Guide Note: The Man-Thing is a Marvel Comics character; it was typically cast in heroic roles, but at times it has been portrayed as a villain. The Man-Thing character has appeared in several of it's own series, including the most recent limited series Dead of Night Featuring Man-Thing, as well as guest-spots in other series. Fast Facts:

1. First Appearance: Savage tales #1 (1971)
2. Created by: Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Gerry Conway, Gray Morrow
3. Real Name: Ted Sallis
4. Powers: Super strength, invulnerability, ability to sense human emotions, chemical secretions that burn on contact
5. Disadvantages: Virtually non-sentient, unable to leave swamp for extended periods

Origin: Scientist Ted Sallis was assigned by the intelligence agency called S.H.I.E.L.D. to work in the Florida Everglades on Project Gladiator, an attempt to recreate the lost super-serum that gave Captain America his powers. He was able to sythesize it, and he burnt his records and kept a sample to protect his discovery. His new bride Ellen became jealous of his work, and conspired with the semi-criminal group A.I.M. to steal the serum; in the ensuing ambush and chase, Sallis injected himself with the serum and fell into the swamp. The serum combined with magical properties already in the swamp caused Sallis to become the Man-Thing, a creature of immense power but a virtually non-existent mind.