Underworld Unleashed
Encyclopedia
Underworld Unleashed was a multi-title comic book
cross-over event released by DC Comics
in 1995. As well as the core story-line of the three-issue Underworld Unleashed mini-series
, most of the DC titles published in November and December 1995 and a number of one-off titles were part of the series.
The main theme of Underworld Unleashed involved the new ruler of Hell
, a demon called Neron
, offering many of the DC Universe villains and a number of the superheroes their greatest desires in exchange for their soul or completing a task for him; and the consequences of these deals.
Underworld Unleashed is one of very few DC Comics major crossovers not to directly involve Superman
; at the time of the series he was off-planet as part of 'The Trial of Superman
' story arc. This is important to the Underworld Unleashed storyline, since the superheroes involved are driven by the belief that Superman is key to Neron's plans.
'Rogues Gallery
': Captain Boomerang
, Captain Cold
, Heat Wave
, Mirror Master
II, and Weather Wizard
are approached with an offer by Abra-Kadabra
, who had become an agent of the demon Neron
in exchange for true magical powers to replace his technology-based magic. Abra-Kadabra persuades them to cause havoc by destroying five targets simultaneously, with the promise of 'respect' and 'a guarantee that they would be remembered forever, not as has-beens but as the most infamous villains of their age' . But Neron's deals are demonic and twisted, and they were not told that their actions would cost them their lives and unleash Neron onto the Earth. All five are killed in the ensuing explosions, forming a pentagon which releases Neron.
Soon after, Neron kills the Governor of Belle Reve Penitentiary
and, disguised as him, offers a deal for the soul of one of the inmates (who is in search of revenge for the theft of a treasured possession) in exchange for a gun. Neron himself had stolen the calendar in question to engineer the situation, and he also makes offers to a number of key Belle Reve personnel or persuades or manipulates them in other ways to be absent that evening. The ensuing chaos allows 142 super-powered criminals to escape from Belle Reve. Another member of the Rogues Gallery, Trickster
reads of the deaths of Flash's Rogues Gallery, and determines not to waste any more time on petty crime but finally make a major villain of himself. A week later another villain, Rainbow Raider
, shows Trickster a carved candle he and other recently escaped super-villains had received, with instructions to light it at midnight on a certain day to 'open the door to fame, power and glory' . Trickster steals the candle, and on lighting it is instantly transported to Hell, joining about 50 other super-criminals who had done the same. Neron appears to the gathered villains, and offers them all their greatest desires in exchange for their souls, then introduces his 'Inner Council' - Abra Kadabra, Lex Luthor
, Circe
, Polaris
and Joker
. The Fiddler
works out that Neron is The Devil, and Trickster overhears him; then while several dozen of the villains accept Neron's offer the rest are returned to Earth. Also in the crowd is Justice League
member Blue Devil
, who had worked out that the locations of the deaths of the five Rogues Gallery members formed a pentacle, and had come to hell to investigate. He is offered film star fame and fortune in exchange for his soul.
The villains who accepted Neron's offer (with the exception of Neron's Inner Council and Trickster) are returned to Earth to fulfil their deals and wreak havoc, many of them with enhanced powers; while Neron turns his attention to Earth's superheroes. As well as trying to gain the souls of Batman
, Flash
and an unknown number of other superheroes in deals for their souls, Neron offers to resurrect Alexandra DeWitt in exchange for Green Lantern Kyle Rayner's
soul. Kyle refuses, and after Neron beats him in battle he spares his life, giving Kyle the message that what he covets most is 'a far more noble soul' who Kyle knows; and when he has it, Earth will be his. Kyle assumes this means Superman (who is off-world because of his trial in space), and carries the message to Justice League headquarters.
Meanwhile, Neron causes further disruption on an Earth now seething with violence and war as a result of his demonic influence on people and the chaos caused by the super-villains in his debt. He also spreads chaos to New Apokolips
, giving all those who desire the missing Darkseid's
throne information on each other's plans, thus setting New Apokolips to war with itself. Back in Hell, Luthor and The Joker force Trickster to reveal that Neron's power is contained within his Soul Jar, and succeed in rupturing the Jar using Polaris', Kadabra's and Circe's mystical and scientific resources together. As the Jar is breached a swirl of green smoke reaches outward, spiriting Polaris, Kadabra and Circe away, which is what Luthor and the Joker had actually planned. However, Neron had pre-empted them by fooling Trickster into giving them false information, thus removing his Inner Council before they could become a threat to his power. He traps Luthor and The Joker in a snowglobe - although they believe they are in a snowstorm in Metropolis, until they reach the glass walls of the globe. As Earth collapses into war, anarchy and chaos, the Justice League calls most of the world's heroes together to stand against Neron. Like Kyle, all assume that because he is missing, it is Superman that Neron referred to as the pure soul he wanted, and that he had already been captured. The elite of the Justice League decide to take the fight to Neron, and Blue Devil, who had been fooled by Neron's Faustian deal into causing the death of his agent Marla Bloom, takes them to Hell. Now alone in Hell after the fall of the Inner Council, Trickster, who had not yet been offered a deal for his soul, realizes that he had been taken for a fool again and Neron had deeper plans that he had not revealed. He begins to scheme against him.
On Earth, Doctor Fate
's home, the Tower of Nabu, has become the portal to the Underworld that the demon Blaze
is trying to secure so Neron can send Hell's demonic forces to Earth. Sentinel and Fate fight to close the portal, Sentinel destroying the tower to do so. While Fate battles back from being flung into far dimensions, Sentinel is drawn away from his partner, Molly/The Harlequin, who opens a box containing one of Neron's candles and accepts a deal to become young again, losing her soul in the process. Sentinel contacts The Phantom Stranger
, Zatanna
and Jim Corrigan (Spectre
, but without his full powers as the Spectre force within him had made a deal with Neron for a separate existence) for help. Together with Deadman
, they enter Hell to get Molly's soul back from Blaze. The Spectre tries to help, but discovers his deal precludes him opposing Neron and he is Neron's slave, destined to become his successor. Realizing he is not prevented from fighting other demons, however, he joins the others, and Sentinel rescues Molly's soul. Blaze is forced to flee Neron for failing to stop the supernatural team, and while the heroes escape Sentinel is captured by Neron and taken to Hell captive.
With Blue Devil's power, the Justice League pierces the barrier to the Underworld and confronts Neron's demonic army, battling through the circles of Hell to find Superman. Ray
, Firestorm, Captain Atom
and Maxima
are killed on the way, while the other superheroes, with the exception of Captain Marvel
, begin to be corrupted by the influence of their Hellish surroundings. In Hell, the demon Satanus
bargains with Neron for the return of his soul after failing in his task to stop the Leymen of Primal Force
, offering up the whereabouts of his sister Blaze
in exchange, but once his soul is returned and Blaze caged by Neron, he reveals to her that Neron can be beaten by a single word that if spoken, even in Hell, would give Neron pause. For this treachery Neron kills Satanus, though not before his comment is overheard by Trickster. At that moment Blue Devil, seeking revenge for the death of Marla, finally reaches Neron ahead of the Justice League, and is killed; while Neron reveals that it was Captain Marvel's soul he wanted all the time, just as The Trickster realizes the truth.
