HORST LEDERER

Real Name: Horst Lederer

Identity/Class: Human (World War 2-Era)

Occupation: Servant of the Red Skull, former soldier

Group Membership: A.I.M.

Affiliations: Red Skull, Wolfgang

Enemies: Captain America

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Skullhouse
formerly, Berlin, Germany, 1940's

First Appearance: Tales of Suspense I#79 (July, 1966)

Powers/Abilities: Horst was once outfitted with a hypno-helmet which enabled him to render himself unnoticeable to select bystanders. He usually wielded a pistol, and had access to advanced skycycles.

History: (Captain America Annual#13 (fb) ) - Horst was one of the German soldiers assigned to guard the Red Skull's bunker as it was invaded by Captain America, the Spirit of '76, the Patriot and the Red Guardian. The bunker was ultimately bombed by the British, and Horst was buried alive alongside the Red Skull and his fellow soldier Wolfgang.

(Tales of Suspense I#79 (fb) ) - Kept alive for decades by the experimental gas of Arnim Zola which the Red Skull had possessed, Horst was finally revived along with Wolfgang and the Red Skull by A.I.M., after they excavated the bunker. Horst joined his allies in swearing allegiance to A.I.M.

(Tales of Suspense I#79) - Horst and Wolfgang met with the Red Skull after some of their operatives wielding hypno-helmets made an attempt on the life of Captain America. Horst was then sent out to finish Captain America himself, using the hypno-helmet to convince Captain America that he was going mad. Horst finally attempted to slay Captain America by using the hypno-helmet to make him virtually invisible, but Captain America had guessed his secret, and had equipped himself with a jamming device. Captain America defeated Horst, and turned the helmet over to S.H.I.E.L.D.

(Captain America I#294) - Over time, the experimental gas wore off on both Horst and the Red Skull, causing them to age rapidly. Horst continued to serve the Red Skull faithfully at Skullhouse, tending to his needs. Once as he was serving the Red Skull his tea, he cautioned the Red Skull to calm down; the Skull responded by striking Horst in the head with his cane and admonishing him, demanding that Horst remember who his master was. He then ordered Horst out of his sight.

(Captain America I#295) - Horst died the following day in his sleep. The Red Skull remained at his bedside to watch him-- not because he cared for Horst, but so that he could study the effects of death.

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Frank Giacoia.

Horst's last name was revealed in Marvel Atlas#1.

by Prime Eternal

CLARIFICATIONS:
Horst should not be confused with:


Images taken from:
Captain America I#294, page 17, panel 2
Tales of Suspense I#79, page 4, panel 2


Tales of Suspense I#79 (July, 1966) - Stan Lee (writer/editor), Jack Kirby (writer/pencils), Frank Giacoia (inks)
Captain America I#294-295 (June-July, 1984) - J.M. DeMatteis (writer), Paul Neary (pencils), Joe Rubinstein (#294) & Brett Breeding (#295) (inks), Mark Gruenwald (editor)
Captain America Annual #13 (1994) - Roy Thomas (writer), Arvell Jones (pencils), David & Dan Day (inks), Mike Rockwitz (editor)

First Posted: 07/24/2004
Last updated: 07/24/2004

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

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