List of criminal organizations in comics
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The villainous or shadowy group and or organization is a long standing trope in adventure fiction, from Professor Moriarty's band of villains, to the sinister Mole Men that bedeviled Superman in his 1951 television show. This page will attempt to provide a somewhat complete list and history of the many criminal and terrorist organizations present in comic books.
[edit] Dark Horse Comics
[edit] Individual Eleven
The Individual Eleven (or Particularist Eleven) is a fictional terrorist group dealt with by Public Security Section 9 from the Ghost in the Shell manga series. The Individual Eleven's motive for terror is an essay also entitled "The Individual Eleven", which was, in reality, a fake essay implanted with a computer virus that infected everyone who read it. The virus itself does not cause the members of the Individual Eleven to commit their acts of terror, it is their own political views which cause them to do so. The virus only seems to make them unwilling martyrs.
[edit] DC Comics
[edit] The 100
Originally based in Metropolis, the 100 kept a firm grip on the city's criminal underworld for years, indulging in crimes such as drug trafficking and racketeering. Their first appearance was in Superman's Girl Friend Lois Lane #105.
[edit] The 1000
The former Director of the 1000 was a US senator named Henry Ballard who shepherded the organization's new direction and goals. Under Director Ballard the 100 changed its name to the 1000, attempting to expand their reach to even the Oval Office with Director Ballard as the presidential candidate. The (1000) first appear in Booster Gold #2 March (1986).
[edit] 2000 Committee
A vast criminal organization which planned to take over the world by the year 2000. The 2000 Committee gave a criminal named Breathtaker the task of killing Firestorm (Ron Raymond), and he passed the task on to a villainess named Mindboggler. Firestorm defeated both Breathtaker and Mindboggler and handed them over to the authorities. Mindboggler later led Firestorm to the headquarters of the Committee. The Committee was founded by corrupt industrialist Henry Hewitt, Aka Tokamak, and first appeared in Fury of Firestorm #15. Other operatives of the Committee were the Enforcers (Leroy Merkyn and Mica) and Multiplex. [1]
[edit] Altered Strain
Altered Strain was "formed after the Invasion, all its known members carriers of the metagene who manifest no powers. They saw themselves as natural leaders, and wanted the US government to find a way to turn on everyone's metagene. They first appear in Wonder Woman Annual # 3.[2]
[edit] ASP
The Neo-Nazi terrorist organization known as the American Supremacist Party first appeared in Checkmate vol. 1 issue #1. The group was responsible for a series of fatal bombings and attempted to release a weaponized biological agent.
[edit] The Battalion of Doom
The Battalion of Doom kidnapped a variety of influential journalists and businessmen and demanded "the complete surrender of all political, financial and police power in Gotham". If the demands were not met, the Battalion was prepared to detonate a nuclear device within the city. After infiltrating the terrorists as a West Coast enforcer, Superman joined Batman in rescuing the hostages and locating the bomb. The members of the Battalion wore military browns with magenta hoods over their heads. First and only appearance, Brave and the Bold #150.[2]
[edit] Black Dragon Society
The Black Dragon Society is based on a real world WW II organization of the same name, this society wasn't nearly as sinister as its comic book counterparts. Three different comics companies used the Black Dragon Society as villains in the 1940's, they were National Comics (DC Comics), Fawcett Comics and Quality Comics. Interesting enough DC Comics came to own the other two companies so all the different incarnations of the Black Dragon Society now belong to them. All-Star Comics #12 had the "The Black Dragon Menace" in which a Japanese spy ring called the Black Dragon Society of Japan steals eight American inventions and kindnaps their inventors.
The modern versions of the Black Dragon Society show up in the pages of Power Company #1. This version appears to be made up of fanatical, east asian Eco-terrorists.
[edit] Black Ops
Black Ops was a criminal organization devoted to accumulating power with sophisticated headquarters in both Metropolis and Washington, D.C. Its leader was Hazard, otherwise known as philanthropist Manuel Cabral, head of Rainforest Technologies (and secretly affiliated with weapons manufacturer Amertek). His costumed operatives included his female second-in-command Shellshock, Flatline, Hardsell, Hotspot, Mainline, Quake, Shellgame and Split. The techno-pirates had frequent clashes with Steel, who ultimately prevented them from seizing control of the United States' nuclear arsenal. The team first appears in Steel #6.[2]
[edit] Cell Six
Cell Six was "the most notorious terrorist organization in Latin America," one responsible for the abduction of Wayne Enterprises' Lucius Fox while he was in the country of Hasaragua. They demanded three million dollars in ransom, and a letter of apology from Wayne Enterprises for despoiling Hasaragua's environment and the exploitation of its people.
