James Jesse
James Jesse is a male comic supervillain who features in DC Comics.
Contents |
Biography
Pre-Crisis
James Jesse was a blonde haired male human born in the modern age to a family of wire walkers called the Flying Jesses who operated at a circus. (The Flash v1 #113)
As the Trickster, he adopted a flamboyant harlequin-inspired costume and using an arsenal of joke-based weapons and gimmicks to commit robberies. Having grown tired of the straight-and-narrow circus life, he leveraged his natural acrobatic skills and inventive genius to create devices such as explosive rubber chickens, spring-loaded boxing gloves, and jet-powered shoes that allowed him to run on air. His debut crime spree targeted banks, jewelers, and other high-value establishments in Central City, often leaving the scene in a cloud of comedic chaos to baffle authorities. When the Flash intervened, the Trickster used his aerial agility and gadgets to evade capture multiple times, including a midair battle where his shoes allowed him to remain just out of the Scarlet Speedster’s reach. Ultimately, the Flash adapted to Jesse’s unpredictable movement patterns, cut off his escape route, and apprehended him, marking the start of a recurring rivalry. (The Flash v1 #113)
The Trickster returned with an even broader array of gimmicks and a more theatrical approach to his crimes. He staged robberies in public spaces, often using his gadgets to create distractions—such as clouds of multi-colored smoke, trick confetti laced with irritants, and toy-like drones—to confuse crowds and disorient police. This spree included an elaborate scheme to rob a traveling circus by disguising himself among the performers, using the big top as cover to test new gadgets, including his enhanced air-walking shoes with improved manoeuvrability. The Flash again became aware of Jesse’s activities and pursued him through a combination of high-speed chases and aerial confrontations. Although the Trickster’s unpredictable patterns and mid-air stunts prolonged the pursuit, the Flash was able to disable Jesse’s propulsion system, forcing him to the ground and leading to his arrest. (The Flash v1 #124)
Post-Crisis
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events. James Jesse
One account held that this was actually a stage name and that his actual name was Giovanni Giuseppe whose family were from Napoli. (Secret Origins v2 #41)
He was working at a project at the F.B.I. headquarters in Chicago when he found that the Pied Piper had broken into his office and was asking for his help. (The Flash v2 #189) James, however, refused to work with a murderer and attempted to apprehend Rathaway but Hartley used rats to distract Jesse. During this fight, more FBI agents attempted to help him but Rathway used his flute to cause them to knock each other out. Pied Piper then fled the scene as he went on the run and did not want to return to Iron Heights. Afterwards, he received a call from Wally West who had uncovered evidence to indicate Pied Piper had been framed for the death of his parents. (The Flash v2 #190)
Afterwards, he came to lament his life at how he had never fulfilled his grand ambitions in being a criminal. During this time, he came to hear that his fellow Rogues had died recently and the Trickster vowed to make a big score. He teamed up with the Rainbow Raider who had a score which was an armoured car filled with money though Jesse was not impressed at the job. During their conversation, he came to learn that someone was offering mystical candles to various supervillains and asked that they be lit at midnight. Intrigued, James came to steal it from the Rainbow Raider and lit the candle at the appointed hour leading to be transported to a place alongside numerous supervillains. They were then met by their host the demon Neron who offered everyone power in exchange for a piece of their souls. Half came to refuse and were returned back to Earth whilst others accepted the deal and thus became empowered by the demon. Trickster managed to stay behind with Neron claiming to had foreseen that Jesse would steal a candle to attend the gathering. (Underworld Unleashed v1 #1)
Though not actively involved in the incident, Piped Piper felt guilty as the rest of the Rogues in bringing about Bart Allen's death. As such, both Piper and Trickster decided to attend the funeral of the young hero from the side lines though James was reluctant at doing so in the event of them being caught. After hearing a speech by Wonder Girl, the two decided to flee and go their separate ways. (Countdown v1 #43) However, on their way out, they were ambushed by Multiplex and Deadshot who arrested the two villains. (Countdown v1 #42)
The two came to hide out in the wine cellar of the Iceberg Lounge after asking Penguin for a favour. However, Cobblepot betrayed them and notified the Suicide Squad who came to capture the pair again leading to Trickster and Pied Piper going on the run again. (Countdown v1 #40)
