====== Paladin ======
===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary =====
  *   **Core Identity: Paladin is the Marvel Universe's quintessential mercenary for hire, a suave and morally ambiguous soldier of fortune whose superhuman abilities and signature stun gun are available to the highest bidder.**
  *   **Key Takeaways:**
  * **Role in the Universe:** Paladin occupies a unique niche as a professional [[mercenary]] who operates in the morally gray area between hero and villain. Unlike heroes driven by altruism, his motivations are almost exclusively financial, making him a pragmatic and unpredictable element in any conflict. He is the ultimate freelancer in a world of ideologues.
  * **Primary Impact:** His most significant influence is as a narrative foil to more traditional, idealistic heroes like [[captain_america_(steve_rogers)|Captain America]] and [[daredevil_(matt_murdock)|Daredevil]]. His presence forces other characters—and the reader—to confront questions of motivation, heroism, and the commercialization of superhuman conflict. He proves that not everyone with powers feels a corresponding sense of responsibility.
  * **Key Incarnations:** The chasm between his primary comic and cinematic versions is vast. In the Earth-616 comics, Paladin is a highly competent, dangerous, and charming operative with decades of history. In the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|Marvel Cinematic Universe]], he is depicted as a minor, somewhat comically inept "superpowered influencer" in a single episode of //She-Hulk: Attorney at Law//, a stark departure from his established persona.
===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution =====
==== Publication History and Creation ====
Paladin made his debut in **//Daredevil// #150**, published in January 1978. He was co-created by writer **Jim Shooter** and veteran artist **Carmine Infantino**. His creation reflects the trends of the late 1970s, a period that saw a rise in the popularity of anti-heroes and characters with more complex, cynical worldviews, moving away from the clearer-cut morality of the Silver Age.
Shooter and Infantino designed Paladin as a pastiche of "gentleman adventurer" and "spy-fi" tropes, heavily influenced by characters like James Bond. He was presented not as a brooding vigilante but as a charismatic, womanizing soldier of fortune who enjoyed the lavish lifestyle his dangerous profession afforded him. His distinctive purple and white costume, complete with a sleek helmet, was designed to be both stylish and functional, setting him apart from the brightly colored heroes of the era. His first appearance immediately established his core tenets: he was highly skilled, armed with non-lethal technology, and worked purely for profit, bringing him into immediate conflict with the altruistic Daredevil. This established a dynamic that would define his interactions with the mainstream hero community for decades to come.
==== In-Universe Origin Story ====
A defining characteristic of Paladin is the deliberate mystery surrounding his past. Unlike many superheroes whose identities are public knowledge or central to their narrative, Paladin's true name and background remain almost entirely unknown. This is a cultivated part of his professional persona, enhancing his mystique and protecting him from his many enemies.
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
The origin of the man known as Paladin is a closely guarded secret, known only to himself. He has never revealed his birth name or details about his family or early life. When asked, he often provides conflicting or flippant answers, suggesting he has constructed his "Paladin" identity from scratch. He once claimed to have taken the name from a series of popular adventure novels, //The Paladin//, about a globetrotting troubleshooter, indicating that his entire persona is a deliberate affectation.
His superhuman abilities—enhanced strength, speed, durability, and reflexes—are also of unknown origin. There is no record of a specific accident, experiment, or mutation that granted him these powers. It is widely assumed that he underwent some form of augmentation process, similar to [[luke_cage]] or Captain America, but he has never confirmed this. This ambiguity serves his professional interests, as potential clients and enemies are unsure of the full extent of his capabilities.
