Acrobat (comics)
| Acrobat | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Strange Tales #106 (1963) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Steve Ditko |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Carl Zante |
| Notable aliases | Captain America, World's Greatest Acrobat |
| Abilities | expert gymnast and tumbler who uses his acrobatic skills for fighting |
Acrobat (Carl Zante) is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe, a minor enemy of the Fantastic Four (primarily the Human Torch) and a former circus performer. As the acrobat, he has often clashed with other heroes like Captain America (whom he once impersonated in order to rob a bank) and sometimes Spider-Man. His first appearence was in Strange Tales #106 in 1963.
Fictional character biography
Circus Life
Carl Zante began his career as the "World's Greatest Acrobat" in a circus, where he was a globally popular stuntman. As the performer, Zante never quite saw happiness in his life, so he began to pursue a different career that would still make his abilities useful but would not be as hostile. He one day decided that he would be a criminal due to his natural abilities he could use to rob banks and steal power. Upon one of his first days of being a criminal, he met the Human Torch, a superhuman who he believed could help him.
Criminal Life
Zante asked the Torch to leave the Fantastic Four and join him as the crime fighting pair the Torrid Twosome. Seeing the opportunity as a chance to really become famous and rich, Johnny Storm agreed, and the Acrobat tricked him into melting a bank vault, allowing Zante to steal the money. The Acrobat turned on Johnny, who was then aided by the Fantastic Four. The team defeated Zante, and later clashed with him on several other attempts to take power from society. Each time, the Acrobat's plans were foiled. Some time later, Zante was posing as Captain America at an Auto Show where, with the help of some co-workers, he managed to steal valuable automobiles and rob a bank. Before the Acrobat could escape with the valuables, he was stopped by the real Captain America and the Fantastic Four. He has never been seen or mentioned again.
Powers and abilities
Carl Zante is, as his name suggests, a wonderful acrobat as well as a gymnast, tumbler, and martial artist. He often incorporates these skills into fighting styles. The Acrobat uses a liquid asbestos gun cabable of dousing flames, and has access to expensive equipment such as a rocket-equipped sky platform.