The Intergang first appearance in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133, released on August 25, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in comic book history. It wasn’t just the debut of a new criminal organization; it was one of the first major shots fired in Jack Kirby’s revolutionary “Fourth World” saga at DC Comics. When Kirby, the legendary co-creator of many of Marvel’s most iconic characters, moved to DC, he brought with him a cosmic vision that would forever change the landscape of their universe. This issue served as a crucial building block, introducing a street-level threat that was merely the tip of a terrifying, otherworldly iceberg, directly connecting the gritty streets of Metropolis to the fiery pits of Apokolips.
The creative team for this landmark issue was spearheaded by the master himself. The story was written and penciled by Jack Kirby, with inks by Vince Colletta, letters by John Costanza, and editorial oversight by E. Nelson Bridwell. Their combined efforts created a story that felt both grounded and epic in scope.
Unpacking the Intergang First Appearance in Jimmy Olsen #133
In this issue, Jimmy Olsen and the new Newsboy Legion find themselves investigating the mysterious “Wild Area,” a section of Metropolis cordoned off from the public. Their investigation leads them to a conspiracy involving Morgan Edge, the powerful head of the Galaxy Broadcasting System (and owner of the Daily Planet). While Edge presents a charismatic public face, he is secretly in league with a new criminal empire known as Intergang. The story introduces the group’s brutish leader, Bruno “Ugly” Mannheim, who operates with a level of ruthlessness and technology far beyond typical organized crime.
What truly set Intergang apart was its backing. Mannheim wasn’t just a gangster; he was a disciple. He received his orders and advanced weaponry directly from the dark god himself, Darkseid of Apokolips. This was a game-changer. Suddenly, Superman wasn’t just fighting mobsters; he was fighting the terrestrial agents of a cosmic tyrant. Darkseid’s goal was to use Intergang to destabilize Earth and hunt for the elusive Anti-Life Equation, the very formula that would give him control over all sentient life. This first appearance established Intergang as a formidable foe, capable of challenging even the Man of Steel with technology that defied explanation. The aformentioned Comic Book Covers for this era were truly something special.
Intergang’s Evolution After Crisis
Following the universe-altering events of Crisis on Infinite Earths, the history of Intergang was further fleshed out, adding new layers to its sinister operations. In the Post-Crisis continuity, Morgan Edge’s role was retconned. He was initially established as the leader of Intergang, though he believed his Apokoliptian contact was Darkseid. In reality, he was being manipulated by the master of torture, Desaad, whose only goal was to sow chaos and suffering for his own amusement. This added a tragic element to Edge’s character, portraying him as a pawn in a much larger, more sadistic game.
After Edge suffered a stress-induced heart attack, Bruno Mannheim took direct control, having been personally trained on Apokolips by the fearsome Granny Goodness. This new origin made Mannheim an even more menacing figure, directly molded by the horrors of Darkseid’s regime. The organization became a core part of Superman’s rogues’ gallery, a persistent threat that blended organized crime with cosmic horror. For fans of new comics, understanding Intergang’s roots is essential to appreciating their modern appearances. This intricate history is a testament to the enduring power of Kirby’s creations, which continue to be explored by DC Comics today.
In conclusion, the Intergang first appearance was far more than just another villain debut. It was the moment Jack Kirby began weaving his grand cosmic tapestry into the fabric of Metropolis, establishing a direct line between earthly crime and the gods of Apokolips. This single issue laid the groundwork for decades of storytelling, creating a versatile and terrifying threat that continues to challenge the heroes of the DC Universe. The team at Comic Book Addicts has long followed their history, and it all started here. It remains a fantastic example of world-building from one of the industry’s greatest minds, proving that even a street-level gang can have cosmic consequences. We are one of the best comic book websites around.
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