Jump to content

Doctor Mid-Nite: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 31 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
|character_name = Doctor Mid-Nite
|character_name = Doctor Mid-Nite
|alter_ego = Dr. Charles McNider<br>Dr. Elizabeth Chapel<br>Dr. Pieter Anton Cross
|alter_ego = Dr. Charles McNider<br>Dr. Elizabeth Chapel<br>Dr. Pieter Anton Cross
|species=[[Metahuman]]
|species = [[Metahuman]]
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|publisher = [[DC Comics]]
|debut='''McNider:'''<br> ''[[All-American Comics]]'' #25 (April 1941)<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>''[[Infinity Inc.]]'' #19 (October 1985)<br>As Doctor Midnight:<br>''Infinity Inc.'' (vol. 1) #21 (December 1985)<br>'''Cross:'''<br>''Doctor Mid-Nite'' #1 (September 1999)
|debut='''McNider:'''<br> ''[[All-American Comics]]'' #25 (April 1941)<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>''[[Infinity Inc.]]'' #19 (October 1985)<br>As Doctor Midnight:<br>''Infinity Inc.'' #21 (December 1985)<br>'''Cross:'''<br>''Doctor Mid-Nite'' #1 (September 1999)
|creators = '''McNider:'''<br> Charles Reizenstein<br>Stanley Josephs Aschmeier<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>[[Roy Thomas]]<br>[[Todd McFarlane]]<br>'''Cross:'''<br>[[Matt Wagner]]<br>[[John K. Snyder III]]
|creators = '''McNider:'''<br> Charles Reizenstein<br>Stanley Josephs Aschmeier<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>[[Roy Thomas]]<br>[[Todd McFarlane]]<br>'''Cross:'''<br>[[Matt Wagner]]<br>[[John K. Snyder III]]
|alliances =<br>'''McNider, Cross:'''<br>[[Justice Society of America]]<br>Justice League<br>'''McNider:'''<br>[[All-Star Squadron]]<br>[[Medical Corps (United States Army)|U.S. Medical Corps]]<br>[[Black Lantern Corps]]<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>[[Infinity, Inc.]]<br>[[Shadow Fighters (comics)|Shadow Fighters]]
|alliances = '''All:'''<br>[[Justice Society of America]]<br>'''McNider:'''<br>[[All-Star Squadron]]<br>[[Medical Corps (United States Army)|U.S. Medical Corps]]<br>[[Black Lantern Corps]]<br>[[Justice League]]<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>[[Infinity, Inc.]]<br>[[Shadow Fighters (comics)|Shadow Fighters]]
|aliases = '''McNider:'''<br>[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>Doctor Midnight
|aliases = '''McNider:'''<br>[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]<br>'''Chapel:'''<br>Doctor Midnight
|supports =
|supports =
|powers = '''All:'''<br>Perfect night vision<br>Ability to see in the dark via infrared lenses<br>'''McNider:'''<br>Brilliant doctor and mathematician<br>Gifted physician and author<br>Superb athlete and hand to hand combatant<br>Employs "blackout bombs"<br>'''Cross:'''<br>Great physician and scientist<br>Employs special ultrasonic lenses and "blackout bombs"
|powers = '''All:'''<br>Perfect night vision<br>Ability to see in the dark via infrared lenses<br>'''McNider:'''<br>Brilliant doctor and mathematician<br>Gifted physician and author<br>Superb athlete and hand to hand combatant<br>Employs "blackout bombs"<br>'''Cross:'''<br>Great physician and scientist<br>Employs special ultrasonic lenses and "blackout bombs"
|}}
}}


