Crucible:Duke of New York

Real Name: Marmaduke Shaw

Background: Marmaduke Shaw was New York City's greatest cat burglar, operating under the nom de crime of Duke of New York. He was raised in the religious order of St. Dismas, the thief who was crucified next to Christ and was forgiven. The order honors the saint by thievery and members are taught thieving as a religious practice. Any proceeds from theft are never kept by the actual thief, but anonymously donated to those in need. The Duke raised the orphaned Deke Slye as his apprentice and trained him, passing on everything he knew about burglary, con games, cheating at gambling, pickpocketing, and stealth. Since the apprentice followed his mentor everywhere, he acquired the nickname Shadow.

One night the Duke's luck went bad. In an attempt to burglarize the penthouse of the crime lord Petro, the Duke and his apprentice were caught. The Duke was hurled to his death but Shadow broke free and began his career as a crimefighter.

Status: Deceased

Skills: The Duke was a master cat burglar and acrobat. He was also a master of various thieving skills, such as running cons, performing deceptions and sleight of hand, pickpocketing, and safecracking. He also possessed serious martial arts skills, specializing in Okinawan karate.

Technology: The Duke made use of a wide variety of tools to ply his trade.

Creator: Ed Messina

First Appearance: SHADOW #1