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{{Refimprove|date=February 2009}}
{{Infobox comic book title <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comic book title <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| image = 4-villain.jpg
| image = 4-villain.jpg
| caption = Cover to ''Villains United'' #1<br>Art by J.G. Jones
| caption = Cover to ''Villains United'' #1, art by J.G. Jones.
| schedule = Monthly
| schedule = Monthly
| limited = y
| limited = y
| Superhero = y
| Superhero = y
| publisher = [[DC Comics]]
| publisher = [[DC Comics]]
| date = (Limited series) July - December, [[2005 in comics|2005]]<br> (Infinite Crisis Special) April 2006
| date = (Limited series) July - December [[2005 in comics|2005]]<br> (''Infinite Crisis Special'' #1) April 2006
| issues = 6 (along with a special)
| issues = 6, with 1 ''Infinite Crisis Special''
| main_char_team = [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]]<br>[[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
| main_char_team = [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]]<br>[[Secret Society of Super Villains]]
| writers = [[Gail Simone]]
| writers = [[Gail Simone]]
Line 14: Line 13:
| inkers = [[Wade Von Grawbadger]]<br>Prentis Rollins
| inkers = [[Wade Von Grawbadger]]<br>Prentis Rollins
| creators = Secret Six created by<br>[[E. Nelson Bridwell]]<br>[[Frank Springer]]
| creators = Secret Six created by<br>[[E. Nelson Bridwell]]<br>[[Frank Springer]]
| notable_former_members = Deathstroke
| TPB = Villains United
| TPB = Villains United
| ISBN = 1-4012-0838-X
| ISBN = 1-4012-0838-X
Line 20: Line 18:
| sort = Villains United
| sort = Villains United
}}
}}
'''''Villains United''''' is a six-issue, [[2005 in comics|2005]] [[comic book]] [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]], published by [[DC Comics]], written by [[Gail Simone]] and illustrated by [[Dale Eaglesham]] and [[Wade Von Grawbadger]], and later by [[Val Semeiks]] and Prentis Rollins.
'''''Villains United''''' is a six-issue [[2005 in comics|2005]] [[comic book]] [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]], published by [[DC Comics]], written by [[Gail Simone]] and illustrated by [[Dale Eaglesham]] and [[Wade Von Grawbadger]], and later by [[Val Semeiks]] and Prentis Rollins.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=321}}</ref>


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
''Villains United'' is one of four miniseries leading up to DC Comics' ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' event and a seven-issue miniseries. This story follows the evolution of the latest incarnation of the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]], and the group's ongoing plight against the machinations of the various [[supervillain]]s belonging to [[Lex Luthor]]'s expansive [[Secret Society of Super Villains]].
''Villains United'' is one of four miniseries leading up to DC Comics' ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' event and a seven-issue miniseries. This story follows the evolution of the latest incarnation of the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]], and the group's ongoing plight against the machinations of the various [[supervillain]]s belonging to [[Lex Luthor]]'s expansive [[Secret Society of Super Villains]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=McAvennie |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |title=DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-8578-6 |page=304}}</ref>


Like all major intracompany events, this series ties in with several monthly DC Comics titles, including:
Like all major intracompany events, this series ties in with several monthly DC Comics titles, including:
Line 30: Line 28:
:''[[Breach (comics)|Breach]]'' #7
:''[[Breach (comics)|Breach]]'' #7
:''[[Firestorm (comics)|Firestorm]]'' #17
:''[[Firestorm (comics)|Firestorm]]'' #17
:''[[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]]'' #109-112
:''[[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]]'' #109-110
:''[[Superman (comic book)|Superman]]'' #221
:''[[Superman (comic book)|Superman]]'' #221
:''Catwoman'' #46-49
:''Catwoman'' #46-49
:''Green Arrow'' #50
:''Green Arrow'' #50
:''Flash'' #225
:''Flash'' #225
:''Prelude to Infinite Crisis'' #1


