Steeplejack is the name of three fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...
.
Publication history
The first Steeplejack, Jake Mallard, appeared in ''Luke Cage, Power Man'' #18 (April 1974), and was created by Len Wein and
. He first appeared as the second Steeplejack in ''
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was originally conceived as a female counterpart to Captain Marvel. Like Captain Marvel, most of the bearers of the Ms. M ...
Jack Mallard was the first criminal to go by the name Steeplejack. He was a construction worker, and he and his two brothers were employed by contractor Maxwell Plumm. As Plumm unethically cut corners and safety and materials, Mallard's two brothers fell to their deaths when a girder slipped its cable in a sudden wind. He blamed Plumm and vowed vengeance, becoming the first Steeplejack. He attacked Plumm and was about to hurl him to his death from a construction site, when Power Man intervened. Steeplejack fought Cage, and then hurled Plumm from the building, and fled. Cage saved Plumm, who swiftly agreed to hire Cage for protection.
That night, Steeplejack returned to the construction site to sabotage it, and Power Man emerged from hiding to battle Steeplejack. During the fight, Steeplejack fell on one of the girders he had weakened, and it gave with the impact. Mallard plunged several stories towards the street, and the impact caused his fuel tanks to explode, apparently killing him.
Maxwell Plumm
Maxwell Plumm took the designs and outfit of the first Steeplejack. He fought
Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was originally conceived as a female counterpart to Captain Marvel. Like Captain Marvel, most of the bearers of the Ms. M ...
and lost. He attended the final bash at the "Bar With No Name," and was shot to death by the Scourge of the Underworld.
Unnamed criminal
Roderick Kingsley
Roderick Kingsley is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Originally created by Roger Stern and Mike Zeck for '' Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man'' #43 (June 1980), the character was later b ...
later sold the Steeplejack gear to an unknown criminal. Steeplejack, Ringer, and Tumbler are shown to be in the services of Roderick Kinglsley. They were later ambushed by the Goblin King's servants Menace and Monster (the "Goblin" form of
Carlie Cooper
Carlie Cooper is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics books. The character is named after Joe Quesada's daughter. She is friends with Peter Parker, Harry Osborn, Vin Gonzales, and Lily Hollister. She ...
). Steeplejack is killed by Goblin Knight.''The Superior Spider-Man'' #25
Equipment
Steeplejack's body suit offers protection from physical attacks. His multipurpose acetylene gun could fire force blasts, energy blasts, a wire slipknot, and heat and light.