The Dirty Dozen: Dirty Fighting Superheroes!

Comic fans rejoice!  Mega-Con, the second greatest comic show in America kicked off today!  If you’re in the Orlando area get out here!  And in honor of our favorite great Southeastern Comic-Con we’ve put together a list of the comic characters who refuse to fight fairly, the Dirty Dozen!

The Punisher

The Punisher aka Frank Castle made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man in 1974. After his family are murdered because they witnessed a gangland shooting, Castle goes all vigilante, using his skills in martial arts, stealth tactics, guerilla warfare and a multitude of weaponry. To The Punisher, any form of violence is acceptable when dealing with criminals. The Punisher is easily recognizable by the large white skull on his chest.

The Preacher

Preacher first appeared in 1995 and as you’ve probably gathered, is a preacher. Well actually a preacher who bonded with the offspring of angel and a demon (very bad), gained powers that would rival God himself, and killed his congregation in the process. Due to the angel/demon offspring situation, the preacher must battle with his exactly 50/50 evil to good ratio, while traveling the US with his ex girlfriend and his drunk Irish vampire friend.

Wolverine

One of the most well-known mutants of the comic world, Wolverine, or Logan first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180 (cameo last page) and first full appearance in #181, both comics from 1974.  Animal instincts, adamantium laced skeleton, retractable bone claws, enhanced physical abilities, regenerative capabilities and an “I take no crap from anyone” attitude makes Wolverine the ultimate killing machine, and of course, who wouldn’t want that awesome hairstyle.

Constantine

First appearing in 1985, John Constantine, also known as Hellblazer, is a demon hunter/sorcerer/exorcist from Liverpool, who really enjoys his smokes. Of course when you’re into things like the Occult from an early age, there’s not a lot of careers paths to choose from. Constantine fights the good fight, but he does it with questionable morality. His motivation for hunting demons is said to be to quench his appetite for adrenaline. Weirdness follows this guy.

Rorschach

Wearing a mask with a constantly changing ink blot design, Rorschach, or Walter Kovacs, has no obvious super abilities, although this doesn’t stop him kicking criminal ass. Skilled in gymnastics and boxing, Rorschach went on fighting the good fight while the other heroes had stopped.  He also has a penchant or succinct yet penetrative one liners that drive his enemies batty.

Lobo

Lobo came on to the scene via Omega Men #3 in 1983, and was DC’s answer to the Punisher and Wolverine – Smash Together. He’s an alien mercenary bounty hunter with super strength and toughness, and he enjoys mindless violence and intoxication. He’s personality is one of self centered-ness and blood lust, so much so that he is responsible for the destruction of his entire race. Go Lobo!

V

V is the ultimate anti-establishment hero. Recognizable by his strange hat, long cloak, and Guy Fawkes face mask, V has skills in many areas including explosives, daggers and computer hacking. Basically everything you need to bring down a fascist government! He takes his name from the cell he was kept in when he was locked up in an asylum, and only one person has seen his face, which was described as, wait for it, ugly.

Hellboy

Hellboy was summoned by the Nazi occult in attempt to help them win WWII, but was saved by a group of american rangers, and raised as a normal boy by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm. He has various demonic powers, like super strength and toughness, and has a large stone fist (which previously belonged to the great spirits) for pummeling all kinds of huge beasts.

Blade

Blade aka Eric Brooks started life in a brothel where his mother was killed during labor by Deacon Frost, who was impersonating a doctor.  During the labor, some vampiric enzymes entered Blades bloodstream giving him a supernatural sixth sense and an usually long life.  He was then trained to be a master of the bladed weapon by an older hunter he saves from a vampire attack. Later when Blade is bitten by man-made vampire, Eric Morbius, he develops more vampire abilities, including Strength and speed, but retains his ability to walk in daylight, becoming the day-walker we all know today!

Spawn

Weighing over 450 pounds and composed completely of necroplasm, Spawn made his first appearance in 1992, in the comic of the same name.  His power comes from the symbiotic suit he wears, that feeds on the necroplasm in his body, and can protect him even if he is unconscious. Al Simmons was an assassin in a special US Security group, but he was double crossed and murdered by his superiors. Due to a life of violence and murder, Al found himself in Hell, where he made a deal with a demon, the Malebolgia,  and was resurrected as Hell Spawn!

Marv

He’s huge, he’s really strong, his toughness is off the scale and he carries a gun called Gladys. What’s not to like about Marv? Other than he’s border line psychotic who would kill you in an instant if he feels you deserve it.

Riddick

Riddick was born on Furya, and is the last of his kind. He survived the slaughter of his race and joined the military, where he learned his combat skills. After a few years, he was sent to Deep Storage, from which he escaped and got himself ‘wanted man’ status, with a million credit bounty on his head. Riddick got his serial killer label because every time he kills a merc, or bounty hunter, their death is added to his list of crimes. Riddick doesn’t care though.