'''Doctor Mid-Nite''' (also '''Doctor Midnight''') is the name of multiple fictional [[superhero]]es in [[DC Comics]].<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide pto the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=92}}</ref> The figure has been represented in the comics by three different individuals, '''[[Charles McNider]]''', '''Beth Chapel''', and '''[[Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)|Pieter Anton Cross]]'''. Dr. Mid-Nite was originally created by writer Charles Reizenstein and artist Stanley Josephs Aschmeier in 1941. The hero, represented first by Charles McNider, appeared for the first time in ''[[All-American Comics]]'' #25 (April 1941).<ref name="dc-ency">{{Citation | last = Greenberger | first = Robert | author-link = Robert Greenberger | contribution = Doctor Mid-Nite I & II | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | page = 104 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> He continued in ''All-American Comics'' until issue #102 (Oct 1948).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Benton |first1=Mike |title=Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History |date=1992 |publisher=Taylor Publishing Company |location=Dallas |isbn=0-87833-808-X |url=https://archive.org/details/superherocomicso0000bent/page/146 |accessdate=8 April 2020 |page=147}}</ref>
'''Doctor Mid-Nite''' or '''Doctor Midnight''' is the name of multiple fictional [[superhero]]es in [[DC Comics]].<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide pto the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=92}}</ref> The figure has been represented in the comics by three different individuals, [[Charles McNider]], [[Beth Chapel]], and [[Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)|Pieter Anton Cross]]. Dr. Mid-Nite was originally created by writer Charles Reizenstein and artist Stanley Josephs Aschmeier in 1941. The hero, represented first by Charles McNider, appeared for the first time in ''[[All-American Comics]]'' #25 (April 1941).<ref name="dc-ency">{{Citation | last = Greenberger | first = Robert | author-link = Robert Greenberger | contribution = Doctor Mid-Nite I & II | editor-last = Dougall | editor-first = Alastair | title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia | page = 104 | publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]] | place = New York | year = 2008 | isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc = 213309017}}</ref> He continued in ''All-American Comics'' until issue #102 (Oct 1948).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Benton |first1=Mike |title=Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History |date=1992 |publisher=Taylor Publishing Company |location=Dallas |isbn=0-87833-808-X |url=https://archive.org/details/superherocomicso0000bent/page/146 |access-date=8 April 2020 |page=147}}</ref>


Like many [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] heroic characters, the original Doctor Mid-Nite appeared as a member of DC's [[Justice Society of America]]. His two successors were also represented as members of the group or an offshoot. Doctor Mid-Nite has never appeared as the solo [[protagonist]] of a regular title magazine, but the figure has been the subject of an [[anthology]] and a mini-series.
Like many [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] heroic characters, the original Doctor Mid-Nite appeared as a member of DC's [[Justice Society of America]]. His two successors were also represented as members of the group or an offshoot. Doctor Mid-Nite has never appeared as the solo [[protagonist]] of a regular title magazine, but the figure has been the subject of an [[anthology]] and a mini-series.


All three versions of Doctor Mid-Nite have exhibited the same basic features: a cowled costume featuring a crescent moon symbol, keen ability to see in the darkness at the cost of near or total blindness in sunlight, the use of special visors and “blackout” smoke bombs to gain tactical advantage in combat, a high degree of skill in martial arts, and jobs as physicians serving both normal human beings and "[[metahuman]]" superheroes. Additionally, two of the doctors have been accompanied by sidekick owls.
All three versions of Doctor Mid-Nite have exhibited the same basic features: a cowled costume featuring a crescent moon symbol, keen ability to see in the darkness at the cost of near or total blindness in sunlight, the use of special visors and "blackout" smoke bombs to gain tactical advantage in combat, a high degree of skill in martial arts, and jobs as physicians serving both normal human beings and "[[metahuman]]" superheroes. Additionally, two of the doctors have been accompanied by sidekick owls.


As a blind character, Doctor Mid-Nite is widely regarded as the first superhero in comics to exhibit a physical impairment, pre-dating the creation of [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]] of Marvel Comics by more than twenty years.
As a blind character, Doctor Mid-Nite is widely regarded as the first superhero in comics to exhibit a physical impairment, pre-dating the creation of [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]] of Marvel Comics by more than twenty years.


Charles McNider made his live-action debut in the [[Legends of Tomorrow (season 2)|second]] season of ''[[DC's Legends of Tomorrow]]'' played by Kwesi Ameyaw. Charles McNider also appears in the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] series ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by [[Henry Thomas]], alongside Beth Chapel, portrayed by [[Anjelika Washington]].
Charles McNider made his live-action debut in the [[Legends of Tomorrow (season 2)|second]] season of ''[[Legends of Tomorrow]]'' played by Kwesi Ameyaw. Charles McNider also appears in ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by [[Henry Thomas]] in season one and Alex Collins in season two, alongside Beth Chapel, portrayed by [[Anjelika Washington]].


==Fictional character biographies==
==Fictional character biographies==
Line 31: Line 31:


