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|powers=Skilled magic user<br>Illusion casting<br>Astral projection<br>Hypnosis<br>Teleportation and dimensional transportation via Key to the Ghost Zone
|powers=Skilled magic user<br>Illusion casting<br>Astral projection<br>Hypnosis<br>Teleportation and dimensional transportation via Key to the Ghost Zone
}}
}}
The '''Wizard''' is a fictional [[DC Comics]] [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] [[supervillain]].
The '''Wizard''' is a fictional character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]].


The Wizard is played by Joe Knezevich in the television series ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'' for [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] and [[The CW]] network.
The Wizard is played by Joe Knezevich in the television series ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'' for [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] and [[The CW]] network.
Line 19: Line 19:


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
Born approximately 1913, William Asmodeus Zard grew up living a life of crime. As a gun man for various crime bosses, he ultimately ended up in jail. With the passage of time, he formulated a strategy to become a specialized kingpin. In order to accomplish this task, he moved to Tibet and trained under a proficient [[lama]] in the mystic arts of illusion and deception. Upon completion of his training, he proceeded to slay his master. Returning to the United States, he embarked on a career as a criminal [[Magician (fantasy)|magician]].
Born approximately 1913, William Asmodeus Zard grew up living a life of crime. As a gun man for various crime bosses, he ultimately ended up in jail. With the passage of time, he formulated a strategy to become a specialized kingpin. In order to accomplish this task, he moved to Tibet and trained under a proficient [[lama]] in the mystic arts of illusion and deception. Upon completion of his training, he proceeded to slay his master. Returning to the United States, he embarked on a career as a criminal [[Magician (fantasy)|magician]]. Believing that the [[Justice Society of America]] was merely a cover for a criminal organization, he first offered a reward of $1,000,000 to them in the paper under the alias W. I. Zard, later asking to join them. To prove to himself that they were not really criminals, the Wizard attempted several criminal acts which were thwarted one by one by members of the Society. Realizing his misconception, he tried to destroy them with his illusions, but was stopped by [[Charles McNider|Doctor Mid-Nite]]'s blackout bomb.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #34. DC Comics.</ref>


⚫
The Wizard helped to form the [[Injustice Society]] with [[Per Degaton]], [[Vandal Savage]], [[Thinker (DC Comics)|Thinker]], [[Gambler (comics)|Gambler]], and [[Brainwave (comics)|Brainwave]], which engineered five jailbreaks. Each member proceeded to steal some key item from the U.S. government while leading an army of prison escapees, taking control of a portion of the American midwest, and collectively they captured their heroic counterparts, with the Wizard capturing [[Wonder Woman (Earth-Two)|Wonder Woman]] and [[Johnny Thunder]]. However, [[Alan Scott|Green Lantern]] was able to outwit Brainwave who believed him to be dead after he fell into a ravine, though his [[Power ring (DC Comics)|power ring]] saved him at the last moment, and free the rest by impersonating the Thinker who he had captured, who was acting as a [[Judge]] in the 'trial' of the JSA, where the Wizard was acting as [[Prosecutor]]. The Wizard's escape was circumvented by some junior fans of the J.S.A.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #37. DC Comics.</ref>
Believing that the [[Justice Society of America]] was merely a cover for a criminal organization, he first offered a reward of $1,000,000 to them in the paper under the alias W. I. Zard, later asking to join them. To prove to himself that they were not really criminals, the Wizard attempted several criminal acts which were thwarted one by one by members of the Society. Realizing his misconception, he tried to destroy them with his illusions, but was stopped by [[Doctor Mid-Nite]]'s blackout bomb.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #34</ref>


