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{{For|Shilo Norman|Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)}}
{{For|Shilo Norman|Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)}}
{{short description|Fictional DC Comics superhero, AKA Scott Free of the planet New Genesis}}
{{short description|Fictional DC Comics superhero, aka Scott Free of the planet New Genesis}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image=Mister Miracle.png
|caption=Mister Miracle<br>Art by [[Jack Kirby]].
|character_name=Mister Miracle
|character_name=Mister Miracle
|image=Mister Miracle.png
|caption=The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle as depicted in ''Mister Miracle'' #15 (September 1973). Art by [[Jack Kirby]] and [[Mike Royer]].
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971)
|debut=''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971)
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|species=[[New Gods|New God]]
|species=[[New Gods|New God]]
|homeworld=[[Apokolips]], formerly [[New Genesis]]
|homeworld=[[Apokolips]], formerly [[New Genesis]]
|alliances=[[New Gods]]<br/>[[Justice League]]<br/>[[Justice League International]]
|alliances={{ubl|[[New Gods]]|[[Justice League]]|[[Justice League International]]}}
|aliases=<!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames --> Mr Miracle
|aliases=<!-- optional: actual identities the character uses, not nicknames --> Mr Miracle
|supports=<!--optional-->
|supports=<!--optional-->
|powers= {{List collapsed|
|powers=
* Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability
* Superhumanly skilled escape artist
* Immortality
* Immortality
* Accelerated healing
* Superhuman Physical Attributes
* Genius-level intellect
* Limited healing factor
* Proficient scientist and inventor
* Super Escape Artist
* Indomitable will
* Genius Inventor
* Master hand-to-hand combatant
* Advanced hand-to-hand combatant
* Knowledge of the Anti-Life Equation
* Indomitable Will
* The Alpha Effect
* The Alpha Effect
* Teleportation
* Knowledge of the Anti-life Equation
* Heat vision
* Carries a [[Mother Box]], Aero-discs, Multi-cube and Advanced Gadgets
* Carries a [[Mother Box]], aero-discs, multi-cube and advanced gadgets
*Teleportation
*Heat beam
*Immunity to fire, Electricity, Freezing, and Mind control}}
}}
}}
'''Mister Miracle''' ('''Scott Free''') is a fictional [[superhero]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. He first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by [[Jack Kirby]].<ref>{{cite book|last=McAvennie|first= Michael|last2=Dolan|first2=Hannah, ed.|chapter= 1970s|title = DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]]|year=2010 |location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9|page= 145 |quote = As the writer, artist, and editor of the Fourth World family of interlocking titles, each of which possessed its own distinct tone and theme, Jack Kirby cemented his legacy as a pioneer of grand-scale storytelling.}}</ref>
'''Mister Miracle''' is the name of three fictional [[superhero|superheroes]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. The first and third are humans '''Thaddeus Brown''' and '''[[Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)|Shilo Norman]]''', while the second is [[New God]] '''Scott Free'''. The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle first appeared in ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971) and was created by [[Jack Kirby]].<ref>{{cite book|last=McAvennie|first= Michael|editor-last = Dolan|editor-first = Hannah|chapter= 1970s|title = DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]]|year=2010 |location= London, United Kingdom|isbn= 978-0-7566-6742-9|page= 145 |quote = As the writer, artist, and editor of the Fourth World family of interlocking titles, each of which possessed its own distinct tone and theme, Jack Kirby cemented his legacy as a pioneer of grand-scale storytelling.}}</ref>

The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle has appeared in various media outside comics, primarily in association with the New Gods. [[Ioan Gruffudd]], [[Yuri Lowenthal]], [[Roger Craig Smith]], and [[Andy Daly]] have voiced the character in animation.


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Mister Miracle debuted in the first issue of the [[eponymous]] series [[cover date]]d April 1971<ref>McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 145: "In Kirby's final 'Fourth World' series, ''Mister Miracle'', Scott Free was already on Earth, having fled Apokollips and the cruel orphanage that raised him."</ref><ref name="GCD">{{gcdb series|id= 1980|title= ''Mister Miracle''}}</ref><ref name="Overstreet">{{cite book|last1= Overstreet|first1= Robert M.|title= [[Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide]]|edition= 49th|publisher= [[Gemstone Publishing]]|date= 2019|location= Timonium, Maryland|page= 879|isbn= 978-1603602334}}</ref> as part of the [[Fourth World (comics)|Fourth World]] tetralogy.<ref>{{cite book |author-link= Paul Levitz|last=Levitz|first= Paul|chapter= The Bronze Age 1970-1984|title= 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking|publisher= [[Taschen]]|year=2010|location= Cologne, Germany|isbn= 9783836519816|page= 447|quote= Kirby began introducing new elements to the DC Universe, building toward the introduction of a trio of new titles based on a complex mythology he called the Fourth World.}}</ref> [[Big Barda]], the character's love interest, was introduced in ''Mister Miracle'' #4 (October 1971).<ref>McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 147: "Mister Miracle battled supervillain Doctor Bedlam with the aid of a voluptuous figure from his past."</ref> According to creator [[Jack Kirby]]'s then-assistant [[Mark Evanier]], Kirby wanted to be a comics creator and creative supervisor at DC Comics, rather than a regular writer-artist: "... we were going to turn ''Mr. Miracle'' over to [[Steve Ditko]] after a couple of issues and have me write it and Ditko draw it. [[Carmine Infantino]], publisher of DC at the time, vetoed that and said Kirby had to do it all himself."<ref name="DAK2">{{cite news | author = Kraft, David Anthony | author2 = Slifer, Roger | author-link = David Anthony Kraft | author-link2 = Roger Slifer | date = April 1983 | title = Mark Evanier | work = [[Comics Interview]] | issue = 2 | pages = 23–34 | publisher = [[Fictioneer Books]]}}</ref> Evanier did unofficially co-plot most issues of the series.<ref name="DAK2"/>
Mister Miracle debuted in the first issue of the [[eponymous]] series [[cover date]]d April 1971<ref>McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 145: "In Kirby's final 'Fourth World' series, ''Mister Miracle'', Scott Free was already on Earth, having fled Apokollips and the cruel orphanage that raised him."</ref><ref name="GCD">{{gcdb series|id= 1980|title= ''Mister Miracle''}}</ref><ref name="Overstreet">{{cite book|last1= Overstreet|first1= Robert M.|title= [[Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide]]|edition= 49th|publisher= [[Gemstone Publishing]]|date= 2019|location= Timonium, Maryland|page= 879|isbn= 978-1603602334}}</ref> as part of the [[Fourth World (comics)|Fourth World]] tetralogy.<ref>{{cite book |author-link= Paul Levitz|last=Levitz|first= Paul|chapter= The Bronze Age 1970-1984|title= 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking|publisher= [[Taschen]]|year=2010|location= Cologne, Germany|isbn= 9783836519816|page= 447|quote= Kirby began introducing new elements to the DC Universe, building toward the introduction of a trio of new titles based on a complex mythology he called the Fourth World.}}</ref> [[Big Barda]], the character's love interest, was introduced in ''Mister Miracle'' #4 (October 1971).<ref>McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 147: "Mister Miracle battled supervillain Doctor Bedlam with the aid of a voluptuous figure from his past."</ref> According to creator [[Jack Kirby]]'s then-assistant [[Mark Evanier]], Kirby wanted to be a comics creator and creative supervisor at DC Comics, rather than a regular writer-artist: "... we were going to turn ''Mr. Miracle'' over to [[Steve Ditko]] after a couple of issues and have me write it and Ditko draw it. [[Carmine Infantino]], publisher of DC at the time, vetoed that and said Kirby had to do it all himself."<ref name="DAK2">{{cite news | author = Kraft, David Anthony | author2 = Slifer, Roger | author-link = David Anthony Kraft | author-link2 = Roger Slifer | date = April 1983 | title = Mark Evanier | work = [[Comics Interview]] | issue = 2 | pages = 23–34 | publisher = [[Fictioneer Books]]}}</ref> Evanier unofficially co-wrote most issues of the series.<ref name="DAK2"/>


The original title featuring this character was the longest-lasting of the Fourth World titles, lasting 18 issues<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sacks |first1=Jason |last2=Dallas |first2=Keith |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s |date=2014 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490564 |page=144}}</ref> while the other titles, ''[[New Gods]]'' and ''The [[Forever People]]'', were cancelled after only 11 issues. The most traditionally super-heroesque comic of the various Fourth World titles, the last seven issues as well as later incarnations of the series would downplay the Fourth World mythology in favor of more traditional superhero fare. The character teamed up with [[Batman]] three times in ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]''.<ref>
The original title featuring Miracle was the longest-lasting of the Fourth World titles, lasting 18 issues<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sacks |first1=Jason |last2=Dallas |first2=Keith |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s |date=2014 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490564 |page=144}}</ref> while the other titles, ''[[New Gods]]'' and ''The [[Forever People]]'', were cancelled after only 11 issues. The most traditionally super-heroesque comic of the various Fourth World titles, the last seven issues as well as later incarnations of the series would downplay the Fourth World mythology in favor of more traditional superhero fare. The character teamed up with [[Batman]] three times in ''[[The Brave and the Bold]]''.<ref>
*{{cite comic| writer= [[Bob Haney|Haney, Bob]]|penciller= [[Jim Aparo|Aparo, Jim]]|inker= Aparo, Jim|story= The Impossible Escape|title= [[The Brave and the Bold]]|issue= 112|date= April–May 1974}}
*{{cite comic| writer= [[Bob Haney|Haney, Bob]]|penciller= [[Jim Aparo|Aparo, Jim]]|inker= Aparo, Jim|story= The Impossible Escape|title= [[The Brave and the Bold]]|issue= 112|date= April–May 1974}}
*{{cite comic| writer= Haney, Bob|penciller= Aparo, Jim|inker= Aparo, Jim|story= Death by the Ounce|title= The Brave and the Bold|issue= 128|date= July 1976}}
*{{cite comic| writer= Haney, Bob|penciller= Aparo, Jim|inker= Aparo, Jim|story= Death by the Ounce|title= The Brave and the Bold|issue= 128|date= July 1976}}
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In addition, Scott's ally and wife Big Barda was made a member of the revived Justice League and appeared regularly in the ''Jack Kirby's Fourth World'' series by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]].
In addition, Scott's ally and wife Big Barda was made a member of the revived Justice League and appeared regularly in the ''Jack Kirby's Fourth World'' series by [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]].


With the launching of [[Grant Morrison]]'s meta-series ''[[Seven Soldiers]]'', Mister Miracle was revived as a four-issue miniseries. This miniseries focused instead on Scott's sidekick and apprentice Shilo Norman, who died.
With the launching of [[Grant Morrison]]'s meta-series ''[[Seven Soldiers]]'' (2005–2006), Mister Miracle was revived as a four-issue miniseries. This miniseries focused instead on Scott's sidekick and apprentice Shilo Norman, who died.


