Who Is Kent Shakespeare? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Kent Shakespeare is a DC Comics comic book character, the alter ego of Richard Kent Shakespeare, with over 40 comic issue appearances. After being exposed to an experimental virus in medical school, Kent gained superpowers. He became a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes codenamed Impulse.

Who is Kent Shakespeare?

Origin Kent Shakespeare grew up in Metropolis during the 30th Century and was a highly intelligent and shy child. Kent was bullied often and this resulted in him having a strong empathy for outcasts and a desire to defend the persecuted. While attending medical school Kent contracted a Kryptonian virus which made him gravely ill. Kent was shipped off to Colu to be treated by Brainiac 5 , who discovered that the virus was actually improving Kent's body. The virus ended up increasing Kent's mass, in addition to giving him partial invulnerability, super-speed and super-strength. Brainiac 5 then asked Kent to join the Legion of Superheroes , which he did, under the code name Impulse. Creation Kent Shakespeare was created by Al Gordon and was intended to be a descendant of Superman . Character Evolution Five Years Later Kent Shakespeare (Five Years Later) After the Legion disbanded, Kent, wanting to avoid harassment by Earthgov agents, becomes a resident on the medical planet Quarantine where Garridan Ranzz and Ivy are among his patients.

Key facts

Kent Shakespeare is of human origin and first appeared in "Rebirth!". The character is published by DC Comics. With 40 recorded issue appearances, Kent Shakespeare ranks among the most featured characters in comics.