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Atomic Skull
Atomic Skull
from Wikipedia
Atomic Skull
The Albert Michaels incarnation of Atomic Skull as depicted in Who's Who in the DC Universe #1 (March 1985).
Art by Curt Swan.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearance(Albert Michaels)
Superman #303 (September 1976)
(Michaels as the Atomic Skull)
Superman #323 (May 1978)
(Joseph Martin)
The Adventures of Superman #483 (October 1991)
(Martin as the Atomic Skull)
Action Comics #670 (October 1991)
Created by(Albert Michaels)
Gerry Conway
Curt Swan
(Joseph Martin)
Roger Stern
Bob McLeod
In-story information
Alter egoAlbert Michaels
Joseph Martin
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliations(Albert Michaels)
SKULL
S.T.A.R. Labs
Secret Society of Super Villains
Injustice League
(Joseph Martin)
Secret Society of Super Villains
Notable aliases(Joseph Martin)
Skull
Abilities(Both):

(Albert Michaels):

  • Resurrection
  • Genius-level intellect

(Joseph Martin):

  • Power augmentation

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.

The first Atomic Skull is S.T.A.R. Labs scientist administrator Albert Michaels who used a radium-powered device designed to harness his neural disorder.

The second Atomic Skull is a student named Joseph Martin who gained his powers when the Dominators detonated a gene bomb.

Publication history

[edit]

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

[edit]

Albert Michaels

[edit]

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, giving him 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 blamed on Superman after the Man of Steel captured the scientists who could have cured him. Swearing revenge, Michaels dons a distinctive yellow and green costume, dubs himself the Atomic Skull, and eventually becomes the leader of SKULL. He utilizes a sleek skull-shaped hovercraft and is assisted by his lover Felicia, an artificially evolved panther.

Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Michaels made one appearance, battling Thunder and Lightning in Teen Titans Spotlight. It is assumed that his background has not changed, although instead of being diagnosed with a nervous disorder, it was said that his powers came because he sought immortality and mutated himself.[4]

Michaels returned in 2007 in Birds of Prey.[5] He also appeared in the miniseries Villains United during the "Infinite Crisis" storyline, where he joined Alexander Luthor Jr.'s Secret Society of Super Villains.[6]

In 2011, The New 52 rebooted the DC universe. Albert Michaels is re-introduced in Action Comics Annual #1, written by Max Landis.[7] When a S.T.A.R. Labs submarine crashes underwater, one of its scientists is exposed to experimental radiation. He is washed to shore, with memories of the life he had, and the woman he loved and lost. Alone on a desert island, he fights to survive, eating the local, tropical vegetation. When a leopard finds and attacks him, he unexpectedly emits a blast of radiation that vaporizes its body. Eventually, he learns to use this power to his benefit, killing animals for food, and blasting away holes in the rock faces for shelter. The radiation soon takes its toll on him, as he remembers how he had caught his wife flirting with someone at a dance club and murdered her in a jealous rage. In anger, he destroys most of the island. His face melts away, revealing his radioactive skull.[8][9]

After a fight with Superman, Michaels was given a job at the Metropolis Police Department. He assists Superman in apprehending Shockwave.[10]

In 2016, DC Comics implemented a relaunch of its books called "DC Rebirth", which restored its continuity to a form much as it was prior to The New 52. Atomic Skull is seen imprisoned in Kamen Maximum Security Prison.[11]

The Atomic Skull is shown trying to make amends by being the warden at Stryker's Island. He battles Hector Hammond when Hal Jordan attempts to free him from prison. Hammond renders Atomic Skull temporarily brain dead using his psychic powers, but Jordan convinces him to let Atomic Skull live.[12]

Joseph Martin

[edit]

Student Joseph Martin is at S.T.A.R. Labs for a routine check-up when the site is struck by an intense blast of energy from the Dominators' gene-bomb, giving him superhuman strength and causing his flesh to become invisible. Later attacked by some thugs, the resulting brain damage causes Martin to become insane and assume the guise of "the Atomic Skull", a hero from an old movie serial that he loved. He also emits dangerous amounts of radiation, later gaining the ability to project it as energy blasts. He has plagued Superman, whom he believed to be the serial's villain Doctor Electron (particularly when Superman acquired electricity-based powers), and Lois Lane, whom he saw as the Skull's love interest, Zelda Wentworth.[13]

During the "Underworld Unleashed" storyline, Atomic Skull is given enhanced powers by the demon Neron in exchange for his soul. Cured of his delusions, he at first intends to follow the character's example for real as a superhero, but has since appeared as a more conventional supervillain.[14]

