Enforcers

The Enforcers are a trio of criminals centered in New York City. They consist of Fancy Dan, a small, dapper man with a black belt in judo; the Ox, known for his superior strength; and Montana, a master with a lasso.

Biography

In early 1964, the crime boss known as the Big Man made his presence felt as a dominant gang leader in New York City, and used the combined might of his Enforcers to exert his will over other bosses. Big Man's gang was challenged by Spider-Man, who helped bring him and the Enforcers to justice. After serving a few months in custody, the Enforcers were contacted by a new villain known as the Green Goblin, who enlisted their help in defeating Spider-Man. Goblin concocted a complex plan that led to the four of them ambushing Spider-Man in the desert of New Mexico, but the unexpected arrival of the Hulk threw a wrench into their plans. Spider-Man tied up the Enforcers for the authorities while Goblin escaped, leaving them to be arrested once more.

The Enforcers got back in business late in the year after Spider-Man disappeared following a pair of embarrassing encounters. They teamed up with the Sandman, and the four began running roughshod across New York. One day, they happened upon the Human Torch flying through the sky. After Montana roped him down, the others used their combined efforts (primarily Sandman's sand powers) to staunch the Torch's flames and take him captive. At almost exactly the same time, Spider-Man returned to action, defeating small-time criminals across the city. Sandman plotted to use the Torch as bait to defeat Spider-Man once and for all, and kept Torch in a tube with just enough air for him to breathe, preventing him from using his fire. Spider-Man arrived as planned, fighting the criminals and freeing the Torch in from his oxygen-light tube encasement in the process. The two battled their enemies and managed to incapacitate the Enforcers, but they wound up getting in each other's way and allowed the Sandman to escape. He didn’t get far however, falling into police hands and deciding to take being incarcerated over going back to Spider-Man.