History: (Leading Comics #2) - The Black Star contacted notorious criminals Captain Bigg, Brain, Falseface, Hopper and Rattler, only communicating through pre-recorded movie reels, and provided them with a flawless plan to rob a bank. They posed as city workers, and broke a water main. The hydraulic pressure wrecked the bank's wall, and they robbed it, affording their escape by changing clothes and impersonating police officers. They collected another set of movie reels, and Black Star told them he was splitting them up for their crime wave. He assured them that if they followed his instructions to the letter they'd succeed, but if they failed he would track them down and have his vengeance. The hardened criminals all agreed that they were glad they didn't have to meet Black Star face to face, because he gave them the willies. The Seven Soldiers of Victory became interested in the case, and discovered the film detailing Black Star's plans. The Rattler was sent after a rare stamp owned by three men in Big City. He killed two of them, and his torture techniques forced them to reveal that Mr. Wilkins, who had physical possession of the stamp, was staying at the Sixty Kiddie Club, where seniors got to relive their formative years. Rattler disguised himself as a senior, and booked himself in. He had his gang of thugs dress up as Native Americans and set fire to the place to force Wilkins to save his stamp, but Vigilante and Billy Gunn interfered, ruining his plan. Vigilante found his gang's hideout, but Rattler got the drop on him with a gun, and tied the heroes up in the desert next to a poisonous snake. Rattler decided to torture Wilkins, and left the heroes to die. They escaped, but Rattler fended them off, knocking out Vigilante with a rock before fleeing. Back at the Club, Vigilante caught up with him, seeing through his disguise because his hands were stained red from the rock he used, and took him into custody. Black Star had planned for his henchmen to fail all along, and was pleased at Rattler's lack of success.

Comments: Created by Mort Weisinger & Mort Meskin.

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