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{{Short description|Fictional character}}
{{Short description|Fictional character}}
{{Infobox comics character
{{Infobox comics character
|image=CountVertigo.jpg
|image=
|imagesize=200
|imagesize=
|caption=Count Vertigo as depicted in ''Who's Who in the DC Universe'' #3 (October 1990). Art by Trevor Von Eeden.
|caption=
|character_name=Count Vertigo
|character_name=Count Vertigo
|full_name=Count Werner Vertigo <small>(1978&ndash;2011)</small><br/>Count Werner Zytle <small>(2011&ndash;present)</small>|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|full_name=Count Werner Vertigo <small>(1978&ndash;2011)</small><br/>Count Werner Zytle <small>(2011&ndash;present)</small>|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #251 (July 1978)
|debut=''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #251 (July 1978)<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=72}}</ref>
|creators= [[Gerry Conway]] (writer)<br>[[Trevor Von Eeden]] (penciller)<br>[[Vince Colletta]] (inker)
|creators= [[Gerry Conway]] (writer)<br>[[Trevor Von Eeden]] (penciller)<br>[[Vince Colletta]] (inker)
|species=[[Metahuman]]
|species=[[Metahuman]]
Line 13: Line 13:
|powers=
|powers=
*Flight
*Flight
*Superb hand-to-hand combatant
*Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
*Magnetic boots
*Magnetic boots
*Vertigo effect to alter the balance of others and induce dizziness or nausea
*Vertigo effect to alter the balance of others and induce dizziness or nausea
}}
}}
'''Count Vertigo''' ('''Werner Zytle''') is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[supervillain]] created by [[Gerry Conway]], [[Trevor Von Eeden]] and [[Vince Colletta]] as an enemy of [[Black Canary]], [[Batman]] and later [[Green Arrow]] in the [[DC Comics]] [[DC Universe|Universe]]. Count Vertigo is the last descendant of the royal family that ruled the small [[eastern European]] country of Vlatava that was taken over by the [[Soviet Union|Soviet]]s and later became devastated by the [[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]].<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book|last = Wallace|first = Dan|contribution = Count Vertigo|editor-last = Dougall|editor-first = Alastair|title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia|page = 88|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|place = New York|year = 2008|isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1|oclc = 213309017}}</ref>
'''Count Vertigo''' ('''Werner Zytle''') is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[supervillain]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Created by writer [[Gerry Conway]] and artists [[Trevor Von Eeden]] and [[Vince Colletta]], the character first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #251 (1978). In the [[DC Universe]], Count Vertigo is the last descendant of the royal family that ruled the small [[eastern European]] country of [[Vlatava (comics)|Vlatava]], which was taken over by the [[Soviet Union]] and later devastated by the [[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]].<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book|last = Wallace|first = Dan|contribution = Count Vertigo|editor-last = Dougall|editor-first = Alastair|title = The DC Comics Encyclopedia|page = 88|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|place = New York|year = 2008|isbn = 978-0-7566-4119-1|oclc = 213309017}}</ref> The character serves as an enemy of the superheroes [[Black Canary]], [[Batman]] and later [[Green Arrow]].


Two incarnations of Count Vertigo, '''Cecil Adams''' and Werner Zytle, appear in ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', portrayed by [[Seth Gabel]] and [[Peter Stormare]] respectively.
Two incarnations of Count Vertigo, '''Cecil Adams''' and Werner Zytle, appear in ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', portrayed by [[Seth Gabel]] and [[Peter Stormare]], respectively. Additionally, [[Michael York]], [[Greg Ellis (actor)|Greg Ellis]], and [[Steve Blum]] have voiced Vertigo in animation.


==Publication history==
== Publication history ==
Count Vertigo first appears in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #251 (July 1978) and was created by [[Gerry Conway]], [[Trevor Von Eeden]], and [[Vince Colletta]].<ref name=Guide>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=72}}</ref>
Count Vertigo was created by writer [[Gerry Conway]] and artists [[Trevor Von Eeden]] and [[Vince Colletta]], and first appeared in ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' #251 (1978). Vertigo's costume was designed by Von Eeden, with the patterning of his cape being a tribute to [[Steve Ditko]]'s distinctively arcane artwork.<ref name="dc-ency" />


