Back when I started collecting comic books, one of my favorite series was Who’s Who: The Definite Directory of the DC Universe. Published between 1984 and 1987, it was a sort of companion to Crisis on Infinite Earths, the twelve issue maxiseries designed to streamline the DC Universe and eliminate any problems in continuity. The character biographies contained inside were my introduction to the DC Universe at large, and they proved useful as I began my scholarship of the DCAU.
While character bios of the characters from Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and other related shows exist, I found many of them to be lacking in depth, content, and quality. Therefore, I’ve taken it upon myself to create character bios for the characters of the DCAU based upon existing information from Series Bibles, the episodes themselves, material from the comic books, and information from the creative teams. Many of these began as bios written for my character profiles on The Justice League Watchtower. Also, the bios I’m writing are limited to characters that I consider key, so no bios for Thomas Blake, Dana Tan, or Snapper Carr.
This time, we're doing letters Q and R. Again, everyone noteworthy from that section of the dictionary will be included, along with voice actor information, the date and location of their first appearance, and accompanying images.
Queen Bee
First Appearance: Justice League of America #23 (November 1963)
Ruler of the planet Korll, Queen Zazzala is the principal consciousness of her people’s hive mind, allowing her to direct them with only her will. A shrewd negotiator, the Queen Bee most likely served in Grodd’s Legion of Doom in exchange for a percentage of the Earth’s population, which she planned to use as drones to labor in her hypno-pollen factories and in her Royal Egg-Matrix. Capable of taking control of the Justice League with her pollen, she can easily coat her opponent’s minds with her mental honey, but the real threat comes from the Swarm—her armada of drone ships—which can overrun the planet Earth with but a thought.
As she was unseen during the Hall of Doom’s launch into space, it is possible that Queen Bee survived the headquarters’ destruction.
The Question
Voiced by Jeffrey Combs
First Appearance: Blue Beetle #1 (Charlton Comics, June 1967), Crisis on Infinite Earths #6 (DC Comics, September 1985), Watchmen #1 (Rorschach, September 1986)
When the Justice League approached the Question and asked him to join their organization, he said yes without a thought. After all, he mused, they would have been suspicious of him had he said no. A muckraking conspiracy theorist seen as paranoid and crazy by his peers, this faceless man has nonetheless excelled as the League’s resident private investigator, possessing detective skills and computer expertise roughly on par with Batman.
Originally a television reporter for Hub City’s KBEL network, Vic Sage grew frustrated as the corrupt political officials he investigated remained seemingly untouchable. His Sisyphean crusade, however, took a turn thanks to his friend, Dr. Aristotle Rodor, the inventor of a skin-like substance called pseudoderm that, when used in concert with another of the doctor’s inventions—a saffron gas capable of changing the color of one’s hair and clothing—created a featureless mask that affixes tightly over the wearer’s real face. Now able to take a more direct approach to his investigations while preserving his anonymity, Sage disappeared into the viscous smoke, leaving only the Question behind.
Relentlessly pursuing his targets—be they politician, industrialist, or common thug—the mystery man continued his research into those he saw as corrupt, which eventually drew him into the tinfoil hat-wearing, wingnut realm of conspiracy theory. Growing increasingly obsessive, he devoured reports about UFOs, cryptozoology, and secret societies (among other things); finding threads that linked these topics to others, eventually forming a tapestry of corruption that could all be traced back to the Illuminati, an ancient cabal that has altered the course of human history for their own benefit. Finally attaching a name to his unseen enemy, the Question’s campaign became more focused, as he now seeks to both expose and overthrow this organization … although it remains to be seen if this fabled society exists or not.
Today, he is dismissed as a crackpot by most, and even his closest friends see him as a man on a mission that is, for all intents and purposes, quixotic in both scope and execution. They do, however, respect his dedication, and gladly fight alongside him to bring about their shared goals.
