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Ornitz

After a gang steals a vial of Lepothrix Bacteria, thinking it the source of Pyroman’s power, Ornitz was chosen to be their test subject. Instead of gaining Pyroman’s powers, Ornitz’s body took on the properties of iron. The transformation gave him superhuman strength, nigh-invulnerability, and increased aggression. Anyone injected with Ornitz’s blood became his obedient slave, and was imbued with similar powers, which could only be reversed with the death of the original host. While electrical shocks would increase his powers, contact with ferrous oxide (rust) was fatal. Ornitz was killed by falling onto a small, rusted nail.
Alias Ornitz
Real Names/Alt Names Ornitz
Characteristics Villain, Mob Boss, Standard Universe, Super Strength, World War II Era
Creators/Key Contributors Unknown
First Appearance America’s Best Comics #4 (February 1943)
First Publisher Better / Nedor / Standard / Pines [CB+] [DCM] [GCD]
Appearance List America’s Best Comics #4
Sample Read America’s Best Comics [DCM] [CB+]
Description After a gang steals a vial of Lepothrix Bacteria, thinking it the source of Pyroman’s power, Ornitz was chosen to be their test subject. Instead of gaining Pyroman’s powers, Ornitz’s body took on the properties of iron. The transformation gave him superhuman strength, nigh-invulnerability, and increased aggression. Anyone injected with Ornitz’s blood became his obedient slave, and was imbued with similar powers, which could only be reversed with the death of the original host. While electrical shocks would increase his powers, contact with ferrous oxide (rust) was fatal. Ornitz was killed by falling onto a small, rusted nail.
Source Ornitz – Public Domain Super Heroes Wiki