===Beth Chapel===
===Beth Chapel===
{{Main|Beth Chapel}}
{{split section|date=July 2020}}
As the aging McNider spent less time in action, '''Beth Chapel''', a medical doctor, stepped into the role of '''Doctor Midnight'''. She was an occasionally a member of [[Infinity, Inc]].<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #21. DC Comics.</ref>
[[File:Doctormidnight.png|150px|left|thumb|Beth Chapel as Doctor Midnight. Art by Todd MacFarlane.]]
As the aging McNider spent less time in action, '''Beth Chapel''', a medical doctor, stepped into the role of '''Doctor Midnight'''. Beth Chapel was a native of [[Orangeburg, South Carolina|Orangeburg]], [[South Carolina]], with a [[pastor]] father, a mother who sang in the church choir, and four brothers.<ref>''Infinity Inc.'' #21. DC Comics.</ref> Chapel first appeared when [[Jade (comics)|Jade]] of [[Infinity, Inc.]] was rushed to her hospital for treatment after encountering [[Mister Bones]]' cyanide touch. During the onset of the ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]'', Beth was blinded by an oxygen explosion, only to be rescued by [[Hourman]]'s son Rick Tyler, who had taken McNider's drug that enhances ability to see in the dark. Beth used the formula to similarly treat her blindness, and she and Rick assume the mantles of their predecessors as Doctor Midnight and Hourman, with her mother crafting a super hero costume from a choir robe. Along with a new [[Wildcat (Yolanda Montez)|Wildcat]], Chapel and Tyler applied for membership in Infinity, Inc, eventually gaining admission; however, the association was short-lived, as Infinity, Inc. disbanded shortly thereafter, though Chapel and Tyler began a romantic relationship during their tenure.


===Pieter Cross===
Doctor Midnight and Wildcat were subsequently recruited by the U.S. government for a mission to defeat the [[supervillain]] [[Eclipso]], only for Chapel to die on the mission along with Wildcat, the [[The Creeper (comics)|Creeper]], [[Commander Steel]], [[Peacemaker (comics)|Peacemaker]], and [[Major Victory (DC Comics)|Major Victory]].<ref>''Eclipso'' #13. DC Comics.</ref>

During the events of the "[[Watchmen]]" sequel "[[Doomsday Clock (comics)|Doomsday Clock]]", Beth Chapel was returned to life alongside the rest of the restored Justice Society of America and the [[Legion of Super-Heroes]] thanks to the influence of [[Doctor Manhattan]]. She now sports a more traditional costume resembling that of McNider and Cross. Following the fight against Black Adam's group and the foreign superheroes, Doctor Mid-Nite is mentioned to have opened a metahuman medical clinic called the All-Star Clinic where Ronnie Raymond is receiving treatment.<ref>''Doomsday Clock'' #12 (December 2019). DC Comics.</ref>

===Pieter Cross===<!-- This section is linked from [[Justice Society of America]] -->
{{Main|Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)}}
{{Main|Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)}}
'''Pieter Cross''' first appeared in ''Doctor Mid-Nite'' #1. He is a doctor who develops the same abilities as Charles McNider after being drugged by enforcers from Praeda Industries and being in a car accident.


==Owls of Doctor Mid-Nite==
==Owls of Doctor Mid-Nite==
Both Charles McNider and Pieter Anton Cross train owls as [[sidekick]]s.
Both Charles McNider and Pieter Anton Cross train [[owl]]s as [[sidekick]]s.


McNider trains the same owl which crashes through his window, an event that leads to the discovery of his powers. This owl named "Hooty" (sometimes "Hootie") shares many adventures during the Golden Age.
McNider trains the same owl which crashes through his window, an event that leads to the discovery of his powers. This owl named "Hooty" (sometimes "Hootie") shares many adventures during the Golden Age.


Cross keeps company with an owl named "Charlie". The bird is named after the original Doctor Mid-Nite, Charles McNider. Charlie keeps a mini-camera around his neck that can feed video directly to a display in Cross's goggles.
Cross keeps company with an owl named "Charlie". The bird is named after the original Doctor Mid-Nite Charles McNider. Charlie keeps a mini-camera around his neck that can feed video directly to a display in Cross's goggles.


==Enemies==
==Enemies==
Line 70: Line 66:
* Slim - A mobster that planned to sabotage the games of the Yellow Jackets football team.<ref>''All-American Comics'' #75. DC Comics.</ref>
* Slim - A mobster that planned to sabotage the games of the Yellow Jackets football team.<ref>''All-American Comics'' #75. DC Comics.</ref>
* [[Tarantula (DC Comics)|Tarantula]] - A crime lord whose minion Logger suspected that Charles McNider and Doctor Mid-Nite are the same people.<ref>''All-American Comics'' #88. DC Comics.</ref>
* [[Tarantula (DC Comics)|Tarantula]] - A crime lord whose minion Logger suspected that Charles McNider and Doctor Mid-Nite are the same people.<ref>''All-American Comics'' #88. DC Comics.</ref>
* [[Terrible Trio]] - The members in the aliases of Fisk, Shackley, and Volper run Praeda Industries.<ref>''Doctor Mid-Nite'' #1-3. DC Comics.</ref>