Neron has kept Blaze alive because her demonic magic powers dampen Captain Marvel's powers. She reverses this by augmenting his powers instead, saving him from death; while Blue Devil, who cannot die in hell, attacks Neron in a new demon body. Taking advantage of the diversion, Trickster tells Captain Marvel about the magic word, and Captain Marvel deduces that the word is 'SHAZAM'. When he uses it, the resulting lightning bolt in Hell stuns Neron and releases the Justice League from their spell to attack again; and Trickster uses the time to persuade Captain Marvel that he has a plan to defeat Neron. Captain Marvel suddenly offers Neron his soul, in exchange for 'the release of my friends ... the release of Earth. No 'and', nothing else. Nothing' . Neron tries to take the offer, but because it was purely altruistic, the first time someone had asked for something without personal gain, he cannot. Taunted by Trickster he disappears, and everyone is returned to Earth, including Joker and Lex Luthor, freed from their shattered snow globe.
Captain Atom
- Unknown offer ( (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Flash
(Wally West) - Offered the resurrection of Flash (Barry Allen) ( Underworld Unleashed #2);
Green Lantern
(Kyle Rayner
) - The resurrection of Alex DeWitt ( Underworld Unleashed #2);
Knockout
- Offered "power, prestige, anything you could dream of" (Superboy vol 3 #22);
Mystek
- Unknown offer (Justice League Task Force #30);
Nightwing
- Unknown offer (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Oracle
(Barbara Gordon) - Offered the use of her legs again, invulnerability and powers to rival Superman's if she would become his librarian; while her soul was hers to keep. She declined, fearing she would lose her soul anyway Underworld Unleashed - Patterns of Fear);
Silver Swan
(Valerie Beaudry) - Unknown offer (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Superboy (Kon-El) - Offered the chance to become Superman (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Triumph
- Was offered his lost 10 years back, and thus the opportunity to become a major hero and lead the Justice League America if he opened a box containing one of Neron's candles. (Justice League Task Force #30)(Justice League Task Force #35);
Mongul
- killed by Neron after refusing a deal and attacking him ( Underworld Unleashed #1);
Poison Ivy - Unknown offer ( Underworld Unleashed #1);
Prankster
- Unknown offer
Riddler
- Unknown offer.
The Scarecrow
- claimed to have dealt with Neron while battling Hawkman, but privately revealed he was bluffing ( Hawkman vol 3 #27);
Spellbinder
(Delbert Billings) - when he refused Neron's deal he was killed by his girlfriend, who took the deal and became the new Spellbinder ( Detective Comics #691);
The Shade
- claimed to no longer be a villain, telling Neron to 'go peddle his wares elsewhere' as he is already immortal and has great wealth (Showcase '95 #12);
Vandal Savage
- offers his soul but Neron refuses it as it is "black and tasteless" rather than innocent ( The Ray vol 2 #18);
Steel vol 2 #21 (November 1995): 'Stalker' ;
Superboy Vol. 3 #20:
Manhunter Vol. 2 #11 (October 1995): 'Until the End of the World' ;
Manhunter Vol. 2 #12 (November 1995): 'The World is a Wonderful Place' ;
Fate #13 (November 1995): 'The World, the Flesh, & the Devil' ;
Ray Vol. 2 #18 (November 1995): 'Monsters' ;
Ray Vol. 2 #19 (December 1995): 'Monster3' ;
Starman vol 2 #13 (November 1995): 'Sins of the Child Part II: Ted's Day'
Detective Comics #691 (November 1995): 'Will It Go 'Round In Circles' ;
Detective Comics #692 (December 1995): 'Lying Eyes' ;
Aquaman vol 5 #14 (November 1995): 'Lamentations' ;
Damage #18 (November 1995): 'Going Down' ;
Flash Vol. 2 #107 (November 1995): 'Fade To Black!' ;
Green Arrow Vol. 2 #102 (November 1995): 'Underworld Unleashed: Jaguar Moon' ;
Green Arrow Vol. 2 #103 (December 1995): 'Underworld Unleashed: Gods and Tourists' ;
Green Lantern Vol. 3 #68 (November 1995): 'Hellfire and Ice' ,
Green Lantern Vol. 3 #69 (December 1995): 'Bargains' ;
Guy Gardner: Warrior #36 (November 1995): 'The Darker Side of Evil' ;
Guy Gardner: Warrior #37 (December 1995): 'Let's Make A Deal' ;
Extreme Justice #10 (November 1995): 'Sapphire Blues' ;
Extreme Justice #11 (December 1995): 'Creation For Two' ;
Impulse #8 (November 1995): 'Smart Men, Foolish Choices' ;
Manhunter Vol. 2 #12 (November 1995): 'The World is a Wonderful Place' ;
Justice League America #105 (November 1995): 'The Killer Elite' ;
Justice League America #106 (December 1995): 'Up From the Underworld' ;
Underworld Unleashed: Apokolips - Dark Uprising #1 (November 1995);
Underworld Unleashed: Batman - Devil's Asylum #1 (1995);
Spectre Vol. 3 #35 (November 1995): 'Evil Intent' ;
Spectre Vol. 3 #36 (December 1995): 'Forces of Hell' ;
Fate #14 (December 1995): 'No Direction Home' ;
Underworld Unleashed: Abyss - Hell's Sentinel #1 (December 1995);
Underworld Unleashed: Patterns of Fear #1 (December 1995);
Superboy Vol. 3 #22 (December 1995): 'Fire and Ice' ;
Hawkman Vol. 3 #27 (December 1995): 'Hawkmad!' ;
Lobo Vol. 2 #22 (December 1995): 'Soul2Soul' ;
Robin Vol. 2 #23 (December 1995): 'Buggin' ;
Legionnaires #32 (December 1995): 'Here and Now' ;
Legion of Super-Heroes Vol. 4 #75 (December 1995): '2-Timer' ;
R.E.B.E.L.S. '95 #13 (November 1995): 'Earthbound' ;
R.E.B.E.L.S. '95 #14 (December 1995): 'Howl' ;
Batman #525 (December 1995): Frozen Assets;
Catwoman Vol. 2 #27 (December 1995): 'Groddspell' ;
Justice League Task Force #30 (December 1995): 'Thunderworld' ;
Primal Force #13 (November 1995): 'Severance' ;
Primal Force #14 (December 1995): 'The course of all things' ;
Adventures of Superman #530 (December 1995): 'Different Demons'
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #3 (Winter 1995): 'Fighting Back' ;
Superman vol 2, #107 'Bottled up' (December 1995);
Underworld Unleashed #3 (late December 1995): 'Seduction of the Innocent' .
In addition:
Underworld Unleashed DC Comics, 1998, 158pp (ISBN 1-56389-447-5).
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
cross-over event released by DC Comics
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...
in 1995. As well as the core story-line of the three-issue Underworld Unleashed mini-series
Limited series
A limited series is a comic book series with a set number of installments. A limited series differs from an ongoing series in that the number of issues is determined before production and it differs from a one shot in that it is composed of multiple issues....
, most of the DC titles published in November and December 1995 and a number of one-off titles were part of the series.
The main theme of Underworld Unleashed involved the new ruler of Hell
Hell
In many religious traditions, a hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hells as endless. Religions with a cyclic history often depict a hell as an intermediary period between incarnations...