⚫
The Wizard proceeded to escape prison once more and reformed his gang with new members Icicle, [[Fiddler (comics)|Fiddler]], [[Sportsmaster]], [[Paula Brooks|Huntress]], and [[Harlequin (comics)|Harlequin]]. Each member would try and commit a 'Patriotic Crime,' steal a Historical item, and the leader would be voted for by the American people. The Harlequin, as it turned out, was actually not a criminal at heart...she merely kept up the pretense in order to attract the attention of [[Alan Scott|Green Lantern]]. The JSA were captured after being knocked out by the Sportsmaster's bomb and having their memories removed. Along with aspiring Justice Society member [[Black Canary (Dinah Drake)|Black Canary]], Harlequin soon freed the heroes and restored their memories with her hypnotic glasses. However, a subliminal message had been left to restore the members to their mindless state when they heard fingers snapping, allowing the Injustice Society to recapture them when they attempted to stop the crimes. The Wizard, during the crimes, stole the [[Freedom Train]]. The JSA were placed in a chamber in which they would soon be killed. However, their memories were restored again, by Black Canary, and they captured their foes.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #41</ref>
⚫
The Wizard helped to form the [[Injustice Society]] with [[Per Degaton]], [[Vandal Savage]], [[Thinker (DC Comics)|Thinker]], [[Gambler (comics)|Gambler]], and [[Brainwave (comics)|Brainwave]], which engineered five jailbreaks. Each member proceeded to steal some key item from the U.S. government while leading an army of prison escapees, taking control of a portion of the American midwest, and collectively they captured their heroic counterparts, with the Wizard capturing [[Wonder Woman]] and Johny Thunder; however, Green Lantern was able to outwit Brainwave who believed him to be dead after he fell into a ravine, though his [[Power ring (DC Comics)|power ring]] saved him at the last moment, and free the rest by impersonating the Thinker who he had captured, who was acting as a [[Judge]] in the 'trial' of the JSA, where the Wizard was acting as [[Prosecutor]]. The Wizard's escape was circumvented by some junior fans of the J.S.A.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #37</ref>


⚫
In the late 1940s, the Wizard was contacted by [[Colonel Future]] to help get revenge on Pre-Crisis Earth-Two's [[Superman (Earth-Two)|Superman]] by removing him from existence and given the Glastonbury Wand, which had once belonged to [[Merlin (DC Comics)|Merlin]] and had been stolen by Future's henchmen. Unfortunately, the Wizard accidentally eliminated only his memory of being Superman but his Clark Kent identity remained. In 1950, Clark married [[Lois Lane]]; Lois realized he was Superman after seeing evidence of his invulnerability. Lois found the Wizard, who was now homeless and unable to perform acts of magic due to his shattered confidence at not being believed that he was responsible for Superman's disappearance. She convinced him to restore Superman's memory, after which The Wizard was happy to be sent to jail because he was now publicly known to have successfully removed Superman for a "couple of years".<ref name="Action Comics #484 - Pre-Crisis">''Action Comics'' #484. DC Comics.</ref>
⚫
The Wizard proceeded to escape prison once more and reformed his gang with new members Icicle, the [[List of Flash enemies#Fiddler|Fiddler]], the [[Sportsmaster]], [[Paula Brooks|Huntress]], and the [[Harlequin (comics)|Harlequin]]. Each member would try and commit a 'Patriotic Crime,' steal a Historical item, and the leader would be voted for by the American people. The Harlequin, as it turned out, was actually not a criminal at heart...she merely kept up the pretense in order to attract the attention of [[Alan Scott|Green Lantern]]. The JSA were captured after being knocked out by the Sportsmaster's bomb and having their memories removed. Along with aspiring Justice Society member [[Black Canary]], Harlequin soon freed the heroes and restored their memories with her hypnotic glasses. However, a subliminal message had been left to restore the members to their mindless state when they heard fingers snapping, allowing the Injustice Society to recapture them when they attempted to stop the crimes. The Wizard, during the crimes, stole the [[Freedom Train]]. The JSA were placed in a chamber in which they would soon be killed. However, their memories were restored again, by Black Canary, and they captured their foes.<ref>''All Star Comics'' #41</ref>


⚫
The Wizard soon escaped and visited the Black Canary, exacting revenge on her for interfering with his second Injustice Society by granting the powers of a sonic scream to their baby daughter also named Dinah Lance. This [[Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance)|girl eventually grew up to become the second]] [[Black Canary]].<ref>''Justice League of America'' #219–220</ref>
⚫
In the late 1940s, the Wizard was contacted by [[Colonel Future]] to help get revenge on Pre-Crisis Earth-Two's [[Superman (Earth-Two)|Superman]] by removing him from existence and given the Glastonbury Wand, which had once belonged to [[Merlin (DC Comics)|Merlin]] and had been stolen by Future's henchmen. Unfortunately, the Wizard accidentally eliminated only his memory of being Superman but his Clark Kent identity remained. In 1950, Clark married [[Lois Lane]]; Lois realized he was Superman after seeing evidence of his invulnerability. Lois found the Wizard, who was now homeless and unable to perform acts of magic due to his shattered confidence at not being believed that he was responsible for Superman's disappearance. She convinced him to restore Superman's memory, after which The Wizard was happy to be sent to jail because he was now publicly known to have successfully removed Superman for a "couple of years".<ref name="Action Comics #484 - Pre-Crisis">''Action Comics'' #484 - Pre-Crisis</ref>