==Plot summary==
==Plot summary==
⚫
For months now, former President [[Lex Luthor]] has been using his resources to assemble an army against the superheroes. Luthor's team now has over two hundred members with a six-member core team consisting of Luthor, [[Talia al Ghul]], [[Doctor Psycho]], [[Deathstroke]], [[Black Adam]], and the [[Calculator (comics)|Calculator]]. Nevertheless, not all the villains offered a chance to join this army are thrilled with this idea. [[Batman]] villain [[Catman (comics)|Catman]] has joined a team of five supported by the mysterious Mockingbird including [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]], [[Deadshot]], [[Scandal (comics)|Scandal]], [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and [[Parademon]] to oppose this new Secret Society. Catman replaced the first [[Fiddler (comics)|Fiddler]], after he was killed by Deadshot on Mockingbird's orders when Mockingbird felt he had not fulfilled his part in a mission.


⚫
For months now, former President [[Lex Luthor]] has been using his resources to assemble an army against the superheroes. Luthor's team now has over two hundred members with a six-member core team consisting of Luthor, [[Talia al Ghul]], [[Doctor Psycho]], [[Deathstroke]], [[Black Adam]], and the [[Calculator (comics)|Calculator]]. Nevertheless, not all the villains offered a chance to join this army are thrilled with this idea. [[Batman]] villain [[Catman (comics)|Catman]] has joined a team of five supported by the mysterious [[Mockingbird (DC Comics)|Mockingbird]] including [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]], [[Deadshot]], [[Scandal (comics)|Scandal]], [[Rag Doll (comics)|Ragdoll]], and [[Parademon]] to oppose this new Secret Society. Catman replaced the first [[Fiddler (comics)|Fiddler]], after he was killed by Deadshot on Mockingbird's orders when Mockingbird felt he had not fulfilled his part in a mission.


===The Mockingbird===
===The Mockingbird===
Late one night in the mansion of the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]], [[Catman (comics)|Catman]] and [[Deadshot]] have a discussion about their unknown leader, Mockingbird and the dramatic change in Catman's life, while Cheshire secretly listens in the shadows. After a short while [[Scandal (comics)|Scandal]] informs everyone that Mockingbird has just assigned them to steal Thanagarian weaponry from a tanker in [[Gotham City|Gotham]] harbor.
Late one night in the mansion of the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]], [[Catman (comics)|Catman]] and [[Deadshot]] have a discussion about their unknown leader, Mockingbird, and about the dramatic change in Catman's life, while Cheshire secretly listens in the shadows. Afterwards, [[Scandal (comics)|Scandal]] informs everyone that Mockingbird has just assigned them to steal Thanagarian weaponry from a tanker in [[Gotham City|Gotham]] harbor.


Upon their arrival to the tanker they are ambushed by members of the [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Society]], which include [[Weather Wizard]], [[Cheetah (comics)|Cheetah]], [[Doctor Polaris]], [[Count Vertigo]], [[Killer Frost]], [[Captain Nazi]], [[Hyena (comics)|Hyena]], [[Crazy Quilt]], and others. After their capture, the [[Crime Doctor (DC Comics)|Crime Doctor]] tortures the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]], asking them the identity of Mockingbird among other questions. After a few rounds of torture, Catman breaks free and rescues his villainous teammates. While escaping they decide to send the Society a message. They murder one of the two [[Hyena (comics)|Hyena]].
Upon their arrival at the tanker, the Six are ambushed and captured by members of the [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Society]], including [[Weather Wizard]], [[Cheetah (character)|Cheetah]], [[Doctor Polaris]], [[Count Vertigo]], [[Killer Frost]], [[Captain Nazi]], [[List of minor DC Comics characters#Hyena|Hyena]], [[Crazy Quilt]], and others. The [[Crime Doctor (DC Comics)|Crime Doctor]] tortures the Six, asking them, among other questions, the identity of Mockingbird. After a few rounds of torture, Catman breaks free and rescues his teammates. While escaping, the Six decide to send the Society a message. They murder one of the two Hyenas.


