View source for Constrictor (character)

{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Notability|date=May 2023}}
{{Primary sources|date=May 2023}}
}}
{{Infobox comics character
| image = Constrictor1.jpg
| caption = Constrictor. Art by [[Andrea Di Vito]].
| character_name = Constrictor
| real_name = Frank Payne
| publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
| debut = ''[[Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' vol. 2 #212<br>(June 1977)<ref>{{cite book |last =Rovin |first =Jeff |authorlink=Jeff Rovin |title =[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |publisher =Facts on File |date =1987 |location =New York |isbn = 0-8160-1356-X |page=65}}[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/64/mode/2up]</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Conroy |first=Mike |authorlink=Mike Conroy (writer) |title=500 Comicbook Villains |publisher=Collins & Brown |date=2004 |isbn=1-84340-205-X |url=https://archive.org/details/500comicbookvill0000conr/page/40/mode/2up |language=en}}</ref>
| creators =[[Len Wein]]<br>[[John Romita Sr.]]<br>[[Sal Buscema]]
| alliances =[[Corporation (comics)|Corporation]]<br>[[Frightful Four]]<br>[[Masters of Evil]]<br>[[Avengers: The Initiative|Initiative]]<br>[[Shadow Initiative]]<br>[[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]<br>[[Sinister Syndicate]]<br>[[Six Pack (comics)|Six-Pack]]
| aliases = Frank Schlicting
| powers =Skilled street fighter and unarmed combatant<br>Wears cybernetic coils made of [[vibranium]] or [[adamantium]]<br>Formerly: Possessed bionic arms with fingers that functioned like his old coils
}}
'''Constrictor''' is the name of two fictional characters appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The first version seen is Frank Payne. The second version is his unnamed son.

==Publication history==
The Frank Payne version of Constrictor made his first appearance in ''[[Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (vol. 2) #212 (1977) and was created by [[Len Wein]] and [[John Romita Sr.]],<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IN_VCQAAQBAJ&q=the+incredible+herb+trimpe+page+58&pg=PA58|title=The Incredible Herb Trimpe|first1=Dewey|last1=Cassell|last2=Various|date=29 July 2015|publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing|isbn=9781605490625|via=Google Books}}</ref> then drawn in his first issue by [[Sal Buscema]].

The character went on to feature as a supervillain in ''[[Captain America (comic book)|Captain America]]'' #228-229, 231 (1978–1979), ''[[Iron Man (comic book)|Iron Man]]'' #126-127 (1979), ''[[Power Man and Iron Fist|Power Man & Iron Fist]]'' #66 (1980), ''Captain America Annual'' #5 (1981), ''Power Man & Iron Fist'' #78, 84 (1982), ''Captain America'' #281-283 (1983), #309-311 (1985), ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'' #334 (1989), ''[[Marvel Comics Presents]]'' #74, 86-87. 89-92 (1991), ''The [[New Warriors]] Annual'' #2 (1992), ''[[The Spectacular Spider-Man]] Annual'' #12 (1992), ''[[Web of Spider-Man]] Annual'' #8 (1992), ''Iron Man'' #284 (1992), ''[[Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'' (vol. 3) #36 (1992), ''Marvel Comics Presents'' #119-120 (1993), ''[[Alpha Flight (comic book)|Alpha Flight]]'' #121 (1993), ''Captain America'' #412 (1993), ''[[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]]'' #1-3 (1994), ''[[Marvel Fanfare]]'' (vol. 2) #6 (1997), ''[[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]'' #24-25 (1999), ''[[Gambit (Marvel Comics)|Gambit]]'' (vol. 3) #12 (1999), #16-19 (2000), ''Gambit Annual 2000'' (2000), ''[[The Hood]]'' #2-4, 6 (2002), ''[[Agent X (Marvel Comics)|Agent X]]'' #6 (2003), ''[[Weapon X]]'' (vol. 2) #26, 28 (2004), ''[[Secret War (comics)|Secret War]]'' #3-5 (2004–2005), ''[[Marvel Team-Up]]'' (vol. 3) #7 (2005) and ''[[She-Hulk]]'' #9 (2005).

Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in ''[[Deadpool]]'' #35 (1999), 38-45 (2000) and 61 (2002). The character went on to feature in ''[[Cable & Deadpool]]'' #7-12 (2004–2005) and ''[[Ben Grimm|The Thing]]'' (vol. 2) #1-3, 8 (2006) in a more heroic role. Constrictor later appeared as a member of the [[Fifty State Initiative|Initiative]] in ''[[Avengers: The Initiative]]'' #1, 4-5, 8, 10, 12-15, 17 (2007–2008) and featured prominently in #20-24, 26-35 (2009–2010) during the [[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]] and [[Siege (comics)|Siege]] story lines.

==Fictional character biography==
===Frank Payne===
Frank Payne was an agent of the international espionage organization [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]], and the father of an adult daughter, Mia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/paynemia.htm|title=Mia Payne (Constrictor's daughter)|website=www.marvunapp.com}}</ref> When S.H.I.E.L.D. needed a costumed "supervillain" to go undercover in the criminal organization called the [[Corporation (comics)|Corporation]], Frank was given a snake-themed costume and a pair of wrist-mounted electrified metal coils. Using the false identity of "Frank Schlicting" from [[Racine, Wisconsin]], and the codename of "Constrictor", he infiltrated the group, only to suffer a nervous breakdown and become a career criminal in earnest. As a result of his defection, S.H.I.E.L.D. allowed his daughter to believe that he had died. As the Constrictor, "Schlicting" debuted in combat against the [[Hulk]], while attempting to assassinate the Hulk's friend [[Jim Wilson (comics)|Jim Wilson]] on behalf of the Corporation.<ref name="Incredible Hulk #212">''The Incredible Hulk'' (vol. 2) #212 (June 1977). Marvel Comics.</ref> The Corporation next sent him to assassinate [[Captain America]]; the Constrictor was trapped in a cave-in of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, and was freed by Captain America.<ref>''Captain America'' #228. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Constrictor would remain an independent mercenary, criminal, and assassin after the dissolution of the Corporation. He next battled [[Iron Man]] as a member of [[Justin Hammer]]'s criminal army.<ref>''Iron Man'' #127. Marvel Comics.</ref> He next teamed with [[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]] to safeguard a stolen jade tiger statuette, and battled [[Luke Cage|Power Man]] and the [[Daughters of the Dragon]].<ref>''Power Man and Iron Fist'' #66. Marvel Comics.</ref> He teamed with Sabretooth again to help Sabretooth get revenge on [[Misty Knight]].<ref>''Power Man and Iron Fist'' #78. Marvel Comics.</ref> They fought [[Iron Fist (comics)|Iron Fist]], Power Man, [[El Aguila]], and Misty Knight.<ref>''Power Man and Iron Fist'' #84. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Working for the [[Viper (Madame Hydra)|Viper]], he battled Captain America and [[Nomad (comics)|Nomad]]. He wound up turning against the Viper.<ref>''Captain America'' #281-283. Marvel Comics.</ref> He next joined with other criminals in an attempt to assassinate the hospitalized [[Ben Grimm|Thing]].<ref>''Marvel-Two-in-One'' #96. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor was also invited to join the [[Serpent Society]], which he turned down and walked out after the first meeting. He subsequently tried to turn them over to the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]], and [[Anaconda (comics)|Anaconda]] later exacted revenge on him. While in the hospital recuperating from the beating, he was nearly killed by the [[Scourge of the Underworld]] disguised as a nurse, but was saved by Captain America.<ref>''Captain America'' #310-311. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor eventually took an assignment to kill the [[Beast (comics)|Beast]] in Belgium by Commander Courage who was impersonating the [[Red Ghost (character)|Red Ghost]]. Finding out that he had been set up, Constrictor teamed up with Beast to defeat Commander Courage.<ref>''Marvel Comics Presents'' #85-92. Marvel Comics.</ref>

