Blackwing
Blackwing is the name of two fictional Marvel Comics supervillains and one hero.
Fictional character biography
Joseph Manfredi
| Blackwing | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Daredevil vol. 1 #118 (Feb 1975) |
| Created by | Gerry Conway and Don Heck |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Joseph Manfredi |
| Team affiliations |
Masters of Evil Skeleton Crew HYDRA Circus of Crime Maggia Heavy Mettle |
| Notable aliases | Guiseppi Manfredi, Joe Silvermane |
| Abilities |
Expert bat trainer Skilled marksman Specially mutated bats Wears costume made of synthetic stretch fabric over chain mail body armor that grants: Short distanced flight via directed motion hovering |
Joseph Manfredi was born in Orlando, Florida, and is the son of the crime lord Silvermane. When he debuted, he was a costumed animal trainer for the Ringmaster's Circus of Crime. While as a member of that group, he battled with Daredevil and escaped.[1]
Blackwing worked as an agent for Silvermane's HYDRA (serving as the Air Action Division Leader) when his father was leader. He participated in the capture of Foggy Nelson. Blackwing battled Daredevil, Black Widow, Nick Fury, and S.H.I.E.L.D. and was once again defeated by Daredevil.[2]
Blackwing later teamed up with Jack O'Lantern to stake out his father's house when the Red Skull took the control of the base, turning the dilapidated mansion into his so-called Skull House. The duo searched Skullhouse and battled Captain America during this event.[3] Blackwing and Jack O'Lantern were recruited by Mother Night to join the Skeleton Crew after the Red Skull was impressed with their abilities.[4] Blackwing, Jack O'Lantern, and Cutthroat fought Crossbones and Diamondback before they joined the Skeleton Crew. Blackwing captured Diamondback,[5] and then battled Diamondback as she escaped.[6] He and the rest of the Skeleton Crew were defeated by Captain America, Diamondback, and Falcon. He was defeated in combat by Falcon, and taken to the Vault.[7]
The second Crimson Cowl recruited Blackwing to join her incarnation of the Masters of Evil. He was defeated alongside them. After that last defeat, Joseph abandoned the Blackwing identity and became a crime lord creating his own private villains in Heavy Mettle. He ordered Firestrike to bring him the battle suit of New Warriors member Turbo in hopes of proving himself to his father and the other crime bosses of New York.[8] The New Warriors defeated Joseph's group and Firestrike is currently in the Witness Protection Program in exchange for his testimony against Joseph Manfredi.[9]
Heavy Mettle
A member of Joseph Manfredi's group Heavy Mettle also goes by the name of Blackwing.[8]
During the Dark Reign storyline, this Blackwing is shown as a new member of Norman Osborn's Shadow Initiative.[10] She was later injured during the attempt to retake 42, the Negative Zone Prison, from Blastaar's forces. She was killed in action.[11]
Barnell Bohusk
Powers and abilities
The first Blackwing is an expert trainer of bats, with which he has a highly developed empathic rapport. He has a number of specially mutated bats bred for abnormal strength, size, and intelligence. Blackwing wears a costume consisting of synthetic stretch fabric over chain mail body armor. Devices in his costume give him the power of flight for short distances, via directed motion hovering. Blackwing is also a skilled marksman.
The second Blackwing wears an armored suit that has wings enabling her to fly.
References
External links
- Blackwing I at Marvel.com
- Blackwing at Comic Vine
- Blackwing II at Marvel.com