Molecule Man
Context
The Molecule Man is a dweeb with reality/matter manipulation powers. Though he appeared early in the 1961 Fantastic Four run, he chiefly made his name during the 1984+ Secret Wars events where his power and origin made him a key player.
He saved Earth and/or the universe a few times.
This is an older article, primarily concerned with game stats, rather than a full modern profile.
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Background
- Real Name: Owen Reece.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Army of Secret Wars Criminals.
- Base Of Operations: Denver, Colorado, USA.
- Height: 5’7’‘ Weight: 140 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown
Powers and Abilities
Owen Reece alias the Molecule Man is according to Uatu, the Watcher, the most powerful being in the Marvel Multiverse. All human beings are known to possess latent genetic potential for psionic powers, but Owen had greater potential than any other Earth human being.
He can psionically manipulate all forms of matter and energy on a cosmic level. He can affect matter on the atomic and subatomic levels, as when he transmutes one substance into another, and on the molecular level, as he mentally changes an objects shape.
Owen can also affect materials as a whole as when he levitates for example entire mountain ranges. He can also shoot powerful bolts of energy and even disrupt the molecular bonds of matter entirely. His powers effectively enables him to destroy the Earth if he wanted to.
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He may also use his energy powers for creating passages through hyperspace and travel between dimensions.
Previously he possessed self-imposed mental blocks that hindered him to use the entire range of his powers, but these have since been removed. His adventuring and laboring at the atomic plant has left him some knowledge of molecular physics and general science.
Description
The Molecule Man is clad in a green body suit with a purple belt, purple boots and purple arm bands. From his belt up to his shoulders he has parts resembling purple lightning bolts, one on each side, and on both chest and back. Hands are kept free and the head is uncovered.
As a result of him gaining his powers Owen’s face carries very distinctive markings of lightning bolts centered from between his eyes. He also has brown hair and brown eyes, but is not particularly handsome.
Being a physically weak and small man combined with an erratic and insecure body language he gives the impression of being a nerd. There are no visible signs at all of his godlike powers, but the distinctive markings on his face and a supervillain costume might lead some people to think that there is more to this man than meets the eye.
Personality
At the beginning Owen Reece was a frail and timid child who obsessively clung to his mother. He grew up into a weak-willed adult, made bitter and lonely by his mother’s death, and full of fear and hatred for what he regarded as a deeply unfriendly world.
When he gained his powers he tried to live out all his dreams. Unfortunately, these mostly included conquering the world. After having been convinced to seek psychiatric help he has mellowed down somewhat. Owen still stutters when excited or afraid.
After having adventured a lot among Earth’s greatest heroes and villains Owen believes in the love that he and Marsha Rosenthal alias Volcana share. He now just wants to live the life of an ordinary joe going to work each and every day.
Unfortunately cosmically powered being such as the Molecule Man never truly get to rest and he will again be seen and then probably on the side of the good guys.
Quotes
“S-stay b-b-back or I’ll use my p-powers on you all !”
DC Universe History
Well, this guy is the most powerful human character that the Marvel Multiverse has to offer? As such inserting him into the DC Universe might shake things up a bit. He might, with some risk, be used as a human element in a cosmic campaign or even as a nerdy consultant or mentor for other cosmic or nature-controlling heroes.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Molecule Man
| Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 02 | Motivation: Unwanted Power |
| Int: 05 | Wil: 03 | Min: 03 | Occupation: Laborer at atomic plant |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 03 | Resources {or Wealth}: 04 |
| Init: 012 | HP: 060 |
Powers:
Air Control: 18, Awareness: 15, Bomb: 25, Detect (Molecular composition and nature): 20, Dimension Travel: 12, Disintegration: 35, Earth Control: 18, Energy Blast: 25, Ice Control: 18, Matter Manipulation: 35, Telekinesis: 30, Power Reserve: 5, Spirit Travel: 8, Transmutation: 25, Warp: 65, Water Control: 18
Bonuses and Limitations:
- All nature controlling powers may be used for creating protecting shields between an opponent and the Molecule Man with APs simulating a Force Shield Effect building it from the appropriate matter although any such use uses up his Dice Action (+2).
- Bomb also has Range (+1).
- Spirit Travel enables him to take residence in the Wand if his physical body is destroyed (+1).
- Telekinesis is only usable on air, earth, water and himself (-1).
- Spirit Travel is Minor Marginal (-1).
- All powers are ineffective against organic matter (earlier only) (-1).
- All powers require focusing through the Wand he carries to work (earlier only) (-1).
Notes:
If there appears to be some molecular feat that Molecule Man should be able to do but that is not covered by his powers feel free to add Omni-Power to the power list, Power Reserve is usable with any single power.
Skills:
Scientist*: 05
Advantages:
None.
Connections:
Fantastic Four (Low), Supercriminal Underworld (Low), Volcana (High).
Drawbacks:
Distinct Appearance, Uncertainty.
Equipment:
Wand [BODY 18, Personality Transfer: 25, Bonus: Enables Molecule Man’s Matter Manipulation to be used to create a new body if his original physical body is destroyed, Limitation: Personality Transfer can only be used for possessing anyone who touches the Wand and for as long only as the Wand is touching the victim].
Source of Character: various Marvel comics.
Helper(s): Sébastien Andrivet and Marvunapp .