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|character_name = Morgan Edge
|character_name = Morgan Edge
|image = Morgan Edge (circa 1970).png
|image = Morgan Edge (circa 1970).png
|caption = Morgan Edge as he first appeared.<br>Art by [[Jack Kirby]].
|caption = Morgan Edge as he first appeared.<br>Art by [[Jack Kirby]] and [[Vince Colletta]].
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|debut = ''[[Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen]]'' #133 (October 1970)
|debut = ''[[Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen]]'' #133 (October 1970)
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|aliases = <!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames -->
|aliases = <!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames -->
|supports = <!-- optional -->
|supports = <!-- optional -->
|}}
}}
'''Morgan Edge''' is a fictional character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Originally a supporting character, he is a media mogul who acquires ''[[The Daily Planet]]'' and employs [[Clark Kent]] as a television journalist for his WGBS TV network. After the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earth]]'' series which led to a revision of the [[DC Universe]], the character was changed to a [[Superman]] villain and one of the known leaders of [[Intergang]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Greenberger |first1=Robert |last2=Pasko |first2=Martin |title=The Essential Superman Encyclopedia |date=2010 |publisher=[[Del Rey Books]]|location=New York City|isbn=978-0-345-50108-0 |pages=81–83}}</ref>
'''Morgan Edge''' is a fictional character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Originally a supporting character, he is a media mogul who acquires ''[[The Daily Planet]]'' and employs [[Clark Kent]] as a television journalist for his WGBS TV network. After the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earth]]'' series which led to a revision of the [[DC Universe]], the character was a leader of [[Intergang]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Greenberger |first1=Robert |last2=Pasko |first2=Martin |title=The Essential Superman Encyclopedia |date=2010 |publisher=[[Del Rey Books]]|location=New York City|isbn=978-0-345-50108-0 |pages=81–83}}</ref>


[[Adrian Pasdar]] portrayed Morgan Edge in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''. In ''[[Superman & Lois]]'', [[Adam Rayner]] played a version of the character who is also Superman's Kryptonian half-brother named Tal-Rho.
[[Adrian Pasdar]] portrayed Morgan Edge in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''. In ''[[Superman & Lois]]'', [[Adam Rayner]] played a version of the character who is also Superman's Kryptonian half-brother '''[[Tal-Rho]]'''.


