Gambler (comics)

Gambler is the name of three supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

Eric Goins portrays the Steven Sharpe incarnation of Gambler in the television series Stargirl.

Publication history

The Steven Sharpe III version of Gambler first appeared in 1944 in Green Lantern #12 in a story titled "The Gambler" by writer Henry Kuttner and artist Martin Nodell, as a foe of the original Green Lantern.[1] In October 1947, the Gambler was one of the six original members of the Injustice Society, who began battling the Justice Society of America in All Star Comics #37 (Oct. 1947).[2]

The Steven Sharpe V version of Gambler first appeared in New Titans #68 and was created by Karl Kesel, Barbara Kesel and Steve Erwin.

Fictional character biographies

Steven Sharpe III

Gambler
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceGreen Lantern #12 (summer 1944)
Created byHenry Kuttner
Martin Nodell
In-story information
Alter egoSteven Sharpe III
SpeciesHuman
Team affiliationsBlack Lantern Corps
Injustice Society
Abilities
  • Expert gambler
  • Skilled with Derringer pistol and throwing knives

Steven Sharpe III originates from a long line of compulsive gamblers. When he proposes to his girlfriend Helen the day after his high school graduation, she refuses due to his habits and leaves him. Following this, Sharpe becomes the criminal Gambler and joins a traveling carnival, where he gained his skills with disguises, pistols, and throwing knives.

In subsequent appearances, Gambler battles the Green Lantern and joins the Injustice Society before losing all of his money to a rigged casino and committing suicide.[1] His granddaughter Rebecca becomes the supervillain Hazard, while his grandson Steven V becomes the second Gambler.

In Blackest Night, Gambler is temporarily resurrected as a Black Lantern.[3] In the DC Rebirth relaunch, Gambler appears in flashbacks to the 1940s.[4]

Steven Sharpe V

After the death of Steven III, Steven Sharpe V succeeds him as the Gambler. While keeping his identity as the Gambler hidden and masquerading as the Joker, he reorganizes the Royal Flush Gang.[1] Under his leadership, the Gang battle the New Titans, but are defeated.[5]

The Gambler allies with Amos Fortune, the Wizard (William Zard), and the second Sportsmaster, and creates a super-powered "fight club" using members of the Justice Society as combatants. The fight club was broken up by Stargirl, Gypsy, and Vixen.[1]

Third Gambler

In DC Rebirth, an unnamed Gambler was seen trying to rob a bank, only to be thwarted by Simon Baz and Jessica Cruz.[6]

Powers and abilities

Gambler is an expert gambler, strategist, and master of disguise. Despite lacking any real superpowers, his cunning nature and talent for spotting opportunities makes him extremely unpredictable and dangerous.

Equipment

Gambler is highly skilled with his signature weapon, a derringer pistol he keeps concealed on his person and has been modified to shoot different kinds of gases depending on the situation. He is also highly trained in the use of throwing knives.

In other media

  • Steven Sharpe / Gambler appears in Stargirl, portrayed by Eric Goins.[7] This version is a member of the Injustice Society of America (ISA), an expert computer hacker, and the absentee father of Rebecca "Becky" Sharpe. Furthermore, in his civilian identity, he is the egocentric and cut-off CFO of The American Dream, a private firm that works to economically revitalize Blue Valley. Throughout his appearances, he battles Stargirl and attempts to reconcile with Becky before being killed by the Ultra-Humanite.
  • The Steven Sharpe III incarnation of the Gambler appears in All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold #7.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wallace, Dan (2008), "Gambler", in Dougall, Alastair (ed.), The DC Comics Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, p. 134, ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1, OCLC 213309017
  2. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  3. ^ Blackest Night #4. DC Comics.
  4. ^ Hawkman (vol. 5) #27. DC Comics.
  5. ^ New Titans #68-69
  6. ^ Green Lanterns #15. DC Comics.
  7. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 11, 2022). "Stargirl Wants to Help Bad Guys 'Break Good' in Season 3 Trailer — But Does Starman Have a Problem With That?". TVLine. Retrieved October 26, 2024.