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Red Devil |
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Formerly: Kid Devil
Alias: Edward "Gopher" Bloomberg |
Titans Member
Joined: Teen Titans #34 [2006] |
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| Red Devil Quick Bio: Edward "Gopher" Bloomberg grew to idolize stuntman Dan Cassidy while working for his aunt's film company. When Dan was magically transformed into Blue Devil, Gopher fashioned his own high-tech super-suit to become Kid Devil, Blue Devil's (unwanted) kid sidekick. Eddie later made a dangerous deal with the devilish trickster, Neron, who transformed him into a honest-to-gosh red-skinned Kid Devil. After proving his mettle with the Teen Titans, Eddie beagn calling himself Red Devil. |
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Gopher in
BLUE DEVIL #1
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Blue Devil |
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Gopher's aunt,
Marla Bloom
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Kid Devil debuts in BLUE DEVIL #14 [1985]. |
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Kid Devil's debut as an
honest-to-gosh devil in TEEN TITANS
(third series) #34 [2006] |
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Kid Devil debuts in BLUE DEVIL #14 [1985]. |
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A brilliant kid with an encyclopedic knowledge of super-heroes and the brains to understand the fundamentals of Cassidy's electronic wizardry, Gopher dreamed of becoming Blue Devil's sidekick. Sneaking into Cassidy's workshop at night, Gopher concocted a miniature super-suit for himself that incorporated many of the design features of Blue Devil's own costume. Blue Devil was uncomfortable with the idea of being regarded as a super-hero himself; Taking on a kid sidekick was the last thing he wanted. Nevertheless, Gopher was determined to prove himself as a perfect partner in crime-fighting.
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Kid Devil aids Young Justice's assault on Zandia in YOUNG JUSTICE #49-50 [2002]. |
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Soon he was aiding the Blue Devil in foiling an airplane hijacking, and then assisted his idol in the fight against the manufactured hero-turned-menace, Verner's Vanquisher. At the end of his first series of adventures, Kid Devil's parents, Robert and Sylvie Bloomberg, threatened to whisk Gopher back home to Syracuse, New York. Ultimately, they left Gopher his education and supervision in the hands of a trio of professors from the Institute of Hypernormal Conflict Studies. While there, Kid Devil encountered Captain Cold. He also teamed up with his pen-pal, the second Robin [Jason Todd]. Whether or not Gopher was sanctioned by Blue Devil, he was determined to become a super-hero regardless.
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Kid Devil makes his debut as
a Titan in TEEN TITANS
(third series) #34 [2006] |
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Sympathy For The Devil
Meanwhile, Eddie’s mentor Blue Devil began to accept his role as a full-fledged super-hero and joined the Justice League. But Dan Cassidy found he missed the Hollywood spotlight. Desperate to regain his fame, Dan made a deal with the demon trickster, Neron. Blue Devil had one small favor in exchange for fame: He was to destroy and automated electrical station in the desert. Little did Dan know that his friend, Marla Bloomberg, was scouting a location for a movie in that same desert – and the destruction of the station led her helicopter to crash. At that moment, Blue Devil learned the terrible price for his newfound fame: the life of his friend - and Gopher's aunt - Marla Bloomberg. Embarrassed at his role in her death, Blue Devil concealed this information from Eddie.
Determined to do his Aunt Marla proud, Gopher tried to carve a career for himself in the movie business. But his efforts met with a string of failed projects and botched assignments. Gopher still found time for an occasional adventure as Kid Devil. On one such adventure, he joined Young Justice and a cadre of young heroes in assaulting Zandia. Eddie had hopes of joining the teen team, but Young Justice disbanded less than a week later.
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Kid Devil makes a dangerous deal
with a devil in TEEN TITANS
(third series) #42 [2006]. |
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Kid Devil-ution
After Superboy's tragic death during the Infinite Crisis, the Teen Titans faced a year of rotating members. After their ranks had been depleted, Raven and Beast Boy held a membership drive at Titans Tower. Kid Devil saw this as an opportunity to become a respected super-hero at last, but was rejected for membership. Seeking to bolster his powers and abilities, Eddie enrolled in Lex Luthor’s Everyman Project, which granted super-human abilities to normal people. But Eddie washed out of the program due to "psychological problems."
