Black Spectre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Black Spectre is the name a fictional organization in the Marvel Universe which first appeared in Daredevil #108.
It is also the name of a ficitional supervillain who first appeared in Moon Knight #25.
[edit] Black Spectre (organization)
| Black Spectre | |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Daredevil #108 |
| Created by | Steve Gerber Bob Brown |
| In story information | |
| Type of organization | Para-military |
| Leader(s) | Mandrill Nekra |
The first Black Spectre was a league of costumed female commandos, entranced by the Mandrill into doing his bidding, and led by Nekra. It first appeared in Daredevil #108 (Mar 1974) and was created by Steve Gerber and Bob Brown.
The Mandrill created Black Spectre by organizing his female followers, disguising themselves as men using bulky armor. He plotted to use Black Spectre to confuse America through terrorism and racism, instilling chaos in the world and intending to rule it after anarchy ensues. Agents of Black Spectre stole printing plates during a battle between Daredevil and Beetle, and then organized a riot over the counterfeited money they secretly made and distributed. During the riot, Nekra captured Black Widow and returned her to the Mandrill, while Beetle and Daredevil disrupted the Black Spectre agents and sent them fleeing.
Mandrill was able to learn Daredevil’s identity when he enthralled the Black Widow with his powers, and he then confronted Daredevil as Matt Murdock before escaping. Nekra and Black Spectre, with the Silver Samurai, kidnapped Shanna the She-Devil who was able to resist the Mandrill’s powers. Mandrill planned to dissect Shanna’s brain to determine how she was able to resist him. Silver Samurai and Black Spectre attacked the Empire State Building and jammed all of America’s communication lines. Mandrill and Nekra captured Daredevil, planning to have him dissected as well. Mandrill entered the White House and sat in the President’s chair when Daredevil attacked him. Mandrill and Daredevil battled on the roof until the zeppelin carrying Black Spectre exploded, allowing Mandrill the chance to escape.
[edit] Black Spectre (Carson Knowles)
| Black Spectre | |
 Carson Knowles as the Black Spectre. Art by Mark Texeira. |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Moon Knight #25 (Nov 1982) |
| Created by | Doug Moench Bill Sienkiewicz |
| In story information | |
| Alter ego | Carson Knowles |
The second Black Spectre first appeared in Moon Knight #25 (Nov 1982) and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz. He was Carson Knowles, a Vietnam War veteran whose father was a politician. Upon returning, he discovered that his wife left him and his son was killed. He couldn't get a job and decided to get revenge on the city since they turned his back on him when he needed it most. Inspired by Moon Knight, Knowles became the Black Spectre, a master criminal. He also decided to run for Mayor of New York City. Knowles was defeated by Moon Knight and sent to prison.
Later, Knowles reappeared in the four part Moon Knight: The Resurrection War mini series.
Knowles currently plays a role in the new Moon Knight series, going back to his old role as the Black Spectre.
