History Characters / MarvelComicsRedSkull

** In a BadFuture, he sentenced and executed the [[ComicBook/{{Avengers}} Avengers]], seemingly in an IronicEcho of the Nuremberg Trials, where the top Nazis were sentenced and hanged by the Allies after World War II.

* CapitalismIsBad: Because it engenders [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney corruption,]] [[{{Greed}} greed]], [[BreadAndCircuses materialism,]] [[HumansAreMorons stupidity]] and "evil" generally. Also, it's wasteful; imagine how much good the government could do with the money people waste on [[ConspicuousConsumption the latest iPhone]]. This is [[ArtisticLicenseHistory completely at odds with the historical behavior of Nazis]], who, despite having "[[InNameOnly Socialist]]" in their party name, parceled so much of their economy to corporations that the word "Privatization" was coined specifically to describe their economic policies. A year after securing their power, they also ruthlessly purged any actual Socialists gullible enough to join their party on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Long_Knives The Night of the Long Knives]], most prominently [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Strasser Gregor Strasser]].

* CapitalismIsBad: Because it engenders [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney corruption,]] [[{{Greed}} greed]], [[BreadAndCircuses materialism,]] [[HumansAreMorons stupidity]] and "evil" generally. Also, it's wasteful; imagine how much good the government could do with the money people waste on [[ConspicuousConsumption the latest iPhone]]. This is [[CriticalResearchFailure completely at odds with the historical behavior of Nazis]], who, despite having "[[InNameOnly Socialist]]" in their party name, parceled so much of their economy to corporations that the word "Privatization" was coined specifically to describe their economic policies. A year after securing their power, they also ruthlessly purged any actual Socialists gullible enough to join their party on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Long_Knives The Night of the Long Knives]], most prominently [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Strasser Gregor Strasser]].

* CapitalismIsBad: Because it engenders [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney corruption,]] [[{{Greed}} greed]], [[BreadAndCircuses materialism,]] [[HumansAreMorons stupidity]] and "evil" generally. Also, it's wasteful; imagine how much good the government could do with the money people waste on [[ConspicuousConsumption the latest iPhone]]. This is [[DatedHistory completely at odds with the historical behavior of Nazis]], who, despite having "[[InNameOnly Socialist]]" in their party name, parceled so much of their economy to corporations that the word "Privatization" was coined specifically to describe their economic policies, and ruthlessly purged any actual Socialists gullible enough to join their party on [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Long_Knives The Night of the Long Knives]], most prominently [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregor_Strasser Gregor Strasser]].

* CapitalismIsBad: Because it engenders [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney corruption,]] [[{{Greed}} greed]], [[BreadAndCircuses materialism,]] [[HumansAreMorons stupidity]] and "evil" generally. Also, it's wasteful; imagine how much good the government could do with the money people waste on [[ConspicuousConsumption the latest iPhone]]. As Red Skull would remind you, Nazism is short for National ''Socialism'', which prefers the common good over private greed. ([[ShownTheirWork A real Nazi slogan!]])

The Red Skull subsequently engaged in numerous more terrorist and mass murder schemes to wreak havoc across the world and kill Captain America, even managing to make himself Secretary of Defence disguised as one [[SignificantAnagram Dell Rusk]], plus more attempts to possess a Cosmic Cube, before finally being assassinated by the Winter Soldier, a [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashed, insane]] and very-much alive Bucky Barnes, but used a weakened Cube to transfer his mind into a Russian general named Lukin, the man who had him killed. Sharing his body, the Skull forced Lukin to go along with his schemes to manipulate the superhero ComicBook/CivilWar so as to get one of his puppet politicians elected as President, and later tried to [[GrandTheftMe transfer his mind]] into Captain America's unborn child, before it was murdered by an increasingly rebellious Sin ([[DaddysLittleVillain his daughter]]). He later allied with ComicBook/NormanOsborn following his [[ComicBook/DarkReign rise to power]] and finally managed to take over the body of Captain America himself, but after wreaking further damage was expelled and killed, this time for good.

* LackOfEmpathy: '''THE''' biggest example in the MarvelUniverse.