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Morgan Edge first appeared in ''[[Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen]]'' #133 and was created by [[Jack Kirby]].<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=99}}</ref> Kirby based his physical appearance on actor [[Kevin McCarthy (actor)|Kevin McCarthy]], while his personality was inspired by television executive [[James T. Aubrey]].<ref name="back91">{{cite journal|last=Wells|first=John |title=Bullies and Blowhards of the DC Bronze Age |journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=#91|pages=15–16 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]| date=September 2016|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> According to Kirby's production assistant [[Mark Evanier]], Kirby "wanted to explore the theme of organized crime gaining a foothold in corporate America - particularly a giant media conglomerate. Given the shady background of [[Kinney National Company|the company]] that acquired [[Warner Bros.]] and [[DC Comics|DC]], it was something of an inside joke".<ref name="back91"/> However, under prodding from editorial staff who preferred Edge to be an ongoing supporting character rather than a villain who would ultimately have to be brought to justice (and thus written out of the series), the "Morgan Edge" connected to [[Intergang]] was revealed to be an imposter.<ref name="back91"/>
Morgan Edge first appeared in ''[[Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen]]'' #133 and was created by [[Jack Kirby]].<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=99}}</ref> Kirby based his physical appearance on actor [[Kevin McCarthy (actor)|Kevin McCarthy]], while his personality was inspired by television executive [[James T. Aubrey]].<ref name=back91>{{cite journal|last=Wells|first=John |title=Bullies and Blowhards of the DC Bronze Age |journal=[[Back Issue!]]|issue=#91|pages=15–16 |publisher=[[TwoMorrows Publishing]]| date=September 2016|location=Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> According to Kirby's production assistant [[Mark Evanier]], Kirby "wanted to explore the theme of [[organized crime]] gaining a foothold in corporate America - particularly a giant media conglomerate. Given the shady background of the company that acquired [[Warner Bros.]] and [[DC Comics|DC]] [i.e. [[Kinney National Company]]], it was something of an inside joke."<ref name=back91/> However, under prodding from editorial staff who preferred Edge to be an ongoing supporting character rather than a villain who would ultimately have to be brought to justice (and thus written out of the series), the "Morgan Edge" connected to [[Intergang]] was revealed to be an imposter.<ref name=back91/>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
===Pre-Crisis===
===Pre-Crisis===
In his original incarnation, Edge was the president of the Galaxy Broadcasting System (owners of television station WGBS), the media corporation which eventually bought the ''[[Daily Planet]]''. Edge was in many ways a stereotype of a ruthless capitalist, intervening in the ''Planet''{{'}}s homey atmosphere and challenging the authority of the somewhat older [[Perry White]], but he was a decent man who had moments of good-heartedness and maintained reasonably friendly relationships with most of his employees, including [[Superman|Clark Kent]]. Following the takeover of the ''Planet'', Edge transferred Kent to the news division, making him a traveling correspondent and later anchorman on WGBS. This move added several TV co-workers to the ''Superman'' supporting cast, including fretful producer Josh Coyle, sports broadcaster [[Steve Lombard]],<ref name="superman264">{{Cite comic | writer = Cary Bates | penciller = Curt Swan | inker = Murphy Anderson | story = Secret of the Phantom Quarterback! | title = '''Superman''' | volume = | issue = #264 | date = '''June 1973''' | publisher = '''DC Comics''' | location = | page = | panel = | id = }}</ref> weather forecaster Oscar Asherman, and co-anchor [[Lana Lang]] (who had been one of Clark's childhood friends in [[Smallville (comics)|Smallville]]).
In his original incarnation, Edge was the president of the [[Galaxy Communications (comics)|Galaxy Broadcasting System]] (owners of television station WGBS), a media corporation that eventually bought the ''[[Daily Planet]]''. Edge was in many ways a stereotype of a ruthless capitalist, intervening in the ''Planet''{{'}}s homey atmosphere and challenging the authority of the somewhat older [[Perry White]], but he was a decent man who had moments of good-heartedness and maintained reasonably friendly relationships with most of his employees, including [[Superman|Clark Kent]]. Following the takeover of the ''Planet'', Edge transferred Kent to the news division, making him a traveling correspondent and later anchorman on WGBS. This move added several TV co-workers to the ''Superman'' supporting cast, including fretful producer Josh Coyle, sports broadcaster [[Steve Lombard]],<ref name="superman264">{{Cite comic | writer = Cary Bates | penciller = Curt Swan | inker = Murphy Anderson | story = Secret of the Phantom Quarterback! | title = Superman | volume = | issue = #264 | date = '''June 1973''' | publisher = '''DC Comics''' | location = | page = | panel = | id = }}</ref> weather forecaster Oscar Asherman, and co-anchor [[Lana Lang]] (who had been one of Clark's childhood friends in [[Smallville (comics)|Smallville]]).


As one of the wealthiest men in [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], Edge was a major political figure in the city and frequently encountered [[Superman]], the subject of many of his network's news stories, whom he, like most others, failed to realize was also Clark Kent. Although rarely integral to a plotline, Edge was a supporting character in many Superman stories.
As one of the wealthiest men in [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], Edge was a major political figure in the city and frequently encountered [[Superman]], the subject of many of his network's news stories, whom he, like most others, failed to realize was also Clark Kent. Although rarely integral to a plotline, Edge was a supporting character in many Superman stories.


For a while it appeared that Edge was connected to the [[Apokolips]]-sponsored crime organisation [[Intergang]], but this was revealed to be a clone created by the 'Evil Factory', a genetics laboratory working for Darkseid.<ref>''Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen'' #152 (September 1972)</ref> For example, this clone attempted to have [[Jimmy Olsen]], the [[Guardian (DC Comics)|Guardian]] and, incidentally, a random ''Daily Planet'' employee named Goody Rickels, a [[Don Rickles]] lookalike, murdered as part of a cover-up.<ref>''Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen'' #139 (August 1971). DC Comics.</ref>
For a while, it appeared that Edge was connected to the [[Apokolips]]-sponsored crime organisation [[Intergang]], but this was revealed to be a clone created by the 'Evil Factory', a genetics laboratory working for Darkseid.<ref>''Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen'' #152 (September 1972). DC Comics.</ref> For example, this clone attempted to have [[Jimmy Olsen]], the [[Guardian (DC Comics)|Guardian]] and, incidentally, a random ''Daily Planet'' employee named Goody Rickels, a [[Don Rickles]] lookalike, murdered as part of a cover-up.<ref>''Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen'' #139 (August 1971). DC Comics.</ref>


