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Constrictor (comics)
Encyclopedia
Constrictor is a fictional
character in the Marvel Comics
universe. The character is primarily a supervillain
, but is often portrayed as a redeeming anti-hero
. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk
vol.1 #212 (Jun. 1977) and was created by Len Wein
and Sal Buscema
.
#212 (1977). The character went on to feature as a supervillain in Captain America
#228-229, #231 (1978-1979), Iron Man
#126-127 (1979), Power Man & Iron Fist
#66 (1980), Captain America Annual #5 (1981), Power Man & Iron Fist #78, #84 (1982), Captain America #281-283 (1983), #309-311 (1985), Fantastic Four
#334 (1989), Marvel Comics Presents
#74, #86-87. #89-92 (1991), New Warriors
Annual #2 (1992), The Spectacular Spider-Man
Annual #12 (1992), Web of Spider-Man
Annual #8 (1992), Iron Man #284 (1992), Nick Fury
: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. vol.3 #36 (1992), Marvel Comics Presents #119-120 (1993), Alpha Flight
vol.1 #121 (1993), Captain America #412 (1993), Sabretooth
#1-3 (1994), Marvel Fanfare
vol.2 #6 (1997), Thunderbolts
#24-25 (1999), Gambit
vol.3 #12 (1999), #16-19 (2000), Gambit Annual 2000 (2000), The Hood
#2-4, #6 (2002), Agent X #6 (2003), Weapon X
vol.2 #26, #28 (2004), Secret War
#3-5 (2004-2005), Marvel Team-Up
vol.3 #7 (2005) and She-Hulk
vol.1 #9 (2005).
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in Deadpool #35 (1999), #38-45 (2000) and #61 (2002). The character went on to feature in Cable & Deadpool
# 7-12 (2004-2005) and The Thing
vol.2 #1-3, #8 (2006) in a more heroic role. Constrictor later appeared as a member of the Initiative
in Avengers: The Initiative
#1, #4-5, #8, #10, #12-15, #17 (2007-2008) and featured prominently in #20-24, #26-35 (2009-2010) during the Dark Reign
and Siege
storylines.
, and the father of an adult daughter, Mia. When S.H.I.E.L.D. needed a costumed "supervillain" to go undercover in the criminal organization called the Corporation
, Frank was given a snake-themed costume and a pair of wrist-mounted electrified metal coils. Using the false identity of "Frank Schlicting" from Racine, Wisconsin
, and the codename of "Constrictor", he infiltrated the group, only to suffer a nervous breakdown and become a career criminal in earnest. As a result of his defection, S.H.I.E.L.D. allowed his daughter to believe that he had died. As the Constrictor, "Schlicting" debuted in combat against the Hulk
, while attempting to assassinate the Hulk's friend Jim Wilson
on behalf of the Corporation. The Corporation next sent him to assassinate Captain America
; the Constrictor was trapped in a cave-in of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, and was freed by Captain America.
The Constrictor would remain an independent mercenary, criminal, and assassin after the dissolution of the Corporation. He next battled Iron Man
as a member of Justin Hammer
's criminal army. He next teamed with Sabretooth
to safeguard a stolen jade tiger statuette, and battled Power Man
and the Daughters of the Dragon
. He teamed with Sabretooth again to help Sabretooth get revenge on Misty Knight
. They fought Iron Fist, Power Man, El Aguila
, and Misty Knight.
Working for the Viper
, he battled Captain America and Nomad
. He wound up turning against the Viper. He next joined with other criminal in an attempt to assassinate the hospitalized Thing
.
Constrictor was also invited to join the Serpent Society
, which he turned down and walked out after the first meeting. He subsequently tried to turn them over to the Avengers
, and Anaconda
later exacted revenge on him. While in the hospital recuperating from the beating, he was nearly killed by the Scourge of the Underworld
disguised as a nurse, but was saved by Captain America.
Constrictor eventually took an assignment to kill the Beast
in Belgium by Commander Courage who was impersonating the Red Ghost
. Finding out that he had been set up Constrictor teamed up with Beast to defeat Commander Courage.
He later had a showdown with his common law stepfather McAvey, who had murdered his mother.