, a demon called Neron
Neron
Neron is a fictional demon, a comic book character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in the DC Comics cross-over event Underworld Unleashed #1, , and was created by Mark Waid and Howard Porter.- Publication history :...
, offering many of the DC Universe villains and a number of the superheroes their greatest desires in exchange for their soul or completing a task for him; and the consequences of these deals.
Underworld Unleashed is one of very few DC Comics major crossovers not to directly involve Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
; at the time of the series he was off-planet as part of 'The Trial of Superman
The Trial of Superman
"The Trial of Superman" was a long, multi-part story arc published between the various Superman titles: Action Comics # 716-717, Adventures of Superman # 529-531, Superman # 106-108, Superman: The Man of Steel # 50-52, and Superman: The Man of Tomorrow # 3...
' story arc. This is important to the Underworld Unleashed storyline, since the superheroes involved are driven by the belief that Superman is key to Neron's plans.
Plot
Five of the The Flash'sWally West
The Flash is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first Kid Flash and the third Flash....
'Rogues Gallery
Rogues (comics)
Some of the enemies of the comic book superhero the Flash, led by Captain Cold, constitute a loose criminal association who refer to themselves as the Rogues, disdaining the use of the term "supervillain" or "super-criminal"....
': Captain Boomerang
Captain Boomerang
Captain Boomerang is a fictional character in the . A supervillain traditionally portrayed as an enemy of the Flash...
, Captain Cold
Captain Cold
Captain Cold, real name Leonard Snart, is a comic book villain created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino as one of the archenemies of Flash. He is a leader of the Rogues...
, Heat Wave
Heat Wave (comics)
Heat Wave is a fictional villain in the DC Universe and a primary foe of the Flash.-Fictional character biography:Born on a farm outside Central City, Mick Rory became fascinated with fire, as a child. This fascination turned into an obsession and one night, he set his family's home ablaze...
, Mirror Master
Mirror Master
Mirror Master is a fictional character and a supervillain in the DC Universe. He is a recurring foe of the Flash with considerable technical expertise and skills involving the use of mirrors. Four individuals have donned the guise of Mirror Master...
II, and Weather Wizard
Weather Wizard
Weather Wizard is a fictional DC Comics supervillain. The Weather Wizard first appeared in Flash #110 .- Early life :...
are approached with an offer by Abra-Kadabra
Abra Kadabra (comics)
Abra Kadabra is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the DC Comics universe and an enemy of the Flash. He first appeared in Flash #128 and was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino.-Fictional character biography:...
, who had become an agent of the demon Neron
Neron
Neron is a fictional demon, a comic book character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in the DC Comics cross-over event Underworld Unleashed #1, , and was created by Mark Waid and Howard Porter.- Publication history :...
in exchange for true magical powers to replace his technology-based magic. Abra-Kadabra persuades them to cause havoc by destroying five targets simultaneously, with the promise of 'respect' and 'a guarantee that they would be remembered forever, not as has-beens but as the most infamous villains of their age' . But Neron's deals are demonic and twisted, and they were not told that their actions would cost them their lives and unleash Neron onto the Earth. All five are killed in the ensuing explosions, forming a pentagon which releases Neron.
Soon after, Neron kills the Governor of Belle Reve Penitentiary
Belle Reve
Belle Reve Penitentiary is a fictional prison and sanitorium in the DC Universe, first appearing in Suicide Squad #1 by John Ostrander and Luke McDonnell.-Fictional background:...
and, disguised as him, offers a deal for the soul of one of the inmates (who is in search of revenge for the theft of a treasured possession) in exchange for a gun. Neron himself had stolen the calendar in question to engineer the situation, and he also makes offers to a number of key Belle Reve personnel or persuades or manipulates them in other ways to be absent that evening. The ensuing chaos allows 142 super-powered criminals to escape from Belle Reve. Another member of the Rogues Gallery, Trickster
Trickster (comics)
The Trickster is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics supervillains that are both enemies of the Flash. The original Trickster first appeared in Flash #113 , while the second debuted in Flash #183 .-James Jesse:The original Trickster is a practical joker and conman whose favorite...
reads of the deaths of Flash's Rogues Gallery, and determines not to waste any more time on petty crime but finally make a major villain of himself. A week later another villain, Rainbow Raider
Rainbow Raider
Rainbow Raider is a fictional supervillain in the DC Comics universe. His real name is a pun based on the acronym "ROYGBIV" , a mnemonic for the colors of a rainbow.He first appeared in The Flash vol...
, shows Trickster a carved candle he and other recently escaped super-villains had received, with instructions to light it at midnight on a certain day to 'open the door to fame, power and glory' . Trickster steals the candle, and on lighting it is instantly transported to Hell, joining about 50 other super-criminals who had done the same. Neron appears to the gathered villains, and offers them all their greatest desires in exchange for their souls, then introduces his 'Inner Council' - Abra Kadabra, Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
, Circe
Circe (comics)
Circe is a fictional character, a villainous sorceress and a major adversary of Wonder Woman appearing in DC Comics publications and related media. Based upon the Greek mythological character of the same name who imprisoned Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, the comic book incarnation of Circe first...
, Polaris
Doctor Polaris
Doctor Polaris is an alias used by two fictional supervillains, comic book characters published by DC Comics. Neil Emerson first appeared as Doctor Polaris in Green Lantern #21 , and was created by John Broome and Gil Kane. The second Dr...
and Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
. The Fiddler
Fiddler (comics)
The Fiddler is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and a recurring foe of the first Flash . He first appeared in All-Flash #32 .-Fictional character biography:...
works out that Neron is The Devil, and Trickster overhears him; then while several dozen of the villains accept Neron's offer the rest are returned to Earth. Also in the crowd is Justice League
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
member Blue Devil
Blue Devil
Blue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
, who had worked out that the locations of the deaths of the five Rogues Gallery members formed a pentacle, and had come to hell to investigate. He is offered film star fame and fortune in exchange for his soul.
The villains who accepted Neron's offer (with the exception of Neron's Inner Council and Trickster) are returned to Earth to fulfil their deals and wreak havoc, many of them with enhanced powers; while Neron turns his attention to Earth's superheroes. As well as trying to gain the souls of Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, Flash
Wally West
The Flash is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first Kid Flash and the third Flash....
and an unknown number of other superheroes in deals for their souls, Neron offers to resurrect Alexandra DeWitt in exchange for Green Lantern Kyle Rayner's
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
soul. Kyle refuses, and after Neron beats him in battle he spares his life, giving Kyle the message that what he covets most is 'a far more noble soul' who Kyle knows; and when he has it, Earth will be his. Kyle assumes this means Superman (who is off-world because of his trial in space), and carries the message to Justice League headquarters.