Atomic Skull is killed in battle by the Maximums,[15] an alternate reality superhero team, but is later seen alive in the pages of Action Comics. It is implied that Mister Mxyzptlk reversed his death, along with other events involving the Maximums.[16]

Martin later crashes a movie premiere in Hollywood, having become obsessed with an actress who was in the film. He was defeated by Manhunter.[17]

Martin is among the villains who participate in an ambush on the JSA led by Tapeworm.[18]

While Superman is off-world, Martin attempts to cause trouble in downtown Metropolis, but is defeated by Mon-El.[19]

Powers and abilities

[edit]

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.[20]

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.[21]

Other versions

[edit]

Flashpoint

[edit]

An alternate universe variant of Joseph Martin / Atomic Skull appears in Flashpoint as an inmate of the Doom prison.[22]

Superman: Red Son

[edit]

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.[23]

In other media

[edit]

Television

[edit]

Film

[edit]

Video games

[edit]

The Joseph Martin incarnation of the Atomic Skull appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.[26]

Miscellaneous

[edit]

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.[27]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Atomic Skull is the alias of two distinct supervillains in DC Comics, both primarily adversaries of , characterized by their radiation-based powers and tragic origins stemming from scientific mishaps or experiments. The first Atomic Skull, Dr. Albert Michaels, was a scientist and administrator at S.T.A.R. Labs whose obsession with achieving led him to join the subversive organization . He underwent a procedure implanting a radium-based device in his brain to control chronic seizures, which instead granted him the ability to project powerful radioactive energy blasts from his skull while enhancing his intellect and providing access to advanced gadgets. Seeking revenge against for the imprisonment of a colleague who might have perfected the implant, Michaels adopted the Atomic Skull persona and clashed repeatedly with the Man of Steel, later leading in battles against heroes like , Thunder, , and the . He also joined Lex Luthor's of Super-Villains during the storyline, solidifying his role as a recurring threat in the . The second Atomic Skull, Joseph Martin, originated as an ordinary college student in who was inadvertently affected by the Dominators' Gene Bomb during the ! event, triggering latent abilities. A subsequent brutal attack by a thug caused brain damage, exacerbating his condition and inducing delusions that he was the titular from an old film serial, leading to his transformation into a radioactive powerhouse with , invulnerability, flight via energy propulsion, and the ability to emit controlled radiation blasts through his now-transparent, bone-exposing skin. Created by writer Roger Stern and artist Bob McLeod, Martin first battled in a misguided quest for before selling his soul to the demon Neron during , temporarily curing his insanity and inspiring a brief heroic turn. He met his apparent end at the hands of the Maximums but was later restored following reality-altering events by Mr. Mxyzptlk, continuing to feature in stories such as confrontations with the Justice Society, , and Mon-El amid chaos in during Superman's absence on New Krypton. Both iterations of the Atomic Skull embody themes of scientific hubris and mutation's consequences, appearing in various Superman-centric comics, animated series like Justice League Unlimited and Young Justice, and the 2024 series My Adventures with Superman, as well as crossover events that highlight their destructive potential against the Justice League and other heroes.

Publication History

Albert Michaels

The Albert Michaels version of the Atomic Skull was introduced in the Silver Age of DC Comics. Michaels first appeared as a S.T.A.R. Labs scientist in Superman #303 (September 1976), written by with art by . He transformed into the Atomic Skull in Superman #323 (May 1978), created by writer Martin Pasko and artist . Early stories depicted his conflicts with , including battles involving the organization , and he became a recurring foe in Superman titles throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Joseph Martin

The Joseph Martin version of the Atomic Skull debuted in the post-Crisis era. Martin first appeared as a college student in Metropolis in Adventures of Superman #483 (October 1991), written by Roger Stern with art by Bob McLeod. He adopted the Atomic Skull identity in Action Comics #670 (October 1991), continuing the storyline from the previous issue. Initial arcs explored his mutation from the Invasion! event's Gene Bomb and his delusional vigilantism, leading to clashes with Superman and later crossovers in events like Underworld Unleashed (1995).

