Instruct: Given a question, retrieve relevant passages that answer the question.
Query: In what comic series did the League of Assassins first appear?
The League of Assassins (renamed the League of Shadows or Society of Shadows in adapted works) is a group of fictional villains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The group is depicted as a collective of assassins who work for Ra's al Ghul, an enemy of the superhero Batman.
Gold Key Comics produced a "Munsters" comic book which ran 16 issues from 1965 to 1968 and had photo covers from the TV series. When it first appeared, the Comics Code Authority still forbade the appearance of vampires in comic books. However, this was not a problem at Gold Key, because Gold Key was not a member of the Comics Magazine Association of America and therefore did not have to conform to the Comics Code. Lily and Grandpa appeared in the comics without controversy.
Rumors of a comic series began long before Zenescope made the news official in March 2010. Speculation had started to appear online about the possibility of a comic series much earlier, however, largely due to test sketches appearing on the DeviantArt account of Dave Hoover which featured Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan. Speaking on his DeviantArt page, Hoover said: Months before the title had officially been announced, and before Zenescope gained acquisition of the publication rights for the comic series, the first advertisement for the series featuring the famous triquetra symbol and the tag line "The Girls are Back" written in the series font appeared in the December 16, 2009 issue of the Zenescope comic book "Escape From Wonderland #3". However, Zenescope did not officially announce possession of the title until the company had successfully been granted the rights from Fox Consumer Products.
In the 1999 storyline "No Man's Land", the character Helena Bertinelli, known as Huntress, briefly assumes the role of Batgirl until she is stripped of the identity by Batman for violating his stringent codes. Within the same storyline, the character Cassandra Cain is introduced. Cain is written as the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva and takes the mantle of Batgirl under the guidance of Batman and Oracle. In 2000, she became the first Batgirl to star in an eponymous monthly comic book series, in addition to becoming one of the most prominent characters of Asian descent to appear in American comics. The series was canceled in 2006, at which point during the company-wide storyline "One Year Later", she is established as a villain and head of the League of Assassins. After receiving harsh feedback from readership, she is later restored to her original conception. However, the character Stephanie Brown, originally known as Spoiler and later Robin, succeeds her as Batgirl after Cassandra Cain abandons the role.
In 2011 Anthony Quinn is stated as dead in the Clockwork Comics series "Education of a Superhero" by Adam Dechanel and a new Black Bat under the alias Steve Ventura took on the daunting legacy. "Legacy of the Black Bat" is an ongoing series created by Paul Hobbs and Adam Dechanel. Ventura, a former reluctant assassin, has vague memories of Anthony Quinn's past suggesting he is a clone of some kind. In addition to this he also has access to all the Black Bat's former hidden weaponry and tech arsenal in the Bat Crypt. Anthony Quinn's former teenage sidekick Jeremiah Graymalkin helped Ventura begin his new life as the new Black Bat.
Due to the issues with Batman, Nedor Comics, the comic publishing arm of Thrilling Publications, did not do a Black Bat comic series; however, it did do a series with a character called "The Mask", which was based on the Black Bat. The Mask appears in the first twenty issues of "Exciting Comics".
Comic book collectors are often lifelong enthusiasts of the comic book stories, and they usually focus on particular heroes and attempt to assemble the entire run of a title. Comics are published with a sequential number. The first issue of a long-running comic book series is commonly the rarest and most desirable to collectors. The first appearance of a specific character, however, might be in a pre-existing title. For example, Spider-Man's first appearance was in Amazing Fantasy #15. New characters were often introduced this way, and did not receive their own titles until there was a proven audience for the hero. As a result, comics that feature the first appearance of an important character will sometimes be even harder to find than the number 1 issue of a character's own title.
Robot Body, Electrokinesis, Electronic Interaction, Electronic Disruption, Electronic Constructs, Superhuman Speed.Kirigi is a martial arts master in DC Comics. The character, created by James Owsley and Jim Aparo, first appeared in "Batman" #431 (March 1989). Within the context of the stories, Kirigi taught Bruce Wayne the art of ninjitsu when Bruce approached him for martial arts training. He was later hired by Ra's al Ghul to train members of the League of Assassins in ninjitsu. Batman visited Kirigi when he recognized some of the moves done by the League of Assassins members that Kirigi taught him.
