First up to bat - The Faceless Hunter from Saturn.
The Faceless Hunters first appeared in Strange Adventures #124; created by the legendary writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky, the Faceless Hunter was an alien villain who believed in manifest destiny, seeking to conquer Earth for the glory of Saturn. His ambitions may have been grand, but his execution left a lot to desired. All three invasion attempts were thwarted by a pair of highway patrolmen. We're not talking about Superman, Green Lantern or even Elongated Man, the Faceless Hunters' downfall was caused by two doughnut eating, coffee chugging Buford T. Justice wannabes (Jackie Gleason may you rest in peace).
Sigh.
But step back and admire the character design. A bald, muscular alien with no face, Spock ears, and orange skin - the design is simple, yet oddly compelling; like one of the better aliens from the original Outer Limits.
On top of that, there's the name. Say it to yourself, out loud - The Faceless Hunter.
Now do it again. The Faceless Hunter.
Like some of H.P. Lovecraft's creations (The Whisperer in Darkness and The Old Ones to name two), it's a name that oozes menace and mystery. The Faceless Hunter evokes an unearthly creature lurking in the shadows, who emerges only to takes its prey. A creature that is always there, always watching and always hungry.
Now the Faceless Hunter has made a couple of appearances in the last few years, including a couple of issues of the new (and seminal) Green Lantern series written by Geoff Johns. But more importantly, he's been making his presence known on the excellent animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold (one of the best genre shows going right now, check it out!); where he has become the ass kicker he should have always been.
So here's to you, The Faceless Hunter -- may you finally live up to your name.
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