Paula joined the Injustice Society of America as the super-villainess Tigress. She fought alongside ISA member Sportsmaster, who had a reputation as the best fighter out there.[2] Most notable among Tigress' costumed foes was super-hero Wildcat, who fought Tigress on many occasions. These exchanges were inconclusive, however, each time ending with Tigress' escape. On some occasions this escape took the form of her apparently perishing as a means of eluding both Wildcat and the police.[3] On Christmas Eve, 2010, Tigress fought alongside ISA members in a battle against the JSA.[4] This was the last time Paula wore her Tigress suit for a decade.[2]
Their daughter Artemis was very athletic and joined the football team at BVHS. Her parents were thrilled and had a map for her life that included being the first woman in the NFL. Larry and Paula butted heads with the BVHS coaches on two occasions, and both times, the coaches either "mysteriously disappeared" or were killed. This made them butt heads with fellow ISA member and BVHS principal Anaya Bowin.[2]
In the cafeteria at Blue Valley High School, a new student Courtney Whitmore struggles to find a seat when a woman appears in front of her wearing BVHS athletic wear. The woman smiles widely and asks her what she's doing. Courtney hesitantly admits she's looking for a seat, and the teacher points her to a table in the far corner, noting the empty seat. Courtney forces a smile, mutters her thanks, and walks off while Paula smiles back at her. As soon as Courtney is gone, the smile on Paula's face falls and turns into one of disgust.[4]
The following day at Blue Valley high, Paula attends the open house assembly alongside her partner and daughter. They all cheer when Principal Bowin mentions the football team, the Prairie dogs.[5]
Paula and Larry attend Artemis' football practice and witness her being tackled late. They are both upset by the slight but their anger quickly turns to pride when Artemis punches the teammate. Their pride turns to anger once more when Coach Hank benches Artemis for her violent outburst. Paula looks to Larry with an annoyed yet acknowledging look and they exchange a nod as if they knew what the other was thinking.
That night, when school is let out, Larry and Paula follow the coach into the parking lot as the man is getting ready to leave work. Larry drags a metal baseball bat across the pavement creating a scratching sound that catches the coach's attention. The coach explains that he didn't want to bench Artemis, but the girl has to learn to control her temper, something Larry remarks Artemis gets from her mother. Paula smiles menacingly as she agrees. The parents warn the coach that Artemis shouldn't be benched any further, with Larry putting the bat around his shoulders as he glares that the couch. The coach states that while he's new to BVHS, he's seen controlling parents like Larry and Paula before. He then threatens to bench Artemis, which doesn't sit well with them, and Larry looks to his wife before hitting the coach across the head with the bat.
The couple drags the body to the middle of the woods where they dig a grave for the coach. They bicker back and forth about having to carry the body. Larry holds his lower back claiming he's going to feel that one in the morning. She retorts that he should remember to lift with his legs, but Larry thinks they should hire a skinnier coach next time. Jordan arrives, having received a text from Anaya Bowin warning him that the "gym rats" are at it again. He catches the villains by surprise warning them that this is the third coach in two seasons they've killed. Larry responds that the jerk had it coming, and the way he heard it, the last coach left town and the one before that had an accident with a riding mower. Paula smirks calling it tragic but Jordan warns them not to push him down - not today. He adds that Anaya is getting tired of replacing her coaches, but Larry counters that they are only looking out for their daughter. Jordan counters that a newer, safer, America is the best gift they can give her so he needs them to focus. Larry snaps back what they should be focusing on since they've been on pause waiting for Jordan and they're ready to get back in the game. Paula seconds this notion as she can't take more of this town's rotary clubs and bake sales. Jordan scoffs telling them to finish cleaning this up, and just as Paula turns to finish digging, adds that they should get theirs suits out of storage. This catches her attention and she grows excited when Jordan states they're getting back into action tonight.
The next day they are watching football practice again when they are met by Steve Sharpe who gives them a key card for Empire Enterprises. They rebuke his claim that their friends. As Steve leaves, Paul calls out to him to pick up his trash - they pride themselves on keeping the school clean.
That day after practice, Artemis is sitting on the couch at home while her parents lie about having a date night and won't be home for the night. Artemis remarks that they never have a date night, but doesn't press the issue. She seems uncomfortable. Paula and Larry remind Artemis about doing a long list of exercises and her homework, noting that they would probably be back before midnight.
The couple dresses in their crime-fighting attire and interrupts the young JSA whilst they are looking at a dead body. Chuck quickly identifies them as Tigress and Sportsmaster, Icicle's attack dogs. He apologizes for the mix-up and Dr. Mid-Nite relays their names to the rest of the team. Hourman attacks Sportsmaster which sparks Tigress and Sportsmaster to agree to fight separately and they dart in opposite directions to divide the team. Wildcat darts after Tigress with Dr. Mid-Nite reluctantly following her.
Wildcat searches the building for Tigress. She lifts a metal door in an attempt to see if her foe is in the other room. Tigress sneaks up behind her and punches her in the back, sending Wildcat tumbling off the ledge. She manages to use the railing to hang from but Tigress flips over the railing and grabs Wildcat by the back of her suit, throwing her to the ground. Wildcat is on her feet rather quickly and engages in intense hand-to-hand combat. Tigress flips over Wildcat and gets her in a headlock choke, snarling as she does so. Now bent backward, Wildcat manages to free herself from the headlock only to be kicked across the face by her foe. Wildcat angrily rises to her feet and lets out a shout as she flings her hands downward, her claws appearing from her gloves.