Meanwhile, Neron causes further disruption on an Earth now seething with violence and war as a result of his demonic influence on people and the chaos caused by the super-villains in his debt. He also spreads chaos to New Apokolips
Apokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
, giving all those who desire the missing Darkseid's
Darkseid
Darkseid is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #134 and was created by writer-artist Jack Kirby....
throne information on each other's plans, thus setting New Apokolips to war with itself. Back in Hell, Luthor and The Joker force Trickster to reveal that Neron's power is contained within his Soul Jar, and succeed in rupturing the Jar using Polaris', Kadabra's and Circe's mystical and scientific resources together. As the Jar is breached a swirl of green smoke reaches outward, spiriting Polaris, Kadabra and Circe away, which is what Luthor and the Joker had actually planned. However, Neron had pre-empted them by fooling Trickster into giving them false information, thus removing his Inner Council before they could become a threat to his power. He traps Luthor and The Joker in a snowglobe - although they believe they are in a snowstorm in Metropolis, until they reach the glass walls of the globe. As Earth collapses into war, anarchy and chaos, the Justice League calls most of the world's heroes together to stand against Neron. Like Kyle, all assume that because he is missing, it is Superman that Neron referred to as the pure soul he wanted, and that he had already been captured. The elite of the Justice League decide to take the fight to Neron, and Blue Devil, who had been fooled by Neron's Faustian deal into causing the death of his agent Marla Bloom, takes them to Hell. Now alone in Hell after the fall of the Inner Council, Trickster, who had not yet been offered a deal for his soul, realizes that he had been taken for a fool again and Neron had deeper plans that he had not revealed. He begins to scheme against him.
On Earth, Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate
Doctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
's home, the Tower of Nabu, has become the portal to the Underworld that the demon Blaze
Blaze and Satanus
Blaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
is trying to secure so Neron can send Hell's demonic forces to Earth. Sentinel and Fate fight to close the portal, Sentinel destroying the tower to do so. While Fate battles back from being flung into far dimensions, Sentinel is drawn away from his partner, Molly/The Harlequin, who opens a box containing one of Neron's candles and accepts a deal to become young again, losing her soul in the process. Sentinel contacts The Phantom Stranger
Phantom Stranger
The Phantom Stranger is a fictional character of unspecified paranormal origins who battles mysterious and occult forces in various titles published by DC Comics, sometimes under their Vertigo imprint.-Publication history:...
, Zatanna
Zatanna
Zatanna Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson, Zatanna first appeared in Hawkman vol. 1 #4...
and Jim Corrigan (Spectre
Spectre (comics)
The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
, but without his full powers as the Spectre force within him had made a deal with Neron for a separate existence) for help. Together with Deadman
Deadman
Deadman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Strange Adventures #205 , and was created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino.-Publication history:...
, they enter Hell to get Molly's soul back from Blaze. The Spectre tries to help, but discovers his deal precludes him opposing Neron and he is Neron's slave, destined to become his successor. Realizing he is not prevented from fighting other demons, however, he joins the others, and Sentinel rescues Molly's soul. Blaze is forced to flee Neron for failing to stop the supernatural team, and while the heroes escape Sentinel is captured by Neron and taken to Hell captive.
With Blue Devil's power, the Justice League pierces the barrier to the Underworld and confronts Neron's demonic army, battling through the circles of Hell to find Superman. Ray
Ray (comics)
The Ray is the name of four fictional characters, all superheroes in the DC Comics universe.The first Ray was a Quality Comics character who was one of those purchased by DC Comics. He was later retconned as a member of the Freedom Fighters...
, Firestorm, Captain Atom
Captain Atom
Captain Atom is a fictional comic book superhero that has existed in three basic incarnations. Created by writer Joe Gill and artist/co-writer Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Space Adventures #33 . Captain Atom was created for Charlton Comics but was later acquired by DC Comics and revised for...
and Maxima
Maxima (comics)
Maxima is a fictional character from the DC Comics Superman titles. She was created by writer Roger Stern and artist George Pérez.-Fictional character biography:...
are killed on the way, while the other superheroes, with the exception of Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
, begin to be corrupted by the influence of their Hellish surroundings. In Hell, the demon Satanus
Blaze and Satanus
Blaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
bargains with Neron for the return of his soul after failing in his task to stop the Leymen of Primal Force
Primal Force
Primal Force is a comic book series which was published by DC Comics from October 1994 to December 1995 and ran fifteen issues, including a zero numbered issue. The series starred The Leymen, a magic-themed superhero team in the fictional DC Universe...
, offering up the whereabouts of his sister Blaze
Blaze and Satanus
Blaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
in exchange, but once his soul is returned and Blaze caged by Neron, he reveals to her that Neron can be beaten by a single word that if spoken, even in Hell, would give Neron pause. For this treachery Neron kills Satanus, though not before his comment is overheard by Trickster. At that moment Blue Devil, seeking revenge for the death of Marla, finally reaches Neron ahead of the Justice League, and is killed; while Neron reveals that it was Captain Marvel's soul he wanted all the time, just as The Trickster realizes the truth.
Neron has kept Blaze alive because her demonic magic powers dampen Captain Marvel's powers. She reverses this by augmenting his powers instead, saving him from death; while Blue Devil, who cannot die in hell, attacks Neron in a new demon body. Taking advantage of the diversion, Trickster tells Captain Marvel about the magic word, and Captain Marvel deduces that the word is 'SHAZAM'. When he uses it, the resulting lightning bolt in Hell stuns Neron and releases the Justice League from their spell to attack again; and Trickster uses the time to persuade Captain Marvel that he has a plan to defeat Neron. Captain Marvel suddenly offers Neron his soul, in exchange for 'the release of my friends ... the release of Earth. No 'and', nothing else. Nothing' . Neron tries to take the offer, but because it was purely altruistic, the first time someone had asked for something without personal gain, he cannot. Taunted by Trickster he disappears, and everyone is returned to Earth, including Joker and Lex Luthor, freed from their shattered snow globe.
Superheroes who accepted Neron's offer
- Blue DevilBlue DevilBlue Devil is a superhero featured in material published by DC Comics. He first appeared in a special insert published in Fury of Firestorm #24 . That story led directly into Blue Devil #1, also cover dated June 1984...
- Sold his soul for fame and fortune. He destroyed an unmanned power station, indirectly causing the death of his agent Marla Bloomberg (Underworld Unleashed #1)(Justice League America #105). - Guy GardnerGuy Gardner (comics)Guy Gardner is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He is a core member of the Green Lantern family of characters, and for a time was also a significant member of the Justice League family of characters.He was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in Green Lantern...
- Offered the resurrection of his loved ones and the return of Coast CityCoast CityCoast City is a fictional city created by John Broome and Gil Kane that appears in stories published by DC Comics. It is depicted most often as the home of the Silver Age version of the superhero Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.-Fictional history:...
in exchange for killing John StewartJohn Stewart (comics)John Stewart is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 2, #87 , and was created by Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams.-Publication history:...
. He agreed because Neron lied to him, telling him Stewart should already be dead but a rift in time had prevented it, and this had caused Guy's tragic history to occur. Guy then changed his mind (Guy Gardner, Warrior #36 - 37). - Harlequin (Molly Mayne)Harlequin (comics)Harlequin is the name of four clown-themed DC Comics characters.The original Harlequin was a foe of the Golden Age Green Lantern, and later became his wife. The second Harlequin originally debuted as the Joker's Daughter, and was a member of the Teen Titans. The third Harlequin was a member of...
- Had her youth restored, but her soul was won back and the deal undone by the original Green Lantern Alan Scott (Sentinel)Alan ScottAlan Scott is a fictional character, a superhero in the and the first superhero to bear the name Green Lantern.-Publication history:The original Green Lantern was created by young struggling artist Martin Nodell, who was inspired by the sight of a New York Subway employee waving a red lantern to...
