Follow

    Albert Michaels

    Character » Albert Michaels appears in 64 issues.

    The original Atomic Skull, a scientist whose dedication to becoming immortal lead to the development of radioactive energy blasts and a turn towards supervillainy.

    Short summary describing this character.

    Albert Michaels last edited by Darkside_of_the_Sun on 03/12/19 04:01AM View full history

    This article is about the original Atomic Skull. For the character currently using that name, see Atomic Skull.

    Origin

    Albert Michaels worked as an administrator and scientist at STAR Labs. He became obsessed with becoming immortal, and turned to the villainous organization known as SKULL to make his dream a reality. To this end he was implanted with a radium-based device that regulated his brain functions and also enabled him to project blasts of radioactive energy generated from his thought impulses.

    Creation

    Michaels was created by Gerry Conway and Curt Swan.

    Character Evolution

    Bronze Age

    In his original back-story, Michaels suffered from a rare neurological disorder that caused intractable seizures and for which there was no known cure. In desperation he turned to SKULL, which implanted a radium-based device in his skull to control the seizures. In return, Michaels was to act as an agent of SKULL. The device provided him with thought-based energy blasts, but these proved difficult to control, and the device proved useless to control his seizures. He sought to have this problem fixed, but the only scientist who would have been able to help was captured and imprisoned by Superman. Swearing revenge on the hero for this, Michaels became a costumed criminal and took up the name Atomic Skull

    Modern Age

    Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Michael's origin was altered to the current explanation. Another Atomic Skull was introduced in the Modern Age, though the two have no known connection to one another. An in-universe fictional character known as Atomic Skull was also introduced, and bears some superficial resemblance to Michaels.

    Major Story Arcs

    SKULL

    As part of his vendetta against Superman, Michaels takes control of SKULL and uses the organization to plague Superman. He and Superman clash several times, but each time Michaels is defeated, and his condition worsens every time he uses his powers.

    Atomic Skull

    Michaels begins raiding nuclear plants to power his implant, which brings him into conflict with Captain Atom, who defeats him. He also fights Thunder and Lightning and later the Birds of Prey, and is similarly defeated. He joins Lex Luthor's Society during Villains United.

    Powers and Abilities

    Michaels possesses a brain implant which allows him to concentrate thought waves into radioactive "brain blasts". He is of above average intelligence, and possesses skill as a scientist. He has access to various gadgets through his association with SKULL.

    Other Media

    Animation

    Superman

    Michaels appears in his civilian form in the episode "Fugitive from Space". He is depicted as an average employee of STAR.

    Young Justice

    Michaels appears in the episode "Revelation", where he is depicted as a member of the Injustice League.

    sizepositionchange
    sizepositionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    positionchange
    bordersheaderpositiontable
    positionchange

    This edit will also create new pages on Comic Vine for:

    Beware, you are proposing to add brand new pages to the wiki along with your edits. Make sure this is what you intended. This will likely increase the time it takes for your changes to go live.

    Comment and Save

    Until you earn 1000 points all your submissions need to be vetted by other Comic Vine users. This process takes no more than a few hours and we'll send you an email once approved.