They exchange slashes and blows with Wildcat holding her own against the seasoned villain. She does a backflip over one of Tigress's attacks. When she lands, she scales the lockers using the technology within her suit to then balance on a railing. Tigress achieves the upper-hand here, using Wildcat's vulnerability on the open course. She throws Wildcat against the lockers on the opposite end of the room. Wildcat is pinned against the wall when Tigress produces a crossbow and shoots an arrow at her, remarking that she can't end things too quickly. When Wildcat dodges the arrow Tigress decides that they have to end things now. She shoots another arrow that Wildcat catches and throws to the ground. She jumps on the wall, using her claws to scale the concrete. Tigress grabs Wildcat's legs and throws her off the wall placing her foot against Wildcat's abdomen as the darkly-clade heroine lay flat on her back and at the older female's mercy. Before Tigress can shoot a fatal arrow down at her opponent's neck (one of the few exposed parts of the wearer's body not entirely protected by the Wildcat suit), Dr. Mid-Nite uses a fire extinguisher to distract Tigress so they JSA women can escape. They burst out of the door while Tigress angrily watches them flee.
Tigress joins Sportsmaster in an epic entrance outside while he battles Stargirl, who has managed to disarm him. With her assistance, the couple overwhelms the young heroine and gains the upper hand now that Stargirl is without her team. The heroine refuses to give up easily and shakily rises to her feet much to Tigress' who is surprised by the girl's resilience. The rest of the JSA falls into order around Stargirl. The couple is unfazed and exchanges a mutual nod before approaching the team confidently and calmly. Seconds later, STRIPE lands taking the villains by surprise. Larry looks to Paula and remarks that data night is over. He throws an explosive badminton shuttlecock that is masked as a smoke grenade which allows Tigress and Sportsmaster to escape.[2]
Paula is present at the next ISA meeting as she listens to Larry recount the events of their brawl with the young JSA. She believes that if this new JSA is children that the ISA should recruit their children into the group. Anaya Bowin disagrees since her Isaac is too sensitive for this way of life and the group had agreed to keep their children out of it. Paula snaps that it isn't their fault that Anaya coddles her son. Jordan sides with Anaya that they should keep their children out of this life, much to Paula's chagrin.[6]
Paula and Larry attend another ISA meeting where they anxiously wait for Jordan to begin the meeting, which concerns Project New America. She is left uneasy when Dragon King enters and she mistakenly refers to him as Dragon King, though he calmly corrects that he prefers Dr. Ito when in the presence of his allies. Larry makes an off-handed joke regarding Dragon King being let out of his lair, but Paula is unamused by her husband's joke and resumes listening to Dr. Ito's presentation.[7]
With the timer for Project New America running down, Jordan is displeased when the JSA continuously gets in his way and orders a hit on the Whitmore-Dugan's. Brainwave dispatches Tigress and Sportsmaster to complete the job, with the duo gearing up in their garage. At the Dugan-Whitmore house, Barbara unknowingly avoids an incoming arrow and is met by Tigress who doesn't say a word to Barbara. Terrified, Barbara runs behind the couch to avoid the next wave of arrows, which annoys Tigress who runs after Barbara. She leaps over the couch and springs off the wall, breaking a picture frame in the process, and lunges at Barbara taking the woman to the floor. Barbara is quick on her feet but Tigress kicks her into a table in the next room. Tigress compliments Barbara on her lovely home, leaping into the air to finish off the woman. Before she can pounce on Barbara, the Cosmic Staff sweeps in and blocks Paula from attacking by flying under her so she lays over the staff, which throws her into a wall. Courtney appears and grabs the staff, using it to throw Tigress telekinetically through the doorway, before grabbing her mother and ushering her into a different room.
Tigress is hot on their trails as she snarls, sweeping Barbara off her feet, though the staff supports Barbara similarly to how it stopped Tigress. In the meantime, Courtney blocks an attack from the villainess, who goes after Barbara again. The staff moves itself and Barbara out of Tigress's grasp before standing her up. It tries to attack Tigress who kicks it backward and into Barbara, before returning to a hand-to-hand fight with Courtney. She gains the upper hand and punches the teen in the stomach and to the ground. The staff flies into Tigress' back knocking her to the ground before flying into Courtney's awaiting hand. The women are on their feet with Tigress grabbing Courtney's sweatshirt with her fist in an attempt to punch her, though the staff knocks Tigress away.
The girls fight viciously in hand-to-hand combat, exchanging punches and kicks rapidly. Courtney misses an attack with the staff which allows Tigress to grab the staff and drag Courtney across a counter, pinning her with her the cosmic staff. Barbara runs up from behind tigress and shatters a plate over her head. Tigress falls to the floor, though she springs upward and propels off the ceiling to lunge at Courtney. Courtney evades her and shoots a cosmic bast at Tigress, throwing her through the glass doors and out of the house. Tigress lands unconscious, her skin sizzling where the blast connected with her side.