Constrictor has battled numerous heroes over the years, including repeated encounters with Captain America
, Iron Fist, Luke Cage
, Spider-Man
, the Thing
and even the short lived character NFL Superpro
. Although Luke Cage and Nick Fury
eventually uncovered Payne's former identity, he chose to retain the Schlicting alias and to allow his daughter to believe that her father was dead. During the Acts of Vengeance, Constrictor was one of the many villains that attacked the Fantastic Four.
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in Deadpool wherein he and Titania
moved in with him as his roommates. During their uncomfortable living situation, Constrictor was convinced that Titania was actually a man. It would turn out that he was right that she wasn't what she seemed; but not about her gender as Titania was revealed to actually be the mutant shapeshifter
and Deadpool's former lover, Copycat. He was later found to be under the employment of Justin Hammer
. When cutbacks forced his supervisor to lay him off, he responded by brutally attacking him.
He did join the seventh incarnation of the Masters of Evil
. During the Deadpool story arc, it was also revealed that Constrictor had been part of a very short-lived rendition of the Wizard
's Frightful Four
.
At one point he was one of the many mercenaries hired to kill Alex Hayden, who was at this time thought to be Wade Wilson (Deadpool). He works with many unnamed mercs and some notable ones, including Crossfire
. In the story it was stated that Wilson was a hard-ass so Hayden couldn't be Deadpool. Hayden then broke Constrictor's nose. The Constrictor was later seen in the same issue being used, or rather his vibranium coils were used, to drag the Rhino
into a river. Somehow both escaped.
After a severe beating from Hercules
, the Constrictor was awarded several million dollars in a lawsuit. Nighthawk
, rich himself, convinces the Constrictor that with all his money there was no need to be a criminal anymore, and he has apparently turned over a new leaf and decided to be a hero. He is currently under the employment of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a member of the new Six-Pack
. He was most recently seen at an all-superhuman charity poker tournament hosted by the Thing (who also had a hand in the Constrictor's apparent reformation), where Hercules regains at least a large portion of the money he lost to the Constrictor in a non-tournament side game.
Constrictor plays a small role in the "Secret War
" crossover event.
. He travels with Trauma and Mutant Zero, two other members of the group, into Madison Square Garden
; they rescue Initiative recruits from the invading alien forces called the Warbound
.
Constrictor saved Gyrich from the clone of MVP
known as "KIA", however KIA severed Constrictor's forearms in retaliation. Constrictor was quickly ferried away to safety by fellow team member Bengal
. He was given bionic hands which function like his coils, and was also presented with a Purple Heart
for his valiant efforts.
During the Secret Invasion
, Bengal discovers that the Skrull
s have taken over Camp Hammond and summons the rest of the Shadow Initiative to deal with them. They decide to assassinate Queen Veranke
, but the attempt fails and they are taken captive.
. Constrictor is visibly distressed as civilians thank him for his heroic actions. Soon after, he and Diamondback begin a romantic relationship. Frank later discovers that Diamondback is secretly working for Gauntlet
's "Avengers Resistance
". He keeps her secret despite knowing the danger this involves for them both; mainly the Initiative head, Taskmaster, would kill them both.
During the Siege, Constrictor becomes buried under a pile of falling rubble. Taskmaster digs him out, and Constrictor sees Diamondback running towards Captain America. Wrongfully assuming that she has reconciled with and returned to her former lover, Constrictor sorrowfully joins Taskmaster in fleeing the battlefield. The two also begin working as mercenaries and partners in crime.
. The coils eject and retract from special appliances running from shoulder to wrist. These cables are able to extend to a maximum length of 30 feet (9.1 m) and can be used as whips, capable of rending steel or lesser metals; or as bonds, capable of entwining an object or human being and constricting.
The previous sets of coils were made from an adamantium alloy then from vibranium
. The adamantium coils were stolen from him by Gambit
and were subsequently used by Mister Sinister
to reinforce Sabretooth
's skeleton. The strength of the coils varies based on their construction, but the adamantium coils were powerful enough to lift and even temporarily restrain the Hulk. The vibranium coils have a contact-based aura that suppresses sound: while the coils are wrapped around a target's throat, the victim's voice cannot be heard.