In 2017, the character returned in a 12 issue limited series written by [[Tom King (comics)|Tom King]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-mister-miracle-tom-king-mitch-gerad/|title=Tom King and Mitch Gerads Re-Team For DC's ''Mister Miracle''|first= Kevin|last= Melrose|date= May 12, 2017|website= Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071858/https://www.cbr.com/dc-mister-miracle-tom-king-mitch-gerad/|archive-date= October 5, 2018|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref> (''Batman, [[Omega Men|The Omega Men: The End is Here]], [[Vision (Marvel Comics)|The Vision]], [[The Sheriff of Babylon]]'') and illustrated by Mitch Gerads (''Batman, Sheriff of Babylon'').
In 2017, the character returned in a 12-issue limited series written by [[Tom King (comics)|Tom King]] and illustrated by Mitch Gerads.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Melrose |first=Kevin |date=May 12, 2017 |title=Tom King and Mitch Gerads Re-Team For DC's ''Mister Miracle'' |url=https://www.cbr.com/dc-mister-miracle-tom-king-mitch-gerad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071858/https://www.cbr.com/dc-mister-miracle-tom-king-mitch-gerad/ |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |website=Comic Book Resources |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

From July 2021 to January 2022, ''Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom'' was published as a six issue miniseries starring Shilo Norman as Mister Miracle. The series was written by Brandon Easton and drawn by Fico Ossio.


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
''Mister Miracle'' was one of four DC Comics series in Kirby's ambitious, but short-lived, [[Fourth World (comics)|Fourth World]] saga. Mister Miracle, Super Escape Artist was inspired by comic book writer/artist [[Jim Steranko]]. Mister Miracle's relationship with his wife [[Big Barda]] is based on Kirby's relationship with his own wife Roz.<ref>
''Mister Miracle'' was one of four DC Comics series in Kirby's ambitious, but short-lived, [[Fourth World (comics)|Fourth World]] saga. Mister Miracle, Super Escape Artist was inspired by comic book writer/artist [[Jim Steranko]]. Mister Miracle's relationship with his wife [[Big Barda]] is based on Kirby's relationship with his own wife Roz.<ref>
*{{cite book|last= Evanier|first= Mark|author-link= Mark Evanier|title= Kirby: King of Comics|publisher= [[Abrams Books]]|year= 2008|location= New York, New York|page= 177|isbn= 978-0810994478}}
*{{cite book|last= Evanier|first= Mark|author-link= Mark Evanier|title= Kirby: King of Comics|publisher= [[Abrams Books]]|year= 2008|location= New York, New York|page= 177|isbn= 978-0810994478}}
*{{cite web |url= http://www.newsfromme.com/writings/the-jack-faq/|title= The Jack F.A.Q.|first= Mark|last= Evanier|date= n.d.|publisher= News From ME|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140702025744/http://www.newsfromme.com/writings/the-jack-faq/|archive-date= July 2, 2014|url-status=live|quote= Jack based some of his characters (not all) on people in his life or in the news…though often, the connection would be lost as the character evolved. That is to say, once the story was done, only Jack would be able to see any trace of the model…and sometimes, even he would lose track of how a character came about. Nevertheless, Big Barda's roots are not in doubt. The visual came about shortly after songstress Lainie Kazan posed for Playboy…and the characterization between Scott "Mr. Miracle" Free and Barda was based largely — though with tongue in cheek — on the interplay betwixt Jack and his wife Roz. Of course, the whole "escape artist" theme was inspired by an earlier career of writer-artist Jim Steranko.}}</ref>
*{{cite web |url= http://www.newsfromme.com/writings/the-jack-faq/|title= The Jack F.A.Q.|first= Mark|last= Evanier|date= n.d.|publisher= News From ME|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140702025744/http://www.newsfromme.com/writings/the-jack-faq/|archive-date= July 2, 2014|url-status=live|quote= Jack based some of his characters (not all) on people in his life or in the news…though often, the connection would be lost as the character evolved. That is to say, once the story was done, only Jack would be able to see any trace of the model…and sometimes, even he would lose track of how a character came about. Nevertheless, Big Barda's roots are not in doubt. The visual came about shortly after songstress Lainie Kazan posed for Playboy…and the characterization between Scott "Mr. Miracle" Free and Barda was based largely — though with tongue in cheek — on the interplay betwixt Jack and his wife Roz. Of course, the whole "escape artist" theme was inspired by an earlier career of writer-artist Jim Steranko.}}</ref>


===Thaddeus Brown===
===Thaddeus Brown===
Thaddeus Brown was a [[circus]] [[escapology|escape artist]] whose [[stage name]] was Mister Miracle. As the first escape artist to use the name Mister Miracle, Brown earned a modest living and practiced his art into his later years. Brown met Scott Free as he was practicing an outdoor escape with his long-time friend and assistant [[Oberon (comics)|Oberon]]. Scott then aided Brown as he was being coerced by [[Intergang]] thugs by fighting them off. Unbeknownst to Scott, Intergang was actually an Earth crime organization run by [[Darkseid]]. Brown then told Scott that he was being harassed by the local Intergang Capo known as [[Steel Hand]]. Brown and Steel Hand had been in a hospital together and made a bet that Brown couldn't escape death. While practicing an escape of being tied to a tree with a projectile speeding toward him, Brown was shot by an Intergang sniper while Scott and Oberon stood by helplessly. After Brown's murder, Scott put on Brown's costume and exacted his revenge on Steel Hand by bringing him down. Scott Free took up the Mister Miracle name and hired his assistant Oberon. Scott and Oberon, later joined by [[Big Barda]], toured the country as the Mister Miracle Super Escape Artist show.
Thaddeus Brown was a [[circus]] [[escapology|escape artist]] whose [[stage name]] was Mister Miracle. As the first escape artist to use the name Mister Miracle, Brown earned a modest living and practiced his art into his later years. Brown met Scott Free as he was practicing an outdoor escape with his long-time friend and assistant [[Oberon (comics)|Oberon]]. Scott then aided Brown as he was being coerced by [[Intergang]] thugs working for Intergang member Steel Hand by fighting them off. Unbeknownst to Scott, Intergang was an Earth crime organization run by [[Darkseid]]. Brown then told Scott that he was being harassed by the local Intergang Capo known as Steel Hand. Brown and Steel Hand had been in a hospital together and made a bet that Brown could not escape death. While practicing an escape of being tied to a tree with a projectile speeding toward him, Brown was shot by a sniper working for Steel Hand while Scott and Oberon stood by helplessly. After Brown's murder, Scott put on Brown's costume and exacted his revenge on Steel Hand by bringing him down. Scott Free took up the Mister Miracle name and hired his assistant Oberon. Scott and Oberon, later joined by [[Big Barda]], toured the country as the Mister Miracle Super Escape Artist show.<ref name="Mister Miracle #1">''Mister Miracle'' #1. DC Comics.</ref>

Thaddeus was later revealed to have a son named Ted.<ref name="Mister Miracle #10">{{cite comic| writer= Kirby, Jack|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Royer, Mike|story= Himon!|title= Mister Miracle|issue= 10|date= October 1972}}</ref>

In 2016, DC Comics implemented another relaunch of its books called "[[DC Rebirth]]" which restored its continuity to a form much as it was prior to "[[The New 52]]". Thaddeus was one of [[Batman]]'s teachers, educating him in the art of escape.<ref>''Detective Comics'' #996-998. DC Comics.</ref>

At the end of the "[[Flashpoint Beyond]]" limited series, Thaddeus Brown was among the Thirteen in the custody of the [[Time Masters (DC Comics)|Time Masters]]. The capsules containing Thaddeus and those with him were found to have failed and they were pulled back to the 1940s where history is rebuilding around them.<ref>''Flashpoint Beyond'' #6. DC Comics.</ref>


During "[[The New Golden Age]]", Thaddeus Brown' bio revealed that his history of being shot by a sniper working for Steel Hand remains intact, though it is claimed that Ted and a few people might know that Thaddeus faked his death.<ref>''The New Golden Age'' #1. DC Comics.</ref> Mister Miracle was revealed to have been part of a group called the Justice Society Dark. In 1941, [[Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)|Doctor Fate]] and [[Salem the Witch Girl]] came across Mister Miracle fighting [[Solomon Grundy (character)|Solomon Grundy]] while [[Zatara]] and Diamond Jack were having a spat. After Solomon Grundy was chained up, Mister Miracle suggested to Doctor Fate and Salem the Witch Girl that they should go apprehend Bride of Grundy.<ref>''Justice Society of America'' Vol. 4 #2. DC Comics.</ref>
Thaddeus was one of [[Batman]]'s teachers, educating a young Bruce Wayne in the art of escape.


===Scott Free===
===Scott Free===
[[Image:Mister miracle (1971) 1.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Cover to ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971), art by [[Jack Kirby]] and [[Vince Colletta]].]]
[[Image:Mister miracle (1971) 1.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Cover to ''Mister Miracle'' #1 (April 1971), art by [[Jack Kirby]] and [[Vince Colletta]].]]
Scott Free is the son of [[Highfather|Izaya Highfather]], the ruler of [[New Genesis]], and his wife, Avia. As part of a diplomatic move to stop a destructive, techno-cosmic war against the planet [[Apokolips]], Highfather agreed to an exchange of heirs with the galactic tyrant [[Darkseid]]. The exchange of heirs as hostages was supposed to guarantee that neither side would attack the other. Scott was traded for Darkseid's second-born son [[Orion (comics)|Orion]].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Jack Kirby|Kirby, Jack]]|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= [[Mike Royer|Royer, Mike]]|story= The Pact!|title= [[New Gods]]|issue= 7|date= February–March 1972}}</ref>
Scott Free is the son of [[Highfather]], the ruler of [[New Genesis]], and his wife, Avia. As part of a diplomatic move to stop a war with the planet [[Apokolips]], Highfather agreed to an exchange of heirs with the galactic tyrant [[Darkseid]]. The exchange of heirs as hostages was supposed to guarantee that neither side would attack the other. Scott was traded for Darkseid's second-born son [[Orion (character)|Orion]].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Jack Kirby|Kirby, Jack]]|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= [[Mike Royer|Royer, Mike]]|story= The Pact!|title= [[New Gods]]|issue= 7|date= February–March 1972}}</ref>


