The Circus of Crime is a traveling band of circus performers who use their abilities to rob their audience.
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In General
In General
Alter Egos: Ringmaster, The Clown, Bruto the Strongman, Human Cannonball, The Great Gambonnos, Princess Python, Live Wire
First Appearance: The Incredible Hulk #3 (September 1962)
- Badass Normal: They all don't have any powers, which is why they don't face off against more superpowered opponents that frequently.
- Circus of Fear: Marvel's most notable villains to fit this trope, they are plenty scary as supervillains and dangerous criminals.
- Legion of Doom: The Old West-era Circus of Crime was one of these, organized by Iron Mask to stage a crime wave in Phoenix, where they naturally ran into Kid Colt.
- Multi National Team: Ringmaster is Austrian, Bruto is Swedish, Fire-Eater is Spanish, the Great Gambonnos are Italian, Rajah is Indian. The Human Cannonball, the Clown, Live Wire, Princess Python, and Blackwing are all Americans.
- Rogues' Gallery Transplant: While introduced as enemies of the Hulk, they have faced all sorts of heroes like Spider-Man, Daredevil, Captain America and Hawkeye.
- Wedding Smashers: They tried to interrupt the wedding of Janet van Dyne and Yellowjacket, hoping to pick a fight with Thor (who wasn't in attendance). They got beaten up for their trouble.
Modern Day Members
Ringmaster
Ringmaster
Alter Ego: Maynard Tiboldt
Notable Aliases: Martin Thraller, Dr. Arnold Quaid, Dr. Roland Grand
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #3 (September, 1962)
The Ringmaster is a powerless man with a unique hat that is designed to hypnotize people, thus allowing him to take complete control over their actions. He originally traveled across America as the manager, director, and ringmaster of his small traveling circus, which was actually a front for his "Circus of Crime".
- Affably Evil: In his more recent appearances, such as his recurring role in Scarlet Witch (2015). While he's faking being her psychiatrist to hypnotize her into stealing stuff for him, he ends up Becoming the Mask so much that he's actually genuinely very helpful when it comes to disentangling her many issues. As it turns out, this is why she held off on bringing him in (having been onto him from the start and giving him glamoured junk).
- Becoming the Mask: As 'Doctor Grand'. While it was a con to hypnotize the Scarlet Witch into stealing for him (she was onto him from the start), he fell into the role so much that she held off on calling in the cops for a long, long time because he was actually doing a really good job of helping her with her often precarious mental health.
- Herr Doktor: Fakes being this as 'Grand', and is actually remarkably good at it. He attributes this to skills picked up while keeping the Circus in line.
- Hijacking Cthulhu: One time, he managed to hypnotize the Hulk.
- Hypno Trinket: His hat, though going by his appearance as 'Grand', he doesn't necessarily need it anymore or has made it much more discreet.
- Repulsive Ringmaster: An evil ringmaster leading an entire circus of criminals.
- Secondary Color Nemesis: His costume is green and his hat and pants are purple.
Princess Python
Princess Python
Alter Ego: Zelda DuBois
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #22 (March, 1965)
See Captain America: Snake-Themed Enemies for more info.
Clown
Clown
Alter Ego: Eliot Franklin
Notable Aliases: Griffin, Crafty, Funny Man, Chicken Man, Grif
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #3 (September, 1962)
Eliot Franklin was originally born in Orlando, Florida. He learned the art of clowning from his father Corky, himself an experienced clown with small circuses and carnivals. Eliot tried his hand at clowning for a while, but rapidly tired of the nomadic life of a carnival clown, so he joined the Ringmaster's Circus of Crime. He used a cane and juggling balls as his weapons. He would later become a gamma-irradiated member of the Gamma Corps under the name of Griffin.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: When the other Circus of Crime members tried to get Eliot to come back as their leader, they did it by systematically wrecking the Quentin Carnival where he was staying. Unfortunately for all concerned, one of their attacks resulted in Eliot's father Corky being severely injured. In response, Eliot "came back" to the Circus of Crime just long enough to lead them into a trap at the hands of the carnival members.
- Monster Clown: A murderous clown who has acted as a professional hitman.
- One-Steve Limit: He happens to share first and last name with Thunderball of the Wrecking Crew.
- The Starscream: Has usurped control of the Circus from the Ringmaster more than once.
- 10-Minute Retirement: After a term in prison, Eliot tried to leave the Circus of Crime and go straight, joining his father Corky with the Quentin Carnival. But with the Ringmaster still in jail, the other members of the Circus of Crime needed a new leader, so they tried to blackmail Eliot into rejoining them by wrecking the carnival. Eliot did come back - just long enough to lead his "comrades" into a trap, where they were soundly beaten by the carnival crew.
