List of comic book drugs
Encyclopedia
This is a list of fictional performance enhancers, serums, trigger chemicals, booster drugs, and mutagenic foods in the various comic book universes, that were used to give a specific hero or villain their powers. This list also provides a brief summary of heroes who gained their powers from special concoctions like Captain America's
Super Soldier Serum, Hourman's
Miraclo and the original Blue Beetle's
Vitamin 2X.
#1.
in order to force the formula into his organs. When he emerged 12 hours later, he had developed the super powers that he used to fight crime as the Golden Age hero the Shield
. First appears in Pep Comics
#1.
in capsule form. Separated into three different colored pills from which Vita-Man
gets his powers of superstrength (red), constitution (yellow), and speed (blue).
used by Jimmy Travis the Blitz of Earth A (Silver Age), and his sidekick Marty Eastman the Cyclone to gain superhuman speed. Unfortunately Cyclone became addicted to the pills and was forced to retire until he beat his addiction. Mack Snelling the Blitz of Earth B (Golden Age) also used Rocket Pills.
his powers. The active ingredient in these pills was Uranium-235
. First appears in Atomic Mouse #1.
took a special performance enhancing super drug to which he eventually became addicted. The drug granted him limited super speed, as well as enhanced reflexes and strength.
that enhanced human strength. Grendel: War Child #1.
serum which he tested on a puppy donated by the U.S. Army K-9 corps
. The formula transformed the puppy into Rex the Wonder Dog
. Rex gained increased speed, strength, stamina, agility, and intelligence. Dr. Anabolus was killed by a Nazi spy shortly after, leaving Rex as the only proof of his formula's existence. First appears in Rex the Wonder Dog #1.
, this serum protected Daxamites from the effects of lead, which affects them like Kryptonite
affects Superman
. The serum also allowed Mon-El to keep his powers on worlds with a red sun.
DNA
by Checkmate
scientists. The drug allows special field operatives designated as Rooks to maintain a telepathic link at the risk of summoning Starro to Earth.
s. When a bomb exploded in his lab, Holland was doused with the burning fluid and ran dying into the Louisiana
bayou
. The formula combined the consciousness of Alec Holland and the swamp plants to form Swamp Thing
. Before the accident, Holland calculated that 300,000,000 gallons of the Bio-Restorative Formula could have turned a desert
the size of California
's Mojave
into a fertile crop
field
. From Swamp Thing #1.
. An allegory of Agent Orange
, it was discontinued because it was felt to be too dangerous. It was later used by a local cult leader in Cambodia
who discovered that it left those exposed open to suggestion. First appears in Captain Atom
#47.
. Human users increase in size and strength until they spontaneously combust. First seen in Martian Manhunter v.2 #30 (May 2001).
time. First mentioned in Kamandi #16.
), they dramatically enhance his physical characteristics for roughly 24 hours, depending on his physical exertion. They grew in soil contaminated by a radioactive meteor fragment (Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew
#1)
in powder form, which when inhaled “unleashes the demon that resides inside every man”. Prolonged use results in insanity. First appears in Hawkman
#39.
in Adventures of Superman #534.
and Barry Kitson
's Empire
#3.
treatment created by Lexcorp
for the Everyman Project. Unlike the genetically inherited Metagene
, the Exo-gene can grant superhuman powers to anyone tested and found compatible, but it can potentially cause massive organ failure
six months later. The exo-gene can be disrupted by an electromagnetic pulse
or deactivated completely by mechanical means. First appears in 52
#4, first announcement of the Everyman Project in 52 #8.
named Jonathan Crane
(alias the Scarecrow). Fear Toxin causes its victims to experience their greatest fears and assorted phobias, and if taken in large enough doses it may have prolonged mutagenic properties. According to comments made by the Signalman
in Justice League of America #1 (2006) it has also become a recreational drug for teenagers.
(Ralph Dibny), and Stretch from Hero Hotline
their unique stretching abilities; Gingo is also used in Gingold brand cola. It was revealed in Invasion!
#3 that it is a metagene
reaction to Gingold that grants Ralph Dibny his stretching powers, and ordinary humans will not develop stretching powers after using Gingold. (Although, in the pages of 52
, Ralph successfully used it on an unconscious demon, tying up its then-rubbery body.) Normal humans are supposedly highly allergic to the concentrated form of Gingo used by Dibny. Gingold is also used in the Pseudoderm material from which the Question's
mask is made.
, a drug that slowly transforms its users into feral werebeasts. The more they use, the more feral and out of control they become, as demonstrated by FerAlyse and other denizens of Chicago's Netherworld
. It was introduced in Hawkworld #30.
like Kryptonite
, which was found only in the Pre-Crisis
version of the bottle city of Kandor
. Ilium 349 was discovered by renegade Kandorian scientist Zak-Kul who used it to create a device which could be used to either shrink or enlarge a person or city.
perfected an immortality serum that made him immortal, and indestructible, but horribly disfigured his body and made him even more mentally unstable.
that allows a person to shapeshift. It only works once on a human, but a Thanagarian can change their shape an unlimited amount of times. It is highly addictive and prolonged users become incapable of retaining a cohesive shape if not given the drug regularly. Used and trafficked to Earth by the Thanagarian criminal Byth
. Introduced in the pages of Hawkworld. Pre-Crisis, Krotan was the name of a scientist who invented a similar drug called the Changeling Pill.
and Kobra
each had their own secret network of Lazarus Pits, and because of their necessity to the Earth's survival, Batman also created a Lazarus Pit in the Batcave.
