Blockbuster is the name of four supervillains and a criminal organization appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first iteration was an adversary of Batman and Robin, while the second served as one of Nightwing's greatest enemies. The third debuted in 52 as a member of Lex Luthor's Infinity, Inc.

Publication history

The Mark Desmond incarnation of Blockbuster first appeared in Detective Comics #345 (November 1965), and was created by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino. The Roland Desmond incarnation of Blockbuster first appeared in Starman #9 (April 1989), and was created by Roger Stern and Tom Lyle.

Fictional character biography

Mark Desmond

The first Blockbuster is Mark Desmond, a chemist who desires to increase his physical strength. He succeeds, but is rendered mindless and aggressive. His brother Roland cares for him and manipulates him into committing crimes on his behalf. In later appearances, Blockbuster joins the Secret Society of Super Villains and the Suicide Squad before being killed in battle with Brimstone. He returns following The New 52 continuity reboot.

Roland Desmond

Roland Desmond, Mark's brother, becomes the second Blockbuster after undergoing experimental treatment for an illness. He later moves to his mother's hometown of Blüdhaven, where he battles Nightwing. Desmond later develops albinism and a heart defect as a side effect of his initial transformation. He receives a heart transplant in Gorilla City before Tarantula kills him. In Blackest Night, Blockbuster is resurrected as a Black Lantern. He later returns permanently following the DC Rebirth relaunch.

Other Blockbusters

Two unidentified incarnations of Blockbuster appear in 52 and Superman #689, with the former being a member of Infinity, Inc. created by Lex Luthor. Furthermore, Martian Manhunter disguises himself as Blockbuster in Salvation Run.

Powers and abilities

All incarnations of Blockbuster possess superhuman physical abilities coupled with reduced intelligence. Roland Desmond temporarily overcomes this weakness after receiving enhanced power from Neron.

Other versions

An alternate universe variant of Blockbuster appears in Just Imagine.... This version is Brock Smith, a murderer and death row inmate who is rescued and empowered by Dominic Darrk and joins the Doom Patrol. He is defeated by Batman and Wonder Woman and dies after being electrocuted.

In other media

Television

Film

Video games

Miscellaneous