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{{short description|Fictional comic book group}}
{{short description|Fictional comic book group}}
{{Infobox comics organization
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:CW01 11.jpg|thumb|400px|[[Maria Hill]] and Cape-Killers surround [[Captain America]]<br>Art from ''Civil War'' #1, by [[Steve McNiven]].]] -->
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The (Anti-<ref name="civilwar1dc">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Mark Millar]] | Penciller = [[Steve McNiven]] | Inker = [[Dexter Vines]] | Story = | Title = [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War (Directors Cut)]] | Issue = 1 |date= July 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>)'''Superhuman Restraint Unit'''<ref name="wolverine43">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Marc Guggenheim]] | Penciller = [[Humberto Ramos]] | Inker = [[Carlos Cuevas (inker)|Carlos Cuevas]] | Story = Revenge | Title = [[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]] Vol. 3 | Issue = 43 |date= August 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> is a [[fictional]] special operations unit of [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]], designed by [[penciller]] [[Howard Chaykin]].<ref name="civilwar1dc"/>
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| publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
| debut = ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]'' #1 (May, 2006)
| creators = [[Steve McNiven]]<br>[[Mark Millar]]
| type =
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| members = [[#Known teams and members|Various]]
| fullroster =
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| sortkey = Superhuman Restraint Unit
}}
The (Anti-<ref name="civilwar1dc">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Mark Millar]] | Penciller = [[Steve McNiven]] | Inker = [[Dexter Vines]] | Story = | Title = [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War (Directors Cut)]] | Issue = 1 |date= July 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>)'''Superhuman Restraint Unit'''<ref name="wolverine43">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Marc Guggenheim]] | Penciller = [[Humberto Ramos]] | Inker = [[Carlos Cuevas (inker)|Carlos Cuevas]] | Story = Revenge | Title = [[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]] Vol. 3 | Issue = 43 |date= August 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> is a [[fictional]] special operations unit of [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]], designed by [[penciller]] [[Howard Chaykin]].<ref name="civilwar1dc"/>


==History==
==History==
===Beetles===
[[File:Beetle soldier kills Tom Lennox.jpg|thumb|225px|A "Beetle" squad member guns down Tom Lennox ''The Mighty World Of Marvel'' #9 (February 1984). Art by Alan Davis.]]
[[File:Beetle soldier kills Tom Lennox.jpg|thumb|225px|A "Beetle" squad member guns down Tom Lennox in ''The Mighty World Of Marvel'' #9 (February 1984). Art by Alan Davis.]]
An armored superhuman restraint unit's first appearance in the [[Marvel Universe]] was in the pages of [[Marvel UK]]'s ''[[The Mighty World Of Marvel]]'', during the events of the [[Jaspers' Warp]] [[story arc]]. In this tale, insane reality warper Jim Jaspers became the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and turned the [[United Kingdom|UK]] into a fascist state.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Alan Moore]] | Penciller = [[Alan Davis]] | Inker = [[Alan Davis]] | Story = The Twisted World (Reprise) | Title = [[The Mighty World Of Marvel]] | Issue = 8 | date= January 1984 | Publisher = [[Marvel UK]] | }}</ref> As PM, he enforced "Super Hero Legislation"; using armored agents of [[S.T.R.I.K.E.]] (the UK division of S.H.I.E.L.D.) to hunt down and detain superhumans within the UK. These anti-superhuman agents were called "Beetle" squadrons, due to their beetle head shaped helmets, and were best known for gunning down Tom Lennox, [[Betsy Braddock]]'s lover.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Alan Moore]] | Penciller = [[Alan Davis]] | Inker = [[Alan Davis]] | Story = Among Those Dark Satanic Mills (or Madwar) | Title = [[The Mighty World Of Marvel]] | Issue = 9 | date= February 1984 | Publisher = [[Marvel UK]] | }}</ref>
An armored superhuman restraint unit's first appearance in the [[Marvel Universe]] was in [[Marvel UK]]'s ''[[The Mighty World Of Marvel]]'', during the events of the [[Jaspers' Warp]] [[story arc]] involving [[Brian Braddock]] as Captain Britain. Insane reality warper [[Mad Jim Jaspers]] is the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] and turned the [[United Kingdom|UK]] into a fascist state,<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Alan Moore]] | Penciller = [[Alan Davis]] | Inker = [[Alan Davis]] | Story = The Twisted World (Reprise) | Title = [[The Mighty World Of Marvel]] | Issue = 8 | date= January 1984 | Publisher = [[Marvel UK]] | }}</ref> and enforced "Super Hero Legislation" using armored agents of [[S.T.R.I.K.E.]] (the UK division of S.H.I.E.L.D.) to hunt down and detain superhumans within the UK. These anti-superhuman agents were called "'''[[Beetle (comics)|Beetles]]'''" squadrons due to their beetle head shaped helmets and were best known for gunning down Tom Lennox, [[Betsy Braddock]]'s lover.<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Alan Moore]] | Penciller = [[Alan Davis]] | Inker = [[Alan Davis]] | Story = Among Those Dark Satanic Mills (or Madwar) | Title = [[The Mighty World Of Marvel]] | Issue = 9 | date= February 1984 | Publisher = [[Marvel UK]] | }}</ref>