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
Werner Vertigo is a descendant of the royal family of Vlatava who can distort the balance of others using a small electronic device that he uses to treat a hereditary inner ear defect.<ref>{{cite book |last =Rovin |first =Jeff |title =The Encyclopedia of Supervillains |publisher =Facts on File |date =1987 |location =New York |isbn = 0-8160-1356-X |page=68}}</ref> As Count Vertigo, he becomes an enemy of [[Green Arrow]] and [[Black Canary]].<ref name="dc-ency"/>
Count Vertigo first appeared in [[Star City (comics)|Star City]], where he attempted to steal back the jewels his parents had sold when they escaped to [[England]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Rovin |title=[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |date=1987 |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0-8160-1356-X |location=New York |page=68}}</ref> Due to having a hereditary inner ear defect that affected his balance, Vertigo had a small electronic device implanted in his right temple to compensate. Tinkering with the device, Vertigo learned he was able to affect other people's balance as well, distorting their perceptions and inducing [[Vertigo (medical)|vertigo]]. Donning a costume and taking the name "Count Vertigo", he embarked on a life of crime. This would bring him into conflict with the heroes [[Green Arrow]] and [[Black Canary]].


He would later come to join the [[Suicide Squad]] in exchange for a shortened prison sentence, and it was revealed that he was plagued by bipolar disorder. After the Suicide Squad disbands, Count Vertigo is captured by Vlatavan rebels, who intend to use his powers to overthrow the government and manipulate him using drugs.<ref name="dc-ency"/> However, [[Amanda Waller]] frees Vertigo, after which he undergoes therapy to remove the drugs' effects.<ref>''Suicide Squad'' #45 (September 1, 1990)</ref><ref>''Suicide Squad'' #66 (June 1992)</ref> Furthermore, he forgives [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]], who previously worked to capture him.<ref>''Suicide Squad'' #58 (October 1, 1991)</ref>
Vertigo later joins the [[Suicide Squad]] in exchange for a shortened prison sentence, and it is revealed that he has [[bipolar disorder]]. After the Suicide Squad disbands, Vertigo is captured by rebels from [[Vlatava (comics)|Vlatava]], who intend to use his powers to overthrow the Vlatavan government.<ref name="dc-ency" />


After the [[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]] destroys Vlatava, Vertigo joins the [[Injustice Society]] and the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] while continuing to work with the Suicide Squad.<ref name="dc-ency" /><ref>''JLA: Salvation Run'' #2</ref><ref>''Infinite Crisis'' #3</ref><ref>''52'' Week 34</ref><ref>''Final Crisis'' #4 (2008)</ref>
Vertigo is captured by [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] when the Suicide Squad came in and resolved the conflict and Kaligari (then-ruler of Vlatava) was murdered. Vertigo was Ivy's slave for a long period of time, during which he grew to hate Ivy and frequently threatened to kill her when he was free of her control. [[Amanda Waller]] frees Vertigo from Ivy's control, enabling him to stop a group of missiles from hitting [[Dome of the Rock]] in [[Jerusalem]] at the behest of the villain [[Kobra (DC Comics)|Kobra]].<ref>''[[Suicide Squad]]'' #45 (September 1990)</ref>


===The New 52 / Werner Zytle===
Vertigo attends rehab and expunges the chemicals that had been pumped into his body by both Ivy and the rebels, unwittingly curing him of the disorder that had plagued him for so long. Vertigo is unable to cope and approaches [[Deadshot]], one of his teammates, hoping that he will be willing to kill him. The running subplot would ultimately culminate in the last pages of the first volume of ''Suicide Squad'', in which Deadshot and Vertigo stood across one another, Deadshot ready to kill him. Vertigo realizes that this was ultimately an indirect suicide, and that would ruin his chances for the afterlife. Deciding for now that he would deal with the disease that now indirectly plagued him, he abandons the duel.<ref>''Suicide Squad'' #66 (June 1992)</ref>
In ''[[The New 52]]'' continuity reboot, Count Vertigo is renamed Werner Zytle. He is the ruler of Vlatava who lost his fortune and seeks to regain it via crime.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dccomics.com/comics/green-arrow-2011/green-arrow-22 | title = Green Arrow #22 | work = DCComics.com | date = 2012-04-08 | access-date =2012-04-23}}</ref><ref>''Green Arrow'' (vol. 5) #31. DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Green Arrow'' (vol. 6) #19</ref>
 