Rampage
Voiced by Susan Eisenberg (“Dead Reckoning,” Uncredited), Lauren Tom (“The Great Brain Robbery,” Uncredited)
A research scientist who developed the bioenergy actualizer—a device that can generate clean energy—Karen Lou “Kitty” Faulkner found herself transformed into a rampaging brute when an accident caused her machine to explode, bathing her body’s cells with the energy from the blast. Now capable of absorbing solar energy the same way that Superman does, Faulkner periodically finds herself transformed into the destructive creature Rampage, forcing the hand of the Justice League, who must find a way to stop her and change her back.
Siding with Grodd during the mutiny, Rampage was singled out for punishment by Luthor and, as a result, died at the hands of Killer Frost.
R'as Al Ghul
Voiced by David Warner
Centuries ago in Northern Africa, the man whom the world would soon fear as Ra’s Al Ghul was originally a physician and mystic in service of a local sultan, one whose people regularly made sacrifice to a demon known as Bisu. When his son, the cruel Salimbok, fell ill, the doctor travelled into the desert and learned the secrets of immortality from dreams he experienced while sleeping over a node point—a place where the Earth’s energies are strongest. Through his efforts, he created the first Lazarus Pit and, through it, brought the sultan’s son back to life and health. Unfortunately, in the temporary insanity brought on through the pit’s energies, Salimbok murdered Sora, the wife of the physician. And even has he was a witness to the deed, he sultan accused the physician of the murder, and he buried them both in a mass grave with the still-living bodies of the traders suspected of unwittingly giving Salimbok the sickness in the first place.
After three days and nights buried with the dead and the dying, the physician was rescued by Huwe, the son of an old woman he tended to in her final hours. Escaping the sultan’s territory, they encountered a group of raiders from whom the physician originated. Abandoning his people in search of wisdom, the physician negotiated a plan to destroy the sultan’s kingdom using the bolts of silk infested with “tiny demons” that caused Salimbok’s fever. Planting the silk at the palace gates with a note suggesting it as an offering in exchange for amnesty, the prince was ill again in a few days. Returning to the palace, the physician offered to heal the sultan’s son again, but this time he created a Lazarus Pit in a bad location. Upon Salimbok’s death, the raider’s moved in and killed the sultan’s men, and the physician murdered the sultan himself.
Enraged by the corruption and evil of the sultan’s kingdom, the physician decreed that the city be destroyed so utterly that no one would remember it for all time. Returning to the settlement dressed as the guards, the raiders destroyed the city and all who dwelled within. Falling ill from the same sickness that infected Salimbok, he returned to his original Lazarus Pit and was healed. Afterwards, he confronted the altar of Bisu and tore it down, declaring himself to be mightier and, later, he renamed himself in a manner approximating “Bisu” in another local dialect, choosing to call himself Ra’s Al Ghul, the Head of the Demon.
Over the centuries, Ra’s Al Ghul lived many lives—pirate, statesman, farmer, and merchant, among others—and periodically, as age caught up to him, he used the Lazarus Pits to revive himself. Gradually, as he watched humanity decimate the earth in the name of civilization and wealth, he realized that—for mankind to survive—a firmer hand was needed to save the world. Thus, he began orchestrating long-term plans of world domination in which he would winnow down the population to a manageable number that he would establish himself as the ruler of. And he may well have succeeded on multiple occasions if not for the intervention of Batman.
The long-running rivalry between the Demon and the Bat could have been avoided. Recognizing that the renewing energies of the pit were no longer as potent on his increasingly ancient body, Ra’s Al Ghul initially saw Batman as a worthy successor fit to both take over his organization, the Society of Shadows, and to marry his daughter, Talia. Unfortunately, the incorruptible Dark Knight refused Ra’s Al Ghul’s offer, leading to years of conflict between powerful figures that are, in many ways, a mirror reflection of the other. Despite his age, the cunning and powerful Demon’s Head still seeks to create a better world, but only on his terms.