=== Cape-Killers ===
===Cape-Killers I===
The '''Cape-Killers'''<ref name="captainamerica22">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Mike Perkins]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 22 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> (sometimes written '''Capekiller'''<ref name="newavengers25script">{{cite web | url = http://www.jinxworld.com/SCRIPTS/NEWAVENGERS25.doc | title = New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com) | accessdate = 2007-12-17 | quote = this palm pilot is very high tech.", "The cape killers freeze in place. The armor is frozen, but its hard to notice just now.", and "The man walks away from us and right towards the fallen Capekiller's and is sauntering right inside the Avengers tower lobby.}}</ref>) are agents of [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]] equipped in armored suits during the events of Marvel Comics' [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]] [[Fictional crossover#Comics|crossover]], where these agents were sent to bring in rogue superheroes.<ref name="captainamerica22">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Mike Perkins]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 22 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> The [[United States]] government passed the [[Registration acts (comics)#2006 Superhuman Registration Act|Superhuman Registration Act]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.marvel.com/comics/Civil_War | title = Marvel Comics Civil War (summary) | accessdate = 2007-12-17 | quote = With that incident as the igniting spark, everything in the U.S. changed. Super hero regulation and Registration swept through the government and sides were quickly drawn.}}</ref> and used a division of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents trained to deal specifically with superhuman threats,<ref name="civilwar1dc"/> to enforce the law. These [[Infantry|foot soldiers]]<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Marc Guggenheim]] | Penciller = [[Humberto Ramos]] | Inker = [[Carlos Cuevas (inker)|Carlos Cuevas]] | Story = Vengeance | Title = [[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]] Vol. 3 | Issue = 45 |date= October 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> of S.H.I.E.L.D., known as (Anti-)Superhuman Restraint Unit and more commonly Cape-Killers, were spread out across Marvel comics and came into conflict with various superpowered individuals throughout the event. The Cape-Killers wear armor and use hardware designed by [[Stark Industries]],<ref name="newavengers21">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Howard Chaykin]] | Inker = [[Jose Pimentel]] | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = [[The New Avengers (comics)|New Avengers]] | Issue = 21 |date= June 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> specifically by disillusioned employee Kenny.<ref name="newavengers25">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Jim Cheung]] | Inker = Livesay | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = New Avengers | Issue = 25 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> The Cape-Killers are seen in the subsequent [[Avengers: The Initiative|Initiative]] story arc as well as the [[Secret Invasion]] storyline, until [[H.A.M.M.E.R.]] commander [[Norman Osborn]] discontinues the Cape-Killers' technology.<ref>''Dark Avengers #1</ref>
The first incarnation of the '''Cape-Killers'''<ref name="captainamerica22">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Mike Perkins]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 22 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> (sometimes written '''Capekiller'''<ref name="newavengers25script">{{cite web | url = http://www.jinxworld.com/SCRIPTS/NEWAVENGERS25.doc | title = New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com) | accessdate = 2007-12-17 | quote = this palm pilot is very high tech.", "The cape killers freeze in place. The armor is frozen, but its hard to notice just now.", and "The man walks away from us and right towards the fallen Capekiller's and is sauntering right inside the Avengers tower lobby.}}</ref>) are agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. equipped in armored suits during the events of Marvel Comics' [[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]] [[Fictional crossover#Comics|crossover]], where these agents were sent to bring in rogue superheroes.<ref name="captainamerica22"/> The [[United States]] government passed the [[Registration acts (comics)#2006 Superhuman Registration Act|Superhuman Registration Act]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.marvel.com/comics/Civil_War | title = Marvel Comics Civil War (summary) | accessdate = 2007-12-17 | quote = With that incident as the igniting spark, everything in the U.S. changed. Super hero regulation and Registration swept through the government and sides were quickly drawn.}}</ref> and used a division of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents trained to deal specifically with superhuman threats,<ref name="civilwar1dc"/> to enforce the law. These [[Infantry|foot soldiers]]<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Marc Guggenheim]] | Penciller = [[Humberto Ramos]] | Inker = [[Carlos Cuevas (inker)|Carlos Cuevas]] | Story = Vengeance | Title = [[Wolverine (comic book)|Wolverine]] Vol. 3 | Issue = 45 |date= October 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> of S.H.I.E.L.D., known as (Anti-)Superhuman Restraint Unit and more commonly Cape-Killers, were spread out across Marvel comics and came into conflict with various superpowered individuals throughout the event. The Cape-Killers wear armor and use hardware designed by [[Stark Industries]].<ref name="newavengers21">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Howard Chaykin]] | Inker = [[Jose Pimentel]] | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = [[The New Avengers (comics)|New Avengers]] | Issue = 21 |date= June 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> The Cape-Killers' armor has two different styles of [[helmet]] (a [[Riotsquad helmet|Riotsquad style helmet]],<ref name="captainamerica23">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Mike Perkins]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 23 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> and a helmet with a [[Filter mask|Filter style]] [[gas mask]]<ref name="captainamerica24">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Frank D'Armata]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 23 |date= January 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>) as well as suits that are out-fitted with internal comm systems,<ref name="captainamerica24"/> and [[Levitation (paranormal)|hover discs]] that give the wearers the ability of flight (which have been seen in various comics),<ref name="newavengers22">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Leinil Yu]] | Inker = [[Dave McCaig]] | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = [[The New Avengers (comics)|New Avengers]] | Issue = 22 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> and various [[firearms]] that shot tranquilizer darts,<ref name="captainamerica22"/> though later they have been shown to use [[Genetics|genetic]] [[paralyzer]] [[laser]] weapons.<ref name="newavengers22"/> Weaknesses of the Cape-Killers' armor suits have been shown to be susceptible to [[Voltage spike|power surges]] in several issues,<ref name="captainamerica23"/> and S.H.I.E.L.D. former director [[Nick Fury]] would later develop a device that transmitted an [[Electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic]] overload pulse-broadcast straight into their comm systems which shut down their suits and frying their electrical systems that was shown to take down several unit members at once.<ref name="captainamerica24"/> It's also shown that there's an override code used by the Cape-Killers' disillusioned designer on his high tech [[palm pilot]] that can freeze their suits.<ref name="newavengers25">{{cite comic | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Jim Cheung]] | Inker = Livesay | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = New Avengers | Issue = 25 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>


