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Intergang
A giant-size Bruno Mannheim from Superman #654 (September 2006).
Art by Carlos Pacheco.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceSuperman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970)
Created byJack Kirby
In-story information
Type of organizationOrganized crime
Leader(s)Darkseid
Bruno Mannheim
Lex Luthor
Moxie Mannheim
Agent(s)Frank Sixty
Whisper A'Daire
Kyle Abbot
Morgan Edge
Vincent Edge

Intergang is a fictional organized crime syndicate appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Armed with technology supplied by the villainous New Gods of the planet Apokolips, they consistently appear as enemies of Superman.[1]

Intergang appears in the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, the animated series Superman: The Animated Series, Young Justice, and My Adventures with Superman, and the DC Extended Universe film Black Adam (2022).

Publication history

[edit]

Intergang first appeared in Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970) and was created by Jack Kirby.<refCowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.</ref> Members of Intergang were first shown in the first issue of Kirby's Forever People in 1971.[2][3]

Fictional organization history

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Pre-Crisis

[edit]

Intergang was founded in the 1920s by gangster Moxie Mannheim, who was later killed by rivals.[2] It was then revived by Morgan Edge and run by Moxie's son Bruno Mannheim.[2] Bruno receives orders and weaponry from Darkseid, who is using Intergang to help track down the Anti-Life Equation.[4]

Morgan Edge, the head of the Galaxy Broadcasting System television network, initially appeared to have ties to Intergang. It was later revealed that this was not the real Morgan Edge, but a clone from the "Evil Factory". The original Edge would later escape with the help of Jimmy Olsen. During an ensuing battle with Intergang, the clone is killed. Following the clone's death, several other members of Intergang run Intergang in the real Edge's absence.

Post-Crisis

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Vincent Edge as seen in The Adventures of Superman #500.

In post-Crisis continuity, Morgan Edge was the leader of Intergang until he suffered a heart attack due to stress. While he believed he was working for Darkseid, his Apokoliptian contact was actually DeSaad, whose only aim in supplying him with weaponry was to cause suffering. While he was in the hospital, Edge's legitimate businesses were taken over by his father Vincent Edge and Intergang was taken over by Bruno Mannheim. A later retcon established that Mannheim was the original leader of Intergang.

Eventually, Intergang was brought down by Clark Kent and Cat Grant, with Mannheim being arrested. Some time later, Mannheim's father Moxie Mannheim, a gangster who had been in prison since the 1940s after being captured by the Newsboy Legion, was released.[5] Mannheim arranges for Dabney Donovan to transfer him into a younger cloned body and resurrect his lieutenants Ginny McCree, Mike Gunn, Noose, and Rough House in superpowered clone bodies.[6]

Following a short-lived attempt by Morgan Edge to regain control, Lex Luthor gains control of Intergang, retaining Moxie as a figurehead.[7] Mike Gunn is later sprung from prison by Ginny McCree, but is killed in a confrontation with the police. Following Gunn's death, McCree commits suicide.[8] Moxie and his remaining lieutenants Noose and Rough House are captured by Superman. When last seen, Intergang was run by criminal cyberneticist Frank Sixty.[9]

52

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In the series 52, Intergang members Noose and Rough House visit Kahndaq and offer Adrianna Tomaz as tribute to Black Adam in exchange for safe passage for their group's smuggling activity. Both of them are killed by Adam.[10] Later in the series, Question tells Renee Montoya that Intergang is preparing to attack Gotham City. Montoya and the Question investigate and learn that Intergang has been reorganized as a semi-religious group that venerates Cain as a heroic figure for committing the first murder. Bruno Mannheim is revealed to be the current head of Intergang as well as a cannibal who kills and eats those who refuse to join the group.[11]

The New 52

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In 2011, The New 52 rebooted the DC universe. Gotham City has fallen to Intergang's Religion of Crime branch.[12] During a gunfight between his gang and the police, Mister Untouchable claimed that Intergang has cut him out of the action occurring in Metropolis by selling the location of their meth laboratory to the law enforcement.[13]

Attackers from Intergang ambush Lois Lane and Jon Kent when she is driving him home from school. They run Lois' car off the road and into the woods. While Jon knocks out one of the attackers, Lois contacts Superman who defeats the attackers. Later at their barn, Lois and Clark figure out that their attackers are from Intergang and had followed Lois from her meeting. When Lois goes to pick up Jon from school and finds him in the library, they are ambushed by Intergang agents, who attempt to kill them. Jon's superpowers manifest as he manages to break down the door, allowing him and Lois to escape.[14]

Membership

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Leaders

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  • Moxie Mannheim - First leader of Intergang and the father of Bruno Mannheim. Known as "Boss Moxie".[5]
  • Morgan Edge - Second leader of Intergang and the son of Vincent Edge.
  • Vincent Edge - Third leader of Intergang and the father of Morgan Edge.
  • Bruno Mannheim - Fourth and current leader of Intergang and the son of Moxie Mannheim. Mannheim is later retroactively established to be the original leader of Intergang.
  • Lex Luthor - Fifth leader of Intergang.
  • Frank Sixty - A cyborg who is the sixth leader of Intergang.
  • Darkseid - The benefactor of Intergang.