The Constrictor's costume is lightly armored with partial bulletproofing around the chest and head area, and the entire costume is electrically-insulated, and covers his entire body except for his lower face and chin. Although the Constrictor is a skilled unarmed combatant and street fighter, he usually relies exclusively on his coils in a fight.
After his encounter with KIA, Constrictor is implanted with cybernetic arms, the fingers of which duplicate the abilities of his old coils.
#4 (2003), part of the Marvel
/DC
crossover storyline, as part of Krona
's supervillain army. Other versions of the character appear in the What If? storylines What If?: World War Hulk
#1 (2010) and What If?: Secret Invasion
#1 (2010) in minor and cameo roles.
reality. In House of M: Masters of Evil #1-4 (2009-2010), Constrictor is a member of the Hood
's incarnation of the Masters of Evil
opposing mutants' superior role in society. The character was later killed by Sebastian Shaw
.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
character in the Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
universe. The character is primarily a supervillain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
, but is often portrayed as a redeeming anti-hero
Anti-hero
In fiction, an antihero is generally considered to be a protagonist whose character is at least in some regards conspicuously contrary to that of the archetypal hero, and is in some instances its antithesis in which the character is generally useless at being a hero or heroine when they're...
. Constrictor first appeared in Incredible Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
vol.1 #212 (Jun. 1977) and was created by Len Wein
Len Wein
Len Wein is an American comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine, and for helping revive the Marvel superhero team the X-Men...
and Sal Buscema
Sal Buscema
Silvio "Sal" Buscema is an American comic book artist, primarily for Marvel Comics, where he enjoyed a ten-year run as artist of The Incredible Hulk...
.
Publication history
Constrictor made his first appearance in Incredible HulkHulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
#212 (1977). The character went on to feature as a supervillain in Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
#228-229, #231 (1978-1979), Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
#126-127 (1979), Power Man & Iron Fist
Power Man and Iron Fist
Power Man and Iron Fist was a Marvel comic book featuring the superheroes Power Man and Iron Fist.-Hero For Hire/Power Man:...
#66 (1980), Captain America Annual #5 (1981), Power Man & Iron Fist #78, #84 (1982), Captain America #281-283 (1983), #309-311 (1985), Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
#334 (1989), Marvel Comics Presents
Marvel Comics Presents
Marvel Comics Presents was an American comic book anthology series published by Marvel Comics originally from 1988 to 1995; it returned for a second volume in 2007-2008.-Volume 1:The first volume was released on a biweekly basis and lasted for 175 issues...
#74, #86-87. #89-92 (1991), New Warriors
New Warriors
The New Warriors is a Marvel Comics superhero team, traditionally consisting of young adult heroes. They first appeared in The Mighty Thor #411 .-General publication history:...
Annual #2 (1992), The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man
The Spectacular Spider-Man is the name of several comic books and one magazine series starring Marvel Comics' Spider-Man.The character's main series, The Amazing Spider-Man, was extremely successful, and Marvel felt the character could support more than one title. This led the company in 1968 to...
Annual #12 (1992), Web of Spider-Man
Web of Spider-Man
Web of Spider-Man is the name of two different monthly comic book series starring Spider-Man that have been published by Marvel Comics since 1985, the first volume of which ran for 129 issues between 1985 and 1995, and the second of which ran for 12 issues between 2009 and 2010.-Volume 1:The first...
Annual #8 (1992), Iron Man #284 (1992), Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. vol.3 #36 (1992), Marvel Comics Presents #119-120 (1993), Alpha Flight
Alpha Flight
Alpha Flight is a fictional superhero team published by Marvel Comics, noteworthy for being one of the few Canadian superhero teams. Created by John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #120 ....
vol.1 #121 (1993), Captain America #412 (1993), Sabretooth
Sabretooth (comics)
Sabretooth is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne. The character first appeared in Iron Fist #14...
#1-3 (1994), Marvel Fanfare
Marvel Fanfare
Marvel Fanfare is the title of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics. Both versions of Marvel Fanfare were anthology, showcase titles featuring a variety of characters from the Marvel universe.-Volume One:...
vol.2 #6 (1997), Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts (comics)
The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team, which consists mostly of former supervillains. The group first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 , and was created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley.-Publication history:...
