Wikipedia

Killer Croc

Killer Croc(Waylon Jones) is asupervillainappearing inAmerican comic bookspublished byDC Comics.Created byGerry Conway,Don NewtonandGene Colan,the character was introduced inDetective Comics#523 (February 1983). He has become one of the most enduring enemies of the superheroBatmanand belongs to the collective of adversaries that make up hisrogues gallery.[1]

Killer Croc
Killer Croc, as depicted inSuicide Squad Most Wanted: El Diablo and Killer Croc#3 (October 2016).
Art by Brian Level (pencils and inks) and Beth Sotelo (colors).
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearance
  • Cameo appearance:
  • Detective Comics#523 (February 1983)
  • Full appearance:
  • Detective Comics#524 (March 1983)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoWaylon Jones
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliations
Notable aliasesCroc
King Croc
Abilities

In his comic book appearances, Killer Croc is depicted as a formersideshowwrestler who suffers from a rare genetic condition that gives him a reptilian appearance and superhuman strength. Driven insane by this, he turned to a life of crime, over time developing animalistic tendencies. The character has also been a member of theSuicide Squad,debuting in the fifth volume of the comic series revolving around the team, and a romantic interest ofEnchantress.[2]While typically portrayed as a supervillain, he has also been occasionally depicted as anantihero.

The character has been adapted into various media, most revolving around Batman. Killer Croc made his live-action debut in the 2016DC Extended UniversefilmSuicide Squad,portrayed byAdewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.A version of the character appeared in thethird seasonof theArrowverseseriesBatwoman,performed by Heidi Ben.

Publication history

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Killer Croc was created by writerGerry Conwayand artistGene Colan.The character made cameo appearances inDetective Comics#523 (February 1983) andBatman#357 (March 1983), with his full first appearance inDetective Comics#524 (March 1983).[3]

Fictional character biography

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Pre-Crisis

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Waylon Jones was born with a rare form ofatavismthat imparted him with reptilian traits with his birth causing the death of his mother. He was raised by his aunt, an abusive alcoholic who called him names like "lizardboy" and "reptilian freak".[4]Croc eventually killed his aunt and became a criminal inGotham City.After committing several murders, he faced off against Batman and the new Robin,Jason Todd,who defeated him.

In these original,Pre-Crisisappearances, Killer Croc resembled a powerfully built man covered entirely in green scales, but was still basically human in his facial proportions and build.[5]He was also originally depicted as killing Jason Todd's parents (this was laterretconnedto makeTwo-Facetheir murderer).

Post-Crisis

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Killer Croc escaped custody and sought revenge on Harvey Bullock and two other criminals who got him in jail. Batman tracked him down and Croc went into a homicidal rage. When new water tunnels were built, which would flood Killer Croc's new home, Croc seemingly sacrificed himself to hold the water back when they finally were open.[6]

In reality, Croc was buried under rubble and was freed from his prison by storm drains. Killer Croc survived on rats and was isolated for months, driving him further into madness. Croc later went on a rampage after a confrontation with a vagrant, and winds up in a shopping mall. After delivering several blows to Croc, Batman is distracted by a glimpse ofBane.Croc then grabs Batman and tries to break his back. He fails, and Bane pits himself against Croc, breaking his arms. Croc is then put back intoArkham Asylum.[7]

When Bane breaks the inmates out of Arkham Asylum in theKnightfallsaga, Croc attempts to get revenge on Bane. While in the sewers, he smells Bane and goes after him and the two fight each other atop a ledge. Bane casually breaks one of Croc's arms again, but Croc fights until the ledge they are standing on breaks and the two fall into the sewers. The fight ends up as a draw. Croc later returns, attacking the docks to try to lure Bane out for a rematch, but is defeated byDick Grayson(now acting as Batman after Bruce defeatedValleybefore taking time off for self-analysis) without the villain realizing that he is facing a new Batman. Killer Croc is left for the police in a fishing net all bruised up with a broken arm.

Killer Croc is summoned by aparanormalforce to break out of Arkham and make his way to theLouisianaswamps. Batman follows him there, only to find that the mysterious force is actually theSwamp Thing,who offers Croc a place in the swampland where he can finally give in to his animal side, live free from human persecution and have a peaceful and joyous life.[8]

Killer Croc has appeared in both the "Hush"storyline and its chronological follow-up,Broken City.In the former, he is infected with avirusthat greatly increases the rate of his devolution, 'overseeing' a kidnapping forHushbefore Batman defeats him; this provides Batman's first clue that someone else is orchestrating events, as he knows that Croc is too stupid to attempt a complex scheme like a kidnapping on his own due to the many variables. Though Killer Croc was briefly restored to his original form, theMad Hatter,underBlack Mask's orders, implanted Killer Croc with a device that made him loyal to Black Mask and caused the virus to return. Batman freed Croc from Black Mask's control. Croc attempted to take revenge on the Mad Hatter, but was stopped by Batman. Croc then escaped.