The Red Skull subsequently engaged in numerous more terrorist and mass murder schemes to wreak havoc across the world and kill Captain America, even managing to make himself Secretary of Defence disguised as one [[SignificantAnagram Dell Rusk]], plus more attempts to possess a Cosmic Cube, before finally being assassinated by the Winter Soldier, a [[BrainwashedAndCrazy brainwashed, insane]] and very-much alive Bucky Barnes, but used a weakened Cube to transfer his mind into a Russian general named Lukin, the man who had him killed. Sharing his body, the Skull forced Lukin to go along with his schemes to manipulate the superhero Comicbook/CivilWar so as to get one of his puppet politicians elected as President, and later tried to [[GrandTheftMe transfer his mind]] into Captain America's unborn child, before it was murdered by an increasingly rebellious Sin ([[DaddysLittleVillain his daughter]]). He later allied with ComicBook/NormanOsborn following his [[Comicbook/DarkReign rise to power]] and finally managed to take over the body of Captain America himself, but after wreaking further damage was expelled and killed, this time for good.

[[ComicbookDeath This being a comic book]], the Red Skull returned in the pages of ''Comicbook/UncannyAvengers'' during the Comicbook/MarvelNOW relaunch, though as a [[SendInTheClones clone]] in stasis since World War II... [[FromBadToWorse who gains access to]] [[ComicBook/XMen Professor Charles Xavier]]'s PsychicPowers.

* EvilVersusEvil: The Skull has an ongoing on-and-off feud with Comicbook/DoctorDoom, and has bashed heads with ComicBook/{{Magneto}} more than once. (Most memorably in ''Captain America'' #367.)

** While it isn't mentioned very often, the Communist Red Skull killed ComicBook/{{SHIELD}} agents John and Mary Parker, otherwise known as the father and mother of Franchise/SpiderMan. If he hadn't, Peter would not have had to live with his Aunt and Uncle Ben and possibly would have never become a superhero.

* {{Ghostapo}}: In ''Comicbook/FearItself'' he had a group of Nazi occultists perform the dark ritual that ultimately led to the events of that story in an effort to turn the tide of the war. Unfortunately for him, it worked- 65 years later. He had a couple of other experiences with the dark arts later on, but you can see why he prefers [[MadScientist Mad Science]] to get results.

The ArchEnemy of ComicBook/CaptainAmerica and one of the oldest villains in comics, and widely regarded as one of the most despicable. Right-hand man of UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, ComicBook/{{HYDRA}} brought him BackFromTheDead to plague the world once again. There have been at least three major versions of the Skull. George Maxon, the first Red Skull first appeared in ''Captain America Comics'' #1 (March, 1941). The most (in)famous Red Skull, Johann Schmidt, first appeared in ''Captain America Comics'' #7 (October, 1941). The third Red Skull, Albert Malik first appeared in ''Captain America Comics'' #61 (March, 1947). Malik was established as the Communist Red Skull in ''Young Men'' #24 (December, 1953). Schmidt was revived in ''ComicBook/TalesOfSuspense'' #79 (July, 1966).

* SmugSnake: Generally averted with the Skull himself, as his villainy is on too grand a scale. [[DarkChick Sin]] plays it very straight, however.

** Inverted in ''Red Skull: Incarnate''. In his younger days he fell in love with a Jewish girl, whom he then [[NotGoodWithRejection murdered when she rejected him]], and became a Nazi afterwards.

* BlackAndWhiteMorality: In the early stories, Captain America is Good and the Red Skull is Evil. Full stop. Even today, as morality in comcs has largely become more grey, Cap and Skull remain the closest to this trope.

* BlackAndWhiteMorality: In the early stories, Captain America is Good and the Red Skull is Evil. Full stop.

* WhatMeasureIsAMook: Since the Skull's minions tend to be [[AcceptablePoliticalTargets Nazis]], they are among the few enemies it has always been OK for Captain America to kill in action, even back in the Silver Age when he generally adhered rather firmly to the ThouShaltNotKill rule otherwise. The Skull, of course, feels the same way about the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and assorted RedShirts on Cap's side, though that is to be expected, given that he is the villain.

* TheFriendNobodyLikes: Is this for the other villains. Who are either [[HorrifyingTheHorror terrified of him]], or [[EvenEvilHasStandards find his actions repugnant even for them]]. If you don't believe us, just ask [[Characters/MarvelComicsMagneto Magneto]] (a survivor of the Holocaust) and [[Characters/MarvelComicsDoctorDoom Doctor Doom]] (a Romani).

* TheFriendNobodyLikes: Is this for the other villains. Who are either [[HorrifyingTheHorror terrified of him]], or [[EvenEvilHasStandards find his actions repugnant even for them]].

* AsskickingGrantsAuthority: His efficiency as an espionage agent and special forces commander was at least part of the reason Hitler was impressed with him and kept promoting him.