Paladin emerged on the scene as a fully-formed mercenary. His first major recorded case involved being hired by a former colleague of Dr. Karl Malus to track down the villainous [[purple_man_(zebediah_killgrave)|Purple Man]]. This contract brought him to New York City and into direct conflict with Daredevil. The hero, witnessing Paladin's aggressive methods, initially mistook him for a common thug. Their ensuing battle showcased Paladin's formidable combat skills and his signature non-lethal stun pistol. It was only after a protracted fight that they formed a reluctant, temporary truce to defeat Killgrave. This debut storyline perfectly encapsulated his character: a professional completing a job, unconcerned with the traditional hero/villain dichotomy, and willing to clash with anyone who gets in his way. He wasn't motivated by justice for the Purple Man's victims, but by the successful completion of his contract and the substantial fee it entailed.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
Paladin's introduction into the [[marvel_cinematic_universe|MCU]] (designated as Earth-199999) occurred in the eighth episode of the Disney+ series **//She-Hulk: Attorney at Law//**, titled "Ribbit and Rip It." This version, portrayed by actor Griffin Matthews, represents a significant thematic and tonal adaptation of the character.
In the MCU, Paladin is presented not as a hardened mercenary, but as a "superpowered influencer" and a client of the exclusive superhero tailor, [[luke_jacobson|Luke Jacobson]]. His origin is not explored; he simply exists as one of the many powered individuals navigating daily life and legal troubles. His primary concern in the episode is a lawsuit against Jacobson. He had commissioned a custom suit, but found it faulty and vulnerable to attack during a minor skirmish with two thugs, leading him to seek damages from the tailor.
This places him in the orbit of Jennifer Walters ([[she-hulk_(jennifer_walters)|She-Hulk]]), who is also a client of Jacobson's. The central conflict of his appearance revolves around his legal battle with another of Jacobson's clients, Eugene Patilio, also known as the comically inept [[leap-frog]]. The dispute is trivial, concerning the quality of their super-suits, and culminates in a clumsy, poorly choreographed fight in a parking garage.
The MCU's adaptation strips away the competence, mystique, and dangerous edge of the Earth-616 Paladin. He is reimagined as a comedic figure, more concerned with his brand and public image than with high-stakes contracts. The change was likely made to fit the satirical, slice-of-life tone of //She-Hulk: Attorney at Law//, using the character's name and costume as an Easter egg for comic fans rather than a faithful translation of his personality and history.
===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality =====
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
The comic book version of Paladin is a formidable and highly effective operative, blending superhuman gifts with extensive training and advanced equipment.
==== Powers & Abilities ====
  * **Superhuman Strength:** Paladin possesses strength significantly greater than that of a peak human. While the upper limits are not precisely defined, he has demonstrated the ability to lift approximately 2-3 tons. This allows him to overpower multiple skilled opponents, trade blows with other superhumans, and bend steel bars with his bare hands.
  * **Superhuman Speed & Agility:** His speed and reflexes are similarly enhanced. He can move and react faster than the finest human athlete, allowing him to dodge automatic gunfire at close range and outmaneuver incredibly swift opponents. His agility and coordination are on par with characters like [[spider-man_(peter_parker)|Spider-Man]] and Daredevil.
  * **Superhuman Durability & Stamina:** Paladin's body is highly resistant to impact and injury. He can withstand forces that would crush a normal person, such as falls from great heights and powerful concussive blows. His musculature produces far fewer fatigue toxins, allowing him to operate at peak capacity for many hours before needing rest.
  * **Master Martial Artist:** Paladin is a superb hand-to-hand combatant, proficient in numerous martial arts disciplines. He seamlessly blends different styles to adapt to his opponents, making him a highly unpredictable fighter. He has held his own against some of the most skilled fighters in the Marvel Universe, including Captain America and Daredevil.
  * **Expert Marksman:** He is an exceptional shot with a wide variety of firearms, from his specialized stun gun to conventional pistols, rifles, and automatic weapons.
  * **Master Tactician & Investigator:** Much of Paladin's success comes from his sharp intellect. He is a brilliant strategist, able to quickly assess a situation, identify weaknesses, and formulate effective plans. He is also a skilled detective, capable of gathering intelligence and tracking elusive targets.
