History
Fritz Tiboldt was a German citizen that ran his own circus (Tiboldt's Circus) in the 1940s. He was hired by the Nazis to travel to America. There, under the guise of a legitimate circus, he and his circus performers used their unique abilities to eliminate U.S. military officials. Each night, Fritz selected their targets with his "Wheel of Death", sending out his best suited operatives to carry out the job. Among his circus members were the midget Tommy Thumb (an unwitting accomplice who was forced into servitude with threats of violence), Omir the snake charmer, Zandow the strong man, the Trapeze Trio, and others.[2]
When the circus set up near Camp Lehigh, Fritz first targeted General Blaine. When Blaine attended the circus, Fritz forced Tommy to let loose one of the tigers to attack him. Blaine was mauled to death by the tiger, which was in turn slain by Captain America. Captain America happened to be on the scene in his civilian guise of Steve Rogers with his sidekick, Bucky Barnes. Although suspecting foul play, Captain America and Bucky had no proof and decided to keep an eye on the circus.[2]
Tiboldt's next target was Commissioner Newsome, and Tiboldt send Omar and the Trapeze Trio to eliminate him. His murder was witnessed by Betsy Ross, and despite Captain America and Bucky's interference, she was captured by the circus members. Tracing her back to the circus, Captain America and Bucky beat the Circus into submission, freed Betsy, and defeated the Ringmaster.[2]
Following his return to Germany, Fritz and his wife were killed for their failure.[3]
Legacy[]
Fritz was survived by his descendant, Maynard, who continued running the circus in the Modern Age.[4]Attributes
Abilities
Paraphernalia
Equipment
Weapons
Notes
- ↑ Marvel Two-In-One #76 states that Fritz is the father of Maynard; however, per the Sliding Timescale of Earth-616, as time slides forward it becomes increasingly impossible for Maynard to be Fritz's son. As such, his relation to Maynard should be kept as general as possible.
Trivia
- Timely Comics had other Nazi spies who were former circus performers: circus stilt walker Franz,[5] the Python, and the Eraser. Modern Marvel had the 3 Brandt Brothers (trapeze artists)[6] and the Nazi spies that took over the Dean Brothers Circus.[7]
- Der Zirkusdirektor is German for The Ringmaster.
See Also
- 4 appearance(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 1 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 1 minor appearance(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 1 mention(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 3 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 4 image(s) of Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)
- 1 quotation(s) by or about Fritz Tiboldt (Earth-616)