Circus of Strange

The Circus of Strange was created as a fictional villainous troupe within mainstream American superhero comics by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely; the group first appeared in Batman and Robin #1 (August 2009). Within subsequent DC continuity (notably The New 52 reboot), members of the Circus are depicted as being associated with the larger clandestine organization Leviathan, indicating their recontextualization into broader conspiratorial storylines in the comics.

The Circus of Strange presents as a troupe of costumed, performer-like individuals whose appearances emphasize grotesque or unusual bodily traits and theatrical staging. Documented members include Professor Pyg (leader), Big Top (described as a bearded fat lady who wears a tutu), Mister Toad (a toad-like member), Kushti (conjoined triplets), Phosphorus Rex (visually fire-associated in keeping with his abilities), and Dollotrons (uniformed, doll-masked, brainwashed minions). As a whole the group uses circus and sideshow motifs as part of its organized criminal identity.

Reported abilities and behaviors are those portrayed in the comics: Phosphorus Rex is explicitly pyrokinetic (able to generate or control fire). Professor Pyg creates Dollotrons by subjecting people to brainwashing and transformation, producing uniform, doll-masked minions under his control. Some members exhibit bodily alterations or unusual physiologies (for example Mister Toad's toad-like form and Kushti's conjoined triplet condition). Behaviorally, the group conducts violent criminal actions—assaults, kidnappings, and staged attacks such as the documented storming of the Gotham City Police Department, in which officers were killed and injured.