After their escape the Six infiltrated a Society installation in [[Brazil]]. After fighting their way through a legion of [[H.I.V.E.]] troopers, apparently led by the [[Queen Bee (comics)|Queen Bee]], they discover the Society's plans for the 'Vindication Scenario' - erasing the memories of all of Earth's superheroes. The facility is a giant battery, powered by a duo of kidnap victims, [[Firestorm (comics)|Firestorm]] and [[Gehenna (comics)|Gehenna]]. They release Firestorm just as Black Adam was arriving with a response team and the facility is destroyed.
The Six then infiltrate a Society installation in [[Brazil]]. After fighting their way through a legion of [[H.I.V.E.]] troopers, apparently led by the [[Queen Bee (comics)|Queen Bee]], they discover the Society's plans for the "Vindication Scenario": erasing the memories of all of Earth's superheroes. The facility is a giant battery, powered by kidnapped heroes [[Firestorm (comics)|Firestorm]] and [[Gehenna (comics)|Gehenna]]. The Six release Firestorm just as Black Adam arrives with a response team, and the facility is destroyed.


===Betrayal===
===Betrayal===
Once the Six return to their base Cheshire and Catman are in bed together when Cheshire accuses Catman of being a spy and wanting to be a hero. However, she reveals that she has slept with him in order to conceive a child.
Once the Six return to their base, Cheshire and Catman are in bed together when Cheshire accuses Catman of being a spy and wanting to be a hero. However, she reveals that she has slept with him in order to conceive a child.


A short time later, most of the Society's founding council votes to mount a final strike on the Secret Six — Lex Luthor disagrees with a [[preemptive war|preemptive attack]], but the remaining four members ([[Black Adam]] is absent for unknown reasons) decide the action is necessary. Simultaneously, the Six agree to a last stand, but only under the condition that any survivors be set free from Mockingbird's control with no strings attached.
A short time later, most of the Society's founding council votes to mount a final strike on the Secret Six — Lex Luthor disagrees with a preemptive attack, but the remaining four members ([[Black Adam]] is absent for unknown reasons) decide the action is necessary. Simultaneously, the Six agree to a last stand, but only under the condition that any survivors be set free from Mockingbird's control with no strings attached.

Prior to the battle between the Society and the Six, Deadshot visits Scandal's room to talk about the team's future. A framed picture on the woman's desk reveals that her father is the immortal [[Vandal Savage]].


===The Six hunted===
===The Six hunted===
Before the conversation can progress past basic greetings, Catman ambushes [[Deadshot]] and admits knowing that he (Deadshot) masqueraded as the villainous Deathstroke and murdered the [[lion]]s in his pride. The two scuffle before finding the real Deathstroke leading a small band of villains to the front door of the [[House of Secrets (DC Comics)|House of Secrets]].
Prior to the battle between the Society and the Six, Deadshot visits Scandal's room to talk about the team's future. A framed picture on the woman's desk reveals that her father is the immortal [[Vandal Savage]]. Before the conversation can progress past basic greetings, Catman ambushes [[Deadshot]] and admits knowing that he (Deadshot) masqueraded as the villainous Deathstroke and murdered the [[lion]]s in his pride. The two scuffle before finding the real Deathstroke leading a small band of villains to the front door of the [[House of Secrets (DC Comics)|House of Secrets]].


As the crew debates how the Society found them, Cheshire confesses to several [[treason|traitorous]] deeds, including giving Luthor the coordinates of the Six's base and covertly joining the Society. When asked why she would do such a thing, considering Mockingbird's threat to kill her daughter if she doesn't [[compliance (regulation)|comply]], Cheshire points out that the baby she's having with Catman would make a fine replacement for a lost child.
As the crew debates how the Society found them, Cheshire confesses to several traitorous deeds, including giving Luthor the coordinates of the Six's base and covertly joining the Society. When asked why she would do such a thing, considering Mockingbird's threat to kill her daughter if she does not comply, Cheshire points out that the baby she is having with Catman would make a fine replacement for a lost child.