(Rex Tyler) his powers. The powers lasted only one hour. Furthermore, the drug also proved to be addictive.
, changing him from male to the female Shvaugn Erin, for the express purposes of attracting Element Lad
. First appears in Legion of Super Heroes #31.
#35.
) was unable to slow her highly accelerated perceptions of the world around her and so turned to the drug. First used in the pages of 52
#17.
created by "Doctor Death
". It has one of two effects on a person, it either enhances their best qualities or bring out their worst qualities. It is apparently produced from rendered corpses.
from the Crime Syndicate of Amerika receives his powers by injecting himself with an enhancer drug called "Speed Juice". Whether Speed Juice has any relationship to Velocity 9 is unknown at this time.
. From the Doctor Mid-Nite mini-series.
, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes
. From Action Comics
#301.
was able to fashion a particular variant of Velocity 9 devoid of any ill-effects, for Inertia
's use. While this version does not have any debilitating effects on the body, it is not known whether it still has the same addictive qualities. If Inertia is the only known example of using this new formula, then the way he reacts to not having a supply of it may very well confirm its addictiveness.
. According to JSA Classified #17 (November 2006), Venom is potent variant based on the Miraclo formula developed at Bannerman Pharmaceuticals, the drug company formerly owned by Rex Tyler, the original Hourman
although it does not have the same 60 minute limitation as Miraclo. The drug, usually injected in a constant supply into the base of the neck would instantly transform someone into a hulking mass of unbridled physical strength. Bane's apparatus included a special "boost" button to give him a jolt of Venom when needed. However, as the drug wore off or when the user was cut off from its constant supply, their body would rapidly return to its original state or sometimes even weaker, at which point the user would suffer from massive, debilitating withdrawal, usually accompanied by terrible, frightening hallucinations. The first appearance of the drug was a five-part story arc, Batman
: Venom, in Legends of the Dark Knight
issues 16-20. Batman became addicted to the drug while searching for a way to cope for his physical limitations and imperfections, forcing him to eventually lock himself in the Batcave
to "detox" himself when he realized how dependent on it he had become. Later, it resurfaced as the power source for Bane
, who used it to overpower and cripple Batman by breaking his back over his knee in the Knightfall story arc. A version of it, spiked with a metabolizing form of kryptonite
, was used by President Lex Luthor
in the first "Superman/Batman
" story arc, prompting Batman to speculate that Luthor's use of Venom may be responsible for his recent, more "outlandish" schemes, such as attempting to accuse Superman of being responsible for a kryptonite meteorite the size of Texas heading for Earth.
In the Batman Beyond
universe, steroid patches known as "Slappers" contained small doses of impact-release Venom. They were mainly used as performance enhancers in competitive sports, although the use of multiple patches could produce Bane-like combat abilities. However, if extensively used, the Slappers would eventually cripple the user as a side effect.
In the Burton/Schumacher film series, Venom is engineered by Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy) to be injected into plants for the power to defend themselves like animals. Her coworker Dr. Woodrue
steals samples of base Venom and reengineers it with steroids and toxins to create a super soldier army of which Bane is the prototype. Venom appears to have the same physical reaction after injection, but leaves the user mindless and insensate. Venom is also part of Isley's transformation into Poison Ivy. Woodrue calls Venom his "super soldier serum," invoking the name of the formula used to create Captain America in a similar fashion in the Marvel universe.
In the video game, Batman: Arkham Asylum
, a Dr. Penny Young, an Arkham
doctor, manufactures a more powerful form of Venom codenamed "Titan," under the orders of Jack White, AKA the Joker
, believing that Titan's strength-enhancing properties could be used to help patients better cope with the physical treatment they would have to endure during their therapy. Bane is later unwillingly reinjected with Venom (Since, at this point he had beaten his addiction to the drug and considered it to be a crutch and a handicap and only used by the weak) by Joker to kill Batman. The Joker later reveals that he plans to use the upgraded "Titan" drug to make his army to conquer Gotham City. After Batman defeats Joker's thugs and his Titan-fueled lackeys, Joker tries to shoot Commissioner Gordon with a Titan dart, but Batman takes the dart, using a Titan antidote he had developed earlier on himself even after Joker injects himself with Titan, preferring to fight his own way rather than allowing the Joker to provoke him into using his methods. Titan-Joker nearly kills Batman in his advanced form, but is later electric shocked and returns to normal. The final cutscene shows Bane
, Killer Croc
, or Scarecrow
gaining possession of a crate full of Titan (depending on the player's completion rate).
In the series Young Justice
, Santa Prisca, the birth place of Venom, is depicted as the single largest manufacturer of the drug, but suddenly it began hoarding it, Batman sent the Young Justice team in to find out why. Eventually it's revealed that the Cult of Kobra has begun hoarding the Venom in order to develop a Venom/Blockbuster-hybrid drug, the resulting combination creating a permanent transformation combining the strength of both transformations. By the end of the episode Santa Prisca is destroyed along with the Venom manufacturing plant and the hybrid formula. Sportsmaster
however is able to deliver a single vial of the formula to the Light, a shadow organization, from which they will be able to reverse engineer more.
his powers.