Other members

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  • Alistair Bendel-White - A fixer.[15]
  • Aku Kwesi - A criminal who was responsible for murdering Vixen's mother.[16]
  • Anomaly - A clone of murderer Floyd Barstow who briefly was a member of Moxie Mannheim's Intergang branch.[17]
  • Blackrock - Bradley Glenn wore the Blackrock armor granting him super strength and leaping ability.[18][19]
  • Chiller - Pale assassin and former member of the 1000 who is a foe of Booster Gold.[20]
  • Dabney Donovan - A mad scientist who worked with Moxie Mannheim. He cloned Moxie into a younger body and cloned the dead members of his gang.
  • Doctor Moon
  • Doctor Polaris
  • Doctor Sivana
  • Gillespie[21]
  • Ginny McCree - A pyrokinetic operative of Intergang and girlfriend of Mike Gunn.[6] She later committed suicide following the death of Mike Gunn.
  • Hellgrammite -
  • Joe Danton - An Intergang operative who was a short-time leader following the death of Morgan Edge's clone. He was killed by a car bomb.[22]
  • Johnny "Stitches" Denetto - A crime boss who had his face peeled off by Tobias Whale. DeSaad sewed a new face onto him on Bruno Mannheim's behalf.
  • Key
  • Kyle Abbot - An operative for Ra's al Ghul and former member of the League of Assassins who can transform into a wolf and a werewolf-like form.
  • Macho Gato - Raoul is a member of the late Benny Red's gang who is killed by Mike Gunn and Ginny McCree.[23] Dabney Donovan obtains Raoul's DNA prior to his death and creates a clone of him named Macho Gato, who possesses a tiger-like appearance.[17]
  • Magpie
  • Mantis[19]
  • Mari Nichol - The daughter of the second Doctor Polaris.
  • Max Danner - An Intergang operative who become leader following Joe Danton's death.[24]
  • Mike Gunn - An operative of Intergang and boyfriend of Ginny McCree who Dabney Donovan cloned from one of Moxie's original henchmen. He can shape his hands into guns that can fire bone bullets.[6] Donovan also made several other clones of Gunn. One clone of Gunn died fighting Superman. The second clone was shot by Moxie as a show of good faith towards Lex Luthor. The third clone was killed during a police chase following a jailbreak.
  • Neutron
  • Noose - An operative of Intergang who Dabney Donovan cloned from one of Moxie's original henchmen. He can extend his fingers, giving them a tentacle-like appearance.[6] He was later killed by Black Adam.
  • Parademons[19]
  • Pestilence - Member of the Four Horsemen of Apokolips.
  • Prankster
  • Radion - A henchman with irradiated powers.
  • Rough House - A super-strong operative of Intergang who Dabney Donovan cloned from one of Moxie's original henchmen.[6] He was later killed by Black Adam.
  • Samuel Simeon - An Intergang crime boss who Superman saved from an assassin sent by SKULL.[25]
  • Shockwave (Arnold Pruett) - A Chicago-based supervillain for hire who wields armor that enables him to generate high-frequency waves.[26]
  • Steel Hand - An Intergang mobster with a prosthetic right hand made of steel. He was responsible for using a sniper to murder Thaddeus Brown before being brought to justice by Mister Miracle.[27]
  • Thaddeus Killgrave - A mad scientist with dwarfism who worked for Intergang.[28]
  • Tobias Whale - He ended up bought out by Intergang and made the CEO of Kord Industries to serve as a front for Intergang's activities.
  • Torque - Dudley Soames is a detective from the Blüdhaven Police Department who was secretly allied with Blockbuster. His head was twisted 180 degrees by Blockbuster for crossing him yet survived. Due to his head remaining at this angle, Torque uses mirrored glasses to see forward.[29]
  • Toyman
  • Ventriloquist
  • War - Member of the Four Horsemen of Apokolips.
  • Whisper A'Daire - An operative for Ra's al Ghul and former member of the League of Assassins who can transform into a king cobra or a humanoid king cobra-like creature.

Other versions

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A possible future incarnation of Intergang appears in "Armageddon 2001", in which they take Metropolis hostage with a nuclear bomb. However, one of their members grows nervous and detonates it too early, leading to several deaths, such as Lois Lane's, and Superman destroying every nuclear weapon on Earth.

In other media

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See also: Bruno Mannheim § In other media, Morgan Edge § In other media, Thaddeus Killgrave, Moxie Mannheim, and Sabbac § In other media

Television

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Film

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Video games

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Intergang appears in DC Universe Online,[citation needed] with Bruno Mannheim, Whisper A'Daire, and Kyle Abbot as prominent members.