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
In 1965, DC Comics had no plans to revive Doctor Mid-Nite. DC editor [[Julius Schwartz]] gave [[M.I.T.]] student and comic book [[letterhack]] Rick Norwood permission to publish a Dr. Midnight story in his fanzine, ''Five''. The story written by Norwood and illustrated by [[Steve Sabo (comics)|Steve Sabo]] features a doctor named Tom Benson who is blinded in battle. He discovers that his other senses are super-sensitive and dons the Doctor Midnight costume to fight crime.
In 1965, DC Comics had no plans to revive Doctor Mid-Nite. DC editor [[Julius Schwartz]] gave [[M.I.T.]] student and comic book [[letterhack]] Rick Norwood permission to publish a Dr. Midnite story in his fanzine, ''Five''. The story written by Norwood and illustrated by [[Steve Sabo (comics)|Steve Sabo]] features a doctor named Tom Benson who is blinded in battle. He discovers that his other senses are super-sensitive and dons the Doctor Midnite costume to fight crime.<ref>''Five'' #5</ref>{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}


Another version of the character was shown in Dan Jolley and Tony Harris' ''[[JSA: The Liberty File]]'' as a World War II United States intelligence agent code-named '''the Owl'''. This character, though a playboy, resembles other Doctor Mid-Nite representations. Though derided for his dalliances with the ladies, McNider was trusted as a valued field operative.
Another version of the character was shown in Dan Jolley and Tony Harris' ''[[JSA: The Liberty File]]'' as a World War II United States intelligence agent code-named '''the Owl'''. This character, though a playboy, resembles other Doctor Mid-Nite representations. Though derided for his dalliances with the ladies, McNider was trusted as a valued field operative.

''[[Batman: Holy Terror]]'' depicts an America ruled by a religious theocracy as a result of [[Oliver Cromwell]] living for a decade longer than he did in reality. McNider was a member of the underground resistance against the government years ago, working alongside [[Thomas Wayne]], but they were discovered, with Thomas and his wife being killed while McNider was blinded and his own wife executed. McNider offers some advice to Thomas's son Bruce when he discovers the truth about his parents' deaths, leading Bruce on the path to begin his own resistance against the government.


In the ''[[Tangent Comics|Tangent]]: Superman's Reign'' series, a version of Doctor Mid-Nite his body completely covered by a black cloak is briefly seen.
In the ''[[Tangent Comics|Tangent]]: Superman's Reign'' series, a version of Doctor Mid-Nite his body completely covered by a black cloak is briefly seen.


In the new [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]] created in the wake of ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' and [[52 (comics)|52]], a version of Beth Chapel is shown to be a member of the [[Justice Society|Justice Society Infinity]].<ref>''Justice Society of America Annual'' #1</ref>
In the new [[Earth-Two|Earth-2]] created in the wake of ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' and [[52 (comics)|52]], a version of Beth Chapel is shown to be a member of the [[Justice Society|Justice Society Infinity]].<ref>''Justice Society of America'' (vol. 3) Annual #1</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
{{See also|Charles McNider#In other media|Beth Chapel#In other media|Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)#In other media}}


===Television===
===Television===
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in a painting depicted in the ''[[Smallville]]'' two-part episode "[[Absolute Justice]]".
====Live-action====
* Doctor Mid-Nite appears in the ''[[Smallville]]'' episode "Absolute Justice", in the painting depicting the Justice Society of America.
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite makes non-speaking appearances in ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' as a member of the Justice League.
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'', voiced by [[Corey Burton]].
⚫
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in [[The CW]]'s [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Legends of Tomorrow]]''{{'}}s [[Legends of Tomorrow (season 2)|second season]] as a member of a 1940s incarnation of the JSA,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/legends-tomorrow-legion-doom-season-913953|title=Comic-Con: 'Legends of Tomorrow' to Tackle Legion of Doom Villain Team In Season 2|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Bucksbaum|first=Sydney|date=July 23, 2016|accessdate=September 17, 2016}}</ref> portrayed by Kwesi Ameyaw.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dclegendstv.com/2016/09/29/commander-steel-obsidian-dr-mid-nite-vixen-stargirl-in-new-justice-society-of-america-photos/ |title=Commander Steel, Obsidian, Dr. Mid-Nite, Vixen & Stargirl In New "Justice Society of America" Photos |last=Byrne |first=Craig |date=September 29, 2016 |website=DCLegendsTV |publisher= |access-date=September 30, 2016 |quote=}}</ref> This version is legally blind, but possesses the metahuman ability to see perfectly in the dark. According to his former teammate [[Obsidian (comics)|Obsidian]], he was presumed dead after going missing on a mission in 1956. However, the Legends later learned that he was placed in the distant future of 3000, where he used futuristic tech to restore his eyesight. He was later murdered by a brainwashed [[Rip Hunter]] as he was protecting a fragment of the Spear of Destiny.
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in the ''[[Mad (TV series)|Mad]]'' segment "That's What Super Friends Are For", voiced by [[Kevin Shinick]].
⚫
* Both Charles McNider and Beth Chapel appear in the [[DC Universe (streaming service)|DC Universe]] series ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by [[Henry Thomas]] and [[Anjelika Washington]] respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|title=DC Universe's Stargirl casts Haunting of Hill House star as the JSA's Dr. Mid-Nite|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/17/stargirl-henry-thomas-mid-nite-dc-universe/|accessdate=December 17, 2018|work=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 17, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the pilot episode, McNider was killed along with the JSA by the [[Injustice Society]], with his uniform being put up as a memorial in his honor. Beth is shown to be a socially awkward girl who has not made any friends like her mother encourages her to do. In the episode "Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite", she becomes the new Doctor Mid-Nite and helps [[Hourman (Rick Tyler)|Rick Tyler]] learn his parents were killed in a car accident caused by Injustice Society member [[Solomon Grundy (comics)|Solomon Grundy]].
* Pieter Cross appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Bruce Greenwood]].
⚫
** Ahead of the series' premiere, Beth made a cameo appearance in the Arrowverse crossover event, "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]".
⚫
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in the [[Legends of Tomorrow (season 2)|second season]] of the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Legends of Tomorrow]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/legends-tomorrow-legion-doom-season-913953/|title=Comic-Con: 'Legends of Tomorrow' to Tackle Legion of Doom Villain Team In Season 2|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Bucksbaum|first=Sydney|date=July 23, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref> portrayed by Kwesi Ameyaw.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dclegendstv.com/2016/09/29/commander-steel-obsidian-dr-mid-nite-vixen-stargirl-in-new-justice-society-of-america-photos/ |title=Commander Steel, Obsidian, Dr. Mid-Nite, Vixen & Stargirl In New "Justice Society of America" Photos |last=Byrne |first=Craig |date=September 29, 2016 |website=DCLegendsTV |access-date=September 30, 2016 }}</ref>