Fictional Character Biographies

Albert Michaels

Albert Michaels, as the Atomic Skull, derives his primary powers from a radium-based implant embedded in his skull, designed by the criminal organization SKULL to regulate a severe neurological disorder but instead channeling his brain's electrical impulses into powerful radioactive energy blasts. These blasts, generated through concentrated thought waves, manifest as radiation- and heat-based projections capable of inflicting severe damage, such as melting durable metals like steel. The implant allows him to project radiation from his skull, though tied to his disorder which causes seizures. Secondary to his offensive capabilities, benefits from an enhanced durability provided by a radiating aura that envelops his body, offering resistance to energy-based attacks and physical trauma sustained during confrontations. His pre-existing genius-level intellect in further amplifies these abilities, allowing him to weaponize his powers strategically by understanding radiation dynamics and integrating them with technological aids from his affiliations. However, these enhancements come with significant limitations rooted in the implant's flawed . The neural disorder triggers painful seizures during discharge, making prolonged use of blasts increasingly difficult to control and exacerbating his condition over time. Additionally, his radiation-based renders him vulnerable to , which can block or absorb his projections and aura, neutralizing his advantages in shielded environments. In tactical applications, favors precise, intellect-driven strikes utilizing energy projection from a distance, avoiding direct physical combat to conserve his limited control over the blasts—contrasting with Martin's more brute-force reliance on raw strength. This approach has seen him target nuclear facilities to recharge , employing calculated raids that leverage his scientific for maximum disruption.

Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin, known as the Atomic Skull, acquired his powers through a genetic triggered by exposure to an alien , resulting in a unique that grants him , near-invulnerability, flight, and the ability to project explosive bursts from his eyes, hands, and mouth. This physically alters his appearance, rendering his skin transparent to reveal a glowing skeletal structure, and endows him with the capacity to lift over 10 tons, as demonstrated when he hoisted a massive during a confrontation. His durability allows him to endure powerful blows from , shrugging off impacts that would devastate conventional structures without sustaining serious harm. Following a deal with the demon Neron during the event, Martin's abilities were significantly amplified, enhancing the concussive force and range of his energy blasts to levels capable of leveling city blocks and injuring Kryptonian-level opponents. These upgraded bursts manifest as intense radioactive discharges that can vaporize targets or create massive explosions, such as the detonation of a power facility that threatened civilian safety. His flight capabilities were further bolstered by this enhancement. Martin's mental instability, stemming from the mutation's psychological effects, often leads to uncontrolled outbursts driven by delusions of embodying a cinematic hero, making him vulnerable to manipulation or interference. In battle, he employs an unpredictable, rage-fueled style characterized by aggressive charges and improvised uses of his environment, contrasting sharply with Albert Michaels' more precise, implant-channeled projection. This approach relies on overwhelming foes with raw physical power and sporadic blast barrages, prioritizing chaotic heroism over strategic tactics.

Post-Crisis and Modern Developments

Following the 2011 reboot of the , Albert Michaels was reimagined as the Atomic Skull, debuting in the backup story "Anchiale" from Annual #1 (December 2012), written by with art by Ryan Sook. In this silent, eight-page tale, Michaels, a S.T.A.R. Labs , undergoes a horrific transformation after exposure to during an ill-fated experiment on a remote, deserted island, granting him radioactive powers while disfiguring his face into a glowing skull. This origin streamlined his pre-Crisis backstory, emphasizing isolation and scientific as catalysts for his villainy, and positioned him as a contingency threat against held in government stasis. In subsequent New 52 appearances, such as Action Comics (vol. 2) #31 (2014), the Atomic Skull participates in the Superman: Doomed storyline as part of the Men of S.T.E.E.L., clashing with Superman and showcasing his radiation blasts and brute strength before being defeated. With the 2016 DC Rebirth initiative restoring elements of pre-Flashpoint continuity after the Convergence event, the Atomic Skull—now primarily Albert Michaels—is depicted as imprisoned following interdimensional upheavals. He later assumes the role of warden at Stryker's Island Penitentiary, an effort to rehabilitate him that highlights his internal struggle between reform and lingering villainy. In Superwoman #3 (December 2016), a power outage at the facility allows him to expose systemic abuses against inmates, aiding Superwoman (Lana Lang) in a breakout while demonstrating controlled use of his powers for a greater good. His redemption arc continues in Superman Special #1 (2018), where he is offered and accepts a position within the Metropolis Police Department to channel his abilities against crime, assisting Superman in apprehending Shockwave, though he ultimately reverts to antagonistic behavior. Minor roles followed, including a brief confrontation in the 2021 crossover Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #3, where he joins other Metropolis threats amid the kaiju invasion. Modern continuity from 2023 onward shows sparse utilization of the Atomic Skull in core Superman titles, with no major arcs in ongoing series like or , though he is referenced in Action Comics #1083 (February 2025) as a relapsed ex-convict following his earlier reform attempts. Occasional nods to Joseph Martin's original Post-Crisis persona appear in blended references, such as legacy mentions in villain dossiers, without a full revival. This evolution underscores the character's adaptability across reboots, merging radiation-themed origins while prioritizing Michaels as the primary incarnation in shared events.

