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| As a result of the New 52 in 2011, the entire line of DC characters was relaunched, incorporating properties belonging to the company's imprints: Wildstorm, Milestone, and Vertigo. As such, elements of this character's history have been altered in some way from the previous incarnation. For a complete list of all versions of this character, see our disambiguation page. |
And brute force is such a crude way to open a locked door. Doors have always opened for me. Wonders have always been waiting on the other side. 
- — The Key src
The Key is a super-villain and an enemy to the Justice League. He was also a member of the Secret Society of Super-Villains and the Intergang.
History
Origin
According to Key, he grew up in a "pathetic dilapidated hamlet so small, the phone numbers were single digits". Everyone mistook him for a slow-witted child, but he was a frustrated prisoner. He spent his mental energy dreaming of escaping and seeing all that he was being kept from. Since was said that humans use only ten percent of their brain, Key began experimenting on himself with psychotropic drugs in an attempt to unlock what was unused, but he discovered that was a myth, and the true power of the mind was by chemically altering the brain and body over time to shed the chains of self-consciousness.[1]
The Boy Thunder
Joker agreed to provide key with some of his experimental psychotropics once he helped him get what he wants.[1]
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DC Rebirth
Working with Troia, the Key captured Batman, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, Donna Troy, Barry Allen, Wally West, Aquaman, and Tempest, trapping them in a special prison to they destroy each other, but they managed to overcome his attempt to keep them divided and attacked him, forcing him to withdraw without gathering sufficient power to release Troia. Later, Key along with Mister Twister and Psimon fought the Titans, before driving Troia back into the abyss.[2][3]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
- Unique Physiology; The Key altered his physiology through repeated chemical baths.[1]
Abilities
- Genius Level Intellect: The chemical treatment he subjected himself enhanced his intelligence.[1]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Psycho-Chemicals[4]
Transportation
- Trans-Dimensional Doorway[4]
Weapons
- Key Gun[4]
Notes
- Key was created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky, first appearing in Justice League of America #41. However, in the relaunched Prime Earth continuity his first appearance as part of the DC Universe is in Paul Jenkins and David Finch's New 52 Batman: The Dark Knight series.
Related
- 21 Appearances of Key (Prime Earth)
- 6 Images featuring Key (Prime Earth)
- 1 Quotations by or about Key (Prime Earth)
- Character Gallery: Key (Prime Earth)
Footnotes
  This character is or was primarily an enemy of the Justice League, in any of its various incarnations. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Justice League Villains." |
 This character has been primarily an enemy of the Teen Titans, the Titans, or any of the other various Titans incarnations. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Titans Villains" category. |
 Batman Villain(s) |
 Secret Society of Super-Villains member |