Scott grew up in one of [[Granny Goodness]]' "Terror Orphanages" with no knowledge of his own heritage, but still refused to allow his spirit to break under the ever-present torturous training of the institution. As he matured, Scott rebelled against the [[totalitarianism|totalitarian]] ideology of Apokolips. Hating himself for being unable to fit in despite his unfailing defiance of the abuse he suffered, Scott was influenced by [[Metron (comics)|Metron]] to see a future beyond Darkseid. Scott became part of a small band of pupils who were tutored in secret by the Apokolips Resistance leader [[Himon]],<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Kirby, Jack|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Royer, Mike|story= Himon!|title= Mister Miracle|issue= 9|date= July–August 1972}}</ref> a New Genesian living under cover as a [[Hunger Dog]] on Apokolips. It was at these meetings that Scott met Lieutenant [[Big Barda]] of Darkseid's [[Female Furies]] who would later become his wife.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Kirby, Jack|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Royer, Mike|story= Wild, Wild Wedding Guests!|title= Mister Miracle|issue= 18|date= February–March 1974}}</ref>
Scott grew up in one of [[Granny Goodness]]' "Terror Orphanages" with no knowledge of his heritage, but still refused to allow his spirit to break under the institution's torturous training. As he matured, Scott rebelled against the [[totalitarianism|totalitarian]] ideology of Apokolips. Hating himself for being unable to fit in despite his unfailing defiance of the abuse he suffered, Scott was influenced by [[Metron (character)|Metron]] to see a future beyond Darkseid. Scott became part of a small band of pupils led by [[Himon]],<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Kirby, Jack|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Royer, Mike|story= Himon!|title= Mister Miracle|issue= 9|date= July–August 1972}}</ref> a New Genesian living under cover as a Hunger Dog on Apokolips. It was at these meetings that Scott met Lieutenant [[Big Barda]] of Darkseid's [[Female Furies]] who would later become his wife.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Kirby, Jack|penciller= Kirby, Jack|inker= Royer, Mike|story= Wild, Wild Wedding Guests!|title= Mister Miracle|issue= 18|date= February–March 1974}}</ref>


Eventually, Free escaped and fled to Earth. His escape, long anticipated and planned for by Darkseid, nullified the pact between Darkseid and Highfather; giving Darkseid the excuse he needed to revive the war with New Genesis. Once on Earth, Free met [[circus]] [[escapology|escape artist]], Thaddeus Brown, whose stage name was Mister Miracle. Brown was impressed with Scott's skills (especially as supplemented with various advanced devices he had taken from his previous home). Scott befriended Brown's assistant, a dwarf named Oberon. When Thaddeus Brown was murdered, Free assumed the identity of Mister Miracle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/mmiracle.htm |title=Mister Miracle |first=Don |last=Markstein |year=2008 |publisher=[[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707120149/http://www.toonopedia.com/mmiracle.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Barda later followed Scott to Earth and the two used their [[New Gods]] powers, equipment and skills in the war against Darkseid; who was still interested in recapturing both of them. Eventually, tired of being chased on Earth by Darkseid's servants, Scott returned to Apokolips and won his freedom by legal means, through trial by combat.
Eventually, Free escaped and fled to Earth. His escape, long anticipated and planned for by Darkseid, nullified the pact between Darkseid and Highfather; giving Darkseid the excuse he needed to revive the war with New Genesis. Once on Earth, Free met [[circus]] [[escapology|escape artist]] Thaddeus Brown, whose stage name was Mister Miracle. Brown was impressed with Scott's skills (especially as supplemented with various advanced devices he had taken from his previous home). Scott befriended Brown's assistant, a dwarf named Oberon. When Thaddeus Brown was murdered, Free assumed the identity of Mister Miracle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/mmiracle.htm |title=Mister Miracle |first=Don |last=Markstein |year=2008 |publisher=[[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140707120149/http://www.toonopedia.com/mmiracle.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mister Miracle #1"/> Barda later followed Scott to Earth and the two used their [[New Gods]] powers, equipment and skills in the war against Darkseid, who was still interested in recapturing both of them. Eventually, tired of being chased on Earth by Darkseid's servants, Scott returned to Apokolips and won his freedom by legal means, through trial by combat.

Scott later met Brown's son Ted.<ref name="Mister Miracle #10"/>


Free later became a member of the ''[[Justice League International]]'' as did Barda and Oberon, which recast him and Big Barda as semi-retired super-heroes that sought to live quiet lives in the suburbs when they were not involved in Justice League-related adventures. In particular, Free was recast as a hen-pecked husband, who often found himself on the receiving end of his wife's temper over her desire to live a quiet life on Earth.
Free later became a member of the ''[[Justice League International]]'' as did Barda and Oberon, which recast him and Big Barda as semi-retired super-heroes that sought to live quiet lives in the suburbs when they were not involved in Justice League-related adventures. In particular, Free was recast as a hen-pecked husband, who often found himself on the receiving end of his wife's temper over her desire to live a quiet life on Earth.


During his time in the League, Scott developed an intense rivalry with Justice League villain [[Manga Khan]]. The villainous intergalactic trader and black marketer repeatedly kidnapped Scott, ultimately convincing Scott's conniving former manager Funky Flashman into forging documents forcing Scott to work for Manga as his personal entertainer. To force him to go along willingly, Khan replaced Scott with a lifelike robot who was ultimately murdered by Despero during his first mission with the Justice League. Scott ultimately escaped from Manga Khan's clutches and reunited with his wife and friends, though the shock was enough to cause Scott to ultimately quit the League and to take on a protégé in the form of Shiloh Norman.
During his time in the League, Scott developed an intense rivalry with Justice League villain [[Manga Khan]]. The villainous intergalactic trader and black marketer repeatedly kidnapped Scott, ultimately convincing Scott's conniving former manager Funky Flashman into forging documents forcing Scott to work for Manga as his personal entertainer. To force him to go along willingly, Khan replaced Scott with a lifelike robot who was ultimately murdered by Despero during his first mission with the Justice League. Scott ultimately escaped from Manga Khan's clutches and reunited with his wife and friends, though the shock was enough to cause Scott to ultimately quit the League and to take on a protégé in the form of Shilo Norman.


In the conclusion of ''[[Final Crisis]]'', many of the New Gods are all seemingly reborn. Among their numbers are the apparently resurrected Mister Miracle and Barda.
In the conclusion of ''[[Final Crisis]]'', many of the New Gods are all seemingly reborn. Among their numbers are the apparently resurrected Mister Miracle and Barda.


In September 2011, [[The New 52]] rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Mister Miracle appears alongside Big Barda flying around the ruins of Gotham City on Earth 2.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[James Robinson (writer)|Robinson, James]]|penciller= [[Nicola Scott|Scott, Nicola]]|inker= Scott, Trevor|story= The Tower of Fate Part 2: The Man Who Was Brave|title= [[Earth-Two|Earth 2]]|issue= 11|date= June 2013}}</ref> Their purpose is revealed to find the mysterious new Batman, which is thwarted when both are attacked by [[Fury (DC Comics)|Fury]].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Robinson, James|penciller= Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; Gopez, Julius|inker= Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; [[Cam Smith|Smith, Cam]]|story= Secrets and Origins|title= Earth 2 Annual|issue= 1|date= July 2013}}</ref>
In September 2011, [[The New 52]] rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Mister Miracle appears alongside Big Barda flying around the ruins of Gotham City on Earth 2.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[James Robinson (writer)|Robinson, James]]|penciller= [[Nicola Scott|Scott, Nicola]]|inker= Scott, Trevor|story= The Tower of Fate Part 2: The Man Who Was Brave|title= [[Earth-Two|Earth 2]]|issue= 11|date= June 2013}}</ref> Their purpose is revealed to find the mysterious new Batman, which is thwarted when both are attacked by [[Fury (DC Comics)|Fury]].<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Robinson, James|penciller= Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; Gopez, Julius|inker= Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; [[Cam Smith (artist)|Smith, Cam]]|story= Secrets and Origins|title= Earth 2 Annual|issue= 1|date= July 2013}}</ref>


===Shilo Norman===
===Shilo Norman===
{{Main|Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)}}Abandoned by his mother when he was only an infant, Shilo Norman's desire to escape was fostered in an abusive orphanage. [[Image:7 soldiers miracle.png|thumb|150px|Shilo Norman, ''Mister Miracle'' #1<br>Art by [[Pasqual Ferry]]]]
{{Main|Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman)}}Abandoned by his mother when he was only an infant, Shilo Norman's desire to escape was fostered in an abusive orphanage. [[Image:7 soldiers miracle.png|thumb|150px|Shilo Norman, ''Mister Miracle'' #1<br>Art by [[Pasqual Ferry]].]]


He eventually ran away and ended up on the streets near the informal [[ward (law)|ward]] of [[escapology|escapologist]] [[#Thaddeus Brown|Thaddeus Brown]] (the original Mister Miracle), and he served as an occasional [[stand-in]]. When Brown was murdered by a mobster named Steel Hand, Scott Free avenged his new friend's death by taking on the identity of Mister Miracle and brought Steel Hand to justice. After Brown's death, Shilo worked with Scott and his wife Barda.
He eventually ran away and ended up on the streets near the informal [[ward (law)|ward]] of [[escapology|escapologist]] Thaddeus Brown (the original Mister Miracle), and he served as an occasional [[stand-in]]. When Brown was murdered by [[Intergang]] mobster Steel Hand, Scott Free avenged his new friend's death by taking on the identity of Mister Miracle and brought Steel Hand to justice. After Brown's death, Shilo worked with Scott and his wife Barda. A master escape artist himself, the now-adult Shilo was appointed security chief of the Slabside Island Maximum Security prison for [[Metahuman]]s known as the Slab. He held his own during the [[Joker (character)|Joker]]'s "Last Laugh" riot and was promoted to Warden of the Slab, which had by then been relocated to [[Antarctica]]. A somewhat reconceived Shilo Norman appears in [[Grant Morrison]]'s ''[[Seven Soldiers]]'' crossover.<ref>{{gcdb series|id= 15560|title= ''Seven Soldiers: Mr. Miracle''}}</ref><ref>Overstreet, p. 990</ref> In ''Final Crisis'' #2, Shilo tells Sonny Sumo "There was a cosmic war and the powers of evil won", prompting him to form a team to fight the evil gods. Shilo was later summoned by [[Nix Uotan]] to fight against [[Monitors (DC Comics)#Dax Novu/Mandrakk|Mandrakk the Dark Monitor]].


Shilo would later appear as Mister Miracle alongside his other Seven Soldiers team mates in Morrison and [[Dan DiDio]]'s series "[[Sideways (comics)|Sideways]]".
A master escape artist himself, the now-adult Shilo was appointed security chief of the Slabside Island Maximum Security prison for [[Metahuman]]s known as the Slab. He held his own during the [[Joker (comics)|Joker's]] "Last Laugh" riot and was promoted to Warden of the Slab, which had by then been relocated to [[Antarctica]]. A somewhat reconceived Shilo Norman appears in [[Grant Morrison]]'s ''[[Seven Soldiers]]'' [[fictional crossover|crossover]].<ref>{{gcdb series|id= 15560|title= ''Seven Soldiers: Mr. Miracle''}}</ref><ref>Overstreet, p. 990</ref> In ''Final Crisis'' #2, Shilo tells Sonny Sumo "There was a cosmic war and the powers of evil won", prompting him to form a team to fight the evil gods. Shilo was later summoned by [[Nix Uotan]] to fight against [[Monitor (comics)|Mandrakk the Dark Monitor]].


