The Fiddler is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of the first Flash. Two female incarnations of the Fiddler appear in The Flash, portrayed by Miranda MacDougall and Magda Apanowicz. Additionally, three different incarnations of Fiddler appeared in the first two seasons of Stargirl, portrayed by Timmy Sherrill, Hina Khan, and Max Frantz.

Publication history

Fiddler first appeared in All-Flash #32 (December 1947/January 1948) and was created by Robert Kanigher and Lee Elias. Earlier, a character with the same name, though only superficially similar, appeared in multiple Action Comics episodes of the Vigilante (starting with Action Comics #59, April 1943 cover date).

Fictional character biography

Pre-Crisis

The Fiddler is initially a thief who learns the art of snake charming and uses it to create a mind-controlling violin. Returning to America, the Fiddler becomes an enemy of the Flash. He tricks him into retiring, during which Jay's wife Joan replaces him using special mirrors that create the illusion of speed. In "Flash of Two Worlds", the Fiddler is revealed to originate from Earth-Two and joins the "Crime Champions" alongside Shade, the Thinker, Wizard, and Icicle.

Post-Crisis

In post-Crisis continuity, the Fiddler is Isaac Bowin, a member of the Injustice Society. He is killed in Hawkworld, but later resurfaces. Furthermore, Isaac's heroic future great-grandson Iowa Bowin appears in The Flash 80-Page Giant. In Villains United, Fiddler joins the Secret Six before Deadshot kills him for his incompetence. In Blackest Night, he returns as a Black Lantern.

DC Rebirth

In the DC Rebirth relaunch, Fiddler is permanently resurrected before being killed by Psych. Eobard Thawne later recruits a past version of him into the Legion of Zoom.

Powers and abilities

The Fiddler possesses magical abilities that he channels through his violins. The musical vibrations he creates can shatter solid objects, create force-fields and hypnotize others due to the sheer amount of sub-level bass. He uses violins gimmicked with weapons such as blades and guns. He travels around in his Fiddle Car, which Jay Garrick recognizes by sight.

Other characters named Fiddler

In other media

Television

Miscellaneous