Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)

Crawley
Name	Bertrand Crawley
Current Alias	Crawley
Aliases	Creepy Crawley
Affiliation and Relationships
Affiliation	Associate of Moon Knight
Relatives	Spouses: Unnamed wife (divorced, later she died) Children: Jimmy Crawley (son, deceased)
Marital Status	Divorced
Physical Characteristics
Gender	Male
Hair	Grey-haired
Unusual Features	Crawley is perpetually surrounded by a buzzing horde of flies
Origin and Living Status
Origin	Human
Living Status	Alive
Reality	Earth-616
Place of Birth	Trenton, New Jersey
Personal Information
Identity	No Dual
Citizenship	American
Occupation	Homeless informant Formerly a textbook salesman
Base of Operations	Gena's Diner, Brooklyn, New York City
Creators and Appearances
Creators	Doug Moench, Don Perlin
First	Marvel Spotlight #28 (March, 1976)
First	Marvel Spotlight #28 (March, 1976)

History

Early Life

Bertrand Crawley once lived a suburban life in Trenton, New Jersey, working as a salesman. However, the isolation of his job led him to alcoholism. As his drinking worsened, his sales declined, and he could no longer afford his Trenton home. The family moved back to New York City, where his wife became pregnant, but Crawley continued to drink. Four years after their son Jimmy Crawley was born, his wife left him, taking Jimmy with her. Crawley spent the next 20 years on the streets, befriending fellow vagrants, including his best friend, Reno Eddie. Over time, Crawley overcame his alcoholism and managed to rent a modest room in the Bowery. Despite this improvement, he struggled to find steady work and often fell into financial trouble, gambling on horses to make ends meet—usually unsuccessfully. He became a regular at Gena's Diner, forming a close friendship with the owner, Gena Landers.

Moon Knight

Bertrand Crawley

Crawley's street connections made him a valuable informant, well-versed in New York City's criminal underworld. He gained the trust of several crime bosses, including Manny Zilko, and attended their secret poker nights in a Queens cemetery, discreetly gathering valuable information.. During a robbery at Gena's Diner by armed Maggia members searching for Moon Knight's alter ego, Jake Lockley, Crawley wisely stayed out of harm's way until Spider-Man and Lockley handled the situation. Crawley's tips helped Moon Knight thwart the Conquer-Lord's plot to rig the mayoral election, earning him a steak dinner as a reward. Crawley often spent his days at Gena's Diner, famously nursing his 18th cup of hot water with the same tea bag. He provided Moon Knight with leads on an international robbery, eagerly accepting a stack of bills for his assistance. When a serial killer began targeting New York nurses, Crawley, after a bit of persuasion, shared critical information with Lockley, setting the stage for the killer's capture.

When Bushman reappeared in New York, Crawley learned of his criminal operations and shared his insights with Moon Knight at Gena's Diner. However, tragedy struck when a serial killer known as the Slasher murdered Crawley's friend, Reno Eddie. Crawley narrowly escaped a similar fate and, after a brutal attack, ended up in the hospital. Following this near-fatal encounter, Moon Knight revealed his true identity to Crawley, Gena, and her children, Ricky and Ray. Crawley was invited to work as an informant for a modest fee. Despite being told he would have to maintain his derelict persona, Crawley accepted, seeing it as a chance to earn his way again. Crawley aided Moon Knight in capturing the Slasher, only to realise the killer was his estranged son, Jimmy. At Jimmy's trial, Crawley admitted his identity, leading to a violent outburst from Jimmy, who had been seeking revenge for his father's abandonment. After a rooftop struggle, Jimmy fell to his death, leaving Crawley heartbroken and blaming himself for his failures.