When an attempt at a cure fails, Killer Croc devours the involved doctor and retreats to the sewers, vowing vengeance on Batman and Black Mask.[9]

InInfinite Crisis,Croc becomes a member ofAlexander Luthor, Jr.'sSecret Society of Super Villains.

One Year Laterduring the "Face the Face"storyline, Killer Croc is shown to have been feeding on the dead body of anorca.[10]He next shows up inCountdownwhere he breaks free from his shackles in Arkham Asylum and attempts to killJimmy Olsen,who uses elastic powers to escape. Killer Croc is then subdued.[11]

He is later seen among the exiled supervillains in "Salvation Run."After theMartian Manhunteris defeated and imprisoned in a fiery cage, Croc suggests that he will eat the Martian.Lex Luthorforbids it.

During the "Final Crisis"storyline, Killer Croc can be seen as the member ofLibra's Secret Society of Super Villains.[12]Killer Croc is later turned into a Justifier.[13]

In the "Battle for the Cowl"storyline, Killer Croc is recruited bya new Black Maskto be a part of a group of villains aiming to take over Gotham and Bludhaven.

During the events ofBrightest Day,Killer Croc is intentionally released from his cell by a guard whomOsiriskills whenDeathstrokeand his band of Titans infiltrate Arkham. While attempting to flee from the facility, he is attacked by Osiris who mistakes Killer Croc for his old enemySobek.[14]

The New 52

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In the continuity of DC's 2011 rebootThe New 52,Killer Croc is established to have foughtRoy Harperin Hell's Kitchen in a flashback seen inRed Hood and the Outlaws.[15]He is then passingly referenced by Roy, as he is Roy's current sponsor for hisalcoholismat the time when Roy was in a bar withJason Todd.Roy is only drinking water, but knows that Waylon would disapprove.[16]

During the 2013–2014Forever Evilstoryline, Croc began ruling over Gotham's lower class. He murders a corrupt S.W.A.T. team that murdered one of the few people who were nice to him. When theCrime Syndicateinvades Earth, Croc takes over Wayne Tower. He is confronted by the villain Bane, who injects Croc with Venom, turning Croc into a hulking giant, whom Bane then defeats.[volume & issue needed]

While institutionalized in Arkham, Killer Croc meetsSybil Silverlock,a woman withdissociative identity disorder.He bonds with her softer personality, and she shows him a picture of her daughter, Olive. Sybil has him promise to look after Olive if he ever gets out.[17]After the destruction of Arkham Asylum,[18]Killer Croc escapes and travels to Gotham Academy, where he watches over Olive, and tells her about her mother, who was rendered comatose by the asylum's destruction. After Batman confronts them, Olive and Killer Croc escape to a swamp. Before parting, he tells her that, if she is like her mother, to come and find him one day.[17]

He recently helped Harley Quinn and her friends fight a gang of other Batman villains inConey Island.

DC Rebirth

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In the pages ofDC Rebirthwith the Suicide Squad, Killer Croc and the Squad go on a mission to retrieve a "cosmic item" from a Russian undersea prison, revealed to be a portal to the Phantom Zone, and come face-to-face withGeneral Zod.He attacks the Squad and, when spotting Zod about to kill June Moone/Enchantress, Croc saves her just in time. After the mission, back in their cells, June Moone and Croc have a heartfelt conversation and embrace each other. Killer Croc and June Moone enjoy New York City and decide to explore their romance in the future. Croc encourages her to try, but later expresses fear and sheds tears that he will lose her if she is able to achieve her dream. Enchantress's rampage in New York City lasts until it is revealed that it is an editor from a magazine company who rejected June. After being convinced by Croc to reevaluate her, he decided to give her some freelance work. Moved by Waylon's actions, June reigns in the Enchantress and thanks her love for helping her. Wall escapes the battle after downloading the file. Two days later in the cell, Croc mourns, and breaks down in tears over June Moone's "death", as Rick told him that June Moone is the only one who did not see him as monstrous. He eventually leaves the Squad.

In Harley Quinn's series, Killer Croc joined the Penguin's plans to take over New York, but went off on his own to take Coney Island, revealing that he was on display there in a freak show as a kid driving out the other villains. After it was all torn down, Harley convinced him to join her side and help take it all back from the Penguin.

