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| As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
I am Lion-Mane! King of All Beasts! Chosen by the Lion God to walk the plains in his image! 
- — Lord Lion-Mane src
Lion-Mane is a warlord in Africa, who runs multiple diamond mines, arms and drugs deals. He is a member of Menagerie and one of Batwing's many adversaries.
History
Origin
Who the creature called Lord Lion-Mane really is or how he became the creature he is today remain largely unknown. What is known is that he appeared suddenly and rose quickly in power among the criminal warlords of central Africa, primarily through blood diamonds and arms deals. He was said to be reborn and transformed by the Cult of Apedamak with the purpose of building the Ishtar's gate and unleashing plague of lions on anyone dare to threaten his followers.[1] Taking three female warriors as brides, Lion-Mane built a palace for his family near his largest mine, guarded at all times by armed mercenaries and a plague of Tsavo Lions.[2]
Welcome to the Family
Lord Lion-Mane made his first appearance when Batwing attacked his diamond mine in Africa. As Batwing made his way to Lion-Mane's mansion, he sent the Tsav-Lions out to attack. As the lions were defeated, Lion-Mane revealed himself, belittling Batwing as he sent his three wives, Shango, Qandisa, and Ngai to kill the hero. However, Batwing was unstoppable and quickly defeated the three. By this time, Lion-Mane immediately launched relentless assaults on the hero, overwhelming and quickly defeating him.[1] Despite taking the upper hand, Lion-Mane was unable to kill Batwing as he turned the table on the beast, shocking Lion-Mane with electricity. Lion-mane quickly recovered and overcame all of Batwing's gadgets with his brute strength but then was defeated by the Batmobile as it smashed onto his back. Batwing then left him back at the mine for the Interpol to clean up. As he was being transferred on an aircraft, the Maranbuta hijacked the airplane with an intent to execute Lion-Mane. However, they were underestimated the beast, or so claimed God, Lion-Mane quickly overwhelmed and massacred everyone on the plane and left, vowing to kill Batwing.[2]
Forever Evil
As the Crime Syndicate took over the world, Lion-Mane joined Cheetah's Menagerie and attacked Steve Trevor and Killer Frost at Central Park. While being imprisoned, Steve Trevor concluded that many members of Menagerie often worked alone so for Lion-Mane and others to be part of this team, they must have been brainwashed by Cheetah and the Lasso of Truth. Seeing that they had captured an A.R.G.U.S. member, Lion-Mane demanded to be the first to devour him as his diamond mine was shut down by A.R.G.U.S.. However, Lion-Mane and the Menageries were stopped once Killer Frost able to gain back her power from killing Mäuschen and froze the remaining members.[3]
Lion-Mane was on a rampage in Midway City before being subdued by Flash.[4]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
- Unique Physiology: Lion-Mane is a lion-like beast with a centaur-like build and is said to be empowered by the Lion God.[1] He has a man's torso, a lion's head and lion's lower body.[2]
- Accelerated Healing: Lion-Mane's wounds can heal quickly and he appeared to have high pain tolerance.[2]
- Claws: Lion-Mane's claws tear through metal and bone.[2]
- Fangs: Lion-Mane routinely eats his victims.[2]
- Superhuman Durability: Lion-Mane's skin cannot be harmed by conventional weaponry.[2]
- Superhuman Speed: Lion-Mane's can move faster than his body should be able to. Despite his size he can outmaneuver a smaller, faster target like Batwing.[2]
- Superhuman Strength: Lion-Mane has the strength of a god, and can tear bodies apart despite their advanced armor, at least in the case of the Marabunta.[2]
Abilities
- Intimidation: Lion-Mane's animalistic tendencies and physical appearance makes him a menace force.[2]
- Leadership: Lion-Mane is a sadistic warlord that runs multiple criminal activities.[1]
Notes
- Lion-Mane was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson, first appearing in Hawkman #20. However, in the Prime Earth continuity, Lion-Mane first appeared as part of the New 52 DC Universe in Batwing #20 by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, and Eduardo Pansica.
Trivia
- Lion-Mane's description is similar to the Liontaurs and Wemics of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise.
Recommended Reading
Related
- 14 Appearances of Lion-Mane (Prime Earth)
- 6 Images featuring Lion-Mane (Prime Earth)
- 2 Quotations by or about Lion-Mane (Prime Earth)
- Character Gallery: Lion-Mane (Prime Earth)
Footnotes
  Batman Villain(s) |
 Secret Society of Super-Villains member |