===Mockingbird revealed===
===Mockingbird revealed===
The Society storms through the castle, and [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]] is shot by [[Deathstroke]], who comments that "The Society doesn't need traitors". The Secret Six, however, fights back successfully. Talia and Scandal, daughters of immortals [[Ra's al Ghul]] and [[Vandal Savage]] respectively, fight each other. Just when Talia has the upper hand, Scandal's mole in the Society, [[Knockout (DC Comics)|Knockout]], knocks her out (it is also revealed that Knockout is Scandal's lover). Ragdoll convinces [[Solomon Grundy (comics)|Solomon Grundy]], a fellow "ugly monster," to switch sides. Ragdoll fights his father until Parademon beats the elder Ragdoll. Catman and Ragdoll Jr. escape from [[Black Adam]]'s group while Parademon blows up himself, Ragdoll and the battleground. Deathstroke and Deadshot duel, ultimately shooting each other at the same time. To save his daughter Scandal, Vandal Savage infiltrates the Society's headquarters and threatens to kill Luthor if he does not disengage the attack against the Six. Reluctantly, and over Black Adam's objections, Luthor ends the battle. Deadshot is led to medical help by the surviving members of the Secret Six.
The Society storms through the castle, and [[Cheshire (comics)|Cheshire]] is shot by [[Deathstroke]], who comments that "The Society doesn't need traitors". The Secret Six, however, fights back successfully. Talia and Scandal, daughters of immortals [[Ra's al Ghul]] and [[Vandal Savage]], respectively, fight each other. Just when Talia has the upper hand, Scandal's mole in the Society, [[Knockout (DC Comics)|Knockout]], knocks her out (it is also revealed that Knockout is Scandal's lover). Ragdoll convinces [[Solomon Grundy (comics)|Solomon Grundy]], a fellow "ugly monster", to switch sides. Ragdoll fights his father until Parademon beats the elder Rag Doll. Catman and Ragdoll Jr. escape from [[Black Adam]]'s group while Parademon blows up himself, Rag Doll and the battleground. Deathstroke and Deadshot duel, ultimately shooting each other at the same time. To save his daughter Scandal, Vandal Savage infiltrates the Society's headquarters and threatens to kill Luthor if he does not disengage the attack against the Six. Reluctantly, and over Black Adam's objections, Luthor ends the battle. Deadshot is led to medical help by the surviving members of the Secret Six.


The central revelation of the book is that Mockingbird is actually Lex Luthor and that the Luthor who organized the Secret Society is an "imposter" (in reality, [[Alexander Luthor, Jr.]]). Mockingbird/Luthor reveals that he chose those six individuals because each had different knowledge and experience that could be used to oppose the Society: Catman, for his knowledge on [[Batman]]'s villains; Deadshot, for his knowledge on the remaining [[Suicide Squad]] members; Parademon, for his experience living on [[Apokolips]]; Ragdoll, because he grew up as a "nephew" to the members of the [[Injustice Society]]; Scandal, because she grew up with Vandal Savage and his associates; and Cheshire, for her knowledge on the villains of the [[Teen Titans]]. Mockingbird/Luthor reveals to Scandal that he never placed the families of the Six in danger and disbands the team. Also notable is the Society Luthor's apparent murder of [[Pariah (comics)|Pariah]], a character from the original Crisis.
The central revelation of the book is that Mockingbird is actually Lex Luthor and that the Luthor who organized the Secret Society is an "imposter" (in reality, [[Alexander Luthor, Jr.]]). Mockingbird/Luthor reveals that he chose those six individuals because each had different knowledge and experience that could be used to oppose the Society: Catman, for his knowledge of [[Batman]]'s villains; Deadshot, for his knowledge of the remaining [[Suicide Squad]] members; Parademon, for his experience living on [[Apokolips]]; Ragdoll, because he grew up as a "nephew" to the members of the [[Injustice Society]]; Scandal, because she grew up with Vandal Savage and his associates; and Cheshire, for her knowledge of the [[Teen Titans]] villains. Mockingbird/Luthor reveals to Scandal that he never placed the families of the Six in danger and disbands the team. Also notable is the Society Luthor's apparent murder of [[Pariah (comics)|Pariah]], a character from the original Crisis.


