Poison (Final Fight)
Poison is a fictional video game character originally appearing as a street thug in the 1989 arcade game Final Fight. She is known for her distinctive blonde hair, revealing attire, and acrobatic fighting style. Along with her palette-swapped counterpart, Roxy, Poison was originally presented as a female enemy character in Final Fight, however, due to concerns about violence against women, Capcom later retconned their gender, stating that Poison and Roxy were transgender women.
This change in narrative led to considerable discussion and debate within the fighting game community, particularly regarding representation and gender identity. While initially presented as a way to avoid problematic depictions, the retcon itself has been criticized by some for perpetuating stereotypes.
Poison has since become a recurring character in the Street Fighter series, starting with Street Fighter III: 2nd Impact. Her moveset often includes whip-like attacks and acrobatic maneuvers, reflecting her background as a street brawler. Her appearances in the Street Fighter games have further developed her personality and backstory, portraying her as a charismatic and ambitious character. Her motivations often involve seeking fame, fortune, or simply causing mischief.