The kidnapping was eventually exposed as a collaboration between Hasaragua's finance minister and Cell Six. In Gotham City, Cell Six also staged a kidnapping attempt against the wife of a Hasaraguan ambassador. Cell Six troops could be visually distinguished by the roman numberal "VI" (for 6) tattooed on their foreheads.[2]
[edit] Children of Light
The Children of Light was a Mid-Eastern costumed terrorist group originally led by Kahman Abhood. Following Abhood's arrest, the group seized control of a S.T.A.R. Labs/Waynetech satellite, equipped it with a laser cannon and threatened to destroy cities at will if their demands were not met. Batman and Supergirl defeated the group and discovered that they'd allied themselves with Doctor Light. They first appear in Brave and the Bold #147.[2]
[edit] Colossus
Colossus was a mysterious organization that sought the secret of Alec Holland's bio-restorative formula to create an army of swamp men similar to the Swamp Thing. The organization was led by a mysterious council, each member of which wore a uniquely colored costume (Councilman Red, Councilman Blue). Colossus had the ability to mutate humans into monstrous agents known as "Elementals". Only one Elemental by the name of Thrudvang the Earth Master was ever actually depicted, he was a skid row bum who transformed into a hulking yellow monster with the "ability to disrupt the earth". Colossus' chief enforcer was Sabre, a red and blue costumed figure with a long thin blade replacing his right hand. They first appear in Thing Swamp Thing vol. 1 # 23.[2]
[edit] D.M.T.
The D.M.T. were an international weapons coalition who came into possession of an extraterrestrial craft and its pilot following the events of Invasion Their field-agents wore gold armor that was equipped with weapons and flight-packs. The D.M.T. first appear in Superman #48.[2]
[edit] Eden Corps
Outwardly an above-board West Coast organization, the Eden Corps soon established itself as a radical terrorist cell dedicated to taking on "corporate American and its ravagers". Led by Hyrax (Veronica Dale), the Eden Corps committed terrorist styled crimes like bombing dams on its way to a bigger goal, unleashing a Russian-created weaponized germ that ate plastic. Before the Eden Corps could unleash the germ on Metropolis, Green Arrow intervened. Hyrax died in the battle and Green Arrow followed soon after. First appearance Green Arrow #97.[2]
[edit] Empire of Death
The Empire of Death was a terrorist group formed by a former Nazi SS colonel named Von Gross. Its agents wore skull masks, possessed a fleet of aircraft and operated from a giant solar-powered flying skull. With "trained agents in every corner of the globe," the Empire of Death engaged in espionage and contract assassination with an eye towards world domination. Von Gross was eventaully slain by Blackhawk but the Empire of Death remained a going concern through its operatives. The commander of the Empire of Death's undersea forces was Killer Shark, who retooled the War Wheel into an amphibious weapon of destruction. First appearance, Blackhawk #249.[2]
[edit] H.I.V.E.
H.I.V.E. stands for The Hierarchy of International Vengeance and Extermination. During the first incarnation of the H.I.V.E., the H.I.V.E. Master gathered seven other unnamed criminal scientists to take over the world and eliminate their enemies in the form of Superman and the Teen Titans. The HIVE Master is later killed and replaced by the H.I.V.E. Mistress and to enlist Deathstroke to help them out.
The second Incarnation of the H.I.V.E. was established by Adeline Kane, Deathstroke's ex-wife. They were tracked down by Tartarus, an Anti-Titans led by Vandal Savage and made up of Gorilla Grodd, Lady Vic, Red Panzer, Siren, and Cheshire.
[edit] Intergang
A criminal cartel secretly organised by Darkseid, who was using Intergang to help track down the Anti-Life Equation. Intergang first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970).