He later had a showdown with his common-law stepfather McAvey, who had murdered his mother.<ref>''Marvel Comics Presents'' #74. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor has battled numerous heroes over the years, including repeated encounters with [[Captain America]], [[Iron Fist (character)|Iron Fist]], [[Luke Cage]], [[Spider-Man]], [[Ben Grimm|Thing]] and even the short-lived character [[NFL SuperPro]]. Although Luke Cage and [[Nick Fury]] eventually uncovered Payne's former identity, he chose to retain the Schlicting alias and to allow his daughter to believe that her father was dead.<ref>''Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' #36. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the Acts of Vengeance, Constrictor was one of the many villains that attacked the Fantastic Four.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' #334. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in ''[[Deadpool]]'' wherein he and [[Titania (Marvel Comics)|Titania]] moved in with him as his roommates. During their uncomfortable living situation, Constrictor was convinced that Titania was actually a man. It would turn out that he was right that she was not what she seemed; but not about her gender as Titania was revealed to actually be the mutant [[Shapeshifting|shapeshifter]] and Deadpool's former lover, [[Copycat (Marvel Comics)|Copycat]]. He was later found to be under the employment of [[Justin Hammer]]. When cutbacks forced his supervisor to lay him off, he responded by brutally attacking him.

He did join the seventh incarnation of the [[Masters of Evil]] led by the [[Crimson Cowl (Justine Hammer)|Crimson Cowl]].<ref>''Thunderbolts'' #24-25. Marvel Comics.</ref> During the Deadpool story arc, it was also revealed that Constrictor had been part of a short-lived rendition of the [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]]'s [[Frightful Four]].<ref>''Deadpool'' #35. Marvel Comics.</ref>

At one point he was one of the many mercenaries hired to kill Alex Hayden, who was at this time thought to be Wade Wilson. He works with many unnamed mercs and some notable ones, including [[Crossfire (comics)|Crossfire]]. In the story it was stated that Wilson was a hard-ass, so Hayden could not be Deadpool. Hayden then broke Constrictor's nose. The Constrictor was later seen in the same issue being used, or rather his vibranium coils were used, to drag the [[Rhino (character)|Rhino]] into a river. Somehow both escaped.<ref>''Agent X'' #6 (Feb. 2003). Marvel Comics.</ref>

After a severe beating from [[Hercules (Marvel Comics)|Hercules]], the Constrictor was awarded several million dollars in a lawsuit. [[Nighthawk (Marvel Comics)|Nighthawk]], rich himself, convinces the Constrictor that with all his money there was no need to be a criminal anymore, and he has apparently turned over a new leaf and decided to be a hero. He is currently under the employment of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a member of the new [[Six Pack (comics)|Six-Pack]]. He was most recently seen at an all-superhuman charity poker tournament hosted by the Thing (who also had a hand in the Constrictor's apparent reformation), where Hercules regains at least a large portion of the money he lost to the Constrictor in a non-tournament side game.<ref>''The Thing'' #8. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor plays a small role in the "[[Secret War (comics)|Secret War]]" crossover event.<ref>''Secret War'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Constrictor was identified as one of the 142 registered superheroes who have registered as part of the 50-State Initiative and joined Camp Hammond's staff.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.947|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526061017/http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.947|url-status=dead|title=News - Marvel.com|date=26 May 2012|archive-date=26 May 2012}}</ref> The Constrictor was later revealed to be part of the ''Shadow Initiative'', a black ops version of the Initiative under the command of [[Henry Peter Gyrich|Henry Gyrich]].<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #4 (2007). Marvel Comics.</ref> He travels with Trauma and Mutant Zero, two other members of the group, into [[Madison Square Garden]]; they rescue Initiative recruits from the invading alien forces called the [[Warbound]].<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #5 (2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor saved Gyrich from the clone of [[Michael Van Patrick|MVP]] known as "KIA"; however, KIA severed Constrictor's forearms in retaliation. Constrictor was quickly ferried away to safety by fellow team member [[Bengal (comics)|Bengal]].<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #10. Marvel Comics.</ref> He was given bionic hands which functioned like his coils and was also presented with a [[Purple Heart]] for his valiant efforts.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Avengers: The Initiative'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref> Following a supervillain ambush outside of Camp Hammond, student hero [[Butterball (Emery Schaub)|Butterball]] washed out the camp, he and fellow instructor [[Taskmaster (character)|Taskmaster]] give Schaub a photo of himself standing triumphant over the defeated 'villains' as a reward for his efforts.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #13. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Secret Invasion]]," Bengal discovers that the [[Skrull]]s have taken over Camp Hammond and summons the rest of the Shadow Initiative to deal with them. They decide to assassinate Queen [[Veranke]], but the attempt fails and they are taken captive.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #17. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]" storyline, [[Quasimodo (comics)|Quasimodo]] analyzed Constrictor for [[Norman Osborn]]. He states that Constrictor is a team player and be used as a distraction so that the heavy hitters can get the job done.<ref>''Dark Reign Files''. Marvel Comics.</ref> During a conflict with the Initiative and some terrorists, Constrictor helps the Women Warriors, one of the official government hero teams. He stops an out-of-control passenger plane, saving many lives, including that of the hero [[Diamondback (Rachel Leighton)|Diamondback]]. Constrictor is visibly distressed as civilians thank him for his heroic actions. Soon after, he and Diamondback begin a romantic relationship.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #29. Marvel Comics.</ref> Frank later discovers that Diamondback is secretly working for [[Gauntlet (comics)|Gauntlet]]'s "[[Counter Force (Marvel Comics)|Avengers Resistance]]".<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #30. Marvel Comics.</ref> He keeps her secret despite knowing the danger this involves for them both; mainly the Initiative head, the Taskmaster, would kill them both.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #31. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the [[Siege (comics)|Siege of Asgard]], Constrictor becomes buried under a pile of falling rubble. Taskmaster digs him out and Constrictor sees Diamondback running towards Captain America. Wrongfully assuming that she has reconciled with and returned to her former lover, Constrictor sorrowfully joins Taskmaster in fleeing the battlefield. The two also begin working as mercenaries and partners in crime.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #35. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Constrictor was later recruited by Max Fury to join the [[Shadow Council]]'s incarnation of the [[Masters of Evil]].<ref>''Secret Avengers'' #29. Marvel Comics.</ref>

