James & Aleister

Character Info

 * Creator: T.J.
 * Age: 24/Unknown
 * First Appearance: Devastation Squad #1
 * Team/Affiliation: The Devastation Squad
 * Powers (Aleister): Unnatural Strength and Toughness, Self-Resurrection, General Creepiness

Background
James Bailey was a young up-and-coming magician. After dropping out of college, he made his rent by performing amateur routines at local comedy clubs and clubs around Union City. He specialized in card tricks, but performed feats of escape artistry and illusions. While at one of these clubs, he discovered a new passion: heroin. While the money poured in, James was able to fund his addiction, performing night after night. He was quickly hooked, and couldn't wait for his performances to be done so he could have his next fix.

Soon, however, audiences tired of his act, and James realized he needed a new gimmick quick. The money was running out, and desperate, he searched the pawn shops and magic stores of the city. He came across an old shop on a rather seedy part of town, and found what he thought to be his saving grace. A handsome ventriloquist dummy, dressed in a tuxedo. Hands shaking, he handed over the money, the last of what he could spare. He quickly ran home, and immediately started to work on his routine. His heart nearly stopped when the dummy talked back to him.

James tried to use the dummy as part of his routine, but the cursed dummy scared the audiences, revealing truths about them deep within their souls. After many an unsuccessful show, his dummy, Aleister revealed that a member of the audience was cheating on his wife. James was accosted by the angry man after the show, and Aleister sprung on top of the man, strangling him to death with a gleeful laugh.

They have been on the run ever since, forming a symbiotic relationship. James tries to keep Aleister's bloodlust in check, and Aleister gets him the money he needs for his addiction. The two have finally found a home among the freaks and misfits of the Devastation Squad.

Personality
James is a rather nervous fellow, and practices magic to get his mind off the reality of his situation. However, he is becoming more and more warmed up to the idea of villainy as a profession.

Aleister is utterly cheerful, though bloodthirsty and homicidal. He murders with a smile on his wooden face and a whistle in his heart.

Powers
James does not have any powers, but has skills in performance and stage magic. Aleister has a variety of supernatural abilities, including unnatural speed and toughness. He also has an incredible strength, and likes to crawl up the back of his enemies and throttle the life from them with his wooden hands. He can also resurrect himself, should his body take too much damage. As a animated puppet, he does not have to worry about breathing and being poisoned.

Appearances

 * Devastation Squad #2