Blackheart
First Appearance: Daredevil 270
What's His Problem? As the son of Mephisto, Blackheart was born to raise heck. From the beginning, he plotted to take over his father's realm, certain he could run it with a better understanding of humanity's good and evil nature. Since succeeding in usurping his father's place in the cosmos, Blackheart is attempting to broaden his power structure, and has taken his dad's interest in "heroic" souls.
Powers: Blackheart has the ability to take different forms and confuse the minds of other people, making their worst aspects dominant. He also displayed an impressive healing ability, regenerating whenever Mephisto tried to "discipline" him. Since becoming the Lord of Hell, it can be assumed Blackheart has all the powers Mephisto once held.
Favorite Quote:"Mephisto, have you ever stopped to wonder just what it is you are doing in Hell? Or as you call it, the Netherworld? This is the realm of the accursed! Why do you think you are here?" (Daredevil 282, Blackheart argues with his father about the nature of evil.)
Heroes He Keeps Running Into: Blackheart first locked horns with Daredevil and Spider-Man as part of his "training." Blackheart has also attempted to corrupt Number Nine, a genetic construct who befriended Daredevil, as well as the Inhumans Gorgon and Karnak. Teaming up with the Grim Reaper, Mephisto's offspring tried to break Wonder Man's spirit. Blackheart tempted the Ghost Rider, Wolverine and the Punisher with their fondest desires if they would help him destroy Mephisto, but they turned him down rather forcefully.
People Who Think He's Not So Bad: Keep in mind who we're talking about here! Mephisto had high hopes for his son, but kept grinding Blackheart down when he wouldn't shut up. Ever since taking over the Netherealm, all the demons there follow Blackheart as they did Mephisto. How Blackheart gets along with his sister, Mephista, is anyone's guess.
Most Despicable Act: Blackheart took over the entire town of Christ's Crown as part of his plan to use Wolverine, the Punisher and Ghost Rider to destroy Mephisto. Recent issues of Ghost Rider hint that he may be behind the kidnapping of Johnny Blaze's children.
Wait A Minute... Jeanne the editor here. Yep, it gets confusing; isn't Daimon Hellstorm in charge of the demonic afterworld these days? Where does Blackheart, the son of Mephisto, fit in with the Son of Satan? Is it possible they are different aspects of the same entity, as Mephisto and Satan are sometimes considered to be? And what about Scarecrow's brain? All these questions and more may be answered in the years to come! Or not...
by Bobby Coakley
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