Circus escape artist and contortionist, Ebenezer Laughton, helped Iron Man stop a criminal with his acrobatics and agility. Ebenezer relized that he had criminal potential. He stole a flock of trained birds from another performer and became "Scarecrow".

After defeats from Spider-Man and Iron Man, he took part in the Super-Villian attack on the Richards Wedding. He also joined Count Nefaria's super team and battled the X-Men. With the Cowled Commander and his partners, he helped spread chaos. He was defeated by Captain America. After this defeat he grew hatred towards Captain America. Scarecrow was placed in solitary confinement and he went insane, now wanting to kill. He broke out and was then defeated again by Captain America. He eventually broke out again, but was killed by the second Ghost Rider. His body was taken by the organization called "The Firm". He came back to life, now with super strength and the ability to instill fear within his foes.