#24-25 (1999), Gambit
Gambit (comics)
Gambit is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero that has been a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee, the character first appeared briefly in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 , weeks before a more comprehensive appearance in Uncanny X-Men #266...
vol.3 #12 (1999), #16-19 (2000), Gambit Annual 2000 (2000), The Hood
Hood (comics)
The Hood is a fictional character, a supervillain, and a crime boss in the . Created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell, the character first appeared in The Hood #1 .-Publication history:...
#2-4, #6 (2002), Agent X #6 (2003), Weapon X
Weapon X
Weapon X is a fictional clandestine government genetic research facility project in the Marvel Universe conducted by the Canadian Government's Department K, which turns willing and unwilling beings into living weapons. The project often captures mutants and experiments on them to enhance their...
vol.2 #26, #28 (2004), Secret War
Secret War
The Laotian Civil War was a fight between the Communist Pathet Lao, often North Vietnamese of Lao ancestry, and the Royal Lao Government in which both the political rightists and leftists received heavy external support for a proxy war from the global Cold War superpowers...
#3-5 (2004-2005), Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up
Marvel Team-Up is the name of several American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series featured two or more Marvel characters in one story...
vol.3 #7 (2005) and She-Hulk
She-Hulk
She-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
vol.1 #9 (2005).
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in Deadpool #35 (1999), #38-45 (2000) and #61 (2002). The character went on to feature in Cable & Deadpool
Cable & Deadpool
Cable & Deadpool was a comic book series published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2004. The title characters, Cable and Deadpool, shared the focus of the book. The series was launched following the cancellation of the characters' previous ongoing solo series. The book's mix of humor, action, and...
# 7-12 (2004-2005) and The Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
vol.2 #1-3, #8 (2006) in a more heroic role. Constrictor later appeared as a member of the Initiative
Fifty State Initiative
The Fifty State Initiative, often referred to as simply The Initiative, is a fictional governmental plan that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those related to The Avengers...
in Avengers: The Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series from Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy and Harvey Tolibao, the series dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War crossover Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series...
#1, #4-5, #8, #10, #12-15, #17 (2007-2008) and featured prominently in #20-24, #26-35 (2009-2010) during the Dark Reign
Dark Reign (comics)
"Dark Reign" is a 2008–2009 crossover comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics. It deals with the aftermath of the "Secret Invasion" storyline, which led to a shift of power in the Marvel Universe toward Norman Osborn. The title "Dark Reign" refers to Osborn's rise to national power and the...
and Siege
Siege (comics)
Siege is a fictional character, owned by Marvel Comics, who exists in the Marvel Universe.-Creative origins:John Kelly was initially created by Dwayne McDuffie and Gregory Wright as a pseudo-preview of their then-upcoming relaunch of Deathlok as well as to provide existing in-continuity backstory...
storylines.
Fictional character history
Frank Payne was an agent of the international espionage organization S.H.I.E.L.D.S.H.I.E.L.D.
S.H.I.E.L.D. is a fictional espionage and a secret military law-enforcement agency in the Marvel Comics Universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Strange Tales #135 , it often deals with superhuman threats....
, and the father of an adult daughter, Mia. When S.H.I.E.L.D. needed a costumed "supervillain" to go undercover in the criminal organization called the Corporation
Corporation (comics)
-Publication history:The Corporation first appeared in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #23-24 , and was created by Bill Mantlo and Gil Kane....
, Frank was given a snake-themed costume and a pair of wrist-mounted electrified metal coils. Using the false identity of "Frank Schlicting" from Racine, Wisconsin
Racine, Wisconsin
Racine is a city in and the county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States. According to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the city had a population of 82,196...
, and the codename of "Constrictor", he infiltrated the group, only to suffer a nervous breakdown and become a career criminal in earnest. As a result of his defection, S.H.I.E.L.D. allowed his daughter to believe that he had died. As the Constrictor, "Schlicting" debuted in combat against the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
, while attempting to assassinate the Hulk's friend Jim Wilson
Jim Wilson (comics)
Jim Wilson is a fictional comic book character. A supporting character appearing in Marvel Comics, Wilson was a longtime friend of Bruce Banner and Rick Jones. In Incredible Hulk #388 , it was revealed that Wilson was HIV-positive...
on behalf of the Corporation. The Corporation next sent him to assassinate Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
; the Constrictor was trapped in a cave-in of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, and was freed by Captain America.
