Black Zero
Context
Here’s a write-up I’ve been meaning to do for a long time… the man who destroyed Krypton !
This is the original version of this Superman character, see in 1968. When this profile was done a new, post-Crisis version of Black Zero had debuted in Superboy (the 1994 run). But only the vintage version is covered here.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: The Pirate Empire.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 5’10” Weight: Middle-aged
- Eyes: Purple Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Black Zero’s powers all derive from his powerful, plastic-coated brain. He can:
- Form solid constructs out of mental energy.
- Project searing flames.
- Turn into a phantom.
- Move objects with his mind.
Furthermore, the plastic shield around his brain protects him from hypnosis and other mental attacks.
He’s also a talented inventor, an expert saboteur, and a master of disguise.
History
Black Zero hails from an unnamed alien world. He became an agent for the interstellar terrorist group called the Pirate Empire. One of his assignments was the destruction of planet Krypton. As he studied the planet, Black Zero learned of Jor-El’s theory that it would soon explode.
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Checking the planet’s core himself, he learned that Jor-El was mistaken. The nuclear chain reaction was dying down, and would not destroy Krypton. Black Zero used a “ground-boring” rocket with a nuclear fuse to start the reaction building again, resulting in Krypton’s demise.
Earth must be destroyed!
Many years later, Black Zero received a new assignment… the destruction of Earth. The CIA learned of his plans, and asked Superman to track him down. At first, the wily saboteur eluded Superman’s grasp. But when it was revealed that Black Zero had been the one who destroyed Krypton, the Phantom Zone prisoner Jax-Ur volunteered to help capture him.
From his vantage point in the Zone, Jax-Ur had seen Black Zero’s headquarters. Together, he and Superman confronted the villain in his lair. Black Zero managed to keep the two Kryptonians at bay, and used his psychokinetic powers to conjure up Red Kryptonite to torment them.
The Red K caused Jax-Ur to transform into a series of serpentine forms, ending with the mythical monster Medusa . Black Zero’s game backfired when Jax-Ur used his newly gained petrifying gaze to turn Zero into stone.
Jax-Ur then smashed the villain to bits, “just like Krypton”. This apparently killed Black Zero.
Description
Black Zero looks for the most part like an Earth Human. But he has fangs, deep-set purple eyes, and a forked tongue. He is mostly bald, with a short fringe of hair in the back.
He wears a green tunic, matching stirrup pants, a short orange cape that drapes over his shoulders, brown leather shoes, and a yellow belt.
Personality
Black Zero is utterly ruthless and without compassion. He takes great pleasure in his task of destroying any planet that is perceived to be a threat to his Pirate Empire masters.
He enjoys a good challenge, and likes to taunt his opponents with his near-invulnerability.
Quotes
“That was how I finished Krypton ! It was a beautiful blast !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Black Zero
| Dex: 05 | Str: 02 | Bod: 06 | Motivation: Nihilist |
| Int: 10 | Wil: 08 | Min: 08 | Occupation: Saboteur |
| Inf: 11 | Aur: 10 | Spi: 09 | Resources {or Wealth}: 010 |
| Init: 026 | HP: 075 |
Powers:
Flame Project: 08, Force Manipulation: 15, Intangibility: 10, Telekinesis: 09
Skills:
Artist (Actor): 08, Gadgetry: 13, Military Science: 10, Thief: 07, Vehicles (Space Craft): 05
Advantages:
Genius, Language (Kryptonese).
Connections:
Pirate Empire (High).
Drawbacks:
Strange Appearance.
Equipment:
- ANTI-HYPNOTIC SHIELD [BODY 03, Mind Field: 12. Power Bonuses and Limitations : Mind Field Protects User Only, but Black Zero Can Attack Through Field. Note : This plastic coating was placed around Black Zero’s brain by the surgeons of the Pirate Planet.].
- Anti-Matter Dart Bomb [BODY 06, Bomb: 70, Flight: 15. Misc: Once launched, the Dart Bomb will explode on contact with any object with more than 1 AP of BODY. It will also explode if it suffers any physical damage.].
- SPACESHIP [STR 12, BODY 15, Flight: 30, Sealed Systems: 40].
Source of Character: Superman #205.
Helper(s): Ethan Roe, Roy Cowan.