Desperate for super-powers, Eddie contacted the demon-trickster, Neron, with the help of Titans member, Zatara. Neron agreed to give him powers if he was willing to make a deal: If Eddie ever lost his trust in Blue Devil, he would be bound to serve as Neron’s protégé on his 20th birthday. Eddie agreed to the bargain and was transformed into an honest-to-gosh red-skinned Kid Devil. His excitement was shaken, however, when Neron encouraged Kid Devil to investigate Blue Devil’s role in his Aunt’s death.
Now super-powered, Kid Devil joined the Teen Titans as a full-fledged member. Kid Devil later confronted Blue Devil about his role in Marla’s death – and was shocked to learn the details of Blue Devil’s bargain with Neron. Resolving to never trust him again, Kid Devil inadvertently sealed his deal with Neron. Now, on his 20th birthday in less than three years, Kid Devil’s soul will belong to Neron.
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Ravager and Kid Devil - the unwanted Titans - in
TEEN TITANS (third series) #34 [2007]. |
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Titans Ties
As a Teen Titan, Kid Devil developed a unique friendship with fellow outcast, Ravager. But whereas Eddie's feelings began deepen, Rose's emotions were less predictable. And when Blue Beetle started hanging out with the Titans, Eddie viewed him as a rival for Rose's affections.
But the two mismatched teens reluctantly teamed up against Shockwave, and forged a new friendship as "The Blue and the Red". Following this adventure, Kid Devil donned a new costume and changed his codename to Red Devil.
While Kid Devil wore his super-suit, his strength was increased by a factor of ten. The suit enabled Kid Devil to leap great distances. It also increased his agility and endurance. In addition to the suit, Gopher fashioned a number of gadgets - including a bright-light burst, exploding bubbles, and night vision goggles. But his most effective weapon was his devil trident - which emitted an electroshock or flames, and contained a jet propulsion to aid Kid Devil's air travel.
Later, Eddie transformed into an actual demonic creature. Kid Devil has enhanced strength, endurance and agility. Kid Devil also breathes fire and has collapsible bat-like wings.
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Fury of Firestorm #24 [1984]: Special 16-page preview of Blue Devil. First appearance of Blue Devil. First appearance of Edward "Gopher" Bloomberg
Blue Devil #1 [1984]: Dan Cassidy is merged with the Blue Devil costume by Nebiros.
Blue Devil #14 [1985]: Gopher debuts as Kid Devil against Dan Cassidy's wishes. Kid Devil saves his parents from a hijacking attempt.
Blue Devil #15-20, 30-31 [1985-1986]: Recurring Kid Devil appearances
Blue Devil #19 [1986]: Kid Devil spotlight issue! Three Kid Devil stories in this issue - including a team-up with Robin [Jason Todd].
JLA #105 [1995]: Blue Devil deals with the demon, Neron, to achieve fame.
Underworld Unleashed #2 [1995]: Marla Bloomberg is killed in a helicopter crash while scouting a location; Her death is the result of Blue Devil's deal with Neron.
Young Justice #49-50 [2002]: Young heroes team up and attack Zandia
Teen Titans #30 [2005]: While the Teen Titans battle Brother Blood, Edward "Gopher" Bloomberg is hit with a mysterious energy blast. First appearance of Edward "Gopher" Bloomberg in Teen Titans.
Teen Titans #34-37 [2006]: One Year Later, it's "The New Teen Titans!" A new year of exciting adventures begins with the "new" Teen Titans, the bizarre Doom Patrol and the mysterious and secretive Titans East! First Kid Devil as Teen Titan in Teen Titans #34.
Teen Titans #42 [2006]: Kid Devil searches for Blue Devil as he recounts the events that led to his transformation into a red-skinned demonic creature. In flashback, Eddie Bloomberg reveals the details of his deal with Neron, who granted his super-human abilities in exchange for a deal. The deal was this: If Eddie ever loses his trust in Blue Devil, he must serve as Neron's protege on his 20th birthday. In the present, Kid Devil tracks down Blue Devil and confronts him about his role in his aunt's death. When Eddie learns Blue Devil was indirectly responsible, he inadvertently seals his deal with Neron by resolving to never trust Blue Devil again. Now, on his 20th birthday in less than three years, Kid Devil’s soul will belong to Neron. Origin of Kid Devil.
