Dr Phosphorus

 

Since Mary Shelley invented the genre in 1818, Science Fiction has been inspiring awe and love of science, but also has stoked fear and mistrust. With their origins in the Pulp Fiction of the 1930s, comics have continued this tradition of using science and technology to develop characters and plotlines. From laboratory accidents, and radiation contamination to String Theory multiverses, DC comics have mined science deep for material. Some of DC's best known characters are scientists, engineering scientific marvels whether for good, or evil. I have already included a few Batman villains on this blog that fit this description, including Mr Freeze, Blockbuster, and Kirk Langstrom.

The character for this post definitely inspires fear in science going horribly wrong. Dr. Alexander James Sartorious was created in 1977 for Detective Comics #469 by Steve Englehart and Walt Simonson. A nuclear physicist, his body chemistry is changed during a nuclear meltdown. This turns him into a human radiation leak, complete with glowing see-thru body, showing his skeleton underneath. His first appearance ends with Batman foiling his plans of setting Gotham on fire by dumping phosphorus in the water supply as an act of revenge.

When Dr Phosphorus does appear in the comics, he is usually either allied with Rupert Thorne, or Hugo Strange. Most appearances involve mass terrorist events, the Suicide Squad, or incarceration in Arkham Asylum. Although a Batman adversary, mostly, he does also battle Starman, the Teen Titans, and the Justice League. 

Dr. Phosphorus embodies the consequences of unfettered, unregulated, unsafe scientific experimentation. He is the aftermath of nuclear meltdowns, the terror of chemical spills, and radioactive runoff, fallout. Dr Phosphorus is body horror, projecting fears of mutation and deformity. He shares themes and origins with Clayface, Nocturna, and Mr. Freeze. Stories where Dr Phosphorus could be used are better suited for the characters already mentioned.