- Mr. Fish
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For the fashion designer, see Michael Fish (fashion designer).
Mr. Fish 
The Deadly Mr. FishPublication information Publisher Marvel Comics First appearance Luke Cage, Powerman #29 (April, 1975) Created by Bill Mantlo
George TuskaIn-story information Alter ego Mortimer George Norris Team affiliations Maggia
FlashmobNotable aliases Mort Abilities Amphibious physiology, enhanced strength Mr. Fish is a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe who is an enemy of Luke Cage. He first appeared (and died) in Luke Cage, Power Man #29.
Contents
Backstory
Initially, Luke Cage, Power Man # 29 was intended to continue a storyline from the twenty-eighth issue. The continuation of that story was running late. Because of these deadline considerations, the splash page admits, this fill-in story, "No One Laughs at Mr. Fish", was created to ensure # 29 hit the stands on schedule.
History
Mister Fish I
Mr. Fish was once an ordinary human being, a petty crook who stumbled upon some stolen radioactive material while on a job. The exposure made him dizzy and caused him to fall into the East River. When he emerged, he had been mutated into an amphibious fish-man with enhanced strength. He used these powers to establish a Maggia branch in his area, aided by a group of thugs and his second-in-command, a dwarf named "Shrike". This attempt was cut short by a battle with Luke Cage. Mr. Fish initially seemed to have the upper fin: his men over-powered Cage and Fish himself used a mysterious concussive ray gun to knock Cage out, taking him to a deserted construction site. However, and despite Shrike's advice to finish Cage off before he awoke, Mr. Fish waited until Cage awoke so that he could recount his origin and master plan. Cage got his second wind and made short work of Fish's men. In a desperate move, Fish rushed towards Cage with a steel girder; Cage dodged and Fish fell off the building, seemingly dying on impact.[1]
Mister Fish II
Later it seemed that Mr. Fish had survived his presumed death, visited an exotic nightclub with the Walrus and were entertained by a fat dancer.[2] However, the Spider-Man: Back in Black Handbook identified this character as Bill Norris, the original Mr. Fish's brother who ended up in the same mutation as the original.[3]
During the Shadowland storyline, Mr. Fish II was seen as member of Flashmob (a group of former opponents of Luke Cage consisting of Chemistro III, Cheshire Cat, Commanche, Dontrell "Cockroach" Hamilton, and Spear) when they confront the new Power Man on the rooftop. Although Mr. Fish managed to take down Power Man, he was knocked out by Iron Fist. Mr. Fish ended up incarcerated at Ryker's Island. Although Deadly Nightshade's solicitor Mr. Donovan mentioned that Mr. Fish was freed from Ryker's Island while the other members of Flashmob are still incarcerated.[4]
During the Spider-Island storyline, Mr. Fish II is among the villains that have been infected by the bedbugs that bestowed spider powers on him. He alongside Chemistro III, Nightshade, and Spear ended up fighting Heroes for Hire.[5]
No one laughs at Mr. Fish!
Mr. Fish's catchphrase, "No one laughs at Mr. Fish!" (rendered on the cover as "Nobody laughs at Mr. Fish!"), is somewhat ironic because, like many oddball characters, he is a subject of some derision in comics fandom. [1] His full quote was: "There is nothing funny about it at all, Shrike ! Mr. Cage and I would have had to have met eventually ! And in case you also see some humor in your situation, Mr. Cage -- allow me to point out to you -- that no one laughs at Mr. Fish !"
Powers and abilities
Mr. Fish has enhanced strength and a fish-like appearance.
Alternate versions
Earth-20051
This version of Mr. Fish was about to enact his master plan only for him and his henchmen to encounter the Fantastic Four. Human Torch used his flames enough to dehydrate Mr. Fish enough for a police officer to knock him out and arrest him.
See also
- Mr. Fish is the pen name of Dwayne Booth, an editorial cartoonist in Los Angeles, California. He draws for the LA Weekly, MSNBC, Truthdig and Harper's Magazine.
References
External links
- Mr. Fish at the Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe
Categories:- Comics characters introduced in 1975
- Fictional fish
- Marvel Comics supervillains
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