The Cape-Killers are seen in the subsequent [[Avengers: The Initiative|Initiative]] story arc as well as the "[[Secret Invasion]]" storyline, until being discontinued by [[H.A.M.M.E.R.]] commander [[Norman Osborn]] at the start of the "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]" storyline.<ref>''Dark Avengers'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>
==Cape-Killer armor==
*'''Armor'''
Not much has been revealed in the comics about the Stark Enterprise's armor which is used by the Cape-Killers. During appearances of this unit, two different styles of [[helmet]] have been used; a [[Riotsquad helmet|Riotsquad style helmet]]<ref name="captainamerica23">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Mike Perkins]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 23 |date= December 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> and, more commonly, a helmet with a [[Filter mask|Filter style]] [[gas mask]].<ref name="captainamerica24">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Ed Brubaker]] | Penciller = [[Mike Perkins]] | Inker = [[Frank D'Armata]] | Story = The Drums of War | Title = [[Captain America]] Vol. 5 | Issue = 23 |date= January 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>


===Cape Killers II===
These suits are out-fitted with internal comm systems,<ref name="captainamerica24"/> and [[Levitation|hover discs]]<ref name="newavengers22">{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Brian Michael Bendis]] | Penciller = [[Leinil Yu]] | Inker = [[Dave McCaig]] | Story = New Avengers Disassembled | Title = [[The New Avengers (comics)|New Avengers]] | Issue = 22 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> that give the wearers the ability of flight which have been seen in various comics.
The '''Cape Killers''' would later be revived by Agent Julia Gao of the [[New York City Police Department|NYPD]] during the "[[Devil's Reign]]" storyline to enforce the Anti-Vigilante Act previously enacted by former [[Mayor of New York City|New York City Mayor]] [[Kingpin (character)|Wilson Fisk]]. Gao recruits several supervillains like [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]] II, [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]], [[Taskmaster (character)|Taskmaster]] and Hightail into the Cape Killers in exchange for clemency and first deploys them during the "[[Publication history of Marvel Comics crossover events#2020s 5|Carnage Reigns]]" event to stop [[Cletus Kasady]].<ref name="Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6">''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> Gao and the Cape Killers frequently clash with [[Miles Morales|Spider-Man]], but are often forced to work together.<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #6-7. Marvel Comics</ref><ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #10-13. Marvel Comics</ref>