Vertigo later returns to Vlatava to ensure that he would once more become its rightful ruler. While his forces are at war with the government's army, the [[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]] appears and is horrified by the slaughter. In a fit of rage, the Spectre deems Vlatava and its inhabitants to be full of sin and decides to cleanse it, sparing only Vertigo and Vlatava's president.<ref>''[[Spectre (DC Comics character)|Spectre]]'' (vol. 3) #13 (December 1993)</ref>
 
Working for the American government for a while, Count Vertigo eventually sought out his old enemy [[Green Arrow]]. Vertigo decided to leave his vendetta behind and focus on more positive prospects, getting his life back on track. He later appears as a member of the new [[Injustice Society]].<ref name="dc-ency" /> He also shows up as an operative of the Suicide Squad when they attempt to dissuade the Justice League from investigating the "[[Salvation Run]]" project.<ref>''[[Salvation Run]]'' #2 (February 2008)</ref>
 
Vertigo appears in the revamped ''[[Checkmate (comics)|Checkmate]]'' title as part of its regular cast as the White Queen's Knight under White Queen Amanda Waller.<ref name="dc-ency" /> He is later seen capturing [[Rogues (comics)|the Rogues]] responsible for the murder of [[Bart Allen]], alongside a new Suicide Squad consisting of [[Bronze Tiger]], [[Captain Boomerang]] (Owen Mercer), [[Plastique (character)|Plastique]], [[Multiplex (comics)|Multiplex]], and Deadshot.
 
=== The New 52 ===
In September 2011, ''[[The New 52]]'' rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Count Vertigo made his debut in ''[[Green Arrow (comic book)|Green Arrow]]'' (vol. 5) #22. The character is renamed Werner Zytle and depicted as the ruler of Vlatava. Though of noble heritage, his family lost their fortunes and had to flee to Canada. While in Canada, Zytle becomes involved with organized crime, using the profits from his activities to return to Vlatava and reclaim his birthright.<ref>''[[Green Arrow]]'' (vol. 5) #22 (September 2013)</ref> Vertigo later appears as a member of [[Richard Dragon]]'s [[Longbow Hunters]].<ref>''Green Arrow'' (vol. 5) #31 (July 2014)</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Being raised in a noble family, Vertigo was trained in classical martial [[combat]] and the sports of [[boxing]], [[fencing]], and [[equestrianism]]. He has also been trained in [[judo]] and general [[karate]].
Count Vertigo is trained in classical martial [[combat]] and the sports of [[boxing]], [[fencing]], and [[equestrianism]]. He has also been trained in [[judo]] and [[karate]].
 
Upon joining Task Force X and Checkmate, he learned other hand-to-hand combat skills.


His "Vertigo Effect" has long since been internalized through circumstances that have not yet been revealed. He uses his power to disrupt his enemies' balance. In hand-to-hand and melee combat, Vertigo uses his power to disorient his opponents. He also uses the Vertigo Effect to disrupt the aim of gunmen, snipers and the like. The exact range of the power is yet to be determined, seeing as how on one mission, guards watching him in action on camera were also affected by his power. This ability is also capable of disrupting guidance systems on missiles, vehicles, and detection systems. Count Vertigo also wears magnetic boots with which he can walk walls or ceilings. He also has in recent years gained the ability of flight.
His "Vertigo Effect" has long since been internalized through circumstances that have not yet been revealed. He uses his power to disrupt his enemies' balance. In hand-to-hand and melee combat, Vertigo uses his power to disorient his opponents. He also uses the Vertigo Effect to disrupt the aim of gunmen, snipers and the like. The exact range of the power is yet to be determined, seeing as how on one mission, guards watching him in action on camera were also affected by his power. This ability is also capable of disrupting guidance systems on missiles, vehicles, and detection systems. Count Vertigo also wears magnetic boots with which he can walk walls or ceilings. In later appearances, he gains the ability of flight.


