The Trickster is a moniker used by three DC Comics supervillains, two of which are enemies of the Flash. Both have been members of the Rogues. Both the James Jesse and Axel Walker incarnations of the character have been substantially adapted into television productions of DC Comics work. Actor Mark Hamill is most closely associated with the role, having played Jesse in two live-action television series and voiced the character in several animated and video game appearances. Devon Graye portrayed Walker in The Flash television series.

Creation and publication history

James Jesse first appeared in The Flash #113 (June–July 1960) and was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino. Infantino originally designed the character for the issue's cover, which became the basis of its plot and the character's history. Axel Walker debuted in The Flash (vol. 2) #183 (April 2002) and was created by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.

Fictional character biography

James Jesse

The original Trickster (real name Giovanni Giuseppe) is the practical joker and con man whose favorite occupation is damaging enemies like the Flash with items such as explosive teddy bears. His alter ego is derived from outlaw Jesse James. After Barry Allen is killed in Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Trickster relocates from Central City to Hollywood, where he spends time working in special effects. He attempts to steal Dan Cassidy's Blue Devil suit, but is defeated. When Cassidy is trapped in the suit, Jesse befriends him and relies on Cassidy to help with his sporadic efforts to give up villainy. After defeating Neron in Underworld Unleashed, Trickster reforms and joins the FBI.

Death and return

In Countdown to Final Crisis, Trickster and Pied Piper are accused of murdering Bart Allen and go on the run. They are later attacked by Deadshot, and Trickster sacrifices himself to protect Piper. Piper is later transported to Apokolips, leaving Trickster's body on Earth. Trickster later returns as a Black Lantern in Blackest Night and is permanently resurrected following The New 52 and DC Rebirth relaunches.

Axel Walker

While James Jesse is working for the FBI, teenager Axel Walker steals his gadgets and succeeds him as the Trickster. In The New 52, Walker loses his right arm to Gorilla Grodd and obtains a prosthetic replacement.

Kaiyo

A third Trickster, Kaiyo, is introduced in Batman/Superman. She is a New God from Apokolips and an agent of Darkseid who can travel between worlds at will.

Powers and abilities

The Trickster has a number of trick items that he employs. This includes itching powder, potato head bombs, exploding rubber chickens and yo-yos, sharpened jacks, hard shell candy, and various other joke-themed weapons. The Trickster wears a pair of shoes that allow him to fly for up to 10 hours.

Other versions

In other media

Television

Film

Video games