- Took a Level in Badass: When he was the mutant Griffin.
- De-power: Until the Hulk removed his Gamma powers and is back as a normal human.
Clown II
Clown II
Alter Ego: Franklin (first name unrevealed)
First Appearance: Dark Reign: Zodiac #1 (August, 2009)
- Legacy Character: Is the half-brother of the original Clown. After Franklin stopped wearing the Clown costume, this Clown took it up, using the reputation built by his sibling for his benefit.
- Monster Clown: Has displayed psychopathic and sociopathic traits.
Clown III
Clown III
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Vol 3 #19.1 (September, 2015)
- Legacy Character: The third Clown to serve with the circus of Crime.
Bruto the Strongman
Bruto the Strongman
Alter Ego: Bruce Olafsen
Notable Aliases: Bruto, Strongman
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #3 (September, 1962)
Bruce Olafsen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but later came to the United States and became a naturalized American citizen. As a longtime member of the criminal organization Circus of Crime, Bruto the Strongman works as a circus strongman and weight-lifter. He has particularly strong biceps and teeth.
- The Big Guy: Fitting for a Strongman, this is his main role.
Teena the Fat Lady
Teena the Fat Lady
Alter Ego: Mary Stenson
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #3 (September, 1962)
Tina was an American sideshow performer who joined the Ringmaster in forming the Circus of Crime. Whenever she is looting, she covers herself with all the available jewels. She briefly left the Circus in the hope of marrying and raising a family, but has recently returned to it and has been with the Circus ever since.
- Acrofatic: Teena is far more agile than she seems.
- Ass Kicks You: Teena is good at using her great mass in combat, especially by sitting on an opponent.
- Heel–Face Revolving Door: Briefly left the Circus in the hope of marrying and raising a family, but eventually returned to it.
- I Just Want to Be Normal: Left the Circus in the hope of marrying and raising a family.
- Stout Strength: Teena is good at using her great mass in combat, especially by sitting on an opponent.
Human Cannonball
Human Cannonball
Alter Ego: Jack Pulver
First Appearance: Incredible Hulk #3 (September, 1962)
Jack Pulver was born in California, and joined the Circus of Crime, specializing in being shot out of a cannon. He wore a suit with pads on the shoulders and torso that minimized injury upon impact.
- Carry a Big Stick: Occasionally, he uses a mace to swing at opponents as he flies at them.
- Human Cannonball: He wears padded armor with his costume and uses a trailer-mounted air cannon to fire himself at his victims or into the scene of a crime, such as onto high buildings.
- Use Your Head: Specialises in attacking by flying at people or things headfirst.
The Great Gambonnos
The Great Gambonnos
Alter Ego: Ernesto & Luigi Gambonno
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #16 (September, 1964)
The Great Gambonnos were twin brothers who worked as acrobats and aerialists in Ringmaster's Circus of Crime.
- Combat Parkour: Are highly acrobatic combatants.
- Tag Team Twins: They are twins who both act and fight together.
Live Wire
Live Wire
Alter Ego: Rance Preston
First Appearance: Fantastic Four Annual #5 (November, 1967)
Live Wire was a minion of Psycho-Man along with Ivan Karlovich and Shellsock; Psycho-Man kept them under control using his Control-Box. Psycho-Man intended them to guard his secret base in the Caribbean Sea, but the trio was defeated by the invading Inhumans and Black Panther. Live Wire then joined the Circus of Crime. He has shown a preference to impress opponents with his skills before really attacking them.
- Enhanced Archaic Weapon: The electro-lasso. This lasso is electrified and damages anything it touches, especially if it is tightened around a target - in this case, the target can be stunned.
- Knows the Ropes: Is an expert with the lasso.
- Rogues' Gallery Transplant: Live Wire was originally a henchman of Psycho-Man and fought the Fantastic Four before joining the Circus of Crime.
Rajah
Rajah
Alter Ego: Kabir Mahadevu
First Appearance: Super-Villain Team-Up #8 (October, 1976)
Kabir Mahadevu was an elephant trainer and rider born in India, with an Interpol criminal record. He trained a bull elephant to charge in combat whenever he, as a rider, prompted the beast to. At the same time, the animal was so well-trained that anyone could ride it in a parade. Mahadevu joined the felonious group Circus of Crime as an artist under the stage name Rajah when the Circus was in Europe.
- The Beastmaster: Rajah seems to have a superhuman skill to communicate with elephants, recognizing the signals they use and also explaining his wishes as clearly as an elephant's intelligence can understand. This skill could also be extended to other animals less efficiently.