The Constrictor would remain an independent mercenary, criminal, and assassin after the dissolution of the Corporation. He next battled Iron Man
Iron Man
Iron Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, developed by scripter Larry Lieber, and designed by artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby, first appearing in Tales of Suspense #39 .A billionaire playboy, industrialist and ingenious engineer,...
as a member of Justin Hammer
Justin Hammer
Justin Hammer is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. As a frequent adversary of the superhero Iron Man, Justin Hammer exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe...
's criminal army. He next teamed with Sabretooth
Sabretooth (comics)
Sabretooth is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne. The character first appeared in Iron Fist #14...
to safeguard a stolen jade tiger statuette, and battled Power Man
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
and the Daughters of the Dragon
Daughters of the Dragon
The Daughters of the Dragon are the duo of Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, fictional characters from Marvel Comics. The team first appeared in Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #32 , introduced in the early 1970s in early Iron Fist stories....
. He teamed with Sabretooth again to help Sabretooth get revenge on Misty Knight
Misty Knight
Misty Knight is a fictional character in Marvel Comics' Marvel Universe. She was first mentioned in Marvel Premiere #20 and appeared in the next issue. She normally appears with Colleen Wing.-Publication history:...
. They fought Iron Fist, Power Man, El Aguila
El Aguila
El Águila is a fictional mutant character in the Marvel Comics Universe. El Águila is patterned after the literary hero, Zorro.-Publication history:...
, and Misty Knight.
Working for the Viper
Viper (Madame Hydra)
Viper, formerly known as Madame Hydra, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe who is a foe of the Avengers and the X-Men...
, he battled Captain America and Nomad
Nomad (comics)
Nomad is the name of a number of superhero characters who have appeared in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Nomad name and costume was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Sal Buscema as an alternate identity for the original Captain America, Steve Rogers, in Captain America #180...
. He wound up turning against the Viper. He next joined with other criminal in an attempt to assassinate the hospitalized Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
.
Constrictor was also invited to join the Serpent Society
Serpent Society
The Serpent Society is a fictional organization of snake-themed supervillains in the Marvel Comics universe. The group was initially formed from the membership of a previous supervillain team, the Serpent Squad. The group, like its predecessor, has been made up of longtime antagonists of Captain...
, which he turned down and walked out after the first meeting. He subsequently tried to turn them over to the Avengers
Avengers (comics)
The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers is a fictional team of superheroes, appearing in magazines published by Marvel Comics. The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 The Avengers...
, and Anaconda
Anaconda (comics)
Anaconda is a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe who was created by Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio and first appeared in Marvel Two-in-One #64 in June 1980.-Fictional character biography:...
later exacted revenge on him. While in the hospital recuperating from the beating, he was nearly killed by the Scourge of the Underworld
Scourge of the Underworld
The Scourge of the Underworld is the name of a series of fictional characters that have appeared in various series set in the Marvel Comics universe....
disguised as a nurse, but was saved by Captain America.
Constrictor eventually took an assignment to kill the Beast
Beast (comics)
Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
in Belgium by Commander Courage who was impersonating the Red Ghost
Red Ghost
The Red Ghost and his Super-Apes are a group of Marvel Comics supervillains, who started their career fighting the Fantastic Four, before confronting other Marvel heroes like Iron Man and Spider-Man...
. Finding out that he had been set up Constrictor teamed up with Beast to defeat Commander Courage.
He later had a showdown with his common law stepfather McAvey, who had murdered his mother.
Constrictor has battled numerous heroes over the years, including repeated encounters with Captain America
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, Iron Fist, Luke Cage
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., he first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1...
, Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, the Thing
Thing (comics)
The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
and even the short lived character NFL Superpro
NFL Superpro
NFL Superpro was a short-lived comic book series published by Marvel Comics. Produced in collaboration with the NFL and written by Fabian Nicieza, the series started publication in 1991 and ended after 12 issues...
. Although Luke Cage and Nick Fury
Nick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
eventually uncovered Payne's former identity, he chose to retain the Schlicting alias and to allow his daughter to believe that her father was dead. During the Acts of Vengeance, Constrictor was one of the many villains that attacked the Fantastic Four.
