| Chemo | |
|---|---|
 Chemo as depicted inInfinite Crisis #4 (March 2006). Art byPhil Jimenez. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Showcase #39 (July–August 1962) |
| Created by | Robert Kanigher Ross Andru Mike Esposito |
| In-story information | |
| Species | Robot |
| Team affiliations | Injustice League The Society Suicide Squad |
| Abilities |
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Chemo is asupervillain appearing in comic books published byDC Comics. Debuting in theSilver Age of Comic Books, the character has appeared in bothcomic books and other DC Comics-related products such asanimated television series andtrading cards.
The character first appeared inShowcase #39 (July–August 1962) and was created by writerRobert Kanigher and artistsRoss Andru andMike Esposito.[1]
Chemo debuted in a story called "The Deathless Doom" inShowcase #39-40 (July–August & September–October 1962), being the adversary for DC Comics' new superteam theMetal Men. The character returned inMetal Men #14 (July 1965); #25 (May 1967) and #46-47 (July & September 1976).
Chemo reappeared inDC Comics Presents #4 (December 1978);Superman #342 (December 1979) and #370 (April 1982);Crisis on Infinite Earths #9-10 (December 1985-January 1986) andAction Comics #590 (July 1987). WriterLen Wein said in a 2006 interview: "I realized after doing that first story [with Chemo] that here was a villain that was a physical match against Superman, so I kept bringing him back".[2]
The character was reimagined inSupergirl (vol. 4) #5 (January 1997) and then appeared briefly during theOur Worlds At War storyline inThe Adventures of Superman #593-594 (August–September 2001) and inBirds of Prey #36 (December 2001) andJoker: Last Laugh #2 (December 2001).
Chemo featured as a major villain in the limited seriesInfinite Crisis #1-7 (December 2005-June 2006) and appeared in multiple forms inSuperman #663 (July 2007). The character also appeared inOutsiders - Five of a Kind: Nightwing/Captain Boomerang (October 2007);Salvation Run #1-7 (November 2007–June 2008) and inBooster Gold (vol. 2) #13 (December 2008).
WriterMike Conroy noted "where would comic books be without those flukes, those accidents of fate which, although inexplicable to science, result in innocuous materials having a far-reaching impact on the world outside the laboratory?".[3]
Chemo was originally the nickname given to a plastic vessel used by scientist Ramsey Norton to contain the chemical by-products from his failed experiments. When Norton places the remnants of a failed growth formula in the vessel as his latest contribution, it accidentally brings the vessel to life as Chemo.[4][5] Chemo goes on to become a prominent enemy ofWill Magnus' robot team, theMetal Men.[6]
During theCrisis on Infinite Earths, villainsBrainiac andLex Luthor use Chemo as a living weapon onEarth-4. Chemo destroys the alternate universe version ofNew York City and killsAquagirl by releasing large quantities of toxic chemicals into the ocean. Chemo is dispersed and neutralized whenNegative Woman shatters its plastic shell.[7]
During theInfinite Crisis storyline, theSecret Society of Super Villains employs theBrotherhood of Evil to use Chemo as a living weapon. They drop Chemo onto the city ofBlüdhaven, killing thousands of civilians, before Superman hurls it into deep space.[8][9] While in space, Chemo is found by theJoker andGorilla Grodd.[10]
InThe New 52 continuity reboot, Chemo was created when a thief threwWill Magnus' prototype responsometer into a vat of chemicals.[11]
Chemo has very limited intelligence coupled with immense strength and durability. It can alter its mass, generate corrosive acid, and regenerate if destroyed.[4] On one occasion, Chemo is augmented after absorbing Superman'sDNA, gaining strength comparable to his.[12]
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Chemo appears inBatman Unlimited: Mech vs. Mutants, voiced byDave B. Mitchell.[13]
An action figure based on Chemo was released as part of the "Collect and Connect" line inMattel'sDC Universe Classics 6-inch line.
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