Baron Bedlam
| Baron Bedlam | |
|---|---|
 Baron Bedlam and the Bad Samaritan, from Batman and the Outsiders #32, artist Alan Davis | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Batman and the Outsiders #1 (August 1983) |
| Created by |
Mike W. Barr (writer) Jim Aparo (artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Baron Frederick DeLamb |
| Abilities | superior fighter and tactician |
Baron Bedlam is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Universe. The character first appeared in Batman and the Outsiders #1 (August 1983).
Fictional character biography
Baron Bedlam is really Baron Frederick DeLamb ("Bedlam" is an anagram of his last name). DeLamb's father, formerly a minor government official in the kingdom of Markovia, was installed as a puppet ruler by the Nazis during World War II. It was during this time that Bedlam made advances to a young woman. She became very distressed over this and smashes a bottle into his face. Bedlam gained a prominent scar from that incident, and the woman was executed. At the end of the war, American forces helped the Markov family reclaim the throne. Even though Frederick managed to flee the country, his father was hung by the mob.
Years later, Frederick DeLamb, taking the name Baron Bedlam, gains the support of the Soviet army and the mysterious political manipulator Bad Samaritan. Bedlam murders King Viktor and seizes the throne. Soviet and Markovian forces battle, leading to deaths on both sides.
The crown prince, Brion Markov, with the aide of the scientist Dr. Jace, gains superpowers for the express purpose of stopping this invasion. With the aid of other superheroes, a grouping under Batman's leadership that would soon call themselves the Outsiders, they infiltrate the country. The group gains intelligence on the invasion via the capture of a Soviet pilot.
Geo-Force apparently kills Bedlam by dropping him into a raging mob. Bedlam survives this, however, and has returned many times to face the team.
Soon after, the Outsiders confront another aspect of Bedlam's forces, the super-powered Masters of Disaster. The two groups engage in a prolonged battle. The Bad Samaritan also discovers Bedlam's plan to clone Adolf Hitler. Bedlam was not pleased at this and attacks his ally. The clone project ultimately ends in failure. The new Hitler ends up being greatly distressed at what his 'father' has done and has no wish to continue the madness.[1]
At one point, in the Outsiders 1987 Special, his identity is usurped by the Psycho Pirate.[2]
Powers and abilities
- Baron Bedlam is a superior fighter, a ruthless tactician and he possesses unlimited financial resources.
Other versions
The name Baron Bedlam has recently been taken by another DC supervillain, formerly known as Doctor Bedlam.
References
- ↑ Adventures of the Outsiders #34 June 1986
- ↑ http://www.mykey3000.com/cosmicteams/tommorrow/B/Baronbedlam.htm