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in Deadpool wherein he and Titania
Titania (Marvel Comics)
Titania is a supervillainess in the Marvel Comics universe, notable for being Marvel's strongest human female with the possible exception of the She-Hulk, and the wife of the Absorbing Man. She was created by then Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, in the successful company-wide crossover known as...
moved in with him as his roommates. During their uncomfortable living situation, Constrictor was convinced that Titania was actually a man. It would turn out that he was right that she wasn't what she seemed; but not about her gender as Titania was revealed to actually be the mutant shapeshifter
Shapeshifting
Shapeshifting is a common theme in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales. It is also found in epic poems, science fiction literature, fantasy literature, children's literature, Shakespearean comedy, ballet, film, television, comics, and video games...
and Deadpool's former lover, Copycat. He was later found to be under the employment of Justin Hammer
Justin Hammer
Justin Hammer is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. As a frequent adversary of the superhero Iron Man, Justin Hammer exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe...
. When cutbacks forced his supervisor to lay him off, he responded by brutally attacking him.
He did join the seventh incarnation of the Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
. During the Deadpool story arc, it was also revealed that Constrictor had been part of a very short-lived rendition of the Wizard
Wizard (Marvel Comics)
The Wizard , also known as the Wingless Wizard, is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe...
's Frightful Four
Frightful Four
The Frightful Four are a group of fictional characters in Marvel Comics who serve as the antithesis to the Fantastic Four.-Publication history:...
.
At one point he was one of the many mercenaries hired to kill Alex Hayden, who was at this time thought to be Wade Wilson (Deadpool). He works with many unnamed mercs and some notable ones, including Crossfire
Crossfire (comics)
Crossfire is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by writer Steven Grant and artist Jim Craig in Marvel Two-in-One #52...
. In the story it was stated that Wilson was a hard-ass so Hayden couldn't be Deadpool. Hayden then broke Constrictor's nose. The Constrictor was later seen in the same issue being used, or rather his vibranium coils were used, to drag the Rhino
Rhino (comics)
The Rhino is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Romita, Sr., the character first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #41 The Rhino (Aleksei Mikhailovich Sytsevich) is a fictional character that appears in comic...
into a river. Somehow both escaped.
After a severe beating from Hercules
Hercules (Marvel Comics)
Hercules is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Journey into Mystery Annual #1 and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
, the Constrictor was awarded several million dollars in a lawsuit. Nighthawk
Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)
Nighthawk is the name of several fictional characters that appear in publications published by Marvel Comics. There have been five versions of the character: a supervillain-turned-superhero from the mainstream Marvel Universe continuity, Kyle Richmond, who belonged to the team Squadron Sinister;...
, rich himself, convinces the Constrictor that with all his money there was no need to be a criminal anymore, and he has apparently turned over a new leaf and decided to be a hero. He is currently under the employment of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a member of the new Six-Pack
Six Pack (comics)
The Six Pack is a team of fictional characters in the Marvel Comics Universe. The original team debuted in X-Force #8, March , created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld.-Fictional team biography:...
. He was most recently seen at an all-superhuman charity poker tournament hosted by the Thing (who also had a hand in the Constrictor's apparent reformation), where Hercules regains at least a large portion of the money he lost to the Constrictor in a non-tournament side game.
Constrictor plays a small role in the "Secret War
Secret War (comics)
Secret War is a five-issue comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics. The series is written by Brian Michael Bendis and painted by Gabriele Dell'Otto...
" crossover event.
Initiative
The Constrictor was identified as one of the 142 registered superheroes who have registered as part of the 50-State Initiative. The Constrictor was later revealed to be part of the Shadow Initiative, a black ops version of the Initiative under the command of Henry GyrichHenry Peter Gyrich
Henry Peter Gyrich is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Avengers Vol. 1 #165 and was created by Jim Shooter and George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
. He travels with Trauma and Mutant Zero, two other members of the group, into Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
; they rescue Initiative recruits from the invading alien forces called the Warbound
Warbound
The Warbound is a group of fictional characters in the Marvel Comics. They first joined forces in The Incredible Hulk vol. 3, #94 as a combination of new and existing characters, the former created by Greg Pak and Carlo Pagulayan.-Planet Hulk:...