⚫
* The Charles McNider and Beth Chapel incarnations of Doctor Mid-Nite appear in ''[[Stargirl (TV series)|Stargirl]]'', portrayed by [[Henry Thomas]] (season one) and Alex Collins (season two) and [[Anjelika Washington]] respectively.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|title=DC Universe's Stargirl casts Haunting of Hill House star as the JSA's Dr. Mid-Nite|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/17/stargirl-henry-thomas-mid-nite-dc-universe/|access-date=December 17, 2018|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 17, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The latter takes up the mantle after the former is seemingly killed in battle against the [[Injustice Society]].
====Animation====
⚫
** Ahead of the series' premiere, Chapel made a cameo appearance in the Arrowverse crossover event "[[Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)|Crisis on Infinite Earths]]".
* The Pieter Cross version of Doctor Mid-Nite makes several brief appearances without dialogue in ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', most notably in the episodes "Dark Heart", "Divided We Fall", and "Destroyer" (where he was highlighted along with fellow JSA members [[Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)|Doctor Fate]], [[Hourman (Rick Tyler)|Hourman]], and [[Wildcat (Ted Grant)|Wildcat]]).
* The Charles McNider version of Doctor Mid-Nite appears in the ''[[Batman: The Brave and the Bold]]'' episodes "The Golden Age of Justice" and "Crisis 23,000 Miles Above the Earth", voiced by [[Corey Burton]]. He is shown as a member of the Justice Society of America and the team's resident doctor.
* In the ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'' episode "Coldhearted", Pieter Cross (voiced by [[Bruce Greenwood]]) appears as a surgeon who performs a heart transplant on [[Count Vertigo]]'s niece Perdita. He is never named onscreen, but is identified in the credits. He later appears in the second-season episode "True Colors" assisting [[Atom (Ray Palmer)|Ray Palmer]] and [[Karen Beecher|Bumblebee]] in attempting to remove the [[Blue Beetle|Blue Beetle scarab]] from [[Jaime Reyes]] following the discovery of its connection to the [[Reach (comics)|Reach]].
* Doctor Mid-Nite appears in episode 46 of ''[[Mad (TV series)|Mad]]'', voiced by [[Kevin Shinick]]. In the "That's What Super Friends Are For" segment, Doctor Mid-Nite joins the other superheroes into asking Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman about being called "Super Friends". Doctor Mid-Nite's part has him mentioning how he once asked Batman to take him to the airport, but Batman answered that it was "best to take a cab".


===Film===
===Film===
* Dr. Mid-Nite also appears as a member of the [[Justice Society of America]] in the [[animated film]] ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]''. He can be seen in a cameo at the opening credits of the film.
The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite makes a cameo appearance in the opening credits of ''[[Justice League: The New Frontier]]'' as a member of the Justice Society of America.