Bertrand and Gena

Despite these hardships, Crawley continued to provide valuable intelligence to Moon Knight. His insights led to the capture of the Midnight Man, the defeat of the Committee's assassins, and the uncovering of a heroin operation led by Papa Doc on St. Lucien. Crawley's resourcefulness shone again when he warned Moon Knight about a planned terrorist attack in Chicago. His bravery in the chaotic city led to critical information that helped thwart the villains' scheme When Moon Knight's confidence waned after his battle with Bushman, Crawley played a key role in finding him and helping restore his resolve. His information proved instrumental in defeating Bushman once again. Crawley's network of contacts continued to serve Moon Knight, including uncovering leads on threats like Cajun Creed, Ace Taggert, and Xenos. He also provided Moon Knight with the address of Daryll Flowers' dealer, aiding in a mission with Iron Man. His tales of bravery weren't merely rumors. Crawley even held his own against street gangs and managed to share vital clues with heroes like Luke Cage and Iron Fist.

When war veteran Carson Knowles launched his campaign for New York City mayor, he received unexpected backing from the enigmatic vigilante known as Black Spectre. In reality, Knowles himself had assumed the Black Spectre persona, modeling his tactics after Moon Knight. Following a near-fatal clash with Black Spectre, Moon Knight, in his Jake Lockley guise, turned to Bertrand Crawley for insight. However, Crawley had little to offer beyond the widespread belief that Knowles was a strong contender. Sensing something amiss, Moon Knight later sent Frenchie to check in on Crawley. Frenchie found him sipping tea in a shady billiards club, but when he inquired about Knowles and Black Spectre, the patrons violently assaulted him as a warning. Crawley rushed the injured Frenchie to Manhattan's Metropolitan Hospital, where he remained by his side until Lockley arrived. Determined more than ever, Moon Knight set out to confront Black Spectre once and for all. Later, when a series of attacks targeted New York cab drivers, Crawley tipped Lockley off about a secret underground poker game where he might uncover information about the culprit, Commodore Donny Planet. To maintain his cover, Crawley attended the game and even brandished a gun at Moon Knight to maintain his role as a neutral participant. Aware of Crawley's act, Moon Knight took him down without harm before confronting Zilko and the other criminals. Thanks to Crawley's efforts, Moon Knight tracked and defeated Commodore Donny Planet.

One evening at Gena's Diner, Crawley shared his theory with Lockley that crime rates surged by 13% during a full moon. Lockley dismissed the idea, only to soon find himself battling a frenzied Jack Russell. After freeing Russell from the influence of the satanic cult leader Morning Star, Moon Knight and Marlene Alraune conducted an experiment at Gena's Diner. Crawley observed in amazement as Marlene hypnotized Russell using Gena's pearl necklace, planting a suggestion in his mind to prevent him from attacking Moon Knight in his werewolf form.

Crawley continued to be an invaluable informant, uncovering a plot involving five female assassins targeting the Ark II dirigible. He also played a crucial role in protecting reporter Joy Mercado, who had exposed the street thug Druid Walsh. After reading her article, Crawley advised Lockley to take her plea for protection seriously. Crawley's street connections also brought him into conflict with the Raiders, a feared gang even the police hesitated to challenge. The gang stormed Gena's Diner, beating Gena severely. While Crawley remained unscathed, he could do little to prevent the attack. After Moon Knight defeated the Raiders' leader, Crawley and Lockley visited Gena to console her, though words offered little comfort.

When Moon Knight suffered near-paralysis following a brutal fight with the Human Fly, Crawley and Gena visited him at Grant Mansion. Gena, still shaken from her attack, revealed her plans to sell the diner and move away. Crawley, facing financial troubles after gambling losses, pondered whether Moon Knight would still require his services. Though Marlene offered to put him on retainer, Crawley declined, preferring to earn his keep. He left, telling Moon Knight he could always be found at Gena's Diner if needed. This interaction left Moon Knight deeply conflicted, realizing how much his friends had suffered due to their connection to him.

Despite his hardships, Crawley maintained his flair for storytelling, offering to regale passersby with tales of the crimes he had helped Moon Knight solve for a dollar a story. Whether exaggerating or recounting genuine exploits, he took pride in his contributions to Moon Knight's crusade. Upon Moon Knight's request, Crawley investigated the release of the White Dragon, who had been terrorizing New York's Chinatown. Though unable to uncover specifics, he informed Jake Lockley that a highly influential crime syndicate was involved.

