Mister Scarlet

Mister Scarlet
Mister Scarlet from Wow Comics #2, artist Jack Binder
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Wow Comics #1 (Dec. 1940)
Created by	France Herron (writer) Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Brian Butler Pinkerton "Pinky" Butler
Team affiliations	Squadron of Justice All-Star Squadron
Abilities	Olympic level athlete Keen investigative skills Use of utility belt

Mr. Scarlet is a fictional, comic book superhero published by DC Comics. Brian Butler, the original Mister Scarlet, debuted in Wow Comics #1 (cover-dated Dec. 1940), and was created by France Herron and Jack Kirby.

Mr. Scarlet, created by writer France Herron and artist Jack Kirby debuted in Fawcett Comics' Wow Comics #1 (Dec. 1940) and was the cover feature for five issues of that anthology comic. He later appeared in Fawcett's Mary Marvel #9 (Feb. 1947). After the Fawcett properties were acquired by National Comics Publications, the future DC Comics, Mr. Scarlet appeared in Justice League of America #135-137 (Oct.-Dec. 1976).

Mr. Scarlet is district attorney Brian Butler, who along with his adopted son Pinky the Whiz Kid, fought evil in his city for several years. His success was such that his employment was frequently in jeopardy due to a lack of crime. As a result, he throughout his series took up several odd jobs to supplement his family's income. He used inventive devices to help him apprehend criminals, and had great acrobatic and hand-to-hand combatant skills.

In his first appearance in Wow Comics #1, Brian was based in Gotham City. This may be the first use of the name of this city in comics. Later retcons established Mr. Scarlet's base in either New York City or Fawcett City.