I apologize for my absence these past two Saturdays. Of course the Saturday I missed two weeks ago was due to Free Comic Book Day (August 14)and I missed yesterday due to last minute errands I needed to run. But I didn't want to rob you of another Saturday Showcase, so I decided to do a Sunday Edition. I also decided to remain on the topic of The Suicide Squad. Today's showcase shines the spotlight on Bloodsport (Robert DuBois) and his crazy antics against the Man of Steel. Enjoy!
Robert DuBois is a Vietnam draft evader, who had a mental breakdown and became obsessed with the Vietnam War after learning that his brother had gone in his stead. DuBois was drafted to serve in the United States Armed Forces. But upon receiving his induction notice, DuBois fled to Canada, not because he was morally opposed to the war, but because he was afraid of death. DuBois' younger brother, Michael, reported for induction in his place, passing himself off as Robert. Michael DuBois was sent into combat in Vietnam, where he lost both his arms and legs.
On learning that his brother had lost his limbs, DuBois went insane from guilt. Robert was finally contacted by individuals in the employment of billionaire Lex Luthor, who sought a pawn to assassinate Luthor's archenemy Superman. Operatives of Luthor, under the direction of a man named Kimberley, played upon DuBois' fixations on Vietnam in order to condition him psychologically to want to kill Superman.
Not only did they reprogram his mind, they also equipped DuBois with an arsenal of powerful, advanced weapons, including a gun that fired needles of Kryptonite. DuBois then went into action in Metropolis, calling himself Bloodsport. He now claimed that both his brother and he had served in combat in Vietnam and had been injured there. Professing rage at the citizens of Metropolis for wasting the freedom he claimed both his brother and himself fought to defend, Bloodsport indiscriminately slaughtered dozens of innocent people.
In his first clash with Superman, Bloodsport severely weakened him with a Kryptonite bullet. After receiving medical aid, Superman confronted Bloodsport once more. Even Luthor, outraged by Bloodsport's murders of so many people due to the attention this would attract to his assault, attempted to stop the mad killer.
Superman succeeded in causing the teleportation device Bloodsport used to bring weapons to himself to malfunction. Bloodsport then threatened to detonate his teleporter's power pack, blowing up ten square miles of the city. However, Superman's friend Jimmy Olsen had learned of Bloodsport's true identity and located his brother. Confronted by Michael, Bloodsport collapsed in grief and was taken into custody.
Since then, DuBois has fought battles with Deadshot, Steel, Batman, the Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), as well as countless other members of the Justice League and the Avengers (JLA/Avengers crossover). It was his battle with Hal Jordan that led to his last capture. While serving time at Stryker's Island he bumped into another criminal who also called himself Bloodsport (Alexander Trent). Tension between the two Bloodsports came to a head and the Warden set up a boxing fight as Superman as the Ref, During the fight, a riot broke out and DuBois saw this as his chance to escape. He almost succeeded but before he could away, he was shot dead by a guard from the tower.
BLOODSPORT Publication Information
Publisher: DC Comics
First Appearance: Superman #4 (April 1987)
Created by John Byrne
Alter Ego: Robert DuBois
Team Affiliation: Suicide Squad
Abilities:
Considerable Strength, Stamina and Durability.
Access to high tech weaponry in a warehouse by using a teleportation device.
Skilled in firearms, knives, explosives and hand-to-hand combat.
Fun Fact: Bloodsport was never an official member of the Suicide Squad except for the movie. Once the movie was in the works, he does have a brief "appearance" in Suicide Squad (Vol. 7) #5 (2021).
Until next time, get your READ on!
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