Madman (Marvel Comics)

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 Madman
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	Superhuman strength and durability Size manipulation High intelligence Density control Shapeshifting

Publication history

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]

Fictional character biography

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]

Powers and abilities

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]

In other media

• Philip Sterns/Madman appears as a boss in Hulk, voiced by Paul Dobson.^[8]
• Philip Sterns/Madman has a non-voiced appearance in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "Hulk vs. the World" as an inmate of the Cube, a prison for gamma-powered villains.