Philip Sterns Madman | |
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![]() Madman as depicted in The Incredible Hulk #409 (September 1993). Art by Gary Frank (penciller), Cam Smith (inker), and Glynis Oliver (colorist). | |
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | (As Phil Sterns) The Incredible Hulk #362 (November 1989) (As Madman) The Incredible Hulk #364 (mid-December 1989) |
Created by | Peter David (writer) Jeff Purves (artist) |
In-story information | |
Full name | Dr. Philip "Phil" Sterns |
Species | Human gamma-mutate |
Partnerships | Leader |
Abilities |
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Madman (Philip Sterns) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Peter David and artist Jeff Purves, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #362 (November 1989). [1] He is the brother of the Leader, and an enemy of the Hulk. [2]
Philip Sterns debuted in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #362 (November 1989), and as the Madman in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #364, created by Peter David and Jeff Purves. [3]
Philip Sterns is a former classmate of Bruce Banner at the California Institute of Technology who became envious of the Hulk and transformed himself into a Hulk-like monster using gamma rays to emulate his enemy. [4] In the process, Sterns develops an evil alternate personality who begins manipulating him.
In subsequent appearances, Madman comes into conflict with the Hulk before being killed by the Leader in a confrontation with the Thunderbolts and sent to Hell to be tortured. [5]
Like the Hulk, the Madman has immense strength and durability. [6] He is unable to grow in strength further, but possesses additional shapeshifting abilities. He is also a gifted genius, with knowledge of nuclear physics and robotics. [7]