Killer Croc, deciding to go by his first name Waylon, later took over Tusk's hotel in Monster Town, granting second chances to any monster in need.

InJoker Warevent tie-in, the Joker and his goons assaulted Monstertown. He decided to create a new one in the sewers of Gotham, hoping that he and the others would be left alone and wanting no involvement in the war. Batman attempts to warn Croc of the dangers of the chemicals in the water, but doesn’t believe him. He makes a deal with Batman to fight him, only to lose. Although Croc and his gang are later taken to jail, he promises them the best of care, including a reversal of their conditions, if a cure can be found.

Infinite Frontier

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InInfinite Frontier,Killer Croc,Firefly,Knockout,andCheshireare brought together byClayfaceas potential allies hoping to seek a second chance by defending Allytown.

Red Hoodis on a mission to tracking down Bane until Croc goes after him for ruining his operation and costing him millions of dollars. However, after Red Hood proves unable to hurt him, Croc decides to settle the matter another time. Jason give a French book to him while they chat.

Dawn of DC

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Croc, along withMan-Bat,theOrcaand theTerrible Triokidnap a doctor at Gotham Zoo, and encounter Batman and Robin. He decides to quit and check on Poison Ivy, whom Croc helps escape from a collapsing abandoned building. Later, helping Ivy look for a cure, she works with Croc since he is immune to Lamia mushroom due to his natural immunity as a crocodile. Although he wants to help with his blood, he starts to freak out at the sight of the needle because he has been scared of needles since he was a kid; doctors could not penetrate his armored skin, and the experience was traumatic for him. When a zombie-like creature is found attacking Ivy, Croc goes to her defense. Solomon Grundy arrives and grabs Ivy by the neck, but Croc rescues her. They end up fighting until Ivy stops them, realizing they have an even bigger problem to deal with. While sharing a meal with Ivy's friend Janet, Ivy starts to bleed.Floronic Manthen arrives, and Croc defends Janet and Ivy.

During the "Titans: Beast World",Croc is exposed to one ofBeast Boy's spores and temporarily mutated further.

All In

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Croc and Janet investigate to find out why Green Order of the Green Knight fame Ivy didn't commit crime they found few clues in sewer. Later Janet kisses Croc.

Characterization

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Powers and abilities

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Killer Croc's backstory explains that he was born with a condition resemblingepidermolytic hyperkeratosis,a disfiguring skin disorder. However, it is actually a form of regressiveatavism,meaning that he has inherited traits of ancestral species of the human race, such asreptiles.This condition has been augmented by the presence of ametagene.Consequently, he has several extraordinary physical abilities relating to his endurance, speed, and strength.

His skin is hardened to the degree that it is nearly impenetrable to ordinary forms ofabrasionor penetration, including high caliber weapons fired from a distance. He also possesses an extraordinary amount of super-strength; for example, he was able to tear a bank vault door off of its hinges with minimal effort. He has demonstrated regenerative powers, allowing him to heal and restore lost limbs and teeth. He possesses superhuman reflexes and speed, especially while he is moving underwater. He can also see through his crocodile eyelids. Killer Croc also has an enhanced sense of smell. Once he has become familiar with a person's scent, he can track them from miles away. As his appearance and personality has grown more and more bestial, his misanthropy has increased dramatically. He is jealous and hateful of "normal" people and often lashes out violently without provocation. As a result of these feelings of jealousy, Croc will often entertain himself by grabbing hold of small, pointy objects as a source of comfort.

Croc's main weakness is consistently portrayed in most adaptations, aside fromThe Batmanseries, as being his low intellect. He typically resorts to brute force to solve most problems, allowing Batman to outmaneuver him in combat by thinking his way through the problems he faces in defeating the powerful Croc. Batman regularly describes his foe as an animal rather than a man. He acts almost solely on instinct and hardly ever takes the time to plan or rationalize his actions. This is a departure from his initial portrayal, where he was shown to be a ruthless and intelligent criminal who was able to plot his ascent from henchman to The Squid to perhaps the most powerful force in Gotham organized crime before being defeated by the Batman.

Appearance

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In recent years, Killer Croc has been portrayed as being much more reptilian than in past incarnations. Anaction figuremade byKennerin 1998 featured a tail anddinosaur-like feet. WhenMattelgot the license to make DC products in the early 2000s, they released their own version of Killer Croc, sculpted byFour Horsemen Studios.This version also featured a tail and dinosaur feet. In late 2005, a re-release of this figure was modified so that the tail, along with his shirt, was removed. This version also sports a more "human" head.