By the time Paula awakens she is joined by her husband, who was also overpowered in his efforts to take down Pat. They are patching one another up with a first aid kit when they hear a commotion at the front door. They leave to investigate and are annoyed to see Anaya Bowin carrying her fiddle case. Anaya informs her ISA counterparts that Jordan had sent her to make sure they succeeded. She has a plan to immobilize the JSA, which should make them impossible to miss even for the two of them. Larry comments that killing targets that can't move is no fun, and Anaya snaps that this isn't about fun, calling them sadists. She pushes that she feels sick thinking about how their daughter will turn out. Anaya snaps that Artemis is a wild animal like her mother. Larry asks Anaya if she is saying they don't love their daughter, but Anaya turns to face Larry and says she is saying they are unfit to be parents. Anaya turns back to face Tigress, who kills her by shooting an arrow into her heart. Anaya falls to the ground. Paula stalks over to Larry who compliments his wife's great shot.[8]
The couple returns to the underground tunnels where they meet with Jordan and Dragon King, who have a plan to eliminate the JSA. The assembled ISA members stalk to Dragon King's lair where Paula calls out to the group, smirking happily. Sportsmaster remarks that this feels familiar, alluding to their battle against the JSA in 2010. Paula grins sadistically saying that it was a fun night, with Sportsmaster chiming in that this will be too. Stargirl glances at her team and the prepare to attack. Jordan leads the ISA in a calm walk forward that leads to a run as the teams attack one another.
Tigress lunges into the air where she collides with Wildcat, and the two fight intensely. They exchange slashes and snarls, with Tigress throwing Wildcat across the floor. Wildcat uses her claws to stop herself before returning to the fight. Tigress uses Wildcat's inexperience to gain the upper hand. She has Wildcat pinned in a chokehold, which Stargirl astutely notices and runs to Wildcat's rescue. She swings at Tigress with the staff throwing her to Wildcat who finishes her off by knocking her unconscious. Tigress lays on the floor of Dragon King's lair across from her equally defeated husband.[9]
In the months since her defeat at the hands of the Justice Society of America, Paula is arrested and put in prison for petty theft charges.[10] She remain adamant that the charges are petty and instills this thought in her daughter.[11]
Shortly before tryouts, Artemis visits Paula, who tells her she'll do great. Artemis cries that she misses her. Paula echoes the sentiment and touched her hands with Artemis against the glass. Paula asks Artemis to tell Larry that she loves him. Paulina and Larry break out of prison and take Mike captive. They make a deal with Pat that they can watch tryouts and then will go back to prison.
They hangout at the Dugan household where Paula criticizes Barbara for feeding their kids processed sugar. Barbara starts talking about Courtney, and Paula echoes the sentiment about it Artemis. They appreciated the initiative their daughters take, but are frustrated by their stubbornness. Paula and Larry are taken to tryouts by Pat, who instructs them to sit and down stay quiet, but they utterly fail as they encourage their daughter. Artemis is doing bad at first, but then sees her parents and has renewed determination.
It goes well until Artemis suddenly tackles someone on the bench. She is then removed from the game. After tryouts, Paula and Larry confess to Artemis that they are guilty. Paula tells Artemis she has her own dreams to follow, and they won't let anything interfere in it, including them. They say goodbye to Artemis and let Pat take them back to prison.[12]
Larry and Paula were broken out of prison by Artemis and they helped the JSA and Cindy Burman defeat Eclipso. Larry, Paula, and Artemis helped the heroes successfully defeat Eclipso. They stood behind the JSA and company as their light-based heroes reduced Eclipso into a lowly piece of toast. After the fight, Larry, Paula, and Artemis moved into the house next to the Whitmore-Dugan House, greeting the family with grins and a muffin basket.[13]
Once Summer is over, the Crock family continues to settle into a normal life in Blue Valley. The family, consisting of Larry, Paula, and Artemis, prepare for their morning jog, setting their watches to matching times. When Pat and Courtney talk on their front porch, Paula and Larry wave vibrantly from their lawn, welcoming them home. Paula grins as she tells Pat to tell Barbara they have to go get coffee together. Pat promises he will as Barbara will be thrilled.
The next afternoon, Paula visits Barbara at The American Dream to talk with her. She realizes Artemis has a history with Courtney and her friends, like Paula with Barbara, but Artemis desperately wants to join the Justice Society of America. If she wants that for herself, so does Paula. She just hopes Courtney doesn't hold grudges or punish her for the past actions of herself and her husband because that would be a real shame. Potentially, with real consequences. Paula's intimidating behavior and demeanor instantly scares Barbara, who insists that who's in the JSA isn't up to her; it's up to them. She adds that Artemis is such a great kid. Paula nods briskly and stiffens her posture. Artemis will proves herself if she has to, telling Barbara to just watch.[14]
As the days pass, Barbara enters her office at The American Dream, to find Paula waiting for her. The woman announces they didn't do it, referring to Steve Sharpe's murder the night before. They would never be so sloppy as to leave the body there. Disposing of the corpse is 101. Barbara shudders in disgust, telling her not to tell her that. Paula would never risk going back to prison over some schmuck like Steve. They're home with their daughter again - that is everything. She becomes prideful at the mention of Artemis, asking if Courtney mentioned how well Artemis did with the JSA last night. Barbara admits she didn't mention anything, but Paula is sure she will. They have been doing everything they can to fit in here. She gardens, smiles at strangers, and even applied to join the Blue Valley Rotary Club. Barbara asks how that's working out. They asked Paula to bake a German chocolate cake. She doesn't know why, when she can just buy one. Barbara tells her it means more if she makes it herself, confusing Paula. She elaborates that when someone puts their personal time into something, it makes it more special, by showing that she cares. Paula muses that baking makes people think you care. She quickly rephrases that she does care, plastering on a smile. She takes a big step forward, asking if Barbara knows how to bake, but the woman doesn't - at all. Paula sits down, exasperated.
