The Hat Is Quicker Than The Eye

Can YOU

Name This Marvel Villain??

If you're thinking our mystery villain reminds you a little of this guy:

Then you're on the right track. Both were creations of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby; both used performances as covers; both were specialists in hypnotism; and, yes, both had those signature villain twirling moustaches. But unlike the Miracle Man, the Ringmaster needed a little assistance to accomplish his feats of hypnotism--specifically, the mechanical, spinning circle device embedded in his top hat. And with his little travelling circus, he could go from town to town and basically conduct mass pick-pocketing on mesmerized audiences:

For such a petty thief, you'd think the Ringmaster would be small change as far as measuring up as a super-villain. But he's faced off against some of Marvel's heaviest hitters and done surprisingly well. In fact, his first foe was none other than the Hulk. Talk about biting off more than you can chew.

However:

Probably one of the reasons why the Hulk's first series didn't last long. Not many kids want to buy a comic where the title character, supposedly the strongest mortal on Earth, can be taken down by a hose.

And apparently, even immortals of Asgard drop by the circus every now and then. Though they're no more immune to top hats than anyone else:

Of course, the Ringmaster's ego and taste for wealth have made him seek out more ambitious and high-profile heists from time to time. And to assist him with things like distractions and special operations, he's assembled what he calls his Circus of Crime:

You laugh now, yes, but this wily little group has even had the gumption to take on the Avengers:

"Let's get the Avengers--now!" How many circus performers do you know who have the stones to go around shouting that? And what's that his brother is saying--they're disappointed Thor isn't facing off against them, as well? If only being cocky could win the day, eh? At any rate, I'm sure you can predict who came out on top in this fight. I mean, if the Avengers were to get taken out by a clown on a unicycle (literally, a clown on a unicycle) and a guy who performs as a human cannonball, Ultron would never let them hear the end of it.

I'm not sure whatever became of the Ringmaster. Law enforcement seems equally clueless, considering that if they wanted to find and arrest this guy, they'd probably begin by searching, oh, I don't know, circuses. But regardless, you can always count on the Ringmaster to put on a good show.