Jack-in-the-Box

Jack-in-the-Box

Famously described on his debut as a "goofy clown," Jack-in-the-Box has become one of the most easily identifiable and popular heroes of Astro City. Almost as famous for his love of wordplay during a battle as for the battles themselves, Jack has attracted considerable attention from the media and the public, not all of it positive. Since the start of his career in 1964, he has been the subject of debates about his background, motivations and alliances. No outstanding warrants remain on the books, but Jack-in-the-Box has previously been suspected of several crimes, most notably the murder of Captain J.Wolfe.

History

His origin traces back to a dispute with the WhamCo toy company, which attempted to prove his involvement in a number of criminal cases. It should be noted that WhamCo was later found to be party to a considerable number of criminal operations itself. Most of Jack's other brushes with the law have been resolved in this fashion, usually after Jack himself has produced verifiable evidence of his innocence.

Another notable trait of this costumed adventurer is the length of his service. Debuting in 1964 and still going strong in 2005, Jack has only been inactive for a brief, six-year period (1983-1989), seemingly killed in the enormous explosion that destroyed most of Torres Island fighting The Weirdies who were working for the Underlord. Presumed dead, Jack re-emerged, seemingly as fit and capable as ever.

In truth, there have been three Jack-in-the-Boxes. The first was Jack Johnson, who became Jack-in-the-Box when he found out that WhamCo was using his toy inventions as weapons, then continued as a hero after defeating WhamCo. He is presumed dead from the aforementioned explosion. The second Jack-in-the-Box was his son, Zachary Johnson, who became Jack-in-the-Box as a vehicle to avenge his father's death, and then, continued the his father's legacy. He retired when his wife (television news anchor Tamra Dixon) became pregnant, fearing that he would die and leave his child fatherless, as had happened to him. He recruited Roscoe James, the leader of a neighborhood group of teens called the Trouble Boys, to be his protegee.

Powers

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Equipment

His most well known tools include the "footapults" - used to generate amazing leaps, and the apparent source of some of his amazing athletic feats - "handsprings" - used in close range combat - as well as rubber noses that deliver an electric shock comparable to a police taser, and 'confetti' - apparently a multi-chain thermoplastic resin that hardens on contact - usually used to restrain criminals that Jack has caught or disabled. He has also been known to carry other gadgets in his satchel, and even devise impromptu gadgets at the scene of a conflict or emergency.

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Observations

As Zachary Johnson, he met his sons from alternate dimensions, and after seeing how viciously his "sons" treated criminals, he defeated them in battle. One of his sons, The Jackson, promised to get vengeance upon Zachary.

Mr. Smartie Notes: Let's design/build a Rogues Gallery - visual construct

Some of Jack-in-the-Box's recurring or most well-known foes.

   Brass Monkey
   The Deacon
   The Human Weasel
   Junkman
   Prospero
   Smoke& Mirrors
   Underlord

Mr. Smartie Notes: update image for Roscoe - just a place holder now