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
An alternate universe variant of Count Vertigo appears in the ''[[Flashpoint (comics)|Flashpoint]]'' tie-in ''[[Deadman and the Flying Graysons]]''. This version lost his family during the [[Amazons (DC Comics)|Amazon]]-[[Atlantis (DC Comics)|Atlantean]] war. He attempts to retrieve [[Doctor Fate]]'s helmet before being killed in battle and giving the helmet to [[Dick Grayson]].<ref>''[[Deadman and the Flying Graysons|Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons]]'' #2 (July 2011)</ref><ref>''Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons'' #3 (August 2011)</ref>
An alternate universe variant of Count Vertigo appears in the ''[[Flashpoint (comics)|Flashpoint]]'' tie-in ''[[Deadman and the Flying Graysons]]''. This version lost his family during the [[Amazons (DC Comics)|Amazon]]-[[Atlantis (Aquaman)|Atlantean]] war. He attempts to retrieve [[Doctor Fate]]'s helmet before being killed in battle and giving the helmet to [[Dick Grayson]].<ref>''[[Deadman and the Flying Graysons|Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons]]'' #2 (July 2011)</ref><ref>''Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons'' #3 (August 2011)</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
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[[File:Vertigobatmantas.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Vertigo as he appears in ''Batman: The Animated Series''.]]
[[File:Vertigobatmantas.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Vertigo as he appears in ''Batman: The Animated Series''.]]
[[File:TB vertigo.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Count Vertigo as he appears in ''The Batman''.]]
[[File:TB vertigo.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Count Vertigo as he appears in ''The Batman''.]]
* Count Vertigo, referred to simply as '''Vertigo''', appears in the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Off Balance", voiced by [[Michael York]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Count Vertigo Voices (Green Arrow) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Green-Arrow/Count-Vertigo/ |access-date=April 26, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> This version is a German leading member of the [[League of Assassins#In other media|Society of Shadows]] whose "Vertigo Effect" is derived from an eyepatch, which Batman theorizes to be radioactive. After being defeated by Batman and [[Talia al Ghul]], Vertigo is presumed dead.
* Count Vertigo, referred to simply as '''Vertigo''', appears in the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Off Balance", voiced by [[Michael York]].<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Count Vertigo Voices (Green Arrow) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Green-Arrow/Count-Vertigo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426141341/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Green-Arrow/Count-Vertigo/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> This version is a German leading member of the [[League of Assassins#In other media|Society of Shadows]] whose "Vertigo Effect" is derived from an eyepatch, which Batman theorizes to be radioactive. After being defeated by Batman and [[Talia al Ghul]], Vertigo is presumed dead.
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' episode "Vertigo", voiced by [[Greg Ellis (actor)|Greg Ellis]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is a scientist and ex-employee of [[Oliver Queen]] who wields a mechanical eyepiece, which he used to strand Queen on a deserted island for years.
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' episode "Vertigo", voiced by [[Greg Ellis (actor)|Greg Ellis]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is a scientist and ex-employee of [[Oliver Queen]] who wields a mechanical eyepiece, which he used to strand Queen on a deserted island for years.
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is a member of the [[List of Young Justice characters#The Light|Light]] and leader of the [[Injustice League]].
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="btva" /> This version is a member of the [[List of Young Justice characters#The Light|Light]] and leader of the [[Injustice League]].
* Two incarnations of Count Vertigo appear in ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', with both being involved in the distribution of the street drug "Vertigo" and displaying great skill in using it as an offensive weapon via syringes.
* Two incarnations of Count Vertigo appear in ''[[Arrow (TV series)|Arrow]]'', with both being involved in the distribution of the street drug "Vertigo" and displaying great skill in using it as an offensive weapon via syringes.
** The first, '''[[Cecil Adams (Arrowverse)|Cecil Adams]]''',<ref name="Arrow: Kapiushon ep">{{Cite episode |title=Kapiushon |episode-link=Kapiushon |series=Arrow |series-link=Arrow (TV series) |network=[[The CW]] |airdate=March 22, 2017 |season=5 |number=17}}</ref> appears in the [[Arrow season 2|second season]] episode "[[State v. Queen]]", portrayed by [[Seth Gabel]]. While he goes unnamed in the episode, his name is revealed in the [[Arrow season 5|fifth season]] episode "[[Kapiushon]]". This version is a secretive drug dealer who initially goes by the street name "The Count", based on the needle marks of his drugs resembling vampire bites, before taking the name "Count Vertigo" and poisoning [[Starling City]]'s citizens, such as [[Thea Queen]], with his namesake drug. Upon learning of this, Thea's brother [[Oliver Queen (Arrowverse)|Oliver Queen]] develops a bitter rivalry with Adams, eventually killing him to protect [[Felicity Smoak]].
** The first, '''[[Cecil Adams (Arrowverse)|Cecil Adams]]''', appears in the [[Arrow season 1|first season]] episode "[[Arrow_season_1#ep12|Vertigo]]" and [[Arrow season 2|second season]] episode "[[State v. Queen]]", portrayed by [[Seth Gabel]]. While he goes unnamed in these episodes, his name is revealed in the [[Arrow season 5|fifth season]] episode "[[Kapiushon]]". This version is an eccentric drug dealer who is initially dubbed "The Count" for leaving needle marks resembling vampire bites on his overdosed victims. He escapes prison in the second season, takes the name "Count Vertigo", and poisons [[Starling City]]'s citizens, such as [[Thea Queen]], with his namesake drug. Upon learning of this, Thea's brother [[Oliver Queen (Arrowverse)|Oliver Queen]] develops a bitter rivalry with Adams, eventually killing him to protect [[Felicity Smoak]].
** The second is Adams' successor [[Werner Zytle (Arrowverse)|Werner Zytle]], portrayed by [[Peter Stormare]]. In the [[Arrow season 3|third season]] episodes "The Calm" and "Canaries", he becomes the new "Vertigo" and takes advantage of Queen capturing his mob rivals to rapidly build a criminal empire. Additionally, Zytle modified his namesake drug so that it causes the user to experience their deepest fears. Throughout his appearances, he battles Queen and [[Laurel Lance (Arrowverse)|Laurel Lance]] until they capture him.
** The second is Adams' successor [[Werner Zytle (Arrowverse)|Werner Zytle]], portrayed by [[Peter Stormare]]. In the [[Arrow season 3|third season]] episodes "The Calm" and "Canaries", he becomes the new "Vertigo" and takes advantage of Queen capturing his mob rivals to rapidly build a criminal empire. Additionally, Zytle modified his namesake drug so that it causes the user to experience their deepest fears.