.
which can transform any normal animal or person into a superhuman. First seen in Action Comics
v.1 #257, Nov 1959.
. From More Fun Comics
#73.
#4.
. When a tanker carrying Compound X07 was involved in an accident with a church bus, the lone survivor, who had been thoroughly drenched in the compound, gained lightning-fast healing and became insensitive to pain. He eventually became the costumed individual known as Madcap
. The chemical may or may not have contributed to his mental instability. First appears in Captain America #307.
, Ant-Man
, and the Wasp
to grow or return to their normal size. Also referred to as shrinking capsules.
and made its way to the surface. Treated as a narcotic by Atlanteans, when used on humans it makes them aggressive. Hook-addicted humans secrete an enzyme that, if harvested, can be turned into a separate narcotic.
youthful (a.k.a. an immortality drug). He needs to receive an annual injection of the formula or he will rapidly age 60 years. Developed by a French scientist, Dr. Berthold Sternberg and initially given to Fury in an attempt to save his life near the end of World War II
when he was injured by a land mine
. Introduced in Marvel Spotlight
#31.
, and Sophie of the Stepford Cuckoos
. The active ingredient is Hypercortisone-D.
universe that indirectly granted that universe's Peter Parker
his powers when he was bitten by an Oz-injected spider. Also gave the Green Goblin
and Hobgoblin
their powers.
working for the mega-corporation.
s used to control and manipulate the alpha conditioned
moods of Nuke, a deranged super soldier
.
agents, the serum transforms Sallis into Man-Thing
. First appears in Savage Tales #1.
, Isaiah Bradley
, Patriot
, Protocide
and Josiah X
get their enhanced abilities. Developed by Dr. Abraham Erskine to enhance all the physical and mental abilities to the pinnacle of human ability.http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/erskine_abraham.htm In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, when scientists have planned to recreate the serum, they ended up creating the giants that are seen in the Omega Base.
In Spider-Man: The Animated Series
, the serum was used on Felicia Hardy which eventually turned her into the Black Cat
. In the film Captain America: The First Avenger
, it was also responsible for turning Johann Schmidt into the Red Skull
due to a combination of it not being perfected during that time as well as Schmidt's dark inner nature, and it is also implied in the 2008 Incredible Hulk
film that a version of the Super Soldier Serum is used on Bruce Banner
and Emil Blonsky
.
to induce random mutations in their youth during a rite of passage ceremony. Humans exposed to the mist temporarily gain super-powers, but eventually suffer from degenerative mutations followed by death. Depowered Mutants experience a temporary return of their powers but with uncontrollable and unpredictable side-effects. The mists themselves are a by product of Terrigen crystals. First used on mutants in the Son of M
mini-series.
. The act of taking the drug was known as "riding the thunderbolt". As shown in Wolverine
#31.
produced by a mutant called Toad Boy. Causes fatal mutations in humans.
ian Spider monkey
. The systematic IUPAC
name for Zap was Zootoxic Acid Psychogalvanide.
his super-strength, invulnerability and flight.
Bob Benton enhanced strength and invulnerability. He used it to become a Golden Age hero named the Black Terror
. From Exciting Comics #9.
that granted its drinker superstrength. It was used by Nelson Drew to become a Golden Age hero known as the Liberator. From Exciting Comics #15.
. Main character Monkey D. Luffy's body gained the properties of rubber after he ate one; numerous other characters have been given unique powers of their own from other Devil Fruits. While each Devil Fruit grants a different power, they share a common weakness: the user can no longer swim, and in fact loses all strength when immersed in sea water.
. By taking a single pellet a ninja's chakra can be replenished or boosted drastically. They are said to allow a ninja 'to fight for three days and three nights without rest'.
hero 8 Man
smoked radium
enriched cigarettes in order to recharge his powers.
, many of the fighters took Senzu Beans to restore their health. They have the added effect of keeping the user full and energetic for ten days. They also allowed the user to overcome certain illnesses.
from the manga series Cowboy Bebop
. The drug is administered via an aerosol
solution sprayed directly into the user's eyes. It grants the user periodic surges of superhuman
strength, and limited super speed and reflexes sufficient to dodge bullets. Popular belief is that parts of the drug functioned like a cholinergic
nootropic
in that they temporarily increased the brain's supply of neurotransmitter
s, allowing users to process environmental and spatial information so quickly that all normal human movement and action appears to be in slow motion.
. His ex-girlfriend stole the pouch and had spent the past several years using the sand to give herself constant dreams, to the detriment of her overall health. From the pages of Sandman #3.
. As seen in the pages of Top Ten.
#4.
, allowed computers to become "one with the multiverse". Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct #2.
, his wife Dhalua Strong and his daughter Tesla Strong. See Tom Strong #1.
. Used by recreational drug users in Top 10.
. As seen in Top 10.
Captain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
Super Soldier Serum, Hourman's
Hourman
Hourman is the name of three different fictional DC Comics superheroes, the first of whom was created by Ken Fitch and Bernard Baily in Adventure Comics #48 , during the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Rex Tyler:Scientist Rex Tyler, raised in upstate...
Miraclo and the original Blue Beetle's
Blue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three fictional superheroes that appear in American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939.-Publication history:...