During the "[[Gang War (comics)|Gang War]]" event, Gao sends the Cape Killers members Scorpion, Taskmaster, Hightail, and new recruit Gust to deal with the destruction wrought by the warring gangs and orders them to arrest both superheroes and supervillains alike as seen after Spider-Man, [[Misty Knight]], and [[Colleen Wing]] have defeated [[Bumbler (comics)|Bumbler]] and [[Frost Pharaoh]].<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #13. Marvel Comics.</ref> [[She-Hulk]] intervenes and argues with Gao through a video call that Spider-Man and his allies have been deputized by Mayor [[Luke Cage]] to help stop the gang violence. As Gao begrudgingly allows Spider-Man to go free, she still orders Hightail to bring Knight and Wing to her. Spider-Man accompanies Scorpion and Gust to [[Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn]] where they end up fighting [[Prowler (Marvel Comics)|Prowler]] and the [[Enforcers (comics)|Enforcers]]. Scorpion and Gust manage to defeat the Enforcers while Spider-Man fights his uncle until [[Starling (Marvel Comics)|Starling]] arrives with [[Kamala Khan|Ms. Marvel]] and [[Shift (Marvel Comics)|Shift]].<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #14. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Prowler reveals that was he secretly working undercover to thwart the [[Hobgoblin (comics)|Hobgoblin]]'s attempt to control [[Brooklyn]] and joins forces with Spider-Man and the Cape Killers to stop Hobgoblin and his supplier [[Rabble (comics)|Rabble]].<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #15. Marvel Comics.</ref> At Hobgoblin's hideout, Scorpion convinces several supervillains under the Hobgoblin's employ to turn against their employer; the Cape Killers and Spider-Man and his allies are able to save Brooklyn from the Hobgoblin although Rabble escapes during the battle and the Hobgoblin is presumed killed after blowing up his base. Gao ends her truce with Spider-Man and attempts to arrest him, but he defiantly leaves to help end the final battle at [[Central Park]].<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #16. Marvel Comics.</ref>
*'''Weapons'''
The Cape-Killer's various [[firearms]] in early comics shot tranquilizer darts<ref name="captainamerica22"/> though later they have been shown to use [[Genetics|genetic]] [[paralyzer]] [[laser]] weapons.<ref name="newavengers22"/>


After the Gang War ends and Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Act is repealed, Mayor Cage orders the Cape Killers to disband, with its members either having their sentences commuted or returned to imprisonment. Although Cage lets her keep title and has her transferred to a different department, an infuriated Gao seeks out Rabble to form her own alliance in thwarting New York's superhuman activities.<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #17. Marvel Comics.</ref> Hoping to arrest Spider-Man before the Act is officially repealed and the Cape Killers are disbanded, Gao equips herself and the Cape Killers with upgraded suits provided by Rabble and ambush him, but Spider-Man fights them off after empowering himself with his Bio-Electricity and when [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]], Prowler, Ms. Marvel, Shift and Starling arrive to back him up. However, Rabble intervenes by using her technopathy to take control of the Cape Killers' suits, letting them fight at their full capacity but would also eventually kill them, goading Spider-Man into confronting her alone.<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #18. Marvel Comics.</ref> Spider-Man narrowly defeats Rabble after a brutal fight, which frees the Cape-Killers from her control. Gao slips away from the authorities while the Cape-Killers are treated for their injuries as Cage arrives on the scene and officially disbands the Cape-Killers.<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #19. Marvel Comics.</ref>
*'''Weaknesses'''
The armor suits have been shown to be susceptible to [[Voltage spike|power surges]]<ref name="captainamerica23"/> in several issues, and [[Nick Fury]], S.H.I.E.L.D.'s former director who went into hiding after the events of the [[Secret War (comics)|Secret War]] [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]], would later develop a device that transmitted an [[Electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic]] overload pulse-broadcast straight into their comm systems,<ref name="captainamerica24"/> shutting down their suits and frying their electrical systems that was shown to take down several unit members at once.