As part of the "[[Marvel NOW!]]" in the pages of ''[[Avengers Arena]]'', a flashback experienced by Arcade showed that he had previously acquired the ownership of a bar in Bagalia called the Hole where he catches Constrictor (who previously attended Arcade's birthday party and made fun of him) robbing it. Arcade defeated Constrictor by crushing him with a large hammer-like trap.<ref>''Avengers Arena'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Infinity (comic book)|Infinity]]" storyline, Constrictor is among the villains recruited by [[Spymaster (comics)|Spymaster]] to help him attack the almost-defenseless Stark Tower.<ref>''Infinity: Heist'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In ''[[Avengers Undercover]]'', Constrictor becomes [[Helmut Zemo]]'s bodyguard when he assumes leadership of the Masters of Evil.<ref>''Avengers Undercover'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> Constrictor is shown to live in a building called the Snakepit in [[Bagalia]], which is the headquarters of the [[Young Masters]].<ref>''Avengers Undercover'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Frank Payne later retires from crime and moves in with Rachael Leighton before dying from an unspecified terminal illness.<ref>''Captain America: Sam Wilson'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="Iron Fist #75">''Iron Fist'' #75. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Frank Payne's son===
When Frank Payne had a brief relationship with Sandy and later left him, Sandy gave birth to a son who hated his father for his abandonment. After Frank Payne died, he left his battlesuit for his son in his will and he became the new Constrictor. The son considered this as a way to get back at his late father.<ref name="Iron Fist #75"/>

Constrictor later went to the restaurant Herbie's and attended a supervillain meeting held by the [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]] who informed them that [[Doctor Doom|Victor von Doom]] has gone straight. The meeting was crashed by Doctor Doom in his version of the [[Iron Man's armor|Iron Man armor]].<ref>''Infamous Iron Man'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Liwei later hired Constrictor to break into Danny Rand's apartment so that he can obtain for Chosin the Book of the Iron Fist.<ref>''Iron Fist'' #73. Marvel Comics.</ref> When Chosin refused to pay Constrictor double and planned to have him tortured, Constrictor summoned the Serpent Society. The fight was crashed by Iron Fist and Sabretooth.<ref>''Iron Fist'' #74. Marvel Comics.</ref> Constrictor was poisoned by Rat of 12 Plagues as Chosin starts to get his hands on the Book of the Iron Fist. To honor Frank Payne, Sabretooth took Constrictor to the hospital.<ref name="Iron Fist #75"/>