==''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'': "A Hero Dies but One"==
==''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1 - "A Hero Dies but One"==
{{main|Battle of Metropolis}}
{{main|Battle of Metropolis}}
In the ''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'', the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] meet to discuss their future as a team, with [[Deadshot]] recommending they be a mercenary team for good ''or'' evil, "as long as we get paid."
In ''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1, the [[Secret Six (comics)|Secret Six]] meet to discuss their future as a team, with [[Deadshot]] recommending they be a mercenary team for good ''or'' evil, "as long as we get paid".


In phase one of a master plan, the Society executes "Operation: Hope Abandoned," engineering breakouts at metahuman holding facilities worldwide. [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]] masses responses as fast as possible, but with the "Big Guns" of the Justice League unavailable, the heroes are having problems just holding the line. Contacting the [[Martian Manhunter]], Oracle organizes a global telepathic link.
In phase one of a master plan, the Society executes "Operation: Hope Abandoned", engineering breakouts at metahuman holding facilities worldwide. [[Barbara Gordon|Oracle]] masses responses as fast as possible, but with the "Big Guns" of the Justice League unavailable, the heroes are having problems just holding the line. Contacting the [[Martian Manhunter]], Oracle organizes a global telepathic link.


Meanwhile, the Secret Six intercept the [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]] and [[Amos Fortune (comics)|Amos Fortune]] fleeing Enclave M, and discover that all supervillains, once freed, are to head to Metropolis. They relay this information to [[Green Arrow]], who informs J'onn. [[Lady Blackhawk]] commandeers aircraft to traffic all available heroes and national guardsmen to Metropolis.
Meanwhile, the Secret Six intercept the [[Scarecrow (DC Comics)|Scarecrow]] and [[Amos Fortune (comics)|Amos Fortune]] fleeing Enclave M, and discover that all supervillains, once freed, are to head to Metropolis. They relay this information to [[Green Arrow]], who informs J'onn. [[Lady Blackhawk]] commandeers aircraft to traffic all available heroes and National Guardsmen to Metropolis.


An army of second-stringers, vigilantes, and retired metas (including [[Argus (comics)|Argus]], [[Geist (DC Comics)|Geist]], [[Manhunter (Kate Spencer)|Manhunter]], and [[El Diablo (comics)#Rafael Sandoval|El Diablo]]) align with the authorities to fend off the Society's assault. Leading the villains' charge is [[Doctor Psycho]], flanked by the monster he and "Monsieur" [[Warp (comics)|Warp]] unleashed from imprisonment: [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]].
An army of second-stringers, vigilantes and retired metas (including [[Argus (comics)|Argus]], [[Geist (DC Comics)|Geist]], [[Manhunter (Kate Spencer)|Manhunter]] and [[El Diablo (comics)#Rafael Sandoval|El Diablo]]) align with the authorities to fend off the Society's assault. Leading the villains' charge is [[Doctor Psycho]], flanked by the monster he and "Monsieur" [[Warp (comics)|Warp]] unleashed from imprisonment: [[Doomsday (comics)|Doomsday]].