The 2002-2003BatmanstorylineHushfeatured a more bestial Croc who had beenmutatedagainst his will to appear more reptilian. This version of the character was drawn by artistJim Lee.InThe New 52,he is shown to have a crocodile-like head, though how this came to be has not yet been revealed. Such a design had previously appeared inRed Hood and the Outlaws,drawn byKenneth Rocafort.

Alternative versions

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  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inJoker.This version is a member of the Joker's gang and sports a more humanoid appearance.[19]
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman/Aliens 2.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: Crimson Mist.This version is a serial killer and member ofTwo-Face's gang who later works withCommissioner GordonandAlfred Pennyworthto stop a vampiric Batman.[20]
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears in theFlashpointstoryline.[21]
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: Earth One.This version is an ally of Batman and member of theOutsiderswho was previously sold to Haly's Circus as a child.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inDC Bombshells.This version is a member of the Suicide Squad who was transformed into a crocodile monster by the Enchantress' magic.[22]
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: White Knight.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: Reptilian.This version was mutated after his mother was exposed to an alienmutagenwhile pregnant with him.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: The Audio Adventures.This version was mutated byHugo Strange,from whom he sought a cure for his skin condition. Instead, Strange overdosed him with his "Monster Man" formula and revived him using a Lazarus Pit, turning him into a monster. Lost and distraught, Croc is taken in by the Penguin and joins his gang.
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inBatman: The Doom That Came to Gotham.This version isLudvig Prinn,a wizard who was imprisoned underneath Gotham City and mutated by the fungi that grew there, later joiningRa's al Ghul'sLeague of Assassins.[23]
  • An alternate universe variant of Killer Croc appears inAbsolute Batman.This version is a human gym owner and childhood friend of Bruce Wayne.

In other media

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Television

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Killer Croc as he appears inBatman: The Animated Series(left) and later in its revival seriesThe New Batman Adventures(right).
  • An original incarnation of Killer Croc,"Killer Croc" Morgan,appears in series set in theDC Animated Universe.This version is a formerpro wrestlerwho turned to crime.
    • Croc first appears inBatman: The Animated Series,voiced byAron Kincaid.[24]For this series, he sports lumpy, grey skin.[25]
    • Croc returns inThe New Batman Adventures,voiced by Brooks Gardner.[24]For this series, he has been redesigned to have a more reptilian appearance with green scales and claws.
    • An android replica of Croc appears in theBatman Beyondepisode "Terry's Friend Dates a Robot". Writer Stan Berkowitz originally had plans to bring back Croc for the series, as reptiles have long lifespans, but the idea was dropped.[26]
  • Killer Croc appears inThe Batman,voiced byRon Perlman.[24]This version is a crime boss who speaks with aCajunaccent and possesses greater intellect than traditional interpretations of the character. Additionally, his origins are unknown, though rumors have spread that he is a genetic experiment gone awry who then turned mercenary, someone who dealt with voodoo magic, or simply a circus freak. In issue #25 of the series' tie-in comicThe Batman Strikes!,Croc is shown in flashbacks to have been both a lab experiment and a circus act.
  • Killer Croc appears inBatman: The Brave and the Bold,voiced byStephen Root.[24]
  • Killer Croc appears inBeware the Batman,voiced byWade Williams.[24]This version speaks with a Cajun accent, is implied to be a cannibal, and led a group ofBlackgate Penitentiaryprisoners while incarcerated there.
  • Killer Croc appears inHarley Quinn,voiced byMatt Oberg.[24]This version is a member of theLegion of Doomin the first season and theSuicide Squad's "A-team" in the third who later enters a relationship with squad-mate theEnchantress.
  • An original incarnation of Killer Croc appears in theBatwomanepisode "Loose Tooth",[27]portrayed by Heidi Ben. This version is a teenager namedSteven,who found one of Killer Croc's teeth and cut himself with it, which caused him to transform into a new Killer Croc.
  • Killer Croc appears inSuicide Squad Isekai,voiced by Tarō Kiuchi.[28]This version is a rogue member of the Suicide Squad.
  • Waylon Jones appears in theBatman: Caped Crusaderepisode "Nocturne", voiced byCedric Yarbrough.[24]This version works for a circus.

Film

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Killer Croc in theDC Extended Universe,portrayed byAdewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje.

Video games

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Lego Batman

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Batman: Arkham

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Killer Croc appears in theBatman: Arkhamseries.

