THE CROOKED MAN
Real Name: Jay DeMore
Identity/Class: Human
Occupation: Crimelord of Los Angeles
Affiliations: Cat, Mouse, (former) the Shroud
Enemies: the Shroud
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: Los Angeles, California
First Appearance: Marvel Preview#21 (Spring, 1980)
Powers/Abilities: The Crooked Man was a criminal genius and had a fine eye for what he considered good art. He wielded a cigarette holder which could release knock-out gas, and a gun.
History: (Marvel Preview#21/2)- The Crooked Man held a meeting at his mansion with loyal members of his gang (including Cat and Mouse), when the Shroud appeared, and defeated several of the Crooked Man's men. The Shroud then announced that he wanted to join the Crooked Man's gang, and to prove himself, the Shroud unmasked before him (while covering his face in darkness). Although the Crooked Man was not entirely convinced of the Shroud's story, the Crooked Man had a plan for a new mission which he hoped would eliminate him.
The Crooked Man and his gang attended the opening of the Los Angeles Gallery of Art, and the Crooked Man took the opportunity to berate Lance, one of the modern artists present, expressing his preference for artists such as Rembrandt and Raphael. Announcing that since no one appreciated the great works of art as much as he did, it was only right for the Crooked Man to take them for himself. They also took Lance and his paintings captive.
The Crooked Man then phoned Lance's agent, Frank Jacoby, and offered to return him and his art for $100,000-- and also offered to kill Lance for another $10,000, which would then make his art more valuable. Jacoby refused to the last part, but agreed to pay $100,000. The Crooked Man shared the success of his plan with his men, and sent the Shroud to collect the money. He then phoned the police to tell them that the kidnapper of the artist was the Shroud, and that they could capture him in Los Angeles Park.
The Shroud returned Lance to Jacoby and the money was turned over to Cat and Mouse, who were supposed to abandon the Shroud but instead helped him escape the police.
The Shroud then returned to the Crooked Man's mansion, and engaged the Crooked Man in one-on-one combat. The Crooked Man was unable to injure the Shroud because he had wrapped himself in darkness, and the Shroud knocked him unconscious. The Crooked Man was then apprehended by the police, while the Shroud took over his operations alongside Cat and Mouse.
Comments: Created by Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant and Steve Ditko.
His real name was revealed in Shroud's profile in OHotMU A-Z HC#10.
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CLARIFICATIONS: Appearances: Last updated: 09/04/10
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel Copyright info
The Crooked Man should not be confused with:
Marvel Preview#21 (Spring 1980) - Mark Gruenwald & Steven Grant (writers), Steve Ditko (artist), Lynn Graeme (editor)
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™ and © 1941-2099 Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
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