==== Equipment ====
  * **Signature Stun Pistol:** Paladin's primary weapon is a custom-designed handgun that fires a beam of concentrated energy or a "stun-mist." The weapon has adjustable settings, allowing him to render a target unconscious with a low-power shot or deliver a more powerful blast capable of incapacitating even durable superhumans. Unlike many of his peers, he has a strong preference for this non-lethal option, as a dead target often complicates payment.
  * **Body Armor:** His distinctive purple and white costume is not merely for show. It is a sophisticated suit of body armor composed of advanced, impact-resistant materials. While not as durable as Adamantium or Vibranium, it provides excellent protection against bullets, blades, and concussive force. His helmet contains a communications array and various sensory filters.
  * **Conventional Firearms:** When a mission requires lethal force or greater firepower, Paladin has no qualms about using an arsenal of conventional weapons, which he selects based on the specific parameters of his contract.
==== Personality & Motivations ====
Paladin's personality is a complex mix of charm, cynicism, and professionalism. He is suave and flirtatious, often using his charisma to disarm opponents and gather information. However, this charming exterior conceals a deeply pragmatic and amoral core. His single greatest motivation is money. He views his abilities as a business asset and approaches heroism as a commercial enterprise.
Despite this, he is not truly evil. He operates under a loose personal code of honor. He typically avoids contracts that involve harming innocent civilians and has, on rare occasions, done the right thing without immediate payment, especially when a situation threatens his own life or offends his professional sensibilities. He has a deep-seated dislike for working "pro bono" and will often complain vocally even when helping others. This internal conflict between his mercenary instincts and a buried heroic streak is a central theme of his character.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
The MCU's Paladin is a far less developed and capable character, designed for a specific comedic purpose within his single appearance.
==== Powers & Abilities ====
While referred to as "superpowered," the nature and extent of his abilities are left entirely undefined. He engages in a brief, clumsy brawl with Leap-Frog, which demonstrates none of the masterful combat skill his comic counterpart possesses. His primary "skill" appears to be self-promotion and maintaining his status as an influencer.
==== Equipment ====
He wears a visually similar purple and white suit, but it is portrayed merely as a costume from a high-end designer. Its protective qualities are shown to be faulty, failing to protect him from a minor attack and forming the basis of his lawsuit. He does not carry or use his signature stun gun, a key piece of iconography for the character.
==== Personality & Motivations ====
The MCU Paladin is depicted as somewhat vain, arrogant, and litigious. His motivations are petty and self-serving, focused on a legal dispute over a faulty product. He lacks the suaveness, competence, and dangerous aura of the Earth-616 version. This interpretation serves the show's comedic tone by satirizing the more mundane aspects of a world filled with super-powered individuals, such as consumer complaints and lawsuits.
===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network =====
==== Core Allies ====
  * **[[silver_sable|Silver Sable]]:** Perhaps Paladin's most significant and long-standing associate. As the leader of the Wild Pack, a mercenary group from the nation of Symkaria, Silver Sable shares Paladin's professional, for-profit approach to superhuman affairs. Their relationship is a complex mix of professional rivalry, mutual respect, and a recurring, on-again-off-again romance. They frequently hire one another for missions, trusting in each other's competence and pragmatism. Their dynamic is built on an understanding that business always comes first, though a genuine affection often complicates their interactions.
  * **[[captain_america_(steve_rogers)|Captain America (Steve Rogers)]]:** Paladin's relationship with Captain America is one of ideological opposition and grudging respect. Captain America represents the selfless ideal of heroism that Paladin openly rejects. They have clashed on multiple occasions over Paladin's methods and motivations. However, Steve Rogers also recognizes Paladin's immense skill and effectiveness. He has hired Paladin for covert operations where a "hero" could not operate, such as during the //Secret Wars (2015)// tie-in where he needed Paladin to infiltrate a criminal organization. This dynamic highlights the practical realities of the Marvel Universe, where even the most virtuous heroes sometimes need the help of a man who gets the job done for a price.