It was later revealed that Morgan Edge's birth name was '''Morris Edelstein'''. After he won his first TV station in a game of poker, Morris Edelstein changed his name to Morgan Edge because he was ashamed of his lower-class Jewish background and kept the details of his past closely guarded.<ref>''Action Comics'' #468. DC Comics.</ref>
It was later revealed that Morgan Edge is Jewish and was born '''Morris Edelstein''' before changing his name, as he was ashamed of his background and worked to keep it secret.<ref>''Action Comics'' #468. DC Comics.</ref>


===Post-Crisis===
===Post-Crisis===
When DC [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]] was rebooted after the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', Edge remained president of WGBS, but his ties to the ''Planet'' and friendship with Superman were [[retcon]]ned away, and he was genuinely connected to Intergang. He was eventually exposed by the ''Daily Planet'', in articles by Clark Kent and [[Cat Grant]], who was working for WGBS undercover. Edge was imprisoned, but even managed to cause trouble there by publishing his [[autobiography]] ''On the Edge'', which dumped upon his father [[Vincent Edge]] as well as Cat Grant, revealing that she slept her way into a scoop. After his release from jail, Morgan Edge returned as sponsor of the [[Superman Revenge Squad]]. Prior to his imprisonment, one of his actions generated much fan anger, in which Edge sadistically and gleefully ran over a [[raccoon]] on the road, prompting one fan to write in saying "[[Lex Luthor]] treats people like animals, but even he does not run them over intentionally".
When DC [[continuity (fiction)|continuity]] was rebooted after the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', Edge remained president of WGBS, but his ties to the ''Planet'' and friendship with Superman were [[retcon]]ned away, and he was genuinely connected to Intergang. He was eventually exposed by the ''Daily Planet'', in articles by Clark Kent and [[Cat Grant]], who was working for WGBS undercover. Edge was imprisoned, but even managed to cause trouble there by publishing his [[autobiography]] ''On the Edge'', which dumped upon his father [[Vincent Edge]] as well as Cat Grant, revealing that she slept her way into a scoop. After his release from jail, Morgan Edge returned as sponsor of the [[Superman Revenge Squad]]. Prior to his imprisonment, one of his actions generated much fan anger, in which Edge sadistically and gleefully ran over a [[raccoon]] on the road, prompting one fan to write in saying "[[Lex Luthor]] treats people like animals, but even he does not run them over intentionally".


Recently, Morgan Edge has resurfaced as a powerful media pundit, with the show ''Edge of Reason'', where he gives off anti-Kryptonian spin for [[Sam Lane (comics)|General Lane]]. He is also seen in a "flash-forward" panel in ''Adventure Comics'' #1, making a mysterious deal with [[Despero]].<ref>''Adventure Comics'' #1. DC Comics.</ref>
Recently, Morgan Edge has resurfaced as a powerful media pundit, with the show ''Edge of Reason'', where he gives off anti-Kryptonian spin for [[Sam Lane (comics)|General Lane]]. He is also seen in a "flash-forward" panel in ''Adventure Comics'' (vol. 2) #1, making a mysterious deal with [[Despero]].<ref>''Adventure Comics'' (vol. 2) #1. DC Comics.</ref>


===The New 52===
===The New 52===
In 2011, "[[The New 52]]" rebooted the DC universe. Morgan Edge appears as a powerful and self-centered media mogul and the new owner of the ''Daily Planet'', he is seen as the sponsor of the [[Challengers of the Unknown]] program before they all leave due to his ruthless business strategy. This version of Morgan Edge is depicted as a bald [[African American]] man with a goatee.<ref>''Superman'' vol. 3 #1 (Oct. 2011). DC Comics.</ref> Although a tough businessman, Edge did recognize talent, and awarded Lois Lane the editorship of the ''Daily Planet''.
In 2011, "[[The New 52]]" rebooted the DC universe. Morgan Edge appears as a powerful and self-centered media mogul and the new owner of the ''Daily Planet'', he is seen as the sponsor of the [[Challengers of the Unknown]] program before they all leave due to his ruthless business strategy. This version of Morgan Edge is depicted as a bald [[African American]] man with a goatee.<ref>''Superman'' (vol. 3) #1 (October 2011). DC Comics.</ref> Although a tough businessman, Edge did recognize talent, and awarded Lois Lane the editorship of the ''Daily Planet''.


