Harold Allnut
Harold Allnut is a male comic character who features in DC Comics.
Contents |
Biography
Origin
Harold Allnut
Harold was born severely deformed mute. His mother Herka was disgusted with his physical appearance and grew to hate him, blaming him for how he was born. Harold grew up to be a brilliant mechanic, able to fix just about anything that was broken. Herka did not see Harold’s obvious positive qualities, and the last straw for Harold was overhearing her rant about how she detested him, handing her a portable television he repaired and watching her break it. Harold left his home in Gotham City and went on the road, ending up in Hub City. Mayor Myra Fermin was driving with her daughter Jackie when her car broke down. Harold offered his assistance, helping her repair the car. Fermin needed to stop by her office and was shocked to find her security guard dead with his head caved in. Fermin had discovered Judge Whelperson was on the take, and demanded he resign or have his crimes exposed. The judge had murderer Cathy Fergosi released on his own recognizance and recruited him to kill Myra. Harold helped Myra avoid Cathy, leading to a cat-and-mouse game in the office until Harold managed to trap Cathy in the building’s elevator. Question, a vigilante ally of Myra, arrived, saying he’d come to save her but she told him he was too late. Jackie gave Harold a medal she’d gotten in school, and he gladly accepted her gift before returning to the road. (Question v1 #33)
He came to serve as the henchman of the Penguin who had conned Harold to work for him and build deadly machines with which he could threaten Gotham City. Months after putting an end to Penguin's scheme, Batman finds Harold in an abandoned building and saves him from a mob of angry parents who have mistaken him for a child molester due to his appearance. (Batman v1 #448)
Harold settled into his new life as a silent but invaluable member of Batman’s inner circle. Working from the shadows, he designed, repaired, and improved much of Batman’s equipment, from the Batmobile and Batcomputer to the various gadgets used in the field. His mechanical genius made him indispensable, though he never sought recognition or reward for his contributions. Within the Batcave, Harold found purpose and belonging, forming a quiet bond with Batman based on mutual trust. Though unable to speak, his loyalty and work ethic communicated a devotion that words could not express. (Batman v1 #449)
After rescuing Harold, Batman gives him a home and a position in the Batcave, working as a technological aide in his war on crime. A diary entry in 'The Batman Files' explains Alfred's first encounter with Harold. The newcomer is delighted to have advanced technology to work with while Alfred has doubts. Batman explains Harold's poor living conditions and Alfred is pleased at Harold's rescue.[3] Harold's assistance continues even after Bruce Wayne is disabled while fighting the villain Bane in the Knightfall storyline. Harold builds a unique wheelchair for Wayne, which includes multiple surprises such as emergency shelter.[4] During the story arc Knightsaga, the new Batman, Jean-Paul Valley, ejects Harold, along with Ace the Bat-Hound and Robin, from the main Batcave. Harold and Ace manage to sneak into a hidden subsection of the cave where Harold continues to work, eventually aiding Nightwing, Robin, and Bruce Wayne to retake the cave from Valley. Harold resumes his position as Batman's technological aide and also designs a new costume for Nightwing.[5] He worked with Azrael (Jean-Paul Valley) by request of Batman for a time before the death of the former. During this time he lived in Azrael's new home, a converted castle.[6]
He was eventually approached by Hush who was a new supervillain that was targeting Bruce Wayne after learning he was Batman. Tommy Elliot had managed to trick Allnut into working for him in a plot to take down the Dark Knight. This included placing a subliminal relay within the Batcomputer in order to bombard Superman with hidden signals that would make him seek out his old friend Dr. Thomas Elliot. (Batman v1 #619)
Batman came to bury him on the hillside overlooking Wayne Manor as the land was his home and he wanted his old friend Harold Allnut to be safe. (Batman v1 #619)
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of history was created with a different series of events.
Allnut was noted to had been an ally of Batman where he helped design equipment for the Dark Knight. The equipment he made was sent down the river pipeline to be used by Batman. After an encounter with the KGBeast, Two-Face was wounded by the mercenary forcing Batman to see aid. He directed Duke Thomas to take them to an isolated farm where they were met with Harold Allnut. Allnut conducted the surgery to repair the damage done to Harvey Dent before Batman continued on his journey. (All-Star Batman v1 #3)
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, Harold Allnut was a hunched, misshapen man with pronounced facial deformities and limited speech capability, characteristics that had made him a target of cruelty and alienation throughout his life. His clothing was typically practical and unassuming, often a jumpsuit or work attire suited for engineering tasks within the Batcave. (Batman v1 #457)
Powers and abilities
Harold Allnut is a gifted technologist where he has developed technology for Batman to use.
Although he was mute, Harold was an expert at sign language.
Notes
- Harold Allnut was created by Dennis O'Neil and Alan Grant where he made his first appearance in The Question v1 #33 (December, 1989).
Appearances
- The Question v1: (1989)
- Batman v1:
- All-Star Batman v1:
External Links
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