Planet Master

Planet Master is the name of two fictional characters appearing in comics published by DC Comics. The first Planet Master, a scientist called Irving Norbert and his lab assistant, who would later take on the name and costume, first appeared in Detective Comics #296 in October 1961.[1] The characters were created by writer Bill Finger and artist Jim Mooney.

Fictional character biographies

Irving Norbert
Planet Master
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceDetective Comics #296 (October 1961)
Created byBill Finger (writer)
Jim Mooney (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoProfessor Irving Norbert
SpeciesHuman
AbilitiesUse of planet-based weapons

Professor Irving Norbert is a scientist who was exposed to the gases of a meteor. The result caused him to develop a Jekyll and Hyde-type personality with the bad one turning to a life of crime. Using his knowledge of astronomy, Norbert became a costumed villain named Planet Master and used weapons based on the nine planets. He managed to outwit Batman and Robin in the first battle. Norbert's unscrupulous assistant Edward Burke discovered the double identity of his boss and decided to either join forces with Planet Master or to use his equipment on his own. Ultimately though, the effects of the gas wore off. Norbert's criminal self was erased and Batman brought Burke to justice.[2]

Edward Burke
Planet Master
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceOutsiders #21
Created byMike W. Barr
Jim Aparo
In-story information
Alter egoEdward Burke
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsStrike Force Kobra
Secret Society of Super Villains
AbilitiesSimulation of the conditions typical to any of the nine planets of the Solar System

When Kobra was creating a strike-force called Strike Force Kobra to usurp Stagg Enterprises in his goal of world domination, one of the villains he created was patterned after the original Planet Master. What makes this version different from the original is that he can simulate the abilities of the other planets. He, alongside the other members of Strike Force Kobra, fought the Outsiders and was defeated.[3]

Although never stated, it is possible that this Planet Master is Edward Burke (who was the former assistant of the first Planet Master). Even years ago, Burke planned to use the original Planet Master's equipment in crime.

Either way, this Planet Master popped up during the Infinite Crisis storyline as a member of Alexander Luthor Jr.'s Secret Society of Super Villains where he was seen during the Battle of Metropolis alongside Strike Force Kobra teammates Zebra-Man and a somehow-revived Spectrumonster.[4]

Powers and abilities

The first Planet Master uses weapons based on the planets.

The second Planet Master could simulate the conditions typical to any of the nine planets in the Solar System. For example, he can use the speed of Mercury, the heat of Mars, the strength of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and the cold of Pluto.

In other media
  • A hybridized incarnation of Planet Master appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Stephen Root. This version resembles Irving Norbert, but possesses similar powers as Edward Burke.
  • Edward Burke's voice appears in audio tapes in the Batman: Arkham Knight DLC "A Matter of Family", voiced by JB Blanc. This version is a billionaire whose daughter was dying of cancer. He was approached by Dr. Penelope Young, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, and the Joker under the alias of "Jack White", who claimed they would cure her while Burke built the Seaside Amusement Park as a favor to White, though Burke's daughter died regardless. Devastated, Burke gave ownership of the park to White and was driven to suicide, unaware that the pills he used were laced with Joker venom.

See also

References
  1. Greenberger, Robert (2008). The Essential Batman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 294. ISBN 9780345501066.
  2. Detective Comics #296. DC Comics.
  3. Outsiders #21-22. DC Comics.
  4. Infinite Crisis #7. DC Comics.
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