Vitamin 2X.
Power Elixir
Developed by a scientist named Dr. Carter, who inoculated his two sons with the serum. It gave them super strength and superspeed, but left a "W" scar on their chest. Stan, the elder son, went on to become the Golden Age hero Lone Warrior, and his younger brother Dicky became his sidekick. First appears in Banner #3.Ultra Serum
The drug which gives Captain Patriot his powers. The drug was designed and administered by the Enterprise Group. First appears in Meta-Docs #0.Secret Formula F22X
The formula was developed by Blaine Whitney, better known as Golden Age super hero the Wizard. In order to make his physical prowess match that of his super mental powers, he invented a serum that increased his strength to superhuman levels. First appears in Top-Notch ComicsTop-Notch Comics
- Top-Notch Laugh Comics/Laugh Comix :In a change of editorial direction, from issue #28 the story emphasis changed to humor strips and the title became Top-Notch Laugh Comics to reflect this. All the long-running adventure series from Top-Notch Comics ended between issue #24 - Top-Notch Laugh...
#1.
SHIELD Formula
The SHIELD formula was designed by scientist Tom Higgins. He was killed by enemy agents before he could complete his research and fully develop the formula. Years later his son Jon Higgins was able to finish the formula. He rubbed it into his body, donned a special suit that allowed the chemical to be absorbed more easily, and then lay under fluoroscopic lampsFluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X-ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed...
in order to force the formula into his organs. When he emerged 12 hours later, he had developed the super powers that he used to fight crime as the Golden Age hero the Shield
The Shield (Archie)
The Shield is the name of several fictional patriotic superheroes created by MLJ . The Shield has the distinction of being one of the first superheroes with a costume based upon the United States flag, appearing fourteen months before Captain America.The name was used by MLJ/Archie for 3 characters...
. First appears in Pep Comics
Pep Comics
Pep Comics is the name of an American comic book anthology series published by the Archie Comics predecessor MLJ Magazines Inc. during the 1930s and 1940s period known as the Golden Age of Comic Books...
#1.
FX
A "singularly disturbing, sometimes permanently deranging and occasionally spectacularly fatal" drug used by Carrick Masterson to create the superheros in his super hero team The Levellers in the 1960s and again in his later group "The Front Line". "It's a less-than-friendly psychedelic whose positive effects include feelings of great strength and energy, intensification of the senses and general unusual stimulation. It also makes you poo yourself and be generally unpleasant to be around."Panacea Pills
A powerful mutagenic stimulantStimulant
Stimulants are psychoactive drugs which induce temporary improvements in either mental or physical function or both. Examples of these kinds of effects may include enhanced alertness, wakefulness, and locomotion, among others...
in capsule form. Separated into three different colored pills from which Vita-Man
Vita-Man
Vita-Man is a fictional superhero published by Big Bang Comics. He first appears in Big Bang Comics #1, and was created by Gary Carlson and Mark Lewis. He is based on Hourman.-Publication history:...
gets his powers of superstrength (red), constitution (yellow), and speed (blue).
Rocket Pills
A mutagenic steroidSteroid
A steroid is a type of organic compound that contains a characteristic arrangement of four cycloalkane rings that are joined to each other. Examples of steroids include the dietary fat cholesterol, the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone, and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone.The core...
used by Jimmy Travis the Blitz of Earth A (Silver Age), and his sidekick Marty Eastman the Cyclone to gain superhuman speed. Unfortunately Cyclone became addicted to the pills and was forced to retire until he beat his addiction. Mack Snelling the Blitz of Earth B (Golden Age) also used Rocket Pills.
U-235 Pills
As developed by Professor Invento, they gave Atomic MouseAtomic Mouse
Atomic Mouse is a funny animal superhero created in 1953 by Al Fago for Charlton Comics, depicted as an ordinary mouse who is shrunk by an evil magician and given U-235 pills that grant him super powers, which he uses in his fight for justice against the evil Count Gatto...
his powers. The active ingredient in these pills was Uranium-235
Uranium-235
- References :* .* DOE Fundamentals handbook: Nuclear Physics and Reactor theory , .* A piece of U-235 the size of a grain of rice can produce energy equal to that contained in three tons of coal or fourteen barrels of oil. -External links:* * * one of the earliest articles on U-235 for the...
. First appears in Atomic Mouse #1.
Performance Enhancers
Demon from the Justice MachineJustice Machine
The Justice Machine is a fictional team of superheroes originally created by Michael Gustovich and appearing in comic books from many small publishers in the 1980s and 1990s.-Publication history:...
took a special performance enhancing super drug to which he eventually became addicted. The drug granted him limited super speed, as well as enhanced reflexes and strength.
Grendel
A recreational drug from the time of Grendel PrimeGrendel (comics)
Grendel is a long-running series of comic books originally created by American author Matt Wagner. First published by Comico, Wagner has now moved his character to Dark Horse. Originally a noir comic in the style of European titles such as Diabolik, it has evolved into, in Wagner's words, a study...
that enhanced human strength. Grendel: War Child #1.