===Toys===
===Merchandise===
* Dr. Mid-Nite was featured as an action figure in the [[DC Universe Classics#Wave Twelve|twelfth wave]] of the [[DC Universe Classics]] line. His accessory was his owl, Hooty, who rested on his arm.
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received an action figure in wave twelve of the [[DC Universe Classics]] line.
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received an action figure from [[DC Direct]] in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St-Louis|first1=Hervé|title=Golden Age Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/GoldenAgeDrMidnite001.html|website=ComicBookBin.com|access-date=17 October 2016}}</ref>
* [[Mattel]] released an action figure of the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' version of Dr. Mid-Nite in its [[DC Universe: Justice League Unlimited Fan Collection]] line in November 2011.
* [[DC Direct]] released two action figures of Dr. Mid-Nite (Charles McNider and Peter Cross). The Charles McNider version was released in 2001 and had exchangeable right wrists. One wrist came with Dr. Mid-Nite's pet owl, Hooty.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St-Louis|first1=Hervé|title=Golden Age Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/GoldenAgeDrMidnite001.html|website=ComicBookBin.com|accessdate=17 October 2016}}</ref>
* The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received action figures in [[Mattel]]'s [[DC Universe: Justice League Unlimited Fan Collection|''Justice League Unlimited'' toy line]] in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last1=St-Louis|first1=Hervé|title=Golden Age Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/GoldenAgeDrMidnite001.html|website=ComicBookBin.com|access-date=17 October 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 108: Line 105:
==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100723180529/http://www.comicsarchives.org/JSA%20FAct%20File/DRMIDNITE.html JSA Fact File: Doctor Mid-Nite I]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100723180529/http://www.comicsarchives.org/JSA%20FAct%20File/DRMIDNITE.html JSA Fact File: Doctor Mid-Nite I]
* [http://toonopedia.com/mid-nite.htm Doctor Mid-Nite] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://www.webcitation.org/6gWiAayEt?url=http://toonopedia.com/mid-nite.htm Archived] from the original on April 4, 2016.
* [http://toonopedia.com/mid-nite.htm Doctor Mid-Nite] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]].
{{Timeline
|before= ← ''World's Best Comics'', later retitled ''World’s Finest Comics'' series was debuted. See [[World's Finest Comics]] for more info and the previous timeline.
|title= [[Timeline of DC Comics]] ([[Timeline of DC Comics (1940s)|1940s]])
|years= April 1941
|after = The first Starman was debuted by Gardner Fox and Jack Burnley. See [[Starman (Ted Knight)]] and [[Starman (comics)]] for more info and next timeline. →
}}
{{Justice Society of America}}
{{Justice Society of America}}
{{Earth-Two}}
{{Earth-Two}}
Line 128: Line 119:
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:DC Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics titles]]
[[Category:DC Comics titles]]
[[Category:Earth-Two]]
[[Category:Earth-Two]]
[[Category:African-American superheroes]]
[[Category:African-American superheroes]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from parallel universes]]
[[Category:Fictional blind characters]]
[[Category:Fictional blind characters]]
[[Category:Fictional physicians]]
[[Category:Fictional physicians]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Golden Age superheroes]]
[[Category:Golden Age superheroes]]
[[Category:Male characters in comics]]
[[Category:Physicians with disabilities]]

Latest revision as of 23:36, 28 January 2024

Doctor Mid-Nite
Cover to JSA: All-Stars #6. Art by John Cassaday and Mark Lewis.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMcNider:
All-American Comics #25 (April 1941)
Chapel:
Infinity Inc. #19 (October 1985)
As Doctor Midnight:
Infinity Inc. #21 (December 1985)
Cross:
Doctor Mid-Nite #1 (September 1999)
Created byMcNider:
Charles Reizenstein
Stanley Josephs Aschmeier
Chapel:
Roy Thomas
Todd McFarlane
Cross:
Matt Wagner
John K. Snyder III
In-story information
Alter egoDr. Charles McNider
Dr. Elizabeth Chapel
Dr. Pieter Anton Cross
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsAll:
Justice Society of America
McNider:
All-Star Squadron
U.S. Medical Corps
Black Lantern Corps
Justice League
Chapel:
Infinity, Inc.
Shadow Fighters
Notable aliasesMcNider:
Starman
Chapel:
Doctor Midnight
AbilitiesAll:
Perfect night vision
Ability to see in the dark via infrared lenses
McNider:
Brilliant doctor and mathematician
Gifted physician and author
Superb athlete and hand to hand combatant
Employs "blackout bombs"
Cross:
Great physician and scientist
Employs special ultrasonic lenses and "blackout bombs"

Doctor Mid-Nite or Doctor Midnight is the name of multiple fictional superheroes in DC Comics.[1] The figure has been represented in the comics by three different individuals, Charles McNider, Beth Chapel, and Pieter Anton Cross. Dr. Mid-Nite was originally created by writer Charles Reizenstein and artist Stanley Josephs Aschmeier in 1941. The hero, represented first by Charles McNider, appeared for the first time in All-American Comics #25 (April 1941).[2] He continued in All-American Comics until issue #102 (Oct 1948).[3]

Like many Golden Age heroic characters, the original Doctor Mid-Nite appeared as a member of DC's Justice Society of America. His two successors were also represented as members of the group or an offshoot. Doctor Mid-Nite has never appeared as the solo protagonist of a regular title magazine, but the figure has been the subject of an anthology and a mini-series.