⚫
The Wizard proceeded to form a new villainous organization known as the Crime Champions, which teamed up with their counterparts on [[Earth-1]] to battle the Society and [[Justice League of America]]. The villains used a vibration device accidentally discovered by the Fiddler to escape to the other Earth after committing robberies. The Wizard escaped [[Hal Jordan|Green Lantern]] and Black Canary during a million-dollar robbery. He disguised himself as [[Doctor Alchemy]] using his magic and the rest of the Earth-2 criminals disguised themselves as the Earth-1 Crime Champions. He battled [[Superman]] and [[Green Arrow]], and helped trap the J.L.A. in their headquarters with magic. On Earth-1 he battled [[Hawkman (Katar Hol)|Hawkman]] and Black Canary and was beaten again, before being finally defeated by [[Aquaman]], [[Wonder Woman]], and the Earth-2 Flash. Years later, he again reformed the Injustice Society which were temporarily victorious, enlisting the aid of extra-dimensional writer [[Cary Bates]] in killing several members of the J.S.A prior to their being revived.<ref>''Justice League of America'' #123–124. DC Comics.</ref>
⚫
The Wizard soon escaped and visited the [[Black Canary]], exacting revenge on her for interfering with his second Injustice Society by granting the powers of a sonic scream to their baby daughter also named Dinah Lance. This girl eventually grew up to become the second Black Canary.<ref>''Justice League of America'' #219–220</ref>


⚫
By the 1970s, Zard and the other Injustice Society members invaded the Justice Society headquarters, severely injured [[Hourman (Rex Tyler)|Hourman]] and staged a crime spree that spanned the globe. They were later apprehended.
⚫
The Wizard proceeded to form a new villainous organization known as the Crime Champions, which teamed up with their counterparts on [[Earth-1]] to battle the Society and [[Justice League of America]]. The villains used a vibration device accidentally discovered by the Fiddler to escape to the other Earth after committing robberies. The Wizard escaped [[Green Lantern]] and [[Black Canary]] during a million-dollar robbery. He disguised himself as [[List of Flash enemies#Mister Element/Doctor Alchemy/Alchemist|Doctor Alchemy]] using his magic and the rest of the Earth-2 criminals disguised themselves as the Earth-1 Crime Champions. He battled [[Superman]] and [[Green Arrow]], and helped trap the J.L.A. in their headquarters with magic. On Earth-1 he battled [[Hawkman]] and Black Canary and was beaten again, before being finally defeated by [[Aquaman]], [[Wonder Woman]], and the Earth-2 Flash. Years later, he again reformed the Injustice Society which were temporarily victorious, enlisting the aid of extra-dimensional writer [[Cary Bates]] in killing several members of the J.S.A prior to their being revived.<ref>''Justice League of America'' #123–124</ref>


⚫
Soon, he and the Injustice Society members went to Earth-1 to recruit younger villains to fight the Justice Society. The Wizard went there with the Fiddler, but once on Earth-1 he unexpectedly found that his sorcerer's powers began to weaken. Apparently, the travel from Earth 2 to Earth-1 caused the effect; the reverse happened with [[Phantom Lady]], whom gained intangibility power when she traveled from [[Earth-X]] to Earth-1 in ''Freedom Fighters'' #1. On Earth-1, the Wizard was recruited into [[Darkseid]]'s [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], which he later took over with other villains who revolted. The Wizard was later apprehended and sent to jail, where his powers largely faded. After escaping from prison, the Wizard reformed the Secret Society and tricked them into obtaining four magical relics: the Cloak of Invisibility, the Power Glove, the Power Stone, and the Dragon Box. Unable to control the Dragon Box, the members of the Society were captured. But the Wizard incorporated the remaining three items into his new costume. The Wizard led the Secret Society back to Earth-Two in a plot to capture the JSA, which was a success when they captured the [[Atom (comics)|Atom]], [[Doctor Mid-Nite]], and [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mr. Terrific]]. The JSA were alerted and defeated them.<ref>''Secret Society of Super-Villains'' #7–15. DC Comics.</ref>
⚫
By the 1970s, Zard and the other Injustice Society members invaded the Justice Society headquarters, severely injured [[Hourman]] and staged a crime spree that spanned the globe. They were later apprehended.