(Abyss: Hell's Sentinel). - HawkmanHawkmanHawkman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, the original Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1, published by All-American Publications in 1940....
- One of his "Hawk-Avatar" spirits sold its soul to gain ascendance over the other avatars also resident in his body, but failed (Underworld Unleashed #2)(Hawkman vol 3 #27); - Madame XanaduMadame XanaduMadame Xanadu is a fictional character, a comic book mystic published by DC Comics. The character is identified with Nimue, the sorceress from Arthurian mythology made popular by Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur.-Publication history:...
- Offered power over demons in exchange for her soul on her death, which she accepted - to trick Neron because she was immortal. Neron offered a deal just to prove that he could tempt those with 'gray souls' as well as those who were evil (Spectre vol 3 #35 - #36); - The RayRay (comics)The Ray is the name of four fictional characters, all superheroes in the DC Comics universe.The first Ray was a Quality Comics character who was one of those purchased by DC Comics. He was later retconned as a member of the Freedom Fighters...
- Thought Neron was a beautiful woman, Kathy Noren, who worked in his office. Neron makes a deal with Vandal Savage not to go after Ray's soul in exchange for Vandal guiding Neron to Atomic SkullAtomic SkullAtomic Skull is the name of two different DC Comics supervillains.-Albert Michaels:Albert Michaels was a brilliant but distinctly unfriendly scientist-administrator at S.T.A.R. Labs with a rare nervous system disorder that short-circuited the electrical impulses in his brain, creating painful and...
instead. Ray then approaches Kathy/Neron, who avoids the conditions of the deal with Vandal Savage by letting Ray make the offer to take flowers to a hospital in exchange for Death Masque no longer having existed - and thus Ray's father would not die. Did not fulfill the terms of his deal (Underworld Unleashed #2)(The Ray vol 2 #18 - #19)(Justice League Task Force #30); - The SpectreSpectre (comics)The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
- The essence of The Spectre (not his host, Jim CorriganJim CorriganJim Corrigan is the name of three fictional characters that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The first Corrigan initially appeared in More Fun Comics #52 , a deceased cop acting as host to the cosmic entity the Spectre, and was created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard...
) agreed not to oppose Neron in order to be free of Corrigan. The deal did not include not fighting other demons, so Spectre became involved in the supernatural heroes attack on Hell (Spectre vol 3 #35 - #36) (Underworld Unleashed #2) (Underworld Unleashed: Abyss - Hell's Sentinel #1); - Vril Dox IIVril DoxVril Dox, also known as Brainiac 2, is a fictional character published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Superman #167, , and was created by Edmond Hamilton, Cary Bates, and Curt Swan.-Publication history:...
- Sold somebody's soul for information on how to regain control of L.E.G.I.O.N.L.E.G.I.O.N.L.E.G.I.O.N., is a team of fictional extraterrestrial superheroes, a science fiction comic book published by DC Comics. They first appeared in Invasion! #1, and were created by Keith Giffen, Bill Mantlo and Todd McFarlane...
by killing his son Lyrl Dox. Also had Iceman killed (actually he asked for him 'to no longer be a problem' , but was happy with the result) (L.E.G.I.O.N. #14)(R.E.B.E.L.S. #13);
Superheroes who rejected Neron's offer
The following is an almost complete list of the superheroes who are known to have refused Neron's offer. A number of others may be very briefly shown dealing with Neron in Underworld Unleashed #2.- BatmanBatmanBatman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
(Bruce Wayne) - Offered the resurrection of the Jason ToddJason ToddJason Peter Todd is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Jason first appeared in Batman #357 and became the second Robin, sidekick to the superhero Batman, when the previous Robin went on to star in The New Teen Titans under the moniker of Nightwing.Though...
Robin (
Captain Atom
Captain Atom is a fictional comic book superhero that has existed in three basic incarnations. Created by writer Joe Gill and artist/co-writer Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Space Adventures #33 . Captain Atom was created for Charlton Comics but was later acquired by DC Comics and revised for...
- Unknown offer (
Wally West
The Flash is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. He is the first Kid Flash and the third Flash....
(Wally West) - Offered the resurrection of Flash (Barry Allen) (
Green Lantern
The Green Lantern is the shared primary alias of several fictional characters, superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell in All-American Comics #16 .Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and...
(Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
) - The resurrection of Alex DeWitt (
Knockout (comics)
Knockout is a fictional character, a supervillainess in the DC Comics universe. She first appeared in Superboy vol. 2 #1 , and was created by Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett.-Fictional character biography:...
- Offered "power, prestige, anything you could dream of" (Superboy vol 3 #22);
Mystek
Mystek is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Created by Christopher Priest and Manny Clark in the The Ray v2 #12 and died in Justice League Task Force #32 .-Fictional character biography:...
- Unknown offer (Justice League Task Force #30);
Dick Grayson
Dick Grayson is a fictional superhero that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and illustrator Jerry Robinson, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940....
- Unknown offer (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Barbara Gordon
Barbara Gordon is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media, created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino...
(Barbara Gordon) - Offered the use of her legs again, invulnerability and powers to rival Superman's if she would become his librarian; while her soul was hers to keep. She declined, fearing she would lose her soul anyway Underworld Unleashed - Patterns of Fear);
Silver Swan (comics)
The Silver Swan are three fictional characters in the Wonder Woman stories. The first Silver Swan first appeared in Wonder Woman vol. 1 #288. The second Silver Swan first appeared in Wonder Woman vol. 2 #15. The third Silver Swan first appeared in Wonder Woman vol...
(Valerie Beaudry) - Unknown offer (Underworld Unleashed #2);
Triumph (comics)
Triumph is a fictional character, a former superhero in the DC Comics universe who first appeared in Justice League America #92 , and was created by Brian Augustyn, Mark Waid and Howard Porter, though the character is primarily associated with writer Christopher Priest...
- Was offered his lost 10 years back, and thus the opportunity to become a major hero and lead the Justice League America if he opened a box containing one of Neron's candles. (Justice League Task Force #30)(Justice League Task Force #35);
Villains who accepted Neron's offer
The following is an incomplete list of the super-villains who are known to have accepted Neron's offer. Others who accepted may have been briefly shown dealing with Neron in Underworld Unleashed #1 but not followed elsewhere in the series.- Abra KadabraAbra Kadabra (comics)Abra Kadabra is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the DC Comics universe and an enemy of the Flash. He first appeared in Flash #128 and was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino.-Fictional character biography:...
- Neron's Lieutenant, was given real magic powers instead of his technological based magical powers and become part of Neron's Inner Council. It is not said whether he sold his soul (prior to Underworld Unleashed #1); - Atomic SkullAtomic SkullAtomic Skull is the name of two different DC Comics supervillains.-Albert Michaels:Albert Michaels was a brilliant but distinctly unfriendly scientist-administrator at S.T.A.R. Labs with a rare nervous system disorder that short-circuited the electrical impulses in his brain, creating painful and...
II - Offered greater power and the life of his love, Zelda (Ray #18 - 19) (Underworld Unleashed - Patterns of Fear); - AzraelAzrael (comics)Azrael is the name of several fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are a group of assassins who were created by The Order of St. Dumas to "enforce god's will"...