Miscellaneous

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Intergang appears in the Arrowverse tie-in comic Earth-Prime #2, consisting of Bruno Mannheim, Barrage, Hi-Tech, Loophole, Thaddeus Killgrave, Sleez, and Terra-Man.[38]

References

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[edit]
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Intergang

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Intergang is a fictional organized crime syndicate in DC Comics, primarily operating out of Metropolis as a persistent adversary to Superman.[1]
Created by writer and artist Jack Kirby, the group first appeared in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 in October 1970.[2]
Under leaders like Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim, the son of early boss Moxie Mannheim, Intergang has engaged in various illicit activities, including extortion, arms trafficking, and terrorism, often rivaling other Metropolis crime families such as The 100.[2][3] What distinguishes Intergang from traditional mob outfits is its access to advanced weaponry and technology from the planet Apokolips, provided by the New God Darkseid and his lieutenants like Desaad, enabling feats such as teleportation via Boom Tubes and energy-based armaments.[2][4]
This alliance with Apokolips has led to notable storylines, including the group's involvement in cult-like activities tied to the "Religion of Crime" during the 52 miniseries and clashes with the Justice League.[2]
Over time, leadership has shifted, with figures like Morgan Edge and even Lex Luthor temporarily taking control, reflecting Intergang's adaptability and enduring threat in the DC Universe.[2] Beyond comics, Intergang has appeared in various media adaptations, including the Superman: The Animated Series, the Arrowverse television shows like Supergirl and Superman & Lois, and the 2022 film Black Adam, where it portrays an international terrorist organization occupying Kahndaq.[2][1][3]

Publication history

Creation and initial appearances

Intergang was created by writer and artist Jack Kirby as part of his Fourth World saga and made its debut in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133, cover-dated October 1970.[5][2] From its introduction, Intergang was portrayed as a ruthless, Metropolis-based criminal syndicate that rose to prominence through its access to cutting-edge alien technology, including energy weapons and matter transporters, covertly provided by Darkseid, the tyrannical ruler of Apokolips.[2][6] This extraterrestrial arsenal allowed the group to execute audacious heists and assassinations, marking a shift from traditional mob operations to interstellar-level threats in Superman's world. Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim emerged as Intergang's first prominent leader, debuting in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #139 in July 1971, where he orchestrated kidnappings and used the syndicate's advanced gear to target Jimmy Olsen, the Guardian, and the Newsboy Legion.[7] Under Mannheim's command, Intergang's schemes blended brute-force crime with ideological fervor, incorporating cult-like devotion to criminality that tied the organization's loyalty to Darkseid's influence.[2] Intergang's early storylines unfolded primarily in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen, with issues #133–139 featuring the group's clashes against Superman's supporting cast amid the broader Apokolips conspiracy.[5] These appearances established Intergang's role as a key antagonist in Superman lore, often collaborating with other villains tied to Darkseid, such as Morgan Edge, to undermine Metropolis's heroes.[6]

Developments across comic eras

Intergang's publication history evolved significantly across comic eras, beginning with its debut in the late Silver Age/early Bronze Age transition and gaining prominence through recurring roles in Superman titles. Created by Jack Kirby in Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #133 (October 1970), the organization quickly became a staple antagonist, with Bronze Age stories expanding its scope to emphasize the integration of Apokoliptian technology like Mother Boxes, which elevated their criminal capabilities beyond typical mob operations. These narratives, appearing in various Superman series during the 1970s, portrayed Intergang as a sophisticated threat leveraging alien weaponry, marking a shift toward more technologically driven villainy in the era's storytelling.[2][8] In the Modern Age, following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Intergang's first post-Crisis appearance occurred in Superman vol. 2 #28 (February 1989). Subsequent stories in the late 1980s and 1990s, such as Adventures of Superman #446 (November 1988) involving the vigilante Gangbuster targeting their operations in Suicide Slum, emphasized the gritty, urban aspects of Intergang's influence.[9] This era solidified Intergang's narrative importance, transitioning them from episodic foes to a persistent element of Superman's rogues' gallery.[10] Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Intergang maintained high frequency in Superman family titles, with over a dozen appearances in Adventures of Superman alone and additional spots in Action Comics, reflecting their status as a versatile recurring adversary. Crossovers extended their reach, including Justice League narratives where their tech-enhanced schemes drew in team interventions, contributing to larger DC Universe events and reinforcing their enduring publication relevance.[11][4] In the New 52 era (2011–2016), Intergang appeared in titles like Justice League of America vol. 3 and Superman: Action Comics, often as arms dealers using Apokoliptian tech.[12] During Rebirth (2016–present), the group featured in Superman vol. 4 and Action Comics vol. 3 storylines involving Metropolis crime. Recent appearances as of 2025 include Green Arrow vol. 7 #17 (2023) and The Return of Superman: 30th Anniversary Special (2023), maintaining their role in ongoing Superman and Justice League narratives.[13]

Fictional organization history

Pre-Crisis origins and activities

Intergang was originally founded in the 1940s by gangster Boss Moxie Mannheim as a criminal organization in Metropolis, but it fragmented after his arrest by the Newsboy Legion.[2] The group was revived in the early 1970s under Moxie's son, Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim, who restructured it into a powerful syndicate blending traditional organized crime with advanced alien technology supplied by the New Gods of Apokolips.[2] This revival positioned Intergang as unwitting agents in Darkseid's schemes, with members increasingly exhibiting cult-like devotion to the Apokoliptian ruler as they adopted his ideology alongside their criminal pursuits.[2] From its base in Metropolis's impoverished Suicide Slum neighborhood, Intergang rapidly expanded territorial control, emerging as one of the city's dominant crime cartels and engaging in rivalries with groups like The 100 for dominance in underground operations.[2] Early activities focused on high-stakes thefts and heists enabled by smuggled Apokoliptian weaponry, such as energy blasters and force fields, which allowed the gang to outmatch local law enforcement and rival syndicates.[2] These operations often targeted technological resources to further Darkseid's quest for the Anti-Life Equation, marking Intergang's shift from mere mobsters to interstellar pawns.[2] Intergang's activities frequently led to direct confrontations with Superman, beginning with their debut involvement in a scheme uncovered by Jimmy Olsen, where the gang deployed experimental Apokoliptian devices to teleport operatives and commit robberies across Metropolis.[2] Notable clashes included assaults on the Daily Planet and attempts to assassinate key figures, with Superman dismantling several operations using his superior strength against the gang's exotic arms; one prominent device, a matter-transmission "God Machine" derived from Apokoliptian tech, facilitated invasions by allowing Darkseid's forces to breach Earth.[2] As tensions escalated in the 1980s, Intergang aided Apokolips in prelude events to larger cosmic threats, including coordinated attacks that tested Superman's defenses and foreshadowed multiversal crises, ultimately contributing to the chaos preceding Crisis on Infinite Earths.[2]