High above the battle, Catman informs the rest of the Six they are to remain neutral, even after the battle. The Six leave, determined to be an independent group, while the battle continues.
High above the battle, Catman informs the rest of the Six they are to remain neutral, even after the battle. The Six leave, determined to be an independent group, while the battle continues.
Line 83: Line 76:
==Collected editions==
==Collected editions==
The series has been collected into a [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]:
The series has been collected into a [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]]:
⚫
* ''Villains United'' (collects ''Villains United'' #1-6, 144 pages, January 2006, {{ISBN|1-4012-0838-X}})<ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=4620 ''Villains United'' details] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913012626/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=4620 | date=September 13, 2008}} at DC</ref>
⚫
* ''Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United'' (collects the ''Villains United'' six-issue miniseries, ''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1 and the ''Secret Six'' six-issue miniseries; 328 pages, DC Comics, February 2014, {{ISBN|1-4012-5075-0}})<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/secret-six-vol-1-villains-united | title=''Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United'' trade profile | work=DC Comics.com}}</ref>


*''Villains United'' (collects ''Villains United'' #1-6, 144 pages, January 2006, {{ISBN|1-4012-0838-X}})<ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=4620 ''Villains United'' details] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913012626/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=4620 |date=September 13, 2008 }} at DC</ref>
The one-shot special was also collected in ''Infinite Crisis Companion'' ({{ISBN|1-4012-0922-X}}).<ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=5887 ''Infinite Crisis Companion'' details] {{webarchive | url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225110044/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=5887 | date=December 25, 2008}} at DC</ref>

⚫
*''Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United'' (collects ''Villains United'' six-issue limited series, ''Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special'' #1 ''Secret Six'' six-issue limited series; 328 pages, DC Comics, February 2014, {{ISBN|1-4012-5075-0}})<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.dccomics.com/graphic-novels/secret-six-vol-1-villains-united | title=''Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United'' trade profile | work=DC Comics.com}}</ref>

⚫
The one-shot special was collected in ''Infinite Crisis Companion'' ({{ISBN|1-4012-0922-X}}).<ref>[http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=5887 ''Infinite Crisis Companion'' details] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225110044/http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=5887 |date=December 25, 2008 }} at DC</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 94: Line 85:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.sequart.com/columns/index.php?col=10&column=557 Guide to Infinite Crisis: Villains United]—study of series as part of Infinite Crisis
* [http://www.sequart.com/columns/index.php?col=10&column=557 Guide to ''Infinite Crisis: Villains United''] - study of series as part of ''Infinite Crisis''


{{DC Crisis Anthology}}
{{DC Crisis Anthology}}
Line 100: Line 91:


[[Category:2005 comics debuts]]
[[Category:2005 comics debuts]]
[[Category:2005 comics endings]]
[[Category:Infinite Crisis]]
[[Category:Infinite Crisis]]
[[Category:Comics by Gail Simone]]
[[Category:Comics by Gail Simone]]

Latest revision as of 12:48, 2 August 2023

Villains United
Cover to Villains United #1, art by J.G. Jones.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
ScheduleMonthly
FormatLimited series
Genre
Publication date(Limited series) July - December 2005
(Infinite Crisis Special #1) April 2006
No. of issues6, with 1 Infinite Crisis Special
Main character(s)Secret Six
Secret Society of Super Villains
Creative team
Created bySecret Six created by
E. Nelson Bridwell
Frank Springer
Written byGail Simone
Artist(s)Dale Eaglesham
Val Semeiks
Inker(s)Wade Von Grawbadger
Prentis Rollins
Collected editions
Villains UnitedISBN 1-4012-0838-X

Villains United is a six-issue 2005 comic book limited series, published by DC Comics, written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Dale Eaglesham and Wade Von Grawbadger, and later by Val Semeiks and Prentis Rollins.[1]

Publication history

[edit]

Villains United is one of four miniseries leading up to DC Comics' Infinite Crisis event and a seven-issue miniseries. This story follows the evolution of the latest incarnation of the Secret Six, and the group's ongoing plight against the machinations of the various supervillains belonging to Lex Luthor's expansive Secret Society of Super Villains.[2]

