Publication history
The Living Laser debuted in The Avengers #34 (Nov. 1966) as Arthur Parks, a scientist who created wrist-mounted laser units and a costume. [3] Writer Mike Conroy notes, "Arthur Parks was a scientist sufficiently proficient to design laser projectors small enough to wear on his wrists, quite the achievement in 1966." [4]
Following his appearance in the following issue, the Living Laser resurfaced in Avengers King-Size Special #1 (Sept. 1967). After an appearance in Captain America #105 (Sept. 1968), the character was part of the first version of the Lethal Legion in The Avengers #78–79 (July–Aug. 1970). The Kree hero Mar-Vell encountered an android version of the Living Laser in Captain Marvel #35 (Nov. 1974). The real Laser reappeared in an extended storyline in The Avengers #151 (Sept. 1976); #153 (Nov. 1976) & The Avengers Annual #6 (1976).
After appearing as part of a second version of the Lethal Legion in The Avengers #164–166 (Nov. 1977–Jan. 1978), the character returned in Iron Man #152–153 (Nov.–Dec. 1981) and Iron Man #211 (Oct. 1986). Living Laser featured in the Acts of Vengeance storyline in Quasar #6 (Jan. 1990) and reappeared in a new photon form in Iron Man #259–263 (Aug.-Dec. 1990) before returning in Quasar #30 (Jan. 1992) and Iron Man #289 (Feb. 1993).
Further appearances included the limited series Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11 #1–5 (Sept. 2007–Jan. 2008) and New Avengers #35 (Oct. 2007). The character returned during the limited series Secret Invasion #1–8 (June 2008–Jan. 2009), and made sporadic appearances in New Avengers .
Fictional character biography
As the "Living Laser", Arthur Parks becomes a mercenary and professional criminal. He develops an infatuation with the heroine Wasp, and after he kidnaps her, he is forced to battle the superhero team the Avengers. He captures Hawkeye and Captain America by placing them in a ring of lasers, but they were able to contact another member who helped them escape. The Living Laser encounters the Avengers again when he tried to conquer a small South American country, but is thwarted and incarcerated. [5]
Living Laser, after breaking out of prison, reappears as part of a team formed by the Mandarin in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the Avengers. [6] As part of "Batroc's Brigade" (consisting of Living Laser, Swordsman, and Batroc the Leaper) he participated in a battle against Captain America. [7] [8] Living Laser reappears as part of the first version of the Lethal Legion gathered by the Grim Reaper in a failed revenge plot against the Avengers. [9]
Living Laser acquires the Serpent Crown, and while controlling the living weapon Nuklo and a battalion of the US Army attempts to conquer the world, but is defeated by the Avengers. [10] [11] [12] He is then employed, along with fellow villains Power Man and Whirlwind, by Count Nefaria, who temporarily amplifies their abilities and sends them against the Avengers as the second Lethal Legion. The effect, however, is temporary and their combined abilities are drained by Nefaria. [13]
Discovering that the amplification caused a build-up of energy in his body that is reaching a critical, and potentially fatal, level, Living Laser seeks the aid of East German scientists, who offer to drain the excess energy and use it to power a network of weapons satellites. The plan, however, is stopped by Iron Man and in battle with the hero, Living Laser's energy levels build to critical mass. Although Living Laser begs for help, Iron Man has no choice but to hurl him into the atmosphere, where he detonates and apparently dies. [14] Eventually revived, Living Laser battles Iron Man once again. [15]
Living Laser reappears in a new photon form, posing as the deceased Titanium Man while taunting Iron Man. The villain is eventually defeated and banished to an alternate universe. [16] He eventually escapes, [17] and mounts a new attack on Stark Industries. James Rhodes—Stark's friend and employee, currently acting as CEO and operating as Iron Man while Stark is apparently dead—tricks Living Laser by offering him a position at the company before trapping him in a communication chamber, which disperses him across the Andromeda Galaxy. [18]
In "Secret Empire", Living Laser is recruited by Helmut Zemo to join the Army of Evil. [19] Living Laser, Batroc the Leaper, and Whirlwind attack a haggard, bearded man who identifies himself as Steve Rogers. He is assisted by people that appear to be Sam Wilson and a version of Bucky Barnes who never lost his arm. [20]
In the prelude to the "Sins Rising" storyline, Count Nefaria forms a new incarnation of the Lethal Legion with Living Laser, Grey Gargoyle, and Whirlwind in a plot to target the Catalyst. [21] At Empire State University, Curt Connors reveals the Catalyst to the crowd when the Lethal Legion attacks. As Spider-Man battles the Lethal Legion, Sin-Eater attacks them and steals the villains' powers and sins with his gun. The Lethal Legion are sent to Ravencroft, where they act as model inmates; it is implied that their sins being stolen affected their behavior. [22] Following Sin-Eater's death, the Lethal Legion's members regain their sins. [23]
During the "Sinister War" storyline, Kindred resurrects Sin-Eater again. A demonic centipede emerges from Kindred's body and possesses Living Laser, making him a member of the Sinful Six. [24]
Powers and abilities
A gifted research scientist with expertise in laser technology and a Ph.D. in physics, Arthur Parks began his criminal career using wrist-mounted laser projection units, and later implants miniature laser diodes into his skin which absorb energy. With the diode implants, Parks is capable of energy projection, light refraction for invisibility and illusion generation.
Parks's material body is eventually replaced by photons due to an overloading of the diode implants. By increasing the density of the photons comprising his form, Parks can achieve "solidity", project photons as energy beams, and create three-dimensional holographic images. The character also possesses limited telepathic abilities and can travel at light speed.