Mayfly
A drug from the comic Empowered, it grants 1/500 people who use it super-intelligence, at the price of cancer that kills within 24 hours. The other 499/500 end up simply getting cancer. A boy with cancer whom Empowered befriended gained his powers through the use of it, and at present is working to handle the side-effects.Anabolus Serum
Dr. Anabolus created an experimental super soldierSupersoldier
Supersoldier is a term often used to describe a soldier that operates beyond normal human limits or abilities. Supersoldiers are common in science fiction literature, films, TV programs, computer, conspiracy theories, and video games, but have also made appearances in other related genres, such as...
serum which he tested on a puppy donated by the U.S. Army K-9 corps
Police dog
A police dog, often referred to as a "K-9 dog" in some areas , is a dog that is trained specifically to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel in their work...
. The formula transformed the puppy into Rex the Wonder Dog
Rex the Wonder Dog
Rex the Wonder Dog is a fictional dog in the DC Comics universe. Created in 1952 by Robert Kanigher of Wonder Woman fame and artist Alex Toth, Rex has sometimes been compared to Superman's dog Krypto, who was created three years later. However, though the two canine crime fighters do share some...
. Rex gained increased speed, strength, stamina, agility, and intelligence. Dr. Anabolus was killed by a Nazi spy shortly after, leaving Rex as the only proof of his formula's existence. First appears in Rex the Wonder Dog #1.
Anti-Lead Serum
Invented by Brainiac 5Brainiac 5
Brainiac 5 is a fictional character who exists in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Universe. He is a long standing member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Brainiac 5 is from the planet Colu...
, this serum protected Daxamites from the effects of lead, which affects them like Kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
affects Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
. The serum also allowed Mon-El to keep his powers on worlds with a red sun.
Apocritic
The mutagenic compound called Apocritic made from StarroStarro
Starro is a fictional supervillain that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Brave and the Bold #28 , and was created by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky....
DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
by Checkmate
Checkmate (comics)
Checkmate, a division of Task Force X, is a fictional covert operations agency within the DC Comics universe. It first appeared in Action Comics #598 and proceeded to have its own ongoing title in Checkmate!...
scientists. The drug allows special field operatives designated as Rooks to maintain a telepathic link at the risk of summoning Starro to Earth.
Bio-Restorative Formula
A formula developed by Alec Holland to increase the growth of plantPlant
Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...
s. When a bomb exploded in his lab, Holland was doused with the burning fluid and ran dying into the Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
bayou
Bayou
A bayou is an American term for a body of water typically found in flat, low-lying areas, and can refer either to an extremely slow-moving stream or river , or to a marshy lake or wetland. The name "bayou" can also refer to creeks that see level changes due to tides and hold brackish water which...
. The formula combined the consciousness of Alec Holland and the swamp plants to form Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing, a fictional character, is a plant elemental in the created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson. He first appeared in House of Secrets #92 in a stand-alone horror story set in the early 20th century . The Swamp Thing then returned in his own series, set in the contemporary world and in...
. Before the accident, Holland calculated that 300,000,000 gallons of the Bio-Restorative Formula could have turned a desert
Desert
A desert is a landscape or region that receives an extremely low amount of precipitation, less than enough to support growth of most plants. Most deserts have an average annual precipitation of less than...
the size of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
's Mojave
Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert occupies a significant portion of southeastern California and smaller parts of central California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah and northwestern Arizona, in the United States...
into a fertile crop
Crop (agriculture)
A crop is a non-animal species or variety that is grown to be harvested as food, livestock fodder, fuel or for any other economic purpose. Major world crops include maize , wheat, rice, soybeans, hay, potatoes and cotton. While the term "crop" most commonly refers to plants, it can also include...
field
Field (agriculture)
In agriculture, the word field refers generally to an area of land enclosed or otherwise and used for agricultural purposes such as:* Cultivating crops* Usage as a paddock or, generally, an enclosure of livestock...
. From Swamp Thing #1.
Burnt Sienna
Chemical warfare agent developed during the Vietnam WarVietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. An allegory of Agent Orange
Agent Orange
Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. Vietnam estimates 400,000 people were killed or maimed, and 500,000 children born with birth...
, it was discontinued because it was felt to be too dangerous. It was later used by a local cult leader in Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
who discovered that it left those exposed open to suggestion. First appears in Captain Atom
Captain Atom
Captain Atom is a fictional comic book superhero that has existed in three basic incarnations. Created by writer Joe Gill and artist/co-writer Steve Ditko, he first appeared in Space Adventures #33 . Captain Atom was created for Charlton Comics but was later acquired by DC Comics and revised for...
#47.
Bzrk
Bzrk is a toxic mutagen manufactured on the planet ApokolipsApokolips
In the DC Comics fictional shared Universe, Apokolips is the planet ruled by Darkseid, established in Jack Kirby's Fourth World series. It is also integral to many DC Comics stories. The planet is considered the opposite of New Genesis....
. Human users increase in size and strength until they spontaneously combust. First seen in Martian Manhunter v.2 #30 (May 2001).
Cortexin
A drug created by Dr. Michael Grant, that when spilled into the water supply, gave human intelligence to the animals who drank it. This intelligence was passed down to their descendants, resulting in the talking animals of Kamandi'sKamandi
Kamandi is an American comic book character, created by artist Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics. The bulk of Kamandi's appearances occurred in the comic series Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth, which ran from 1972 to 1978....
time. First mentioned in Kamandi #16.
