Atomic Skull (Joseph Martin) is a DC Comics supervillain who first appeared as a foe of Superman, gaining powers from a gene-bomb radiation blast that turned his skull into a glowing green flame. This timeline chronicles his publication history and key story arcs from 1963 onward.
Joseph Martin, a movie stuntman, is transformed by a STAR Labs gene-bomb radiation blast, becoming the Atomic Skull with a glowing green flaming skull and the ability to fire atomic energy blasts. He debuts as a Superman villain. #comics #dc #villain #firstappearance
Atomic Skull battles Superman in Metropolis, using his radiation powers. Superman defeats him, leading to his imprisonment. #superman #metropolis
Atomic Skull escapes and fights Superman again, but is once more captured. His origin is elaborated: he was a stuntman seeking fame. #superman #villain
Atomic Skull teams up with other villains to fight Superman and Batman. #worldsfinest
Atomic Skull appears in a story where his radiation causes a power outage in Metropolis. #superman
After years of absence, Atomic Skull reappears in a Superman Family story, updated for the Bronze Age. #bronzeage #dc
Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Atomic Skull gets a new origin: he is now a former S.T.A.R. Labs employee exposed to radiation. #crisis #reboot
Atomic Skull battles Superman in a story by John Byrne. He is depicted as a more dangerous threat. #superman #byrne
Atomic Skull features in a story where he tries to destroy Metropolis with a nuclear bomb. #supermanannual
Atomic Skull features in a story involving the Superman rogues gallery. He is defeated but escapes. #adventuresofsuperman
During the 'Death of Superman' storyline, Atomic Skull is among the villains who fight Superman, but he is defeated early on. #deathofsuperman #doomsday
In the Underworld Unleashed crossover, Atomic Skull sells his soul to Neron for increased power, gaining a more demonic appearance and enhanced abilities. #underworldunleashed #neron
Atomic Skull appears in a story where he battles Superman and is imprisoned. His powers are now more destructive. #superman
Atomic Skull appears in this story, revealing his past as a stuntman. #secretlife
Atomic Skull makes a cameo in this limited series, as part of Superman's rogues gallery. #supermanforever
Atomic Skull appears in this story, working with other villains. He is defeated by Superman and the Justice League. #justiceleague
Atomic Skull has a minor role during the Identity Crisis storyline, attacking the Justice League. #identitycrisis
Atomic Skull appears in the 'Public Enemies' arc, part of the villains assembled by Lex Luthor. #supermanbatman #publicenemies
Atomic Skull is among the villains captured by the Justice League in a story. #supermanbatman
Atomic Skull is among the villains fighting at the Battle of Metropolis during Infinite Crisis. He is defeated by Superboy Prime. #infinitecrisis #battleofmetropolis
Atomic Skull appears in a story leading to the New Krypton saga, causing chaos in Metropolis. #newkrypton
During Final Crisis, Atomic Skull is seen as a pawn of Darkseid's forces. He is later defeated. #finalcrisis #darkseid
Atomic Skull appears in this series, trying to exploit the power vacuum on Earth. #worldofnewkrypton
Atomic Skull features in a story involving the Atom, where he is killed? Actually, he survives. #theatom
As part of the New 52 reboot, Atomic Skull gets a new origin in Action Comics #1 (vol. 2). He is now a metahuman created by the military. #new52 #actioncomics
Atomic Skull appears in a flashback sequence, fighting Superman. #batmansuperman
Atomic Skull battles Superman in the present day New 52 continuity, showcasing his increased power. #new52 #superman
Atomic Skull appears as a minor threat in this series by Scott Snyder. #supermanunchained
Atomic Skull is part of the 'Superman: Doomed' storyline, affected by Doomsday's influence. #doomed #doomsday
Atomic Skull appears in the Convergence event, fighting against other characters from different timelines. #convergence
After Rebirth, Atomic Skull makes a cameo in the background of a Metropolis scene. #dcrebirth
Atomic Skull is used as a pawn by Manchester Black in a story about blackmail. #manchesterblack
Atomic Skull battles Supergirl, giving him exposure beyond Superman titles. #supergirl
Atomic Skull appears in this milestone issue, part of a story featuring many Superman villains. #actioncomics1000 #supermananniversary
Atomic Skull is involved in the Leviathan event, causing destruction. #leviathan
Atomic Skull appears in the Dark Nights: Death Metal event, as part of the evil Batman's forces. #deathmetal #darknights
In the DCeased universe, Atomic Skull becomes one of the infected zombies. #dceased
Atomic Skull is shown in the new DC multiverse status quo. #infinitefrontier
Atomic Skull is part of a villain army attacking the Justice League. #justiceleague
Atomic Skull features in the story where Superman returns after a temporary death. #kalelreturns
Atomic Skull fights Jon Kent, the new Superman, but is defeated. #sonofkalel #jonkent
Atomic Skull appears in this issue, part of a multi-villain plot. #actioncomics1050
Atomic Skull makes a guest appearance, fighting Green Arrow in Star City. #greenarrow
Atomic Skull is recruited by Amanda Waller in the buildup to the Absolute Power event. #absolutepower #waller
Atomic Skull is seen in the opening of the new Superman series, establishing his presence as a recurring threat. #superman2024