Powers and Abilities

Albert Michaels

Albert Michaels, as the Atomic Skull, derives his primary powers from a radium-based implant embedded in his , designed by the criminal organization to regulate a severe but instead channeling his brain's electrical impulses into powerful radioactive energy blasts. These blasts, generated through concentrated thought waves, manifest as - and heat-based projections capable of inflicting severe damage, such as melting durable metals like . The scientific basis lies in the implant's use of to interface with neural activity, converting bioelectric signals into atomic-level energy output, though this process remains unstable due to the underlying disorder. His pre-existing genius-level intellect in further amplifies these abilities, allowing him to weaponize his powers strategically by understanding radiation dynamics and integrating them with technological aids from his affiliations. However, these enhancements come with significant limitations rooted in the implant's flawed design. The neural disorder triggers painful seizures during energy discharge, making prolonged use of blasts increasingly difficult to control and exacerbating his condition over time. In tactical applications, favors precise, intellect-driven strikes utilizing energy projection from a distance, avoiding direct physical combat to conserve his limited control over the blasts—contrasting with Martin's more brute-force reliance on raw strength. This approach has seen him target nuclear facilities to recharge , employing calculated raids that leverage his scientific for maximum disruption.

Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin, known as the Atomic Skull, acquired his powers through a genetic triggered by exposure to an alien bomb, resulting in a unique that grants him , near-invulnerability, and the ability to project explosive bursts primarily from his hands. This physically alters his appearance, rendering his skin transparent to reveal a glowing skeletal structure, and endows him with the capacity to lift over 10 tons, as demonstrated when he hoisted a massive during a confrontation. His durability allows him to endure powerful blows from , shrugging off impacts that would devastate conventional structures without sustaining serious harm. Following a deal with the demon Neron during the event, Martin's abilities were significantly amplified, enhancing the concussive force and range of his energy blasts to levels capable of leveling city blocks and injuring Kryptonian-level opponents. These upgraded bursts manifest as intense radioactive discharges that can vaporize targets or create massive explosions, such as the detonation of a power facility that threatened civilian safety. The propulsion from his blasts also grants him flight capability. Martin's mental instability, stemming from the mutation's psychological effects, often leads to uncontrolled outbursts driven by delusions of embodying a cinematic hero, making him vulnerable to manipulation or interference. In battle, he employs an unpredictable, rage-fueled combat style characterized by aggressive charges and improvised uses of his environment, contrasting sharply with Albert Michaels' more precise, implant-channeled projection. This approach relies on overwhelming foes with raw physical power and sporadic blast barrages, prioritizing chaotic heroism over strategic tactics.

Alternate Versions

Flashpoint

In the alternate timeline of Flashpoint, the Atomic Skull is identified as Joseph Martin, a inmate confined to the Hall of Doom prison, where he serves as the leader of the metahuman gang. Unlike his main continuity counterpart, whose origin involves exposure to a gene-bomb that induces delusions of embodying a cinematic , this version's origin is shaped by the divergent history of the Flashpoint universe. Atomic Skull features in the 2011 miniseries Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #1–3 as the who secretly collaborates with guards to maintain order. During Heatwave's orchestrated breakout, his is exposed, leading to an attack by rioting inmates; he is killed early in the escape attempt and does not join the forming or participate in the subsequent war between and Themyscira. His death occurs amid the chaos, prior to the timeline's cataclysmic reset that leads to continuity.

Superman: Red Son

In the alternate reality depicted in Superman: Red Son, an unnamed variant of the Atomic Skull is created by as a radioactive monster specifically engineered to assassinate , who rules the as its leader. This entity represents one of Luthor's desperate attempts to counter Superman's dominance, transforming human subjects into superhuman weapons through advanced scientific experimentation. The Atomic Skull makes its appearance in Superman: Red Son #3 (October 2003), as part of the final assault on Superman's Soviet base, activating its glowing skull visage and unleashing powerful atomic blasts. Devoid of any personal identity or backstory, it functions solely as an impersonal tool of destruction, with its radiation emissions amplified to exploit vulnerabilities in physiology, akin to the energy projection capabilities of the primary Atomic Skull iterations. The attack ultimately fails, as Superman counters the onslaught and disintegrates the creature using his heat vision.

Other Continuities

In other alternate continuities outside of major such as Flashpoint and Superman: Red Son, depictions of the Atomic Skull remain sparse and underdeveloped. The character does not appear in Grant Morrison's (2014–2015), a series that delved into diverse worlds across the DC to explore its structure and threats. Likewise, during the era (2021 onward), which expanded multiversal storytelling through events like (2022) and Absolute Power (2024), Atomic Skull has not received notable alternate versions or variants, distinguishing him from more frequently reimagined adversaries. This lack of integration highlights gaps in his portrayal amid DC's broader multiversal narratives, with no verified roles in unexplored areas like the Dark Multiverse as of November 2025.

