WRECKER

Real Name: Frank Smith

Identity/Class: Human

Occupation: Extortionist

Group Membership: Leader of his own gang

Affiliations: His gang

Enemies: Giant-Man, Wasp

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: New York City

First Appearance: Tales To Astonish#63 (January, 1965)

Powers: None. The Wrecker wielded fire bombs to destroy buildings. To combat Giant-Man and the Wasp, he used DDT spray, a gas bomb, and a bear trap.

Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 163 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black

History: (Tales To Astonish#63 (fb) ) - The Wrecker was a masked figure and leader of his own gang, who would extort businesses for protection money. Those that did not comply were burned down by him and, despite their best efforts, the police had proven unable to capture him.

Told of the Wrecker's doings by the police, Giant-Man and the Wasp (in their civilian identities) convinced a store owner named Mr. Smith to sell them his store. Soon enough, the Wrecker sent his men to rough the two up, but Pym and Van Dyne turned the tables, and sent his men running instead.

Furious, the Wrecker switched to "Plan W". While he burned down buildings, his men distracted all the police in the city. But when the Wrecker came to the store owned by Giant-Man and the Wasp, he found them waiting! His men were easily defeated, and while he put up a tremendous fight--nearly killing the Wasp with a can of DDT and catching Giant-Man's foot in a bear trap-- he was captured by Giant-Man and turned over to the authorities, who unmasked him, revealing him as the Mr. Smith who had sold the shop in the first place!

Comments: Created by Stan Lee and Carl Burgos.

Compare this story to that of the Protector.

I'm afraid the logic of the Wrecker's plan escapes me. He sells his store...then starts roughing it up?

Wrecker has an entry in Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook. He received a first name in his later entry in OHotMU A-Z HC#13.

by Prime Eternal

Clarifications: The Wrecker should not be confused with:

• Karzz, the Conqueror, Avengers foe @ The Avengers Battle the Earth-Wrecker
• Wrecker, Karl Kort, @ Fantastic Four I#12
• Wrecker, Dirk Garthwaite of the Wrecking Crew, @ Thor I#148