Deadshot

Created by David Vern Reed, Bob Kane and Lew Schwartz.

+ History

Floyd Lawton was born into a privileged but dysfunctional family that lived in the town of Lawton. His mother Genevieve conspired with his brother Edward to kill his father. Floyd tried to stop the murder, but Edward still managed to shoot and cripple George, and when Floyd and Edward fought over the gun Edward ended up dead. Floyd was emotionally destroyed by this event, and developed a lifelong deathwish.

He moved to Gotham City, married, and had a child that he named after his brother, Edward. Bored with the life of a socialite, Floyd took on the Deadshot identity and began a mercenary career. He clashed with Batman a number of times, which put him in the Belle Reve prison in Louisiana.

At Belle Reve, Lawton was approached by Amanda Waller, who was masterminding a new Suicide Squad as part of Task Force X. Deadshot was offered a deal: take a dangerous mission for the U.S. government in return for freedom. But oddly, Deadshot found a purpose with the Squad, and remained with it throughout its existence. This, posited their psychiatrist Simon LaGrieve, was because Lawton harbored a secret death wish. But Deadshot was too good at the game; he never got his wish. (Suicide Squad v.1)

When his mother returned to his life she had Floyd's son, Eddie, kidnapped by thugs, and demanded that Deadshot kill his father if he ever wanted to see Eddie again. He refused, and slew everyone involved with the kidnapping. Despite his best efforts Eddie died before Deadshot could locate him. Deadshot confronted his mother, shooting and crippling her. (Deadshot v.1?)

Made up of several of the world's best assassins, the Killer Elite live up to their names. It is unknown why these usually solitary killers decided to join forces, and unknown if they are still operate as a team. All of its members were first gathered together shortly after Neron's campaign to enslave Earth's super-villains (Underworld Unleashed; Justice League America #105) It is likely that some or all of these assassins sold their souls to Neron in exchange for some boon.

As part of yet another incarnation of the Suicide Squad (alongside Bronze Tiger, Count Vertigo, Shrapnel, Flex, Quartzite, and Thermal), Deadshot was sent to capture the third pair of Hawk and Dove, who had Vixen and Vigilante V (working for Checkmate) on their side. (Hawk and Dove IV #3-5)

The Killer Elite competed against the Body Doubles for a contract from Requiem Inc., who wanted to kill a man named Richter. Deadshot surreptitiously sabotaged his team's victory because he was dating Body Double Carmen Leno at the time. (Body Doubles #1)

They were next seen when the Joker infected a host of super-villains with his mania. The Killer Elite laid siege to Iron Heights prison, but were beaten back its warden, Gregory Wolfe, and prison guards. They were teleported away from there by Warp to the Keystone City Jail, where Deadshot also "Jokerized" Captain Boomerang. They were all brought into custody by the Flash. (Flash v.2 #179)

Following the war, the Unknown Soldier recruited a mystery man to head the new Squad. This man posed as the legendary World War II hero, Frank Rock. Also on board was Rock's old comrade, Bulldozer. Their main operatives included Deadshot, Killer Frost II and Major Disaster. In their final battle against a new Jihad, Havana (Waller's daughter) and Modem were killed, but Rustam II was also killed in return. After this, "Rock" disappeared, leaving behind only a face mask. Bulldozer stood up out of his wheelchair and walked away saying "It was nice to feel young again."(Suicide Squad v.2)

Deadshot was hired to assassinate David Cain before Cain could testify about framing Bruce Wayne for the murder of Vesper Fairchild. Deadshot could have killed Cain, but instead gave Cain a gun and the opportunity to end Deadshot's life. After a brief fight Cain shot Deadshot in the chest. Deadshot was rushed to an emergency room, and much to his dismay he pulled through. (Batman #606, 607)

Deadshot attended one of the supervillain community's semi-regular gatherings at the Injustice Gang's old satellite headquarters. (Identity Crisis #2)

Dr. Light told Deadshot that he was once mind-wiped by the Justice League of America. Deadshot spread Light�s story to his supervillain buddies. (#4)

Deadshot and the Monacle were at Merlyn�s apartment when the JLA, who had been coming down hard on the supervillain community in the wake of Sue Dibny�s murder, stormed into the residence. The JLA easily apprehended the villains. (#5)

+ Powers

Deadshot was an unerring marksman with any type of weapon. His weapon of choice was wrist-mounted rapid-fire magnums. He wore body armor, and always kept weaponry and ammunition on his person.

Appearances + References

 

 Showcase '93 #8

SERIES

 Suicide Squad v.1, 66 issues (1987-92)

 Deadshot v.1, 4-issue limited series (1988)

 Suicide Squad v.2, 12 issues (2001-02)

 Deadshot v.2, 5-issue limited series (2004)

 Villains United, 6-issue limited series (2005)

 Suicide Squad

 Secret Six

 Killer Elite