During the "Search for Tony Stark" arc, Constrictor joins the [[The Hood|Hood]]'s crime syndicate in attacking Castle Doom.<ref>''Invincible Iron Man'' #597. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the "[[Hunted (comics)|Hunted]]" storyline, Constrictor is among the animal-themed characters who are hunted by [[Kraven the Hunter]], Taskmaster, and [[Black Ant (comics)|Black Ant]].<ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #17. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #18. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>''The Amazing Spider-Man'' (vol. 5) #19. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
The Constrictor's primary weapon is a pair of cybernetically-controlled, electrified, prehensile, wrist-mounted metal coils provided by [[Justin Hammer]]. The coils eject and retract from special appliances running from shoulder to wrist. These cables are able to extend to a maximum length of {{convert|30|ft|m}} and can be used as whips, capable of rending steel or lesser metals; or as bonds, capable of entwining an object or human being and constricting.

The previous sets of coils were made from an [[adamantium]] alloy, then from [[vibranium]]. The adamantium coils were traded to [[Gambit (Marvel Comics)|Gambit]] in exchange for a favor and are then subsequently used by [[Mister Sinister]] to reinforce an ailing [[Sabretooth (character)|Sabretooth]]'s skeleton.<ref>''Gambit'' (vol. 3) #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> The strength of the coils varies based on their construction, but the adamantium coils were powerful enough to lift and restrain the Hulk.<ref name="Incredible Hulk #212"/> The vibranium coils have a contact-based aura that suppresses sound.<ref>''Gambit'' (vol. 3) #16-17. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Constrictor's costume is lightly armored with partial bulletproofing around the chest and head area and the entire costume is electrically insulated, covering his entire body except for his lower face and chin. Although the Constrictor is a skilled unarmed combatant and street fighter, he usually relies exclusively on his coils in a fight.

After his encounter with KIA, Constrictor is implanted with cybernetic arms, the fingers of which duplicate the abilities of his old coils.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> His forearms still had the capacity to discharge coils out of the wrists like previously.<ref>''Avengers: The Initiative'' #24-29. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==Other versions==
===House of M===
An alternate universe variant of Constrictor appears in ''[[House of M|House of M: Masters of Evil]]'' as a member of [[the Hood]]'s [[Masters of Evil]] who is later killed by [[Sebastian Shaw (character)|Sebastian Shaw]].<ref>''House of M: Masters of Evil'' #1 (2009)</ref><ref>''House of M: Masters of Evil'' #4 (2010)</ref>

===What If?===
Alternate universe variants of Constrictor makes minor appearances in the [[What If (comics)|What If?]] storylines ''What If?: [[World War Hulk]]'' #1 (2010) and ''What If?: [[Secret Invasion]]'' #1 (2010).

==In other media==
===Television===
The Frank Payne incarnation of Constrictor appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', initially voiced by [[Cam Clarke]] and later by [[Troy Baker]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Constrictor Voice - ''The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes'' (TV Show) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/The-Avengers-Earths-Mightiest-Heroes/Constrictor/ |access-date=January 27, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> This version is a member of the [[Serpent Society]].

===Video games===
The Frank Payne incarnation of Constrictor appears as a boss and unlockable playable character in ''[[Marvel: Avengers Alliance]]''.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

===Merchandise===
* A figure of Constrictor was released as an exclusive foreign release as part of [[Mattel]]'s [[Secret Wars (toyline)|Secret Wars]] toyline.
* A figure of Constrictor was released in wave 11 of [[Hasbro]]'s 3 3/4" [[Marvel Universe (toyline)|Marvel Universe]] toyline.
* A figure of Constrictor was released in wave 1 of Hasbro's 6" [[Marvel Legends]] 2012 toyline.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://marvel.com/universe/Constrictor  Constrictor] at Marvel.com
* [http://marvel.wikia.com/Constrictor  Constrictor] at Marvel.wikia.com
* {{Marvunapp|http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix3/paynemia.htm|Mia Payne (Constrictor's daughter)}}
* [http://panelsonpages.com/?p=64253 In the PoP!-Light: Constrictor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013210709/http://panelsonpages.com/?p=64253 |date=2013-10-13 }}

{{Captain America characters}}
{{Hulk}}
{{Iron Fist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Constrictor (Comics)}}
[[Category:Characters created by Len Wein]]
[[Category:Characters created by Sal Buscema]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1977]]
[[Category:Fictional mercenaries in comics]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male supervillains]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics supervillains]]