Doctor Faustus (comics)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Doctor Faustus | |
 Doctor Faustus Art by Mike Perkins |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Captain America (v1) #107 (Nov 1968) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Jack Kirby |
| In story information | |
| Alter ego | Johann Fennhoff |
| Team affiliations | Corporation National Force S.H.I.E.L.D. |
| Partnerships | Red Skull |
| Notable aliases | Doctor Faustus, Master of Men's Minds, Edward Marlowe |
| Abilities | Expert in psychological warfare |
Doctor Faustus (Johann Fennhoff) is a Marvel Comics supervillain.
An Austrian by birth, he is most commonly associated with Captain America, first appearing in issue #107 of his first series.
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[edit] Fictional character biography
Johann Fennhoff was born in Vienna, Austria. He became a psychiatrist and criminal mastermind. He has proclaimed himself the "Master of Mens' Minds," and is known for the use of psychological methods of combat. His plots typically involve manipulating his foes into positions where they will, essentially, kill themselves.
In his first appearance, Faustus induced nightmares and hallucinations in Steve Rogers in an attempt to drive him insane. However, he was easily bested in a physical confrontation.[1] It was later revealed that he had been treating the amnesiac Peggy Carter, and captured Sharon Carter and her parents in an attempt to destroy Captain America.[2] Faustus then acquired stolen weapons from Stark International with which he planned to threaten New York City, and organized a private flight of American criminals; however this plan was thwarted by Captain America.[3]
Faustus was the mastermind behind the neo-Nazi group National Force, directing them behind the scenes. He was responsible for the creation of the villain known as the Grand Director to lead the National Force, as well as brainwashing S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter and programming her to commit suicide (though Carter survived). Faustus also temporarily brainwashed Captain America and battled Cap and Daredevil. His legs were injured by falling gas canisters during this confrontation.[4]
Faustus later mentally conditioned Everyman to be his operative, later known as Zeitgeist. He used his absorbascan to draw in psychic power from other people in an attempt to mentally defeat Mister Fantastic and prove his worth to the Secret Empire. Everyman subsequently battled Spider-Man and Mister Fantastic, using a ray to temporarily deprive Reed Richards of his intellect, but the two heroes were nevertheless able to prevail and restore Richards to normal. When Richards subsequently sought Everyman's backer, Faustus attempted to drive him to die of despair by making it appear that he had killed the rest of the Fantastic Four using elaborate androids, but Richards realized their true natures and defeated Faustus's plan, apparently causing the psychiatrist to have a breakdown.[5]
Faustus then allied with the Red Skull, and occupied the Skull's mansion. Faustus attempted to coerce Captain America into committing suicide through the use of ghostly holograms.[6]
Faustus is also known for his involvement with the villain and future Thunderbolt Moonstone.
He was presumed dead for a number of years, but reappeared again, now living undercover as a S.H.I.E.L.D. psychiatrist, and in the employ of the Red Skull.[7] Faustus is tasked with manipulating Sharon Carter, and claims responsibility for Carter's increasing romantic attachment to Captain America. Faustus is responsible for manipulating Sharon Carter into assassinating Captain America.[8]
[edit] Powers and abilities
Faustus has no superhuman powers but has a genius intellect, and is extremely charismatic and can modulate his voice in a highly persuasive manner. He has a Ph. D in psychiatry.
Faustus regularly employs hologram projectors, hallucinogenic gas dispensers, androids, and elaborate props. He also hires henchmen to impersonate various people as a part of his scheme to drive victims insane.
Faustus has suffered extensive leg injuries, forcing him to use a cane or wheelchair for mobility. He can stand or walk without assistance for only a brief time.
[edit] Other media
[edit] Television
- Faustus appeared on the Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends episode Pawns of the Kingpin, employed by Wilson Fisk.
[edit] Creative origins
- Faustus's name comes from the famous character of Christopher Marlowe's renaissance play The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus about a man who sold his soul to Lucifer in exchange for 24 years of service from a devil called Mephistopheles in order to gain all knowledge.[citation needed]
[edit] References
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