Edge's multiple media holdings become a benefit to Superman as Lois Lane, now director of Edge's Metropolis news station, has said building's security cameras "hacked" to provide vital intelligence on a rampaging villain.<ref>''Superman'' vol. 3 #2 (Dec. 2011). DC Comics.</ref>
Edge's multiple media holdings become a benefit to Superman as Lois Lane, now director of Edge's Metropolis news station, has said building's security cameras "hacked" to provide vital intelligence on a rampaging villain.<ref>''Superman'' (vol. 3) #2 (December 2011). DC Comics.</ref>


Prior to ''[[DC Rebirth]]'', in the last issue of the 2011 Justice League series, it is mentioned that [[Lex Luthor]] had bought the Daily Planet from him.<ref>''Justice League'' vol. 2 #52. DC Comics.</ref>
Prior to ''[[DC Rebirth]]'', in the last issue of the 2011 Justice League series, it is mentioned that Lex Luthor had bought the Daily Planet from him.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #52. DC Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
* Morgan Edge appears in ''[[Smallville]]'', initially portrayed by [[Rutger Hauer]] and later by [[Patrick Bergin]]. This version is a [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] crime lord and old friend of [[Lionel Luthor]], who he grew up with in [[Suicide Slum]]. He later conspires with Lionel to break [[Lex Luthor (Smallville)|Lex Luthor]]'s psyche before being killed.
===Animation===
* Morgan Edge appears in the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Secret Society", voiced by an uncredited [[Brian George]]. This version is a collector of unique oddities and displays no moral qualms against collecting sentient beings, such as [[Clayface]], whom he kept in a jar for some time until the eponymous [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]] rescued him.
* In the ''[[Super Friends]]'' [[animated series]], his company the Galaxy Broadcasting Company and its mother conglomerate Galaxy Communications are both referenced in the series, although he never actually appeared in the show.
* Morgan Edge appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=April 25, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref>
* Morgan Edge has appeared in ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Secret Society" Pt. 1 voiced by an uncredited [[Brian George]]. Edge is portrayed as a billionaire collector of unique oddities, but one who has no moral qualms against collecting sentient beings as if they were property, as he does with [[Clayface]]. [[Gorilla Grodd]] and his [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]] broke into his mansion to free Clayface from his prison. He attempted to flee on a boat while disguised as a chef, but [[Killer Frost]] froze the water and Morgan's alligator shoes gave away his identity to the Secret Society. Gorilla Grodd had him lead them to where Clayface was stored. As the other Secret Society members enter the room, Killer Frost entraps Morgan Edge in ice offscreen.
* Morgan Edge appears in the [[Supergirl season 3|third season]] of ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]'', portrayed by [[Adrian Pasdar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2017/07/22/supergirl-season-3-spoilers-adrian-pasdar-yael-grobglas-cast/|title=Supergirl Season 3 Adds Adrian Pasdar, Yael Grobglas and Alias' Carl Lumbly|first1=Andy|last1=Swift|date=22 July 2017}}</ref> This version is an amoral real estate developer who runs Edge Global.

