Backlash
Backlash (Marc Slayton) is an Image Comics character from Wildstorm Universe, first appearing in StormWatch #3, created by Jim Lee; Brett Booth.
Overview
Backlash is the codename of Marc Slayton, a covert operative and superhuman of the Wildstorm Universe created by Jim Lee and Brett Booth, who debuted in StormWatch #3. The half-human, half-Kherubim warrior is one of the setting's veteran black-ops soldiers, having served with nearly every major clandestine unit in Wildstorm continuity. He is best known for his psionic energy whips and for headlining his own long-running solo series in the 1990s.
Powers & Abilities
Backlash can generate flexible psionic tendrils or "whips" from his wrists, using them as weapons, grappling lines and shields. His Kherubim heritage grants enhanced strength, agility, durability and a greatly extended lifespan, all further amplified by the Gen-factor treatments he received as a soldier. Beyond his powers, he is an elite hand-to-hand combatant, marksman and espionage specialist with decades of field experience.
History
Born to the Kherubim S'lyton, Slayton was recruited into International Operations and served in its covert programs, including the ill-fated Team 7, whose Gen-factor exposure awakened latent metahuman abilities in its members. He went on to work with Team One, Team Zero, StormWatch and Department PSI before striking out on his own as Backlash. Later stories saw him lead the strike team Wildcore and act as a mentor figure to younger Wildstorm heroes, while contending with the fallout of his I.O. past.
Family & Relationships
His father was the Kherubim S'lyton, long since deceased, and his family connections include Jodi Slayton and Aries. His personal life is repeatedly complicated by his secret identity and by the enemies he made during his intelligence career.
Teams & Affiliations
Backlash's service record spans International Operations, Team One, Team Zero, Team 7, StormWatch and Department PSI. He later founded and led Wildcore, and frequently allied with other Wildstorm teams such as the WildC.A.T.s and Gen13.
Notable Facts
Often referred to simply as Alex or by his surname Slayton, he maintains a secret identity despite his lengthy public-sector service. His self-titled Image/Wildstorm series, largely driven by co-creator Brett Booth, made him one of the more prominent solo characters of the early Wildstorm line. His Team 7 background ties him directly to the origins of the Gen-factor, a foundational element of Wildstorm's superhuman mythology.
Overview written by Waypoint (AI-generated).
- Real name
- Marc Slayton
- Reality
- Wildstorm Universe
- Gender
- Male
- Identity
- Secret
- First appearance
- StormWatch #3
- Creators
- Jim Lee; Brett Booth
- Also known as
- Alex
- Affiliations
- I.O., Team One, Team Zero, Team 7, StormWatch, Wildcore, Department PSI
- Relatives
- S'lyton (father, deceased), Jodi Slayton, Aries
Full details at Image Comics Database (Fandom) → · CC BY-SA. Facts + summary by Waypoint.