They head to the Whitmore-Dugan House, where the women try to bake a German chocolate cake, ingredients scattered across the counter in a mess. Barbara puts the latest attempt on the counter, both women eyeing it suspiciously. Barbara doesn't think they used enough of something, or maybe they used too much of something else. Paula points out that it does look different than the picture. With a forced smile, Barbara decides the third time's a charm. Pat comes home, looking at the scene curiously. She points to Pat, who is the real baker. He nods slowly then asks if Courtney's here. Barbara tells him that Courtney's at school, but his quiet demeanor makes her sink, asking if she isn't at school.
Downtown that night, Ripped City has its grand opening. Paula and Larry are the only ones inside. Paula punches a heavy bag, before turning to Larry. It's only a matter of time before they find out, which he knows. She punches the heavy bag with a growl, sending it flying backwards into the wall. She sighs and looks back at him.[15]
The Crock's interrupt the Whitmore-Dugan's breakfast, tossing Pat's waffles into a trash bag, as that stuff will kill him. Artemis cheerfully greets Courtney, presenting Quinoa and tofu bowls alongside Paula, who knows Barbara will love it. Larry tells everyone to pull up a chair as the whole family's on the program now. They join the family, ignoring the awkward tension that arises. Larry pulls Mike and Pat into a three-way hug and tells Mike to dig in. The boy laughs nervously and Larry stares him down, repeating for him to dig in.
Barbara starts her morning at The American Dream when Paula suddenly intercepts her, taking her into the office by her arm. They have a problem. The German chocolate cake was a big at the Women's Rotary Club. Barbara thinks that's great, but questions the statement when Paula gives her a dumbfounded expression. It's a nightmare. They want her to give an initiation speech at tomorrow's meeting. She doesn't know how to do that or what to talk about. Barbara advises that she talk about what she's looking forward to doing whatever it is the Women's Rotary Club does. She asks what they do and Paula freezes, looking up in horror; she doesn't know. Barbara surmises she joined because she wants to be part of Blue Valley, so she should tell them how much the community means to her. Tim pokes his head into the office. He read the new proposal which excites her. He gives her a thumbs up but slowly turns his thumb down, remarking that it's slipping. He smirks that maybe she'll get it next time and leaves with a laugh. Paula scoffs at him, asking who the geek is. That's Barbara's new manager, Tim. He's the reason she'll be staying up late doing this proposal again. She sorry but has to get back to work. Paula, now distracted, understands and wishes her luck. Barbara returns the sentiment.
That evening, Paula and Larry shop at Bell's Market. A perky cashier tells customers to make their way to the registers as the store is closing in five minutes. Paula and Larry shop in an aisle. He steals a bottle of sauce, tucking it into his jacket discreetly. Paula tells him to put it back, making him chuckle as it's a habit. She reminds him that the sodium content of that steak sauce alone will put him back in prison. He reminds her that everyone gets a cheat day. Sylvester appears at the end of the hall, questioning if they killed The Gambler on a cheat day. Or on a day like "The Purge", which he hasn't seen but read a summary online. Larry knows what the movie is, as they've both seen the films and thought they were hilarious. He demands to know what Pemberton is thinking, bringing the staff in here in public, concluding he's out of his mind. Sylvester knows The Gambler was blackmailing them and he knows they're the ones that killed him. Paula simply says they're shopping as the cashier reminds them the store is closing. Paula doesn't want to fight. Sylvester warns this is their last chance, earning a chuckle from Larry. He should go back to his basement and polish his little staff. Sylvester wants them to confess. The trio has a stare down until Sylvester sends a blast of cosmic energy at them, destroying their shopping cart.
Blasts of energy shoot through the market, destroying everything it touches. Scared customers scream and run out of the store to safety. Larry and Paula agree they were getting bored, anyway. Larry leaps over the aisle, narrowly missing another blast, as Paula slides around the aisle avoiding a blast. Sylvester leaps over the aisle with Cosmo, twirling the staff to create a swirl of energy. Paula uses Larry's arm as a springboard to jump across the aisle and land in front of Sylvester. They engage in combat until she falls, and Larry attacks. The trio battle it out in the aisles, using various objects from the store in their fight. He tosses Larry aside and turns to Paula, who is laying on the ground. He throws the staff towards her, though she dodges by doing a backbend. She smirks at him from upside down. She avoids more blasts by scaling the aisle, landing on a pile of paper towels, then leaping over the aisle to escape to another aisle.