In Other Media

Television

The Joseph Martin incarnation of Atomic Skull first appeared in animated television on (2004–2006), where he was depicted as a minor member of Gorilla Grodd's Secret Society and later the , voiced by . He participated in group villain schemes across episodes such as "I Am Legion," "Dead Reckoning," "Alive!," and "Destroyer," showcasing his radiation-based powers in ensemble battles against the . This version retained core elements of Martin's comic portrayal, including his delusional belief that he embodied a character from an old series, though his role remained peripheral without a dedicated storyline. Atomic Skull was absent from Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000), despite the show's focus on Superman's , limiting early animated exposure to the broader ensemble shows. In live-action television, the character has not manifested as a physical ; however, a holographic projection of Atomic Skull appeared in (2021–2024) during season 3, episode 1 ("Closer"), used by to train his son in combat simulations. Atomic Skull received a prominent revival in the animated series season 2 (2024), portrayed as Joseph Martin and voiced by . In this adaptation, Martin is reimagined as a sympathetic victim of corporate and government exploitation, transformed through Task Force X's unethical experiments involving technology scavenged by General Sam Lane, granting him explosive radiation manipulation abilities and a glowing, skull-like visage. Unlike his comic counterpart, who acquired powers accidentally from a STAR Labs incident and developed a delusional obsession with a fictional film persona, this version emphasizes Martin's coerced enhancement and loss of autonomy under Amanda Waller's command. As a key enforcer for Task Force X, Atomic Skull allies with threats including (Slade Wilson) and to target , Lois Lane, and Sam Lane, guarding facilities like Stryker's Prison and engaging in high-stakes confrontations. He plays a major antagonistic role in early episodes, notably battling in "Adventures with My Girlfriend" (season 2, episode 2), where his powers overwhelm the hero temporarily before his apparent demise under rubble, though hints suggest potential return with upgrades. Subsequent appearances in "Two Lanes Diverged" and "Pierce the Heavens, Superman!" further highlight his radiation blasts and enhanced durability in team assaults on the protagonists. This iteration marks Atomic Skull's most substantial televised narrative to date, blending action with themes of experimentation and redemption.

Films

The Joseph Martin incarnation of Atomic Skull appears as a secondary in the animated film , voiced by . In the story, he escapes prison and battles in , showcasing his radiation powers and before being defeated and killed by Manchester Black of The Elite, highlighting themes of and excess. An unidentified version of Atomic Skull makes a brief cameo in the 2017 animated film , voiced by . He attacks and fights a Trigon-possessed , demonstrating his energy blasts in a chaotic ensemble battle within the . As of November 2025, Atomic Skull has no major live-action film appearances, including in the films or James Gunn's (2025), which centers on as the principal villain without featuring radiation-based antagonists like Atomic Skull in its .

Video Games

The Joseph Martin version of Atomic Skull appears as a summonable character in Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure (2013), where players can invoke him via the game's object notebook to assist in puzzle-solving. In gameplay, he utilizes blasts to interact with the environment, such as destroying obstacles or defeating enemies, aligning with his radiation-based powers. Atomic Skull has no confirmed playable or significant NPC roles in the Injustice series (2013–2017) or other major DC titles like the Batman: Arkham series. Similarly, he does not feature in recent releases such as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024).

Miscellaneous

The Albert Michaels incarnation of Atomic Skull served as a minor antagonist in the 2011 Free Comic Book Day one-shot Young Justice/Batman: The Brave and the Bold Super Sampler #1, specifically in the "Face Your Fears" story, where the Young Justice team thwarts his attempt, alongside Psycho-Pirate, to steal a canister of plutonium from a secure facility in Colorado. In the narrative, Atomic Skull overpowers individual team members with his energy blasts but ultimately escapes after Miss Martian uses telekinesis to disrupt the theft, highlighting his role as a radiation-powered threat in a team-up adventure. Atomic Skull appeared in the 2025 Fleer Brilliants Superman trading card set as base card #55, part of a 100-card lineup focused on Superman's rogues gallery, with the card providing a recap of his origin as a former STAR Labs scientist transformed by experimental radiation exposure and illustrating his atomic energy projection in confrontations with Superman. The set includes parallel variants such as Blue X-Ray (/999), Purple, and Red Heat Vision editions, emphasizing his superhuman strength and energy manipulation abilities through artwork and text descriptions. Merchandise for the character remains limited beyond these trading cards, with no widespread action figures or collectibles produced in recent years.

References

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