Ambush Bug
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Ambush Bug is a fictional comic book character who has appeared in several DC Comics. His name is supposedly Irwin Schwab, but it must be noted that he suffers from mental problems that prevent him from truly understanding reality around him, so even his true identity might be no more than a delusion on his part. His origin is disputed, although the most commonly accepted origin is that Brum-El (a historical allusion to Beau Brummel, as well as a reference to Superman's father Jor-El) of the planet Schwab sent his clothes from his supposedly doomed planet, hoping that his wardrobe would survive, only to have it intercepted by a giant radioactive space spider. In the resulting crash, only two articles of clothing survived: the Ambush Bug suit, which was subsequently found by Irwin Schwab, and Argh!Yle!, an argyle sock with a Dr. Doom-like complex, complete with metal mask.
Created by artist Keith Giffen as an intentionally silly character, Ambush Bug first appeared in several Superman-related comic books in the early 1980s. At first, Ambush Bug was a villain, named after a type of insect, and dressed in a green, skintight suit (with two orange antennae) that covered his whole body. Inside his hollow antennae, he carried miniature robot bugs that possessed the ability to teleport him around. After attacking Superman and other heroes (and being little more than an annoyance to them) Ambush Bug decided instead to be a superhero as well. He also fancied himself Superman's friend, which only annoyed the hero even more. The costume apparently then became permanently affixed to his body, and he gained the power to teleport by himself. (Again, it's unknown if this is true or just another delusion of his, as he is seen removing the costume at the end of his second mini-series.)
Ambush Bug became popular enough to be featured in two comic book miniseries and several specials, plotted and pencilled by Keith Giffen and scripted by Robert Loren Fleming. These became increasingly surreal, to the point that some don't consider them to be part of the DC Universe. The series also contains many comic book-enthusiast and DC in-jokes and satire; series editor Julius Schwartz is also a character in the book.
During his own 4-part series in 1985, he picked up a doll and, thinking it was alive, 'adopted' it as a partner called "Cheeks, The Toy Wonder," complete with its own costume. Also during this series, he fought a genuine bad guy named Scabbard, from Thriller, a title co-created by Fleming, who left the story midway through after realizing Ambush Bug was a joke.
Ambush Bug is largely considered an absurd character and is rarely used by other writers, though he still exists in the DC Universe and occasionally still appears in some DC Comics. His popularity amongst creators has led to many 'cameos', sometimes with as little as his antennae being visible. In the comics he has become something of a joke to other characters, and has been described as being to real heroes what Ed Wood Jr. was to Alfred Hitchcock.
Most recently, he appeared as part of Firestorm's short-lived Justice League of America in 52 #24.
[edit] Powers and weapons
Ambush Bug's main power is teleportation. At first, this was a function of his suit; Ambush Bug was limited to teleporting to where small receiver bugs were located. Later, after an explosion, Ambush Bug internalized this power. He has been seen using a large futuristic gun in one appearance. Ambush Bug is also aware of his fictionality.
[edit] Awards
The character and series he has named for him have won recognition in the comics industry, including nominations for the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Limited Series and the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Graphic Novel in 1992 for the Ambush Bug Nothing Special. The character was also nominated for the R.A.C. "Squiddy" Award for Favorite Character in 1992.
[edit] External links
- Ambush Bug Archive - a listing of Ambush Bug's sightings, ranging from cameos to alternate versions to mainstream appearances.
- Comic Book Awards Almanac
- Ambush Bug as Metafictional Hero - an article at PrettyFakes.com discusses Ambush Bug as an "avatar of the apocryphal."
