Barracuda

Origin

The aquatic member of the Crusaders pre-Crisis (on Infinite Earths) and the Extremists post-Crisis and post-Flashpoint. He is the Earth-8 analogue of Marvel's Namor.

Creation

Barracuda was created by Bob Rozakis, Dick Ayers and Jack Abel. His first appearance was in Freedom Fighters #7.

Major Story Arcs

Freedom Fighters vs Crusaders (Pre-Crisis)

The first Barracuda was a comic book collector who was tricked by the Silver Ghost, an enemy of the Freedom Fighters. Under the disguise of Americommando, the Ghost convinced the fan and another friends to be transformed into Barracuda ( a comic-book character in his world and a Namor look-a-like) and join them as the Crusaders, with the mission to capture Uncle Sam. But when Silver Ghost revealed his true nature, Barracuda tried to oppose him but was soon submitted.

Countdown: Extremists from earth-8

The second Barracuda was an inhabitant of Earth-8. He was a member of the Extremists and Lord Havok's spy inside the Meta Militia. Most of the time he appears as a green skinned humanoid, but his real form was close to an antropomorphic piranha. He was killed by Jason Todd, when the Challengers from beyond were trying to run away from the Extremists.

New 52: Convergence retcon

In Convergence, via retcon, Barracuda has re-appeared as member of the Extremists and fighting against the Atoms of the pre-Flashpoint Gotham city. This Barracuda is similar to the more monstrous form of the Earth-8 Barracuda and is considered the most vicious of the Extremists. Depiste his cold blood, he was defeated by the teamwork of Palmer and a surprisingly alive Ryan Choi.

Powers & Abilities

Barracuda, the self proclaimed "king of the seas", possesses a number of super human abilities:

Superhuman Strength

He has some degree of superhuman strength. His power increases when in contact with water.

Enhanced Durability

Barracuda has some degree of enhanced durability and can continue fighting even after sustaining severe damage (such as having the Atom attack him from the inside). He has also withstood charged hits from Human Bomb.

Enhanced Agility

He is very agile performing acrobatic moves when he fights and quick enough to leap on and surprise a Monitor, despite their superior senses.

Enhanced Healing

Barracuda can regain his power very fast when he comes into contact with water.

Underwater Adaptation

He can function normally underwater and is able to withstand the high pressures and extreme temperatures of the deep. He can also function on land normally

Flight

He can fly and levitate on his own.

Shapeshifting

He can alter his physical appearance to look more human-like.

Trained Warrior / Spy

Barracuda is trained in melee combat. He is particularly adept at wielding weapons, such as his trident. He is also an effecive spy having infiltrated the Meta Militia under order of Lord Havok.

Weaponry & Equipment

Trident

Barracuda wields a trident, strong enough to severe the Atom's giant hand in one swing.