Planet Master

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Planet Master is the name of two fictional characters appearing in comics published by DC Comics. The first Planet Master, a scientist called Irving Norbert and his lab assistant, who would later take on the name and costume, first appeared in Detective Comics #296 in October 1961.[1] The characters were created by writer Bill Finger and artist Jim Mooney.

Fictional character biographies[]

Irving Norbert[]

Planet Master
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceDetective Comics #296 (October 1961)
Created byBill Finger (writer)
Jim Mooney (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoProfessor Irving Norbert
AbilitiesUse of planet-based weapons

Professor Irving Norbert is a scientist who was exposed to the gases of a meteor. The result caused him to develop a Jekyll and Hyde-type personality with the bad one turning to a life of crime. Using his knowledge of astronomy, Norbert became a costumed villain named Planet Master and used weapons based on the nine planets. He managed to outwit Batman and Robin in the first battle. Norbert's unscrupulous assistant Edward Burke discovered the double identity of his boss and decided to either join forces with Planet Master or to use his equipment on his own. Ultimately though, the effects of the gas wore off. Norbert's criminal self was erased and Batman brought Burke to justice.[2]

Edward Burke[]

Planet Master
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceOutsiders #21
Created byMike W. Barr
Jim Aparo
In-story information
Alter egoEdward Burke
Team affiliationsStrike Force Kobra
Secret Society of Super Villains
AbilitiesSimulation of the conditions typical to any of the nine planets of the Solar System

When Kobra was creating a strike-force called Strike Force Kobra to usurp Stagg Enterprises in his goal of world domination, one of the villains he created was patterned after the original Planet Master. What makes this version different from the original is that he can simulate the abilities of the other planets. He, alongside the other members of Strike Force Kobra, fought the Outsiders and was defeated.[3]

Although never stated, it is possible that this Planet Master is Edward Burke (who was the former assistant of the first Planet Master). Even years ago, Burke planned to use the original Planet Master's equipment in crime.

Either way, this Planet Master popped up during the "Infinite Crisis" storyline as a member of Alexander Luthor Jr.'s Secret Society of Super Villains where he was seen during the Battle of Metropolis alongside Strike Force Kobra teammates Zebra-Man and a somehow-revived Spectrumonster.[4]

Powers and abilities[]

The first Planet Master uses weapons based on the planets.

The second Planet Master could simulate the conditions typical to any of the nine planets in our solar system. For example, he can use the speed of Mercury, the heat of Mars, the strength of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and the cold of Pluto.

In other media[]

  • A hybridized version of Planet Master appears in the Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated television series, voiced by Stephen Root. While this version resembles the Irving Norbert incarnation, his powers are similar to the Edward Burke incarnation. In the episode "Aquaman's Outrageous Adventure", the eponymous character is on vacation when he sees Planet Master fighting the Blue Beetle on the news. While his family is busy, Aquaman leaves to assist the latter in defeating the former. Planet Master also makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the episode "A Bad Divided".
  • Edward Burke can be heard in the "A Matter of Family" DLC for the video game Batman: Arkham Knight, voiced by JB Blanc. Throughout several audio tapes, this version is depicted as a billionaire whose daughter was dying of cancer. He was approached by Dr. Penelope Young, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, and Joker under the alias of "Jack White" to cure her while Burke built the Seaside Amusement Park as a favor to White, though Burke's daughter died regardless. Devastated, Burke gave ownership of the park to White and was driven to suicide with pills that were later revealed to have been laced with Joker venom.

See also[]

  • List of Batman family enemies

References[]

  1. ^ Greenberger, Robert (2008). The Essential Batman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 294. ISBN 9780345501066.
  2. ^ Detective Comics #296. DC Comics.
  3. ^ Outsiders #21-22. DC Comics.
  4. ^ Infinite Crisis #7. DC Comics.

External links[]

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