Theodore "Ted" Grant is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero, known as the original Wildcat and a long-time member of the Justice Society of America (JSA). A world-class heavyweight boxer, Grant became inadvertently entangled in the criminal underworld and developed a costumed identity to clear his name. Modern depictions of Wildcat show him to be a rowdy, tough guy with a streak of male chauvinism, leading to frequent clashes with the relatively progressive Power Girl, as well as exploring some of the character's insecurities. Additionally, his longevity has been explained as being derived from a magic spell that gives him "nine lives". Like many older JSA members, he has been a mentor to younger heroes, particularly the second Black Canary. Ted Grant briefly appeared in an episode of Smallville, played by Roger Hasket. Grant’s Wildcat was also a recurring character on the third season of Arrow, played by J. R. Ramirez, and appeared in Stargirl, portrayed by Brian Stapf.

Publication history

The Ted Grant version of Wildcat first appeared in Sensation Comics #1, and was created by writer Bill Finger and illustrator Irwin Hasen. He continued in Sensation Comics until issue #90 (June 1949).

Fictional character biography

Theodore "Ted" Grant is a normal human who was magically given nine lives. He remains at the peak of human condition due to his extensive workouts. He is a world-class boxer who trained Batman, Black Canary, and Superman. Grant was in turn trained by ex-boxer Joe Morgan, who also tutored Atom and Guardian.

Earth-Two

Ted Grant first donned the Wildcat costume in Sensation Comics #1 (January 1942), the same issue in which Mister Terrific premiered. Wildcat's origin is chronicled in Sensation Comics #1 as well as Secret Origins #3 (1973) and All-Star Squadron Annual #1 (1982). Henry Grant vowed on his baby son's crib that the child would not grow up afraid of life, so he encouraged his son to participate in sports. Orphaned during the Great Depression, Ted becomes a heavyweight boxing champion. He also became tangled unknowingly in his manager's sinister plans. His mentor "Socker" Smith was killed by Grant's managers Flint and Skinner who used a syringe, loaded with poison, in a boxing glove. The dose was only intended to slow down Smith, but the duo misjudged the potency. When Grant was arrested for the crime, Flint and Skinner, afraid that he might know what had really happened, arranged for the young fighter to be killed. Grant escaped the attempt and survived, but the policemen with him were killed. As a result, he became a fugitive. Later, he came upon a child who had been robbed of his Green Lantern comic. The boy, describing the mystery-man Green Lantern, inspired Grant to create a cat-themed costume. He took the name Wildcat and vowed to clear his name. He brought Flint and Skinner to justice; the criminals were forced to confess, clearing Grant's name, and obtaining justice for Smith. Using the identity of Wildcat, Grant continued to fight crime. By issue #4, Wildcat had a custom motorbike, the "Cat-o-Cycle", and a comedy sidekick named Stretch Skinner. In the pages of All Star Comics, Wildcat had a few adventures as a member of the Justice Society of America (JSA). In the 1980s, when the All-Star Squadron was published, it created a retroactive continuity in which the majority of WWII mystery-men interacted with each other. Wildcat had a place as a member of that conglomeration of heroes as well. The 1970s run of All Star Comics (1976–1979) had Wildcat play a central role as a JSA member, where he defeats Psycho-Pirate. In Crisis on Infinite Earths, Red Tornado shatters Wildcat's legs, and he is told that he will not regain mobility. Subsequently, his goddaughter Yolanda Montez succeeds him as Wildcat.

Post-Crisis

Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wildcat regains his mobility and rejoins the Justice Society. Later, the group enters Limbo to prevent Ragnarök before being freed in Armageddon: Inferno. In Zero Hour: Crisis in Time!, Wildcat loses his longevity to Extant and retires. During this time, he has affairs with Selina Kyle and Hippolyta. Wildcat is not present in The New 52 continuity reboot. In Doomsday Clock, this is revealed to be the result of Doctor Manhattan erasing the Justice Society and the Legion of Super-Heroes. After Manhattan undoes his actions, Wildcat and the Society return.

Powers and abilities

Ted Grant is an expert fighter and a world champion heavyweight boxer in peak physical condition. He is also highly skilled at other martial arts, such as capoeira, hapkido, kickboxing, krav maga, muay thai, and taekwondo. It is later revealed that Ted possesses "nine lives" due to Zatara altering a curse that was intended to transform him into a cat. As such, he can only die if killed nine times in rapid succession.

Enemies

Wildcat had his own rogues gallery during his career:

Other versions

In other media

Television

Live-action

Animation

Film

Video games

Merchandise

Miscellaneous

Reception

IGN listed Wildcat as the 71st greatest comic book character of all time stating that, due to his age as a superhero, he is almost more mystifying than the Spectre.