Ray Thompson
Voiced by Neil Patrick Harris
First Appearance: All-Star Comics #15 (Brain Wave, February / March 1943), “Legends, Part 1” (April 21, 2002)
Born on an Earth in a parallel universe, Ray Thompson was a child when his world’s Cold War turned hot, resulting in a nuclear attack that devastated the planet. However, in his native Seaboard City, its protectors, the Justice Guild of America, sacrificed their lives to save as much of the city as they could. Severely mutated by the radiation from the fallout, Thompson developed phenomenal psionic powers, including the ability to literally warp reality. Now able to transform anything into whatever he chose, he chose to recreate Seaboard City and his heroes in the Justice Guild. Unfortunately, in the arrested-preadolescent mind of Ray Thompson, his view of the world mutated the city into a corrupt comic book, where he forced the survivors to act out roles in the repetitive, four-color adventures of the Guild as they eternally fought their rivals, the Injustice Guild of America.
Forty years later, Ray Thompson’s reality was visited by members of the Justice League, who arrived there via an accident involving the Flash matching the vibrational frequency of their world. At first charmed by this Silver Age reality—which resembled comic books read by Green Lantern in his youth—they discovered cracks in the world’s façade, resulting in a confrontation between the League and Ray. But while the diminutive god easily overpowered the League, his creations—the Justice Guild—chose to fight, and the onslaught of his own mental creations against him overpowered his brain, killing him. Following his demise, his powers faded, freeing the survivors from servitude, returning Seaboard City to rubble, and allowing the Justice Guild to return to memory.
The Ray
First Appearance: Smash Comics #14 (Quality Comics, September 1940), Justice League of America #107 (DC Comics, October 1973), The Ray #1 (Ray Terrill, February 1992)
The son of the original Ray, Ray Terrill possesses the ability to transform himself into a being of pure energy when exposed to light. Possessing the ability to absorb and process light, heat, and electricity into powerful beams of energy, the Ray uses his abilities in service to the Justice League.
Red Claw
Voiced by Kate Mulgrew
First Appearance: “The Cat and the Claw, Part 1” (September 5, 1992), Catwoman #43 (July 2022)
An international terrorist and brilliant tactician, the diabolical Red Claw has made multiple attempts to hold various locales for ransom. Unfortunately, her actions—both in Gotham City and overseas—have frequently brought her to the attention of Batman.
Red Tornado
Voiced by Powers Boothe (Uncredited)
First Appearance: All-American Comics #20 (Golden Age, November 1940), Justice League of America #64 (Silver Age, August 1968)
An android created by the villainous T.O. Morrow, Red Tornado was built to infiltrate the Justice League, but this artificial intelligence eventually rebelled against its master and chose to use its wind-based powers in the League’s service instead.
The Riddler
Voiced by John Glover
First Appearance: Detective Comics #140 (October 1948)
Fascinated with puzzles and riddles since childhood, Edward Nygma would grow up to become a tech genius, designing the video game Riddle of the Minotaur for game company Competitron. However, when Nygma sued the company for royalties beyond what his work-for-hire contract provided, he was fired by its CEO, Daniel Mockridge. Seething with rage, Ngyma began a campaign of stalking and harassing his former boss until, two years later, Mockridge attempted to sell Competitron to Wayne Enterprises. Luring him into an ambush with a riddle on an LED billboard outside of Wayne’s office, he revealed himself to Mockridge under his new moniker of the Riddler.
Suspicious of the riddle left for Mockridge during their negotiations, Batman and Robin—realizing that Mockridge was walking into a trap—confronted the fledgling costumed villain at Mockridge’s nightclub, the Wasteland. Nevertheless succeeding in taking the CEO hostage, the intervention of Batman fascinated the Riddler, who began leaving clues to see if he was capable of solving them to track his movements and to lure him into an ambush. Unfortunately, the Dark Knight was more than capable of solving them, allowing Batman and Robin to rescue Mockridge from an improvised trap at the Riddle of the Minotaur theme park. Though Nygma escaped, it would not be their last encounter.
Returning to Gotham City at a later date, the Riddler—recognizing that he was now a fugitive from the law—sought to delete his public and criminal records from all databases. This may have been a way to make things more difficult should he be arrested, but it is possible that he was embarrassed by Edward Nygma’s failure to get revenge on Mockridge and sought to delete himself, leaving only the Riddler behind. Unfortunately, this attempt, which involved trapping Commissioner Gordon’s mind in a virtual reality game of his own design as a distraction for Batman, was also a failure, as he was defeated and ultimately trapped in a comatose state, as his machine shut down with his consciousness still inside it.