All three versions of Doctor Mid-Nite have exhibited the same basic features: a cowled costume featuring a crescent moon symbol, keen ability to see in the darkness at the cost of near or total blindness in sunlight, the use of special visors and "blackout" smoke bombs to gain tactical advantage in combat, a high degree of skill in martial arts, and jobs as physicians serving both normal human beings and "metahuman" superheroes. Additionally, two of the doctors have been accompanied by sidekick owls.

As a blind character, Doctor Mid-Nite is widely regarded as the first superhero in comics to exhibit a physical impairment, pre-dating the creation of Daredevil of Marvel Comics by more than twenty years.

Charles McNider made his live-action debut in the second season of Legends of Tomorrow played by Kwesi Ameyaw. Charles McNider also appears in Stargirl, portrayed by Henry Thomas in season one and Alex Collins in season two, alongside Beth Chapel, portrayed by Anjelika Washington.

Fictional character biographies

[edit]

Charles McNider

[edit]
Main article: Charles McNider

Charles McNider is the original Doctor Mid-Nite appearing in All American Comics #25 (April 1941) in the Golden Age of Comic Books and is a common member of the Justice Society of America.[1] McNider, a young surgeon, was blinded when a grenade went off in front of him caused by gangster "Killer" Maroni, but he found that he could see in the dark. He made special goggles that allowed him to see in the daylight, and decided to use his special power to fight crime. In his civilian identity, he pretends to be a helpless blind man.[4]

Beth Chapel

[edit]
Main article: Beth Chapel

As the aging McNider spent less time in action, Beth Chapel, a medical doctor, stepped into the role of Doctor Midnight. She was an occasionally a member of Infinity, Inc.[5]

Pieter Cross

[edit]
Main article: Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross)

Pieter Cross first appeared in Doctor Mid-Nite #1. He is a doctor who develops the same abilities as Charles McNider after being drugged by enforcers from Praeda Industries and being in a car accident.

Owls of Doctor Mid-Nite

[edit]

Both Charles McNider and Pieter Anton Cross train owls as sidekicks.

McNider trains the same owl which crashes through his window, an event that leads to the discovery of his powers. This owl named "Hooty" (sometimes "Hootie") shares many adventures during the Golden Age.

Cross keeps company with an owl named "Charlie". The bird is named after the original Doctor Mid-Nite Charles McNider. Charlie keeps a mini-camera around his neck that can feed video directly to a display in Cross's goggles.

Enemies

[edit]

Each incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite has fought different enemies:

  • "Gallows" Gallagher - A gangster who had his brother take his place in prison with help from a corrupt prison warden.[6]
  • "Hands" Hannigan - A gangster who wanted to take advantage of Regis Morgan's telescopic vision and make him a lookout for his gang.[7]
  • "Killer" Maroni - A gangster who was responsible for the grenade that blinded Charles McNider and became Doctor Mid-Nite's first opponent.[8]
  • Banshee - [9]
  • Big Mouth - The leader of a gang who worked with Jasper to set up hallucinations to frighten Japser's aunt Martha Yates and his uncle Ambrose Yates.[10]
  • Doctor Light - A villain who uses light technology.[11]
  • Dr. Gamwell - A man who used a home for the blind as a front for his criminal activities.[12]
  • Fisherman - Kurt Hartmann is a fisherman-themed criminal.[13]
  • Hans - A Nazi demolition diver.[14]
  • Herman Gherkin - A Nazi general.[15]
  • Ice Ingram - [16]
  • King Cobra - A hooded gangster.[17]
  • Madame Zara - A criminal who operated as a psychic.[18]
  • Malcolm Mumm - An inventor who invented a sound-nullifying device and operated as the self-proclaimed Master of Silence. He used his invention to cover up the sounds related to his bank vault robberies.[19]
  • Mister Nitro - [20]
  • Slim - A mobster that planned to sabotage the games of the Yellow Jackets football team.[21]
  • Tarantula - A crime lord whose minion Logger suspected that Charles McNider and Doctor Mid-Nite are the same people.[22]
  • Terrible Trio - The members in the aliases of Fisk, Shackley, and Volper run Praeda Industries.[23]