Shilo would later appear as Mister Miracle alongside his other Seven Soldiers team mates in the Grant Morrison and Dan Didio written [[Sideways (comics)|Sideways]].
Shilo Norman's Mister Miracle also appears in ''Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom'', a six-issue miniseries spinning out of the events of "[[DC Future State]]" and tying into "[[Infinite Frontier]]".


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Like all the [[New Gods]], Scott Free is functionally immortal; having stopped aging around the age of 30, he has developed an immunity to toxins and diseases. Scott has superhuman strength, agility, speed, coordination and reflexes, along with incredible stamina. Due to his exhausting and rigorous life on Apokolips, his body has tremendous resistance to the extreme temperatures, physical injury, psychic influence and he is capable of extremely rapid recovery.
Like all the [[New Gods]], Scott Free is functionally immortal; having stopped aging around the age of 30, he has developed an immunity to toxins and diseases. Scott has superhuman strength, agility, speed, coordination and reflexes, along with incredible stamina. Due to his exhausting and rigorous life on Apokolips, his body has tremendous resistance to extreme temperatures, physical injury, psychic influence and he is capable of extremely rapid recovery.
Scott has a genius-level intellect and is knowledgeable about much of the universe. During his life on Apokolips, he was instructed by [[Himon]] in the science and use of advanced Fourth World's technology. He is a genius inventor who has designed most of the equipment in his costume, including his [[mother box|Mother Box]].
Scott has a genius-level intellect and is knowledgeable about much of the universe. During his life on Apokolips, he was instructed by [[Himon]] in the science and use of advanced Fourth World's technology. He is a genius inventor who has designed most of the equipment in his costume, including his [[mother box|Mother Box]].
Line 95: Line 107:
Scott was trained by [[Granny Goodness]] as an Aero-trooper. Although he despises violence and is often portrayed as a pacifist, he is still an exceptional warrior, instructed in all combat techniques of Apokolips and very skilled with weapons. On one occasion, he was able to beat Big Barda. Also, he is a master [[escapologist]] and acrobat. He is considered better at escapes than [[Batman]], and much of his skill is the result of his advanced physiology.
Scott was trained by [[Granny Goodness]] as an Aero-trooper. Although he despises violence and is often portrayed as a pacifist, he is still an exceptional warrior, instructed in all combat techniques of Apokolips and very skilled with weapons. On one occasion, he was able to beat Big Barda. Also, he is a master [[escapologist]] and acrobat. He is considered better at escapes than [[Batman]], and much of his skill is the result of his advanced physiology.


Scott Free is heir of the Alpha Effect, the antithesis of Darkseid's Omega Energy. This power was almost unlimited and allowed him to manipulate energy of many ways; for example, he was able to knockout "The Asgardian God Thor", draining his vital power. Also, Mister Miracle used his godlike powers to resurrect his wife and battle against Steppenwolf and [[Kalibak]], temporarily stopping the war between New Genesis and Apokolips. Later, Scott relinquished his heritage.
Scott Free is heir of the Alpha Effect, the antithesis of Darkseid's Omega Energy. This power was almost unlimited and allowed him to manipulate energy in many ways; for example, he was able to knock out "The Asgardian God Thor", draining his vital power. Also, Mister Miracle used his godlike powers to resurrect his wife and battle against Steppenwolf and [[Kalibak]], temporarily stopping the war between New Genesis and Apokolips. Later, Scott relinquished his heritage.


Scott possesses greater power as the embodiment of the [[Anti-Life Equation]]. The ability is fueled by rage and negative emotions. The Anti-Life Equation can give any being the power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races and alter the reality, space, time, matter and anti-matter at the cosmic level. Mister Miracle proved to be powerful enough to fight [[Superman]] and Orion together.
Scott possesses greater power as the embodiment of the [[Anti-Life Equation]]. The ability is fueled by rage and negative emotions. The Anti-Life Equation can give any being the power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races and alter the reality, space, time, matter and anti-matter at the cosmic level. Mister Miracle proved to be powerful enough to fight [[Superman]] and Orion together.


===The New 52===
===The New 52===
In [[The New 52]] rebooted DC continuity, Mister Miracle retains the status of a New God and has been reborn more powerful than before. Mister Miracle is able to lift at least 50 tons. He is shown to have a high level of invulnerability; enduring space's rigors, surviving the explosion of three "Boom Spheres", resisting attacks of powerful beings such as [[Darkseid]]. His combined reflexes, speed and agility make him able to dodge almost any attack, even from two Apokalitian assassins, as he did with [[Lashina]] and Kanto. In addition, Mister Miracle has a limited healing factor and a great variety of mental tricks that allow him to break free of psychic influence. Mister Miracle is still a super escape artist and an expert combatant, successfully defeating Fury, [[Wonder Woman]]'s daughter
In [[The New 52]] rebooted DC continuity, Mister Miracle retains the status of a New God and has been reborn more powerful than before. Mister Miracle is able to lift at least 50 tons. He is shown to have a high level of invulnerability; enduring space's rigors, surviving the explosion of three "Boom Spheres", resisting attacks of powerful beings such as [[Darkseid]]. His combined reflexes, speed and agility make him able to dodge almost any attack, even from two Apokalitian assassins, as he did with [[Lashina]] and Kanto. In addition, Mister Miracle has a limited healing factor and a great variety of mental tricks that allow him to break free of psychic influence. Mister Miracle is still a super escape artist and an expert combatant, successfully defeating Fury, [[Wonder Woman]]'s daughter.


===Equipment===
===Equipment===
* [[Mother box|Mother Box]]: The Mother Box can access the energy of the Source for various effects; it can change the gravitational constant of an area, transfer energy from one place to another, sense danger, sense of life, create force fields, re-order molecular structure of matter, absorb or project powerful shock blasts, create electro-webs of atoms, control the mental state of a being, communicate telepathically with a host or other life form, manipulate the life-force of a host to sustain it past fatal injuries, teletransportation, open and close Boom Tubes, and more.
* [[Mother Box]]: The Mother Box can access the energy of the Source for various effects; it can change the gravitational constant of an area, transfer energy from one place to another, sense danger, sense of life, create force fields, transmute matter, absorb or project powerful shock blasts, create electro-webs of atoms, control the mental state of a being, communicate telepathically with a host or other life form, manipulate the life-force of a host to sustain it past fatal injuries, teletransportation, open and close Boom Tubes, and more.
* Costume: Mister Miracle's costume is magnetically sealed and provides limited protection from damage and fire. It contains numerous hidden pockets. Each glove and boot has a pocket and the slim utility belt contains half a dozen more. A secret pocket on the upper right arm hides his Mother Box.
* Costume: Mister Miracle's costume is magnetically sealed and provides limited protection from damage and fire. It contains numerous hidden pockets. Each glove and boot has a pocket and the slim utility belt contains half a dozen more. A secret pocket on the upper right arm hides his Mother Box.
* Mask: Mister Miracle's mask contains circuitry for his Mother Box and a life support unit. The circuits let Scott use his Mother Box hands free. The life support system lets him survive in hostile environments.
* Mask: Contains circuitry for his Mother Box and a life support unit. The circuits let Scott use his Mother Box hands free. The life support system lets him survive in hostile environments.
* Gloves: The gloves have wide cuffs that hold Scott's multi-cube and assorted picks. In addition, the gloves can fire concussive blasts and generate enormous electric power, and contain a fingertip laser for fine welding or burning. His hidden circuits have the ability to create fission blasts and mini shockwaves.
* Gloves: Have wide cuffs that hold Scott's multi-cube and assorted picks. In addition, the gloves can fire concussive blasts and generate enormous electric power, and contain a fingertip laser for fine welding or burning. His hidden circuits have the ability to create fission blasts and mini shockwaves.
* Boots: The soles of his boots contain laser-jets capable of burning almost any surface.
* Boots: Contain laser-jets capable of burning almost any surface.
* Cape: Mister Miracle's cape is made of a memory fibroid from New Genesis. Scott's Mother Box can transmute the cape into a cocoon that can withstand a sizable explosion. This can only be done once. The transmutation is not permanent and destroys the cape.
* Cape: Is made of a memory fibroid from New Genesis. Scott's Mother Box can transmute the cape into a cocoon that can withstand a sizable explosion. This can only be done once. The transmutation is not permanent and destroys the cape.
* Aero Discs: Thin metal plates about a foot across. The [[New Gods]] use them for personal travel. They can reach speeds of 250&nbsp;mph. Scott has modified his discs considerably for the battle. They can be attached to the forearms to use them as shields or blades.
* Aero Discs: Thin metal plates about a foot across. The [[New Gods]] use them for personal travel. They can reach speeds of 250&nbsp;mph. Scott has modified his discs considerably for battle. They can be attached to the forearms to use them as shields or blades.
* Multi-Cube: A peripheral device for Mister Miracle's Mother Box. The cube was designed by Mister Miracle to use the transmutation power of the Mother Box to create a number of preset mechanisms in its interior. All of these functions are much easier to perform than improvised transmutation. They can be activated in stressful situations. The cube is small enough to be hidden in the palm of the hand. The multi-cube is not sentient but is still capable of interpreting complex commands and recording data. The multi-cube can fly under its own power and follow the mental commands of Mister Miracle. The cube can use the transmuting power of the Mother Box to create several hundred feet of swing line. Besides the cable, the cube can produce a smoke screen or fire suppression foam. The simplest use of the cube is to generate light effects. The cube can create lifelike [[holograms]], a blinding flash or a laser capable of cutting through a steel cable or handcuff links. In hologram mode the cube can record extended scenes or make a complete holographic recording. It can then manipulate the playback to simulate the subject in motion. The cube can emit a powerful sonic beam that can spring locks or shatter a brick wall. The sound blast can stun an unprotected human.
* Multi-Cube: A peripheral device for Mister Miracle's Mother Box. The cube was designed by Mister Miracle to use the transmutation power of the Mother Box to create a number of preset mechanisms in its interior. All of these functions are much easier to perform than improvised transmutation. They can be activated in stressful situations. The cube is small enough to be hidden in the palm of the hand. The multi-cube is not sentient but is still capable of interpreting complex commands and recording data. The multi-cube can fly under its own power and follow the mental commands of Mister Miracle. The cube can use the transmuting power of the Mother Box to create several hundred feet of swing line. Besides the cable, the cube can produce a smoke screen or fire suppression foam. The simplest use of the cube is to generate light effects. The cube can create lifelike [[holograms]], a blinding flash or a laser capable of cutting through a steel cable or handcuff links. In hologram mode the cube can record extended scenes or make a complete holographic recording. It can then manipulate the playback to simulate the subject in motion. The cube can emit a powerful sonic beam that can spring locks or shatter a brick wall. The sound blast can stun an unprotected human.


