Mr. Fish Explained

Character Name:Mr. Fish
Real Name:Mortimer George Norris
Bill Norris
Species:Human mutate
Publisher:Marvel Comics
Debut:Luke Cage, Power Man #29 (April, 1975)
Creators:Bill Mantlo
George Tuska
Alliances:Mr. Fish I:
Maggia
Mr. Fish II:
Flashmob
Aliases:Mr. Fish I:
Mort
Powers:Amphibious physiology
Enhanced strength

Mr. Fish is the name of two fictional supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Both versions are brothers who have gone up against the street-level heroes in New York City.

Publication history

The Mortimer Norris incarnation of Mr. Fish first appeared in Luke Cage, Power Man #29 (April 1975), and was created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist George Tuska. Initially, Luke Cage, Power Man #29 was intended to continue a storyline from the 28th issue. The continuation of that story was running late. Because of these deadline considerations, the splash page admits, this fill-in story, "No One Laughs at Mr. Fish", was created to ensure #29 hit the stands on schedule.

The Bill Morris incarnation of Mr. Fish first appeared in Daughters of the Dragon #4 (April 2006), and was created by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Khari Evans.

Fictional character biography

Mortimer Norris

The first Mr. Fish is Mortimer Norris, a crook who was transformed into a fish hybrid after being exposed to radioactive material and falling into the East River. He used his powers to establish a Maggia branch in the area, aided by a group of thugs and his second-in-command, the dwarf Shrike. He comes into conflict with Luke Cage before seemingly being killed in a fight with him.[1]

However, he later appears alive during the All-New, All-Different Marvel event, where Alex Wilder banishes him to Hell before Tombstone rescues him.[2] [3] [4]

During the "Devil's Reign" storyline, Mr. Fish appears as an inmate of the Myrmidon. Moon Knight fought him in one of the prison matches and defeated him.[5]

During the "Gang War" storyline, Mr. Fish is among the villains hired by Hobgoblin to guard his hideout. However, Scorpion eventually convinces the group to turn against Hobgoblin.[6] [7]

Bill Norris

The second Mr. Fish is Bill Norris, Mortimer's similarly-mutated brother and a member of the Flashmob.[8] [9] [10] During the "Spider-Island" storyline, he temporarily gains spider-powers from a virus created by the Jackal before being defeated by the Heroes for Hire.[11]

Powers and abilities

Mr. Fish has enhanced strength and a fish-like appearance that enables him to survive on land and in water.

Other versions

Marvel Adventures

In the Marvel Adventures reality, a version of Mr. Fish was about to enact his master plan only for him and his henchmen to encounter the Fantastic Four. Human Torch used his flames to dehydrate Mr. Fish, enough for a police officer to knock him out and arrest him.[12]

In other media

The Mortimer Norris incarnation of Mr. Fish appears in the Luke Cage episode "Wig Out", portrayed by Hakim Callender. This version is a human crime lord with no superhuman abilities.[13]

Notes and References

  1. Luke Cage, Power Man #29. Marvel Comics.
  2. David Walker. Sanford Greene. Sanford Greene. Lee Loughridge. VC's Clayton Cowles. Jake Thomas. Power Man and Iron Fist. 3.
    1. 10
    . 9 November 2016. Marvel Comics. United States.
  3. David F. Walker. Sanford Greene. Sanford Greene. Lee Loughridge. VC's Clayton Cowles. Jake Thomas. Power Man and Iron Fist. 3.
    1. 11
    . 14 December 2016. Marvel Comics. United States.
  4. David F. Walker. Sanford Greene. Sanford Greene. Lee Loughridge. VC's Clayton Cowles. Jake Thomas. Power Man and Iron Fist. 3.
    1. 14
    . 8 March 2017. Marvel Comics. United States.
  5. Devil's Reign: Moon Knight #1. Marvel Comics.
  6. Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #15. Marvel Comics.
  7. Miles Morales: Spider-Man Vol. 2 #16. Marvel Comics.
  8. Spider-Man: Back in Black Handbook #1. Marvel Comics.
  9. Daughters of the Dragon #4. Marvel Comics.
  10. Shadowland: Power Man #2. Marvel Comics.
  11. Spider-Island: Heroes for Hire #1. Marvel Comics.
  12. Fantastic Four Giant-Size Adventures #1. Marvel Comics.
  13. Wig Out. Marvel's Luke Cage. Jobst, Marc (director); Matt Owens (writer). Netflix. June 22, 2018. 2. 3.