Fang

Fang

Fang is one of the Mutates and a member of the Redemption Squad. His human name was Fred Sykes.

History

Fang's original name was Fred Sykes. He was probably a homeless man recruited off the streets of New York City by Sevarius for the Mutate project. Unlike the other Mutates, Fang liked his new form, because of his abilities of flight and producing electric blasts as a weapon, and had no desire to be changed back into a human. ("The Lost", "Metamorphosis", "The Cage")

Fang had no interest in protecting the homeless people of the Labyrinth when the other Mutates took up that role of looking after them, even going as far as to bully Al, a harmless old man. Instead, he and a couple of his human supporters, (Chaz and Lou), decided to take over the Labyrinth with the aid of some high-tech laser guns that he found in a remote part of the underground complex (presumably past property of Cyberbiotics); they even intimidated Claw into helping them for a while. Using the weapons, they managed to capture Talon and Maggie, but with the aid of the Trio and Hudson Fang was quickly overthrown and imprisoned. ("Kingdom")

He did not remain in captivity long, however. Several months later, Thailog and Demona (who for a time shared the cell next to his) broke him out, hoping to use him as an ally in their war with the Manhattan Clan. Fang fought alongside them at Coney Island, but was defeated and re-imprisoned by Talon. ("The Reckoning")

Fang remained as prisoner in the Labyrinth under guard by humans such as Thug until November, 1996 when Sevarius arrived. ("The Lost")

Sevarius will use him as an ally for his own schemes. Soon after that, the Redemption Squad will recruit him as a member, if no doubt, a very difficult member. Fang and Yama will be on particularly poor terms with each other.

Characteristics

Fang's appearance is based on that of a cougar, and like the other mutates, has bat and electric eel DNA as well. Fang is a loud-mouthed bully and jokester, and enjoys taking advantage of those that are weaker than himself. It remains to be seen whether his attitude will change at all during his adventures in the Redemption Squad.

Appearances

• "Metamorphosis" (First Appearance)
• "The Cage"
• "Kingdom"
• "The Reckoning"
• "Invitation Only" (No Lines)
• "Strangers"
• "The Lost"
• "Estranged" (No Lines)
• "Louse"

Behind the Scenes

Voice Actor: Jim Belushi (though Jonathan Frakes voiced the character's one line in his first appearance, i.e. "Metamorphosis").

The name Fred Sykes was, at least in part, inspired by the character of Bill Sikes from Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist.[1]