Post-Crisis reformation and key events

Following the 1986 DC Comics reboot in John Byrne's The Man of Steel miniseries, Intergang was reestablished in the revised Superman mythos as a high-tech criminal syndicate rather than the religiously motivated cult of its pre-Crisis incarnation, with lingering influences from its original Apokoliptian ties providing advanced weaponry and devices. Initially led by media mogul Morgan Edge, who employed the group to infiltrate the Daily Planet via Cat Grant for intelligence on Superman, Intergang quickly evolved into a formidable outfit armed with alien technology from Apokolips, including energy weapons and teleportation devices supplied through intermediaries like Desaad.[2] In the Post-Crisis continuity, Intergang's reformation emphasized its role as a sophisticated tech-crime organization, shifting away from cult-like elements to focus on organized crime enhanced by Apokoliptian arms. Bruno Mannheim assumed leadership, reclaiming the group he had founded and transforming it into a ruthless syndicate that utilized advanced alien technology for operations.[2] One of the key early arcs involving Intergang was "The Dark Knight Over Metropolis" in 1990, where Superman and Batman investigated the group's connections to Lex Luthor's criminal enterprises in Metropolis, highlighting Intergang's use of high-tech weaponry to challenge both heroes.[2] In the 1990s, Intergang formed temporary alliances with Lex Luthor, who seized control of the organization in Adventures of Superman #552 (1998), retaining Boss Moxie as a figurehead while directing its activities to serve his own schemes against Superman, including cloning operations by Dabney Donovan to bolster their ranks with revived mobsters like Machine Gun Kelly and Rough House.[14][2] Intergang's operations expanded beyond Metropolis during this era, establishing international networks for smuggling Apokoliptian technology and engaging in global extortion, as seen in their targeting of Jimmy Olsen in Action Comics #737 (1997), where they deployed cloned gangsters and advanced weapons to eliminate perceived threats to their empire.[2] The group also participated in larger threats, using their Apokoliptian arsenal during the "Our Worlds at War" event in 2001, where they exploited the chaos of the Imperiex invasion to advance their criminal agenda against global targets, demonstrating their adaptability as a tech-savvy outfit allied with Darkseid's forces.[2] During the "Emperor Joker" storyline in 2000, Intergang's schemes were disrupted by the Joker's reality-warping rampage, but their possession of Apokoliptian arms allowed them to survive and counter the chaos, underscoring their resilience in cosmic-level conflicts.[2] Intergang's ties extended to the Secret Society of Super-Villains, with members like Bruno Mannheim collaborating on joint operations to undermine hero teams, further solidifying their position in the Post-Crisis villain landscape through shared resources and Apokoliptian tech.[15]

52 and Infinite Crisis era

During the 52 miniseries, which depicted a year in the DC Universe following the events of Infinite Crisis where Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were absent, Intergang capitalized on the power vacuum left by the missing heroes to expand its influence across Metropolis and beyond. Led by Bruno Mannheim, who had undergone training on Apokolips and rebranded the organization as the "Religion of Crime" centered around the ancient Crime Bible, Intergang pursued a vision of crime as the supreme societal order. Mannheim's forces infiltrated locations such as Oolong Island, Bialya, and Yemen, engaging in global criminal enterprises while plotting to establish Gotham City as their capital through ritualistic sacrifices, including an attempt on Batwoman's life that was ultimately thwarted by Renee Montoya (as the Question) and Nightwing.[2] In the lead-up to and during Infinite Crisis, Intergang's leadership underwent a significant transition when Boss Moxie Mannheim, the organization's figurehead under Lex Luthor's covert control, was killed by Superboy-Prime amid the multiversal Battle of Metropolis. This event, occurring in Infinite Crisis #6-7, paved the way for Bruno Mannheim to assume full command, intensifying Intergang's reliance on advanced Apokoliptian weaponry to assert dominance in the ensuing chaos. Luthor's prior infiltration and control of Intergang, established years earlier in Adventures of Superman #552, allowed for strategic overlaps, including the potential deployment of metahuman enhancements from Luthor's initiatives to bolster Intergang's ranks with superpowered operatives during the crisis.[2] Intergang's ambitions extended into Gotham's underworld in the 2007-2008 Gotham Underground miniseries, where the group sought to seize control following the exile of many supervillains by the U.S. government. Under Bruno Mannheim's direction, Intergang ignited a brutal gang war against rivals like Tobias Whale and the Penguin, installing Johnny "Stitches" Denetto as their local representative and targeting key sites such as the Iceberg Lounge. Batman and his allies, including the Penguin in a temporary alliance, clashed with Intergang's forces in intense battles that highlighted the syndicate's tactical use of metahuman enforcers and alien technology, ultimately curbing their takeover but affirming their growing threat.[2] The aftermath of World War III, triggered by Black Adam's rampage in 52 #50-51, further entrenched Intergang as a post-crisis criminal powerhouse, exploiting the global instability to consolidate operations and recruit from the disarrayed metahuman landscape without direct involvement in the conflict itself. This period marked Intergang's evolution into a more ideologically driven entity, blending traditional organized crime with pseudo-religious zeal and extraterrestrial tech to challenge heroic efforts in rebuilding the world.[2]

