Jeanne Walker

**Jeanne Walker**, also known as **Madame .44**, is a fictional character and hero in comic books published by the American company DC Comics. She first appeared in *All-Star Western* #117 (March 1961), but her first appearance in *Swamp Thing* comics was in *Swamp Thing* Vol. 2, #85 (April 1989). She was created by Gardner Fox and Gil Kane.

## History

Jeanne Walker was the sole daughter of a gold prospector in the American Southwest during the 19th century. Mister Walker plied his trade with great skill, and eventually discovered a rich vein of gold. However, his unscrupulous business partner registered the claim before Walker had a chance to do so, effectively leaving him penniless. The sorrow became too much for the aging prospector and he soon died a broken man.

His distraught daughter, Jeanne swore revenge against all of those who would steal from good, hard-working people. As she grew older, Jeanne became a successful photographer, and used her business to learn about various underhanded affairs. Donning a mask and a pair of six-shooters, she created the alias of Madame .44.

As Madame .44, Jeanne pretended to be an outlaw and established contacts with various criminal gangs. She would infiltrate such groups and steal the bounty they had acquired from various robberies. After stealing from the thieves, she redistributed the wealth amongst the lower class.

She eventually brought her style of justice to the streets of Tombstone, Arizona. Madame .44 crossed paths with the famous Wyatt Earp and even aided him in his struggle against the villainous Clanton Gang. While Wyatt and his family squared off against the Clantons at the OK Corral, Madame .44, provided them with an escape route by shooting out all of the gas lamps along the back corridor leading away from the corral.

Soon after, Madame .44 relocated to the town of Mesa City, where she met the gunfighter, Johnny Thunder. Initially, Johnny thought that Jeanne was an outlaw, and the two came to blows. Johnny eventually discovered Jeanne's true motivations, but still disapproved of her illegal activities. They worked together to bring down a notorious outlaw named Silk Black. During the debacle, Jeanne learned that Johnny Thunder was actually John Tane, schoolteacher and son of the Mesa City town sheriff, William Tane. Johnny likewise discovered that Madame .44 was photographer Jeanne Walker.

Despite the shaky origins of their relationship, Johnny and Jean fell in love with one another and were eventually married. They remained in Mesa City to raise a family, but also continued to fight injustice in their heroic guises of Johnny Thunder and Madame .44.

## Powers and Abilities

### Abilities

* **Equestrianism:** Madame .44 was proficient at riding and grooming horses.
* **Hand-to-Hand Combat (Basic):** Despite her short stature, Madame .44 could handle herself well in a fight, and has been known to overpower male adversaries twice her size.
* **Photography:** When not out adventuring as Madame .44, Jeanne Walker was a professional photographer.
* **Firearms:** Madame .44 was an expert sharpshooter.

## Paraphernalia

### Weapons

* **Colt Revolver:** Madame .44 carried two .44 calibre six-shooters (Colt Army Model 1860).