Fire-Eater
Fire-Eater
Alter Ego: Tomás RamÃrez
First Appearance: Ghost Rider Vol 2 #72 (September, 1982)
Ramirez was a circus performer from Spain who emigrated with Tiboldt's Circus to become an American citizen. He joined the Ringmaster in forming the Circus of Crime and has been with the Circus ever since.
- Badass Bandolier: Wears crossed bandoleers holding his 'inferno discs' over his bare chest.
- Fire-Breathing Weapon: Using the traditional methods of circus fire-eaters, Fire-Eater can consume flame within his mouth and then project it from his mouth without suffering an injury.
- Trick Bombs: Fire-Eater uses incendiary "inferno discs" designed by himself and the Clown.
- Walking Shirtless Scene: Never wears a shirt.
Antoro
Antoro
First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1998 (July, 1998)
Antoro is a master animal trainer and is a member of the Circus Of Crime group.
- The Beastmaster: A highly talented animal trainer, working with tigers and gorillas, among other animals.
- Killer Gorilla: His menagerie includes trained gorillas.
- Panthera Awesome: His menagerie includes trained tigers.
Tarrax the Tamer
Tarrax the Tamer
First Appearance: Marvel Two-In-One #76 (June, 1981)
- The Beastmaster: A talented animal trainer. His menagerie includes elephants, gorillas, lions, tigers, orangutans, and leopards.
- One-Steve Limit: His name sounds very similar to that of Galactus' Herald Terrax the Tamer.
Fifi
Fifi
First Appearance: Hawkeye Vol 4 #2 (November, 2012)
- Knife-Throwing Act: Fifi is the target girl in the Circus' knife throwing act.
- Lovely Assistant: Fifi generally works the target for the knife thrower in the Circus.
Blackwing
Blackwing
Alter Ego: Joseph Manfredi
Notable Aliases: Guiseppi Menfredi, Joe Silvermane
First Appearance: Daredevil #118 (February, 1975)
Blackwing is Joseph Manfredi, son of Silvio Manfredi ( Silvermane), a powerful head of one of New York’s Maggia families. However, for unknown reasons, he was first seen as a costumed animal trainer in Ringmaster Circus of Crime.
- Clothes Make the Superman: Devices in his costume give him the power of flight for short distances.
- The Beastmaster: Manfredi is an expert trainer of bats.
- Flight: Devices in his costume give him the power of flight for short distances, via directed motion hovering.
Iron Jack Baker
Iron Jack Baker
Alter Ego: Jack Baker
First Appearance: Marvel Two-In-One #76 (June, 1981)
- The Big Guy: Circus strongman and bodybuilder.
- The Big Guy
- Dumb Muscle
Professor
Professor
First Appearance: Sensational She-Hulk #1 (May, 1989)
The Professor was the "makeup wizard" for the Circus of Crime, one of their support staff responsible for makeup, costumes, hairstyling, etc.
- Master of Disguise: The Professor is a skilled and enthusiastic costumer, able to maintain the public looks of the Circus of Crime's cast as well as change them when need be. His skill is such is that he was able to disguise She-Hulk as an unusually tall but otherwise perfectly normal-looking woman.
Mike
Notable Aliases: Mike the Strong Man, The Mighty Thor
First Appearance: Thor #173 (February, 1970)
Mike was a strong man hired by the Circus of Crime at a time when their usual strong man Bruno was absent, presumably imprisoned for past criminal acts by the gang. As a publicity gimmick, Mike impersonated the super-hero Thor as part of his circus act.
- Costume Copycat: Disguises himself as Thor.
- Hidden Depths: Although he initially uses a "dese, dem, and dose" speech pattern, later uses a far more sophisticated speech pattern and smokes a pipe: a trait associated with intellectuals at Marvel in those days.
- Super-Strength: Mike appears to lift a weight greater than that of the world record for weight lifting.
Trick Shot I
Alter Ego: Buck Chisolm
Notable Aliases: Trickshot, Trick-Shot
First Appearance: Solo Avengers #1 (September, 1987)
See Hawkeye: Enemies for more info.
WWII Members
Ringmaster I
Ringmaster I
Alter Ego: Fritz Tiboldt
Notable Aliases: Ringmaster of Death
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (August, 1941)
- Those Wacky Nazis: He was a Circus' ringmaster and a member of the Nazi Party.
- Villainous Legacy: His legacy as Ringmaster of the Circus of Crime continues with his descendant Maynard.
- Weapon Specialization: Fritz often used his ringmaster's whip against his foes.
- You Have Failed Me: After being defeated by Captain America and Bucky, he and his wife were killed when they returned to Germany for their failure.