New 52 reboot

In the New 52 continuity, Intergang was rebooted as a persistent threat to Superman, with its origins altered to emphasize a more covert, family-oriented criminal empire operating in the shadows of the rebooted DC Universe. The group was led by Bruno Mannheim, who commanded operations from Metropolis and expanded into global arms dealing, supplying advanced weaponry to various criminal networks. This relaunch positioned Intergang as early antagonists for the Man of Steel, leveraging stolen Kryptonian technology to enhance their arsenal and challenge Superman's dominance in the skies.[2] The organization's key storyline unfolded in the Superman: Lois and Clark series (2015-2016), where Intergang targeted Lois Lane and Clark Kent after Lois, writing under the pseudonym Author X, exposed their illicit activities in a bestselling book. Bruno Mannheim directed a relentless hunt for the family, who were in hiding with their young son Jon in a small town to protect their identities in the altered reality post-Convergence. Intergang's operatives used sophisticated surveillance and weaponry to track the family, forcing Clark to balance his civilian life with covert interventions to safeguard Lois and Jon. This narrative highlighted Intergang's ruthless efficiency, as Mannheim's forces nearly captured the family multiple times, culminating in direct confrontations that tested the bonds of the Superman family.[2] Intergang's integration into the New 52 extended to broader conflicts, including skirmishes with Steel (John Henry Irons), who aided Superman in disrupting their arms trafficking networks during the Superman ongoing series (2012-2016). The syndicate's operations also intersected with the Justice League, as their global dealings in forbidden tech drew the team's attention in crossovers like Superman/Wonder Woman. Mannheim's leadership tied Intergang to H.I.V.E., forming temporary alliances for large-scale arms exchanges that threatened international security.[15] During the Forever Evil event (2013), Intergang briefly aligned with the Crime Syndicate of America, providing logistical support and weaponry to the invading villains in exchange for protection from heroic reprisals. This opportunistic partnership allowed Intergang to expand their influence amid the chaos of the Justice League's absence, though it ultimately backfired as the Syndicate's rule collapsed. The event underscored Intergang's adaptability, positioning them as opportunistic players in universe-spanning crises.[2]

Rebirth and recent storylines

With the launch of DC Rebirth in 2016, Intergang was reintegrated into the Superman mythos through the hybrid continuity established in the "Superman Reborn" storyline, merging New 52 elements with pre-Flashpoint history to reaffirm the syndicate's status as a technologically advanced criminal organization operating in Metropolis. This restoration emphasized Intergang's longstanding ties to Apokoliptian weaponry, positioning it as a persistent threat amid the broader narrative of Superman's dual identities converging. Intergang played a prominent role in Brian Michael Bendis' Superman run from 2018 to 2022, marking several key arcs in Action Comics and Superman. In Superman #1 (2018), members of Intergang ambushed Lois Lane and Jon Kent during a drive home from school, running their car off the road and kidnapping Lois while Jon lay unconscious, an event that triggered Jon's latent powers and forced the Kents to reveal their superhero heritage to him.[16] The syndicate's activities escalated in subsequent issues, including attempts to seize control of Metropolis through advanced weaponry and alliances with emerging threats like Rogol Zaar, who sought to exploit Kryptonian vulnerabilities during his campaign against Superman.[17] These plots highlighted Intergang's infiltration of the city's underworld, culminating in high-stakes confrontations that tested Superman's family dynamics and protective instincts.[18] The group continued to antagonize Jon Kent in solo stories, clashing with him as the new Superman in Superman: Son of Kal-El (2021). In issue #3, Lois Lane's investigative journalism exposed connections between Lex Luthor and Intergang, revealing the syndicate's role in funding anti-metahuman operations and corporate corruption, which drew Jon into direct battles against their armed enforcers in Coast City.[19] Similar tensions arose in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent (2021-2022), where Intergang's smuggling of Kryptonite-laced tech complicated Jon's multiversal quests, forcing him to confront their operatives while grappling with his emerging role as a hero.[20] As of 2025, Intergang remains a recurring foe in Superman storylines, with its most recent verified appearances tied to the Bendis era and Jon Kent's adventures. The syndicate's evolution continues to blend Apokoliptian tools with modern criminal threats.