Like all major intracompany events, this series ties in with several monthly DC Comics titles, including:

Action Comics #830-831
Batman: Gotham Knights #66
Breach #7
Firestorm #17
Nightwing #109-110
Superman #221
Catwoman #46-49
Green Arrow #50
Flash #225

Plot summary

[edit]

For months now, former President Lex Luthor has been using his resources to assemble an army against the superheroes. Luthor's team now has over two hundred members with a six-member core team consisting of Luthor, Talia al Ghul, Doctor Psycho, Deathstroke, Black Adam, and the Calculator. Nevertheless, not all the villains offered a chance to join this army are thrilled with this idea. Batman villain Catman has joined a team of five supported by the mysterious Mockingbird including Cheshire, Deadshot, Scandal, Ragdoll, and Parademon to oppose this new Secret Society. Catman replaced the first Fiddler, after he was killed by Deadshot on Mockingbird's orders when Mockingbird felt he had not fulfilled his part in a mission.

The Mockingbird

[edit]

Late one night in the mansion of the Secret Six, Catman and Deadshot have a discussion about their unknown leader, Mockingbird, and about the dramatic change in Catman's life, while Cheshire secretly listens in the shadows. Afterwards, Scandal informs everyone that Mockingbird has just assigned them to steal Thanagarian weaponry from a tanker in Gotham harbor.

Upon their arrival at the tanker, the Six are ambushed and captured by members of the Society, including Weather Wizard, Cheetah, Doctor Polaris, Count Vertigo, Killer Frost, Captain Nazi, Hyena, Crazy Quilt, and others. The Crime Doctor tortures the Six, asking them, among other questions, the identity of Mockingbird. After a few rounds of torture, Catman breaks free and rescues his teammates. While escaping, the Six decide to send the Society a message. They murder one of the two Hyenas.

The Six then infiltrate a Society installation in Brazil. After fighting their way through a legion of H.I.V.E. troopers, apparently led by the Queen Bee, they discover the Society's plans for the "Vindication Scenario": erasing the memories of all of Earth's superheroes. The facility is a giant battery, powered by kidnapped heroes Firestorm and Gehenna. The Six release Firestorm just as Black Adam arrives with a response team, and the facility is destroyed.

Betrayal

[edit]

Once the Six return to their base, Cheshire and Catman are in bed together when Cheshire accuses Catman of being a spy and wanting to be a hero. However, she reveals that she has slept with him in order to conceive a child.

A short time later, most of the Society's founding council votes to mount a final strike on the Secret Six — Lex Luthor disagrees with a preemptive attack, but the remaining four members (Black Adam is absent for unknown reasons) decide the action is necessary. Simultaneously, the Six agree to a last stand, but only under the condition that any survivors be set free from Mockingbird's control with no strings attached.

The Six hunted

[edit]

Prior to the battle between the Society and the Six, Deadshot visits Scandal's room to talk about the team's future. A framed picture on the woman's desk reveals that her father is the immortal Vandal Savage. Before the conversation can progress past basic greetings, Catman ambushes Deadshot and admits knowing that he (Deadshot) masqueraded as the villainous Deathstroke and murdered the lions in his pride. The two scuffle before finding the real Deathstroke leading a small band of villains to the front door of the House of Secrets.

As the crew debates how the Society found them, Cheshire confesses to several traitorous deeds, including giving Luthor the coordinates of the Six's base and covertly joining the Society. When asked why she would do such a thing, considering Mockingbird's threat to kill her daughter if she does not comply, Cheshire points out that the baby she is having with Catman would make a fine replacement for a lost child.

