What would you do if you could mimic the properties of anything you touched? In Carl Creel’s case, the answer is become the villain, Absorbing Man. Creel has the handy ability to take on the matter and strength of whatever he touches – from liquids and gases to iron or steel. He was introduced 60 years ago in Journey Into Mystery #114 (March 1965) as a creation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Carl “Crusher” Creel began as a boxer and criminal who became the Absorbing Man as a result of drinking a mystical potion created by Loki. Once he discovered his new powers, Creel broke out of prison by absorbing the properties of bullets fired at him. Since he was literally attached to a ball and chain, he took those with him to use as a weapon. With his new powers and handy weapon, the Absorbing Man attacked Thor and proved to be quite the opponent for the God of Thunder.

Thor disengaged from the battle when he learned that Loki had kidnapped Jane Foster. In the meantime, Absorbing Man broke into a house and threatened the occupant. Thor caught up to him there and tricked Creel into turning into helium by using his hammer to change the ground’s molecular makeup. Creel was then sent to drift into the atmosphere.

Later, Loki used Asgardian technology to find Absorbing Man and pull him out of space and sent him back to fight Thor once again. When it was clear that Thor was going to win the fight, Loki transported him back to Asgard and revealed where his power came from. Now knowing that he owes his abilities to Loki, Absorbing Man agreed to become the God of Mischief’s agent. He was sent to take over a city, where he defeated many Asgardians and came face to face with Odin.

Creel absorbed Odin’s attacks and even gained properties of Asgard, getting the upper hand while Loki looked on with plans to rule the universe. Realizing what was happening, Odin ordered Thor not to attack anymore and developed a new strategy. Odin let go of his Rod of Rulership and watched as Creel and Loki fought over it, each wanting the power for himself. While they squabbled, Odin banished them into space.