==Known teams and members==
It was later shown that former Stark Enterprise employee and a designer of the Cape-Killer armor, Kenny<ref name="newavengers25"/> has an override code on his high tech palm pilot that can freeze the suits.<ref name="newavengers25script"/>
===Cape-Killers I===
* 9-6 - An unlicensed hero recovery team.<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = Brian Reed | Penciller = [[Roberto De La Torre]] | Inker = [[Jon Sibal]] | Story = Battle Lines | Title = [[Ms. Marvel]] | Issue = 6 |date= October 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* Agent Abrams - The leader of a unit to capture [[Nitro (comics)|Robert "Nitro" Hunter]] which failed and died when they were caught in an explosion generated by Nitro.<ref name="wolverine43"/>
* Agent Cleery<ref name="captainamerica23"/>
* Agent Doug ??? and another Cape-Killer - Security for the [[Santa Monica]] [[Farmers' Market]].<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Zeb Wells]] | Penciller = Stefano Caselli | Inker = [[Daniele Rudoni]] | Story = | Title = [[Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways]] | Issue = 1 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* Aerial Company C & Aerial Company E - Posted in the [[Manhattan]] area follow the events of [[World War Hulk]].<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Greg Pak]] & [[Fred Van Lente]] | Penciller = [[Khoi Pham]] & [[Stephane Peru]] | Inker = | Story = Birds of Stymphalis (Incredible [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Herc]]) | Title = [[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|Incredible Hulk]] vol. 3 | Issue = 112 |date= December 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* [[Dum Dum Dugan]]<ref name="newavengers21"/><ref name="captainamerica22"/>
* Force Unit 9<ref name="newavengers25"/> - [[Stark Tower|Avengers Tower]] Guards.<ref name="newavengers25script"/>
* Major Tom Aramaki - The leader of a [[mecha]] unit.<ref>''Iron Man: Hypervelocity'' #1-6</ref>
* Team Cobra<ref name="newavengers22"/> - A team which included Commander [[Gabe Jones|Gabriel Jones]] and Agent Whitman.
* Team 1 & Team 2 - They were assigned to the [[Baxter Building]].<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[J. Michael Straczynski]] | Penciller = [[Mike McKone]] | Inker = [[Andy Lanning]] & [[Cam Smith (artist)|Cam Smith]] | Story = Some Words Can Never Be Taken Back | Title = [[Fantastic Four]] | Issue = 540 |date= November 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* Special Agent Marquez and her partner Agent McAllister<ref>{{cite comic | Writer = [[Dan Slott]] | Penciller = [[Steve Uy]] | Inker = | Story = Persons Of Interest | Title = [[Avengers: The Initiative]] | Issue = 6 |date= November 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref> -


==Known Cape-Killer teams and members==
===Cape Killers II===
* Agent Julia Gao - An NYPD agent who is the founder and commander of the second Cape Killers.<ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics</ref>
*''9-6'' - unlicensed hero recovery team.<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = Brian Reed | Penciller = [[Roberto De La Torre]] | Inker = [[Jon Sibal]] | Story = Battle Lines | Title = [[Ms. Marvel]] | Issue = 6 |date= October 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* [[Electro (Marvel Comics)#Francine Frye|Electro (Francine Frye)]]<ref name="Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6"/>
*Agent Abrams - he led a Superhuman Restraint Unit to capture [[Nitro (comics)|Robert "Nitro" Hunter]]; they failed and died when they were caught in a Nitro generated explosion.<ref name="wolverine43"/>
* Gust - A teenage girl with aerokinetic abilities who was arrested by Gao for violating the Powers Act despite using her powers to rescue hostages from a bank robbery and is forced to work with the Cape Killers in exchange for her freedom.<ref>''Carnage Reigns Alpha'' #1. Marvel Comics</ref><ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #13.</ref>
*Agent Cleery<ref name="captainamerica23"/>
* Hightail - A [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] [[Speedster (fiction)|speedster]] and former criminal.<ref>''Red Goblin'' #5. Marvel Comics</ref><ref name="Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6"/><ref>''Miles Morales: Spider-Man'' Vol. 2 #10. Marvel Comics</ref>
*Agent Doug ???, and another Cape-Killer - Security for the [[Santa Monica]] [[Farmers' Market]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Zeb Wells]] | Penciller = [[Stefano Caselli]] | Inker = [[Daniele Rudoni]] | Story = | Title = [[Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways]] | Issue = 1 |date= September 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
* [[Mac Gargan|Scorpion]]<ref name="Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6"/>
*''Aerial Company C'' & ''Aerial Company E'' - Posted in the [[Manhattan]] area follow the events of [[World War Hulk]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Greg Pak]] & [[Fred Van Lente]] | Penciller = [[Khoi Pham]] & [[Stephane Peru]] | Inker = | Story = Birds of Stymphalis (Incredible [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Herc]]) | Title = [[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|Incredible Hulk]] vol. 3 | Issue = 112 |date= December 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
*[[Dum Dum Dugan]]<ref name="newavengers21"/><ref name="captainamerica22"/>
* [[Taskmaster (character)|Taskmaster]]<ref name="Miles Morales: Spider-Man #6"/>
*''Force Unit 9''<ref name="newavengers25"/> - [[Stark Tower|Avengers/Stark Tower]] Guards.<ref name="newavengers25script"/>
*''Team Cobra''<ref name="newavengers22"/> - which included Commander [[Gabriel Jones]], and Agent Whitman
*''Team 1'' & ''Team 2'' - assigned to the [[Baxter Building]].<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[J. Michael Straczynski]] | Penciller = [[Mike McKone]] | Inker = [[Andy Lanning]] & [[Cam Smith]] | Story = Some Words Can Never Be Taken Back | Title = [[Fantastic Four]] | Issue = 540 |date= November 2006 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>
*Special Agent Marquez, and her partner Agent McAllister<ref>{{Comic book reference | Writer = [[Dan Slott]] | Penciller = [[Steve Uy]] | Inker = | Story = Persons Of Interest | Title = [[Avengers: The Initiative]] | Issue = 6 |date= November 2007 | Publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]}}</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
===Television===
A variation of the Superhuman Restraint Unit appears in the ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'' multi-part episode "Civil War". This version was designed by [[Ultron]]'s [[Truman Marsh]] form and consists of a mech-sized [[Iron Patriot]] battlesuit and unmanned green and yellow sentries.

