Wildcat (Ted Grant)
Wildcat, specifically referring to Theodore "Ted" Grant, is a DC Comics superhero. Created by Bill Finger and Irwin Hasen, he first appeared in Sensation Comics #1 (January 1942). Ted Grant is primarily known as a world-class heavyweight boxer who, after being framed for murder, adopts the costumed identity of Wildcat to fight crime.
As Wildcat, Ted Grant is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and acrobat, often serving as a mentor and trainer to younger heroes. He is frequently depicted as a member of the Justice Society of America (JSA), a team of Golden Age superheroes. His longevity and effectiveness in combat are often attributed to a serum, sometimes referred to as his "nine lives," that he received which granted him enhanced strength, agility, and regenerative abilities. The specific details of how he obtained this serum vary across different storylines and continuities.
Beyond his physical prowess, Ted Grant is also known for his gruff but caring demeanor. He acts as a father figure and mentor to many younger heroes, including Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance) and other members of the JSA and related teams. He imparts his boxing skills and street-fighting experience, shaping them into more effective heroes.
Throughout various DC Comics storylines, Wildcat has faced a wide range of threats, from street-level criminals to supervillains. He remains a respected and enduring figure in the DC Universe, representing both the golden age of heroism and the importance of mentorship. His character is primarily defined by his boxing background, his dedication to justice, and his role as a teacher and protector.