Atomic Skull II

Atomic Skull II
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• Real name: Joseph Martin
• Alias: Atomic Skull
• Identity: Secret
• Alignment: Bad
• Gender: Male
• Hair: None, Eyes: Black
• Occupation: Criminal, former Student
• First appearance: Action Comics vol 1 #670 (Oct 1991)
• Alternate versions: see Atomic Skull disambiguation

History

Joseph Martin was the second villain to take the name the Atomic Skull. His life that of a normal was a college student, he was a big fan of "The Atomic Skull" movie serial. His life was turned upside down when he was caught in an blast of an alien Gene Bomb designed by the Dominators. The energy from the bomb turned Joseph in fiery radiation leaking monster with Superhuman strength and invisible skin exposing the skull underneath.

Whilst still dazed by the transformation from the bomb Joseph wandered the streets of Metropolis, he ran into a group of thugs who were startled his appearance and attacked him. Joseph couldn't defend himself and was given severe brain damage from the attack. Joseph Martin began to hallucinate and believe he was actually the Atomic Skull.

When he came into contact with Superman, whom Martin saw as Dr. Electron, the Movie Serial's villain began to fight the Man of Steel. Things escalated when the Atomic Skull saw Lois Lane who looked near identical to Zelda Wentworth, the movie serial's love interest. The Atomic Skull was defeated and sent to Stryker's Island Penitentiary. Whilst he was incarcerated his delusions reduced, that is until he heard about a movie being based on his meeting with the Man of Steel. He was angered further when he found out he was the villain in the movie.

Atomic Skull sold his soul to the demon Neron. For the price of his soul he was cured of his delusions and decided to follow his character's role as a hero. When the Maximums were brought into the main universe by Mister Mxyzptlk, Atomic Skull fought and was killed by the Maximums. His death was undone when Mister Mxyzptlk sent the Maximums back home.

Atomic Skull later travelled Hollywood, California at a movie premier as he developed a crush on an actress in the movie. This time he battled Kate Spencer the current Manhunter. Atomic Skull turned up again, creating carnage while the Man of Steel was away on New Krypton, but was stopped by Mon-El.