Hangman (Archie Comics)
The Hangman is the name of several superheroes that appear in periodicals published by MLJ Comics and later Dark Circle Comics.
Publication history
The first Hangman debuted in MLJ Comics' Pep Comics #17. Dickering is the brother of the Comet, a superhero who had been appearing since Pep #1. The Comet is killed in issue #17, and dies in his brother's arms. Robert promises to avenge his brother's death, and takes on the mantle of the Hangman. His recurring enemies include Captain Swastika and the villainous Jackal.The Hangman appeared in Pep Comics until the 47th issue, as well as in Special Comics #1.
In Spring 1942, Special Comics was renamed Hangman Comics starting with issue #2. It ran for seven issues, ending in fall 1943 when it was renamed Black Hood Comics.
The Hangman appeared in Fly Man #33 after a 21-year absence. However, this time the Hangman was a villain who fought against the Mighty Crusaders.
A new Hangman appeared in The Comet #1, however he eventually faded into obscurity.
After DC Comics continuity altering "Final Crisis" company-wide crossover had ended, they licensed the rights to the Red Circle and Milestone Media heroes, bringing them into DC Universe continuity. The Hangman appeared as a second feature in The Web written by Angela Robinson with art by Roger Robinson. His first appearance was in The Web #1.
In March 2015, a new series featuring The Hangman was announced under the Dark Circle Comics imprint. The Hangman debuted in November 2015, written by Frank Tieri with art provided by Felix Ruiz. Dark Circle Comics Editor Alex Segura has described the new series as "Quentin Tarantino adapting a Stephen King novel.".
Robert "Bob" Dickering
MLJ Comics
Fictional character biography
The Hangman is secretly Robert "Bob" Dickering, whose brother John Dickering is the hero the Comet. Bob Dickering becomes the Hangman after watching his brother die by the men he was trying to put behind bars. Afterwards, he promises to get revenge against all criminals and takes up the identity of the Hangman.Whenever the Hangman is needed, Dickering changes into his costume, which consists of a green, skin-tight body suit, along with a black cowl and cape, blue gloves, and black trunks and boots; he also carries a noose. He announces his presence by using a flashlight to shine an image of gallows on the nearest wall to a criminal he's caught in the act.
Dickering fights alongside such heroes as the Shield while doing battle against villains, most notably Madam Satan.
After disappearing for some time, he returns as a criminal himself, fighting against the Mighty Crusaders. He eventually returns to the side of good.
DC Comics
Robert Dickering is a lieutenant and doctor in the United States Army during the Civil War against the Confederate States of America. During this time he was ambushed by a group of thieves and left for dead. After awakening he realizes that the thieves left him behind enemy lines. When he returns he is sentenced with the death penalty for spying behind enemy lines.With minutes left to live, he is approached by a mysterious figure cloaked in the shadows offering him a way out of death. He told Dickering that he could survive the hanging in return for hunting down all those who don't repent for the evil deeds they have committed. He must do this forever until he is destroyed by something equal to the mysterious shadow's powers, or until the end of the world.
Dickering accepts the offer and survives the hanging. He decides to take up a secret identity creating the Hangman. For over a hundred years since his execution, he has continued to punish those guilty while helping the innocent.
Dark Circle Comics
Robert Dickering appears as the Hangman in the first issue of The Hangman in November 2015. He comes for hitman Michael Minetta and proceeds to hang him. After hanging Minetta, Dickering is deemed worth of ascension.Steve Dickering
Archie Comics
Fictional character biography
The second Hangman is Steve Dickering, the son of the original Hangman who first appeared in The Comet #1. He took up the mantle of the Hangman to prove to his father that he could honor the title.The second Hangman wore a costume similar to the original Hangman complete with carrying around a hangman's noose.