Lucas "Snapper" Carr is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Gardner Fox (writer) and Mike Sekowsky (penciller), and made his first appearance in "The Brave and the Bold" in February 1960. From 1960 to 1969, Snapper Carr appeared as a supporting character to the Justice League of America, a superhero team. The character occasionally appeared in comics featuring the Justice League from 1969 to 1989, when the "Invasion!" limited-series comic book gave him superpowers. He was associated with a new superhero team, The Blasters, in various comics until 1993, when he lost his powers and became a main character in the "Hourman" comic book. After the cancellation of "Hourman" in April 2001, he became a main character in the "Young Justice" comic book beginning in December 2001. "Young Justice" was cancelled in May 2003, and he became associated with the governmental organization Checkmate, a role revealed when the character played a small but important role in the 2007-2008 limited series comic book "52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen". The character made major appearances in "Final Crisis: Resist" in December 2008 and "Justice League of America 80-Page Giant" in November 2009.
Widowmaker is a fictional comic book super-villain, appearing the Image Comics series "Noble Causes" and "Dynamo 5". Created by writer Jay Faerber and artist Fran Bueno, Widowmaker first appeared in "Noble Causes" #18 (March 2006), in which she was hired to assassinate Captain Dynamo, which she did with poison. She then took a job from Hunter Blackthorne to attack Race and Liz Noble, only to be double-crossed by the Blackthornes. She spent some time in hiding in a safehouse provided by Slate Blackthorne. Eventually, the person who hired her to kill Captain Dynamo hired her to kill Dynamo 5. To that end, she has formed alliances with various super-criminals in order to fulfill her contract.
Several characters from the canon appear in Alan Moore's comic book series "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", in which various characters from Victorian fiction are recruited to serve the interests of an alternate-history British Empire. Holmes himself appears only in a flashback during the first series, as he is still presumed dead. Mycroft has a more substantial role in the second series. References in the series suggest Sherlock was a member of an earlier iteration of the League. Moriarty also figures into the first series and the film adaptation. Holmes also makes a minor but significant appearance in Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's comic book series "Planetary".
What If, sometimes rendered as What If...?, is a series of comic books published by Marvel Comics whose stories explore how the Marvel Universe might have unfolded if key moments in its history had not occurred as they did in mainstream continuity. "What If" comics have been published in eleven series as well as many stand-alone issues since the 1970s.
As first conceived, Metamorpho was a parody of the fantastic characters that populated comic books in the 1960s. Artist Ramona Fradon was coaxed out of maternity retirement to illustrate Metamorpho's first appearances. The popularity of Metamorpho's appearances in "The Brave and the Bold" led to a 17-issue ongoing series between 1965 and 1968. Metamorpho also appeared during this time in two issues of "Justice League of America" (#42 & #44) and became the second superhero to decline an invitation to join that organization (Adam Strange being the first), though he did become a reservist, eventually being called in during a Justice League/Justice Society crossover to help find and rescue the Seven Soldiers of Victory.
Scud: The Disposable Assassin is a Sega Saturn video game based on the comic book series . It was released on February 28, 1997 in North America only, though it is region-free. It is unusual in that it can be played as a run and gun game, or with a light gun. The main characters and plotline are mostly the same from the comic series, and Scud creator Rob Schrab said that he felt it did justice to his characters.
The Wonder Twins (Zan and Jayna) are a fictional extraterrestrial twin brother and sister superhero duo who first appeared in Hanna-Barbera's American animated television series "The All-New Super Friends Hour". They subsequently appeared in comics based on the animated series, and were later introduced into the main DC Comics Universe. They have since appeared in other media, including animated series such as "Justice League Unlimited" and "Teen Titans Go!", and the live-action TV series "Smallville".
David Knight, a 1990s DC Comics superhero, was the son of the original Starman and elder brother of the 1990s Starman, Jack. He first appeared in "Starman" (vol. 1) #26 (September 1990), having taken up his father's mantle, and was killed by an assassin in "Starman" (vol. 2) #0 (October 1994). He regularly (annually) appeared to Jack after his death, providing guidance for his brother. Toward the end of the series, his ultimate fate was revealed to have been different from what was previously believed (as noted above for the Starman of 1951).
While the "Justice League" and "Justice League Unlimited" comics did use many characters from the DC Universe, some characters never made it to the screen. Those that did not appear in the television series are listed below:The entire Marvel Family (except for Captain Marvel, who made a one-time appearance) were unable to appear on "Justice League Unlimited" due to legal reasons.