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
===''Kingdom Come''===
A future version of Mister Miracle and [[Big Barda]] along with their daughter, appeared in the mini-series ''[[Kingdom Come (comic book)|Kingdom Come]]''. Being an escape artist, Mister Miracle would assist [[Superman]] in creating the Gulag, an inescapable prison for meta-humans. He and Barda have a daughter, Avia, who uses a mega-rod and wears an outfit that combines elements of those of her parents. In the [[Elliot S! Maggin]] novelization, Free is teaching the lowlies art and constantly berates Orion to inspire (unsuccessfully) individual thought (though Scott likes Orion). Scott saves his wife and Avia near the conclusion by activating a boom tube just as the nuclear weapon explodes (Avia: "How did you know?" Barda: "He always knows").


* An alternate timeline variant of Mister Miracle appears in ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom Come]]''.
===''Superman: The Dark Side''===
Mister Miracle appeared in the [[Elseworlds]] book ''[[Superman: The Dark Side]]'', in which he becomes [[Metron (comics)|Metron]]'s successor.
* An alternate universe variant of Mister Miracle who became Metron's successor appears in ''[[Superman: The Dark Side]]''.
* An alternate universe variant of Mister Miracle appears in ''[[JLA: The Nail]]''. This version downloaded himself into Barda's Mother Box before being killed by [[DeSaad]]. The Box's circuitry later bonds with a [[Power ring (DC Comics)|Green Lantern ring]], allowing him to project his consciousness into an energy construct similar to his original body.

===''JLA: The Nail''===
In the Elseworlds series ''[[JLA: The Nail]]'', Mister Miracle and Barda are shown being captured on Apokolips as they were on an undercover mission to rescue friends from Granny Goodness' orphanage, which, coupled with a mysterious force field that has just appeared around Earth, prompts Darkseid to conclude that New Genesis intend to escalate their conflict into open war. In the sequel, ''[[JLA: Another Nail]]'', while being tortured by Desaad, Scott achieves the ultimate escape by downloading his consciousness into Barda's Mother Box, just before he is tortured to death, reasoning that he has escaped the trap of his body. The Mother Box circuitry is later bonded with a Green Lantern ring, allowing Miracle to project his consciousness into an energy construct, similar to his original body, although he will 'default' to essentially living in Barda's armour if the ring's charge becomes too weak.

===''The Sandman''===
In ''The Sandman'' #5, Scott Free dreams of his imprisonment on and attempted escape from Apokolips. Meanwhile, Dream is following a lead that takes him to the JLI embassy in the United States - when Scott wakes, Dream is standing over him. With the help of the Martian Manhunter, Scott Free aids Dream in his search for his lost ruby.


==In other media==
==In other media==

===Television===
===Television===
* Mister Miracle makes minor appearances in series set in the [[DC Animated Universe]] (DCAU). After making non-speaking cameo appearances in the ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Apokolips...Now!", the ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' two-part episode "The Call", and the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Twilight", he makes a speaking appearance in the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "The Ties That Bind", voiced by [[Ioan Gruffudd]] as an adult and [[Zack Shada]] as a child.<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Mr. Miracle Voices (DC Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/DC-Universe/Mr-Miracle/ |access-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} 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.</ref><ref name="btva2">{{cite web |title=Scott Free (Young) Voice - ''Justice League Unlimited'' (TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Justice-League-Unlimited/Scott-Free-Young/ |access-date=June 13, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} 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.</ref>
====Animation====
* Mister Miracle made several appearances in the [[DCAU]]:
* Mister Miracle appears in ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'', voiced by [[Yuri Lowenthal]].<ref name="btva" />
* Mister Miracle appears in the ''[[Justice League Action]]'' episode "It'll Take a Miracle!", voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]].<ref name="btva" />
** Mister Miracle's first television appearance was in the animated ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' episode, ''Apokolips...Now! Part II'' as a background extra when the forces of New Genesis come to Earth's aid against [[Darkseid]]'s invasion attempt. He technically appears in Part 1, as Mother Box shows High Father and Darkseid exchanging babies Orion and Mister Miracle for the truce. The baby is never identified in the episode as Mister Miracle.
* Mister Miracle makes a cameo appearance in the ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'' episode "Inner (Para) Demons", voiced by [[Andy Daly]].<ref name="btva" />
** A picture of Mister Miracle appears in the two-parted ''[[Batman Beyond]]'' episode "The Call", where he's shown on a computer screen in the [[Justice League Watchtower]] with [[Big Barda]].
** Mister Miracle appears as a background character at the end of the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode ''Twilight''.
** Mister Miracle made a return in the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "The Ties That Bind" (scripted from a story outline provided by [[Jim Steranko]]), voiced by [[Ioan Gruffudd]] while his younger self was voiced by [[Zack Shada]]. In this episode he and his associates play a prominent role, as he and Barda are forced by [[Granny Goodness]] to free [[Kalibak]] from imprisonment on Apokolips (to install him as a [[puppet ruler]]) in exchange for Oberon's life. They seek the Justice League's aid, but are refused, because the civil war raging on Apokolips at that time would only benefit Earth, but [[Wally West|Flash]] joins them anyway, and they ultimately succeed in freeing Kalibak ''and'' Oberon, imprisoning Kalibak on Earth and leaving Granny Goodness nothing to use.
* Mister Miracle is the teaser hero in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episode "Last Bat on Earth!", voiced by [[Yuri Lowenthal]]. He, [[Big Barda]], and [[Batman]] help out in a daredevil charity event. After the event, while Batman gives out autographs to fans, Barda complains about Mister Miracle not helping around the house. Batman remarks that no matter how good Mister Miracle is at escaping, he won't be able to get out of a wife's demands. Mister Miracle has several non-speaking cameo appearances in the teaser shorts leading to the two-part episode "The Siege of Starro!", in which, he appears first as one of the heroes possessed by [[Starro]] and later among the battle-worn heroes that have broken free of Starro's mind control.
* Mister Miracle appears in the ''[[Justice League Action]]'' episode "It'll Take a Miracle", voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]].<ref>{{cite episode|title=It'll Take a Miracle|series= Justice League Action|series-link= Justice League Action|credits= Castorena, Jake (director); Adams, Jeremy (writer)|network= [[Cartoon Network]]|air-date= November 4, 2017|season= 1|number= 43}}</ref> His history with being Darkseid's adopted son and being Big Barda's boyfriend are intact with this series. When Mister Miracle steals the Anti-Life Equation from Darkseid, Big Barda's life is threatened in order for Batman to get it back from Mister Miracle despite the competition from Granny Goodness, Bernadeth, and Lashina. Thanks to a plan by Batman and Mister Miracle, they free Big Barda and fool Darkseid into thinking he has the Anti-Life Equation.
* Mister Miracle makes a minor appearance in the ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'' episode "Inner (Para) Demons", voiced by [[Andy Daly]]. He is shown performing a magic trick at the [[Iceberg Lounge]], only to be severely injured by [[Harley Quinn]] after she stole a [[Mother Box]] he had in his possession.

====Live-action====
Thaddeus Brown is mentioned in ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'' episode "Gone Rogue" by [[Sherloque Wells]] as one of his mentors from Earth-51. His name is later shown on a map of the Multiverse created by [[Jay Garrick (Arrowverse)|Jay Garrick]] in the episode "A Flash of the Lightning".


===Film===
===Film===
* An alternate universe variant of Mister Miracle makes a non-speaking appearance in a flashback in ''[[Justice League: Gods and Monsters]]''.<ref name="btva" />
* In the ''[[Superman/Batman: Apocalypse]]'' animated film, Mister Miracle's uniform is displayed behind a secret panel that Big Barda reveals, in which she keeps a [[Mother box]], which summons a boom tube to transport her, Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman to Apokolips to rescue Supergirl.
* Mister Miracle was meant to appear in a [[New Gods]] film, with director [[Ava DuVernay]] and comic writer [[Tom King (writer)|Tom King]] attached to the production, before the project was cancelled in April 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/ava-duvernay-superhero-movie-new-gods-dc-1202725043/|title=Ava DuVernay to Direct DC's Superhero Epic ''New Gods''|last=McNary|first=Dave|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 15, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200223181717/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/ava-duvernay-superhero-movie-new-gods-dc-1202725043/|archive-date= February 23, 2020|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/ava-duvernay-new-gods-movie-warner-bros-dc-jack-kirby-1202338680/|title=Ava DuVernay To Direct Jack Kirby Comic Creation ''The New Gods'' For Warner Bros, DC|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|last2=Fleming|first2=Mike Jr.|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 15, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200421015902/https://deadline.com/2018/03/ava-duvernay-new-gods-movie-warner-bros-dc-jack-kirby-1202338680/|archive-date= April 21, 2020|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/plot-details-gods-finally-emerge|title= First Plot Details for the ''New Gods'' Reveal the Main Character|first= Eric|last= Joseph|date= January 14, 2019|website= We Got This Covered|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190731151848/https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/plot-details-gods-finally-emerge/|archive-date= July 31, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Couch |first=Aaron |last2=Kit |first2=Borys |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Ava DuVernay's 'New Gods,' James Wan's 'The Trench' DC Movies Not Moving Forward at Warner Bros. (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ava-duvernays-new-gods-james-wans-the-trench-dc-movies-not-moving-forward-at-warner-bros |access-date=April 10, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}</ref>
* An alternative universe version of Mister Miracle appears in ''[[Justice League: Gods and Monsters]]'', in a non-speaking role. In [[Bekka]]'s flashback, he was part of the New Genesis mission to murder the royalty of Apokolips.
* Director [[Ava DuVernay]] and comic writer [[Tom King (writer)|Tom King]] were collaborating on a ''[[New Gods]]'' movie, which would feature Mister Miracle and Big Barda, but the project was cancelled in April 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/ava-duvernay-superhero-movie-new-gods-dc-1202725043/|title=Ava DuVernay to Direct DC's Superhero Epic ''New Gods''|last=McNary|first=Dave|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=March 15, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200223181717/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/ava-duvernay-superhero-movie-new-gods-dc-1202725043/|archive-date= February 23, 2020|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/ava-duvernay-new-gods-movie-warner-bros-dc-jack-kirby-1202338680/|title=Ava DuVernay To Direct Jack Kirby Comic Creation ''The New Gods'' For Warner Bros, DC|last1=Patten|first1=Dominic|last2=Fleming Jr|first2=Mike|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=March 15, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200421015902/https://deadline.com/2018/03/ava-duvernay-new-gods-movie-warner-bros-dc-jack-kirby-1202338680/|archive-date= April 21, 2020|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/plot-details-gods-finally-emerge|title= First Plot Details for the ''New Gods'' Reveal the Main Character|first= Eric|last= Joseph|date= January 14, 2019|website= We Got This Covered|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190731151848/https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/plot-details-gods-finally-emerge/|archive-date= July 31, 2019|url-status= live|df= mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-01|title=Ava DuVernay's 'New Gods,' James Wan's 'The Trench' DC Movies Not Moving Forward at Warner Bros. (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/ava-duvernays-new-gods-james-wans-the-trench-dc-movies-not-moving-forward-at-warner-bros|access-date=2021-04-10|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}}</ref>