Derko the Clown
The Missing Link
The Missing Link
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (May, 1941)
Omir the Snake Charmer
Omir the Snake Charmer
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (May, 1941)
Tommy Thumb
Tommy Thumb
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (May, 1941)
Trapeze Trio
Trapeze Trio
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (May, 1941)
Zandow
Zandow
First Appearance: Captain America Comics #5 (May, 1941)
Old West Members
Iron Mask
Iron Mask
Alter Ego: Don Hertz
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #110 (February, 1963)
- Arch-Enemy: He fought Kid Colt more times than any other foe.
- The Blacksmith: He was a blacksmith before building himself a suit of bulletproof armor and turning to crime.
- Bulletproof Vest: Iron Mask constructed a suit of bulletproof armor for his career of crime. Initially consisting of just a helmet and chest piece, he keeps adding to it following his encounters with Kid Colt until it's a full suit.
Bennington Brown
Bennington Brown
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #112 (June, 1963)
- Hypnotic Eyes: Bennington Brown is a skilled hypnotist who can use his power on anyone he can make eye contact with. He can use his abilities to create illusions, slow down the reactions of others so he can seem to outdraw them, and prevent his victims from pressing charges against him.
Doctor Danger
Doctor Danger
Alter Ego: Jules Bergen
Notable Aliases: The Invisible Gunman
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #116 (February, 1964)
- Hollywood Magnetism: The parts of Doctor Danger's shtick that aren't archived through Ventriloquism are done through the use of magnets (or, as one commentator put it, "you know, those really powerful magnets you can only find in comic books"). The effects he achieves would be impossible with 21st century technology, let alone 19th.
- Ventriloquism: He's a highly skilled ventriloquist who combines throwing his voice with his mastery of magnets to convince people that he has a partner called 'the Invisible Gunman'.
Fat Man
Fat Man
Alter Ego: Lee Portman
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #117 (April, 1964)
- Acrofatic: He can roll and bowl people over.
- Battle Boomerang: The Fat Man is an expert in the use of his boomerang. In his first appearance, he is able to draw and throw a boomerang fast enough to knock Colt's gun out of his before he can fire, and then nail Colt in in his left shoulder before he can draw his second gun.
- Boomerang Comeback: Almost without fail, the Fat Man throws a boomerang past someone, who laughs at his obvious miss. They continue to laugh until the boomerang comes whizzing up behind them and either knocks them out or knocks their guns out of their hands.
- Fat Bastard: The Fat Man is 300 lb. of bad attitude. A combination of Acrofatic, Stout Strength and a Battle Boomerang make him far more dangerous than most people assume at first.
- Foe-Tossing Charge: A favorite tactic of his is to take a run-up and then somersault into people, flattening them like bowling pins.
- Precision-Guided Boomerang: He is an expert with the boomerang, able to win showdowns against gunslingers (being able to throw faster than they can draw and fire) and always having the boomerang return to him regardless of what it hits.
- Punny Name: His surname is Portman, as in 'portly'.
- Stout Strength: Much like the Kingpin, the Fat Man is a large mass of muscle, with a nice layer of fat on top for decorative purposes. He is much stronger than an average-sized man and can throw and take a punch with the best of him.
The Living Totem
The Living Totem
Notable Aliases: The Terrible Totem
First Appearance: Rawhide Kid #22 (March, 1961)
- Kill All Humans: The Living Totem wishes to destroy all humans he comes across. This didn't stop him from allying with the Iron Mask, however.
- Outside-Genre Foe: An actual extraterrestrial with a hatred of humanity, and who first appeared in a Western comic.
- Sealed Evil in a Can: The Living Totem was trapped underground for an unknown length of time and by forces unknown (speculated by Rawhide Kid to be native medicine men) before being accidentally freed by silver miners digging too deep.
Hurricane
Hurricane
Alter Ego: Harold Kane
Notable Aliases: Harry Kane
First Appearance: Two-Gun Kid #70 (April, 1964)
- Steven Ulysses Perhero: Real name Harold ("Harry") Kane, he goes by "Hurricane" in his criminal career.
The Rattler
The Rattler
Alter Ego: Heath Benson
First Appearance: Rawhide Kid #37 (September, 1963)
Red Raven
Red Raven
Alter Ego: Redford Raven
Notable Aliases: Red
First Appearance: Rawhide Kid #38 (November, 1963)
- Steven Ulysses Perhero: Real name Redford Raven, he goes by "Red Raven" in his criminal career.
19th Century Members
Sawyer
Sawyer
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #106 (June, 1962)
Blade Benson
Blade Benson
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #106 (June, 1962)
- Knife-Throwing Act: Blade is the resident knife thrower in the Circus of Crime, and can even disarm Kid Colt with his projectiles.
Captain Corbett
Captain Corbett
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #106 (June, 1962)
Mr. Marvel
Mr. Marvel
First Appearance: Kid Colt Outlaw #106 (June, 1962)
The Tumbling Turners