⚫
Soon, he and the Injustice Society members went to Earth-1 to recruit younger villains to fight the Justice Society. The Wizard went there with the Fiddler, but once on Earth-1 he unexpectedly found that his sorcerer's powers began to weaken. Apparently, the travel from Earth 2 to Earth-1 caused the effect; the reverse happened with [[Phantom Lady]], whom gained intangibility power when she traveled from [[Earth-X]] to Earth-1 in ''Freedom Fighters'' #1. On Earth-1, the Wizard was recruited into [[Darkseid]]'s [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], which he later took over with other villains who revolted. The Wizard was later apprehended and sent to jail, where his powers largely faded. After escaping from prison, the Wizard reformed the Secret Society and tricked them into obtaining four magical relics: the Cloak of Invisibility, the Power Glove, the Power Stone, and the Dragon Box. Unable to control the Dragon Box, the members of the Society were captured. But the Wizard incorporated the remaining three items into his new costume. The Wizard led the Secret Society back to Earth-Two in a plot to capture the JSA, which was a success when they captured the [[Atom (comics)|Atom]], [[Doctor Mid-Nite]], and [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mr. Terrific]]. The JSA were alerted and defeated them.<ref>''Secret Society of Super-Villains'' #7–15</ref>


The Wizard was responsible for a coup in which his Secret Society, consisting of himself, [[Reverse-Flash]], [[Floronic Man]], [[Blockbuster (DC Comics)|Blockbuster]], and [[Star Sapphire (comics)|Star Sapphire]], switched bodies with members of the J.L.A. This happened in ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #166–168, a storyline that was revisited in ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]'' (2004), where it was revealed that Zatanna wiped the heroes' secret identities from the villains' minds following their defeat.
The Wizard was responsible for a coup in which his Secret Society, consisting of himself, [[Reverse-Flash]], [[Floronic Man]], [[Blockbuster (DC Comics)|Blockbuster]], and [[Star Sapphire (comics)|Star Sapphire]], switched bodies with members of the J.L.A. This happened in ''[[Justice League of America]]'' #166–168, a storyline that was revisited in ''[[Identity Crisis (DC Comics)|Identity Crisis]]'' (2004), where it was revealed that Zatanna wiped the heroes' secret identities from the villains' minds following their defeat.


The Wizard later returned to Earth-2 once again reassembling the Crime Champions with the help of [[Johnny Thunder]] of Earth-1, but was once more defeated by the combined might of the J.S.A. and J.L.A. (''Justice League of America'' #219–220). He later appeared briefly during the J.S.A.'s trial before congress for allegations of misconduct during World War II, but was quickly defeated by [[Doctor Fate]].<ref>''America versus the Justice Society'' #2)</ref>
The Wizard later returned to Earth-2 once again reassembling the Crime Champions with the help of Johnny Thunder of Earth-1, but was once more defeated by the combined might of the J.S.A. and J.L.A.<ref>''Justice League of America'' #219–220. DC Comics.</ref> He later appeared briefly during the J.S.A.'s trial before congress for allegations of misconduct during World War II, but was quickly defeated by [[Doctor Fate]].<ref>''America versus the Justice Society'' #2.(DC Comics</ref>


Sometime later, he moved to Canada and joined with the Fiddler and the [[Shade (comics)|Shade]] as well as new villains [[Icicle (comics)|Icicle]] II, [[Artemis Crock]] (later called [[Tigress (DC Comics)|Tigress]]), [[Harlequin (comics)|Harlequin]] III and [[Hazard (DC Comics)|Hazard]], to form the group [[Injustice Society|Injustice Unlimited]], the second incarnation of the Injustice Society, where they fought [[Infinity, Inc.]] and the [[Global Guardians]]. The Wizard was presumably killed by the second generation Hourman, Zard still had the trick of faking his death.<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #34–36</ref>
Sometime later, he moved to Canada and joined with the Fiddler and the [[Shade (character)|Shade]] as well as new villains [[Icicle (comics)|Icicle]] II, [[Artemis Crock]] (later called [[Tigress (DC Comics)|Tigress]]), [[Harlequin (comics)|Harlequin]] III, and [[Hazard (DC Comics)|Hazard]], to form the group [[Injustice Society|Injustice Unlimited]], the second incarnation of the Injustice Society, where they fought [[Infinity, Inc.]] and the [[Global Guardians]]. The Wizard was presumably killed by the second generation Hourman, Zard still had the trick of faking his death.<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #34–36. DC Comics.</ref>


Of course, this too was an illusion, and he had transported himself to the land of Faeries where he could recoup his power base. Once more, he was defeated by an assemblage of heroes and by his own ego.<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #50</ref>
Of course, this too was an illusion, and he had transported himself to the land of Faeries where he could recoup his power base. Once more, he was defeated by an assemblage of heroes and by his own ego.<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #50. DC Comics.</ref>