Cosmic Carrots
When eaten by Roger Rodney Rabbit (Captain CarrotCaptain Carrot
Captain Carrot is a fictional anthropomorphic superhero published by DC Comics. His first appearance was in a special insert in The New Teen Titans #16...
), they dramatically enhance his physical characteristics for roughly 24 hours, depending on his physical exertion. They grew in soil contaminated by a radioactive meteor fragment (Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew
Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew
Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew! is a DC Comics comic book about a team of funny animal superheroes called the Zoo Crew. The characters first appeared in a special insert in The New Teen Titans #16 , followed by a series published from 1982 to 1983. The Zoo Crew characters were created by...
#1)
Delirium
A mystical hallucinogen from IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
in powder form, which when inhaled “unleashes the demon that resides inside every man”. Prolonged use results in insanity. First appears in Hawkman
Hawkman
Hawkman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Dennis Neville, the original Hawkman first appeared in Flash Comics #1, published by All-American Publications in 1940....
#39.
DMN
An addictive mutagen that transforms its users into pseudo-demons, the users becoming increasingly violent as they approach the end of their 'high'. Created by Lord SatanusBlaze and Satanus
Blaze and Satanus are fictional demonic siblings published by DC Comics. Blaze debuted in Action Comics #655 ; she was created by Roger Stern and Bob McLeod...
in Adventures of Superman #534.
Eucharist
An addictive enhancer drug made from the blood of the hero Endymion. Handed out by arch-villain Golgoth to his favored lieutenants. From Mark WaidMark Waid
Mark Waid is an American comic book writer. He is well known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America...
and Barry Kitson
Barry Kitson
Barry Kitson is a British comics artist best known as a penciler of major superhero comic books published by Marvel and DC.-Biography:Kitson's first professional work was Spider-Man for Marvel UK...
's Empire
Empire (comics)
Empire is an American comic book limited series published by Gorilla Comics and DC Comics, created by Mark Waid and Barry Kitson....
#3.
Exo-gene
The Exo-gene (also exogene) is a toxic gene therapyGene therapy
Gene therapy is the insertion, alteration, or removal of genes within an individual's cells and biological tissues to treat disease. It is a technique for correcting defective genes that are responsible for disease development...
treatment created by Lexcorp
LexCorp
LexCorp is the fictional company founded by Lex Luthor in the popular DC Comics Superman series. It made its first proper appearance in John Byrne's The Man of Steel miniseries, which established the post-Crisis Superman setting...
for the Everyman Project. Unlike the genetically inherited Metagene
Metahuman
Metahuman is a term to describe superhumans in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe. It is roughly synonymous with both mutant and mutate and posthuman in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. Use of the term in reference to superheroes was coined in 1986 by author George R. R...
, the Exo-gene can grant superhuman powers to anyone tested and found compatible, but it can potentially cause massive organ failure
Organ failure
Organ dysfunction is a condition where an organ does not perform its expected function. Organ failure is organ dysfunction to such a degree that normal homeostasis cannot be maintained without external clinical intervention.It is not a diagnosis...
six months later. The exo-gene can be disrupted by an electromagnetic pulse
Electromagnetic pulse
An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field...
or deactivated completely by mechanical means. First appears in 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
#4, first announcement of the Everyman Project in 52 #8.
Fear Gas
A gaseous toxin invented by an unstable psychologistPsychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
named Jonathan Crane
Scarecrow (comics)
The Scarecrow is a fictional character, a supervillain, that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
(alias the Scarecrow). Fear Toxin causes its victims to experience their greatest fears and assorted phobias, and if taken in large enough doses it may have prolonged mutagenic properties. According to comments made by the Signalman
Signalman (comics)
Signalman is a fictional supervillain published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Batman vol. 1 #112 , and was created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff.- Fictional character biography :Phillip "Phil" Cobb was a gangster with big ideas...
in Justice League of America #1 (2006) it has also become a recreational drug for teenagers.
Gingold
A special formula made from a rare tropical fruit called Gingo, that grants the Elongated ManElongated Man
The Elongated Man is a fictional comic book superhero in the DC universe. He is a reserve member of the Justice League. His first appearance was in The Flash vol. 1, #112...
(Ralph Dibny), and Stretch from Hero Hotline
Hero Hotline
Hero Hotline is a fictional DC Comics corporate superteam introduced in Action Comics Weekly #637, January . They were created by Bob Rozakis and Stephen DeStefano.-History:...
their unique stretching abilities; Gingo is also used in Gingold brand cola. It was revealed in Invasion!
Invasion! (DC Comics)
Invasion! was a three issue comic book limited series and crossover event published in late 1988-early 1989 by DC Comics. It was plotted by Keith Giffen, and ties up a great many plotlines from various Giffen-created DC series, including Omega Men, Justice League International, and Legion of...
#3 that it is a metagene
Metahuman
Metahuman is a term to describe superhumans in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe. It is roughly synonymous with both mutant and mutate and posthuman in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. Use of the term in reference to superheroes was coined in 1986 by author George R. R...
reaction to Gingold that grants Ralph Dibny his stretching powers, and ordinary humans will not develop stretching powers after using Gingold. (Although, in the pages of 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
, Ralph successfully used it on an unconscious demon, tying up its then-rubbery body.) Normal humans are supposedly highly allergic to the concentrated form of Gingo used by Dibny. Gingold is also used in the Pseudoderm material from which the Question's
Question (comics)
The Question is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by DC Comics. The original was created by writer-artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Blue Beetle #1...
mask is made.
