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Absorbing Man
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Creation & Design

Absorbing Man was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, first appearing in the mid-1960s as a formidable foe for Thor.

Early Years

Initially introduced as a villain with the ability to absorb the properties of any material he touches, Absorbing Man quickly became a recurring antagonist in the Thor series and later crossed paths with other Marvel heroes.

Character Development

Over the years, Absorbing Man has evolved from a simple villain to a more complex character, often portrayed with a tragic backstory and moments of redemption, reflecting the nuanced storytelling of modern comics.

Cultural Reception

Absorbing Man has been well-received as a classic Marvel villain, often praised for his unique powers and memorable battles against Thor and other heroes.

Character Details

Real Name:
Carl Creel
Aliases:
Crusher Creel
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Loki, Masters of Evil, Sinister Six
Abilities:
Molecular absorption, Superhuman strength, Enhanced durability
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
black

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Journey Into Mystery #114

Marvel ⋅ 1965

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Journey Into Mystery #114
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Absorbing Man

1st appearance of Fenris Wolf

1st appearance of Idunn, an Asgardian goddess

Journey Into Mystery #115

Marvel ⋅ 1965

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Journey Into Mystery #115
 
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Key Facts

Origin of Loki

2nd appearance of Absorbing Man

Journey Into Mystery #121

Marvel ⋅ 1965

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Journey Into Mystery #121
 
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Key Facts

Iconic cover art by Jack Kirby featuring Thor versus Absorbing Man

Avengers Unplugged #4

Marvel ⋅ 1996

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Avengers Unplugged #4
 
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Key Facts

Marriage of Titania and Absorbing Man

Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #16

Marvel ⋅ 2005

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Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #16
 
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Key Facts

Ethan Edwards becomes Virtue

The Absorbing Man is tricked into becoming cocaine. He is then hit with high-powered fans and blown into powder that is packaged up for a major drug haul

Mighty Avengers #13

Marvel ⋅ 2008

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Mighty Avengers #13
 
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Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Secret Warriors: Nick Fury, Phobos, Slingshot, Quake, Stonewall, Hellfire and Druid

1st appearance of Stonewall, son of the Absorbing Man

1st appearance of Druid, son of Doctor Druid

1st appearance of Hellfire, descendant of the Phantom Rider

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1st appearance of Yo-Yo Rodriguez aka Slingshot

Cover art inspired by Avengers #16

Immortal Hulk #9

Marvel ⋅ 2018

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Immortal Hulk #9
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of the third Red Hulk, Carl Creel the Absorbing Man (briefly)

Circulation: 41,938

Immortal Hulk #50
Non-Key

1:50 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2021

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Immortal Hulk #50
 
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Key Facts

Variant cover art by Ed McGuinness

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