===Video games===
===Video games===
* Mister Miracle appears in the online video game ''[[DC Universe Online]]'' in the DLC trilogy 'Halls of Power.' In the trilogy, Mister Miracle and Big Barda lead the new heroes (players) to the Necropolis to find artifacts from the Old Gods before Darkseid finds them.
* Mister Miracle appears in ''[[DC Universe Online]]'' via the "Halls of Power" DLC trilogy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2014 |title=Halls of Power Part I Launches August 6, 2014! |url=https://www.dcuniverseonline.com/news/dc-universe-online-halls-of-power-part-i-launch-2014 |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=DC Universe Online |language=en}}</ref>
* Mister Miracle 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=June 13, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref>
* In ''[[Injustice: Gods Among Us]]'', a statue of Mister Miracle appears outside the [[Hall of Justice (comics)|Hall of Justice]] stage.
* Mister Miracle appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced again by [[Roger Craig Smith]].
* Mister Miracle appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced again by Roger Craig Smith.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Jon |last2=Veness |first2=John |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Characters - ''LEGO DC Super-Villains'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |access-date=June 13, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>


==Collected editions==
==Collected editions==
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The ''Mister Miracle'' series plus ''[[Forever People]]'', ''[[New Gods]]'', and ''[[Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen]]'' earned [[Jack Kirby]] the 1971 [[Shazam Award]] for Special Achievement by an Individual in the comic industry.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/shazam71.php|title= 1971 Academy of Comic Book Arts Awards|publisher= Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004533/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/shazam71.php|archive-date= December 3, 2013|url-status=live|access-date= October 19, 2010}}</ref>
The ''Mister Miracle'' series plus ''[[Forever People]]'', ''[[New Gods]]'', and ''[[Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen]]'' earned [[Jack Kirby]] the 1971 [[Shazam Award]] for Special Achievement by an Individual in the comic industry.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/shazam71.php|title= 1971 Academy of Comic Book Arts Awards|publisher= Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004533/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/shazam71.php|archive-date= December 3, 2013|url-status=live|access-date= October 19, 2010}}</ref>


The ''Mister Miracle'' series by [[Tom King (writer)|Tom King]] and [[Mitch Gerads]] won the 2019 [[Eisner Award]] for Best Limited Series.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info|title= Tom King and ''Mister Miracle'' Are Top Winners at 2019 Eisner Awards|date= 2019|website= Comic-Con International: San Diego|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170607093909/https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info|archive-date= June 7, 2017|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all|quote= The top winners at the 3lst Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, held during Comic-Con on July 19 at the Bayfront San Diego Hilton, were the DC Comics series ''Mister Miracle'' by Tom King and Mitch Gerads (Best Limited Series, Best Writer, Best Penciller/Inker).|access-date= July 25, 2019}}</ref>
The ''Mister Miracle'' series by [[Tom King (writer)|Tom King]] and Mitch Gerads won the 2019 [[Eisner Award]] for Best Limited Series.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info|title= Tom King and ''Mister Miracle'' Are Top Winners at 2019 Eisner Awards|date= 2019|website= Comic-Con International: San Diego|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170607093909/https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards-current-info|archive-date= June 7, 2017|url-status= dead|df= mdy-all|quote= The top winners at the 3lst Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, held during Comic-Con on July 19 at the Bayfront San Diego Hilton, were the DC Comics series ''Mister Miracle'' by Tom King and Mitch Gerads (Best Limited Series, Best Writer, Best Penciller/Inker).|access-date= July 25, 2019}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:1971 comics debuts]]
[[Category:1971 comics debuts]]
[[Category:American superheroes]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Comics by Doug Moench]]
[[Category:Comics by Doug Moench]]
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[[Category:Comics by Steve Englehart]]
[[Category:Comics by Steve Englehart]]
[[Category:Comics by Steve Gerber]]
[[Category:Comics by Steve Gerber]]
[[Category:Comics by Tom King (comics)]]
[[Category:Comics by Tom King (writer)]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1971]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1971]]
[[Category:DC Comics cosmic entities]]
[[Category:DC Comics American superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters who can teleport]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics deities]]
[[Category:DC Comics deities]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics titles]]
[[Category:DC Comics titles]]
[[Category:Fictional attempted suicides]]
[[Category:Fictional attempted suicides]]
[[Category:Fictional circus performers]]
[[Category:Fictional escapologists]]
[[Category:Fictional escapologists]]
[[Category:Fictional immigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:New Gods of New Genesis]]
[[Category:New Gods of New Genesis]]
[[Category:New Gods of Apokolips]]
[[Category:New Hampshire in fiction]]
[[Category:New Hampshire in fiction]]
[[Category:Superheroes who are adopted]]
[[Category:Superheroes who are adopted]]

Latest revision as of 18:16, 1 December 2024

Mister Miracle
The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle as depicted in Mister Miracle #15 (September 1973). Art by Jack Kirby and Mike Royer.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMister Miracle #1 (April 1971)
Created byJack Kirby
In-story information
Alter egoScott Free
SpeciesNew God
Place of originApokolips, formerly New Genesis
Team affiliations
Notable aliasesMr Miracle
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability
  • Superhumanly skilled escape artist
  • Immortality
  • Accelerated healing
  • Genius-level intellect
  • Proficient scientist and inventor
  • Indomitable will
  • Advanced hand-to-hand combatant
  • Knowledge of the Anti-Life Equation
  • The Alpha Effect
  • Teleportation
  • Heat vision
  • Carries a Mother Box, aero-discs, multi-cube and advanced gadgets

Mister Miracle is the name of three fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first and third are humans Thaddeus Brown and Shilo Norman, while the second is New God Scott Free. The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle first appeared in Mister Miracle #1 (April 1971) and was created by Jack Kirby.[1]

The Scott Free incarnation of Mister Miracle has appeared in various media outside comics, primarily in association with the New Gods. Ioan Gruffudd, Yuri Lowenthal, Roger Craig Smith, and Andy Daly have voiced the character in animation.

Publication history

[edit]

Mister Miracle debuted in the first issue of the eponymous series cover dated April 1971[2][3][4] as part of the Fourth World tetralogy.[5] Big Barda, the character's love interest, was introduced in Mister Miracle #4 (October 1971).[6] According to creator Jack Kirby's then-assistant Mark Evanier, Kirby wanted to be a comics creator and creative supervisor at DC Comics, rather than a regular writer-artist: "... we were going to turn Mr. Miracle over to Steve Ditko after a couple of issues and have me write it and Ditko draw it. Carmine Infantino, publisher of DC at the time, vetoed that and said Kirby had to do it all himself."[7] Evanier unofficially co-wrote most issues of the series.[7]

The original title featuring Miracle was the longest-lasting of the Fourth World titles, lasting 18 issues[8] while the other titles, New Gods and The Forever People, were cancelled after only 11 issues. The most traditionally super-heroesque comic of the various Fourth World titles, the last seven issues as well as later incarnations of the series would downplay the Fourth World mythology in favor of more traditional superhero fare. The character teamed up with Batman three times in The Brave and the Bold.[9] The title was revived in September 1977 by Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers.[10] Steve Gerber[11] and Michael Golden produced three issues ending with #25 (September 1978)[3][4] with several story lines unresolved.[12] Mister Miracle teamed with Superman in DC Comics Presents #12 (August 1979)[13] and met the Justice League of America and the Justice Society of America in Justice League of America #183–185 (October–December 1980).[14]

When the character was revived as part of the Justice League International lineup in 1987, a one-shot special by writer Mark Evanier and artist Steve Rude was published in 1987.[4][15] This special was followed by an ongoing series that began in January 1989, written by J. M. DeMatteis and drawn by Ian Gibson.[4][16] Other writers who contributed to the title include Keith Giffen, Len Wein, and Doug Moench. This run lasted 28 issues before cancellation in 1991. The series was largely humor-driven, per Giffen's reimagining Scott Free, his wife Big Barda, and their friend Oberon, who pretended to be Scott's uncle, as living in suburbia when they were not fighting evil with the Justice League.

In 1996, a series written by Kevin Dooley showed Scott attempting to escape his destiny as a New God by working for a charitable foundation in New York. This ran for seven issues,[4][17] before all Fourth World titles were canceled for the launch of Jack Kirby's Fourth World.

In addition, Scott's ally and wife Big Barda was made a member of the revived Justice League and appeared regularly in the Jack Kirby's Fourth World series by John Byrne.

With the launching of Grant Morrison's meta-series Seven Soldiers (2005–2006), Mister Miracle was revived as a four-issue miniseries. This miniseries focused instead on Scott's sidekick and apprentice Shilo Norman, who died.

In 2017, the character returned in a 12-issue limited series written by Tom King and illustrated by Mitch Gerads.[18]

From July 2021 to January 2022, Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom was published as a six issue miniseries starring Shilo Norman as Mister Miracle. The series was written by Brandon Easton and drawn by Fico Ossio.