Hairballs
Introduced in the pages of HawkworldHawkworld
Hawkworld is a comic book series that was published by DC Comics. The initial story line was published as a three-issue mini-series and then, based on the high sales and interest level generated by this limited series, launched as an ongoing monthly book...
, a drug that slowly transforms its users into feral werebeasts. The more they use, the more feral and out of control they become, as demonstrated by FerAlyse and other denizens of Chicago's Netherworld
Netherworld (DC Comics)
The Netherworld is a fictional autonomous neighborhood of the city of Chicago in the DC Comics universe. It first appears in Hawkworld #30 , it was created by John Ostrander and Tim Truman.-History:...
. It was introduced in Hawkworld #30.
Ilium 349
Ilium 349 is a special rare earth elementRare earth element
As defined by IUPAC, rare earth elements or rare earth metals are a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table, specifically the fifteen lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium...
like Kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
, which was found only in the Pre-Crisis
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Crisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
version of the bottle city of Kandor
Kandor
Kandor is the name of the former capital city of the fictional planet Krypton in the DC Universe. It is best known for being stolen and miniaturized by the supervillain Brainiac...
. Ilium 349 was discovered by renegade Kandorian scientist Zak-Kul who used it to create a device which could be used to either shrink or enlarge a person or city.
Ivo's Immortality Serum
The unstable Professor IvoProfessor Ivo
Professor Anthony Ivo is a fictional character, a mad scientist in the DC universe and is the creator of the androids Amazo, Kid Amazo, Tomorrow Woman and Composite Superman in his retconned origin.-Fictional character biography:...
perfected an immortality serum that made him immortal, and indestructible, but horribly disfigured his body and made him even more mentally unstable.
KT-28's (Katies)
KT-28s, or Katies, are a fictitional psychoactive drug in Watchmen. Later on in the novel, Dr Manhattan states that he can synthesize limitless amounts of lithium which would lead to advances in technology. Lithium is also used as a drug in psychiatric treatment and the term KT-28, which sounds more like an official pharmaceutical name, implies a legitimate drug which has somehow found its way onto the streets.Krotan
Drug from ThanagarThanagar
Thanagar is a fictional planet in the . Thanagar is the original home of the humanoid Thanagarian race, noted for the discovery of gravity-defying Nth metal...
that allows a person to shapeshift. It only works once on a human, but a Thanagarian can change their shape an unlimited amount of times. It is highly addictive and prolonged users become incapable of retaining a cohesive shape if not given the drug regularly. Used and trafficked to Earth by the Thanagarian criminal Byth
Byth
Byth Rok is a DC Comics supervillain who is a recurring enemy of the Silver Age Hawkman. He was created by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert, and first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #34 , titled "Creature of a Thousand Shapes"....
. Introduced in the pages of Hawkworld. Pre-Crisis, Krotan was the name of a scientist who invented a similar drug called the Changeling Pill.
Lazarus Pit
The various chemicals native to Lazarus Pits have demonstrated the ability to resurrect the dead; upon resurrection the subjects exhibit temporary dementia. The substance that fills each pit was originally a chemical blend of unknown composition, until Kobra recreated their unique chemical composition. Ra's al GhulRa's al Ghul
Ra's al Ghul is a DC Comics supervillain and is one of Batman's greatest enemies. His name in Arabic has been translated in the comics as "The Demon's Head" and references the name of the star Algol. Created by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams, he was introduced in Batman #232's...
and Kobra
Kobra (comics)
Kobra is the name used by two fictional supervillains published by DC Comics. The Jeffrey Burr Kobra first appeared in Kobra #1 , and was created by Martin Pasko, Steve Sherman, Jack Kirby, and Pablo Marcos...
each had their own secret network of Lazarus Pits, and because of their necessity to the Earth's survival, Batman also created a Lazarus Pit in the Batcave.
Miraclo
Miraclo is the drug that gave HourmanHourman
Hourman is the name of three different fictional DC Comics superheroes, the first of whom was created by Ken Fitch and Bernard Baily in Adventure Comics #48 , during the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Rex Tyler:Scientist Rex Tyler, raised in upstate...
(Rex Tyler) his powers. The powers lasted only one hour. Furthermore, the drug also proved to be addictive.
Profem
A powerful mutagen used by Sean Erin to induce a sex-changeSex reassignment surgery
Sex reassignment surgery is a term for the surgical procedures by which a person's physical appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristics are altered to resemble...
, changing him from male to the female Shvaugn Erin, for the express purposes of attracting Element Lad
Element Lad
Element Lad is a fictional character in the 30th and 31st centuries of the , a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes. A native of the planet Trom, he has the power to transmute chemical elements.-Pre-Zero Hour:...
. First appears in Legion of Super Heroes #31.
Serum X
An injectable mutagen that transformed water-breathing Atlanteans into air breathers. From AquamanAquaman
Aquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
#35.
Sharp
A drug that apparently regulates and slows down the accelerated metabolism of super-speedsters in the DC Universe. Unlike most speedsters, Eliza Harmon (Trajectory of Infinity Inc.Infinity Inc.