She slides across the floor to Sylvester, ultimately getting him in a headlock on the ground. Larry recovers from his fall and picks up a wooden bat, greeting the old friend. Paula shouts at him to come on. He runs over and prepares to swing down on Sylvester. Cosmo flies under his feet and knocks him to the ground. It locks onto Sylvester's shoes and slides him and Paula backwards into a wall, giving him the upper hand once again. She dodges his attack and slides back to Larry's feet, assuming a fighting stance. Larry asks if he's done, but Sylvester isn't. He yells out to "eat this" and slams the end of the staff onto the ground, sending out a blast of cosmic energy that shatters the light fixtures, consuming his body in an aura of energy.
The trio squares off once again, fighting it out until the Crocks grab the staff, kicking Sylvester away from it. He holds out his hand and pulls the staff to his grip, but this time, slams his forearm against the staff to knock his foes to the ground. He slams the staff downwards again, this time launching the Crocks out of the windows of the store and into the parking lot. He emerges from the store and blasts a beam of energy at the couple, who leap out of the way. It hits a car, triggering a huge explosion that hits another car, sending it flying across the lot in a ball of fire. Sylvester advances as the staff rises up to fly alongside him. The Crocks stand and prepare to fight again. The staff swells with energy and Sylvester is about to release a blast when S.T.R.I.P.E. lands on the ground - the fight is over. Sylvester keeps the staff pointed at S.T.R.I.P.E., who steps forward to stand in front of the Crock's. He tells Sylvester to walk away.
The Crock's and Whitmore-Dugan's assemble at the Whitmore-Dugan House, where Paula cracks Larry's shoulder into place. The Gambler was blackmailing them, that part is true. But they didn't kill him. They wanted to, but they stayed strong. He was blackmailing them for ISA crimes they didn't commit. Stuff other members didn't without them. They're dead now so they wouldn't have a chance in hell of proving their innocence. Pat reminds them that they're not all the innocence. Larry agrees as they're guilty of plenty of things. The admission makes the couple chuckle. Some of the crimes they even went to jail for. Truth be told, they wouldn't even be sitting there with their freedom if it weren't for a legal loophole. Pat thinks some people, like Sylvester, might call that just a little but unfair. Larry doesn't care what he says, as the guy is a freaking lunatic. Paula intervenes, as regardless, they couldn't risk going back to prisons, so they paid Sharpe. Courtney references the payments stopping two months ago. They admit the putz stopped blackmailing them. He didn't say why and they thought he was playing a new angle, then, he paid them back right before he died.
Barbara brings them ice packs, as Courtney realizes Sharpe really was trying to be better. Paula and Larry didn't' realize that until after he was killed. Larry wants to get everything on the table, admitting he did pay Steve a visit the day he was murdered. When Sharpe showed up in Blue Valley spouting off his "turning over a new life" jambalaya jive talk, Larry didn't buy any of it. He figured he came back to start blackmailing them again so he drove out to his trailer to have a little talk with him. But he left before he did something stupid. Barbara asks why they didn't tell them this before. He admits he was trying to protect them from any unnecessary heat. Paula apologizes to Barbara, as they should have been honest with her. The last time they went to prison it nearly destroyed their family, not to mention the food - so many carbs. She asks that Barbara please believe her. They would never make the same mistake twice. Whoever killed Sharpe, it wasn't them. The front door opens and Sylvester was in with Cosmo. He sees the group and glares at them, heading to the basement. Pat excuses himself.
The next day, Paula takes the podium at the Blue Valley Women's Rotary Club, heavily breathing and struggling through her introduction and beginning of her speech. She stands there awkwardly until she hears the doors open. Looking up, she sees Barbara coming in, giving her an encouraging smile as she takes a seat. Paula straightens up and introduces herself, adding that she loves Blue Valley and the people in it. Barbara claps excitedly and beams, though quickly stops clapping when no one else joins in.
Tim works late in The American Dream when he hears the whooshing of Paula leaping across the room. He turns but doesn't see her. She pops up behind him, greeting him. They need to talk about a friend of hers. He assumes it's about Sarah or Susan, or whatever her name is, advising Paula tell her to let it go. She scoffs that this is a different friend, approaching him with intent. A friend that he's going to be a whole lot nicer too.[16]
In the morning, Barbara returns to her office only to find Paula, who asks how her day is going. She hopes it's going well, asking if there's any problem with her new manager. She guesses a few incorrect names until Barbara reminds her it's Tim. He actually voted for her project this time, which Paula remarks is terrific. She's here as she got her a gift for helping her out so much this week. She takes out a taxidermy fox that she made herself, to show how much she really cares. Barbara whispers that it's beautiful and that she loves it. Paula grins as she knew Barbara would.[17]
Barbara and Pat enjoy a mid-day lunch date at Richie Rock's Diner when Crusher and Paula slide into the booth, greeting their friends. He's pleased to see Pat eating sweet potato fries, which are a good source of Omega-3s. Pat sarcastically tells him to have a seat and make themselves at home. Crusher ignores him, as he and Paula have taken a page out of their do-gooder handbook. Paula admits they're doing their own investigation into Steven Sharpe's murder. They started by interrogating everyone he owed money to, which is a whole lot of people with motive to whack him. He adds they dangled them off a tall building to get answers. Paula sees Barbara's disapproving face and quickly shakes her head as Larry elaborates. They weren't the only one the putz paid back before he died. In fact, he paid them all page. She thought it was impossible for a degenerate like Sharpe to truly change, but they're thinking maybe he did. Pat praises them for investigating that angle, and while he can't condone their tactics, does appreciate their dedication. But their work is done. The couple insists they aren't done, and are going to help him solve this thing. Pat suggests they have other important things to do, like checking in with their parole officers and cholesterol levels. Crusher sternly says their levels are pristine. He quickly adds there's a weird bonus to being heroes, making Paula laugh. It's kind of super-charged their lives in the bedroom. The couple giggles and begins making out, which unnerves Barbara and Pat, who call for the check.[18]