Mockingbird revealed

[edit]

The Society storms through the castle, and Cheshire is shot by Deathstroke, who comments that "The Society doesn't need traitors". The Secret Six, however, fights back successfully. Talia and Scandal, daughters of immortals Ra's al Ghul and Vandal Savage, respectively, fight each other. Just when Talia has the upper hand, Scandal's mole in the Society, Knockout, knocks her out (it is also revealed that Knockout is Scandal's lover). Ragdoll convinces Solomon Grundy, a fellow "ugly monster", to switch sides. Ragdoll fights his father until Parademon beats the elder Rag Doll. Catman and Ragdoll Jr. escape from Black Adam's group while Parademon blows up himself, Rag Doll and the battleground. Deathstroke and Deadshot duel, ultimately shooting each other at the same time. To save his daughter Scandal, Vandal Savage infiltrates the Society's headquarters and threatens to kill Luthor if he does not disengage the attack against the Six. Reluctantly, and over Black Adam's objections, Luthor ends the battle. Deadshot is led to medical help by the surviving members of the Secret Six.

The central revelation of the book is that Mockingbird is actually Lex Luthor and that the Luthor who organized the Secret Society is an "imposter" (in reality, Alexander Luthor, Jr.). Mockingbird/Luthor reveals that he chose those six individuals because each had different knowledge and experience that could be used to oppose the Society: Catman, for his knowledge of Batman's villains; Deadshot, for his knowledge of the remaining Suicide Squad members; Parademon, for his experience living on Apokolips; Ragdoll, because he grew up as a "nephew" to the members of the Injustice Society; Scandal, because she grew up with Vandal Savage and his associates; and Cheshire, for her knowledge of the Teen Titans villains. Mockingbird/Luthor reveals to Scandal that he never placed the families of the Six in danger and disbands the team. Also notable is the Society Luthor's apparent murder of Pariah, a character from the original Crisis.

Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special #1 - "A Hero Dies but One"

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Main article: Battle of Metropolis

In Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special #1, the Secret Six meet to discuss their future as a team, with Deadshot recommending they be a mercenary team for good or evil, "as long as we get paid".

In phase one of a master plan, the Society executes "Operation: Hope Abandoned", engineering breakouts at metahuman holding facilities worldwide. Oracle masses responses as fast as possible, but with the "Big Guns" of the Justice League unavailable, the heroes are having problems just holding the line. Contacting the Martian Manhunter, Oracle organizes a global telepathic link.

Meanwhile, the Secret Six intercept the Scarecrow and Amos Fortune fleeing Enclave M, and discover that all supervillains, once freed, are to head to Metropolis. They relay this information to Green Arrow, who informs J'onn. Lady Blackhawk commandeers aircraft to traffic all available heroes and National Guardsmen to Metropolis.

An army of second-stringers, vigilantes and retired metas (including Argus, Geist, Manhunter and El Diablo) align with the authorities to fend off the Society's assault. Leading the villains' charge is Doctor Psycho, flanked by the monster he and "Monsieur" Warp unleashed from imprisonment: Doomsday.

High above the battle, Catman informs the rest of the Six they are to remain neutral, even after the battle. The Six leave, determined to be an independent group, while the battle continues.

Society's roster

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See List of Secret Society of Super Villains members

Collected editions

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The series has been collected into a trade paperback:

  • Villains United (collects Villains United #1-6, 144 pages, January 2006, ISBN 1-4012-0838-X)[3]
  • Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United (collects the Villains United six-issue miniseries, Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special #1 and the Secret Six six-issue miniseries; 328 pages, DC Comics, February 2014, ISBN 1-4012-5075-0)[4]

The one-shot special was also collected in Infinite Crisis Companion (ISBN 1-4012-0922-X).[5]

Notes

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  1. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 321. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 304. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  3. ^ Villains United details Archived September 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine at DC
  4. ^ "Secret Six Vol. 1: Villains United trade profile". DC Comics.com.
  5. ^ Infinite Crisis Companion details Archived December 25, 2008, at the Wayback Machine at DC
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