Scarlet Redemption

One night, Crawley, intoxicated and in good spirits, greeted a woman in red as she passed by. Unfortunately, the woman was Stained Glass Scarlet, the unstable, crossbow-wielding vigilante. The smell of alcohol on Crawley reminded her of her abusive husband, prompting her to shoot him. Wounded and terrified, Crawley fled to Gena's Diner, only for Scarlet to follow, firing more arrows before marking him with a bloody 'S' and igniting the diner's stove. Gena ensured Crawley received medical attention for his injuries. As Crawley recovered in hospital, Moon Knight confronted Stained Glass Scarlet. He later visited the still-comatose Crawley and was relieved to hear that doctors expected him to make a full recovery. Gena promised to care for Crawley and even offered him a job at the rebuilt diner. Crawley's connections proved useful once again when he informed Moon Knight about the Pretorians, a white supremacist group with members protected by corrupt officials. Moon Knight set out to dismantle their operations.

The Resurrection War

Crawley was at Gena's Diner when he was surprised by the sudden return of Jake Lockley, whom many had presumed dead. He quickly updated Lockley on the latest power shifts in the city, directing him to a warehouse at Pier 23 but warning him of the dangers. Later, he pointed out an unusual newspaper ad referencing "moon madness" and "Jack Russell". While Crawley jokingly suggested it might refer to a dog, Lockley deduced it was a message from Werewolf by Night.

High Strangers

When reports surfaced of homeless people disappearing after agreeing to lucrative medical experiments, Crawley grew suspicious. He informed Lockley that he himself had been approached and provided the contact details, leading Moon Knight to infiltrate Lin Rose Research by impersonating Crawley.

Midnight Sun

Years later, after Moon Knight was severely injured and confined to a wheelchair, Crawley remained at his side, running errands—including collecting Spector's pain medication. However, Crawley unknowingly became a pawn of Khonshu, who possessed him to orchestrate a meeting between Moon Knight and Frenchie, ultimately pulling Spector back into action. As Moon Knight resumed his fight against crime, Crawley remained a steadfast ally. He tracked down the elusive Profile, who, using his unique abilities, cruelly confirmed Crawley's worst fears—that the tragedies in his life were his own fault.

During one of Moon Knight's darkest moments, Crawley found him in a wheelchair, physically and mentally broken. When persuasion failed, Crawley resorted to slapping him repeatedly until Spector regained his resolve. Though painful, Crawley's actions ultimately pushed Moon Knight to fight back against his despair.

Despite knowing Moon Knight was in no condition to fight Black Spectre, Crawley reluctantly injected him with a painkiller at his request and drove him to the villain's headquarters. He then witnessed Moon Knight force Black Spectre to fall to his death, ensuring his own reputation was destroyed in the process. After the incident, Crawley hid the injured Moon Knight in an underground labyrinth to evade the authorities. He later visited him with supplies and informed him he had been unconscious for two days. Still loyal to his friend, Crawley pleaded with both Frenchie and Marlene to help Moon Knight, but they refused. Later, when Frenchie needed help tracking down Oliver Finn and his Whyos Gang, Crawley provided the information but ensured Moon Knight was also involved in dealing with the threat.

Shock and Awe

As Moon Knight dedicated himself to taking down Norman Osborn, he reunited with Crawley, who directed him toward the Slug's latest diamond heist. Later, when Moon Knight sought information on a possible return of Bushman, Crawley was skeptical until his men ambushed them. In a final moment of comedic misfortune, Crawley was meeting Moon Knight at a skating rink when he was accidentally struck in the head by a flying skateboard.

Shadowland

When a new vigilante, Shadow Knight, began a murder spree in Manhattan, Crawley met Lockley at Gena's Diner, providing crucial information that helped Moon Knight track down his latest foe.

Attributes

Powers

No known powers

Abilities

Crawley has a natural flair for the dramatic, and behaves as if he were a member of British aristocracy, rather than a man living on the streets of New York.

Paraphernalia

Equipment

A reusable tea-bag

See Also

• 50 appearance(s) of Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)
• 13 minor appearance(s) of Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)
• 6 mention(s) of Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)
• 1 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)
• 6 image(s) of Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)
• 3 quotation(s) by or about Bertrand Crawley (Earth-616)