Organization and operations

Structure and technology

Intergang maintains a hierarchical structure rooted in family-based leadership, primarily centered on the Mannheim clan, with lieutenants overseeing specialized operations such as smuggling, enforcement, and arms distribution.[2] This organization mirrors traditional crime syndicates but incorporates rigid command chains to coordinate its multinational activities, allowing for efficient delegation under a central boss figure.[15] The group's signature technology derives predominantly from Apokolips, featuring advanced devices like Boom Tubes for instantaneous teleportation, Mother Boxes for computational and energy manipulation, and high-powered energy weapons that enhance their operatives' lethality against superhuman threats.[6] Operational bases are concentrated in Metropolis's Suicide Slum, a notorious impoverished district serving as a hub for recruitment and logistics, while the syndicate extends global networks for trafficking advanced weaponry across continents.[21] Over time, Intergang's technological integration has evolved from rudimentary theft and reverse-engineering of Apokoliptian artifacts in the Pre-Crisis era to more sophisticated in-house research and development in the Rebirth continuity, enabling customized adaptations like kryptonite-infused munitions.[22]

Criminal activities and alliances

Intergang primarily engages in arms dealing, extortion, assassination, and the smuggling of advanced alien technology, leveraging their access to Apokoliptian weaponry to dominate illicit markets.[23] These operations often involve high-stakes heists and schemes aimed at consolidating power, such as their efforts to clone criminals and deploy them as enforcers in the 1970s.[2] In one notable case during the 52 series, Intergang established a "Religion of Crime" cult, using the Crime Bible to indoctrinate followers and orchestrate ritualistic crimes across multiple cities.[2] The organization frequently forms alliances with major DC villains to expand their influence, most prominently with Darkseid and forces from Apokolips, including Desaad and Granny Goodness, who supply the tech that enables their activities.[2] Lex Luthor once assumed leadership of Intergang, using it as a front for his schemes while installing proxies like Boss Moxie Mannheim.[2] They have also recruited supervillains such as Doctor Sivana, integrating their expertise into the syndicate.[2] Rivalries persist with groups like The 100 in Metropolis and Black Mask's operations in Gotham, leading to turf wars over underworld control.[15] In Metropolis, Intergang exerts significant control over the criminal economy, funding operations through extortion rackets and tech trafficking that undermine local law enforcement and spark conflicts with heroes like Superman.[2] This dominance contributed to escalated gang wars depicted in the Gotham Underground storyline, where Intergang infiltrated the city's subterranean networks, prompting uneasy alliances between Batman and figures like the Penguin to counter their expansion.[24] Intergang's global reach extends to international terrorism and exploitation post-2000s, with operations in regions like Bialya and Oolong Island for weapons testing and recruitment.[2] In Kahndaq, they attempted to establish a base by offering partnerships to Black Adam, involving kidnapping, child enslavement, and torture in nearby Yemen, though these efforts were ultimately thwarted.[25]

Membership

Leaders

Intergang's leadership traces its roots to the Pre-Crisis era, where Moxie "Boss" Mannheim founded the organization in the 1940s as a Metropolis-based criminal syndicate focused on bootlegging and extortion.[26] As a Prohibition-era figure, Mannheim built the empire's foundation through ruthless control, but he was captured by the Newsboy Legion and imprisoned, continuing to direct operations remotely until his death.[15] His tenure established Intergang's early mob-style hierarchy, blending traditional crime with emerging technological ambitions. In the Post-Crisis continuity, Morgan Edge briefly led Intergang under the influence of Darkseid, using the organization for schemes involving advanced Apokoliptian technology. Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim, Moxie's son, later emerged as the organization's dominant leader, inheriting and expanding its operations with a signature brutality informed by his upbringing.[27] Known for his devotion to Darkseid, Bruno transformed Intergang into a cult-like entity under the Religion of Crime, merging gangster tactics with Apokoliptian zealotry to orchestrate high-stakes schemes against Superman.[15] During the 52 event, influenced by Darkseid, he stabbed Batwoman but was impaled by Renee Montoya, surviving through Darkseid's power and mutating into a giant form that solidified his role as a resilient figurehead. He has allied with villains like Lex Luthor, who has temporarily taken control of Intergang in various storylines.[15] Bruno's leadership persisted into the Rebirth era, where he directed Intergang's advanced tech-driven crimes while navigating family dynamics and multiversal threats.[3] The New 52 reboot featured continued Mannheim influence, with key operatives like Whisper A'Daire aligning with Intergang after her time in the League of Assassins.[28] Over 80 years old yet appearing youthful due to her serpentine physiology and hypnotic abilities, Whisper oversaw operations like child indoctrination and heists through the Cult of Cain, emphasizing Intergang's global reach and cult recruitment tactics.[15] Across continuities, Intergang's leaders have consistently exhibited a hybrid style: the calculated intimidation of mob bosses fused with fanatical religious devotion, often leveraging Apokoliptian technology to elevate street-level crime to cosmic threats.[29] This evolution from Moxie's foundational grit to Bruno's apocalyptic fervor underscores the organization's adaptability in DC's shifting narratives.

