Status: Deceased
Only Appearance: Mister Miracle Vol 1 1
Thaddeus met Steel Hand in a hospital while they were both there to get treatment for serious injuries. Steel Hand wagered ten thousand dollars that he could get Thaddeus in an escape-proof trap. Years passed. Thaddeus got married and had a son, Ted Brown who used to assist with his act, and suggested a name change from "The Great Thaddeus" to "Mister Miracle." Ted died in Korea but Thaddeus left his room undisturbed. At some point, Thaddeus decided to revive his career. Desperate for money, he went to Steel Hand and reminded him of their wager.
Thaddeus chooses to come out of retirement, once more donning the uniform of Mister Miracle. He has his assistant, Oberon lock him inside a metal brace. Reminding Oberon that they must give a perfect performance for a young man watching from the road, Thaddeus then has Oberon shut him inside a wooden cabinet and set it on fire. Appalled, the onlooker tries to interfere, but Thaddeus escapes his restraints and breaks through the cabinet. Thaddeus thanks the young man, who is named Scott Free, for his assistance, claiming that he owes Scott.
At this moment, a car full of Intergang members pulls up to intimidate Thaddeus. When Thaddeus explains who they are to Scott, they pull a gun on Thaddeus and threaten him to keep his mouth shut. Scott hits the man with his carpetbag, and he and Thaddeus fight them off. Thaddeus invites Scott to stay with him for a few days, and Scott accepts. Thaddeus makes sure Scott feels at home and tells him a little about his deceased son Ted.
Discussion turns to "The Big Trap", an upcoming dangerous act that Thaddeus is practicing for. It is dangerous because there are elements of chance- called "X-Factors"- at work. Thaddeus tests Scott's skill before taking his advice, but although Scott passes his test, Thaddeus decides that he must rely on his own skills to stay true to the wager he made with Steel Hand. Oberon warns him that Steel Hand will cheat.
The next morning, Thaddeus has Oberon and Scott tie him to a tree with a metal sphere on a slide as part of his practice. However, he is shot by a sniper at long range. Scott diverts the metal ball, but the gunshot injury is fatal. Thaddeus asks Scott to stay with him, and Scott uses his Mother Box to comfort Thaddeus in his final moments.
Thaddeus was a master escape artist, with excellent reflexes and a good sense of timing. In his old age, despite being out of his prime, it takes two members of Inter-Gang to bring him down in a fist fight.
Oberon: Your timing will have to be flawless, maestro! Your life is at stake!
Thaddeus: Without that unique condition, Mister Miracle could not exist!"
Thaddeus: Time cannot erase the knowledge I possess of my trade!
Thaddeus: Seconds are all Mister Miracle needs-- to cheat death!
Thaddeus: Every professional must live or die by his own methods.