Origin
In the 24th Century, Rojohn Smythe is an archeologist who discovered the legendary planet of Talbos. He confirmed that a world wide war had been fought there between native Talbosians and invading Skrulls due to their remains on the lifeless planet. No Talbosian survived the war and Smythe continued his exploration of the area. He discovered an ancient temple and when he entered he saw the Ikonn, an immense statue representing the Talbosion’s god. Fumes from the blazing brazier in the statue’s hands filled the room and Smythe fell unconscious from the dense clouds of smoke. Then he heard a voice and a figure floated before him.
Hear us, Rojohn Smythe! We are the spirits of the Talbosian race! You shall be our instrument of vengeance! For three hundred years we have waited for a living form for our spirits to enter! We shall not know peace until your mission is completed–The destruction of the Skrull race! You shall become the embodiment of our god–The Red Wolf!
Smythe awoke hours later uncertain about what had happened and left Talbos as soon as possible. He had dreams about what happened at the temple which comes into being in reality. While at a refueling starstation, Smythe sensed that a Skrull was disguised as one of the administrators passing by him. Then the Talbosian spirits took control of Smythe’s body and transformed him into the Red Wolf against his will and killed the disguised Skrull. The Red Wolf moved on and changed back to Smythe.
Creation
The Red Wolf from this reality of Earth-829 was created by Bob Layton in Hercules #2 (4/1984).
Major Story Arcs
Hercules and The Gift
Rojohn Smythe arrived at starstation Philord during a special welcome for union presidential candidate Parnal Banak. Suddenly Smythe, desperation in his face, transformed into the Red Wolf and killed Banak. While flying away, the Red Wolf was shot down by starstation security and Smythe was the one who landed on the ground. Security soon discover a Skrull corpse in Banak’s place. Smythe was taken into custody and placed in a holding cell. Later, Smythe was joined by another fugitive, Hercules, Prince of Power, who had a warrant for disturbing the peace.
While in jail, Smythe told Hercules about the Red Wolf when Skyppi, an ally and a Skrull (of course), showed up to break out Hercules. The rest was redundant but Smythe changed into the Red Wolf and attempted to kill the peace-loving Skyppi (hippie Skyppi?). Hercules intervened but Red Wolf was adamant to kill the Skrull. Then Hercules imparted the Gift of Combat to the Red Wolf but eventually appealed to the nobility and honor of the Talbosians. Red Wolf no longer sought Skyppi’s death and Red Wolf and Hercules parted as allies.
Powers & Abilities
Red Wolf is skilled in armed and unarmed hand-to-hand combat, has the power of flight, superhuman agility, strength, durability and stamina. The Red Wolf’s primary weapon is his mystic coup-stick which fires energy blasts lethal to a normal humanoid. The coup-stick is also a durable battle staff.