Vigilante
- Real name
- Greg Saunders
- Appearances
- 411
- Agility
- Stamina
- Intellect
- Weapon Master
- Unarmed Combat
- Tracking
- Marksmanship
- Stealth
Greg Saunders, also known as the Vigilante, is a character from DC Comics who first appeared in "Superman: 'The Empire in the Sky'" (#42). Created by Mort Weisinger and Mort Meskin, Saunders is a cowboy-themed hero known for his sharp shooting and crime-fighting skills. He embodies the spirit of justice and adventure, drawing inspiration from his lawman father and a lineage of frontier fighters.
Born in Wyoming, Greg Saunders initially pursued a career as a singer and songwriter, earning the nickname "Prairie Troubadour." However, his life takes a decisive turn when his father, a sheriff, is killed by bandits. Vowing to avenge his father's death, Saunders adopts the Vigilante persona, leveraging his skills in marksmanship, unarmed combat, and tracking. He is adept at using Colt Single Action Revolvers and a lasso, which were gifts from his father.
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As Vigilante, Saunders played a significant role in the Golden Age of comics. He was a member of both the All-Star Squadron and the Seven Soldiers of Victory. Notably, during a battle with the Nebula Man, he and his team were scattered across time, with Saunders ending up in the 1800s American West. He was eventually rescued by the Justice Society of America and the Justice League of America, though he had to adapt to a future era upon his return.
Major Versions and Incarnations
In the Silver Age, Greg Saunders from Earth-One continued his vigilante activities, leveraging his marksman skills. He faced threats like the Doomsters and worked alongside the Justice League of America. During this period, his original sidekick, Stuff the Chinatown Kid, was killed, and Stuff's son became his new partner, "Stuff Jr."
In the Modern Age, Saunders balanced his vigilante duties with a career in Hollywood. A new threat emerged when gangster Bugsy Siegel killed his sidekick, leading to a prolonged conflict with organized crime in Los Angeles. Later, Saunders reformed a new Seven Soldiers of Victory but met his end battling a monster spider. He briefly returned as a ghost, attempting to recruit heroes for a new mission, and was later seen alive as the sheriff of Warpath, indicating a mysterious resurrection.
In other media, Vigilante appeared in a 1947 Columbia Pictures serial, "The Vigilante: Fighting Hero of the West." This adaptation featured Ralph Byrd as Saunders, with some changes to his costume and sidekick. The character also appeared in the DC Animated Universe series "Justice League Unlimited."
Greg Saunders, throughout his many incarnations, remains a steadfast symbol of justice, combining the rugged determination of the Wild West with the complexities of modern heroism. His journey from "Prairie Troubadour" to a seasoned crime fighter showcases the enduring appeal of a hero willing to stand against the tides of injustice.