Arrested and sent to Arkham Asylum, he eventually recovered, served his time, and was released (but not before silently observing his fellow Rogues hold a mock trial for Batman, presumably so as to not incriminate himself). Afterwards, he quickly signed a licensing deal with the Wacko Toys Corporation and its owner, Charles Baxter, to produce a line of products with him. However, despite the plum deal, the Riddler was still compelled towards crime and matching wits with Batman, so he began peppering his product line’s advertisements with riddles towards his future heists. Unfortunately, upon realizing his compulsion was going to get him caught, he made a final attempt to kill Batman at Gotham’s annual Toy Fair. However, the Dark Knight escaped and then succeeded in getting Nygma to confess, returning him to Arkham.
Compared to his costumed contemporaries, the Riddler is practically a gentleman thief, an intellectual more interested in challenging the Dark Knight mentally rather than racking up a body count. A master of computers and puzzles, he is obsessed with proving himself the Dark Knight’s cerebral superior. Unfortunately for him, he has yet to succeed in that regard.
Robin (Dick Grayson)
Voiced by Loren Lester
First Appearance: Detective Comics #38 (April 1940)
For information about Dick Grayson, please read the Nightwing entry.
Robin (Tim Drake)
Voiced by Matthew Valencia (TNBA), Eli Marienthal (Static Shock, Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman)
First Appearance: Detective Comics #38 (Dick Grayson, April 1940), Batman #436 (Tim Drake, August 1989), Batman #457 (Tim Drake as Robin, December 1990)
The son of Gotham criminal Steven “Shifty” Drake, a hired hand for Two-Face’s gang, Tim Drake largely had to fend for himself throughout his childhood. Without a solid father figure in his life, he instead idolized Batman and, eventually, he uncovered a batarang left behind at a crime scene, which he trained himself to use. Later, “Shifty” Drake double-crossed Two-Face by stealing chemicals intended for a citywide blackmail attempt by hiding them in an airport locker and leaving the key with his son. It is unknown whether he intended to profit from the theft or whether his conscience prevented him from allowing Two-Face to have them, but his son later revealed that he left Gotham City scared. At any rate, his body would later be found in the Metropolis River, leaving Tim Drake an orphan.
Captured by Two-Face’s gang while searching for the stolen chemicals, the criminal nearly murdered the boy if not for the timely intervention of Batman. Later, after defeating Two-Face and recognizing that “Shifty” began life as a hard-luck case who turned to crime to survive (like his son was in danger of emulating), Batman elected to adopt Tim Drake and train him as the second Robin. Naturally athletic and eager to learn, he became the third youth to serve as apprentice to one of the most noble, yet dangerous, men alive.
For more information about Tim Drake, please read The Joker II entry.
Rocket Red
First Appearance: Justice League #3 (July 1987)
A former Russian agent, Dmitri Pushkin volunteered to become the pilot of the Rocket Red battle armor. Originally intended to become part of a brigade of armored warriors, Rocket Red serves as a solo operative, using his cybernetically-enhanced strength, energy nets, plasma cannons, and the ability to control electronic devices in the service of both his country and the world.
The Rogues
Unlike the supervillains of Metropolis or Gotham City, the Rogues—the commonly used term for the local costumed criminals who regularly encounter the Flash—of Central City are not criminal masterminds. They aren’t world threatening menaces, nor do they wear business suits and front criminal organizations with multiple underlings. They aren’t trying to match wits with a superhero. In fact, they would much rather avoid getting on a superhero’s radar in the first place.
In contrast, they are blue collar, working-class criminals each with their own specific weapon or gimmick who are united by their shared hatred of the Scarlet Speedster. They hang out at the same dive bar on 4th Street—where they routinely rub elbows with regular hoods and lowlifes—they all get their costumes from local tailor Paul Gambi, and they all maintain friendly rivalries in their attempts to destroy their shared enemy.
They steal. They watch each other’s backs. They kill only when necessary. And they’re organized. They wouldn’t make it in Metropolis or Gotham, but they wouldn’t want to, anyway.
