Who the Clix? is a series of articles featuring information on comic book characters that have been made into figures for the popular tabletop game Heroclix. These articles are meant to help Heroclix players learn more about the characters behind their favorite pieces.
What if I told you this character was actually in comics before video games? Would you believe that about: Blackheart
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Appearances in Heroclix: X-Men Rise And Fall, Amazing Spider-Man
First Appearance: Daredevil #270 (September 1989)
Team Affiliations: Hellfire Club
Created by: Ann Nocenti and John Romita Jr.
Blackheart is born out of Mephisto using his powers to manifest centuries of murder and pain into a sentient being. Blackheart is taught the nature of evil by his “father” as he tries, and fails, to corrupt both Daredevil and Spider-Man. Mephisto and Blackheart return to Hell, where Mephisto lays a trap for an assortment of heroes. When Blackheart’s temptations fail to sway the heroes, he realizes that evil cannot hope to win against the hearts of the good. Enraged by his son’s decision, Mephisto banishes Blackheart to Earth and warns him that the next time he uses his powers, he will go mad.
Blackheart returns to the town in which he was created and lures Ghost Rider, the Punisher, and Wolverine there in an attempt to recruit them in his war against Mephisto. When they refuse, Blackheart responds by brainwashing the townsfolk and kidnaps a young girl all three heroes have befriended. Blackheart returns to his realm with the hostage only to be followed and defeated by the heroes. This use of his power does indeed drive Blackheart mad. In the thralls of his madness, he again asks for the heroes’ aid only to be rebuked by Ghost Rider. Shocking all the heroes, the young girl rushes to Blackheart and offers him forgiveness as the demonic tulpa can only lay and weep. Some time later, Mephisto appears to Blackheart only to be stabbed with a dagger dipped in a small amount of the young girl’s blood that seemingly destroys the Hell lord. Blackheart then takes over his father’s infernal fiefdom.
Blackheart empowers his own group of Spirits of Vengeance to battle the Ghost Rider, Noble Kale. He tries to recruit Kale, promising him a seal of power in Hell, only to be double-crossed and killed. Kale frees the other Spirits before taking over Blackheart’s realm.
Blackheart and Mephisto both somehow survive these attacks and later attend a meeting with Satannish, Hela and Dormammu about the newly resurrected Magik. Blackheart also attends a later meeting discussing the threat of the Asgardian Serpent, Cul Borson, on Earth.
Blackheart later enacts a scheme to bring Hell to Earth using a number of X-23 clones and bonds them to symbiotes. After Ghost Rider accidentally transports Hell to Las Vegas, Blackheart is confronted by Ghost Rider, Venom, Red Hulk and X-23. He unleashes demonic shadow versions of the heroes on the team only to be defeated.
Blackheart then poses as the Mayor of Chicago and attempts to corrupt the Champions, only to be defeated and pulled back to hell by Mephisto.
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