- One of the Azrael characters who fell to his death after battling the real Azrael, was offered his life. As a result he was saved during his death fall, given the Azrael/Batman costume and offered the chance to kill Batman, to distract Batman from Neron's plans. Chronologically the first event of Underworld Unleashed (Azrael vol 1 #10); - Blackguard - Offered enhanced intelligence, strength, and equipment (Guy Gardner, Warrior #36);
- Black MantaBlack MantaBlack Manta is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as the archenemy of Aquaman. The character debuted in Aquaman #35 .-Fictional character biography:...
- Gains a manta-like body with superhuman powers (Superboy Vol. 3 #20) - BlazeBlaze and SatanusBlaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
- Initially became one of Neron's Lieutants and assigned to keep the DC Universe's mystical heroes occupied. Sold to Neron by her demon brother Satanus in return for his own soul back (Fate #12 - 14)(Underworld Unleashed: Abyss - Hell's Sentinel)(Underworld Unleashed #3); - Blockbuster (Roland Desmond) - Asked to be smarter, but later realized he should have asked for more as he still had his original ugly body (Underworld Unleashed #1)(Impulse #8);
- BoltBolt (DC Comics)Bolt is a fictional character and supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. His first appearance was in Blue Devil #6 .-Larry Bolatinsky:...
- Given a chance to carry out his 'dream' assassination, the murder of a well-protected computer expert (Justice League America #105); - Brimstone - Techno-seed and the Brimstone personality possess a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist who deals with Neron for power; he was killed (referred to in Underworld Unleashed - Patterns of Fear);
- Buggmeister - A criminal on the run from Lobo who exchanged his soul for insect powers. Eaten by giant cockroach (Lobo #22);
- Captain BoomerangCaptain BoomerangCaptain Boomerang is a fictional character in the . A supervillain traditionally portrayed as an enemy of the Flash...
- Was given healed, cybernetic hands and the promise he would be one of the greatest villains ever. Killed carrying out his task (Underworld Unleashed #1); - Captain ColdCaptain ColdCaptain Cold, real name Leonard Snart, is a comic book villain created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino as one of the archenemies of Flash. He is a leader of the Rogues...
- Promised he would be one of the greatest villains ever. Killed carrying out his task (Underworld Unleashed #1); - CheetahCheetah (comics)The Cheetah is a fictional character, a super-villainess appearing in DC Comics publications and related media. Popularly regarded as the archenemy of Wonder Woman, the Cheetah first appeared in 1943 in Wonder Woman #6 , written by Wonder Woman creator William Moulton Marston...
- Initially it seemed that the Cheetah had been given a more bestial form, and becomes more animal as she gets angrier (Guy Gardner, Warrior #36); later, it was explained that she had sold her soul to resurrect a friend, resulting in the aforementioned reversion to a more feral state (Wonder Woman v.2 #119). - Chiller - Given a chance to carry out his dream assassination, the murder of a well-protected pop star; (Justice League America #105);
- ChronosChronos (comics)Chronos is the name of several fictional characters of DC Comics, both supervillains who take their name from the Greek personification of Time and have the ability of time travel and can manipulate history.-David Clinton:...
- in exchange for attempting to kill Atom he was given time-travel, time manipulation, and phasing powers, but these caused accelerated aging. He then devised a glove that allowed him to age others instead, thus partly negating the deal (Underworld Unleashed #1)(Legion of Super-Heroes v.3 #75)(Legionnaires #32); - CirceCirce (comics)Circe is a fictional character, a villainous sorceress and a major adversary of Wonder Woman appearing in DC Comics publications and related media. Based upon the Greek mythological character of the same name who imprisoned Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, the comic book incarnation of Circe first...
- given greater power to avenge her defeats by Wonder Woman; became part of Neron's Inner Council (prior to Underworld Unleashed #1); - CopperheadCopperhead (DC Comics)Copperhead is a DC Comics supervillain, he first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #78, June and was created by Bob Haney and Bob Brown.-"John Doe":...
- became a snake-man hybrid, with enhanced reflexes and agility, venomous fangs, a forked tongue, venomous claws and a prehensile tail; but now susceptible to cold (Underworld Unleashed #1)(Damage #18); - DeadlineDeadline (DC Comics)Deadline is a fictional villain in the DC Comics universe. He first appears in the story "Deadline Doom!" in Starman #15 .-Fictional character biography:...
- given the chance to carry out his dream assassination, the murder of a Texas District Attorney (Justice League America #105 - 106); - DeadshotDeadshotDeadshot is a fictional character, a supervillain/assassin in the DC Universe and an enemy of Batman. He first appears in Batman #59 and was created by Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Schwartz....
- given the chance to carry out his dream assassination, the destruction of an entire kindergarten; (Justice League America #105 -106); - Doctor BedlamDoctor BedlamDoctor Bedlam is a DC Comics supervillain created by Jack Kirby as part of his Fourth World comic series of the 1970s. He is part of Darkseid's Elite on the planet Apokolips...
of New Apokolips - unknown offer designed to cause maximum chaos and death on New Apokolips (Underworld Unleashed: Apokolips - Dark Uprising); - Dr. PhosphorusDoctor PhosphorusDoctor Phosphorus is a fictional character who has appeared in various comic book series published by DC Comics. Primarily an enemy of Batman, the supervillain exists in DC's main shared universe, known as the DC Universe...
- given greater power and control. (Starman vol 2 #13); - Doctor PolarisDoctor PolarisDoctor Polaris is an alias used by two fictional supervillains, comic book characters published by DC Comics. Neil Emerson first appeared as Doctor Polaris in Green Lantern #21 , and was created by John Broome and Gil Kane. The second Dr...
- sold the soul to be rid of his benevolent personality, Neal Emerson. Became part of Neron's Inner Circle (prior to Underworld Unleashed #1); - Earthworm - given great superhuman powers, including humanoid worm-like physiology, stretching powers, vibrational drill power, and psionic control of vermin; (Guy Gardner #36);
- Enforcer ('Joe Gardner', a Draalian clone of Guy Gardner) - given enhanced equipment, superhuman strength, durability, and flight powers; (Guy Gardner Warrior #37);
- Evil StarEvil Star-Guy Pompton:Guy Pompton, owner of Ace Movie Rental Agency and a crime lord, dons a costumed identity in 1948 to stop a movie studio from completing a film using a script that will expose his criminal activities...
II - becomes able to create dozens of his 'Starling' spawn, though they are no longer indestructible as were the original five 'Starlings'; - Gorilla GroddGorilla GroddGorilla Grodd is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of The Flash. He debuted in Flash v.1 #106 , and was created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino....
- restored intelligence and psionic powers. Told the whereabouts of The Talisman of Arok to legitimise his reign over Gorilla City, but Catwoman keeps it from him (Catwoman #27); - Heat WaveHeat Wave (comics)Heat Wave is a fictional villain in the DC Universe and a primary foe of the Flash.-Fictional character biography:Born on a farm outside Central City, Mick Rory became fascinated with fire, as a child. This fascination turned into an obsession and one night, he set his family's home ablaze...
- promised he would be one of the greatest villains ever. Killed carrying out his task (Underworld Unleashed #1); - HellgrammiteHellgrammite (comics)Hellgrammite is a fictional character, a supervillain appearing in DC Comics. He first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #80 .-Fictional character biography:...
