Rex Leech is introduced in the aftermath of "
The Death of Superman" event. During
Superman's funeral procession, Leech attempts to buy the rights to
Jimmy Olsen's picture of Superman dead. Jimmy punches Leech in the face. Leech has his goons threaten to shoot Jimmy in the knees before
Robin stops the incident.
Vincent Edge of WGBS uses Leech to recruit a supervillain for the new
Superboy to fight, with Edge intending to gain a higher rating on his television station. In exchange, Leech becomes Superboy's sole representative. Superboy is reluctant to hire Leech as his manager, having already been offered a deal by
Lex Luthor, until he meets Leech's daughter Roxy, who falls in love with him. Leech manages to secure the exclusive rights to Superman's name and symbol in exchange for half of all profits from merchandising being given to charity. Leech pushes Superboy's merchandising as far as he could, even attempting to create an animated series based on him. Leech uses most of his money on bad investments, leaving him unable to pay back Mr. Gamboni, whom he owes a large sum. Gamboni sends
Copperhead after Leech, but Superboy manages to save both Leech and Roxy. ==Powers and abilities==