Who Is Crusader? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Crusader is a Marvel comic book character, the alter ego of Arthur Charles Blackwood, with over 39 comic issue appearances. Arthur Blackwood heeds the call of his ancestors and becomes the Crusader. He has fought numerous heroes including Thor, Wolverine, Luke Cage and Nate Gray.

Who is Crusader?

Origin Arthur Blackwood begins his quest as the Crusader. Arthur Blackwood was a seminary student in Chicago who believed the church should be more active against Paganism and godlessness in modern society. Blackwood was dismissed from the seminary after getting into an altercation with a superior. Afterwards, Blackwood visited his family crypt to meditate and had a religious vision from his ancestors who served in the Crusades. A spirit of one of his ancestors bequeathed to him the combined power of all his ancestors and dubbed him knight. He was then presented with a sword, shield and knight's rainment. He decided to take up the sword and new abilities to destroy Pagans and infidels. Blackwood called himself Crusader and his first target was the Asgardian Thor because his claim of godhood seemed blasphemous to him.

Key facts

Crusader is of human origin and first appeared in "The Coming of the Crusader!". The character is published by Marvel. With 39 recorded issue appearances, Crusader ranks among the most featured characters in comics.