KING ARTHUR

Real Name: Arthur (last name unrevealed)

Identity/Class: Human

Occupation: Wrestling trainer, criminal, former champion wrestler

Group Membership: Leader of his own gang

Affiliations: U.S. Olympic Committee

Enemies: Mr. X, Jumpin' Jack Flash, Captain America

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: Impersonated Mr. X

Base of Operations: New York City

First Appearance: Captain America I#271 (July, 1982)

Powers: Arthur claimed to be "virtually super-human" thanks to the steroids he took, but that was probably the drugs talking. Regardless, his strength and stamina levels were easily peak human.

History: A champion costumed wrestler, King Arthur lost the use of his legs in an accident in the ring. He then became a trainer for other wrestlers, such as Jumpin' Jack Flash, and his success brought him to the attention of the U.S. Olympic Committee, who asked him to train the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. However, the success of his wrestlers was mainly due to the steroids he had supplied them with. Arthur had taken steroids himself, and had regained the use of his legs, becoming much stronger as a result, but kept his increased mobility secret. When Jumpin' Jack Flash threatened to reveal the steroid scandal, Arthur decided it was time to act.

(Captain America I#271)- On the evening of Jumpin' Jack Flash's bout with the masked wrestler Mr. X, Arthur drugged Mr. X, and went out in his place, wearing his costume. Arthur killed Jack Flash in the ring, pinning Mr. X for the crime. Captain America took an interest in the murder, and offered to fight Mr. X in the ring, on the condition that he surrender to the authorities if he lost. Mr. X failed, and King Arthur seemed to be in the clear, until Captain America examined videotapes of the two Mr. Xs, and realized they were not the same man. King Arthur attempted to murder Captain America, ranting how, "I am the forger of a new ideal that for the strong, all action is acceptable! Might makes right!". Arthur even murdered one of his own men, when he tried to capture Arthur in exchange for his freedom. Ultimately, Arthur could not match the fighting prowess of Captain America, lost, and was arrested for murder.

Comments: Created by David Kraft and Alan Kupperberg.

by Prime Eternal

Clarifications: King Arthur should not be confused with:

• King Arthur of Camelot, @ Black Knight I#1

Mr. X should not be confused with:

• Mr. X, Wolverine foe, @ Wolverine#159
• X the Marvel, Willie Dancer, or X the Marvel, another professional wrestler, @ Power-Man#27