Keeper of Infinite Earths - Covenant
Created by Bob Justice
Alter Ego: Larry Wentworth
Occupation: Actor/Stuntman
Known Relatives: NA
Group Affiliation: the Covenant
Background/History:
Larry Wentworth was an up and coming actor/stuntman, in the same fashion as
Douglas Fairbanks, awaiting his big break. The direction of his life changed
when he was cast to star in an adventure film about a magical gauntlet called
"the Crimson Claw of Death". The author of the film had based the
story on a little known legend about a medieval armored glove, the Hand of Baal,
that was supposedly cursed. The item was on display in Los Angeles, so after a
donation to the museum, the prop master was allowed to borrow the gauntlet and
copy it. In the rush of production, the copy was sent back to the museum
accidentally. While Larry was discussing a scene with the producer and director
R. Kevin Wright, thugs burst in to extort protection money. When he refused to
pay, a fight broke out. During the scuffle, Wright was knocked down and cracked
his skull on his desk. Almost without thinking, Larry put the glove on to use
like brass knuckles. He defeated the three toughs easily, simply by using his
movie fighting skills and acrobatic ability. When he went to check his friend,
he was dead. Enraged, he turned to face the murderer and was overwhelmed by a
compulsion like he had never known. He reached out with his gloved hand open
wide. Pressing the gauntlet, which now glowed with a mysterious red light, he
burned his handprint into the criminal’s face killing him instantly. When he
realized what had happened, he panicked, grabbed a cloak to cover his face, and
sneaked out of the studio. He became fascinated with the thought of using this
strange magical power to avenge the innocent and punish the guilty. Completing
his costume with a skull mask, he set out, not to stop crime, but to obliterate
it by leaving his calling card, the red scar left by his hand burning into the
faces of the guilty and became known as the Crimson Death. Starting out alone,
he eventually became entangled in a supernatural affair that led to meeting Dead
Knight and joining the Covenant.
Personality/Motivation:
Initially driven to become a Hollywood star through hard
work and dedication, his whole perspective on life changed with the gauntlet.
Instead of using his make-up and mimicry skills on the silver screen, he used
them to infiltrate organized crime, especially those who were too well connected
for the law to touch. His dedication turned to obsession, however, and he
eventually lost control of himself becoming more violent and murderous. Finally,
he realized that the Hand of Baal was truly cursed and he had to cut off his own
hand inside the glove to free himself from it’s influence.
Quote: "An eye for an eye, a life for a life, the burning hand of
justice strikes!"