Teen Titans #61 [2008]: Kid Devil's out to prove himself, but that won't stop the latest object of his contempt (Blue Beetle) from getting in the way! The two mismatched teens team up against Shockwave, and forge a new friendship as "The Blue and the Red". Following this adventure, Kid Devil dons a new costume and changes his codename to Red Devil. Robin offers Blue Beetle membership and he officially joins the Titans.
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Blue Devil: The Series
Blue Devil #1 to 31 [1984-1986]
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The cast of BLUE DEVIL in a pin-up by Paris Cullins - from BLUE DEVIL ANNUAL #1 [1985]. |
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BLUE DEVIL was the brainchild of writers Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn. Originally conceived as a one-shot character for the TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED series in 1981, the Blue Devil never quite made it into the anthology book. The concept eventually landed on the desk of editor Len Wein, who saw much more potential in the quirky concept.
The concept? Crafty stuntman Dan Cassidy developed a high-tech costume for the upcoming movie, "Blue Devil." But when Dan faced the demon Nebiros while wearing the outlandish attire, the devil costume was magically fused to Dan's body - making him an honest-to-gosh Blue Devil!
BLUE DEVIL was originally conceived with the notion that the tale would be drawn by Steve Dikto. Dikto passed on the project, which was ultimately given to artist Paris Cullins. Once Paris roughed out the designs of the character, the concept look another leap forward.
From the letter column of BLUE DEVIL # 2: "Len saw possibilities that had not yet been explored in the otherwise familiar, slightly scary, alienated schlemiehl hero that Gary and Dan had roughed out. In brief, Len saw Blue Devil as a fun character - a long-leaping, optimistic, high-IQ slugger who clambered each issue out of the wreckage of heavily armored bad-guys he had taken out of commission. He saw this, I'm sure, because of Paris' flamboyant character interpretations. So Len told Gary and Dan to expand their story to a sun-filled 23-pager with a large, memorable supporting cast (Dan credits Len with turning on a lot of light bulbs for them). Marla, Gopher, Norm, Wayne and Sharon took shape pretty quickly."
Blue Devil took shape with enough ideas and concepts to support an ongoing series. Blue Devil premiered in a special 16-page preview insert in Fury of Firestorm #24 [1984], followed by Blue Devil #1 [1984]. The operative word was fun. "We are trying our darndest to to make this comic a lot of fun," editor Alan Gold proclaimed, "For those of you who wince at anything resembling hype - yes, all comics are supposed to be first and foremost fun. BLUE DEVIL, however, means to be sunnier and more exuberant than many, and it will be 100 percent non-preachy, non-artsy-shmartsy, and never self-important."
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| A 2007 Kid Devil commission by Andy MacDonald. |
The fun was infectious. BLUE DEVIL was a hit with both fans and critics. In its first year, the book established its breezy charm, wild stories and ribald cast. But the series suffered its first loss when artist Paris Cullins left the book after the first year. The second year welcomed regular artist Paul Kupperberg, who never quite matched Cullins' gonzo-charm. The second year also introduced Gopher as Blue Devil's wannabe sidekick, Kid Devil, in BLUE DEVIL #14.
Soon, DC Comics was engulfed by the Crisis on Infinite Earths. As many major characters were retooled and revamped, BLUE DEVIL began to quietly fade into the background. The series concluded with BLUE DEVIL #31 [1986], an issue which contained an amusing series of dream sequences. Despite its relatively short run, BLUE DEVIL is fondly remembered by many as "that quirky little fun comic." It was fun while it lasted.
The Blue Devil character has endured through the years and was even a member of the Justice League for a short time [JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #98-113 in 1995-1996]. After making a deal with the demon Neron [UNDERWORLD UNLEASHED #1-3 (1995)], Blue Devil became a darker character and later came under the possession of Satan's trident [DAY OF JUDGEMENT #1-5 (1999) and JLA: BLACK BAPTISM #1-4 (2001)]. More recently, Blue Devil has joined a team of magic-based heroes known as Shadowpact [ DAY OF VENGEANCE #1-6 in 2005].
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The One Year Gap Titans
"You call this the Titans? Since Superboy died, the Titans have gone through over twenty new members. But no one wanted to stay very long. No one got along."