The Wizard appeared in the ''JSA All-Stars'' miniseries in which he disguised himself as the villain Legacy and captured the elder members of the Justice Society. He is then "killed" by the Spectre.
The Wizard appeared in the ''JSA All-Stars'' miniseries in which he disguised himself as the villain Legacy and captured the elder members of the Justice Society. He is then "killed" by the Spectre.
Line 77: Line 75:
* In ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'', a character based on Wizard named '''Mr. Swami''' appears in the episode "Legends", voiced by [[Jeffrey Jones]]. He is a member of the Injustice Guild.
* In ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'', a character based on Wizard named '''Mr. Swami''' appears in the episode "Legends", voiced by [[Jeffrey Jones]]. He is a member of the Injustice Guild.
* Wizard appears in the ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' episode "Misplaced", voiced by [[Corey Burton]]. He alongside [[Felix Faust]], [[Blackbriar Thorn]], and [[Wotan (comics)|Wotan]] are summoned to Roanoke Island by [[Klarion the Witch Boy]] in a plot to use a powerful spell to separate the world into two dimensions: one for the children and one for the adults.
* Wizard appears in the ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' episode "Misplaced", voiced by [[Corey Burton]]. He alongside [[Felix Faust]], [[Blackbriar Thorn]], and [[Wotan (comics)|Wotan]] are summoned to Roanoke Island by [[Klarion the Witch Boy]] in a plot to use a powerful spell to separate the world into two dimensions: one for the children and one for the adults.
* A version of Wizard named '''William Zarick''' appears in ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by Joe Knezevich.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stargirl teaser introduces the Injustice Society ahead of The CW's release date |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32378426/stargirl-injustice-society-teaser-trailer-cw-dc/ |last=Alexander |first=Susannah |date=May 5, 2020 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515055748/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32378426/stargirl-injustice-society-teaser-trailer-cw-dc/ |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |access-date=May 22, 2020}}</ref> This version is depicted as a member of the Injustice Society. As seen in the pilot episode, ten years prior to the series, Wizard partook in the Injustice Society's attack on the Justice Society of America's headquarters, taking out Hourman while he was fighting Tigress. In his civilian identity, Zarick works as a Blue Valley [[Councillor|councilman]] as well as executive and financial supporter of a prominent business called The American Dream; which is run by other former members of the Injustice Society. He is also the father of aspiring magician Joey Zarick and the husband of Denise Zarick. Having grown weary of his obligations to the Society, he rebuffs his former ally Icicle when he comes to seek help. After Joey is killed in an accident that Icicle was responsible for, Wizard goes to avenge his son, only to be frozen to death.
* A version of Wizard named '''William Zarick''' appears in ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by Joe Knezevich.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stargirl teaser introduces the Injustice Society ahead of The CW's release date |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32378426/stargirl-injustice-society-teaser-trailer-cw-dc/ |last=Alexander |first=Susannah |date=May 5, 2020 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515055748/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a32378426/stargirl-injustice-society-teaser-trailer-cw-dc/ |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |access-date=May 22, 2020}}</ref> This version is depicted as a member of the Injustice Society. As seen in the pilot episode, ten years prior to the series, Wizard partook in the Injustice Society's attack on the Justice Society of America's headquarters, taking out Hourman while he was fighting Tigress. In his civilian identity, Zarick works as a Blue Valley [[Councillor|councilman]] as well as executive and financial supporter of a prominent business called The American Dream; which is run by other former members of the Injustice Society. He is also the father of aspiring magician Joey Zarick and the husband of Denise Zarick. Having grown weary of his obligations to the Society, he rebuffs his former ally Icicle when he comes to seek help. After Joey is killed in an accident that Icicle was responsible for, Wizard goes to avenge his son, only to be frozen to death. Thanks to Icicle's parents, the media stated that William died of a heart attack which left Denise devastated and suspicious. The American Dream named a theater after William.


===Film===
===Film===
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==External links==
==External links==
* [https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/William_Zard_(New_Earth) Wizard] at DC Wiki
* [https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/William_Zard_(New_Earth) Wizard] at DC Wiki

{{Timeline
{{Timeline
|before= ← The character Tommy Tomorrow was debuted by Jack Schiff, George Kashdan, Bernie Breslauer, Virgil Finlay and Howard Sherman. See [[Tommy Tomorrow]] for more info and the previous timeline.
|before= ← The character Tommy Tomorrow was debuted by Jack Schiff, George Kashdan, Bernie Breslauer, Virgil Finlay and Howard Sherman. See [[Tommy Tomorrow]] for more info and the previous timeline.