===Film===
===Film===
* Count Vertigo was reportedly featured in [[David S. Goyer]]'s script for ''[[Green Arrow in other media#Escape from Super Max|Escape from Super Max]]{{Broken anchor|date=2024-12-19|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=Green Arrow in other media#Escape from Super Max|reason= The anchor (Escape from Super Max) [[Special:Diff/1263986691|has been deleted]].}}'' as an inmate of the titular metahuman prison.<ref name="SuperMax">{{cite web|url=http://latinoreview.com/news/supermax-green-arrow-story-details-villains-inmates-gallery-4673|title=Supermax: Green Arrow Story Details + Villains/Inmates Gallery|last=Mayimbe|first=El|work=LatinoReview.com|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013133359/http://latinoreview.com/news/supermax-green-arrow-story-details-villains-inmates-gallery-4673|archive-date=October 13, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* Count Vertigo was reportedly featured in [[David S. Goyer]]'s script for ''[[Green Arrow in other media#Escape from Super Max|Escape from Super Max]]'' as an inmate of the eponymous prison.<ref name="SuperMax">{{cite web|url=http://latinoreview.com/news/supermax-green-arrow-story-details-villains-inmates-gallery-4673|title=Supermax: Green Arrow Story Details + Villains/Inmates Gallery|last=Mayimbe|first=El|work=LatinoReview.com|date=May 19, 2008|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013133359/http://latinoreview.com/news/supermax-green-arrow-story-details-villains-inmates-gallery-4673|archive-date=October 13, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[DC Showcase: Green Arrow]]'', voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="btva" />
* Count Vertigo appears in ''[[DC Showcase: Green Arrow]]'', voiced by [[Steve Blum]].<ref name="btva" />
* Count Vertigo appears in a flashback depicted in ''[[Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay]]'', voiced by [[Jim Pirri]].<ref name="btva" /> This version was the leader of a previous iteration of the [[Suicide Squad]] who allied with [[Punch and Jewelee|Jewelee]] in an attempt to betray [[Amanda Waller]], only to be killed by the latter for it.
* Count Vertigo appears in a flashback depicted in ''[[Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay]]'', voiced by [[Jim Pirri]].<ref name="btva" /> This version was the leader of a previous iteration of the [[Suicide Squad]] who allied with [[Punch and Jewelee|Jewelee]] in an attempt to betray [[Amanda Waller]], only to be killed by the latter for it.