Notable members and affiliates

Intergang has recruited a diverse array of non-leadership members and affiliates over its history, transitioning from conventional street thugs to augmented enforcers and metahuman specialists empowered by Apokoliptian technology. These individuals typically serve as operatives in high-risk operations against Superman and Metropolis authorities, filling roles such as frontline combatants, technical support, and intelligence gatherers.[15] Metallo, the cybernetic villain powered by Kryptonite, formed temporary alliances with Intergang on multiple occasions, providing heavy firepower and anti-Superman tactics in exchange for resources to sustain his body.[30] In the New 52 continuity, Shockwave served as a tech specialist and hired enforcer, maintaining and deploying the syndicate's advanced weaponry in assaults on corporate targets.[31] The evolution of these roles reflects Intergang's adaptation: early affiliates were often baseline criminals upgraded via Mother Boxes into enhanced soldiers, while later ones like tech handlers focused on integrating alien arms for larger-scale threats. Notable incidents include internal disruptions from defections and deaths under leadership oversight.[8]

Alternate versions

Pre-Crisis variants

In the pre-Crisis era, Intergang's depictions remained consistent with its core model as an Apokoliptian-backed crime syndicate, with limited divergences from the standard continuity.[2][8]

Modern multiverse iterations

A possible future incarnation of Intergang appears in the 1991 crossover "Armageddon 2001", in which the group takes Metropolis hostage with a nuclear bomb as part of a tyrannical regime's plot. Intergang has few other documented appearances in Elseworlds or multiverse stories, often aligning closely with its main continuity role rather than featuring distinct variants.

In other media

Television adaptations

Intergang first appeared in the animated series Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000), depicted as a technologically advanced criminal syndicate operating in Metropolis and led by Bruno "Ugly" Mannheim. In the episode "Tools of the Trade" (Season 1, Episode 12), Intergang terrorizes the city using high-tech weapons supplied by the Apokoliptian agent Kanto, prompting a confrontation with Superman and Metro Police Inspector Dan Turpin. The group returns in "Fun and Games" (Season 1, Episode 13), where Mannheim becomes a target of the villain Toyman, highlighting Intergang's role as a persistent threat reliant on advanced alien weaponry.[32] Further episodes, such as "Brave New Metropolis" (Season 2, Episode 12), portray an alternate-universe version of Intergang capturing Lois Lane, underscoring their brutal tactics and clashes with Superman.[33] In the live-action series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997), Intergang is reimagined as a cult-like crime organization infiltrating Metropolis, primarily under the leadership of the Church family. The group debuts in "Church of Metropolis" (Season 1, Episode 9), where it poses as a legitimate religious front while expanding its criminal operations, forcing Superman to navigate threats against his allies without direct intervention.[34] This cult-crime dynamic continues across seasons, with Bill Church Sr., his wife Mindy, and son Bill Jr. directing activities like extortion and assassination attempts. In episodes such as "The Prankster" (Season 2, Episode 4), Intergang's schemes intersect with individual villains, emphasizing its organized structure and manipulation of public perception.[35] Later, in "Home Is Where the Hurt Is" (Season 3, Episode 11), Mindy Church revives Intergang to unleash a Kryptonian virus on Superman during the holidays, blending family drama with high-stakes criminal plotting.[36] Intergang receives a brief but notable mention in the live-action series Supergirl (2015–2021), tying into broader DC lore without a full storyline appearance. In the Season 4 premiere "American Alien" (Episode 1), Lena Luthor references Bruno Mannheim as a key figure in Intergang's operations, positioning the group as a shadowy criminal network with connections to her brother Lex's past schemes.[37] This nod establishes Intergang's influence in the Arrowverse, hinting at its international reach and ties to Superman's rogues gallery, though no Kahndaq-based variant or Terra-Man leadership is depicted in the series. Intergang appears in the animated series My Adventures with Superman (2023–present), portrayed as a small crew of young delinquents with access to high-tech equipment. The group is introduced in Season 1's "My Interview with Superman" (Episode 3), formed by Siobhan McDougal (Livewire), Kyle Nimbus (Misty), and Albert Nimbus, engaging in petty crimes and clashing with Superman in Metropolis.[38] In Season 2, Intergang returns in the finale "My Adventures with... Un-Titled?" (Episode 10), where members join other villains in a temporary alliance to combat a larger threat from Brainiac, showcasing their adaptability and ties to advanced technology.[39] Intergang serves as a central antagonistic force in Superman & Lois (2021–2024), evolving from minor threats in early seasons to primary villains in Season 3, utilizing advanced technology derived from alternate dimensions. Introduced subtly in Season 1 through Metropolis underworld connections, the syndicate escalates in Season 2's "Haywire" (Episode 4), where members experiment with mind-control tech linked to Bizarro world inversions, indirectly targeting the Kent family.[40] By Season 3, led by Bruno Mannheim (portrayed by Chad L. Coleman), Intergang raids the Department of Defense in episodes like "Head On" (Episode 5) to acquire inverse world weaponry, aiming to weaponize dimensional anomalies against Superman and his sons.[41] Their operations culminate in conflicts involving Lex Luthor's machinations, showcasing Intergang's adaptation of otherworldly tech for Metropolis domination and personal vendettas against the Kents.[14]

