Morpheus (Marvel Comics)

Last updated
Morpheus
Moonknightmorpheus.jpg
Morpheus battles Moon Knight
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Moon Knight #12 (Aug. 1981) [1]
Created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz
In-story information
Alter egoRobert Markham
SpeciesHuman mutate
AbilitiesMental projection, psionic energy blast, no need of sleep

Morpheus is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Contents

Publication history

Morpheus first appeared in Moon Knight #12 (Aug. 1981), and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz. The character subsequently appeared in Moon Knight #22-23 (August–September 1982), Moon Knight vol. 2 #3 (Sept. 1985), Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #18 (June 1990), and Moon Knight: Resurrection War #2-4 (Feb.–April 1998).

Morpheus received an entry in the original The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #7.

Fictional character biography

Robert Markham was born in New York City. He had an unprecedented viral infection that caused competitive inhibition of certain segments in his DNA in the process of replication. He consults Dr. Peter Alraune, who prescribes an experimental, untested drug. The drug reacts with Markham's DNA, causing a freakish appearance and the inability to sleep. Markham discovers that he no longer needs sleep, and that he now has a highly destructive psionic ability. He names himself Morpheus, the Greek god of sleep. Crazed, Morpheus seeks to punish Dr. Alraune, which brought him to the attention of Moon Knight, a wealthy vigilante. In the resulting fight, Morpheus is defeated. [2]

Nightmares

Under heavy sedation, Morpheus is taken to the Seaview Research Hospital. He is given an artificially-induced sleep period every day. This, for a time, results in normal dreams. Morpheus' brain undergoes further mutations. He establishes a mental link with Alraune. Through him, Morpheus projects nightmares into the minds of the unwilling. He eventually escapes from Seaview and seeks revenge on Moon Knight and Alraune. The doctor sacrifices himself in a successful effort to cancel out Morpeus' powers. He is returned to Seaview under heavy guard. [3]

Morpheus later awakes from his induced sleep due to a medication mix up. He holds hospital and Marlene hostage until Moon Knight intervenes. [4]

Powers and abilities

Morpheus no longer needs or desires to sleep. The lack of sleep results in the accumulation of a destructive psionic ability which he calls 'Ebon energy'. To prevent himself of becoming "overloaded", he has to release it now and then. Sleep, natural or artificial, will stop the energy from building up. He also has the telepathic ability to cause nightmares.

In other media

Morpheus is featured as an enemy in the Moon Knight virtual pinball game for Pinball FX 2 released by Zen Studios. [5]

Related Research Articles

The Sandman is a mythical character in European folklore who puts people to sleep and encourages and inspires beautiful dreams by sprinkling magical sand onto their eyes. The legend says he has a sister that can also control the water, since she was created and lives in Matina. She is also known as Amaysi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onslaught (Marvel Comics)</span> Character from Marvel Comics

Onslaught is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared as a cameo in X-Men: Prime #1 before making his first full appearance in X-Men vol. 2, #53, where he would eventually serve as the main antagonist of the "Onslaught" storyline from then onward.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sleepwalker (comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics

Sleepwalker is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Bob Budiansky and Bret Blevins, he first appeared in Sleepwalker #1. The character is named after his race and is the star of a self-titled comic book which ran for 33 issues, from June 1991 to February 1994, with one Holiday Special. All but two of the issues were written by Budiansky, with Tom Brevoort and Mike Kanterovich writing the Holiday Special and one fill-in issue. Dan Slott also contributed a humorous side story in issue #25.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uatu</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Uatu, often simply known as the Watcher, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Fantastic Four #13. He is a member of the Watchers, an extraterrestrial species who in the distant past stationed themselves across space to monitor the activities of other species. Uatu is the Watcher assigned to observe Earth and its Solar System.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moon Knight</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Moon Knight is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, the character first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bushman (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Raoul Bushman is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is depicted as the archenemy of Moon Knight. He is interchangeably also known as Roald Bushman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Molecule Man</span> Fictional character

The Molecule Man is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #20 in November 1963 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. An enormously powerful entity, he is often portrayed as a supervillain, but sometimes takes the role of a reformed outlaw or reluctant hero.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doctor Destiny</span> Fictional DC Comics character

Doctor Destiny is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightmare (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional supervillain

Nightmare is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Strange Tales #110 and was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The character is depicted most commonly as a major enemy of Doctor Strange and Ghost Rider. Nightmare is the ruler of a Dream Dimension and he is one of the Fear Lords. He is also part of the group called The Six Fingered Hand. He can drain the psychic energies from the subconscious minds of dreaming beings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Ghost (character)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

The Red Ghost and his Super-Apes are a group of supervillains appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The characters started their career fighting the Fantastic Four, before confronting other Marvel heroes, such as Iron Man and Spider-Man.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maximus (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Maximus is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted both as a member of and antagonist to the Inhumans. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #47.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psionex</span> Group of fictional characters

Psionex are a fictional team of supervillains and occasional anti-heroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D'Spayre</span> Marvel Comics character

D'Spayre is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a demon, and was one of the Fear Lords. He has been opposed by Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider, Man-Thing, Cyclops, Hulk, Juggernaut, Doctor Strange, Cloak & Dagger, and the New Avengers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ikaris</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics

Ikaris is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in The Eternals #1 and was created by Jack Kirby. The character is depicted as a member of a race known as the Eternals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wraith (Brian DeWolff)</span> Marvel Comics character

Wraith is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Pointer (character)</span> Marvel Comics character

Michael Pointer is a fictional character code-named Omega, a mutant appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Black Spectre has two meanings for fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first Black Spectre is the name of a fictional organization which first appeared in Daredevil #108 and was created by writer Steve Gerber and penciller Bob Brown. It was a league of costumed female commandos, entranced by the Mandrill into doing his bidding, and led by Nekra. The second Black Spectre is a fictional supervillain who first appeared in Moon Knight #25 and was created by writer Doug Moench and penciller Bill Sienkiewicz. The character is one of the greatest enemies of the vigilante Moon Knight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quasar (character)</span> Marvel Comics superhero

Quasar is the name of several fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are noted for having worn the Quantum Bands, advanced ancient alien technology that grants the wearer manipulation of quantum energy.

Jean-Paul DuChamp, typically referred to as Frenchie, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is primarily seen as the pilot and sidekick to Moon Knight.

References

  1. Rovin, Jeff (1987). The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains . New York: Facts on File. p. 237. ISBN   0-8160-1356-X.
  2. Moon Knight #12
  3. Moon Knight #22-23
  4. Moon Knight vol. 2 #3 (1985)
  5. "Moon Knight Joins Marvel Pinball: Vengeance and Virtue". www.marvel.com. Retrieved 2016-04-18.[ permanent dead link ]