.
Constrictor saved Gyrich from the clone of MVP
Michael Van Patrick
Michael "Mike" Ian Van Patrick is a fictional comic book character created by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Although the character himself is deceased, and in fact died in the issue he first appeared in, the character is said to have been cloned after his death, with his clones continuing to play...
known as "KIA", however KIA severed Constrictor's forearms in retaliation. Constrictor was quickly ferried away to safety by fellow team member Bengal
Bengal (comics)
Bengal is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe who first appeared in Daredevil #258 in September 1988. He was created by Fabian Nicieza and artist, Ron Lim.-Fictional character biography:...
. He was given bionic hands which function like his coils, and was also presented with a Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
for his valiant efforts.
During the Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
, Bengal discovers that the Skrull
Skrull
The Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
s have taken over Camp Hammond and summons the rest of the Shadow Initiative to deal with them. They decide to assassinate Queen Veranke
Veranke
Veranke is a fictional character created by Marvel Comics who serves as the queen of the Skrull empire in the Marvel Universe. She plays a significant role in the events of Secret Invasion as she leads her empire to invade and conquer Earth....
, but the attempt fails and they are taken captive.
Dark Reign and Siege
During a conflict with the initiative and some terrorists, Constrictor helps the Women Warriors, one of the official government hero teams. He stops an out of control passenger plane, saving many lives, including that of the hero, DiamondbackDiamondback (comics)
Diamondback is the name of four fictional characters appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Diamondback first appeared in Captain America #310 , written by Mark Gruenwald and illustrated by Paul Neary.-Willis Stryker:The first Diamondback was a foe of Luke Cage...
. Constrictor is visibly distressed as civilians thank him for his heroic actions. Soon after, he and Diamondback begin a romantic relationship. Frank later discovers that Diamondback is secretly working for Gauntlet
Gauntlet (comics)
The Gauntlet , is a comic book superhero in the . Created by Dan Slott, he first appeared in She-Hulk #100.-Publication history:...
's "Avengers Resistance
Counter Force (Marvel Comics)
This second team of New Warriors is a superhero team in the Marvel Comics continuity composed mostly of former members of the original team of New Warriors.-Fictional history:...
". He keeps her secret despite knowing the danger this involves for them both; mainly the Initiative head, Taskmaster, would kill them both.
During the Siege, Constrictor becomes buried under a pile of falling rubble. Taskmaster digs him out, and Constrictor sees Diamondback running towards Captain America. Wrongfully assuming that she has reconciled with and returned to her former lover, Constrictor sorrowfully joins Taskmaster in fleeing the battlefield. The two also begin working as mercenaries and partners in crime.
Powers and abilities
The Constrictor's primary weapon is a pair of cybernetically-controlled, electrified, prehensile, wrist-mounted metal coils provided by Justin HammerJustin Hammer
Justin Hammer is a fictional character that has appeared in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics. As a frequent adversary of the superhero Iron Man, Justin Hammer exists in Marvel's main shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe...
. The coils eject and retract from special appliances running from shoulder to wrist. These cables are able to extend to a maximum length of 30 feet (9.1 m) and can be used as whips, capable of rending steel or lesser metals; or as bonds, capable of entwining an object or human being and constricting.
The previous sets of coils were made from an adamantium alloy then from vibranium
Vibranium
Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America's shield, but it is also noted for its connection to the Black Panther and his native homeland of Wakanda .-Publication history:Vibranium first...
. The adamantium coils were stolen from him by Gambit
Gambit (comics)
Gambit is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero that has been a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee, the character first appeared briefly in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 , weeks before a more comprehensive appearance in Uncanny X-Men #266...
and were subsequently used by Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #221 and was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Marc Silvestri....
to reinforce Sabretooth
Sabretooth (comics)
Sabretooth is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne. The character first appeared in Iron Fist #14...
's skeleton. The strength of the coils varies based on their construction, but the adamantium coils were powerful enough to lift and even temporarily restrain the Hulk. The vibranium coils have a contact-based aura that suppresses sound: while the coils are wrapped around a target's throat, the victim's voice cannot be heard.