* Morgan Edge appears in ''[[Superman & Lois]]'', portrayed by [[Adam Rayner]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/superman-and-lois-adam-rayner-as-series-regular-morgan-edge-the-cw-1234658041/|title='Superman & Lois' Adds 'Tyrant' Star Adam Rayner As Morgan Edge|first1=Dino-Ray|last1=Ramos|date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> This version is a Kryptonian named '''Tal-Rho''', the son of [[Lara (character)|Lara Lor-Van]] (portrayed by [[Mariana Klaveno]]) and Zeta-Rho (portrayed by A.C. Peterson) and the maternal half-brother of [[Clark Kent (Superman & Lois)|Superman]]. Like Superman, Tal-Rho was also sent off of Krypton in an escape pod. After landing in England, he comes into conflict with the local townspeople and is captured and experimented on, developing a hatred of humanity in the process. After escaping, he develops the identity of "Morgan Edge", an intelligent, eloquent, and impassioned self-made mogul and the head of EnerCorp and Galaxy Holdings, as well as a plot to resurrect Krypton on Earth by implanting Kryptonian consciousnesses into human hosts using X-Kryptonite and the [[Eradicator (DC Comics)|Eradicator]], only to be defeated by Superman and [[Steel (John Henry Irons)|John Henry Irons]] and remanded to a cell with red solar lighting. In the second season, Tal-Rho assists Superman in fighting [[Parasite (comics)|Ally Allston]] before relocating to Bizarro World.
===Television===
** A [[Bizarro]] version of Tal-Rho appears in the episode "Bizarros in a Bizarro World", also portrayed by Rayner. He is married to his version of [[Lana Lang]] and is on good terms with Bizarro before being killed by Allston.
* In ''[[Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman]]'', a character similar to Morgan Edge is named '''Bill Church, Jr.''' (portrayed by [[Bruce Campbell]]). He appeared as the head of the "Intergang" crime organization. His father is Bill Church, Sr. (portrayed by [[Peter Boyle]]) and he had a wife Mindy Church (portrayed by [[Jessica Collins]]). Like Morgan Edge, Bill Church, Jr. owned a TV station, which was called "Multiworld Communications" instead of the comics' "Galaxy Communications". This character was an amalgamation of Morgan Edge and [[Bruno Mannheim]], and as such, also owned a chain of supermarkets to aid him in money laundering.
* Morgan Edge is a recurring villain in ''[[Smallville]]'' initially played by [[Rutger Hauer]] in the first appearance, and by [[Patrick Bergin]] in the second appearance. He has appeared as a Metropolis crime lord, and old friend of [[Lionel Luthor]]. In the episode "Exile", [[Clark Kent (Smallville)|Clark Kent]] (known as "Kal" and under Red Kryptonite) stole the money from a bank while one of Edge's gangs were in the middle of a heist. Edge approached Clark/Kal in his apartment and offered him a job. At first Clark turned him down, but after Lana found him, he decided he could use the money to disappear and meets Edge to accept his offer. Edge asked him to break into Lionel's LuthorCorp office and steal a package from a titanium reinforced safe. Clark later learned that the item he stole was the blood sample taken by Dr. Helen Bryce, Lex's ex though [[Jonathan and Martha Kent|Jonathan Kent]] destroyed it immediately. In "Phoenix", Edge came to Smallville and demanded the package, Clark told him that he didn't have it, but Edge took [[Jonathan and Martha Kent]] hostage to force Clark to give it to him. Clark used a piece of green meteor rock to cut his arm and give him a new sample. Edge returned the blood to Lionel and told him that he could provide him with the source. Lionel was very interested because he did not know the source. Edge's thugs brought Clark to Metropolis in the back of a truck for the hand off, but Clark used his heat vision to create an explosion, which destroyed the truck. Lionel believed that Edge set him up to be killed. Edge fell into the water after being shot by Lionel's security, where he was presumed dead. Morgan survived, however, and was found by [[Lex Luthor]]. This time, Edge had received plastic surgery in order to hide from Lionel. Edge ultimately confesses, on tape, to the murder of Lionel's parents, but ultimately conspires with Lionel to break Lex's fragile psyche and discredit his testimony. Lex eventually tracks down Edge, also shooting him, but he manages to escape. In one last attempt, Edge attempts to kill Lex using his car, but is shot several times and killed before he has a chance to do so.
* Morgan Edge appears in the TV series set in the [[Arrowverse]]:
** Morgan Edge is a recurring character in the [[Supergirl (season 3)|third season]] of ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]'', portrayed by [[Adrian Pasdar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2017/07/22/supergirl-season-3-spoilers-adrian-pasdar-yael-grobglas-cast/|title=Supergirl Season 3 Adds Adrian Pasdar, Yael Grobglas and Alias' Carl Lumbly|first1=Andy|last1=Swift|date=22 July 2017}}</ref> This version is an amoral real-estate developer running Edge Global. In the episode "Girl of Steel", Edge has led a successful restoration of [[National City (DC Comics)|National City]] following the [[Daxam]]ite invasion. He also wants to tear down the city's waterfront slum and replace it with high rise buildings, and he secretly employs the tech-mercenary [[Bloodsport (comics)|Bloodsport]] to destroy the area with a cloaked submarine. The attack is stopped by Supergirl, although there is no evidence proving Edge's involvement. Edge also tries to buy Catco out from under Cat Grant (who has become White House Press Secretary) to silence his critics. However, [[Lena Luthor]] buys the company before Edge does.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ew.com/recap/supergirl-season-3-premiere/|title='Supergirl' recap: Kara tries to be more super and less girl}}</ref> In "Damage", a company of his poisons kids in swimming pools making the doctors think it's [[lead poisoning]]. Edge says it is a result of Lena's solution to get rid of the Daximites. After an attempt on Lena's life and killing his accomplice, Morgan Edge used a loophole upon his confrontation by Supergirl stating that the man he killed had used him to frame Lena Luthor and she did National City a favor. In "Reign", Morgan Edge and Lena Luthor still have tension against each other; Edge also becomes a target of Reign, but he survives. In the episode "For Good", Lillian Luthor targets Morgan Edge for poisoning Lena. While Supergirl defeats Lillian (who was wearing a version of her son's Lexosuit in battle), [[Winn Schott|Winn Schott Jr.]] and [[Jimmy Olsen]] defeat Morgan Edge. As both Lillian and Morgan are arrested by the authorities, Morgan shouts that they have nothing on him.
** Morgan Edge appears in the TV series ''[[Superman & Lois]]'', portrayed by [[Adam Rayner]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/12/superman-and-lois-adam-rayner-as-series-regular-morgan-edge-the-cw-1234658041/|title='Superman & Lois' Adds 'Tyrant' Star Adam Rayner As Morgan Edge|first1=Dino-Ray|last1=Ramos|date=December 17, 2020}}</ref> Sometime after the "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]", Morgan Edge is depicted as an intelligent, eloquent, and impassioned self-made mogul who has bought out different media outlets including the Daily Planet, leading to the firing of Clark Kent and the resignation of Lois Lane. In Smallville, Edge's company Edge EnerCorp gains ownership of a mine that contains X-Kryptonite which he plans to use to continue experiments in an attempt to create a super-powered army. His previous experiments with help from Dabney Donovan resulted in only one non-flawed subject, his personal assistant Leslie Larr (portrayed by Stacey Farber). His work in Smallville brings him into further conflict with Lois Lane and an alternate [[Steel (John Henry Irons)|John Henry Irons]], who comes from an Earth where a similar army led by Superman ravaged Metropolis and murdered John's wife, Lois. Edge is later revealed to be a Kryptonian named '''Tal-Rho''', the son of [[Lara (character)|Lara Lor-Van]] and Zeta-Rho (portrayed by A.C. Peterson) and thus Superman's maternal half-brother. His escape pod landed in England, where he immediately came into conflict with the local townspeople. He was captured and experimented on before managing to escape, causing him to hate mankind. His goal is to resurrect Krypton on Earth by implanting Kryptonian consciousnesses into human hosts using the X-Kryptonite and the [[Eradicator (DC Comics)|Eradicator]]. Upon finding Superman's body at the Fortress of Solitude following the defeat of most of the Subjekts, Tal-Rho uses Kryptonian technology to review Superman's memories, discovering his human family. Eventually, Tal-Rho kidnaps Superman's son Jordan and implants Zeta-Rho into him. However, Jordan successfully expels Zeta-Rho from his body and Tal-Rho is finally defeated by Superman and Irons. In season two, Tal-Rho is kept in a special cell that has red solar lights. Superman visited him to see if there were side-effects to the Eradicator conscious due to the painful visions he has. Tal-Rho mentioned that he hasn't experienced them while also claiming that he lost his powers in the solar flare that Irons caused. When the vision happen again following a hostage crisis caused by [[Barrage (comics)|Phillip Karnowski]], Superman gives in to Tal-Rho's deal to make use of his lair as Jordan comes with Superman to keep an eye on Tal-Rho. As Tal-Rho activates the A.I. copy of Lara as she scans Superman, he starts to have the visions again as Jordan learns that Tal-Rho faked losing his powers. After a brief scuffle between Superman and Tal-Rho, Lara tells Superman that his visions are the result of an "invasive cosmological event" and tells Tal-Rho that there might be some good in him. Tal-Rho is later returned to his cell.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 78: Line 74:
[[Category:Fictional gangsters]]
[[Category:Fictional gangsters]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Fictional clones]]
[[Category:Clone characters in comics]]
[[Category:Superman characters]]
[[Category:Superman characters]]
[[Category:Fictional American Jews]]
[[Category:Fictional American Jews]]