A few days later, Paula and Barbara stand in Ripped City in front of a heavy bag, wearing boxing gloves. Barbara isn't sure about this training exercise. Paula's going to start with the basic - how to shatter a man's spleen. She punches the bag to demonstrate, making Barbara cringe. She cautiously approaches the bag then stops, as violence was never her thing. Paula tells her to call it self-defense, then. In this town with a voyeuristic killer still on the loose, it's important Barbara is ready for any kind of attack. Barbara tries again but fails, turning back to Paula. She appreciates this, but she's not comfortable learning how to hurt someone. She's sorry, but this just is not her. Paula takes a breath then concedes as she understands. It means a lot to Barbara that she's trying to help her. She's a good friend. The sentiment lands with Paula, as no one's ever called her their friend before. Barbara's sure that's not true, and Paula simply smiles at her new friend.[19]
The Crock house is quiet, as Paula stands in the kitchen frosting her German chocolate cake, smiling at the creation. Crusher sits in the living room designing wrappers for Ripped City's new chocolate protein bars. He writes the new slogan, "Even superheroes need a snack!", smiling at the design. Artemis is in her room looking at brochures for Nebraska University. She smiles at the brochure and picks up a football, walking out of her room as she tosses the football in the air, leaving her JSA backpack in the corner of her room. Back in the kitchen, Paula finishes frosting the cake with a bright smile, while Crusher beams from the couch at his creations.
The Crocks head on their daily run, passing Richie Rock's Diner. They greet Maria and a supplier, who Crusher high-fives. The couple continues on as they pass a member of Crusher's gym. He playfully air boxes with the man, who laughs, and they jog on. They round the corner of Main Street, passing over a maintenance hole. They stop running as the stand in front of the Mahkent residence. As they look up at the house, Crusher muses that in the old days, it wouldn't have mattered if the Mahkents were wearing dentures or being fitted for a pacemaker. If anyone attacks their family they would take them out. Paula agrees, but reminds him that Pat and his family are their people now. They don't use violence to solve their problems anymore. He can't just let Grandma and Grandpa Icicle walk away from this - they gotta do something. Paula assures him they will, she just doesn't know what yet. They exchange a pensive look than continue on their run.
Barbara has an unexpected visit from Lily Mahkent, who threatens Barbara and prepares to kill her. Barbara shields herself, anticipating a blow. An arrow shoots past Barbara and pierce the front door. Lily gasps in surprise as Paula walks forward, standing protectively in front of Barbara. She won't miss on purpose again. She gives Lily one second to leave. She glares at the duo before leaving. Paula turns to her friend, who needs to learn how to use the crossbow.
Paula and Barbara go to a field as Paula tries to teach Barbara how to use a crossbow. Paula tells Barbara to stabilize her stance, to which a confused Barbara asks what that means. She tells Barbara to move her legs, standing behind her to demonstrate. She shouldn't lean forward, keep her center of gravity over her base, keep her hands below the rail, and if they're anywhere near these cable's, she'll lose a finger. A nervous Barbara now tries following what Paula taught her but doubts herself as she's not a superhero. Paula chuckles and tells her that not all superheroes fly through the air - some fire arrows. Barbara insists this is not her, but Paula confidently replies that it is. Courtney is a fighter, which she gets from Barbara. She doesn't want to lose the only real friend outside of her family that she's ever had. They smile at one another. Paula tells her to try again, but this time, to picture that it's Mrs. Mahkent's face is the target. Barbara breathes out,focuses her stance, and pulls the trigger. The arrow whizzes out but the target remains unhit. Paula's face falls as she tries to stay positive, as they'll keep practicing. Barbara asks where the arrow went. Paula doesn't see it and looks down at the crossbow, questioning if she fired it. Barbara did and they look up at one another. Paula pats Barbara's back and assures her she has lots of chances - she's got some arrows in the car.
In the evening, Paula and Crusher return to the Mahkent residence. Crusher asks if she's sure she wants to do this. Paula is, as that old woman won't listen to a word Barbara says. But they used to be on their side of the fence, on Jordan's. They might be more open-minded with them. Crusher knocks on the door, him and Paula taking breaths and clearing their throats. Lily opens the door, shocked to see her son's old allies standing there. The Crocks smile at her, and she invites them inside.
As they enter the living room, Crusher remarks that he hopes they have insurance. An unfazed Lily stares at them, sitting next to Sofus. Paula is sure they know why they're there, but Lily doesn't, not exactly. Sofus knows they were friends of their son. Crusher asks if he and Paula can sit down, proceeding to do so when the elders don't protest. Crusher is gonna get right to the point. They're here on behalf of Pat, Barbara, and with the kids. Lily is offended and asks if they aligned themselves with that horrible girl and her family. Despite their difference, Paula thinks all of them in Blue Valley want the same thing. Lily calls her a stupid woman in Norwegian, making Paula's smiles fall. She asks they could presume to know what they want. Paula tells her they need to rest. No more revenge plots, no more violence. This surprises Lily, who questions if they want them forget everything. Not forget it, but learn from it. That's what Courtney Whitmore has been trying to get everyone to do, forgive one another. Lily questions if they want the Mahkents to forgive the people who murdered their son. She wickedly says never. Paula takes a breath and Crusher looks over at Paula, then back at the grandparents.
