Firefly
(Ted Carson (1959))
Context
DC Comics has had a confusing array of characters going by Firefly, or resembling those. But this guy only appeared once in a 1959 Batman story. So we can just call him Firefly (1959), which is simple and clear. Yay !
Background
- Real Name: Ted Carson.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Base Of Operations: Gotham City.
- Height: About 6’ Weight: About 180 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Blond
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Powers and Abilities
Carson apparently built his Firefly costume himself.
It features :
- A powerful, dazzling light in the hood.
- A vibration emitter in the belt (the “Firefly buzz”).
- And later on, some sort of energy projector to his cowl.
History
Ted Carson was a wealthy Gothamite. He owned a famous gold mine and was active within the upper society circles of Gotham.
However, the gold mine started to dry up. Thus Carson, with his athletic build and talent for technological invention, became a costumed criminal to supplement his earnings.
Carson started by robbing himself in public. During a ball in his mansion, he slipped away and came back as the Firefly. Then he robbed the numerous gold-themed exhibits in his own home. The Firefly then embarked on a crime spree.
Bat-people
Confusion arose when Kathy Kane, the Batwoman, spotted Carson changing into some sort of costume. That was shortly before the Batman tried to apprehend the Firefly.
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Being fixated on discovering the Baman’s secret identity so they could date, she jumped to the wrong conclusion. Kane thought Carson was Batman.
She started dating Carson, to Bruce Wayne’s dismay. And when she learned the Firefly was about to attack, she told Carson she knew he was Batman and needed his urgent help.
Carson changed into the Firefly and captured Batwoman. But the Batman had also deduced where his next crime would take place and intervened. The Firefly was about to shoot him and Robin with his new energy beam when Batwoman, who had escaped, saved them. Firefly was then defeated and arrested.
Description
See illustration.
Personality
Bland, late Golden Age villain.
He sort of dramatically announces everything he does.
He plans Golden Age crimes.
You know the type.
Quotes
“Yes ! Like my namesake the firefly, I can flash a light whenever I wish ! All it takes is this button on my belt !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Firefly (1959)
| Dex: 04 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 03 | Occupation: Wealthy mine owner |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 03 | Resources {or Wealth}: 010 |
| Init: 011 | HP: 015 |
Skills:
Gadgetry: 05
Advantages:
None demonstrated.
Connections:
Underworld (Low).
Drawbacks:
Secret ID.
Equipment:
FIREFLY COSTUME [BODY 05, Flash: 08, Heat vision: 06, Vibe: 05].
Source of Character: Batman #126.
Helper(s): Roy Cowan.