Latest revision as of 07:17, 29 October 2024

Morgan Edge
Morgan Edge as he first appeared.
Art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceSuperman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970)
Created byJack Kirby (writer & artist)
In-story information
Alter egoMorris Edelstein
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsIntergang
Galaxy Communications
Superman Revenge Squad

Morgan Edge is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Originally a supporting character, he is a media mogul who acquires The Daily Planet and employs Clark Kent as a television journalist for his WGBS TV network. After the Crisis on Infinite Earth series which led to a revision of the DC Universe, the character was a leader of Intergang.[1]

Adrian Pasdar portrayed Morgan Edge in the Arrowverse series Supergirl. In Superman & Lois, Adam Rayner played a version of the character who is also Superman's Kryptonian half-brother Tal-Rho.

Publication history

[edit]

Morgan Edge first appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 and was created by Jack Kirby.[2] Kirby based his physical appearance on actor Kevin McCarthy, while his personality was inspired by television executive James T. Aubrey.[3] According to Kirby's production assistant Mark Evanier, Kirby "wanted to explore the theme of organized crime gaining a foothold in corporate America - particularly a giant media conglomerate. Given the shady background of the company that acquired Warner Bros. and DC [i.e. Kinney National Company], it was something of an inside joke."[3] However, under prodding from editorial staff who preferred Edge to be an ongoing supporting character rather than a villain who would ultimately have to be brought to justice (and thus written out of the series), the "Morgan Edge" connected to Intergang was revealed to be an imposter.[3]

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Pre-Crisis

[edit]

In his original incarnation, Edge was the president of the Galaxy Broadcasting System (owners of television station WGBS), a media corporation that eventually bought the Daily Planet. Edge was in many ways a stereotype of a ruthless capitalist, intervening in the Planet's homey atmosphere and challenging the authority of the somewhat older Perry White, but he was a decent man who had moments of good-heartedness and maintained reasonably friendly relationships with most of his employees, including Clark Kent. Following the takeover of the Planet, Edge transferred Kent to the news division, making him a traveling correspondent and later anchorman on WGBS. This move added several TV co-workers to the Superman supporting cast, including fretful producer Josh Coyle, sports broadcaster Steve Lombard,[4] weather forecaster Oscar Asherman, and co-anchor Lana Lang (who had been one of Clark's childhood friends in Smallville).

As one of the wealthiest men in Metropolis, Edge was a major political figure in the city and frequently encountered Superman, the subject of many of his network's news stories, whom he, like most others, failed to realize was also Clark Kent. Although rarely integral to a plotline, Edge was a supporting character in many Superman stories.

For a while, it appeared that Edge was connected to the Apokolips-sponsored crime organisation Intergang, but this was revealed to be a clone created by the 'Evil Factory', a genetics laboratory working for Darkseid.[5] For example, this clone attempted to have Jimmy Olsen, the Guardian and, incidentally, a random Daily Planet employee named Goody Rickels, a Don Rickles lookalike, murdered as part of a cover-up.[6]

It was later revealed that Morgan Edge is Jewish and was born Morris Edelstein before changing his name, as he was ashamed of his background and worked to keep it secret.[7]

Post-Crisis

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When DC continuity was rebooted after the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Edge remained president of WGBS, but his ties to the Planet and friendship with Superman were retconned away, and he was genuinely connected to Intergang. He was eventually exposed by the Daily Planet, in articles by Clark Kent and Cat Grant, who was working for WGBS undercover. Edge was imprisoned, but even managed to cause trouble there by publishing his autobiography On the Edge, which dumped upon his father Vincent Edge as well as Cat Grant, revealing that she slept her way into a scoop. After his release from jail, Morgan Edge returned as sponsor of the Superman Revenge Squad. Prior to his imprisonment, one of his actions generated much fan anger, in which Edge sadistically and gleefully ran over a raccoon on the road, prompting one fan to write in saying "Lex Luthor treats people like animals, but even he does not run them over intentionally".

