Lock-Up is a DC Comics villain and an enemy of Batman, featured in one episode of Batman: The Animated Series, in which he was voiced by Bruce Weitz. He was incorporated into mainstream comics continuity even before the more popular Harley Quinn in Robin #24 (January 1996).
Character History[]
New Earth[]
Lock-Up
Lock-Up's first comic appearance was in Robin #24 (Jan 1996) in which he captured Charaxes. He subsequently appeared in Detective Comics #694 (Feb 96) in which he captured the minor villain Weedwhacker. In both these stories he only made a brief appearance at the end, removing the villain before Batman and Robin could return to the scene.
His first full appearance was in Detective Comics #697-699 (June-Aug 1996), which began with him capturing Two-Face, and taking him to his private prison alongside Charaxes, Weedwhacker and several gangsters. He is stopped by the police while targeting a criminal turned state evidence and is revealed to be Lyle Bolton, previously discharged from the police academy for being too gung-ho, and dismissed from several security jobs (unlike the animated version, he had not worked at Arkham Asylum). Lock-Up escapes, and captures minor street criminal Alvin Draper (actually Tim Drake's undercover identity).
When Nightwing finds his hideout, Lock-Up decides to drown all his prisoners in an underwater death-trap. Batman intervenes and defeats Lock-Up, saving the villains, Nightwing and Robin.
No Man's Land[]
Lock-Up later appeared during the No Man's Land storyline, having taken control of Blackgate Prison in the aftermath of the earthquake. He had enlisted KGBeast and the Trigger Twins to act as wardens for his prison, and rules with an iron fist; Batman only tolerates his presence because he requires Lock-Up to keep captured criminals in check to prevent Gotham being overrun, although Lock-Up is under strict orders to treat the prisoners well. Towards the end of the storyline, Batman enlists Dick Grayson's help in overthrowing Lock-Up so Blackgate could be used for the lawful side once again.
Infinite Crisis[]
Lock-Up also makes an appearance in Villains United: Infinite Crisis Special where it seems the Society made use of Lock-Up's prison expertise to break villains out of prisons all over the world, leading to the Battle of Metropolis in the final issue of Infinite Crisis.
More recently, Lock-Up has been affiliated with Scarface and the Ventriloquist alongside other Gotham criminals Killer Moth and Firefly; during this association Lock-Up was badly wounded by Metropolis outfits Intergang and the 100. Recovering, Lock-Up was sent to a prison world alongside other criminals in the Salvation Run limited series.
Prime Earth[]
Batman Eternal[]
Lock-Up was amongst the primary group of villains recruited by Cluemaster in their war against Batman, orchestrated by Owlman. Other members of this inner-circle included: The Prankster, Ratcatcher, Firefly and Signalman.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Expert on incarceration tactics and procedures