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Mister Miracle was one of four DC Comics series in Kirby's ambitious, but short-lived, Fourth World saga. Mister Miracle, Super Escape Artist was inspired by comic book writer/artist Jim Steranko. Mister Miracle's relationship with his wife Big Barda is based on Kirby's relationship with his own wife Roz.[19]

Thaddeus Brown

[edit]

Thaddeus Brown was a circus escape artist whose stage name was Mister Miracle. As the first escape artist to use the name Mister Miracle, Brown earned a modest living and practiced his art into his later years. Brown met Scott Free as he was practicing an outdoor escape with his long-time friend and assistant Oberon. Scott then aided Brown as he was being coerced by Intergang thugs working for Intergang member Steel Hand by fighting them off. Unbeknownst to Scott, Intergang was an Earth crime organization run by Darkseid. Brown then told Scott that he was being harassed by the local Intergang Capo known as Steel Hand. Brown and Steel Hand had been in a hospital together and made a bet that Brown could not escape death. While practicing an escape of being tied to a tree with a projectile speeding toward him, Brown was shot by a sniper working for Steel Hand while Scott and Oberon stood by helplessly. After Brown's murder, Scott put on Brown's costume and exacted his revenge on Steel Hand by bringing him down. Scott Free took up the Mister Miracle name and hired his assistant Oberon. Scott and Oberon, later joined by Big Barda, toured the country as the Mister Miracle Super Escape Artist show.[20]

Thaddeus was later revealed to have a son named Ted.[21]

In 2016, DC Comics implemented another relaunch of its books called "DC Rebirth" which restored its continuity to a form much as it was prior to "The New 52". Thaddeus was one of Batman's teachers, educating him in the art of escape.[22]

At the end of the "Flashpoint Beyond" limited series, Thaddeus Brown was among the Thirteen in the custody of the Time Masters. The capsules containing Thaddeus and those with him were found to have failed and they were pulled back to the 1940s where history is rebuilding around them.[23]

During "The New Golden Age", Thaddeus Brown' bio revealed that his history of being shot by a sniper working for Steel Hand remains intact, though it is claimed that Ted and a few people might know that Thaddeus faked his death.[24] Mister Miracle was revealed to have been part of a group called the Justice Society Dark. In 1941, Doctor Fate and Salem the Witch Girl came across Mister Miracle fighting Solomon Grundy while Zatara and Diamond Jack were having a spat. After Solomon Grundy was chained up, Mister Miracle suggested to Doctor Fate and Salem the Witch Girl that they should go apprehend Bride of Grundy.[25]

Scott Free

[edit]
Cover to Mister Miracle #1 (April 1971), art by Jack Kirby and Vince Colletta.

Scott Free is the son of Highfather, the ruler of New Genesis, and his wife, Avia. As part of a diplomatic move to stop a war with the planet Apokolips, Highfather agreed to an exchange of heirs with the galactic tyrant Darkseid. The exchange of heirs as hostages was supposed to guarantee that neither side would attack the other. Scott was traded for Darkseid's second-born son Orion.[26]

Scott grew up in one of Granny Goodness' "Terror Orphanages" with no knowledge of his heritage, but still refused to allow his spirit to break under the institution's torturous training. As he matured, Scott rebelled against the totalitarian ideology of Apokolips. Hating himself for being unable to fit in despite his unfailing defiance of the abuse he suffered, Scott was influenced by Metron to see a future beyond Darkseid. Scott became part of a small band of pupils led by Himon,[27] a New Genesian living under cover as a Hunger Dog on Apokolips. It was at these meetings that Scott met Lieutenant Big Barda of Darkseid's Female Furies who would later become his wife.[28]

Eventually, Free escaped and fled to Earth. His escape, long anticipated and planned for by Darkseid, nullified the pact between Darkseid and Highfather; giving Darkseid the excuse he needed to revive the war with New Genesis. Once on Earth, Free met circus escape artist Thaddeus Brown, whose stage name was Mister Miracle. Brown was impressed with Scott's skills (especially as supplemented with various advanced devices he had taken from his previous home). Scott befriended Brown's assistant, a dwarf named Oberon. When Thaddeus Brown was murdered, Free assumed the identity of Mister Miracle.[29][20] Barda later followed Scott to Earth and the two used their New Gods powers, equipment and skills in the war against Darkseid, who was still interested in recapturing both of them. Eventually, tired of being chased on Earth by Darkseid's servants, Scott returned to Apokolips and won his freedom by legal means, through trial by combat.

Scott later met Brown's son Ted.[21]

Free later became a member of the Justice League International as did Barda and Oberon, which recast him and Big Barda as semi-retired super-heroes that sought to live quiet lives in the suburbs when they were not involved in Justice League-related adventures. In particular, Free was recast as a hen-pecked husband, who often found himself on the receiving end of his wife's temper over her desire to live a quiet life on Earth.

During his time in the League, Scott developed an intense rivalry with Justice League villain Manga Khan. The villainous intergalactic trader and black marketer repeatedly kidnapped Scott, ultimately convincing Scott's conniving former manager Funky Flashman into forging documents forcing Scott to work for Manga as his personal entertainer. To force him to go along willingly, Khan replaced Scott with a lifelike robot who was ultimately murdered by Despero during his first mission with the Justice League. Scott ultimately escaped from Manga Khan's clutches and reunited with his wife and friends, though the shock was enough to cause Scott to ultimately quit the League and to take on a protégé in the form of Shilo Norman.

In the conclusion of Final Crisis, many of the New Gods are all seemingly reborn. Among their numbers are the apparently resurrected Mister Miracle and Barda.

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Mister Miracle appears alongside Big Barda flying around the ruins of Gotham City on Earth 2.[30] Their purpose is revealed to find the mysterious new Batman, which is thwarted when both are attacked by Fury.[31]

Shilo Norman

[edit]

Abandoned by his mother when he was only an infant, Shilo Norman's desire to escape was fostered in an abusive orphanage.

Shilo Norman, Mister Miracle #1
Art by Pasqual Ferry.

He eventually ran away and ended up on the streets near the informal ward of escapologist Thaddeus Brown (the original Mister Miracle), and he served as an occasional stand-in. When Brown was murdered by Intergang mobster Steel Hand, Scott Free avenged his new friend's death by taking on the identity of Mister Miracle and brought Steel Hand to justice. After Brown's death, Shilo worked with Scott and his wife Barda. A master escape artist himself, the now-adult Shilo was appointed security chief of the Slabside Island Maximum Security prison for Metahumans known as the Slab. He held his own during the Joker's "Last Laugh" riot and was promoted to Warden of the Slab, which had by then been relocated to Antarctica. A somewhat reconceived Shilo Norman appears in Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers crossover.[32][33] In Final Crisis #2, Shilo tells Sonny Sumo "There was a cosmic war and the powers of evil won", prompting him to form a team to fight the evil gods. Shilo was later summoned by Nix Uotan to fight against Mandrakk the Dark Monitor.

Shilo would later appear as Mister Miracle alongside his other Seven Soldiers team mates in Morrison and Dan DiDio's series "Sideways".

Shilo Norman's Mister Miracle also appears in Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom, a six-issue miniseries spinning out of the events of "DC Future State" and tying into "Infinite Frontier".

Powers and abilities

[edit]

Like all the New Gods, Scott Free is functionally immortal; having stopped aging around the age of 30, he has developed an immunity to toxins and diseases. Scott has superhuman strength, agility, speed, coordination and reflexes, along with incredible stamina. Due to his exhausting and rigorous life on Apokolips, his body has tremendous resistance to extreme temperatures, physical injury, psychic influence and he is capable of extremely rapid recovery.

Scott has a genius-level intellect and is knowledgeable about much of the universe. During his life on Apokolips, he was instructed by Himon in the science and use of advanced Fourth World's technology. He is a genius inventor who has designed most of the equipment in his costume, including his Mother Box.

Scott was trained by Granny Goodness as an Aero-trooper. Although he despises violence and is often portrayed as a pacifist, he is still an exceptional warrior, instructed in all combat techniques of Apokolips and very skilled with weapons. On one occasion, he was able to beat Big Barda. Also, he is a master escapologist and acrobat. He is considered better at escapes than Batman, and much of his skill is the result of his advanced physiology.

Scott Free is heir of the Alpha Effect, the antithesis of Darkseid's Omega Energy. This power was almost unlimited and allowed him to manipulate energy in many ways; for example, he was able to knock out "The Asgardian God Thor", draining his vital power. Also, Mister Miracle used his godlike powers to resurrect his wife and battle against Steppenwolf and Kalibak, temporarily stopping the war between New Genesis and Apokolips. Later, Scott relinquished his heritage.

Scott possesses greater power as the embodiment of the Anti-Life Equation. The ability is fueled by rage and negative emotions. The Anti-Life Equation can give any being the power to dominate the will of all sentient and sapient races and alter the reality, space, time, matter and anti-matter at the cosmic level. Mister Miracle proved to be powerful enough to fight Superman and Orion together.

The New 52

[edit]

In The New 52 rebooted DC continuity, Mister Miracle retains the status of a New God and has been reborn more powerful than before. Mister Miracle is able to lift at least 50 tons. He is shown to have a high level of invulnerability; enduring space's rigors, surviving the explosion of three "Boom Spheres", resisting attacks of powerful beings such as Darkseid. His combined reflexes, speed and agility make him able to dodge almost any attack, even from two Apokalitian assassins, as he did with Lashina and Kanto. In addition, Mister Miracle has a limited healing factor and a great variety of mental tricks that allow him to break free of psychic influence. Mister Miracle is still a super escape artist and an expert combatant, successfully defeating Fury, Wonder Woman's daughter.

Equipment

[edit]
  • Mother Box: The Mother Box can access the energy of the Source for various effects; it can change the gravitational constant of an area, transfer energy from one place to another, sense danger, sense of life, create force fields, transmute matter, absorb or project powerful shock blasts, create electro-webs of atoms, control the mental state of a being, communicate telepathically with a host or other life form, manipulate the life-force of a host to sustain it past fatal injuries, teletransportation, open and close Boom Tubes, and more.
  • Costume: Mister Miracle's costume is magnetically sealed and provides limited protection from damage and fire. It contains numerous hidden pockets. Each glove and boot has a pocket and the slim utility belt contains half a dozen more. A secret pocket on the upper right arm hides his Mother Box.
  • Mask: Contains circuitry for his Mother Box and a life support unit. The circuits let Scott use his Mother Box hands free. The life support system lets him survive in hostile environments.
  • Gloves: Have wide cuffs that hold Scott's multi-cube and assorted picks. In addition, the gloves can fire concussive blasts and generate enormous electric power, and contain a fingertip laser for fine welding or burning. His hidden circuits have the ability to create fission blasts and mini shockwaves.
  • Boots: Contain laser-jets capable of burning almost any surface.
  • Cape: Is made of a memory fibroid from New Genesis. Scott's Mother Box can transmute the cape into a cocoon that can withstand a sizable explosion. This can only be done once. The transmutation is not permanent and destroys the cape.
  • Aero Discs: Thin metal plates about a foot across. The New Gods use them for personal travel. They can reach speeds of 250 mph. Scott has modified his discs considerably for battle. They can be attached to the forearms to use them as shields or blades.
  • Multi-Cube: A peripheral device for Mister Miracle's Mother Box. The cube was designed by Mister Miracle to use the transmutation power of the Mother Box to create a number of preset mechanisms in its interior. All of these functions are much easier to perform than improvised transmutation. They can be activated in stressful situations. The cube is small enough to be hidden in the palm of the hand. The multi-cube is not sentient but is still capable of interpreting complex commands and recording data. The multi-cube can fly under its own power and follow the mental commands of Mister Miracle. The cube can use the transmuting power of the Mother Box to create several hundred feet of swing line. Besides the cable, the cube can produce a smoke screen or fire suppression foam. The simplest use of the cube is to generate light effects. The cube can create lifelike holograms, a blinding flash or a laser capable of cutting through a steel cable or handcuff links. In hologram mode the cube can record extended scenes or make a complete holographic recording. It can then manipulate the playback to simulate the subject in motion. The cube can emit a powerful sonic beam that can spring locks or shatter a brick wall. The sound blast can stun an unprotected human.