EPISODE APPEARANCES:
“Speed Demons”: The Weather Wizard
“Hereafter”: The Weather Wizard
“Task Force X”: Captain Boomerang
“I Am Legion”: The Thinker
“Flash and Substance”: Captain Boomerang, Captain Cold, Mirror Master, The Trickster, Abra Kadabra, Doctor Alchemy, The Fiddler, Mister Element, The Pied Piper, The Thinker, The Top, Turtle Man, The Weather Wizard
“Dead Reckoning”: The Weather Wizard
“The Great Brain Robbery”: Mirror Master, The Thinker, The Top
“Alive!”: The Weather Wizard
Roland Daggett
Voiced by Ed Asner
First Appearance: “Feat of Clay, Part 1” (September 8, 1992)
The corrupt CEO of Daggett Industries, Roland Daggett is a business entrepreneur who sees no problem with breaking the law to achieve his goals. In direct competition with Wayne Enterprises, Daggett initially sought to take over his competitor through an insider trading scam. To do so, he employed the help of actor Matt Hagen, the so-called “Man of a Million Faces,” whom he had at his disposal thanks to his addiction to a miracle facial cream he manufactured that granted elasticity to flesh called Renuyu. Posing as Bruce Wayne, he attempted steal incriminating evidence connecting Daggett to the crime from Lucius Fox, the day-to-day manager for Wayne Enterprises, and he would have succeeded in silencing him had it not been for the intervention of Batman. Angered by his agent’s failure, he attempted to have Hagen killed, but when his henchmen force-fed the actor a large dose of the Renuyu formula, it transformed him into the monster Clayface. Seeking revenge, he confronted Daggett during a televised broadcast announcing the Renuyu formula to the public. In the end, Clayface escaped, and Daggett was taken into custody.
Over time, Daggett would return and attempt to profit from other unethical schemes, such as his attempt to gentrify the Park Row neighborhood by hiring a demolition expert to plant bombs and, in doing so, demolish a block of buildings, thus opening the land for development; he later hired the criminal Dr. Achilles Milo to manufacture a virus to infect a portion of Gotham’s stray animal population, so he could sell the antidote for a profit. Unfortunately, in both cases, he was investigated and defeated by Batman.
Later, as a result of mounting lawsuits and legal fees, Roland Daggett was broke. Seeking to start over in another city, he stole the Jade Cat statue from Gotham University—knowing that Catwoman would be the prime suspect for the theft—in the hopes that he could sell it and generate seed money. Unfortunately for him, he was stopped by Catwoman, Robin, and Batgirl. He is, most likely, still in custody.
Roulette
Voiced by Virginia Madsen
First Appearance: JSA Secret Files & Origins #2 (September 2001)
The granddaughter of Debra Sinclair, a criminal entrepreneur who ran an underground casino in the 1940s, Veronica Sinclair continues the family business under the alias of Roulette, a name her grandmother utilized as well. In addition to casino gaming, the current Roulette’s main draw is Meta-Brawl, illegal metahuman steel cage fighting. Taking advantage of the tense climate between humanity and the growing number of super-powered individuals on the planet, she made a fortune by enabling the wealthy elite to wager on two supervillains beating each other up. Things really got going, however, when Meta-Brawl attracted former heavyweight champ Ted Grant, also known as the Justice League member Wildcat, into its ranks. Experiencing a midlife crisis and seeking adrenaline, Wildcat’s participation brought Meta-Brawl to new heights … until fellow Leaguers Green Arrow and Black Canary confronted him and shut down her operations.
Months later, reduced to decrepit venues and grade-D supervillains, Roulette hatched a plan with Lex Luthor, who was leader of the Legion of Doom at the time, to use the Justice League’s earpiece commlinks to hypnotize female members of the team into participating in an all new, foxy boxing version called Meta-Brawl: Glamor Slam. Moving her business to Blüdhaven, she made millions pitting superheroes such as Black Canary, Vixen, and Shayera Hol against each other in the squared circle. Unfortunately for her, ex-League member Huntress uncovered her plot and helped shut it down, and Roulette was arrested.