[edit] Kobra Cult
Kobra is an international terrorist and mad scientist whose namesake organization has crossed paths with the majority of Earth's costumed heroes during his attempts to usher in the Kali Yuga (an age of chaos). His real name is Jeffrey Franklin Burr, and he was born part of a set of twins, but was stolen at birth by the Cult of the Kobra god, since a prophecy claimed he would lead them to rule the world. Under their teaching, he became a dangerous warrior and a sadistic criminal mastermind. Kobra led the cult into using advanced technology to menace the world. Kobra the organization, first appears in Kobra #1, cover dated March 1976. Kobra created two separate teams of superpowered mercenaries called Strike Force Kobra.
[edit] League of Assassins
The League of Assassins is a cultlike organization of trained killers formerly led by Ra's al Ghul, an enemy of Batman. The League of Assassins was founded by Ra's al Ghul (exactly when is unknown) to be "the fang that protects the head" (Batgirl #67, 2005). Members of the League demonstrated willingness to die at a word from Ra's. They have included some of the most dangerous assassins in the world including Lady Shiva, David Cain, and master archer Merlyn.
[edit] Les Mille Yeux
Les Mille Yeux "The Thousand Eyes" was a major international crime cartel involved in drugs, arms smuggling and political blackmail. Phantom Lady fought and blinded their Washington, D.C. leader, Edwin Guerrehart. First appearance in Action Comics Weekly #636. Les Mille Yeux later hired Colonel Computron to kidnap Starman.[2]
[edit] MAZE
MAZE was an international espionage agency, that stole information from around the world to sell to the highest bidder. They also undertook assignments to discredit political dissidents and assassinate world leaders. MAZE had access to a number of super-weapons and was constantly seeking new items for its arsenal. First appearance in Superman #268.[1]. MAZE operatives frequently fought Batgirl and Robin in the pages of Batman Family in the 1970s.
[edit] New Order
The New Order was a group of metahumans named Cain, Ammo, Corona and Scud who commandeered a nuclear facility and demanded "one billion dollars and all mutant wild life freed". The Flash and Green Lantern took them down in Justice Society of America vol. 2# 1.[2]
[edit] Oblivion Front
The Oblivion Front, whose forces were clad in blue, red and gold armor, was "a terrorist splinter group" led by Dominion (Dominique Duchamp). Dominion herself wore a similar, less-armored costume and had a scar down the right side of her face. Dominion later led the Oblivion Front on an assault during which they intended to raid a weapons vault. Instead, the entire group was taken down by Gunfire. First appearance Showcase '94 #1.[2]
[edit] O.G.R.E. I
The Organization for General Revenge and Enslavement was a small but persistent mercenary terrorist group, led by the black-hooded Supreme One, who led specially trained foot soldiers wearing brown uniforms and red helmets. O.G.R.E. was assigned by an unnamed foreign government to retrieve a cache of nuclear missiles beneath an island resort. Aquaman and Mera investigated the matter and were forced to fight the lovers known as Typhoon (I) and the Huntress (II).
The US government was eventually able to locate O.G.R.E.'s central HQ and apparently bombed and destroyed the organization.
[edit] O.G.R.E. II
Unofficial name for the Ocean Going Resource Exchange, commonly referred to as the Exchange.
[edit] Omega
The murders of several foreign intelligence agents led Batman on an international search for answers. In the course of the case, Batman learned of the abduction of Hungarian physicist Lucas Nagy and eventually pieced together clues that indicated that a terrorist organization known as Omega had forced him to build a 20-megaton nuclear bomb. When the terrorists threatened Gotham City with a nuclear holocaust, Batman's own experiences seemed to back up their claims. Eventually, Batman discovered that Omega's leader had manipulated everyone. Unable to force Nagy to create such a bomb, the leader realized that no one would know whether Omega truly had a bomb and set out to convince everyone that it did exist, with Batman as "Omega's prime witness". Only appearance in Batman #283.[2]
[edit] People's Liberation Army
The People's Liberation Army first made its impact on Gotham City with a ten-week assault that included "bombing banks, federal office buildings, courthouses. Their terror campain paralyzed the city. They were led by Thanatos, clad in a skull mask, a green costume and red cape, gloves and boots, and secretly an Italian terrorist named Sophia Santos.
The PLA later resurfaced in Washington, D.C., agreeing to "accidentally" kill an anti-crime senator during one of their attacks in exchange for a delivery of weapons and explosives from syndicate queen Irene Scarfield. The leader of this PLA operation was Bloodclaw, a bald, bearded man with crimson steel fingernails. He disappeared into the Potomac following a fight with Batman and was presumed dead.[2]
[edit] Scorpio
A mercenary group of terrorists-for-hire. Scorpio is a well-equipped organization always on the look out for advanced technology that can easily be weaponized. They were first seen in public fighting off both the Sea Devils and the Challengers of the Unknown.
[edit] S.C.Y.T.H.E.
S.C.Y.T.H.E. was an anti-government terrorist organization from a European country called Lugwainia. They abducted brilliant aeronautics engineer Robert Selkirk, who'd spent years as a political prisoner in a pseudo Soviet nation before gaining asylum in the U.S., and they demanded to exchange with their imprisoned leader, Alexander Sorkhan. A United Nations team consisting of Diana Prince and Steve Trevor were assigned to go with Selkirk to the exchange, but they were waylaid by the terrorists and betrayed by Selkirk himself who helped Sorkhan escape. Their first and only appearances were in Wonder Woman #244.[2]
[edit] Shadowspire
Shadowspire supplied South American drug cartels with the necessary tools of their trade: weapons, transportation, high technology and reliable intelligence. Shadowspire's tentacles penetrate every corrupt government and drug cartel on two continents. They even had the resources and know how to create their own weaponized viruses. Shadowspire's first appearance was in Deathstroke #53. The group was created by Tom Joyner and Mike Collins.[2]
[edit] SKULL
The SKULL organization actively recruited discredited genius' and outcast scientists at the behest of Albert Michaels the first Atomic Skull. Their criminal agenda often brought them into conflict with the terrorist organization known as Kobra. They later expanded their criminal empire to the West Coast. Albert Michaels was one of the sleeper agents of rogue SKULL scientist Alysia Damalis. The SKULL was introduced in 1976's Superman issue #301.
Skull was seemingly inactive until Simon Pons revitalized the group, Pons first appears in Outsiders vol. 1 #6, but does not take an active role until Outsiders vol. 1 Anuual #1 in a story entitled "The Skull..., The Serpent... and the Outsiders". In this story Simon Pons rebuilds SKULL and renews their long standing feud with Kobra.[2]
[edit] S.P.I.D.E.R.
The Society for Political Instability and Diverted Economic Resources also known as S.P.I.D.E.R. was an international crime organization based in a hidden grotto near the Riviera. The eight "legs" of the organization were devoted to Arson, Drugs, Extortion, Fraud, Gambling, Theft, Assassination and Terrorism.
The organization was led by a green costumed albino woman named Mortalla. S.P.I.D.E.R.'s stated intention was to ultimately destabilize all world governments and then take use the chaos to make themselves rich. Most of Mortalla's operatives wore standard green, yellow and red uniforms but her division chiefs, including the Spider and the Widow had distinctive costumes. S.P.I.D.E.R.'s first and only appearances were in Catwoman #48 and #49.[2]
[edit] VULTURE
The organization known as VULTURE (not an acronym) was a vast international crime cartel that was infiltrated, thwarted and eventually completely destroyed by J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter. Their secretive leader had a number of aliases: Mister Vulture, Mister V, and Faceless (a.k.a. Marco Xavier). VULTURE first appeared in House of Mystery #160 July (1966), created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa.[2]
[edit] Marvel Comics
[edit] A.I.M.
Advanced Idea Mechanics first appeared in Strange Tales #146. A.I.M. is a conglomeration of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all governments by technological means. A.I.M. was organized late in World War II by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker to develop advanced weaponry for his subversive organization HYDRA. They were close to developing and attaining nuclear weapons when HYDRA Island was invaded by American and Japanese troops. Although HYDRA suffered a major setback, it survived and grew in secret over the following decades.
[edit] The Brotherhood of Mutants
The Brotherhood of Mutants, originally known as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and briefly as the Brotherhood, is a Marvel Comics supervillain team devoted to mutant superiority over normal humans. They are adversaries of the X-Men. The original Brotherhood was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby and first appeared in X-Men #4 (March 1964).
Their roster has varied and has included many powerful and dangerous mutants. They are often at odds with the more peaceful X-Men but, on rare occasions, have worked alongside them to overcome some greater threat. The Brotherhood was founded by Magneto and was his backing team in the 1960s. 1980s versions of the team were led by Mystique and most 1990s versions by Toad, who dropped much of the political message of the group in favor of petty crime and grasps for power. Various short-lived incarnations have appeared in the 2000s.