  * **[[wasp_(janet_van_dyne)|The Wasp (Janet van Dyne)]]:** During his brief tenure with the Avengers, Paladin developed a romantic relationship with Janet van Dyne. This was a surprising pairing, as Janet's heroic and often lighthearted nature seemed at odds with Paladin's cynicism. Their relationship explored Paladin's struggle to function within a traditional superhero team structure. While he valued his connection with Janet, his mercenary instincts and inability to fully commit to the Avengers' altruistic mission ultimately caused friction and led to their separation.
==== Arch-Enemies ====
Paladin does not have a singular arch-nemesis in the way many other heroes do. As a mercenary, his enemies are typically transient—the targets of his current contract or rival operators competing for the same prize. His conflicts are professional, not personal.
  * **[[daredevil_(matt_murdock)|Daredevil]]:** While not a recurring foe, Daredevil was Paladin's first major antagonist and serves as his perfect ideological opposite. Their initial confrontation in //Daredevil// #150 established the core conflict between them: Daredevil's mission is driven by a deep-seated need for justice, while Paladin's is driven by his bank account. They represent two entirely different answers to the question of what to do with extraordinary power. Every time their paths have crossed since, this fundamental disagreement on morality and purpose has been the source of their conflict.
  * **The Superhuman Underworld:** Paladin's true "arch-enemy" could be considered the collective web of criminal organizations, corrupt officials, and supervillains that he is often hired to fight or, on occasion, work for. He has taken contracts against syndicates like [[maggiacrime|The Maggia]] and has battled numerous super-powered thugs and assassins. His enemies are whoever is standing between him and his paycheck on any given day.
==== Affiliations ====
  * **[[heroes_for_hire|Heroes for Hire]]:** Paladin was a prominent member of the post-//Civil War// incarnation of Heroes for Hire, a team re-formed by Misty Knight and Colleen Wing. He joined the group for the steady paycheck, not out of any heroic calling. This often put him at odds with more idealistic members. His pragmatic, often ruthless, approach to their missions created significant internal team conflict, but his effectiveness was undeniable.
  * **[[avengers|The Avengers]]:** Following the //Siege// of Asgard, Steve Rogers, then America's top cop, expanded the Avengers initiative. As part of this, Paladin was offered a spot on one of the main Avengers teams. He accepted, largely for the prestige and the government salary. His time as an Avenger was short-lived. He treated his duties like any other job, chafing under the team's rules and moral certitude. He eventually quit, unable to reconcile his mercenary lifestyle with the responsibilities of being one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
  * **[[silver_sable_and_the_wild_pack|The Wild Pack]]:** While never an official, card-carrying member, Paladin is Silver Sable's most trusted freelance operative. He has worked alongside her and the Wild Pack on dozens of missions across the globe. This association is his most natural fit, as it allows him to utilize his skills in a professional, objective-based environment without the moral quandaries of a superhero team.
===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines =====
==== First Appearance: //Daredevil// #150-152 (1978) ====
This inaugural storyline is the definitive introduction to Paladin. Hired to capture the mind-controlling villain, the Purple Man, Paladin's aggressive pursuit puts him on a collision course with Daredevil. The arc masterfully establishes his character: he is not a simple villain, but a professional with his own agenda. The story details his initial, brutal fight with Daredevil, their eventual and uneasy alliance born of necessity, and his ultimate success in completing his contract. It showcases his unique non-lethal weapon, his superhuman physical abilities, and his unwavering focus on the financial reward, setting the template for all his future appearances.