===Video games===
===Video games===
They appear in [[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2]]; as enemies if the player chooses the Anti-Registration side of the story, if the player chooses the Pro-Registration side they appear as allies.
The Superhuman Restraint Unit appears in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', as enemies if the player chooses the story's Anti-Registration side and as allies if the player chooses the story's Pro-Registration side.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Features of the Marvel Universe#S.T.A.R.S.|Superhuman Tactical Activities Response Squad]]
* [[Features of the Marvel Universe#S.T.A.R.S.|Superhuman Tactical Activities Response Squad]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 16:14, 9 October 2024

Superhuman Restraint Unit
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceCivil War #1 (May, 2006)
Created bySteve McNiven
Mark Millar
In-story information
Member(s)Various

The (Anti-[1])Superhuman Restraint Unit[2] is a fictional special operations unit of S.H.I.E.L.D. appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, designed by penciller Howard Chaykin.[1]

History

[edit]

Beetles

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A "Beetle" squad member guns down Tom Lennox in The Mighty World Of Marvel #9 (February 1984). Art by Alan Davis.

An armored superhuman restraint unit's first appearance in the Marvel Universe was in Marvel UK's The Mighty World Of Marvel, during the events of the Jaspers' Warp story arc involving Brian Braddock as Captain Britain. Insane reality warper Mad Jim Jaspers is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and turned the UK into a fascist state,[3] and enforced "Super Hero Legislation" using armored agents of S.T.R.I.K.E. (the UK division of S.H.I.E.L.D.) to hunt down and detain superhumans within the UK. These anti-superhuman agents were called "Beetles" squadrons due to their beetle head shaped helmets and were best known for gunning down Tom Lennox, Betsy Braddock's lover.[4]

Cape-Killers I

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The first incarnation of the Cape-Killers[5] (sometimes written Capekiller[6]) are agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. equipped in armored suits during the events of Marvel Comics' Civil War crossover, where these agents were sent to bring in rogue superheroes.[5] The United States government passed the Superhuman Registration Act,[7] and used a division of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents trained to deal specifically with superhuman threats,[1] to enforce the law. These foot soldiers[8] of S.H.I.E.L.D., known as (Anti-)Superhuman Restraint Unit and more commonly Cape-Killers, were spread out across Marvel comics and came into conflict with various superpowered individuals throughout the event. The Cape-Killers wear armor and use hardware designed by Stark Industries.[9] The Cape-Killers' armor has two different styles of helmet (a Riotsquad style helmet,[10] and a helmet with a Filter style gas mask[11]) as well as suits that are out-fitted with internal comm systems,[11] and hover discs that give the wearers the ability of flight (which have been seen in various comics),[12] and various firearms that shot tranquilizer darts,[5] though later they have been shown to use genetic paralyzer laser weapons.[12] Weaknesses of the Cape-Killers' armor suits have been shown to be susceptible to power surges in several issues,[10] and S.H.I.E.L.D. former director Nick Fury would later develop a device that transmitted an electromagnetic overload pulse-broadcast straight into their comm systems which shut down their suits and frying their electrical systems that was shown to take down several unit members at once.[11] It's also shown that there's an override code used by the Cape-Killers' disillusioned designer on his high tech palm pilot that can freeze their suits.[13]