===Video games===
===Video games===
* Count Vertigo appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref>
* Count Vertigo appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011130702/https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
* Count Vertigo appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Jon |last2=Veness |first2=John |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Characters - ''LEGO DC Super-Villains'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref> voiced again by Steve Blum.
* Count Vertigo appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Jon |last2=Veness |first2=John |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Characters - ''LEGO DC Super-Villains'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225103330/https://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-dc-super-villains/Characters |archive-date=February 25, 2019 |access-date=April 26, 2024 |website=IGN}}</ref> voiced again by Steve Blum.


===Miscellaneous===
===Miscellaneous===

Latest revision as of 00:36, 7 November 2025

Template:Short description Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". Count Vertigo (Werner Zytle) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists Trevor Von Eeden and Vince Colletta, the character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #251 (1978). In the DC Universe, Count Vertigo is the last descendant of the royal family that ruled the small eastern European country of Vlatava, which was taken over by the Soviet Union and later devastated by the Spectre.[1] The character serves as an enemy of the superheroes Black Canary, Batman and later Green Arrow.

Two incarnations of Count Vertigo, Cecil Adams and Werner Zytle, appear in Arrow, portrayed by Seth Gabel and Peter Stormare, respectively. Additionally, Michael York, Greg Ellis, and Steve Blum have voiced Vertigo in animation.

Publication history

Count Vertigo was created by writer Gerry Conway and artists Trevor Von Eeden and Vince Colletta, and first appeared in World's Finest Comics #251 (1978). Vertigo's costume was designed by Von Eeden, with the patterning of his cape being a tribute to Steve Ditko's distinctively arcane artwork.[1]

Fictional character biography

Count Vertigo first appeared in Star City, where he attempted to steal back the jewels his parents had sold when they escaped to England.[2] Due to having a hereditary inner ear defect that affected his balance, Vertigo had a small electronic device implanted in his right temple to compensate. Tinkering with the device, Vertigo learned he was able to affect other people's balance as well, distorting their perceptions and inducing vertigo. Donning a costume and taking the name "Count Vertigo", he embarked on a life of crime. This would bring him into conflict with the heroes Green Arrow and Black Canary.

Vertigo later joins the Suicide Squad in exchange for a shortened prison sentence, and it is revealed that he has bipolar disorder. After the Suicide Squad disbands, Vertigo is captured by rebels from Vlatava, who intend to use his powers to overthrow the Vlatavan government.[1]

Vertigo is captured by Poison Ivy when the Suicide Squad came in and resolved the conflict and Kaligari (then-ruler of Vlatava) was murdered. Vertigo was Ivy's slave for a long period of time, during which he grew to hate Ivy and frequently threatened to kill her when he was free of her control. Amanda Waller frees Vertigo from Ivy's control, enabling him to stop a group of missiles from hitting Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem at the behest of the villain Kobra.[3]

Vertigo attends rehab and expunges the chemicals that had been pumped into his body by both Ivy and the rebels, unwittingly curing him of the disorder that had plagued him for so long. Vertigo is unable to cope and approaches Deadshot, one of his teammates, hoping that he will be willing to kill him. The running subplot would ultimately culminate in the last pages of the first volume of Suicide Squad, in which Deadshot and Vertigo stood across one another, Deadshot ready to kill him. Vertigo realizes that this was ultimately an indirect suicide, and that would ruin his chances for the afterlife. Deciding for now that he would deal with the disease that now indirectly plagued him, he abandons the duel.[4]

Vertigo later returns to Vlatava to ensure that he would once more become its rightful ruler. While his forces are at war with the government's army, the Spectre appears and is horrified by the slaughter. In a fit of rage, the Spectre deems Vlatava and its inhabitants to be full of sin and decides to cleanse it, sparing only Vertigo and Vlatava's president.[5]

Working for the American government for a while, Count Vertigo eventually sought out his old enemy Green Arrow. Vertigo decided to leave his vendetta behind and focus on more positive prospects, getting his life back on track. He later appears as a member of the new Injustice Society.[1] He also shows up as an operative of the Suicide Squad when they attempt to dissuade the Justice League from investigating the "Salvation Run" project.[6]

Vertigo appears in the revamped Checkmate title as part of its regular cast as the White Queen's Knight under White Queen Amanda Waller.[1] He is later seen capturing the Rogues responsible for the murder of Bart Allen, alongside a new Suicide Squad consisting of Bronze Tiger, Captain Boomerang (Owen Mercer), Plastique, Multiplex, and Deadshot.