Other games

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Miscellaneous

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  • Killer Croc appears in the novelBatman: Knightfall and Beyond.This version is said to have suffered from aggressiveskin cancerthat turned the outer layers of his flesh into a hardened covering when he was younger.
  • Killer Croc appears in theInjustice: Gods Among UsandInjustice 2prequel comics. In the latter, he becomes a member ofRa's al Ghul'sSuicide Squadwho goes on to marry squad-mateOrca,who becomes pregnant with his child, and leaves the squad with her to raise them.
  • Killer Croc appears inBatman '66#28.[38]This version is a former henchman ofKing Tutwhose reptilian form and strength are derived from an elixir. With help from his girlfriend Eva, Croc goes on a crime spree in the hopes of becoming Gotham's biggest crime lord until he is defeated by Batman andRobinand handed over to the police.
  • Killer Croc appears inDC Super Hero Girls,voiced byFred Tatasciore.[24]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019).DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle.DK Publishing. p. 201.ISBN978-1-4654-8578-6.
  2. ^Suicide Squadvol. 5, #20. DC Comics.
  3. ^Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016).The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe.DK Publishing. p. 168.ISBN978-1-4654-5357-0.
  4. ^"5 Batman Villains We Have Yet To See In The Movies".Pulpinterest.com. 2014-02-05. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-03-27.Retrieved2014-05-13.
  5. ^Greenberger, Robert (2008).The Essential Batman Encyclopedia.Del Rey. pp. 212–214.ISBN9780345501066.
  6. ^Batman#471. DC Comics.
  7. ^Batman#489. DC Comics.
  8. ^Batman#521-522. DC Comics.
  9. ^Detective Comics#810 (2005). DC Comics.
  10. ^Detective Comics#819
  11. ^Countdown#50. DC Comics.
  12. ^DC Universe#0. DC Comics.
  13. ^Final Crisis#4. DC Comics.
  14. ^Titansvol. 2 #28. DC Comics.
  15. ^Red Hood and the Outlaws#3. DC Comics.
  16. ^Red Hood and the Outlaws#4. DC Comics.
  17. ^abGotham Academy#6. DC Comics.
  18. ^Batman Eternal#29. DC Comics.
  19. ^Joker.DC Comics.
  20. ^Batman: Crimson Mist.DC Comics.
  21. ^Flashpoint: Batman - Knight of Vengeance#1 (June 2011). DC Comics.
  22. ^DC Bombshells Annual#1. DC Comics.
  23. ^Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham#1
  24. ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv"Killer Croc Voices (Batman)".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedJanuary 7,2024.A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  25. ^"Killer Croc - Batman: The Animated Series | TVmaze".
  26. ^"The World's Finest - Batman Beyond".
  27. ^Schaefer, Sandy (October 1, 2021)."Batwoman's 'New Incarnation' of Killer Croc Surfaces in Upcoming Episode Synopsis".Comic Book Resources.RetrievedOctober 3,2021.
  28. ^Pineda, Rafael Antonio (June 21, 2024)."Suicide Squad Isekai Anime Unveils More Cast, Opening Sequence".Anime News Network.RetrievedJune 21,2024.
  29. ^Sneider, Jeff (March 31, 2015)."Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje to Play Killer Croc in WB's 'Suicide Squad' (Exclusive)".TheWrap.RetrievedMarch 31,2015.
  30. ^Couch, Aaron (July 21, 2021)."DC's 'Injustice' Sets Cast for Animated Movie (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
  31. ^Dasappan, Jayakrishna (October 19, 2023)."MJF Joins The DC Animated Universe".Wrestlezone.RetrievedOctober 21,2023.
  32. ^Harvey, James (April 17, 2024)."James Harvey @ The World's Finest:" Check out these official "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part Two" images provided by Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment! The animated movie will be available on digital and physical media starting Apr. 23, 2024. "#JLCrisis #JusticeLeague #JusticeLeagueCrisis".Twitter.RetrievedApril 29,2024.
  33. ^Game Informerfeatures a two-page gallery of the many heroes and villains who appear in the game with a picture for each character and a descriptive paragraph. See "LEGO Batman:Character Gallery ",Game Informer186 (October 2008): 93.
  34. ^"Syndicated Comics".22 July 2018.
  35. ^"Twitter / blumspew: @pmagill536 I was all over".Twitter.com. 2012-09-29.Retrieved2014-05-13.
  36. ^Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013)."DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide".IGN.RetrievedApril 29,2024.
  37. ^"Mortal Kombat 11's New DC Comics Skins: Where Each of Them is from".16 January 2020. Archived fromthe originalon 1 December 2023.Retrieved20 September2021.
  38. ^"Batman '66 #28 - Scarecrow Comes To Town (Issue)".Comic Vine.RetrievedJuly 11,2024.
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