Abra Kadabra, one of the Flash’s oldest villains, is way too scary to join the rest of the Rogues. In 1995’s Underworld Unleashed #1, the demon lord Neron makes his debut, offering villains unlimited power in exchange for their souls. He also has an inner council–and Kadabra is a member. Yet readers learn that the Flash's other villains do not like Abra Kadabra, and exclude him from their plans on purpose–but they have good reason to do so.Abra Kadabra debuted in 1962’s The Flash #128, created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino. He hails from the distant 64th century, a cold, sterile and scientific world. Kadabra stole a time machine and traveled back to contemporary times, where he adopted a stage magician persona–and his “magic” was actually highly advanced 64th century technology. Kadabra has tangled with the Flash on multiple occasions, but never formally joined the group of Flash villains known as the Rogues. This group, made up of Captain Cold, Mirror Master and others, are regular thorns in the side of the Flash, but at times they have also been uneasy allies. Readers were left puzzled as to why Kadabra never allied himself with the rest of the Rogues, and Underworld Unleashed #1 provides the answer.

Abra Kadabra Is Too Scary for the Other Rogues

Abra Kadabra Flash

Underworld Unleashed was DC’s 1995 crossover event, written by Mark Waid and illustrated by Howard Porter; it focused on the publisher’s extensive roster of villains. Neron offers the villains of the DC Universe a deal: sell him their souls, and he will give them great power. Many villains pass on his offer, but just as many stick around to hear him out. Neron introduces his inner council, including Lex Luthor, the Joker, Circe, Doctor Polaris and Abra Kadabra, whom Neron has brought back from the dead. The Trickster, one of the Rogues who is hearing Neron out, is impressed that the demon got Kadabra to work for him. Trickster reveals they never let Kadabra play “in their reindeer games.” He confesses that, outwardly, they think Kadabra is “pompous,” but deep down they view him as insane and unstable and are afraid of him. Trickster learns that Kadabra sold his soul to Neron in exchange for real magic to supplement his 64th century tech.It is telling that the Rogues, who have made careers out of crime, would still be scared of Abra Kadabra. Rogues such as Mirror Master have robbed banks and labs; they have killed people in pursuit of these goals, and yet they want nothing to do with Abra Kadabra. They believe him insane and his motivations for traveling back in time prove this. Kadabra was desperate for fame and adoration, and came to the 20th century seeking it; but rather than use his advanced tech to help people, Kadabra used it to commit crimes and menace the Flash.In the years post Underworld Unleashed, the Rogues would ally themselves with Abra Kadabra from time to time; he was among their ranks in events such as Infinite Crisis and Final Crisis. What led to this change in heart has never been explored, but it may have simply been a matter of convenience. Abra Kadabra is one of the Flash’s scariest villains and the Rogues want nothing to do with him.