Other versions

[edit]
  • An alternate timeline variant of Mister Miracle appears in Kingdom Come.
  • An alternate universe variant of Mister Miracle who became Metron's successor appears in Superman: The Dark Side.
  • An alternate universe variant of Mister Miracle appears in JLA: The Nail. This version downloaded himself into Barda's Mother Box before being killed by DeSaad. The Box's circuitry later bonds with a Green Lantern ring, allowing him to project his consciousness into an energy construct similar to his original body.

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Video games

[edit]

Collected editions

[edit]
  • Jack Kirby's Mister Miracle: Super Escape Artist collects Mr Miracle #1–10, 256 pages, September 1998, ISBN 978-1563894572[43]
  • Jack Kirby's Fourth World: Featuring Mister Miracle collects Mr Miracle #11–18, 187 pages, July 2001, ISBN 978-1563897238
  • Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus
    • Volume 1 collects Forever People #1–3, Mister Miracle #1–3, The New Gods #1–3, Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133–139, 396 pages, May 2007, ISBN 978-1401213442 (hardcover);[44] December 2011, ISBN 978-1401232412 (paperback)[45]
    • Volume 2 collects Forever People #4–6, Mister Miracle #4–6, The New Gods #4–6, Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #141–145, 396 pages, August 2007, ISBN 978-1401213572 (hardcover);[46] April 2012, ISBN 978-1401234409 (paperback)[47]
    • Volume 3 collects Forever People #7–10, Mister Miracle #7–9, The New Gods #7–10, Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #146–148, 396 pages, November 2007, ISBN 978-1401214852 (hardcover);[48] August 2012, ISBN 978-1401235352 (paperback)[49]
    • Volume 4 collects Forever People #11; Mister Miracle #10–18; The New Gods #11; "Even Gods Must Die" from The New Gods vol. 2 #6; DC Graphic Novel #4: "The Hunger Dogs"; "On the Road to Armagetto!" (previously unpublished), 424 pages, March 2008, ISBN 978-1401215835 (hardcover);[50] December 2012, ISBN 978-1401237462 (paperback)[51]
  • Mister Miracle by Steve Englehart and Steve Gerber collects Mister Miracle #19–25, 216 pages, March 2020, ISBN 978-1779500793

Awards

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The Mister Miracle series plus Forever People, New Gods, and Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen earned Jack Kirby the 1971 Shazam Award for Special Achievement by an Individual in the comic industry.[52]

The Mister Miracle series by Tom King and Mitch Gerads won the 2019 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series.[53]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ McAvennie, Michael (2010). "1970s". In Dolan, Hannah (ed.). DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. London, United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 145. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. As the writer, artist, and editor of the Fourth World family of interlocking titles, each of which possessed its own distinct tone and theme, Jack Kirby cemented his legacy as a pioneer of grand-scale storytelling.
  2. ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 145: "In Kirby's final 'Fourth World' series, Mister Miracle, Scott Free was already on Earth, having fled Apokollips and the cruel orphanage that raised him."
  3. ^ a b Mister Miracle at the Grand Comics Database
  4. ^ a b c d e Overstreet, Robert M. (2019). Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide (49th ed.). Timonium, Maryland: Gemstone Publishing. p. 879. ISBN 978-1603602334.
  5. ^ Levitz, Paul (2010). "The Bronze Age 1970-1984". 75 Years of DC Comics The Art of Modern Mythmaking. Cologne, Germany: Taschen. p. 447. ISBN 9783836519816. Kirby began introducing new elements to the DC Universe, building toward the introduction of a trio of new titles based on a complex mythology he called the Fourth World.
  6. ^ McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 147: "Mister Miracle battled supervillain Doctor Bedlam with the aid of a voluptuous figure from his past."
  7. ^ a b Kraft, David Anthony; Slifer, Roger (April 1983). "Mark Evanier". Comics Interview. No. 2. Fictioneer Books. pp. 23–34.
  8. ^ Sacks, Jason; Dallas, Keith (2014). American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 144. ISBN 978-1605490564.
  9. ^
    • Haney, Bob (w), Aparo, Jim (p), Aparo, Jim (i). "The Impossible Escape" The Brave and the Bold, no. 112 (April–May 1974).
    • Haney, Bob (w), Aparo, Jim (p), Aparo, Jim (i). "Death by the Ounce" The Brave and the Bold, no. 128 (July 1976).
    • Haney, Bob (w), Aparo, Jim (p), Aparo, Jim (i). "Mile High Tombstone" The Brave and the Bold, no. 138 (November 1977).
  10. ^ *McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 175: "Writer Steve Englehart and artist Marshall Rogers, having garnered acclaim for Detective Comics, picked up Mister Miracle where the series had ended three years before."
  11. ^ Kingman, Jim (December 2008). "The Miracle Messiah: Steve Gerber's Short-Lived Take on Mister Miracle". Back Issue! (31). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 57–59.
  12. ^ Nolen-Weathington, Eric (2007). Modern Masters Volume 12: Michael Golden. Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing. pp. 13–16. ISBN 978-1893905740.
  13. ^ Englehart, Steve (w), Buckler, Rich (p), Giordano, Dick (i). "Winner Take Metropolis" DC Comics Presents, no. 12 (August 1979).
  14. ^
    • Conway, Gerry (w), Dillin, Dick (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "Crisis on New Genesis or Where Have All the New Gods Gone?" Justice League of America, no. 183 (October 1980).
    • Conway, Gerry (w), Pérez, George (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "Crisis Between Two Earths or Apokolips Now!" Justice League of America, no. 184 (November 1980).
    • Conway, Gerry (w), Pérez, George (p), McLaughlin, Frank (i). "Crisis on Apokolips or Darkseid Rising!" Justice League of America, no. 185 (December 1980).
  15. ^ Mister Miracle Special at the Grand Comics Database
  16. ^ Mister Miracle vol. 2 at the Grand Comics Database
  17. ^ Mister Miracle vol. 3 at the Grand Comics Database
  18. ^ Melrose, Kevin (May 12, 2017). "Tom King and Mitch Gerads Re-Team For DC's Mister Miracle". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018.
  19. ^
    • Evanier, Mark (2008). Kirby: King of Comics. New York, New York: Abrams Books. p. 177. ISBN 978-0810994478.
    • Evanier, Mark (n.d.). "The Jack F.A.Q." News From ME. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Jack based some of his characters (not all) on people in his life or in the news…though often, the connection would be lost as the character evolved. That is to say, once the story was done, only Jack would be able to see any trace of the model…and sometimes, even he would lose track of how a character came about. Nevertheless, Big Barda's roots are not in doubt. The visual came about shortly after songstress Lainie Kazan posed for Playboy…and the characterization between Scott "Mr. Miracle" Free and Barda was based largely — though with tongue in cheek — on the interplay betwixt Jack and his wife Roz. Of course, the whole "escape artist" theme was inspired by an earlier career of writer-artist Jim Steranko.
  20. ^ a b Mister Miracle #1. DC Comics.
  21. ^ a b Kirby, Jack (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Royer, Mike (i). "Himon!" Mister Miracle, no. 10 (October 1972).
  22. ^ Detective Comics #996-998. DC Comics.
  23. ^ Flashpoint Beyond #6. DC Comics.
  24. ^ The New Golden Age #1. DC Comics.
  25. ^ Justice Society of America Vol. 4 #2. DC Comics.
  26. ^ Kirby, Jack (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Royer, Mike (i). "The Pact!" New Gods, no. 7 (February–March 1972).
  27. ^ Kirby, Jack (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Royer, Mike (i). "Himon!" Mister Miracle, no. 9 (July–August 1972).
  28. ^ Kirby, Jack (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Royer, Mike (i). "Wild, Wild Wedding Guests!" Mister Miracle, no. 18 (February–March 1974).
  29. ^ Markstein, Don (2008). "Mister Miracle". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Archived from the original on July 7, 2014.
  30. ^ Robinson, James (w), Scott, Nicola (p), Scott, Trevor (i). "The Tower of Fate Part 2: The Man Who Was Brave" Earth 2, no. 11 (June 2013).
  31. ^ Robinson, James (w), Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; Gopez, Julius (p), Fernandez Urbano, Carlos Alberto; Smith, Cam (i). "Secrets and Origins" Earth 2 Annual, no. 1 (July 2013).
  32. ^ Seven Soldiers: Mr. Miracle at the Grand Comics Database
  33. ^ Overstreet, p. 990
  34. ^ a b c d e "Mr. Miracle Voices (DC Universe)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 13, 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.
  35. ^ "Scott Free (Young) Voice - Justice League Unlimited (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 13, 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.
  36. ^ McNary, Dave (March 15, 2018). "Ava DuVernay to Direct DC's Superhero Epic New Gods". Variety. Archived from the original on February 23, 2020.
  37. ^ Patten, Dominic; Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 15, 2018). "Ava DuVernay To Direct Jack Kirby Comic Creation The New Gods For Warner Bros, DC". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 21, 2020.
  38. ^ Joseph, Eric (January 14, 2019). "First Plot Details for the New Gods Reveal the Main Character". We Got This Covered. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019.
  39. ^ Couch, Aaron; Kit, Borys (April 1, 2021). "Ava DuVernay's 'New Gods,' James Wan's 'The Trench' DC Movies Not Moving Forward at Warner Bros. (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  40. ^ "Halls of Power Part I Launches August 6, 2014!". DC Universe Online. August 6, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  41. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  42. ^ Michael, Jon; Veness, John (November 2, 2018). "Characters - LEGO DC Super-Villains Guide". IGN. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  43. ^ "Jack Kirby's Mr. Miracle". DC Comics. June 27, 2001. Archived from the original on October 3, 2012.
  44. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 1". DC Comics. June 13, 2007. Archived from the original on July 24, 2014.
  45. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 1 tpb". DC Comics. December 7, 2011. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  46. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 2". DC Comics. September 5, 2007. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014.
  47. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 2 tpb". DC Comics. April 4, 2012. Archived from the original on May 24, 2012.
  48. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 3". DC Comics. November 21, 2007. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  49. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 3 tpb". DC Comics. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  50. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 4". DC Comics. March 26, 2008. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  51. ^ "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Volume 4 tpb". DC Comics. December 4, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
  52. ^ "1971 Academy of Comic Book Arts Awards". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved October 19, 2010.
  53. ^ "Tom King and Mister Miracle Are Top Winners at 2019 Eisner Awards". Comic-Con International: San Diego. 2019. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2019. The top winners at the 3lst Annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, held during Comic-Con on July 19 at the Bayfront San Diego Hilton, were the DC Comics series Mister Miracle by Tom King and Mitch Gerads (Best Limited Series, Best Writer, Best Penciller/Inker).
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