Everything that has been happening has nothing to do with them. Jordan wanted to build a new America, because he believed he could create a brighter, safer future for their children. They believed in him but if this continues, it will only bring more destruction to their families and community. Crusher knows that's not what Jordan wanted in the end, which Paula acknowledges. If they kill the JSA, then the JSA will them them, and a lot of other people get killed along the way. He asks them to believe him, as his wife and him have been doing this a long time. They know that's how this goes. Paula asks the grandparents how it will help Cameron, and what kind of future it will give him and his children. Crusher looks at the Mahkent family portrait. Jordan wanted the best for his kid, so they should do what's right. Give it up, like they did. He takes his Sportsmaster mask out of his duffel and sets it on the coffee table. Sofus looks to Lily, telling his love that even though it's hard, he can forgive them. He asks if she can too. Lily looks up at the portrait, full of emotion.
The couple leaves the home. Crusher asks Paula what she thinks. She thinks they're considering it, and he hopes so. The Crocks walk home from the Mahkents house, happily interlocking arms. Crusher answers a facetime call from Artemis, while excitedly tells her parents that she got in. Crusher happily exclaims as Paula screams happily. Artemis continues that Mr. Morrison was at tryouts, and she's going to Nebraska University. The Crocks scream in joy, and celebrate the moment. Crusher creams out that their kid is the first female quarterback in college football history. Paula tells her that they knew she could do it. Crusher tells Artemis that he and Paula are on their way home and they will see her soon, and that they are going to celebrate tonight. He kisses the phone. She tells her daughter that they love her so much, and Artemis returns the sentiment. They hang up the phone and the Crocks once again scream in joy. Crusher picks Paula up and hugs her tightly - they knew Artemis could do it. He happily sighs that everything's coming up Crock today. Paula, overjoyed, says that it is fantastic, it really is.
Their happy moment is interrupted when fliers from Ripped City begin blowing towards their way. Crusher picks one up and he and Paula scoff. He asks what the hell this is. They follow a trail around the corner to an open sewer grate, the same one they passed over that morning on the way to the Mahkents. Fliers are spread around the grate opening. They crouch down by the opening as Paula looks to her husband. Someone wants their attention. Crusher nods and if they're looking for trouble, they're gonna be sorry they got it.
The Crocks climb down into the sewer, finding a trail of Ripped City fliers leading down the hall. They follow and see a room with flickering lights. They exchange a look and investigate. When they enter, they find a room full of television monitors - they voyeurs lair. They wonder what it could be, with Crusher wondering what the hell is going on. He turns around and before he can make a move, a hooded figure imaples him. He groans and ice spreads across his torso. He falls to the ground. Paula shouts out no, rushing to the figure, who grabs her by the throat, choking her. Crusher watches the scene as his body slowly covers in ice.
The figure raises Paula a few feet in the air. They pull their mask off, revealing themself to be Jordan Mahkent. Jordan takes a large breath of air as Paula stares in shock. He begins freezing her body, gently lowering her onto the ground next to Crusher. With their final dying breaths, Crusher holds out his hand and Paula takes it. He whispers slowly that he loves her. She loves him too, a tear falling from her eye as the ice encases them completely. Jordan stands over them and holds out his hand, giving a final gesture that shatters their bodies. He looks down at their remains and leaves the room.[20]
In the morning, when Larry and Paula still aren't home, Artemis asks Courtney for her help in finding her parents. Beth uses her goggles to track the Sportsmaster mask, which leads them to the Voyeur's lair within the underground tunnels. Yolanda wonders if the Mahkents did anything to the Crocks or maybe that animal did. If that white ape hurt her parents, Artemis is going to skin it alive.
Beth spots remains on the floor covering the Sportsmasters mask. Courtney questions what it is, crouching next to Beth, who nervously reveals its human remains. Artemis lets out a breath as she picks up her fathers mask, trying to piece it together. She starts to sob and Courtney consoles her. Yolanda looks down at the sobbing girl who tries to gain her composure. She lets out a heartbroken scream that echoes through the tunnels. She emotionally screams again.