- given enhanced powers, and his 'Drone' offspring can no longer be converted back to human by exposure to x-rays (Adventures of Superman #530) - Ice Man - given completely new set of non-ice based powers and enhanced strength. Killed by Neron as part of a later deal with Vril Dox (R.E.B.E.L.S. #13);
- The JokerJoker (comics)The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
- sold his soul for a box of Cuban cigars. Became part of Neron's Inner Council, but double-crossed him (prior to Underworld Unleashed #1)(Underworld Unleashed #2); - Killer FrostKiller FrostKiller Frost is the name of two fictional characters in the DC Comics universe. They are both supervillains that appear mainly as foes of the superhero Firestorm.-Crystal Frost:...
- given greater power (Superboy vol 3 #22); - Killer MothKiller MothKiller Moth is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He first appeared in Batman #63 published in 1951. Killer Moth originally wore a garish costume with striped purple and green spandex, orange cape and a moth-like mask....
- transformed into an actual moth monster - Charaxes (Underworld Unleashed #1)(Robin vol 3 #23); - Krypen - an inmated at Arkham AsylumArkham AsylumThe Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
who made a deal with Neron to get him Batman's soul by poisoning everyone in Arkham and then forcing Batman to kill someone to get the antidote. Plan was thwarted when Batman poisoned Krypen to make him give up antidote's location. (Underworld Unleashed: Devil's Asylum) - Lex LuthorLex LuthorLex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
- restored completely to health for his soul and giving 'consultancy' to Neron. Became one of Neron's Inner Council but double-crossed him (prior to Underworld Unleashed #1)(Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #3)(Underworld Unleashed #2); - Lobo - rid himself of a radio that had been implanted in his brain for 20 years by wishing it to Neron after Neron refused to grant the first deal - Neron's own soul - as he didn't have one (Lobo #22);
- Major DisasterMajor DisasterMajor Disaster is a former DC Comics supervillain and reluctant amoral superhero. He debuted in Green Lantern # 43.-Fictional character biography:Paul Booker was nothing more than a cheap crook...
- given the magical ability to perceive probability and locate weak points in objects and people in exchange for killing Aquaman. Mistakenly kills Thanatos, who has usurped Aquaman's place in Atlantis, instead (Aquaman v5, #14); - MerlynMerlyn (DC Comics)Merlyn is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. He is an archer created by writer Mike Friedrich, artist Dick Dillin, and inker Neal Adams as an archvillain of the hero Green Arrow, and he first appeared in Justice League of America #94 ....
- given the chance to carry out his dream assassination, the murder of Batman; (Justice League America #106); - MetalloMetalloMetallo is a comic book supervillain and cyborg who appears in Superman stories published by DC Comics. Metallo's trademark is his kryptonite power source, which he often uses as a weapon against Superman. His traditional identity is John Corben...
- gained the ability to morph into any mechanical shape he could imagine and project his consciousness into any technological or metallic device, as well as absorbing any machinery he came in contact with to enhance his body (Steel vol 2 #21)(Underworld Unleashed #1); - Mirror MasterMirror MasterMirror Master is a fictional character and a supervillain in the DC Universe. He is a recurring foe of the Flash with considerable technical expertise and skills involving the use of mirrors. Four individuals have donned the guise of Mirror Master...
II - promised he would be one of the greatest villains ever. Died carrying out his task; (Underworld Unleashed #1) - MistMist (comics)The Mist is the name of two DC Comics supervillains, archenemies of the original and 1990s Starman. For the DC Comics superhero, see The Omega Men.-Mist :...
- cured of his senile dementia in exchange for destroying Opal City and harming the Shade. (Starman v.2 #71) - Mr. FreezeMr. FreezeMr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman. Created by Bob Kane, he first appeared in Batman #121 ....
- given natural cryokinetic powers (although this was later reverted) (Green Lantern v.3 #68-69; Batman #535); - New GodsNew GodsThe New Gods are a fictional race appearing in publications by DC Comics, as well as the title for four series of comic books about those characters. They first appeared in New Gods #1 , and were created and designed by Jack Kirby....
of ApokolipsApokolipsIn the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
- Granny GoodnessGranny GoodnessGranny Goodness is a fictional character, a deity and supervillain published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Kirby, Granny Goodness was modeled on comedienne Phyllis Diller and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol...
and Virman VundarbarVirman VundabarVirman Vundabar is a fictional extraterrestrial supervillain published by DC Comics. He was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in Mister Miracle vol. 1 #5 "drawn like Benito Mussolini."-Fictional character biography:...
were given information about each others' schemes (so as to perpetuate their civil war), although Targa of New Apokolips refuses a deal. In exchange Neron caused war and chaos on New Apokolips (Underworld Unleashed: Apokolips - Dark Uprising); - Ocean MasterOcean MasterThe Ocean Master is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Aquaman #29 , and was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy.-Pre-Crisis:...
- given a staff that granted him magical powers, but it caused him excruciating pain when he was not actually holding it; (Aquaman #vol 5 #14); - Psycho Pirate IIPsycho-PirateThe Psycho-Pirate is the name of two DC Comics supervillains, dating back to the Golden Age of Comics.-Charles Halstead:Charles Halstead is a minor character who first appears in All-Star Comics #23, created by Gardner Fox and Joe Gallagher...
(Roger Hadley) - given more power and merged with his Medusa Mask; becomes a psychic vampire who stays sane by leeching the remaining power after his mask has fed on others (Manhunter vol 2 #11 - 12)(Underworld Unleashed - Patterns of Fear); - PurgatoryPurgatory (comics)Purgatory is the name of a DC Comics supervillain.-History:Paul Christian is a man who lost his legs in a subway accident. Years later, he was almost injured during a battle involving the Green Lantern Kyle Rayner. To make amends, Kyle used his Power Ring to give Paul new legs...
- gained permanent legs and a Green Lantern-type green flame power in exchange for killing Green Lantern. Taken by Neron when he fails (Green Lantern v.3 #68 - 69); - Rag DollRag dollA rag doll is a children's toy. It is a cloth figure, a doll traditionally home-made from spare scraps of material. They are one of the most ancient children's toys in existence; the British Museum has a Roman rag doll, found in a child's grave dating from 300 BC.Rag dolls have featured in a...
(Peter Merkel, Sr.) - Youth restored and flexibility enhanced by Neron in exchange for destroying Opal City and harming the Shade. (Starman v.2 #71) - SatanusBlaze and SatanusBlaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
- became a Lieutenant of Neron and was assigned to kill the Leymen of Primal ForcePrimal ForcePrimal Force is a comic book series which was published by DC Comics from October 1994 to December 1995 and ran fifteen issues, including a zero numbered issue. The series starred The Leymen, a magic-themed superhero team in the fictional DC Universe...
publicly. When he failed, he traded information on the whereabouts of his sister for his soul back, but was killed after threatening Neron when it was returned (Primal Force #13 - 14)(Underworld Unleashed #3); - Shadow Thief - given a more powerful costume possessing the ability to bring shadows to life and change other people and objects to evil shadows under his control; (Flash vol 2 #107);
- Shrapnel - given enhanced power (Justice League Task Force #30);
- Louie Snipe (the informer who helped kill Jim CorriganJim CorriganJim Corrigan is the name of three fictional characters that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The first Corrigan initially appeared in More Fun Comics #52 , a deceased cop acting as host to the cosmic entity the Spectre, and was created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard...
before he became The Spectre) - his soul was freed from Hell in exchange for acting as host for The Spectre instead of Corrigan (The Spectre vol 3 #36 - 37); - Sledge - given enhanced strength (Justice League Task Force #30);
- SpellbinderSpellbinder (DC Comics)Spellbinder is the name of three fictional characters that appear as villains in comic books published by DC Comics. Versions of the character have appeared on the animated series Batman Beyond and The Batman.-Delbert Billings:...
