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Atomic Skull
Fictional characters in DC Comics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Atomic Skull is a supervillain in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an enemy of Superman.[1] The character first appeared in 1978.
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Publication history
The Albert Michaels version of the Atomic Skull first appeared in Superman #323 (May 1978), and was created by Martin Pasko and Curt Swan.[2]
The Joseph Martin version of the Atomic Skull first appeared in The Adventures of Superman #483, and was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod.
Fictional character biography
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Albert Michaels
Albert Michaels is a brilliant, but unfriendly scientist-administrator at S.T.A.R. Labs with a rare nervous system disorder that short-circuits the electrical impulses in his brain, creating painful and uncontrollable seizures. After failing to find a cure, Michaels secretly contacts the criminal organization SKULL, who give him a radium-powered device designed to harness his neural disorder into deadly atomic "brain-blasts" in exchange for him becoming their agent.[3] However, these mental blasts are difficult to control and only worsen Michaels' condition, a situation that he blames on Superman after he captures the scientists who could have cured him. Swearing revenge, Michaels becomes the Atomic Skull and eventually assumes leadership of SKULL. Michaels also appears in the miniseries Villains United, where he joins Lex Luthor's Secret Society of Super Villains.[4]
The New 52
In The New 52 continuity reboot, Albert Michaels is re-introduced in Action Comics Annual #1, written by Max Landis.[5] This version is a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist who gained superpowers after being exposed to experimental radiation during a submarine crash. Michaels is stranded on a remote island, which he eventually destroys after remembering that he murdered his wife after seeing her flirt with someone at a dance club.[6][7]
In Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #45, Michaels appears as the warden of Stryker's Island Penitentiary.[8]
Joseph Martin
Student Joseph Martin is at S.T.A.R. Labs for a routine check-up when it was struck by an intense blast of energy from the Dominators' gene-bomb that gave him superhuman strength and the ability to generate radiation. Martin is later attacked by thugs and sustains brain damage that causes him to assume the persona of the Atomic Skull, the protagonist of a film serial that he loved. Martin battles Superman and Lois Lane, who he respectively believes to be the villain Doctor Electron and the Atomic Skull's love interest, Zelda Wentworth.[9]
During the Underworld Unleashed event, Martin is given enhanced powers by the demon Neron in exchange for his soul.[10] Cured of his delusions, he intends to become a genuine superhero, but has since returned to being a villain.
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Powers and abilities
Albert Michaels can deliver powerful energy bolts through the visor of his mask. These blasts have been described as unique brainwaves, heat vision, and radioactive energy throughout the years. Beside from his energy attacks, Michaels is an experienced leader of the SKULL organization and a brilliant scientist.[11]
Joseph Martin has immense strength, stamina, and durability, comparable to that of Superboy (Kon-El), Superman, and Lar Gand. He can also project blasts of purple atomic energy from his hands or mouth.[12]
Other versions
Flashpoint
An alternate universe variant of Joseph Martin / Atomic Skull appears in Flashpoint as an inmate of the Doom prison.[13]
Superman: Red Son
An unidentified alternate universe variant of Red Skull appears in Superman: Red Son #3. This version was created by Lex Luthor in an unsuccessful attempt to kill Superman.[14]
In other media
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Television
- Albert Michaels makes a non-speaking appearance in the Superman episode "Fugitive from Space" as a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist.
- The Joseph Martin incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears in Justice League Unlimited, voiced by Lex Lang.[15] This version is a member of Gorilla Grodd's Secret Society.
- The Albert Michaels incarnation of the Atomic Skull makes a non-speaking appearance in the Young Justice episode "Revelation" as a member of the Injustice League.[15]
- The Albert Michaels incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears in the opening credits of Powerless.
- A hologram of an unidentified Atomic Skull appears in Superman & Lois.
- The Joseph Martin incarnation of Atomic Skull appears in My Adventures with Superman, voiced by Max Mittelman.[16][15] This version is an agent of Task Force X whose abilities are derived from Kryptonian armor.
Film
- The Joseph Martin incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears in Superman vs. The Elite, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker.[15] Following a fight with Superman, he is incarcerated at and forced to power Stryker's Island until he escapes by overloading the generator. Eventually, he is confronted and defeated by Superman and the Elite before the group's leader Manchester Black kills him at the behest of a boy whose father the Atomic Skull killed.
- An unidentified Atomic Skull makes a cameo appearance in Justice League vs. Teen Titans, voiced by an uncredited Rick D. Wasserman.[15]
Video games
The Joseph Martin incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[17]
Miscellaneous
The Albert Michaels incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears in a special one-shot for the Young Justice tie-in comic book published for Free Comic Book Day.[18]
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References
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