Knockout: The Enigmatic Villainess of DC Comics Revealed

Knockout is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe known as a supervillainess. She first appeared in Superboy (vol. 4) #1, published in February 1994. Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett created Knockout.

Knockout

First Appearance: Superboy (vol. 4) #1 (February 1994)

Created by: Karl Kesel (writer), Tom Grummett (artist)

Fictional Character Biography

Knockout is a former Female Fury warrior from the planet Apokolips, who later became a supervillainess in the DC Comics universe. She escaped to Earth and joined various teams, including the Secret Six.

Abilities

• Superhuman strength, stamina, and durability
• Regeneration
• Immortality

Team Affiliations

• Secret Six
• The Society
• Suicide Squad
• Female Furies

Notable Aliases

• Kay Fury

Fictional Character Biography

Superboy (vol. 4)

Knockout was introduced shortly after Superboy (Kon-El) moved to Hawaii. She possessed superhuman strength and was playful, often flirting with Superboy during their encounters. 

Initially, Knockout concealed her true identity by working as a super-strong stripper at a club called the BoomBoom Room. Amanda Waller later recruited her to join the Suicide Squad for a mission against the Silicon Dragons. Knockout joined forces with other members of the Suicide Squad, including Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Sidearm, and King Shark. 

However, during the mission, Knockout was believed to have been killed when the Squad left her and King Shark in an exploding base. Despite this, she later resurfaced alive and assisted Superboy in various adventures. 

Knockout’s past was revealed when it was uncovered that she was initially from Apokolips and was a former member of Granny Goodness’s Female Furies. She eventually decided to leave the Furies and ended up on Earth after escaping from Apokolips through a Boom Tube.

The Female Furies pursued Knockout to Hawaii, resulting in a battle between them, Superboy, and local law enforcement. Knockout’s violent tendencies were exposed when she killed a police officer simply because he got in her way. Although Superboy initially defended Knockout, he eventually realized the truth about her actions and brought her into custody. Knockout remained in custody for the remainder of the Superboy series, as anti-gravity restraints were used to keep her restrained.

During the Hypertension storyline, Superboy encountered various versions of Knockout during his journey through Hypertime. One notable version sacrificed herself to save Superboy and the Challengers of the Unknown from rampaging Doomsdays.

Secret Six

Knockout later joined the Secret Six alongside her lover, Scandal. The team undertook various missions, including assassinating a jail warden in North Korea. However, their celebrations were short-lived when a team of assassins targeted them. Knockout was severely injured during the attack, but her Apokoliptian regenerative abilities allowed her to recover fully. She continued to work with the Secret Six to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination attempts. 

Knockout’s loyalty to Scandal was tested when it was revealed that she had engaged in a sexual encounter with Deadshot. Knockout remained committed to Scandal despite this betrayal, and the two continued their relationship.

Knockout’s involvement with the Secret Six led to conflicts with various superhero teams, including the Birds of Prey. She engaged in a fierce battle with Big Barda, which ended inconclusively. However, Knockout’s life was tragically cut short when she was tracked and killed by Infinity Man. Before her death, Knockout made one last phone call to Scandal, whose contents remain unknown.

Post-DC Rebirth

Following her death, Knockout made a possible post-mortem appearance in a vision experienced by Scandal. However, she was later resurrected and rejoined the Secret Six. Knockout accompanied the team on a mission to Gotham City, where they encountered various superheroes and engaged in a massive battle. Knockout’s fate, along with the other members of the Secret Six, was left ambiguous as the series ended.

In subsequent series set in the New 52, Knockout and Scandal were shown to be living freely and happily together. They planned to start a family and remained devoted to each other despite their challenges.

Powers and Abilities

Knockout is a highly skilled warrior with expertise in unarmed combat. She possesses superhuman strength, stamina, and durability, typical of the New Gods of Apokolips. Additionally, Knockout has a healing factor that allows her to recover from injuries rapidly.

In Other Media

Knockout appears in the animated film Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, voiced by Cissy Jones. In the film, she works alongside her lover, Scandal Savage, under the command of Vandal Savage. Knockout’s loyalty to Scandal is tested when she is betrayed by Vandal, leading to her hospitalization.

FAQs about Knockout:

1. Who is Knockout in DC Comics?

   – Knockout is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe known as a supervillainess. She first appeared in Superboy (vol. 4) #1 in February 1994.

2. What are Knockout’s abilities?

   – Knockout possesses superhuman strength, stamina, and durability. She also can regenerate, making her nearly immortal.

3. What is Knockout’s backstory?

   – Knockout is a former Female Fury warrior from Apokolips, similar to Big Barda. However, while Barda became a superheroine, Knockout turned to villainy.

4. How did Knockout join the Secret Six?

   – Knockout joined the Secret Six alongside her lover, Scandal Savage. The team operated as antiheroes and undertook various missions together.

5. What notable storylines has Knockout been involved in?

   – Knockout has been part of storylines such as her initial encounters with Superboy, her involvement with the Suicide Squad, and her adventures with the Secret Six.

6. What happened to Knockout in the Secret Six series?

   – Knockout was critically injured during an attack on the Secret Six, but her Apokoliptian regenerative abilities allowed her to recover. She continued to be a vital member of the team.

7. Did Knockout appear in any other media?

   – Yes, Knockout appeared in the animated film “Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay,” where Cissy Jones voiced her. She worked alongside her lover, Scandal Savage, and faced off against the Suicide Squad.

8. What is Knockout’s relationship with Scandal Savage?

   – Knockout and Scandal Savage share a romantic relationship and are depicted as lovers in the comics. They have faced numerous challenges together and have remained devoted to each other.

9. Is Knockout considered a hero or a villain?

   – Knockout started as a supervillainess but later became more of an antihero, particularly during her time with the Secret Six. Her allegiance can vary depending on the storyline.

10. What is the significance of Knockout’s character in DC Comics?

    – Knockout is an intriguing character who adds depth to the DC Comics universe. Her complex backstory, abilities, and relationships with other characters make her a compelling figure in superhero lore.