigator Megan Lockhart (played by Joyce Hyser) attempts to capture a wanted criminal psychopath named James Jesse. During the pursuit, Jesse manages to get the upper hand and capture Lockhart, but not before she is able to call her friend Barry Allen (played by John Wesley Shipp), whom she had learned was the Flash in an earlier episode. The Flash saves Megan, and Jesse is arrested. As a result, The Flash and Megan Lockhart become James Jesse's new fixation. After escaping from police custody, he takes on the costumed identity of The Trickster. He has psychotic delusions that Lockhart had been his true love, a costumed sidekick named Prank. He believes that Prank has been kidnapped and brainwashed by the "evil" Flash.
Later in the final episode of the series, "Trial Of The Trickster", James Jesse escapes his criminal trial with unexpected help from a fake court stenographer (played by Corinne Bohrer) who is actually Zoey Clark, wealthy owner of Clarx Toys. She proceeds to reveal a Prank costume underneath her clothes. She manages to convince Jesse that she is the Prank of his delusions. With her resources they manage to capture and brainwash the Flash. Together the Flash and the Trickster run rampant over Central City pulling large scale practical jokes, until the damage to Barry's mind is corrected by allies Tina McGee and Megan Lockhart.
In the Justice League Unlimited episode "Flash and Substance", Mark Hamill reprises his role of The Trickster. The Trickster helped other Flash villains Captain Cold, Captain Boomerang, and Mirror Master into destroying Flash. When none of them would accept his plan, Trickster was seen disgruntled at the bar where Flash's enemies were hanging out upon Flash, Batman, and Orion's arrival. Orion tries to force the Trickster into revealing the other bad guys plans until Flash intervenes. Trickster tells Flash their plan in exchange that Flash visits him in the hospital. The animated Trickster is apparently not a total villian, aware of his psychoses, and does seek treatment if encouraged. Mark Hamill voices the character in the cartoon as well.
External links
- The Trickster Bio
- The Trickster II Bio
- Alan Kistler's profile on the Flash - A detailed analysis of the history of the Flash by comic book historian Kistler. Covers information all the way from Jay Garrick to Barry Allen to today, as well as discussions on the various villains and rogues who fought the Flash. Various art scans.
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