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| Morpheus | |
|---|---|
 Morpheus battles Moon Knight | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Moon Knight #12 (Aug. 1981)[1] |
| Created by | Doug Moench andBill Sienkiewicz |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Robert Markham |
| Species | Human mutate |
| Abilities | Mental projection, psionic energy blast, no need of sleep |
Morpheus is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics.
Morpheus first appeared inMoon Knight #12 (Aug. 1981), and was created byDoug Moench andBill Sienkiewicz. The character subsequently appeared inMoon Knight #22-23 (August–September 1982),Moon Knight vol. 2 #3 (Sept. 1985),Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #18 (June 1990), andMoon Knight: Resurrection War #2-4 (Feb.–April 1998).
Morpheus received an entry in the originalTheOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe #7.
Robert Markham was born inNew York City. He had an unprecedented viral infection that caused competitive inhibition of certain segments in his DNA in the process of replication. He consults Dr. Peter Alraune, who prescribes an experimental, untested drug. The drug reacts with Markham's DNA, causing a freakish appearance and the inability to sleep. Markham discovers that he no longer needs sleep, and that he now has a highly destructive psionic ability. He names himselfMorpheus, the Greek god of sleep. Crazed, Morpheus seeks to punish Dr. Alraune, which brought him to the attention ofMoon Knight, a wealthy vigilante. In the resulting fight, Morpheus is defeated.[2]
Under heavy sedation, Morpheus is taken to the Seaview Research Hospital. He is given an artificially-induced sleep period every day. This, for a time, results in normal dreams. Morpheus' brain undergoes further mutations. He establishes a mental link with Alraune. Through him, Morpheus projects nightmares into the minds of the unwilling. He eventually escapes from Seaview and seeks revenge on Moon Knight and Alraune. The doctor sacrifices himself in a successful effort to cancel out Morpeus' powers. He is returned to Seaview under heavy guard.[3]
Morpheus later awakes from his induced sleep due to a medication mix up. He holds hospital and Marlene hostage until Moon Knight intervenes.[4]
Morpheus no longer needs or desires to sleep. The lack of sleep results in the accumulation of a destructive psionic ability which he calls 'Ebon energy'. To prevent himself of becoming "overloaded", he has to release it now and then. Sleep, natural or artificial, will stop the energy from building up. He also has the telepathic ability to cause nightmares.
Morpheus is featured as an enemy in the Moon Knight virtual pinball game forPinball FX 2 released byZen Studios.[5]