The New 52

In September 2011, The New 52 rebooted DC's continuity. In this new timeline, Count Vertigo made his debut in Green Arrow (vol. 5) #22. The character is renamed Werner Zytle and depicted as the ruler of Vlatava. Though of noble heritage, his family lost their fortunes and had to flee to Canada. While in Canada, Zytle becomes involved with organized crime, using the profits from his activities to return to Vlatava and reclaim his birthright.[7] Vertigo later appears as a member of Richard Dragon's Longbow Hunters.[8]

Powers and abilities

Count Vertigo is trained in classical martial combat and the sports of boxing, fencing, and equestrianism. He has also been trained in judo and karate.

His "Vertigo Effect" has long since been internalized through circumstances that have not yet been revealed. He uses his power to disrupt his enemies' balance. In hand-to-hand and melee combat, Vertigo uses his power to disorient his opponents. He also uses the Vertigo Effect to disrupt the aim of gunmen, snipers and the like. The exact range of the power is yet to be determined, seeing as how on one mission, guards watching him in action on camera were also affected by his power. This ability is also capable of disrupting guidance systems on missiles, vehicles, and detection systems. Count Vertigo also wears magnetic boots with which he can walk walls or ceilings. In later appearances, he gains the ability of flight.

Other versions

An alternate universe variant of Count Vertigo appears in the Flashpoint tie-in Deadman and the Flying Graysons. This version lost his family during the Amazon-Atlantean war. He attempts to retrieve Doctor Fate's helmet before being killed in battle and giving the helmet to Dick Grayson.[9][10]

In other media

Television

File:Vertigobatmantas.jpg
Vertigo as he appears in Batman: The Animated Series.
File:TB vertigo.jpg
Count Vertigo as he appears in The Batman.
  • Count Vertigo, referred to simply as Vertigo, appears in the Batman: The Animated Series episode "Off Balance", voiced by Michael York.[11] This version is a German leading member of the Society of Shadows whose "Vertigo Effect" is derived from an eyepatch, which Batman theorizes to be radioactive. After being defeated by Batman and Talia al Ghul, Vertigo is presumed dead.
  • Count Vertigo appears in The Batman episode "Vertigo", voiced by Greg Ellis.[11] This version is a scientist and ex-employee of Oliver Queen who wields a mechanical eyepiece, which he used to strand Queen on a deserted island for years.
  • Count Vertigo appears in Young Justice, voiced by Steve Blum.[11] This version is a member of the Light and leader of the Injustice League.
  • Two incarnations of Count Vertigo appear in Arrow, with both being involved in the distribution of the street drug "Vertigo" and displaying great skill in using it as an offensive weapon via syringes.
    • The first, Cecil Adams, appears in the first season episode "Vertigo" and second season episode "State v. Queen", portrayed by Seth Gabel. While he goes unnamed in these episodes, his name is revealed in the fifth season episode "Kapiushon". This version is an eccentric drug dealer who is initially dubbed "The Count" for leaving needle marks resembling vampire bites on his overdosed victims. He escapes prison in the second season, takes the name "Count Vertigo", and poisons Starling City's citizens, such as Thea Queen, with his namesake drug. Upon learning of this, Thea's brother Oliver Queen develops a bitter rivalry with Adams, eventually killing him to protect Felicity Smoak.
    • The second is Adams' successor Werner Zytle, portrayed by Peter Stormare. In the third season episodes "The Calm" and "Canaries", he becomes the new "Vertigo" and takes advantage of Queen capturing his mob rivals to rapidly build a criminal empire. Additionally, Zytle modified his namesake drug so that it causes the user to experience their deepest fears.

Film

Video games

Miscellaneous

The Arrow incarnation of Werner Zytle appears in the non-canonical tie-in comic Arrow: Season 2.5.

References

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  1. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Suicide Squad #45 (September 1990)
  4. ↑ Suicide Squad #66 (June 1992)
  5. ↑ Spectre (vol. 3) #13 (December 1993)
  6. ↑ Salvation Run #2 (February 2008)
  7. ↑ Green Arrow (vol. 5) #22 (September 2013)
  8. ↑ Green Arrow (vol. 5) #31 (July 2014)
  9. ↑ Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #2 (July 2011)
  10. ↑ Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons #3 (August 2011)
  11. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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