Smuggler (comics)

For Conrad's brother, who previously used the Smuggler name, see Erik Josten.

Conrad Josten is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley, the character first appeared in Thunderbolts #16 (May 1998). Josten is known under the codename Smuggler. He wears a costume that grants him access to the Darkforce.^[1]

Conrad Josten Smuggler
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Thunderbolts #16 (May 1998)
Created by	Kurt Busiek Mark Bagley
In-story information
Alter ego	Conrad Josten
Species	Human
Team affiliations	Thunderbolts Redeemers
Notable aliases	Smuggler
Abilities	Darkforce suit granting: Ability to create tendril-like grappling claws Limb and extremities elongation Portal generation

Publication history

Conrad Josten debuted in Thunderbolts #16 (May 1998), created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley,

Fictional character biography

Conrad Josten is the youngest of the four Josten children born to farmers living outside Madison, Wisconsin. After his second oldest brother Erik becomes the supervillain Power Man and is arrested, Conrad leaves home and changes his name.^[2]

Conrad later joins the Redeemers as Smuggler, utilizing a special suit that can harness the Darkforce. The group battles the Thunderbolts, who later disband and give their Colorado headquarters to the Redeemers.

Smuggler and the Redeemers are later seemingly killed by Graviton. He survives by escaping into the Darkforce, but is trapped there before Helmut Zemo frees him.^[3]

Powers and abilities

The Smuggler wears a costume that enables him to manipulate energy from the Darkforce Dimension. He can reshape and elongate his body, conceal himself within shadows, and use them for teleportation. Furthermore, he is able to strangle victims using Darkforce energy drawn from their own shadows.^[4]