* AuthorityEqualsAsskicking: By circa 1942, he was one of the most powerful men in the Third Reich, being a sort of plenipotentiary agent-at-large for Hitler as well as [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections the omnipotent dictator's best friend]]. Also one of the few Axis agents who could credibly take on Allied heroes like ComicBook/CaptainAmerica hand to hand.

* TheFriendNobodyLikes: Is this for the other villains. Who either are [[TheDreaded terrified of him]], or [[EvenEvilHasStandards find his actions repugnant even for them]].

* AsskickingEqualsAuthority: His efficiency as an espionage agent and special forces commander was at least part of the reason Hitler was impressed with him and kept promoting him.

* AffablyEvil: [[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, we're not making this up]]. On a good day, he is the Nazi version of a WickedCultured OfficerAndAGentleman. Though in [[DependingOnTheWriter many stories]], this is [[FauxAffablyEvil merely a front]].

* FauxAffablyEvil: Most (if not ''all'') of the time, he falls straight into this trope, acting very cordial while hiding his true nature.

* RareGuns: His personal Lugers. These weapons ''were'' common in the Nazi era, but aren't nowadays, since they haven't been manufactured for a number of decades by now. Some also appear to have been extensively modded and customized from the way they're drawn, though this may be due to artistic limitations rather than something done intentionally.

%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

* ''WesternAnimation/XMen'' (portrayed by Cedric Smith)

* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: In some issues of Creator/PeterDavid's '90s ''Comicbook/IncredibleHulk'' run, the Red Skull had formed an alliance of criminals called the [[NebulousCriminalConspiracy New World Order]] in order to prevent infighting, perform negotiations, and foster cooperation. This group appeared in several Hulk issues and even tangled with X-Men villain Apocalypse! Of course, they haven't appeared or been mentioned since. Later Hulk stories made some vague mentions of the New World Order "collapsing," but we never saw how or why....

* EvilGenius: In so many words in the ''Marvel Handbook.'' The same goes on to call his brilliance comparable only to that of Napoleon. And that's merely his political and military acumen, before going into more [[SuperScience comic-bookly]] territory...

* HateSink: Designed to be as repugnant and loathesome as a villain as possible. And boy do the writers do a DAMN good job at that.

* HeroicAmbidexterity: What to do when a raging mutant cuts off your gun hand and leaves it to his FlyingBrick friend to pulp you? Whip out a [[HandCannon fantastic Luger]] in your ''other'' hand and take them down at point blanc!

* LikeADuckTakesToWater: Despite his very humble background and worse education, his rise was meteoric after he joined the Nazis and got to show what he was really capable of. In less than ten years, he went from soldier in the line to one of their top generals.
* LivingLegend: Already during World War II, when he was a famous and highly decorated Nazi general, but more so in later decades. In-story, he has become the archetypical image of Nazism in much the same way as Captain America has become that of americanism.

* LonersAreFreaks: In his original backstory, young Johann Schmidt was not crazy, but very much awkward, unsociable and deeply unhappy. Some rewrites make him ''literally'' AxeCrazy as well.

* RetroUniverse: The AlternateUniverse where the Skull took over, a [[RepressiveButEfficient high-tech dictatorship]] where it's reasonably nice to live if you fit in, [[TallPoppySyndrome but not if you don't.]] For example, there are maglev trains and flat screen TV, but people [[NiceHat still wear hats]].

* FateWorseThanDeath: An IronicHell which forced him to re-live his horrible life before he met Hitler over and over, only taken UpToEleven in a [[CityNoir nightmarish modern urban setting]]. Later took revenge on Cap by doing something similar to him, and forcing him to relive his traumatic war memories.

* LonersAreFreaks: In his original backstory, young Johann Schmidt was not crazy, but very much awkward, unsociable and deeply unhappy. Some rewrites take this UpToEleven, by making him ''literally'' AxeCrazy as well.

The ArchEnemy of ComicBook/CaptainAmerica and one of the oldest villains in comics, and widely regarded as one of the most despicable. Right-hand man of UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, ComicBook/{{HYDRA}} brought him BackFromTheDead to plague the world once again. There have been at least three major versions of the Skull. George Maxon, the first Red Skull first appeared in ''"Captain America Comics''" #1 (March, 1941). The most (in)famous Red Skull, Johann Schmidt, first appeared in ''"Captain America Comics''" #7 (October, 1941). The third Red Skull, Albert Malik first appeared in ''"Captain America Comics''" #61 (March, 1947). Malik was established as the Communist Red Skull in ''"Young Men''" #24 (December, 1953). Schmidt was revived in ''"Tales of Suspense''" #79 (July, 1966).