Revision as of 15:51, 9 June 2020

Wizard
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceAll Star Comics #34 (April, 1947)
Created byGardner Fox
Irwin Hasen
In-story information
Alter egoWilliam Asmodeus Zard
Team affiliationsInjustice Society
Secret Society of Super Villains
Notable aliasesFrederick P. Garth
AbilitiesSkilled magic user
Illusion casting
Astral projection
Hypnosis
Teleportation and dimensional transportation via Key to the Ghost Zone

The Wizard is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

The Wizard is played by Joe Knezevich in the television series Stargirl for DC Universe and The CW network.

Publication history

The Wizard first appeared in All Star Comics #34 (April–May 1947) in the story titled "The Wiles of The Wizard" written by Gardner Fox with art by Irwin Hasen.[1] In October 1947, the Wizard was one of the six original members of the Injustice Society, who began battling the Justice Society of America in All Star Comics #37 (Oct 1947).[2]

Fictional character biography

Born approximately 1913, William Asmodeus Zard grew up living a life of crime. As a gun man for various crime bosses, he ultimately ended up in jail. With the passage of time, he formulated a strategy to become a specialized kingpin. In order to accomplish this task, he moved to Tibet and trained under a proficient lama in the mystic arts of illusion and deception. Upon completion of his training, he proceeded to slay his master. Returning to the United States, he embarked on a career as a criminal magician. Believing that the Justice Society of America was merely a cover for a criminal organization, he first offered a reward of $1,000,000 to them in the paper under the alias W. I. Zard, later asking to join them. To prove to himself that they were not really criminals, the Wizard attempted several criminal acts which were thwarted one by one by members of the Society. Realizing his misconception, he tried to destroy them with his illusions, but was stopped by Doctor Mid-Nite's blackout bomb.[3]

The Wizard helped to form the Injustice Society with Per Degaton, Vandal Savage, Thinker, Gambler, and Brainwave, which engineered five jailbreaks. Each member proceeded to steal some key item from the U.S. government while leading an army of prison escapees, taking control of a portion of the American midwest, and collectively they captured their heroic counterparts, with the Wizard capturing Wonder Woman and Johnny Thunder. However, Green Lantern was able to outwit Brainwave who believed him to be dead after he fell into a ravine, though his power ring saved him at the last moment, and free the rest by impersonating the Thinker who he had captured, who was acting as a Judge in the 'trial' of the JSA, where the Wizard was acting as Prosecutor. The Wizard's escape was circumvented by some junior fans of the J.S.A.[4]

The Wizard proceeded to escape prison once more and reformed his gang with new members Icicle, Fiddler, Sportsmaster, Huntress, and Harlequin. Each member would try and commit a 'Patriotic Crime,' steal a Historical item, and the leader would be voted for by the American people. The Harlequin, as it turned out, was actually not a criminal at heart...she merely kept up the pretense in order to attract the attention of Green Lantern. The JSA were captured after being knocked out by the Sportsmaster's bomb and having their memories removed. Along with aspiring Justice Society member Black Canary, Harlequin soon freed the heroes and restored their memories with her hypnotic glasses. However, a subliminal message had been left to restore the members to their mindless state when they heard fingers snapping, allowing the Injustice Society to recapture them when they attempted to stop the crimes. The Wizard, during the crimes, stole the Freedom Train. The JSA were placed in a chamber in which they would soon be killed. However, their memories were restored again, by Black Canary, and they captured their foes.[5]

In the late 1940s, the Wizard was contacted by Colonel Future to help get revenge on Pre-Crisis Earth-Two's Superman by removing him from existence and given the Glastonbury Wand, which had once belonged to Merlin and had been stolen by Future's henchmen. Unfortunately, the Wizard accidentally eliminated only his memory of being Superman but his Clark Kent identity remained. In 1950, Clark married Lois Lane; Lois realized he was Superman after seeing evidence of his invulnerability. Lois found the Wizard, who was now homeless and unable to perform acts of magic due to his shattered confidence at not being believed that he was responsible for Superman's disappearance. She convinced him to restore Superman's memory, after which The Wizard was happy to be sent to jail because he was now publicly known to have successfully removed Superman for a "couple of years".[6]

The Wizard soon escaped and visited the Black Canary, exacting revenge on her for interfering with his second Injustice Society by granting the powers of a sonic scream to their baby daughter also named Dinah Lance. This girl eventually grew up to become the second Black Canary.[7]