Recently, Morgan Edge has resurfaced as a powerful media pundit, with the show Edge of Reason, where he gives off anti-Kryptonian spin for General Lane. He is also seen in a "flash-forward" panel in Adventure Comics (vol. 2) #1, making a mysterious deal with Despero.[8]

The New 52

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In 2011, "The New 52" rebooted the DC universe. Morgan Edge appears as a powerful and self-centered media mogul and the new owner of the Daily Planet, he is seen as the sponsor of the Challengers of the Unknown program before they all leave due to his ruthless business strategy. This version of Morgan Edge is depicted as a bald African American man with a goatee.[9] Although a tough businessman, Edge did recognize talent, and awarded Lois Lane the editorship of the Daily Planet.

Edge's multiple media holdings become a benefit to Superman as Lois Lane, now director of Edge's Metropolis news station, has said building's security cameras "hacked" to provide vital intelligence on a rampaging villain.[10]

Prior to DC Rebirth, in the last issue of the 2011 Justice League series, it is mentioned that Lex Luthor had bought the Daily Planet from him.[11]

In other media

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  • Morgan Edge appears in Smallville, initially portrayed by Rutger Hauer and later by Patrick Bergin. This version is a Metropolis crime lord and old friend of Lionel Luthor, who he grew up with in Suicide Slum. He later conspires with Lionel to break Lex Luthor's psyche before being killed.
  • Morgan Edge appears in the Justice League episode "Secret Society", voiced by an uncredited Brian George. This version is a collector of unique oddities and displays no moral qualms against collecting sentient beings, such as Clayface, whom he kept in a jar for some time until the eponymous Secret Society rescued him.
  • Morgan Edge appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[12]
  • Morgan Edge appears in the third season of Supergirl, portrayed by Adrian Pasdar.[13] This version is an amoral real estate developer who runs Edge Global.
  • Morgan Edge appears in Superman & Lois, portrayed by Adam Rayner.[14] This version is a Kryptonian named Tal-Rho, the son of Lara Lor-Van (portrayed by Mariana Klaveno) and Zeta-Rho (portrayed by A.C. Peterson) and the maternal half-brother of Superman. Like Superman, Tal-Rho was also sent off of Krypton in an escape pod. After landing in England, he comes into conflict with the local townspeople and is captured and experimented on, developing a hatred of humanity in the process. After escaping, he develops the identity of "Morgan Edge", an intelligent, eloquent, and impassioned self-made mogul and the head of EnerCorp and Galaxy Holdings, as well as a plot to resurrect Krypton on Earth by implanting Kryptonian consciousnesses into human hosts using X-Kryptonite and the Eradicator, only to be defeated by Superman and John Henry Irons and remanded to a cell with red solar lighting. In the second season, Tal-Rho assists Superman in fighting Ally Allston before relocating to Bizarro World.
    • A Bizarro version of Tal-Rho appears in the episode "Bizarros in a Bizarro World", also portrayed by Rayner. He is married to his version of Lana Lang and is on good terms with Bizarro before being killed by Allston.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. New York City: Del Rey Books. pp. 81–83. ISBN 978-0-345-50108-0.
  2. ^ 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. 99. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  3. ^ a b c Wells, John (September 2016). "Bullies and Blowhards of the DC Bronze Age". Back Issue! (#91). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 15–16.
  4. ^ Cary Bates (w), Curt Swan (p), Murphy Anderson (i). "Secret of the Phantom Quarterback!" Superman, no. 264 (June 1973). DC Comics.
  5. ^ Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #152 (September 1972). DC Comics.
  6. ^ Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #139 (August 1971). DC Comics.
  7. ^ Action Comics #468. DC Comics.
  8. ^ Adventure Comics (vol. 2) #1. DC Comics.
  9. ^ Superman (vol. 3) #1 (October 2011). DC Comics.
  10. ^ Superman (vol. 3) #2 (December 2011). DC Comics.
  11. ^ Justice League (vol. 2) #52. DC Comics.
  12. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  13. ^ Swift, Andy (22 July 2017). "Supergirl Season 3 Adds Adrian Pasdar, Yael Grobglas and Alias' Carl Lumbly".
  14. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (December 17, 2020). "'Superman & Lois' Adds 'Tyrant' Star Adam Rayner As Morgan Edge".
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