William Norris (Earth-ABC)

From DC Database

Contents 1 History 1.1 1940s 1.2 1960s 1.3 2000s 2 Powers and Abilities 2.1 Powers 2.2 Abilities 3 Paraphernalia 3.1 Weapons 4 Notes 5 See Also 6 Links and References 6.1 Footnotes

History

1940s

Crime fighter during the 1940s.

He was, at one point, number one on the Gestapo's wanted list.^[2]

Norris was described as "American student stranded in occupied Europe."^[3]

The Grim Reaper was often shown working behind enemy lines in the German underground. While getting a machine that broadcasts electrical sparks that short circuit any motor within range, including planes, out of Germany, the Reaper made his way to England.^[4]

During an as yet unrevealed adventure, the 5th-Dimensional being Dr. Nobody magically extended the lifespans of SMASH members, along with other heroes. That, combined no doubt with other encounters with magic/time travel/etc., enabled Norris to remain active for several decades.

1960s

Imprisoned in suspended animation in 1969 with the other members of SMASH.

2000s

Revived by Tom Strong in 2000.^[5]

Accepted a job from organized crime to eliminate the Terror 2000 program and was killed in the process.^[6]

He was buried in a ceremony for Lance Lewis, American Eagle and Eaglet. It was decided that it reflected better on SMASH if people thought he died as a hero.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

None

Abilities

• Skilled in hand to hand combat
• Swordsmanship

Paraphernalia

Weapons

Guns, energy sword

Notes

• Historical First Appearance: Fighting Yank #7 (February 1944)
• Origin: Wonder Comics #2 (1944)

See Also

• Discuss William Norris (Earth-ABC) on the forums
• Appearances of William Norris (Earth-ABC)
• Character Gallery: William Norris (Earth-ABC)
• Fan-Art Gallery: William Norris (Earth-ABC)
• Quotations by William Norris (Earth-ABC)
• Images featuring William Norris (Earth-ABC)

Links and References

• The Grim Reaper at Wikipedia
• Grim Reaper entry at Herowatcher's SMASH site
• Wonder Comics Covers
• Wonder Comics #11 (April 1947) online reprint
• Wonder Comics #16 online reprint
• Nedor-A-Day
• Public Domain Super-Heroes
• Project Superpowers
  

Footnotes

1. ↑ Wonder Comics #11 (April 1947) online reprint
2. ↑ Wonder Comics #2
3. ↑ Wonder Comics #3
4. ↑ Wonder Comics #4
5. ↑ Tom Strong #12
6. ↑ Terra Obscura #1

ABC Character(s) This character, team, organization or group of characters exists under the continuity of the America's Best Comics company/imprint, and its respectively owned titles. America's Best Comics was originally an independent publisher, started by notable creator Alan Moore, but was bought by WildStorm Productions, a subsidiary of DC Comics, making all its material DC property. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Earth-ABC Characters category."