Vartox

Vartox is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics.

Vartox
Vartox' first appearance in Superman #281, art by Nick Cardy.
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Superman #281 (November 1974)
Created by	Cary Bates (writer) Curt Swan (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Vartox
Species	Valeronian
Place of origin	Valeron
Notable aliases	Vernon O'Valeron
Abilities	"Psychic by nature", possession of Hyper-powers grants him: Hyper strength Hyper speed Supersonic flight Hyper-invulnerability Hyper-senses Hyper hearing Hyper breath Hyper freezing Hyper-vision Heat vision Telescopic vision Electromagnetic spectrum vision Microscopic vision X-ray vision Night vision Body possession Power augmentation Mind control Hyper hypnotism Telepathy Telekinesis Teleportation Techno-empathy Intangibility Energy projection Astral projection Prognostication Self-transmutation into pure hyper-energy Magnetic powers Matter transmutation Energy transmutation Skills: Has a device on his thighboots which emits various gases like paralysis causing gas An accomplished inventor and a scientific genius

Publication history

He first appeared in Superman #281 (November 1974) and was created by Cary Bates and Curt Swan.^[1] When asked if the character was inspired by the 1974 film Zardoz, Bates stated "Absolutely, I remember giving Curt a bunch of Zardoz stills as swipes".^[2]

Fictional character biography

Vartox is a Valeronian, a humanoid alien from the planet Valeron in the Sombrero Galaxy.^[3] After Valeron is destroyed, Vartox adopts a new world which he is sworn to protect. He is older and more experienced than Superman, serving as a rival to him and vying for Lana Lang's affection.

Vartox's wife is later killed after her "psychic twin" on Earth is murdered. He pursues the killer, Frank Sykes, to Valeron, ultimately capturing him and subjecting him to rapid aging.

Vartox from Superman vol. 1, #375, artist Gil Kane.

Vartox later comes into conflict with his former lover Syreena, who he had previously arrested. She later accidentally petrifies herself and Lana before being cured when Lana is.

Vartox from Superman vol. 2, #148, artist Steve Epting.

Post-Crisis

Main article: Crisis on Infinite Earths

In 1999 a post-Crisis version of Vartox was introduced by Dan Jurgens and Steve Epting. He makes his debut in Superman vol. 2 #148, alongside two other aliens named Vestion and Paz. This version has significantly reduced powers, apparently slightly less than the post-Crisis Superman, and a revised costume. After Valeron's champion Ontor dies, Vartox becomes his self-proclaimed successor.

Current status

Vartox returns in Power Girl (vol. 2). After a "contraceptive bomb" renders every female Valeronian sterile, Vartox comes to Earth in search of a new wife, selecting Power Girl as the prime candidate. The two battle an Ix Negaspike, a dragon-like alien, before combining their powers to restore the Valeronians' fertility, impregnating all of them in the process.^[4][5]

In other media

Television

Vartox appears in the Supergirl episode "Pilot", portrayed by Owain Yeoman.^[6] This version is an escapee from the Phantom Zone prison Fort Rozz. After Supergirl defeats him, he commits suicide to avoid capture.

Miscellaneous

Vartox appears in the audio drama Death From A Distant Galaxy, based on Superman #373 - #375.