The Gorgon's real name is Tomi Shishido. He is a member of the Hand and HYDRA and a powerful mutant, leading the extremist mutant society Dawn of the White Light. As a child, possesses near superhuman levels of intelligence. He says his first words at two weeks of age, can walk at three months, and is able to read and write by his first birthday. He becomes an accomplished painter by age four, among the top artists in all of , and composes an opera at age six. This is also the age when he first attempts suicide.

At age 13, he creates a mathematical formula that proves, without question, the existence of God and manifests the mutant ability to turn people to stone just by looking at them. The media dubs him "The Gorgon", after the mythological character. Shortly after, he becomes the leader a mutant death-cult called the Dawn of the White Light, which commit terrorist attacks throughout . By age 18, he seeks out the Hand. Before leaving his home he kills his entire family and his only friend to prove that he is ruthless enough to join the terrorist organization.

After finding the Hand sanctuary and slaying all of its guards blindfolded, the Gorgon goes inside and pledges his allegiance to the Hand's Jonin. When the master questions his dedication, the Gorgon impales himself with his own sword, fatally injuring himself, and tells the master to resurrect him. The Jonin are impressed and bring him into the fold.

Later the Gorgon becomes connected to HYDRA and forms a relationship with Elsbeth Von Strucker, the wife of HYDRA leader Baron Strucker. He is responsible for the capture and brain washing of Wolverine. Although Wolverine is eventually freed from their control, Wolverine manages to infiltrate the and steal technological blue prints from Reed Richards that are very useful to HYDRA. Wolverine, under the brain washing, commits a number of terrorist attacks resulting in the deaths of numerous costumed heroes and hundreds of S.H.I.E.L.D agents.

Eventually, the Gorgon attempts to assassinate Nick Fury after S.H.I.E.L.D. launches an attack which destroys his safe-house and kills Elsbeth Von Strucker in the process. He is intercepted by Wolverine before he can complete the objective. The two engage in a brutal battle, inflicting devastating injuries upon one another. The Gorgon manages to gain the upper hand and attempts to use his mutant ability to transform Wolverine into stone, Wolverine extracts his claws at the last moment, allowing the Gorgon to see his own reflection in the claws. As a result, the Gorgon's power is reflected back upon him. Once the Gorgon has been turned into stone, Wolverine shatters his body.

Shishido’s power is the ability to turn human beings into stone by looking at them. He also has enhanced agility, strength, intellect, and a healing factor, as well as minor telepathic abilitys.