The Cape-Killers are seen in the subsequent Initiative story arc as well as the "Secret Invasion" storyline, until being discontinued by H.A.M.M.E.R. commander Norman Osborn at the start of the "Dark Reign" storyline.[14]

Cape Killers II

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The Cape Killers would later be revived by Agent Julia Gao of the NYPD during the "Devil's Reign" storyline to enforce the Anti-Vigilante Act previously enacted by former New York City Mayor Wilson Fisk. Gao recruits several supervillains like Electro II, Scorpion, Taskmaster and Hightail into the Cape Killers in exchange for clemency and first deploys them during the "Carnage Reigns" event to stop Cletus Kasady.[15] Gao and the Cape Killers frequently clash with Spider-Man, but are often forced to work together.[16][17]

During the "Gang War" event, Gao sends the Cape Killers members Scorpion, Taskmaster, Hightail, and new recruit Gust to deal with the destruction wrought by the warring gangs and orders them to arrest both superheroes and supervillains alike as seen after Spider-Man, Misty Knight, and Colleen Wing have defeated Bumbler and Frost Pharaoh.[18] She-Hulk intervenes and argues with Gao through a video call that Spider-Man and his allies have been deputized by Mayor Luke Cage to help stop the gang violence. As Gao begrudgingly allows Spider-Man to go free, she still orders Hightail to bring Knight and Wing to her. Spider-Man accompanies Scorpion and Gust to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn where they end up fighting Prowler and the Enforcers. Scorpion and Gust manage to defeat the Enforcers while Spider-Man fights his uncle until Starling arrives with Ms. Marvel and Shift.[19] The Prowler reveals that was he secretly working undercover to thwart the Hobgoblin's attempt to control Brooklyn and joins forces with Spider-Man and the Cape Killers to stop Hobgoblin and his supplier Rabble.[20] At Hobgoblin's hideout, Scorpion convinces several supervillains under the Hobgoblin's employ to turn against their employer; the Cape Killers and Spider-Man and his allies are able to save Brooklyn from the Hobgoblin although Rabble escapes during the battle and the Hobgoblin is presumed killed after blowing up his base. Gao ends her truce with Spider-Man and attempts to arrest him, but he defiantly leaves to help end the final battle at Central Park.[21]

After the Gang War ends and Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Act is repealed, Mayor Cage orders the Cape Killers to disband, with its members either having their sentences commuted or returned to imprisonment. Although Cage lets her keep title and has her transferred to a different department, an infuriated Gao seeks out Rabble to form her own alliance in thwarting New York's superhuman activities.[22] Hoping to arrest Spider-Man before the Act is officially repealed and the Cape Killers are disbanded, Gao equips herself and the Cape Killers with upgraded suits provided by Rabble and ambush him, but Spider-Man fights them off after empowering himself with his Bio-Electricity and when Rhino, Prowler, Ms. Marvel, Shift and Starling arrive to back him up. However, Rabble intervenes by using her technopathy to take control of the Cape Killers' suits, letting them fight at their full capacity but would also eventually kill them, goading Spider-Man into confronting her alone.[23] Spider-Man narrowly defeats Rabble after a brutal fight, which frees the Cape-Killers from her control. Gao slips away from the authorities while the Cape-Killers are treated for their injuries as Cage arrives on the scene and officially disbands the Cape-Killers.[24]

Known teams and members

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Cape-Killers I

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Cape Killers II

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  • Agent Julia Gao - An NYPD agent who is the founder and commander of the second Cape Killers.[31]
  • Electro (Francine Frye)[15]
  • Gust - A teenage girl with aerokinetic abilities who was arrested by Gao for violating the Powers Act despite using her powers to rescue hostages from a bank robbery and is forced to work with the Cape Killers in exchange for her freedom.[32][33]
  • Hightail - A mutant speedster and former criminal.[34][15][35]
  • Scorpion[15]
  • Taskmaster[15]

In other media

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Television

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A variation of the Superhuman Restraint Unit appears in the Avengers Assemble multi-part episode "Civil War". This version was designed by Ultron's Truman Marsh form and consists of a mech-sized Iron Patriot battlesuit and unmanned green and yellow sentries.