The Wizard proceeded to form a new villainous organization known as the Crime Champions, which teamed up with their counterparts on Earth-1 to battle the Society and Justice League of America. The villains used a vibration device accidentally discovered by the Fiddler to escape to the other Earth after committing robberies. The Wizard escaped Green Lantern and Black Canary during a million-dollar robbery. He disguised himself as Doctor Alchemy using his magic and the rest of the Earth-2 criminals disguised themselves as the Earth-1 Crime Champions. He battled Superman and Green Arrow, and helped trap the J.L.A. in their headquarters with magic. On Earth-1 he battled Hawkman and Black Canary and was beaten again, before being finally defeated by Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and the Earth-2 Flash. Years later, he again reformed the Injustice Society which were temporarily victorious, enlisting the aid of extra-dimensional writer Cary Bates in killing several members of the J.S.A prior to their being revived.[8]

By the 1970s, Zard and the other Injustice Society members invaded the Justice Society headquarters, severely injured Hourman and staged a crime spree that spanned the globe. They were later apprehended.

Soon, he and the Injustice Society members went to Earth-1 to recruit younger villains to fight the Justice Society. The Wizard went there with the Fiddler, but once on Earth-1 he unexpectedly found that his sorcerer's powers began to weaken. Apparently, the travel from Earth 2 to Earth-1 caused the effect; the reverse happened with Phantom Lady, whom gained intangibility power when she traveled from Earth-X to Earth-1 in Freedom Fighters #1. On Earth-1, the Wizard was recruited into Darkseid's Secret Society of Super Villains, which he later took over with other villains who revolted. The Wizard was later apprehended and sent to jail, where his powers largely faded. After escaping from prison, the Wizard reformed the Secret Society and tricked them into obtaining four magical relics: the Cloak of Invisibility, the Power Glove, the Power Stone, and the Dragon Box. Unable to control the Dragon Box, the members of the Society were captured. But the Wizard incorporated the remaining three items into his new costume. The Wizard led the Secret Society back to Earth-Two in a plot to capture the JSA, which was a success when they captured the Atom, Doctor Mid-Nite, and Mr. Terrific. The JSA were alerted and defeated them.[9]

The Wizard was responsible for a coup in which his Secret Society, consisting of himself, Reverse-Flash, Floronic Man, Blockbuster, and Star Sapphire, switched bodies with members of the J.L.A. This happened in Justice League of America #166–168, a storyline that was revisited in Identity Crisis (2004), where it was revealed that Zatanna wiped the heroes' secret identities from the villains' minds following their defeat.

The Wizard later returned to Earth-2 once again reassembling the Crime Champions with the help of Johnny Thunder of Earth-1, but was once more defeated by the combined might of the J.S.A. and J.L.A.[10] He later appeared briefly during the J.S.A.'s trial before congress for allegations of misconduct during World War II, but was quickly defeated by Doctor Fate.[11]

Sometime later, he moved to Canada and joined with the Fiddler and the Shade as well as new villains Icicle II, Artemis Crock (later called Tigress), Harlequin III, and Hazard, to form the group Injustice Unlimited, the second incarnation of the Injustice Society, where they fought Infinity, Inc. and the Global Guardians. The Wizard was presumably killed by the second generation Hourman, Zard still had the trick of faking his death.[12]

Of course, this too was an illusion, and he had transported himself to the land of Faeries where he could recoup his power base. Once more, he was defeated by an assemblage of heroes and by his own ego.[13]

The Wizard appeared in the JSA All-Stars miniseries in which he disguised himself as the villain Legacy and captured the elder members of the Justice Society. He is then "killed" by the Spectre.

Shortly after Identity Crisis, Despero gave the surviving Secret Society members their memories back. In the J.L.A. story, "Crisis of Conscience," the Wizard appeared as part of a reformed Secret Society of Super Villains looking to avenge themselves against the forced erasure of their memories. Aided by Felix Faust, they attacked the Daily Planet, and were stopped once again by the Justice League. After defeating Despero at Wayne Manor, the League was disbanded and Zatanna re-wiped the memories of all six Society members.

He has since appeared in JSA: Classified as part of a new Injustice Society that includes Icicle, Tigress, Solomon Grundy, Gentleman Ghost, Ragdoll, and Johnny Sorrow and gained possession of the key to the Ghost Zone.

