SILHOUETTE

Real Name: Lamar Canfield

Identity/Class: Human (World War 2 Era)

Occupation: Crimefighter

Affiliations: Harry, Margo Payne

Enemies: Dominic Fortune

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: New York

First Appearance: Hulk! Magazine#25 (February, 1981)

Powers/Abilities: The Silhouette possessed a flame-red, soul-searching, mind-mincing gemstone which, theoretically, would sap his enemies of their willpower. In practice, it left much to be desired. He was also a master of disappearing into the shadows, likely aided by his all-black ensemble.

History: (Hulk! Magazine#25/3)- On Christmas Eve, 1937, the Silhouette learnt that the British ambassador, Sir Reginald Fortesque would be either kidnapped or killed by a man named Dominic. Believing that the "Dominic" in question was the adventurer Dominic Fortune (the only Dominic on the guest list), he confronted Fortune and his companion Sabbath Raven at a bar with his friend Harry, but Fortune knocked Harry out with one blow. Silhouette attempted to sap Fortune's willpower with his gemstone, but it had no affect-- Fortune beat him, and threw him out.

The Silhouette assaulted Fortune again later that evening as he prepared to attend the ambassador's reception. The Silhouette greeted Fortune with his "bone-chilling laugh", but Fortune thought "it's supposed to be spooky I guess. To me, he sounds more like Popeye with the hiccups." Fortune again easily defeated Silhouette ("What he lacks in style he certainly makes up in persistence."), and the Silhouette quickly vanished into the shadows.

The Silhouette attended the ambassador's reception as Lamar Canfield, alongside his constant companion Margo Payne. Dominic Fortune recognized him as the Silhouette immediately, but Lamar denied the accusation.

Sir Reginald was kidnapped by the Dominic who the Silhouette had heard of, disguised as a Santa Claus. As Dominic Fortune set after the blimp which the other Dominic had imprisoned Sir Reginald aboard of, the Silhouette again appeared to confront him, still believing him to be his foe. Fortune knocked him out again, remarking "If I wasn't in a hurry, I'd tie you into tiny little knots and send you to a boy scout troop." Ultimately, Fortune saved Sir Reginald.

Comments: Created by Denny O'Neil and Howard Chaykin.

The Silhouette is, of course, a parody of the pulp/radio adventure hero the Shadow, from his physical appearance, alter ego (Lamont Cranston on the radio), powers and ring, right down to his "constant" female companion.

Denny O'Neil wrote The Shadow comic book published by DC during the 1970's, and also wrote the Shadow: Hitler's Astrologer graphic novel which Marvel published.

Other Shadow homage/parodies in the Marvel Universe:

• Old Man, the alleged predecessor to the power of Cloak--Cloak & Dagger III#2
• Shade, @ Amazing Spider-Man II#40. He usurped the power from a magical ceremony by a Richard Cranston, while one of the cops investigating the case was Lt. William Lamont.
• Lamont Sanford, however, has no connection. He's just a BIG DUMMY! Just ask his dad.

by Prime Eternal

CLARIFICATIONS:
Silhouette should not be confused with:

• Silhouette, daughter of Andrew Chord, member of the New Warriors, @ New Warriors I#2
• Silhouette, a New Jersey-based super-hero, @ B-Sides#1

Non-Marvel Copyright info
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