Not willing to back down from a fight, Roulette is a skilled combatant in her own right, using her hair pins as daggers, and she is capable of holding her own against Huntress. Following her eventual release, Roulette may find business to be difficult for a while, as the destruction of Legion of Doom headquarters has no doubt led to a significant decrease in the supervillain population. However, as a shrewd businesswoman and a master-class manipulator, she will always be able to make a buck in her industry.
Roxy Rocket
Voiced by Charity James
First Appearance: The Batman Adventures Annual #1 (November 1994), Detective Comics #822 (October 2006)
Known in the entertainment industry as Roxy Rocket, Roxanne Sutton made her name as an in-demand stunt performer, but she soon found herself blacklisted by insurance companies when she made her stunts too dangerous. Born a woman without fear, the adrenaline junkie quickly turned to crime, designing for herself a custom, rocket-like vehicle she could ride through the sky like an aerial motorcycle. Embarking on a number of high-risk, high-visibility thefts, she soon found herself pursued by Batman, and the former stunt woman found their relentless, cat-and-mouse chases extremely arousing. To date, she is probably the only supervillain to climax during one of their encounters.
The Royal Flush Gang (“Wild Cards,“ Joker's Gang)
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (March 1966), “Wild Cards” (December 6, 2003)
This incarnation of the Royal Flush Gang began with Project: Cadmus, who had acquired five metahuman children with the intent of training them to become assets for the military. However, once the Joker learned of the top-secret plan, he arrived at their Arizona desert facility to recruit the kids for his own nefarious ends. Outfitting them with themed costumes and flying playing cards for transportation, the Joker’s Royal Flush Gang was integral to his Las Vegas caper.
Members of the Joker's Royal Flush Gang include the following:
Ace
Voiced by Hynden Walch
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (Ace, December 6, 2003)
For information about Ace, please read the Ace entry.
King
Voiced by Scott Menville
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (December 6, 2003)
A pyrokinetic who can manipulate fire, King was the front man for the team.
Queen
Voiced by Tara Strong
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (December 6, 2003)
A ferrokinetic who can manipulate metal, Queen was the most pow—one of the most powerful members of the team.
Jack
Voiced by Greg Cipes
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (December 6, 2003)
With the ability to stretch and shape his body in a multitude of ways, Jack was very flexible on the battlefield.
Ten
Voiced by Khary Payton
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (December 6, 2003)
A super-strong man with nigh-invulnerability, Ten didn’t particularly care if he got caught in one of the Joker’s bomb explosions, as long as he got to beat Superman.
The Royal Flush Gang (“Epilogue,“ Ace's Gang)
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (March 1966), “Epilogue” (July 23, 2005)
Years after Ace’s experience in Las Vegas, she learned that her powers had evolved further, as her telekinesis now was able to literally warp reality, allowing her to transform anything into whatever she chose. Unfortunately, she also learned that her powers were too much, and she would soon die from a massive brain aneurysm. Lashing out, she used her new abilities to create a new Royal Flush Gang by apparently granting each member their physical heart’s desire.
Members of Ace's Royal Flush Gang include the following:
Ace
Voiced by Hynden Walch
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Wild Cards” (Ace, December 6, 2003)
For information about Ace, please read the Ace entry.
King
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Epilogue” (July 23, 2005)
Sitting immobile on his flying throne and exhibiting psionic powers of his own, this King bears more than a passing resemblance to Marvel Comics’ M.O.D.O.K., a creation of Jack “The King” Kirby.
Queen
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Epilogue” (July 23, 2005)
A trans woman, Ace transformed her into a physical, super-strong woman resembling equal parts the Queen of Hearts, from Alice in Wonderland, and the drag queen Divine, from Pink Flamingos.
Jack
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Epilogue” (July 23, 2005)
Nicknamed “Kabuki Jack,” Ace changed this African American man into an Asian samurai that is in no way similar to a certain Cartoon Network series.
Ten
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Epilogue” (July 23, 2005)
Wearing a white swimsuit and utilizing her blond cornrows as whips, Ten was transformed to resemble Bo Derek from the movie 10.