(Fay Moffit) - given visually based illusion powers if her eyes are uncovered. The deal was made after she shot the original Spellbinder (Delbert Billings), who refused to deal (Detective Comics #691 - 692); - Star SapphireStar Sapphire (comics)Star Sapphire is the name of several supervillains in DC Comics, all connected in origin. Within DC continuity, an immortal race of warrior women were depicted as having the ancient tradition of choosing physically identical mortals from across the cosmos to serve as the host body for their queen....
/(Carol FerrisCarol FerrisCaroline "Carol" Ferris is a character in the . She is one of many characters who has used the name Star Sapphire, and is a long-time love interest of Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern. Her original design was based on Elizabeth Taylor...
) - offered a normal life without Sapphire's spirit or her child. She was separated from Carol, and the child taken by Neron (Extreme Justice #10 - 11); - TricksterTrickster (comics)The Trickster is the name of two fictional characters, DC Comics supervillains that are both enemies of the Flash. The original Trickster first appeared in Flash #113 , while the second debuted in Flash #183 .-James Jesse:The original Trickster is a practical joker and conman whose favorite...
is not actually offered a deal, but Neron uses him to watch his Inner Council, telling him that there would be time for a deal later. - Tezcatlipoca IITezcatlipoca (DC Comics)Tezcatlipoca is a the name used by two fictional characters who appeared in the DC Comics. One is the deity from Aztec mythology and appeared in Wonder Woman. The other is a character who appeared in Green Arrow and is a hybrid of human and jaguar, a werejaguar.-Aztec deity:The Aztec god...
- turned into a feral were-jaguar (Green Arrow vol 2 #102 - 103); - Weather WizardWeather WizardWeather Wizard is a fictional DC Comics supervillain. The Weather Wizard first appeared in Flash #110 .- Early life :...
- promised he would be one of the greatest villains ever. Killed carrying out his task (Underworld Unleashed #1);
Villains who rejected Neron's offer
The following is an incomplete list of the super-villains who are known to have refused Neron's offer. Others who were briefly shown dealing with Neron in 'Underworld Unleashed' #1 may also have refused, but have not been directly identified as having done so.- CarapaxCarapaxCarapax is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. Carapax first appeared in Blue Beetle vol. 2 #1 , and was created by Len Wein and Paris Cullins. Carapax is featured as the archenemy of Blue Beetle.-Fictional character biography:...
- - CatmanCatman (comics)Catman is a modern version of a fictional character in comic books published by DC Comics, initially a supervillain and foe of Batman, although in recent years has developed into a more capable and antiheroic figure. He first appeared in Detective Comics #311...
- - The FiddlerFiddler (comics)The Fiddler is a fictional character, a DC Comics supervillain and a recurring foe of the first Flash . He first appeared in All-Flash #32 .-Fictional character biography:...
- was the only person to have recognised Neron as the Devil at the beginning (
Mongul
Mongul is the name of two fictional characters that appear in comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the character debuted in DC Comics Presents #27 and was created by writer Len Wein and artist Jim Starlin. The second version first appears in Showcase '95 #85 and was created by...
- killed by Neron after refusing a deal and attacking him (
Prankster (Comics)
The Prankster was a short-lived comic book super hero who appeared in a series published by Charlton Comics. His only appearance was in Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt #60 in Nov./Dec. 1967...
- Unknown offer
Riddler
The Riddler is a fictional character, a comic book character and supervillain published by DC Comics, and an enemy of Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Dick Sprang, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #140 ....
- Unknown offer.
Scarecrow (comics)
The Scarecrow is a fictional character, a supervillain, that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
- claimed to have dealt with Neron while battling Hawkman, but privately revealed he was bluffing (
Spellbinder (DC Comics)
Spellbinder is the name of three fictional characters that appear as villains in comic books published by DC Comics. Versions of the character have appeared on the animated series Batman Beyond and The Batman.-Delbert Billings:...
(Delbert Billings) - when he refused Neron's deal he was killed by his girlfriend, who took the deal and became the new Spellbinder (
Shade (comics)
The Shade is a comic book character developed in the 1940's for National Comics. Debuting as a villain, the Shade was best known for fighting against two generations of superheroes, most notably the Golden Age and Silver Age versions of the Flash...
- claimed to no longer be a villain, telling Neron to
Vandal Savage
Vandal Savage is a fictional character, a supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Green Lantern vol. 1 #10 , and was created by Alfred Bester and Martin Nodell....
- offers his soul but Neron refuses it as it is "black and tasteless" rather than innocent (
List of
Underworld Unleashed titles The following DC Comics titles contained stories linked to Underworld Unleashed. They are listed in a roughly chronological order as the series did not flow in a strictly linear manner - most titles fit loosely into a framework delineated by the 3 issues of the limited series:In addition:
- Deathstroke #53 (November 1995) alludes to events in Underworld Unleashed but is not identified as a tie-in on the cover.
- Starman v.2 #71 revealed that the Shade's rejection of Neron led to deals with the Rag Doll and the Mist to destroy his adopted home, Opal City, but these deals were only seen in flashbacks to the story published well after the crossover.
- Aquaman v.5 #18 reveals the Ocean Master's deal a few months after the crossover ended, but is not a labeled tie-in.
Other information
- When the villains arrive in Hell (Underworld Unleashed #2), Neron's first words to them are 'Please allow me to introduce myself' , the opening line of The Rolling StonesThe Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
' song 'Sympathy For the DevilSympathy for the Devil"Sympathy for the Devil" is a song by The Rolling Stones which first appeared as the opening track on the band's 1968 album Beggars Banquet. It was written by Mick Jagger credited to Jagger/Richards...
' . It is also the first thing he says to Paul Christian, who becomes Purgatory (Green Lantern #68).
- There are later repercussions from Neron's actions, mainly due to a number of candles still extant. Among these, both Triumph and Kid DevilKid DevilRed Devil , formerly known as Kid Devil, was a superhero in the DC Comics universe. Created by Alan Kupperberg, Dan Mishkin, and Gary Cohn, he first appeared in Blue Devil #14.-Origin and early heroics:...
are seriously affected, but these events are outside of the Underworld Unleashed story arc.
Reprints
The 3-issue limited series Underworld Unleashed, together with Underworld Unleashed: Abyss - Hell's Sentinel # 1 was collected as a trade paperbackTrade paperback (comics)
In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles...
Underworld Unleashed DC Comics, 1998, 158pp (ISBN 1-56389-447-5).
External links
- Underworld Unleashed at the DC Database - http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Underworld_Unleashed (note: story synopsis for 'Underworld Unleashed' main series, but very incomplete list of associated titles)
- 'The Unofficial Underworld Unleashed Chronology' - http://www.dcuguide.com/chronology.php?name=underworldunleashed (note: actually not in any chronological order)