During the Infinite Crisis, Wizard was also seen in the Secret Society of Super Villains.[14]

He shows up again fighting under the command of Johnny Sorrow, as part of the Injustice Society.[15]

Powers and abilities

The Wizard originally only knew the secrets of illusion, hypnosis and astral projection; in later times, he is a skilled magic user capable of performing various effects. Maybe his highest power degree was when he possessed the Wand of Glastonbury. He came into possession of the key to the Ghost Zone allowing him access to another dimension and teleportation through it.

Other characters named Wizard

There are different characters who are called Wizard:

  • The Wizard is an electricity-manipulating supervillain who faced off against Bulletman.[17]
  • Vincent Watson is an criminal who faced off against Robotman.[18]
  • Alec Royer is a villain who used stage magic to make airplanes disappear, royal jewels float away, and alien monsters appear on the streets. His activities attracted the attention of the Blackhawks who managed to draw him out and defeat him.[19]
  • Horace Kates escaped prison with Aquaman foe "Shark" Norton, and the two resolved to switch m.o.s to avoid their respective enemies. However, Aquaman captured Norton even on land, while Green Arrow and Speedy, using pneumatic-air crossbows and oxygen tanks, defeated the Wizard and his hirelings in an underwater battle.[20]
  • A different Wizard was the hero form of Robby Reed. Robby divided himself into a superhero called Wizard and a supervillain called Master in order to turn off the Dead Man's Switch and defeat a supervillain called Shirkon. Though Master thought he had killed his good half, Wizard actually survived and created the H-Dials that Chris King and Vicki Grant use. In the final battle with Master, Wizard appeared and managed to merge with Master changing them back into Robby Reed.[21]

In other media

Television

  • In Justice League, a character based on Wizard named Mr. Swami appears in the episode "Legends", voiced by Jeffrey Jones. He is a member of the Injustice Guild.
  • Wizard appears in the Young Justice episode "Misplaced", voiced by Corey Burton. He alongside Felix Faust, Blackbriar Thorn, and Wotan are summoned to Roanoke Island by Klarion the Witch Boy in a plot to use a powerful spell to separate the world into two dimensions: one for the children and one for the adults.
  • A version of Wizard named William Zarick appears in Stargirl, portrayed by Joe Knezevich.[22] This version is depicted as a member of the Injustice Society. As seen in the pilot episode, ten years prior to the series, Wizard partook in the Injustice Society's attack on the Justice Society of America's headquarters, taking out Hourman while he was fighting Tigress. In his civilian identity, Zarick works as a Blue Valley councilman as well as executive and financial supporter of a prominent business called The American Dream; which is run by other former members of the Injustice Society. He is also the father of aspiring magician Joey Zarick and the husband of Denise Zarick. Having grown weary of his obligations to the Society, he rebuffs his former ally Icicle when he comes to seek help. After Joey is killed in an accident that Icicle was responsible for, Wizard goes to avenge his son, only to be frozen to death. Thanks to Icicle's parents, the media stated that William died of a heart attack which left Denise devastated and suspicious. The American Dream named a theater after William.

Film

An unrelated character called "The Wizard" was the main villain in the 1949 Batman and Robin movie serial played by actor Leonard Penn. This Wizard had no magical powers, but was instead a mad scientist and masked mystery villain who was revealed to be someone's twin brother.

References

  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. 328. 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. 52. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  3. ^ All Star Comics #34. DC Comics.
  4. ^ All Star Comics #37. DC Comics.
  5. ^ All Star Comics #41
  6. ^ Action Comics #484. DC Comics.
  7. ^ Justice League of America #219–220
  8. ^ Justice League of America #123–124. DC Comics.
  9. ^ Secret Society of Super-Villains #7–15. DC Comics.
  10. ^ Justice League of America #219–220. DC Comics.
  11. ^ America versus the Justice Society #2.(DC Comics
  12. ^ Infinity Inc. #34–36. DC Comics.
  13. ^ Infinity Inc. #50. DC Comics.
  14. ^ Villains United #2. DC Comics.
  15. ^ JSA All Stars #2.
  16. ^ Whiz Comics #2 (February 1940). Fawcett Comics.
  17. ^ Master Comics #36 (March 1943). Fawcett Comics.
  18. ^ Detective Comics #177 (November 1951). DC Comics.
  19. ^ Blackhawk #120 (January 1958). DC Comics.
  20. ^ Adventure Comics #267 (December 1959). DC Comics.
  21. ^ Superboy Vol. 2 #49 (January 1984). DC Comics.
  22. ^ Alexander, Susannah (May 5, 2020). "Stargirl teaser introduces the Injustice Society ahead of The CW's release date". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on May 15, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
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