K-9's only appearances in the show's first two series were a cameo in the special and an appearance in the last episode of the first series. This was due to the concurrent development of the independently produced children's series, "K-9", which features a remodelled version of K-9 with only indirect nods to "Doctor Who". However, in 2009 the robot appeared with the "Sarah Jane Adventures" cast in a sketch for "Comic Relief", and K-9 appeared in six episodes of the third series, followed by two more appearances in the fourth series. He did not appear at all in Series 5.
The Justice League is a fictional group of superheroes on the television series, "Smallville", who were adapted for television by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The Justice League originally included Oliver Queen, Bart Allen, Victor Stone, and Arthur Curry; Clark Kent did not accept a role until three seasons later. As the team continued to appear in the series, new characters were introduced and subsequently joined the team. The original Justice League first appeared in the DC comic book "The Brave and the Bold" #28 (1960), and consisted of members Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, and the Martian Manhunter. In "Smallville", the team did not make its first official appearance until the season six episode "Justice", although each member had been previously introduced individually on various episodes since season four. In the series, the team never formalized a name for themselves, although the cast and crew officially recognized the team as the "Justice League".
Bloodaxe (Jackie Lukus) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as a foe of Thor and Thunderstrike. This character first appeared in "Thor" (1st series) #449, though she did not adopt her name and appearance until #450. The name also applies to the axe used by this character.
The second character to use the "Human Target" title (Christopher Chance) first appeared in "Action Comics" #419 (December 1972) and was created by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino. His early appearances came in back-up stories in "Action Comics", a title better known for featuring Superman tales published by DC Comics. He first appeared in "The Assassin-Express Contract", a backup story written by Len Wein and illustrated by Carmine Infantino that ran in "Action Comics" #419 (December 1972). Later, the feature appeared in Batman titles such as "The Brave and the Bold" and "Detective Comics". He starred in a limited series, a one-shot, and then an ongoing "Human Target" series written by Peter Milligan and published under DC's Vertigo imprint. The "Human Target" has been adapted in two television series: once briefly on ABC in 1992 starring Rick Springfield and again on Fox starring Mark Valley for two seasons in 2010–2011. Another version of Christopher Chance appears in two episodes "Arrow", portrayed by Wil Traval.
Century 21 Merchandising also acquired a line of plastic science fiction toys manufactured in Hong Kong, which they marketed under the name Project SWORD, which although not based on Anderson's creations did feature in two series of comic strips and text stories published by Century 21 Publications. The only Anderson craft made by the line was a model of Zero-X, the spacecraft which first appeared in the film "Thunderbirds are GO". A comic strip series based on the toys appeared in the comic "Solo". After "Solo" folded, a second series of stories - text, illustrated by comics artists such as Ron Embleton and Don Lawrence - appeared in TV 21. There was also an annual for "Project SWORD" featuring text and comic strips.
The Elite is a team of fictional super-powered antiheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, in particular those featuring Superman and The Justice League. The Elite made their first appearance in the story "What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way?", published in "Action Comics" #775 (March 2001). The story, which was voted number 1 in Wizard Magazine's "Top Ten Comics of the Decade", was written by Joe Kelly, inked by Tom Nguyen and penciled by Doug Mahnke and Lee Bermejo. They appeared as antagonists before some of the characters merged with members of the Justice League to form the Justice League Elite.All appearances of The Elite apart from "Action Comics" #795 have been reprinted in trade paperbacks:
"Assassin's Creed: Trial by Fire" has received generally positive reviews. PSU.com called "Trial by Fire" #1 "[a]n intriguing first chapter in the ongoing Assassin's Creed comic book series that shows great promise." The series has been recognized by "The Guardian" as example of one of the best game-comics, and was featured and reviewed on numerous websites such as Bleeding Cool, Slackjaw Punks, and Flickering Myth.
