Of all the projects James Gunn could use to commence his official leadership of the DC Universe, Creature Commandos is simultaneously shocking and perfectly understandable. It's a collection of obscure characters from the deepest depths of DC's catalogs, but even the original members of the crew weren't enough for James Gunn. The upcoming Max adaptation will add some new figures, like Doctor Phosphorus.
Batman probably has the most beloved rogues gallery of any superhero. Everyone loves Spider-Man's villains, and Superman has some iconic foes, but those who try to beat the bat have the best claim to fame. The big names like Bane and the Joker are obvious winners, but even the D-listers like Doctor Phosphorus deserve a spotlight.
Who is Doctor Phosphorus?
Dr. Alexander James Sartorius was once a respected nuclear scientist. He was a card-carrying member of Gotham City's most exclusive gentlemen's organization, the Tobacconists' Club. This gathering of wealthy socialites functioned as an excellent cover for organized crime. Dr. Sartorius sought aid from the club's leader, corrupt city councilman Robert Thorne, to order the construction of a nuclear power plant in Gotham. Unfortunately, the residents refused to allow the plant to be built. Dr. Sartorius was forced to move his project far outside the city.
He set up his plant by the sea, but a crack in the reactor core gradually irradiated the surrounding sand. Sand is traditionally composed of silicon and oxygen, but this disaster caused it to gain a proton and shift up the periodic table. Dr. Sartorius was exposed to the red-hot phosphorus sand, which caused his skin to burn constantly and his skeleton to show through his glowing body. He survived but was cursed to spend the rest of his life in agony. Sartorius took the name Doctor Phosphorus and swore revenge against the people of Gotham City.
Doctor Phosphorus is a tremendously dangerous figure. His body is highly radioactive, making his presence potentially fatal to anyone outside an appropriate HazMat suit. He delivers horrible burns to anyone that touches him, and he can emit toxic fumes at will. His radioactive body can produce a seemingly infinite supply of energy, keeping him going through any damage. After his debut, a deal with the demon Neron granted Doctor Phosphorus the ability to control his powers. This allowed him to change his temperature at will. Finally, Doctor Phosphorus could live with less pain and wear clothing without combusting.
When did Doctor Phosphorus First Appear in DC Comics?
Doctor Phosphorus was created by Steve Englehart in 1977 for Detective Comics #469. In his first appearance, he bombarded the audience of a concert with toxic gas. Twenty-four hours before that public act of violence, Doctor Phosphorus poisoned the water supply of Gotham City. Batman was alerted to the outbreak when Alfred suffered the effects of the fast-acting chemical agent. The Caped Crusader quickly determined that the water was to blame and traveled to the local reservoir to solve the case. Doctor Phosphorus happens to be there, but his burning flesh severely injures the bat. After recovering, Batman constructs a new radiation-proof Batsuit, tracks down Dr. Sartorius's power plant, and defeats him by throwing him into the reactor core.
Doctor Phosphorus, like most comic book villains, survived. He has appeared in other stories, including a New 52 reboot that pitted him against Catwoman. He frequently appears as a background character in shots of Arkham Asylum. He's a powerful enemy that hasn't been prevalent outside the comics. The Lego Batman Movie is the only film to portray the character appropriately. Batman Beyond introduced an almost identical character named Blight, best known for killing Terry McGinnis's father.
Who is Playing Doctor Phosphorus in Creature Commandos?
In his most notable on-screen appearance, Doctor Phosphorus will be portrayed by Alan Tudyk. Tudyk is a beloved character actor who has been tremendous in roles of all sizes. He's well-known for performances in classic cult hits such as Firefly and Tucker and Dale Versus Evil. Tudyk has worked in DC properties for a long time. He's lent his voice to Green Arrow in Young Justice since 2010. He portrays the Joker and Clayface in Harley Quinn. He even voiced Superman in Justice League: War. Most notably, Tudyk plays Eric Morden, AKA Mr. Nobody, in Doom Patrol. Tudyk has been all over the DC Animated Universe. Fans will be thrilled to welcome his return.
Doctor Phosphorus is a minor Batman villain, but some time in the spotlight could make him a fan favorite. James Gunn has been celebrated for his ability to make unknown characters feel iconic. Though he's new to the small screen, Doctor Phosphorous has an engaging story, a striking appearance, and a visually compelling set of powers. Creature Commandos is set to do the impossible again, and Doctor Phosphorous could easily be everyone's favorite character by this time next year.