Other versions

[edit]

In 1965, DC Comics had no plans to revive Doctor Mid-Nite. DC editor Julius Schwartz gave M.I.T. student and comic book letterhack Rick Norwood permission to publish a Dr. Midnite story in his fanzine, Five. The story written by Norwood and illustrated by Steve Sabo features a doctor named Tom Benson who is blinded in battle. He discovers that his other senses are super-sensitive and dons the Doctor Midnite costume to fight crime.[24][citation needed]

Another version of the character was shown in Dan Jolley and Tony Harris' JSA: The Liberty File as a World War II United States intelligence agent code-named the Owl. This character, though a playboy, resembles other Doctor Mid-Nite representations. Though derided for his dalliances with the ladies, McNider was trusted as a valued field operative.

Batman: Holy Terror depicts an America ruled by a religious theocracy as a result of Oliver Cromwell living for a decade longer than he did in reality. McNider was a member of the underground resistance against the government years ago, working alongside Thomas Wayne, but they were discovered, with Thomas and his wife being killed while McNider was blinded and his own wife executed. McNider offers some advice to Thomas's son Bruce when he discovers the truth about his parents' deaths, leading Bruce on the path to begin his own resistance against the government.

In the Tangent: Superman's Reign series, a version of Doctor Mid-Nite his body completely covered by a black cloak is briefly seen.

In the new Earth-2 created in the wake of Infinite Crisis and 52, a version of Beth Chapel is shown to be a member of the Justice Society Infinity.[25]

In other media

[edit]
See also: Charles McNider § In other media, Beth Chapel § In other media, and Doctor Mid-Nite (Pieter Cross) § In other media

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]

The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite makes a cameo appearance in the opening credits of Justice League: The New Frontier as a member of the Justice Society of America.

Merchandise

[edit]
  • The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received an action figure in wave twelve of the DC Universe Classics line.
  • The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received an action figure from DC Direct in 2001.[29]
  • The Charles McNider incarnation of Doctor Mid-Nite and Hooty received action figures in Mattel's Justice League Unlimited toy line in November 2011.[30]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide pto the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ Greenberger, Robert (2008), "Doctor Mid-Nite I & II", in Dougall, Alastair (ed.), The DC Comics Encyclopedia, New York: Dorling Kindersley, p. 104, ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1, OCLC 213309017
  3. ^ Benton, Mike (1992). Superhero Comics of the Golden Age: The Illustrated History. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company. p. 147. ISBN 0-87833-808-X. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Kurt; Thomas, Roy (2019). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-1605490892.
  5. ^ Infinity Inc. #21. DC Comics.
  6. ^ All-American Comics #27. DC Comics.
  7. ^ All-American Comics #76. DC Comics.
  8. ^ All-American Comics #25. DC Comics.
  9. ^ All-American Comics #65. DC Comics.
  10. ^ All-American Comics #74. DC Comics.
  11. ^ All-American Comics #82. DC Comics.
  12. ^ All-American Comics #48. DC Comics.
  13. ^ All-American Comics #69. DC Comics.
  14. ^ All-American Comics #53. DC Comics.
  15. ^ All-American Comics #42. DC Comics.
  16. ^ All-American Comics #79. DC Comics.
  17. ^ All-American Comics #29. DC Comics.
  18. ^ All-American Comics #31. DC Comics.
  19. ^ Adventure Comics #51. DC Comics.
  20. ^ All-American Comics #66. DC Comics.
  21. ^ All-American Comics #75. DC Comics.
  22. ^ All-American Comics #88. DC Comics.
  23. ^ Doctor Mid-Nite #1-3. DC Comics.
  24. ^ Five #5
  25. ^ Justice Society of America (vol. 3) Annual #1
  26. ^ Bucksbaum, Sydney (July 23, 2016). "Comic-Con: 'Legends of Tomorrow' to Tackle Legion of Doom Villain Team In Season 2". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  27. ^ Byrne, Craig (September 29, 2016). "Commander Steel, Obsidian, Dr. Mid-Nite, Vixen & Stargirl In New "Justice Society of America" Photos". DCLegendsTV. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
  28. ^ Agard, Chancellor (December 17, 2018). "DC Universe's Stargirl casts Haunting of Hill House star as the JSA's Dr. Mid-Nite". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  29. ^ St-Louis, Hervé. "Golden Age Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure". ComicBookBin.com. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
  30. ^ St-Louis, Hervé. "Golden Age Dr. Mid-Nite Action Figure". ComicBookBin.com. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doctor_Mid-Nite&oldid=1200173988"