The Constrictor's costume is lightly armored with partial bulletproofing around the chest and head area, and the entire costume is electrically-insulated, and covers his entire body except for his lower face and chin. Although the Constrictor is a skilled unarmed combatant and street fighter, he usually relies exclusively on his coils in a fight.
After his encounter with KIA, Constrictor is implanted with cybernetic arms, the fingers of which duplicate the abilities of his old coils.
Other versions
An alternative version of Constrictor appeared in JLA/AvengersJLA/Avengers
JLA/Avengers is a comic book limited series and crossover published in prestige format by DC Comics and Marvel Comics from September 2003 to May 2004. The series was written by Kurt Busiek, with art by George Pérez...
#4 (2003), part of the Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
/DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
crossover storyline, as part of Krona
Krona (comics)
Krona is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Green Lantern #40 , and was created by writer John Broome and artist Gil Kane.-Fictional character biography:...
's supervillain army. Other versions of the character appear in the What If? storylines What If?: World War Hulk
World War Hulk
"World War Hulk" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self titled limited series and various other titles published by Marvel Comics in 2007, featuring the Hulk....
#1 (2010) and What If?: Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion
"Secret Invasion" is a comic book crossover storyline that ran through a self-titled eight issue limited series and several tie-in books published by Marvel Comics from April through December 2008....
#1 (2010) in minor and cameo roles.
House of M
A version of Constrictor appears in the House of MHouse of M
House of M is an eight-issue comic book limited series and crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics in 2005. Written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, its first issue debuted in June 2005 as a follow-up to the events of the Planet X and Avengers Disassembled...
reality. In House of M: Masters of Evil #1-4 (2009-2010), Constrictor is a member of the Hood
Hood (comics)
The Hood is a fictional character, a supervillain, and a crime boss in the . Created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell, the character first appeared in The Hood #1 .-Publication history:...
's incarnation of the Masters of Evil
Masters of Evil
The Masters of Evil is a name for a number of fictional supervillain teams that appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first version of the team appeared in The Avengers #6 , with the lineup continually changing over the years....
opposing mutants' superior role in society. The character was later killed by Sebastian Shaw
Sebastian Shaw (comics)
Sebastian Hiram Shaw is a fictional comic book supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe, and an adversary of the X-Men.A mutant, Shaw possesses the ability to absorb energy and transform it into raw strength...
.
Television
- Constrictor appeared in animated television series The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest HeroesThe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes is an American animated television series by Marvel Animation in cooperation with Film Roman based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. The show debuted on Disney XD in Fall 2010 starting with a 20 part micro-series. A second season has been...
voiced by Cam ClarkeCam ClarkeCameron Arthur "Cam" Clarke is a prolific American voice actor and singer, well known for his work in animation and video games. Clarke is well known for providing the voices of Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Shotaro Kaneda in the 1989 original English-dub of Akira. He often voices...
. In the episode "The BreakoutBreakout (The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes)Breakout is the name of the first two episodes of the animated television series The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. It was originally broadcast on Disney XD in the United States on October 20, 2010. Part 1 originally aired on October 22, 2010 and Part 2 originally aired on October 29, 2010 on...
" Pt. 1, Constrictor was an inmate at the Big HouseBig House (comics)Big House is the name of a fictional prison appearing in books published by Marvel Comics. It is also called the Lang Memorial Penitentiary.-History:The Big House is the United States' newest maximum security prison...
maximum security prison who took part in the mass breakout.
Toys
- A figure of Constrictor was released as an exclusive foreign release as part of MattelMattelMattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
's Secret WarsSecret Wars (toyline)The Secret Wars toyline was a short lived tie-in to Marvel Comics' Secret Wars comic book mini-series. The line was produced by Mattel and saw two series of action figures released in 1984 and 1985, as well as a third series of figures released outside of North America...
toyline. - A figure of Constrictor was released in wave 11 of HasbroHasbroHasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
's 3 3/4" Marvel UniverseMarvel Universe (toyline)Marvel Universe is a 3 3/4" action figure line manufactured by Hasbro, featuring characters from the Marvel Comics universe. It first hit stores in early 2009 and features detailed sculpting, multiple points of articulation, and accessories...
toyline.
External links
- Constrictor at Marvel.com
- Constrictor at Marvel.wikia.com