Trader (comics)

Trader is a name shared by two fictional characters appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. The first is a member of the Elders of the Universe, and the second is a Mutant. The second Trader first appeared in Morlocks #1, created by Geoff Johns and Shawn Martinbrough.

The Trader (Elder of the Universe)

Trader
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Silver Surfer vol. 3 #5 (Nov 1987)
Created by	Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers
In-story information
Team affiliations	Elders of the Universe

Fictional character biography

The Trader (Cort Zo Tinnus) is a master negotiator, taking great pride in the "art of the deal." He is at his best when he is trying to buy or sell something, whether it is a planet or a personal service. A true victory for the Trader involves not only convincing his opponent to trade, but to do so at an exchange favorable to the Trader and for the opponent to be convinced that he got the better end of the deal.

At some point, the Trader somehow joined the group known as the Elders of the Universe. He then appeared during the Elders' scheme to slay the planet-devouring Galactus and thus destroy the Universe in a bid to attain expanded powers. Their plan failed due to the involvement of Galactus' former Herald, the Silver Surfer, and his ally, Mantis.

This conflict causes him to confront the In-Betweener, who apparently compels Death to slay the Trader (along with the Astronomer and Possessor), despite the previously held agreements. Whether or not the Trader has really perished remains to be seen.

Powers and abilities

Like all Elders of the Universe, the Trader is connected to the energy of the universe due to his single-minded devotion to his "hobby," giving him cosmic awareness of the universe. Presumably, the Trader can also tap into this Power Primordial to manipulate cosmic energies, including gravitational and electro-magnetic, the full extent of which remains to be revealed. Also, as with the Grandmaster's pact with Death, all Elders are unaffected by aging, disease, or toxins.

The Trader (Morlocks)

The Trader (real name unknown) first appeared in Morlocks #1, and was created by Geoff Johns and Shawn Martinbrough.

Fictional character biography

He was a stockbroker on Wall Street before being fired after a co-worker outed him as a mutant. He found his way to Chicago and joined the enigmatic Postman's Morlocks. Trader was one of the Morlocks who came to the mutant Cell's rescue when he was being chased by cops. Trader took a bullet in the shoulder for him, and wasn't exactly happy about having an obvious gang-banger like Cell in the group.

After an argument between fellow Morlocks Electric Eve and Angel Dust, Trader yelled at Electric Eve for being too hard on the younger Angel Dust. However, after Electric Eve electrocuted her former pimp, Trader was the first one to check on her. He told her revenge was hollow, but she said she loved it and so would he. At that moment, Dr. Metellus' Sentinels arrived.

After narrowly escaping the Sentinels, Trader came to Electric Eve's defense after Postman yelled at her for endangering the group to get revenge on her ex. Trader told him about how he lost his plush job because the jerk two offices over outed him to the board. All he lived for was revenge. Just then the police rushed into their sewer "headquarters", and Trader jumped in the way of a bullet intended for Electric Eve. As he died, he commented on how he didn't think he'd ever take a bullet for someone again.

Powers and abilities

Trader could cloud the retinal input of anyone who looked at him, allowing him to blend into his surroundings. His powers also allowed him to alter his appearance to a point, as he made his hair appear longer, gave himself a goatee and several tattoos.

External links

• Trader (Morlocks) at the Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe