Starfinger Explained
| Character Name: | Starfinger |
| Publisher: | DC Comics |
| Debut: | Adventure Comics #335 (August 1965) |
| Creators: | Edmond Hamilton (script)
John Forte (art) |
| Alter Ego: | Garth Ranzz
Dr. Lars Hanscom
Char Burrane
Molock Hanscom |
| Powers: | Ability to project power rays from the fingers of his hand. |
Starfinger is the name of several supervillains appearing in media published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of the Legion of Super-Heroes. The character first appeared in Adventure Comics #335 (August 1965), and was created by Edmond Hamilton and John Forte.
Fictional character biography
Lars Hanscom
Lars Hanscom is a doctor who brainwashes Lightning Lad to help him obtain the rare metal rejuvium. He is arrested, but escapes and attempts a solo criminal career.[1] [2] [3]
Char Burrane
Char Burrane is a fugitive who flees to Mars and discovers a ring containing a microscopic world. Using the ring's power, Burrane kills Hanscom and becomes a criminal mastermind.[4] After the Legion defeats him, Starfinger retreats within the ring.[5]
Molock Hanscom
In Legion of Super-Heroes (volume 4), Molock Hanscom, Lars' brother and the former leader of the Cosmic Spy League, becomes Starfinger after killing Burrane and obtaining his ring, but is killed by the Khunds.[6]
Powers and abilities
Starfinger can project various energy rays from his right hand. He can generate lightning, ice, and various forms of radiation, and disrupt the powers of others.
In other media
- An unidentified Starfinger appears in the Legion of Super-Heroes episode "The Substitutes", voiced by Taylor Negron. This version's powers are derived from mechanical gloves that can create rope; fire lasers and concussive sound waves; produce fire, water, and ice; and provide rocket propulsion. Furthermore, he can summon "Furries", small flying creatures from another dimension that grow into ionosphere-eating monsters.[7]
- Starfinger appears in the tie-in comic Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century, where he is revealed to possess self-duplication abilities.[8]
Notes and References
- Adventure Comics #336
- Superboy #200 (February 1974)
- Book: Cowsill . Alan . Irvine . Alex . Manning . Matthew K. . McAvennie . Michael . Wallace . Daniel . DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle . 2019 . DK Publishing . 978-1-4654-8578-6 . 153.
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 3) #29 (December 1986)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 3) Annual #4 (1988)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #57 (May 1994)
- Scott Sonneborn (writer); Ben Jones (director) (February 17, 2007). "The Substitutes". Legion of Super Heroes. Season 1, Episode 9. Kids WB.
- Web site: Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century #16 - The Untold Legend of Arm-Fall-Off Boy (Issue) . June 16, 2023 . Comic Vine . en.
