Heckler (comics)

The Heckler
The Heckler #1 (September 1992). Pencils by Keith Giffen, inks by Malcolm Jones III.
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	The Heckler #1
Created by	Keith Giffen Tom and Mary Bierbaum
In-story information
Alter ego	Stuart "Stu" Moseley
Abilities	Sarcastic wit and the ability of "annoying the hell outta of" nearly anyone (this could possibly include the mineral and vegetable kingdoms as well)

The Heckler is a fictional character, a superhero parody published by DC Comics. He first appeared in The Heckler #1 (cover-dated September 1992), an ongoing series that lasted six issues, ending with The Heckler #6 (cover-dated February 1993).

Stuart "Stu" Moseley, co-owner of "EATS", a skid row diner in the ghetto section of Delta City, fights the injustices and slightly goofy criminal element as The Heckler, armed only with his sarcastic wit and a brightly colored costume. Stu's motivations and origins are unknown. Possibly he's just a glutton for punishment, for it seems that he receives no respect from his contemporaries in either his civilian or costumed alter ego's existence. It is notable that while walking around as Stu, he ends up coming across as slightly anal, frustrated and awkward. When wearing his costume, however, he seems to become a completely different person, endlessly confident and insanely daring with a talent for trickery and a smart-mouthed sense of humor that he uses to irritate, annoy and insult his foes until they usually pretty much defeat themselves in a style highly reminiscent of cartoon character Bugs Bunny (who artist/creator Keith Giffen admits was a major influence on the creation of the Heckler).

A costumed fighter with only average strength and agility, Stu relies heavily on his razor-sharp wit to enrage and baffle his adversaries to the point of blinding frustration, opening a window of opportunity that he will exploit to his benefit. The Heckler also possesses an immeasurable level of durability that frequently allows him to quickly recover from extreme amounts of physical damage. Being swallowed whole by a monstrous beast or falling to the earth from staggering heights only to bounce back minutes later speak mildly of The Heckler's ability to absorb and recover from damage. His access to this ability sometimes teeters on the edge of invulnerability.

Ledge- Stu's buddy and one of the very few people that's in on to his Heckler alter-ego. Notable for his bad spelling, Ledge provides most of Stu's information regarding his opponents, keeping extensive dossiers on all major crime figures in Delta City.

François- Stu's slightly anal-retentive and obsessive but highly creative French cook at "Eats."

Mr. Dude- One of the patrons of "EATS". A leather jacket-clad overweight and middle-aged greaser who provides Stu with information on underworld activities and is regularly visited by the denizens of Delta City, including generals and monsignors, for advice on a vast variety of subjects.