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events. James Jesse was born in the modern age to parents who were circus acrobats that were noted conmen. From a young age, he had an interest in books and reading which was something his parents disapproved of as they wanted him to devote himself to their craft. They came to operate as tightrope walkers at the Central City Circus where they decided to tailor themselves after the Flying Graysons in order to try profit from their fame by calling themselves the Flying Jesses. When the Graysons died, the Jesses sought to capitalise on their death by performing what they claimed to be the most dangerous stunt in the world. James Jesse was scared of some of these acts and he had no desire to be a circus performer. After his parents forced him to perform one dangerous act, James decided to leave the circus where he performed his first con at S.T.A.R. Labs where he tricked a woman into revealing the company's secrets which he sold to LexCorp. (The Flash v5 #66)
James became a masterful con-man, believing himself to be the greatest con-man alive. During a long con at S.T.A.R. Labs James gained access to a pair of Anti-Gravity Boots which allowed him to walk on air. James soon began calling himself the Trickster, becoming one of the Flash's first enemies, who constantly tried to stop Trickster's cons. (The Flash v5 #66)
At some point, James conned the demon Neron. (The Flash v5 #68)
Trickster later brainwashes Big Sir, Bug-Eyed Bandit, Copperhead, Rag Doll, Razer, the Rogues including Golden Girder, Heat Wave, Mirror Master, and Weather Wizard, Shrapnel, Tar Pit, Top, and Trigger Twins while having abducted Gregory Wolfe and also brainwashed Axel Walker into being his right-hand man. He meets with his parents on the roof and asks if they are proud of him. When he is not impressed, Trickster pushes his parents off the roof as they are saved by Flash. With help from technology provided by Commander Cold, Flash tried to look for Trickster who managed to get away. (The Flash v5 #69)
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, Trickster was a male human of athletic build, with short blond hair and a youthful, mischievous expression. In his first appearance, he wore a form-fitting yellow bodysuit accented with sky-blue diamond patterns across the torso, legs, and sleeves, paired with matching gloves and boots. His mask, also blue, covered his eyes and extended in a sharp outline over the upper half of his face, leaving his mouth and chin exposed. The costume’s vibrant colors reinforced his playful yet dangerous persona, visually echoing the motif of a classic circus performer or jester while allowing freedom of movement for his acrobatics and aerial stunts. (The Flash v1 #113)
He considered himself the greatest con man to had ever lived in the world. As such, he wanted to be remembered by everyone in Central City. (The Flash v5 #66)
From a young age, he developed a passion for reading books which kept his primary focus. The stories he read were about his heroes that concerned people with honor which gave him hope. These stories served as a means for him to escape reality which was why he enjoyed reading them. (The Flash v5 #66) From childhood, instead of circus work he was more obsessed with reading stories particularly those surrounding Jesse James. (The Flash v1 #113)
He embarked on a life of crime in order to begin a more exciting life and took inspiration from his name sake Jesse James. (The Flash v1 #113)
James did not care much for his parents as they often abused and treated him badly. (The Flash v5 #66)
Powers and abilities
Trickster was an ordinary human being with no superhuman powers or enhanced abilities. His physiology reflected that of a well-trained aerialist, giving him exceptional balance, agility, flexibility, and reflexes, all honed from his upbringing in the circus. While his natural athleticism made him a formidable opponent in acrobatic combat or evasive situations, his primary edge came from his inventive genius and mastery of gadgetry. Most notably, he engineered his signature jet-powered air-walking shoes, capable of propelling him through the air and allowing for complex aerial maneuvers. His skill in designing and deploying non-lethal yet highly effective joke-based weapons and devices compensated for his lack of physical enhancements, enabling him to challenge even the Flash under the right circumstances. (The Flash v1 #113)
From a young age, he showed the capacity for inventing gadgets such as special shoes that could shoot out compressed air as a form of jet propulsion with this not being seen by others. (The Flash v1 #113) These were among his first gadgets which were referred to as airwalker shoes. (Secret Origins v2 #41)
Notes
- The James Jesse Trickster was created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino where he made his first appearance in The Flash v1 #113 (July, 1960).
Alternate Versions
In other media
Television
- In The Flash, James Montgomery Jesse appeared in the setting of the 1990s live-action television series where he was portrayed by actor Mark Hamill.
- In Justice League Unlimited, the James Jesse Trickster appeared in the animated television series set in the DC Animated Universe where he appeared in the episode "Flash and Substance" and voiced by actor Mark Hamill.
- In The Flash, the James Jesse Trickster appeared in the setting of the live-action television series set in the Arrowverse where he was portrayed by actor actor Mark Hamill.
Appearances
- The Flash v1: (1960)
- Underworld Unleashed v1:
- Countdown v1:
- The Flash v5:
External Links
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