Video games

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The Superhuman Restraint Unit appears in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, as enemies if the player chooses the story's Anti-Registration side and as allies if the player chooses the story's Pro-Registration side.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Mark Millar (w), Steve McNiven (p), Dexter Vines (i). Civil War (Directors Cut), no. 1 (July 2006). Marvel Comics.
  2. ^ a b Marc Guggenheim (w), Humberto Ramos (p), Carlos Cuevas (i). "Revenge" Wolverine Vol. 3, no. 43 (August 2006). Marvel Comics.
  3. ^ Alan Moore (w), Alan Davis (p), Alan Davis (i). "The Twisted World (Reprise)" The Mighty World Of Marvel, no. 8 (January 1984). Marvel UK.
  4. ^ Alan Moore (w), Alan Davis (p), Alan Davis (i). "Among Those Dark Satanic Mills (or Madwar)" The Mighty World Of Marvel, no. 9 (February 1984). Marvel UK.
  5. ^ a b c d Ed Brubaker (w), Mike Perkins (p), Mike Perkins (i). "The Drums of War" Captain America Vol. 5, no. 22 (September 2006). Marvel Comics.
  6. ^ a b "New Avengers #25 Script (jinxworld.com)". Retrieved 2007-12-17. this palm pilot is very high tech.", "The cape killers freeze in place. The armor is frozen, but its hard to notice just now.", and "The man walks away from us and right towards the fallen Capekiller's and is sauntering right inside the Avengers tower lobby.
  7. ^ "Marvel Comics Civil War (summary)". Retrieved 2007-12-17. With that incident as the igniting spark, everything in the U.S. changed. Super hero regulation and Registration swept through the government and sides were quickly drawn.
  8. ^ Marc Guggenheim (w), Humberto Ramos (p), Carlos Cuevas (i). "Vengeance" Wolverine Vol. 3, no. 45 (October 2006). Marvel Comics.
  9. ^ a b Brian Michael Bendis (w), Howard Chaykin (p), Jose Pimentel (i). "New Avengers Disassembled" New Avengers, no. 21 (June 2006). Marvel Comics.
  10. ^ a b c Ed Brubaker (w), Mike Perkins (p), Mike Perkins (i). "The Drums of War" Captain America Vol. 5, no. 23 (December 2006). Marvel Comics.
  11. ^ a b c Ed Brubaker (w), Mike Perkins (p), Frank D'Armata (i). "The Drums of War" Captain America Vol. 5, no. 23 (January 2007). Marvel Comics.
  12. ^ a b c Brian Michael Bendis (w), Leinil Yu (p), Dave McCaig (i). "New Avengers Disassembled" New Avengers, no. 22 (September 2006). Marvel Comics.
  13. ^ a b Brian Michael Bendis (w), Jim Cheung (p), Livesay (i). "New Avengers Disassembled" New Avengers, no. 25 (December 2006). Marvel Comics.
  14. ^ Dark Avengers #1. Marvel Comics.
  15. ^ a b c d e Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics.
  16. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #6-7. Marvel Comics
  17. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #10-13. Marvel Comics
  18. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #13. Marvel Comics.
  19. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #14. Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #15. Marvel Comics.
  21. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #16. Marvel Comics.
  22. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #17. Marvel Comics.
  23. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #18. Marvel Comics.
  24. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #19. Marvel Comics.
  25. ^ Brian Reed (w), Roberto De La Torre (p), Jon Sibal (i). "Battle Lines" Ms. Marvel, no. 6 (October 2006). Marvel Comics.
  26. ^ Zeb Wells (w), Stefano Caselli (p), Daniele Rudoni (i). Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways, no. 1 (September 2006). Marvel Comics.
  27. ^ Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (w), Khoi Pham & Stephane Peru (p). "Birds of Stymphalis (Incredible Herc)" Incredible Hulk vol. 3, no. 112 (December 2007). Marvel Comics.
  28. ^ Iron Man: Hypervelocity #1-6
  29. ^ J. Michael Straczynski (w), Mike McKone (p), Andy Lanning & Cam Smith (i). "Some Words Can Never Be Taken Back" Fantastic Four, no. 540 (November 2006). Marvel Comics.
  30. ^ Dan Slott (w), Steve Uy (p). "Persons Of Interest" Avengers: The Initiative, no. 6 (November 2007). Marvel Comics.
  31. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #6. Marvel Comics
  32. ^ Carnage Reigns Alpha #1. Marvel Comics
  33. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #13.
  34. ^ Red Goblin #5. Marvel Comics
  35. ^ Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #10. Marvel Comics