Amanda Waller | |
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Amanda Waller as the White Queen.
Art by Jesus Saiz. |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | Legends #1, (November 1986) |
Created by |
John Ostrander (writer) Len Wein (writer) John Byrne (artist) |
In-story information | |
Full name | Amanda Blake Waller |
Team affiliations | |
Notable aliases | White Queen, Black King, Mockingbird |
Abilities | Highly trained in logistics, strategic management, military tactics, game theory, espionage and, in some portrayals, martial arts. |
Director Amanda Blake Waller is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Legends #1 in 1986, and was created by John Ostrander, Len Wein and John Byrne. Despite not possessing any superpowers, Amanda Waller is a powerful antagonist and sometime-ally to the superheroes of the DC Universe, often serving as an antihero. In 2009, the character was ranked as IGN's 60th Greatest Comic Book Villain of All Time.
Waller is typically portrayed as a ruthless, high-ranking government official who uses political connections, intelligence, guile, and sheer intimidation to achieve her aims, often in the name of national security. She is often associated with the fictional government agencies Checkmate and A.R.G.U.S.. In many portrayals she directs the deadly missions of the so-called Suicide Squad, or oversees specialist research into people with powers.
In recent years, the character has been substantially adapted into animated and live action media. Several actresses have portrayed the character: C. C. H. Pounder for various animated projects; Pam Grier on the live-action series Smallville; Angela Bassett in the live-action film Green Lantern; Sheryl Lee Ralph in the animated series Young Justice; Cynthia Addai-Robinson in the live-action series Arrow and video game Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham; Yvette Nicole Brown in the animated series DC Super Hero Girls; and Viola Davis in the film Suicide Squad.