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| Cape-Killers | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Civil War #1 (May 2006) |
| Created by | Steve McNiven Mark Millar |
| In-story information | |
| Member(s) | Various |
TheCape-Killers, officially identified as theSuperhuman Restraint Unit, is afictional special operations unit appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics, designed bypencillerHoward Chaykin.[1]
The Superhuman Restraint Unit, more commonly known as the Cape-Killers, arefoot soldiers ofS.H.I.E.L.D. equipped in armored suits during the "Civil War"crossover, where they are sent to bring in rogue superheroes.[2][3] The Superhuman Restraint Unit wear armor and use hardware designed byStark Industries,[4] has two different styles ofhelmet (ariot protection helmet and a helmet with agas mask)[5] as well as suits that are out-fitted with internal comm systems,[5]hover discs,[6]firearms equipped with tranquilizing darts,[2] and paralyzing lasers.[6]
The suits have been shown to be susceptible topower surges, withNick Fury developing a device that transmits an electromagnetic pulse directly into their comm systems.[5] It is also shown that there is an override code used by the suit's designer that can freeze their suits.[7]
The Superhuman Restraint Unit are seen in the subsequentInitiative story arc as well as impersonated by theSkrulls during the "Secret Invasion" storyline, but are discontinued byNorman Osborn'sH.A.M.M.E.R. at the start of the "Dark Reign" storyline.[8]
The Cape-Killers would later be revived by AgentJulia Gao of theNYPD during the "Devil's Reign" storyline. Enforcing the Anti-Vigilante Act previously enacted by formerNew York City MayorWilson Fisk, Gao recruits several supervillains likeElectro, theScorpion,Taskmaster and Hightail into the Cape Killers in exchange for clemency and first deploys them during the "Carnage Reigns" event to stopCletus Kasady.[9] Gao and the Cape Killers frequently clash withSpider-Man, but are often forced to work together.[9][10][11][12][13]
After theGang War ends and Fisk's Anti-Vigilante Act is repealed, Cage orders the Cape Killers to disband, with its members either having their sentences commuted or returned to imprisonment. Although Cage lets Gao keep her title and has her transferred to a different department, Gao seeks outRabble to form her own alliance in thwarting New York's superhuman activities.[14] Spider-Man narrowly defeats Rabble, freeing the Cape-Killers from her control. Gao escapes as Cage arrives and disbands the Cape-Killers.[15]
After the Cape-Killers disband, Julia Gao becomes a fugitive. She later becomes an avatar ofAres, assuming the name War-Cry.[16]
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