Barbara learns of Paula's death as she enters The American Dream, becoming physically distraught. She's quickly met with Jordan Mahkent's return to Blue Valley, and she pieces together that he killed Larry and Paula, not the Ultra-Humanite. Courtney questions Cameron about his father's involvement. He explains his father acted in self-defense, as he thought the Crock's were attacking him. She asks why they would do that. Jordan was wearing a mask and a suit that was helping him heal. They didn't know who he was, so they probably just jumped to conclusions. Courtney confronts Jordan about it that night, with the man admitting is was regrettable. Meanwhile, as Artemis struggles with the death of her parents, Barbara takes time to comfort and look after her.[21]
Artemis plots her revenge against Jordan Mahkent, planning to kill him herself. "Sylvester" confronts her at Ripped City. He knows every fiber in her being wants to find that Nordic freak and smash the smug look off his face. But there's a future her parents wanted for her, and it's not prison. If she wants to honor her parents, she should go to college and be the star they raised her to be. She's mad Jordan Mahkent just gets a pass. He assures her that hell no, he's going to kill Jordan for her.[22]
Three months after the Battle of Blue Valley, Artemis tracks Jordan to Copenhagen, Denmark. She lures him into an alley where he steps on a sticky substance that adheres him to the ground. He looks up to see Artemis Crock standing above him. That goop he's standing on, that's petroleum jelly laced with rubidium, potassium, and azidoazide azide. Her dad put in his hockey pucks. It's highly flammable. She lights a flare, musing that it even burns on water. This is for her parents. She throws the flare onto the substance, watching him burn to death. He's not coming back this time.[23]
Much like her husband, Paula is an extreme exercise enthusiast and a woman of action. In particular, she seems to show an extreme drive for the victory that bleeds over into her civilian life, looking down on non-athletic students and even willing to use threats as well as murder to ensure victory for relatively minor things such as high school sports. In spite of her murderous nature, Paula shows a great amount of love and pride in her daughter, seemingly always boasting about her accomplishments whenever possible. This love extends equally to her husband, who she is shown to have a very strong bond to, mainly due to their shared love of violence.
Above all, she is also shown to be rather bloodthirsty and impatient, lashing out at others for otherwise petty offenses and showing an eager desire to resume her criminal behavior. This quickness to violence is shown to be so great she's even willing to murder her own teammates if the need arises, not even hesitating to kill Anaya after she insulted Paula's abilities as a parent.
Despite her violent tendencies, Paula is a formidable and protective friend to Barbara. When she witnesses Tim, Barbara's boss being disrespectful towards her, Paula takes it upon herself to confront him and threatens him into being nicer.
Physical Appearance[]
Paula is a middle-aged woman with long light brown hair, brown eyes, and a slim build. She is incredibly physically fit due to extensive training with her husband and daughter. She is a gym coach so her attire is primarily athletic wear such as BVHS sweatshirts. On the occasions that she needs to dress up, Paula favors long dresses or suits. While fighting crime as the supervillainess Tigress, she wears her signature suit.
Abilities[]
Paula maintaining balance
Peak Human Condition: As a huntress and former physical education teacher, Paula is in peak physical condition, with her advanced physicality bordering on superhuman levels. She is very healthy, firmly abstaining from caffeine and processed foods.
Peak Human Strength: Paula is quite strong, enough to consistently knock down the second Wildcat with her kicks and throw her around during their duels, as well as drop kick Stargirl a considerable distance and later knock her down with a single punch. She was later able to kick a heavy bag completely off its suspension hooks while working out with her husband.
Peak Human Durability: Paula has superb durability, as she regularly includes dropkicks in her fighting style and survives landings from high altitudes that would otherwise severely injure the average human. She could also take hits from the first Hourman, and quickly recover from getting knocked through furniture by Stargirl and having a pot broken over her head. However, she was weakened by a blast from the Cosmic Staff.
Peak Human Agility:
Tigress leaping at Wildcat
Paula is also extremely agile and nimble, able to move with almost catlike precision befitting her name. During her fight against the first Hourman, she was able to backflip from a second-story floor down to the first story, and acrobatically avoid Starman and his Cosmic Staff. During her fight with the second Wildcat, she regularly competed with her suit-enhanced athleticism, even using her surroundings to run diagonally up a wall. She also effortlessly jumped off the wall and the ceiling when she attacked Barbara and Courtney, and leaped high into the air at Wildcat during the final battle in the tunnel.
Peak Human Stamina: Paula never seems to tire during fights, as seen during her duel with the second Wildcat. She goes jogging with her husband and daughter to stay in shape.
Peak Human Reflexes: Paula has quick reflexes, as seen when she caught a falling coffee pot.
Peak Human Senses: Paula was able to sense her husband attempting to steal a bottle of steak sauce without looking, and she has an incredible sense of balance as seen when she dodged the Cosmic Staff but was able to maintain the position for several seconds.
Tigress fighting Wildcat
Master Martial Artist: Paula is a highly skilled martial artist, arguably better than her husband; while Crock tends to rely more on weapons in combat, Paula fights almost exclusively in hand-to-hand when she isn't wielding her crossbow. Her skill is at such a level she regularly clashed with Wildcat, a former heavyweight boxing champion, and was able to effortlessly hold her own against the first Hourman, despite him having superhuman strength. She also held the upper hand against the new Wildcat during their fight, with the latter requiring assistance from the new Doctor Mid-Nite, and she and her husband easily fought off against Stargirl.
Expert Markswoman: Paula is proficient with a crossbow. She has demonstrated high accuracy by nearly shooting Wildcat in the head if not for the hero's heightened reflexes. Paula also killed Anaya Bowin by shooting her in the heart, albeit at close range.
Equipment[]
Tigress Suit: Paula wears this suit as her alter-ego, Tigress. It comes with a paw-shaped mask that covers her left eye.
Crossbow: While out as Tigress, Paula uses a crossbow as her main weapon of choice.
Twin Handguns: Tigress carries two semi-auto handguns in her shoulder holsters, but is never seen using them.
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