The Royal Flush Gang (Batman Beyond)
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
A generational group, the Royal Flush Gang is an aristocratic gang that brings in new members (sons, daughters, husbands, wives) as the older ones retire or get arrested. Taking the identities of a royal flush in poker—king, queen, jack, ten, and ace—the group of five use playing card-themed weaponry in their crimes. At some point in the past, the original Dark Knight shut down the group for a time, and now—fifty years into the future—the current King seeks revenge for this slight against the second Batman.
It is currently unknown if this team is connected in any way to the Joker’s group, though it is possible that the Clown Prince of Crime stole the team’s gimmick during their period of dormancy. Members of the future Royal Flush Gang include the following:
King
Voiced by George Lazenby
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
A master swordsman, the current King deliberately brought his crew to Neo Gotham in order to settle an old score, not realizing that the ongoing conflict with the current Batman would splinter his team.
Queen
Voiced by Amanda Donohoe
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
The daughter of the previous King, Queen constantly compares her husband’s performance as leader to her father, and she resents how his desire for revenge against Batman has destroyed both their gang and family. She wields an electrified scepter in battle.
Jack
Voiced by Scott Cleverdon
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
An expert with knives and a fine swordsman in his own right, the aptly-named Jack serves in the Royal Flush Gang as his apparent namesake … at least for the moment.
Ten
Voiced by Olivia d'Abo
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
A computer expert with a knack for hacking security systems, Melanie Walker is a lonely girl who serves as the current Ten. Brought to Neo Gotham by her parents, she quickly fell in love with a local boy named Terry McGinnis. Unfortunately, she has no idea that he is the new Batman.
Ace
First Appearance: Justice League of America #43 (The Royal Flush Gang, March 1966), “Dead Man's Hand” (March 20, 1999)
A faceless android built by unknown means, Ace silently serves the futuristic Royal Flush Gang.
Rupert Thorne
Voiced by John Vernon
First Appearance: Detective Comics #469 (May 1977)
The last of the old school, fedora crime bosses, Rupert Thorne became the head of Gotham City’s largest criminal syndicate following the abdication of rival crime boss Arnold Stromwell, who stepped down and surrendered to authorities after discovering that his son was addicted to the same drugs his empire sold. However, his victory was short-lived, as he quickly found himself in the crosshairs of District Attorney Harvey Dent, who sought to break organized crime’s hold on the city once and for all. However, upon learning that the D.A. was undergoing therapy to deal with serious psychiatric issues, he attempted to blackmail Dent with the confidential information. Unfortunately, the experience triggered a psychotic break, and the enraged district attorney attacked the crime boss, ultimately leading to his disfigurement due to an explosion. His mind damaged and his body scarred on the entirety of the left half of his body, District Attorney Harvey Dent became the duality-obsessed Two-Face.
Quickly establishing his own gang and territory, Two-Face began a calculated campaign against Thorne that, over time, became systematic of a larger trend in Gotham City, as traditional gangsters, thugs, and goons were being supplemented by a new generation of gimmicky, costumed criminals and super-powered monsters. Suddenly, in addition to Two-Face, Thorne’s empire had to contend with challenges from the likes of the Joker, the Ventriloquist and Scarface, and others … not to mention the growing number of freelancers like Catwoman, Scarecrow, and the Mad Hatter, who were pulling their own heists regardless of territory. Ultimately, this changing of the guard culminated in his arrest as part of a plot by Two-Face and Deputy Police Commissioner Gil Mason, who sought to both depose and replace Thorne and Commissioner James Gordon, respectively.
Years later, Thorne—in a diminished capacity—sought to make a comeback in Gotham City. Allying himself with the Penguin—now a rival of Two-Face following the theft of a jewel-encrusted, two-headed roc statue that the ornithologically-themed criminal coveted—the duo plotted with gangster Carlton Duquesne to sell an arsenal of weapons valued in the billions to the Eastern European nation of Kasnia. Unfortunately, the plot was foiled by Batman and a trio of Batwomen, and they were arrested.
Images courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, and DC Comics.
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