==== Shadowland (2010) ====
During the //Shadowland// event, Daredevil, possessed by the demonic entity known as the Beast, takes control of The Hand ninja clan and imposes a brutal martial law over Hell's Kitchen. Paladin is hired by a group of dirty cops to assassinate the "new" Daredevil, seeing it as just another high-paying, high-risk job. However, the mission quickly spirals out of control. Paladin finds himself completely outmatched by Daredevil's new power level and his army of ninjas. This forces him into a desperate alliance with the other street-level heroes trying to save Matt Murdock, including Luke Cage, [[iron_fist_(danny_rand)|Iron Fist]], and [[shang-chi|Shang-Chi]]. This storyline is significant because it's one of the few times Paladin is thrust into a situation so far beyond a simple contract, forcing him to fight for survival and the greater good alongside the very heroes he usually scoffs at.
==== Heroes for Hire (Vol. 2, 2006-2007) ====
This series, set in the immediate aftermath of //Civil War//, features Paladin as a core member of the new Heroes for Hire team. Operating in a world governed by the [[superhuman_registration_act|Superhuman Registration Act]], the team takes on missions sanctioned by the government. Paladin's role on the team is that of the cynic and pragmatist. He constantly questions the team's motives, complains about the pay, and advocates for the most direct, and sometimes most brutal, solution. His interactions with teammates like the morally-upright Black Cat and the stoic Humbug highlight his mercenary nature. The series provides a deep dive into how Paladin functions within a team setting, showing both the value of his skill set and the disruptive nature of his personality.
===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions =====
  * **Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610):** In this reality, the "Paladin" identity is not a unique individual but an alias used by another character. Marc Spector ([[moon_knight|Moon Knight]]) briefly operates under the name Paladin while working as a corporate enforcer for the Roxxon Corporation. This version wears a different, more armored costume and shares none of the personality traits of the Earth-616 Paladin. It is simply a re-purposing of the name.
  * **Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999):** As detailed previously, the MCU version of Paladin is effectively an alternate reality variant. Portrayed as a minor character in //She-Hulk: Attorney at Law//, he is a vain influencer whose competence and background are completely different from his prime comic counterpart. This adaptation serves as a prime example of how Marvel Studios reinterprets characters to fit the specific tone and narrative needs of a project.
  * **Marvel: Avengers Alliance (Video Game):** Paladin appeared as a playable character in the now-defunct Facebook and mobile game //Marvel: Avengers Alliance//. His portrayal in the game was a faithful adaptation of his Earth-616 persona. He was classified as a "Tactician" class character, and his abilities revolved around his stun gun, combat skill, and gaining financial "bonuses" in combat, cleverly translating his mercenary nature into game mechanics.
===== See Also =====
  * [[mercenary]]
  * [[heroes_for_hire]]
  * [[silver_sable]]
  * [[daredevil_(matt_murdock)|Daredevil]]
  * [[she-hulk_(jennifer_walters)|She-Hulk]]
===== Notes and Trivia =====
((Paladin's real name has never been definitively confirmed in the Earth-616 continuity. This is a deliberate creative choice to maintain his mystique.))
((Co-creator Jim Shooter has stated that the character was heavily inspired by the suave, globetrotting spies and adventurers popular in fiction at the time, most notably James Bond.))
((Despite his preference for non-lethal force, Paladin is not against using lethal methods if a contract specifies it or if his own life is in mortal danger. His pragmatism always outweighs any moral objection.))
((During his time working with Captain America, Paladin briefly dated Rachel Leighton, also known as the reformed villain [[diamondback]]. This was particularly awkward as Diamondback was a notable ex-girlfriend of Steve Rogers.))
((The source of Paladin's superhuman powers remains one of his most enduring mysteries. Theories range from a unique mutation to a secret super-soldier program, but no canonical explanation has ever been provided.))
((Key issues for understanding Paladin's character include his first appearance in //Daredevil// #150 (1978), his membership in //Heroes for Hire// (Vol. 2, 2006), and his brief but telling tenure in //Avengers// (Vol. 4, 2010).))
((The actor who portrayed Paladin in //She-Hulk: Attorney at Law// is Griffin Matthews, known for his work in theater and television shows like //The Flight Attendant//.))