Hazard (DC Comics)

Hazard is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. She was a member of the villainous group Injustice Society. Though she does not have a problem using her abilities for illegal gain, she has shown some apprehension at murder.

Fictional character biography

During the anti-hero mania that was sweeping the US (during the Legends mini-series, 1986), Miss Rebecca Sharpe took the opportunity to avenge the death of her grandfather, Steven Sharpe III alias the Gambler. Rebecca took the name Hazard and joined with the Wizard in his new Injustice Society – which he called Injustice Unlimited. However, she refused to allow anyone to be killed, nor would she cause anyone's death in the process. They overcame the security at the International Trade Conference in Calgary—namely Infinity, Inc. and a contingent of the Global Guardians... and forced the heroes to help in some mayhem. Hazard took Wildcat and the Tasmanian Devil to Las Vegas and, with their help, financially ruined Mr. Taj, proprietor of the Taj Mahal Casino - it had been the crooked games of the casino which were in part to blame for her grandfather's suicide. They all returned to Calgary to share in the stolen wealth which the Wizard had been gathering but the plan went haywire when Hourman (Rick Tyler) revived and freed himself, as well as when Solomon Grundy was brought in from the Arctic Circle. It was Solomon who incapacitated Hazard, but in the confusion she was able to escape. (Infinity Inc 35-37 1987)

Only weeks later Hazard joined again with the villains Icicle and Artemis, along with the Harlequin (Marcie Cooper). Harlequin brought in the Dummy and a duped Solomon Grundy. Under the leadership of the Dummy, their first goal was to murder the members of Infinity, Inc. so that the world and the criminal underworld would know and fear Injustice Unlimited. Though Hazard had previously voiced an unwillingness to take life, she consented to the murder of the super-powered Infinitors. The first target was Skyman, and he was successfully murdered by Harlequin. Within days Hazard joined with Harlequin and the Dummy to murder Pat Dugan working at Stellar Studios (the Infinity, Inc. HQ) outside Los Angeles. When Pat's young son became a collateral target, however, Hazard used her powers of probability manipulation to help save their lives – the Dummy decided instead to use Dugan as bait for the rest of the Infinitors. When the other heroes arrived at their HQ and the battle was begun, Hazard feigned the loss of her dice and did not join in. Afterwards, when the villains were successfully defeated, Hazard voluntarily entered into custody for her role in the criminal events. (Infinity Inc #51-53, 1988)

Hazard last appeared with several other villainesses who were hunting male superheroes who had been turned into animals by Circe. This takes place in a magically encircled New York City. (Wonder Woman Vol. 2 #175)

Powers and abilities

Hazard has psionic powers that she uses in conjunction with special dice to influence probability as she wishes. She can cause good luck or harmful "accidents" to befall someone. The origin of her powers, nature of her dice, and the relationship between them are unknown. In addition, she keeps herself in good physical condition but has no known training in hand-to-hand combat.

Notable relatives

Steven Sharpe III is Rebecca's grandfather and was the original Gambler who vexed the original Justice Society in the late 1940s.

Steven Sharpe V is Rebecca's cousin. He has taken over their grandfather's criminal mantle as the current Gambler.

External links

• Cosmic Teams history page