Ra's al Ghul - First appearing in Batman #232 (June 1971), Ra's al Ghul ("Demon's Head" in Arabic), is a centuries-old worldwide eco-terrorist. He knows Batman's secret identity. He utilizes special pits known as Lazarus Pits which enable him to evade death, and live for centuries. He is the founder of The League of Assassins, though exactly when is unknown. Batman - Batman's secret identity is Bruce Wayne, an American billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Wayne Enterprises. After witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, he swore revenge on criminals, an oath tempered by a sense of justice. Wayne trains himself both physically and intellectually and crafts a bat-inspired persona to fight crime. Talia al Ghul - First appearing in Detective Comics #411 (May 1971), she's the daughter of Ra's al Ghul and the half-sister of Nyssa Raatko. Her father encouraged a relationship between Talia and Batman, desiring for Batman to marry his daughter in hopes of recruiting him as his successor. Talia admires Batman in his drive, determination, and nobility, but was always torn between him and the love for her terrorist father. Unlike Catwoman, Talia is more than willing to play second-fiddle to Bruce's mission. He is the father of her son Damian. Nyssa Raatko - First appearing in Detective Comics #783 (August 2003), she's the daughter of Ra's al Ghul, born in Saint Petersburg in 1775, and a Holocaust survivor. She eventually broke off from her father and his crusade, which resulted in a rift between them. She had in her possession a Lazarus Pit that could be reused over and over again. She was responsible for brainwashing her half-sister Talia into despising not only Batman, but their father as well, whom she ended up killing with a sword. It appears, however, that Nyssa was killed in a car bombing in Northern Africa, presumably by the League of Assassins. Ebeneezer Darrk (Also known as Doctor or Professor Darrk) - He is the first known individual assigned to head the League of Assassins by Ra's al Ghul. Although many of the League's leaders over the years have been accomplished martial artists, Daark himself did not depend on physical prowess, and as an assassin he instead relied upon careful planning and manipulation, ambushes and death traps, as well as a variety of cleverly concealed weapons and poisons. After earning Ra's enmity (for reasons unknown), Darrk died during a plot to kidnap Talia which was foiled by Batman. The Sensei - First appearing in Strange Adventures #215 (October/November 1968) as an aged martial arts master from Hong Kong, he was Darrk's second in command. He was put in charge of the League after Darrk's death. However, he would prove just as disloyal as his predecessor, and the Sensei would eventually struggle with Ra's al Ghul for the control of the organization. One of his personal goals is to raise assassination to an art form. He is revealed to be Ra's al Ghul's father in Batman #671 (January 2008). Doctor Moon - First appearing in Batman #240 (March 1972), he is a brain surgeon with skills that make him the person to contact to recover dead brains, erase or modify minds, or mental torture. Lady Shiva (Sandra Wu-San) - First appearing in Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter #5 (December 1975), she's a mercenary assassin who once trained with Bruce Wayne and is possibly the greatest martial artist alive in the DC Universe; one of Batman's true physical rivals. She is also the biological mother of Cassandra Cain. David Cain - First appearing in Batman #567 (July 1999), he is the biological father of Cassandra Cain and the adoptive father of Mad Dog III. Cassandra Cain (brainwashed at the time) - First appearing in Batman #567 (1999), she is the daughter of David Cain and Lady Shiva, and was previously known as Batgirl. Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) - First appearing in New Teen Titans #2 (December 1980), he was a member of the League of Assassins, recruited by Talia to kill Richard Grayson (Nightwing) for corrupting her son, Damian, to the good guys. Wilson and Grayson have a long-standing animosity due to years of fighting and Grayson's redemption of Wilson's children. Sara Lance - She was found by Nyssa al Ghul (Katrina Law) who took her to Nanda Parbat. She and Nyssa became lovers, and Sara became a deadly fighter with the League of Assassins under the name Ta-er al-Sahfer, which means "Yellow Bird" or "Canary". (Arrowverse Only) The Seven Men of Death - The seven deadliest assassins of the League and Ra's al Ghul's personal hit squad. They answer only to the Demon himself and the Sensei. Its current members include: Detonator - Member of the Seven Men of Death. He specializes in demolitions. Hook - The hook-handed member of the Seven Men of Death. He was responsible for murdering Boston Brand during a circus act. Maduvu - Member of the Seven Men of Death. He has mechanical clawed-hands. Merlyn - An archer who was once a member of the Seven Men of Death. Razorburn - Member of the Seven Men of Death. He has advanced hand-to-hand combat abilities, great throwing abilities, and wields two knives for weapons. Shellcase - Member of the Seven Men of Death. He has advanced hand-to-hand combat abilities and has good marksmanship. Whip - A female whip-wielding member of the Seven Men of Death.
Codename: Assassin (Jonathan Drew) is a fictional antihero, a comic book character published by DC Comics. He debuted in "1st Issue Special" #11 (February 1976), and was created by Gerry Conway, Steve Skeates and Nestor Redondo (credited as the Redondo Studio). In this first appearance he is called The Assassin, but later appearances renamed him "Codename: Assassin" after the feature in which he debuted.