The Felon's Fiduciary

 

Created in 2020 by James Tynion IV and Guillem March, the Underbroker is a cool addition to the Gotham underground. I've written extensively on this blog about the difference between cartoon villains, and grounded criminals. I have brought up the idea that most criminals do not see themselves as bad people, and commit crimes for a variety of reasons and motivations. As I've said before, there are no Snidely Whiplashes running around tying damsels to train tracks, but there sure are plenty of Bernie Madoffs and Whitey Bulgers running rackets and pyramid schemes.   

The Underbroker appears to be what the Terrible Trio could have been. Through his law firm, Graves Willock and Crain where he is a senior partner, Harlon Graves launders money for Gotham's criminals by hiding it in the hedge funds he manages. The Underbroker is THE banker for Gotham Crime. His clients must include most of the other characters on this blog...  Catwoman, the Penguin, Black Mask, Two Face, Riddler, Magpie...

I like the idea of this character. The Underbroker is relatively new, and it is unclear if he will ever reappear in DC comics, but he has a strong upside, and so much potential. With a look like the Black Mask, expensive suit and full face mask, he blends certain aspects of the Great White Shark, and Killer Moth. He is a criminal financier, and a resource to other villains. The Underbrokerage has also stayed hidden even from Batman, much like the Court of Owls, another shadowy fixture of the Gotham underground. The Underbroker brings a realistic grounding to Gotham Crime that's been missing for awhile. This character has no intricate plans to "break Batman", or desires to wage gang wars, or destroy the world. He's just a financial advisor and investment banker willing to break the rules for more money. Greed is Good, as everyone knows.