- Wonder Girl (Teen Titans (third series) #36 [2006])
DC's "One Year Later" event occurred March of 2006. In Teen Titans #33, Superboy and Nightwing are in the thick of the Infinite Crisis world-shattering event. With Teen Titans #34, a full year has passed since the Crisis. A comatose Cyborg awakens to discover the only active Titans: Robin, Ravager and Kid Devil. Cyborg is told that the Titans had quite a few membership shake-ups during his "missing year."
Readers shared in Cyborg's confusion. Following the limited series, Infinite Crisis, every DC comic series jumped ahead by one year between February 2006 and March 2006. With DC's March books, the characters' histories resumed "one year later." During the "missing year" between Teen Titans #33 and #34, over 20 new or returning members joined the team. They would come and go, most only being on the team a few weeks before quitting or getting kicked out or simply disappearing. One team was glimpsed at in Teen Titans #34. Teen Titans #38 revealed all the "One Year Gap Titans" in a double page spread.
The "One Year Gap" New Titans include:
1. Kid Devil: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
2. Aquagirl II: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
3. Dove II: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
4. Hawk III: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
5. Miss Martian: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
6. Zatara: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
7. Offspring: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
8. Talon: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
9. Power Boy: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
10. Little Barda: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
11. Molecule: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
12. Mas: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
13. Menos: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
14. Bombshell: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
15. Young Frankenstein: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
16. Riddler's Daughter: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
17. Osiris: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
The "One Year Gap" Returning Titans include:
18. Ravager: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #34.
19. Joker's Daughter : Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
20. Argent [with new costume]: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
21. Mirage: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
22. Flamebird: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
23. Red Star: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
24. Hotspot [formerly Joto]: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
25. Captain Marvel Jr.: Revealed as member in Teen Titans #38.
Kid Devil Timeline: Closing the “One Year Later” Gap
Here’s a list of major events revealed during the “Missing Year:”
 The Titans aid the heroes during the Infinite Crisis. While saving the universe from Superboy-Prime and Alexander Luthor, Superboy is killed in battle. [IC #1-7] With Superboy, Wonder Girl, Robin, Kid Flash, Starfire and Cyborg gone, Raven and Beast Boy try to keep the Teen Titans together. [TT #34]
Raven and Beast Boy hold a membership drive for the Teen Titans after their ranks have been depleted. Outside Titans Tower, many would-be Titans and current-Titans gather for the team, including Argent, Flamebird, Mirage, Red Star, Joker's Daughter, Captain Marvel Jr., Aquagirl II, Kid Devil, Talon, Miss Martian, Bombshell, Offspring, Young Frankenstein, Mas Y Menos, and Molecule. Osiris arrives to join, only to have Captain Marvel Jr. doubt his intentions. After pleading his case, Osiris is granted probationary membership. [52w32]
After being rejected as a Titan during open auditions, Eddie Bloomberg seeks aid from Zatara, who gives Eddie advice that leads them both to the wishweaver, Neron. Eddie makes a dangerous deal with the devilish trickster, who transforms him into a honest-to-gosh red-skinned Kid Devil. [52w32, TT #42]
Zatara helps the now-super-powered Kid Devil join the Teen Titans. Zatara and Kid Devil both fight Kid Crusader. [TT #42]
Kid Devil becomes lost in New Azarath for two weeks. He is rescued with the help of Zatara, although the two teens are almost eaten by the Phantasm. Following this adventure, Zatara quits the team. [TT #39]
Black Adam ignites World War III. [52w49]
A large group of heroes - including a powerless Bart Allen, Donna Troy (as Wonder Woman), Wonder Girl, Robin, Ravager and Kid Devil - gather to mourn Superboy, Terra and Young Frankenstein. Donna comforts Wonder Girl. Ravager meets Kid Devil for the first time. Kid Devil is anxious to meet Robin. [52w51]
"One Year Later" begins. A rebuilt Cyborg awakens. The only active Titans members are Robin, Ravager and Kid Devil. Wendy and Marvin have become caretakers of Titans Tower. The team encounters the new Brotherhood of Evil. Wonder Girl is angered at Robin for abandoning his friends after Superboy’s death. [TT #34]
Note: Kid Devil joined the Teen Titans shortly after the events in 52: WEEK THIRTY-TWO. For a complete timeline of the "one year gap," click here.
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