Film and animation

In the 2019 animated feature Justice League vs. the Fatal Five, Intergang played a supporting role as tech suppliers whose Apokoliptian-derived weaponry factored into the overarching narrative involving the Legion of Super-Heroes. Batman foils an Intergang attempt to abduct Metropolis' mayor, seizing a piece of their hybrid Earth-Apokoliptian technology that John Irons analyzes at S.T.A.R. Labs, revealing connections to the film's time-traveling antagonists. This depiction underscores Intergang's access to extraterrestrial arms, tying into the story's exploration of future threats.[42] Intergang received a more prominent portrayal in the 2022 live-action film Black Adam, marking their major cinematic debut as a central antagonistic force. The organization's Kahndaq chapter, led by Ishmael Gregor (portrayed by Marwan Kenzari), operates as an international mercenary group exploiting Eternium resources with Apokoliptian-backed technology. They occupy Kahndaq, clashing directly with Teth-Adam (Dwayne Johnson) in high-stakes action sequences, including urban chases and battles that emphasize their role in global threats and resource-driven conflicts. Ishmael's leadership culminates in his transformation into the demon Sabbac, escalating Intergang's threat from criminal syndicate to supernatural peril. This adaptation expands Intergang's lore by integrating them into the DCEU's geopolitical narrative, portraying them as a modern terrorist outfit armed with alien weaponry.[43] As of November 2025, no confirmed appearances of Intergang have been announced for post-2025 animated Superman projects, though DC's ongoing animated slate, including potential Legion of Super-Heroes sequels, may explore their tech-smuggling activities in future stories.

Video games and miscellaneous

Intergang features prominently in the 2011 massively multiplayer online game DC Universe Online, developed by Daybreak Game Company, where it serves as a playable villain faction operating in Metropolis. Players aligned with villains can join Intergang to undertake missions involving Apokoliptian technology supplied by Darkseid, such as the "Intergang Crime Wave" operation, which tasks participants with deploying advanced weaponry against heroic forces in the city's Steelworks district.[44][45] The syndicate's storyline emphasizes its role as a street-level criminal organization enhanced by extraterrestrial arms, allowing recruits to battle Superman and his allies while advancing plots tied to Apokolips' influence.[46] In miscellaneous media, Intergang has appeared in merchandise such as action figure playsets. A notable example is the 2022 Walmart-exclusive DC Comics Black Adam vs. Intergang Mercenary set by Spin Master, which includes 4-inch articulated figures of Black Adam and an Intergang mercenary armed with a blaster accessory, along with a detachable vehicle for reenacting battles inspired by the syndicate's comic depictions.[47] This toy line highlights Intergang's mercenary elements and ties into broader DC Universe narratives involving anti-heroes confronting the group.

References

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  3. Intergang, Lex Luthor and New Troubles for Superman & Lois | DC
  4. Ahead Of Black Adam, 5 Things To Know About DC Comics' Intergang
  5. Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (DC, 1954 series) #133 - GCD :: Issue
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  7. Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen (DC, 1954 series) #139 - GCD :: Issue
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  9. Superman: Dark Knight over Metropolis by John Byrne - Goodreads
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  11. SUPERMAN #27 FIRST PRINT DC COMICS (1989) GANGBUSTER ...
  12. Moxie Mannheim (New Earth) | DC Database - Fandom
  13. Dark Facts About Metropolis - CBR
  14. Intergang (New Earth) | DC Database - Fandom
  15. What are the best post crisis intergang stories to read?
  16. How Two Superman Shows Reinterpreted Intergang in 2023 - CBR
  17. Electric Bluegaloo, Act 5: Olsen Vs. Intergang - Comics Alliance
  18. DC: 10 Most Powerful Members Of Intergang, Ranked - CBR
  19. Gotham Underground #9 Review - IGN
  20. DC Comics 52 (Weekly) & Aftermath Reading Order
  21. SUPERMAN: LOIS AND CLARK #1 - DC Comics
  22. Superman: Lois and Clark #4 Review - Weird Science DC Comics
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  24. SUPERMAN #1 - DC Comics
  25. Bendis Sheds Light on Superman's New Foe: Rogol Zaar - CBR
  26. ACTION COMICS #1028, wrapping up Bendis' Superman run
  27. SUPERMAN: SON OF KAL-EL #3 - DC Comics
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  29. ABSOLUTE POWER - DC Comics
  30. Superman Unlimited: Dan Slott and Rafael Albuquerque Launch a ...
  31. Bruno Mannheim - DC CONTINUITY PROJECT
  32. GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #5 - DC Comics
  33. Black Adam, Isis and Osiris (post-Crisis) - Cosmic Teams!
  34. Superman & Lois Casts The Walking Dead's Chad Coleman as ...
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  37. KINGDOM COME | DC
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  41. Lois & Clark Episode Guide at KryptonSite
  42. The New Adventures of Superman" Home Is Where the Hurt ... - IMDb
  43. Supergirl Namedrops Intergang Leader Bruno Mannheim - CBR
  44. Intergang - Multiversal Omnipedia
  45. 'Superman & Lois' Recap: Season 3, Episode 5 “Head On”
  46. https://www.comicbookmovie.com/justice-league/justice-league-animated/justice-league-vs-the-fatal-five-watch-the-films-action-heavy-opening-sequence-a167503
  47. Black Adam's DCEU Easter Eggs & References Explained
  48. Intergang | DC Universe Online Wiki - Fandom
  49. Intergang Crime Wave | DC Universe Online Wiki - Fandom
  50. Intergang Crime Wave Solo | DC Universe Online Forums
  51. DC Comics, Black Adam Vs Intergang Mercenary Playset (Walmart ...
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