[edit] Gene Nation
On the annivesary of the Mutant Massacre, a horrific event in which Mr. Sinister's henchmen the Marauders killed many Morlocks, the members of the terrorist group known as Gene Nation reappeared in the main universe (Earth-616). Their mission was to destroy one human for every Morlock life that was lost.
[edit] The Hand
The Hand is a cult of evil mystical ninjas who are heavily involved in organized crime and mercenary activities such as assassination plots. The Hand covets power above all other objectives. They are primarily based in Japan, but operate internationally. They were founded in the 16th century, and soon became servants of the primordial demon known only as the Beast.
Members of the Hand are practitioners of powerful occult magic and can murder a person and bring that person back to life as a servant of the Hand. Only Elektra, Psylocke and Wolverine are known to have reversed this programming. Wolverine was brainwashed in a combined operation by the Hand and Hydra. The Hand first appeared in Daredevil volume 1 #168 (January, 1981) and were created by writer/artist Frank Miller. They are marked by their red costumes.
[edit] Hellfire Club
Although the club appears to merely be an international social club for wealthy elites, its Inner Circle consists of mutants who try to influence world events for the accumulation of power. They dress in 18th century garb and rank themselves in a system of chess pieces (Black Rook, White Queen, etc.). The group first battled the X-Men in the classic "Dark Phoenix Saga" and the club, or branches of it, have since appeared periodically in various X-Men series. The club is based on the actual Hellfire Club, a secret society of 18th century England.Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 (January 1980).
[edit] HYDRA
The fictional terrorist organization organization first appeared in Strange Tales #135. In its original continuity, it was headed by nondescript businessman Arnold Brown, who was killed as S.H.I.E.L.D. apparently crushed the organization. It soon returned, however, headed by Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, under the aegis of the Nazi Red Skull; HYDRA's changing origin was one of the earliest Marvel retcons. After its initial defeat, several of its branches surfaced, appearing to be unrelated and independent. HYDRA's scientific branch was initially A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics), which later split off into its own organization. Other factions included THEM and the Secret Empire.
Despite the capitalisation, the name is not an acronym, but rather a reference to the mythical Lernaean Hydra. The organization's motto references the myth of the Hydra, proclaiming that if a limb is cut off, two more will take its place, proclaiming their resiliance and growing strength in the face of resistance. HYDRA agents often wear distinctive green garb featuring a serpent motif.
[edit] Maggia
The Maggia is an international crime syndicate, somewhat similar to the Mafia, but the Maggia differs in that it frequently hires supervillains and mad scientists to work for them. Count Nefaria and his daughter Madame Masque have both been leaders of an important Maggia family.
[edit] Mys-Tech
The board of Mys-Tech, a multinational corporation, were originally seven mages who in 987 sold their souls to the demon Mephisto in exchange for immortality. The Mys-Tech board members must provide a steady stream of souls to the demon otherwise they will breech their contract and their own souls will be forfeit. Over the years the board accumulated power and wealth and in the modern age this power and wealth became a business empire.
[edit] Roxxon
Roxxon Oil is a massive petroleum corporation notorious for its determination to make massive profits regardless of any laws or moral principles, often employing superhuman criminals in order to achieve their goals.
[edit] The Serpent Society
The Serpent Society an organization of snake-themed terrorists 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 America and his fellow Avengers. The Serpent Society was the brainchild of Seth Voelker (Sidewinder), and is a descendant of sorts from the original Serpent Squads.
A member known as the Viper used the Society and its resources to poison the water supply of Washington DC, which turned its citizens into snake-men. The ensuing chaos nearly destroyed the capital. A member named Diamondback managed to escape with Sidewinder and solicited help from Captain America (then known as "The Captain") and his allies D-Man, Nomad, the Falcon, and Vagabond. The team stormed Serpent Citadel, rescued the Society members that were loyal to Sidewinder, and captured the rest. The Viper, however managed to escape. In the end, Cobra subdued the Viper and turned her over to the Captain, with the provision that he allows the Serpent Society 24 hours to evacuate from their headquarters.
[edit] U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M.
The Underground Liberated Totally Integrated Mobile Army To Unite Mankind) is a fictional terrorist organization in the Marvel Comics universe. It was founded by the Flag-Smasher in his attempts to destroy nationalism.
