Basilisk (comics)
| Basilisk | |
|---|---|
| File:MTU047011basilisk.png Basilisk Art by Ron Wilson | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Marvel Team-Up #16 |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Basil Elks |
| Abilities | Superhuman strength, durability and stamina, Flight, Energy projection, Temperature and molecular manipulation |
Basilisk (Basil Elks) is a fictional character, a supervillain in the
who first appeared in Marvel Team-Up #16.
Fictional character biography
Basil Elks is a petty thief who breaks into a museum to steal what he believes is an ordinary emerald - although he would later discover it to be Kree artifact called the Alpha Stone. Elks, however, miscalculates the security guard's rounds and is caught and fired upon when he reaches for a weapon. The guard's bullet accidentally hits and shatters the gem, causing an explosion that transforms Elks into a humanoid reptilian; his skin become green and scaly and his eyes large and red. Elks then flash-freezes the guard, and realizing that he now has superhuman abilities decides to become a supervillain and calls himself the Basilisk. He becomes determined to find the Alpha Stone's twin, the Omega Stone, to increase his powers. This brings the Basilisk into conflict with Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, Mr. Fantastic and finally the Mole Man in his underground lair.[1]
The Basilisk is presumed dead after being engulfed by a wave of lava, but survives and later resurfaces to attack New York City. Although now powered by both Stones, the Basilisk is defeated by Spider-Man and the Thing, and again thought to be dead.[2]
The Basilisk eventually reappears and decides to retaliate against the Thing by attacking the construction site of Four Freedoms Plaza, the headquarters of the Fantastic Four. As soon as the Basilisk appears, however, he is shot and killed by the vigilante called the Scourge of the Underworld, disguised as a construction worker.[3]
Powers and abilities
Courtesy of the Alpha Stone, the Basilisk possesses superhuman physical strength, reflexes, durability and stamina. The Basilisk's main offensive weapon are his eyes, as he can project beams of both concussive force (these could also be directed at the ground for limited flight) and energy beams that manipulated temperature (boiling or freezing extremes) or manipulated molecules. These powers are all enhanced once the Basilisk acquired the Omega Stone.
References
- ^ Len Wein (w), Gil Kane (p), Jim Mooney, Sal Trapani, Frank Giacoia, Mike Esposito (i). Marvel Team-Up, vol. 1, no. 16-17 (December 1973-January 1974). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Bill Mantlo (w), Sal Buscema (p), Michael Esposito (i). "This City -- Afire!" Marvel Two-in-One, no. 17 (July 1976). Marvel Comics.
- ^ John Byrne (w), John Byrne (p), Alan Gordon (i). "Rip Wide The Sky!" Fantastic Four, vol. 1, no. 289 (April 1986). Marvel Comics.