Infinity, Inc. is a team of superheroes appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. The team is mostly composed of the children and heirs of the Justice Society of America, making them the Society's analogue to the Teen Titans, which is composed of sidekicks of Justice League members...
) was unable to slow her highly accelerated perceptions of the world around her and so turned to the drug. First used in the pages of 52
52 (comic book)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
#17.
Soul
Soul is a street drug from Gotham CityGotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
created by "Doctor Death
Doctor Death (comics)
Doctor Death is a fictional character, a comic book mad scientist and supervillain appearing in publications by DC Comics. The character was created by either Gardner Fox or Bob Kane as an enemy of the superhero Batman, and first appeared in Detective Comics #29, released July 1939...
". It has one of two effects on a person, it either enhances their best qualities or bring out their worst qualities. It is apparently produced from rendered corpses.
Speed Juice
Unlike the Flash, Johnny QuickJohnny Quick
Johnny Quick is the name of two DC Comics characters, each with the power of superhuman speed. The first was a superhero who appeared mostly in More Fun Comics during the Golden Age...
from the Crime Syndicate of Amerika receives his powers by injecting himself with an enhancer drug called "Speed Juice". Whether Speed Juice has any relationship to Velocity 9 is unknown at this time.
Steroid A39
A medication originally developed to treat the rare medical condition xenoderma pigmentosum, it later surfaces as an addictive street drug that turns its habitual users into mindless super-strong zombies. This drug mixed with alcohol and adrenaline was responsible for Dr. Pieter Cross gaining the ability to see in the dark. He used this ability to become the new Doctor Mid-NiteDoctor Mid-Nite
Doctor Mid-Nite is a fictional superhero physician in DC Comics. The figure has been represented in the comics by three different individuals, Charles McNider, Beth Chapel and Pieter Anton Cross. Dr. Mid-Nite was originally created by writer Charles Reizenstein and artist Stanley Josephs Aschmeier...
. From the Doctor Mid-Nite mini-series.
Super-Plastic Liquid
After being accidentally drunk, the super-plastic mutagen granted Chuck Taine "super bouncing powers" as Bouncing BoyBouncing Boy
-Fictional character biography:Bouncing Boy is a fictional character in the DC Comics Universe, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th century. He is Chuck Taine of Earth, and he has the power to inflate like a ball and bounce. He received his powers when he accidentally drank a super...
, a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Heroes
The Legion of Super-Heroes is a fictional superhero team in the 30th and 31st centuries of the . The team first appears in Adventure Comics #247 , and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino....
. From Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
#301.
Tar
Addictive and illegal street drug that causes rapid physical mutation and grants the user limited super strength.Velocity 9
A highly addictive drug that grants temporary super speed, but speeds up the body's metabolism leading to dehydration, severe exhaustion, psychosis and what looks like rapid aging, but is actually the body feeding off itself to a super accelerated degree. Within a very short time of regularly using, after the user would shoot up, which would physically invigorate their bodies for an undetermined amount of time, as the drug wore off, they would begin to wither to an emaciated state within hours. Upon using again, they would quickly revert to their normal size and strength, quickly taking the opportunity to find more money to feed their habits. Most addicts became temporary super-criminals using their super-speed to steal to get money for more Velocity-9, repeating this cycle over and over again until they damaged their body to a sometimes fatal degree. While the formula mimicked the same aura that protected the Flashes against friction and other factors associated with traveling at super-speed, it did not completely protect against the shock traveling at such a speed would have on the body. Many former addicts became invalids afterwards with organ failure and permanent warping of their bones from the constant stress and micro-fractures from their running. One of the first addicts to confront the Flash was a friend of his whose mind had been twisted from using to such a degree that he became Flash's short lived arch enemy, even going as far as to don a costume and terrorizing his loved ones and friends. Once captured and clean of the drug, he spent months in physical rehabilitation to try and fight the crippling effects the drug had on his body, with the Flash checking up on him periodically after they reconciled their friendship. The original formula, developed by Edward Clariss, had no such side effects, but the effects were only temporary. It was the subsequent impure version of the formula that would become the street drug that, for a time, plagued the speedsters. Later DeathstrokeDeathstroke
Deathstroke the Terminator , originally simply the Terminator, and known by the Teen Titans as Slade, is a fictional character, a supervillain and sometimes antihero in the DC Comics Universe. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans #2...
was able to fashion a particular variant of Velocity 9 devoid of any ill-effects, for Inertia
Inertia (comics)
Inertia, in comics, may refer to:*Inertia , a paramour of Haywire*Inertia , a supervillainous clone...
's use. While this version does not have any debilitating effects on the body, it is not known whether it still has the same addictive qualities. If Inertia is the only known example of using this new formula, then the way he reacts to not having a supply of it may very well confirm its addictiveness.
Velocity 10
A derivative of Velocity 9, this drug also granted its users super speed but with a different consequence: It caused different parts of the body to metabolize at different rates.Venom
Venom is a potently addictive strength-enhancing super-steroidAnabolic steroid
Anabolic steroids, technically known as anabolic-androgen steroids or colloquially simply as "steroids", are drugs that mimic the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the body. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the buildup of cellular tissue ,...
. According to JSA Classified #17 (November 2006), Venom is potent variant based on the Miraclo formula developed at Bannerman Pharmaceuticals, the drug company formerly owned by Rex Tyler, the original Hourman
Hourman
Hourman is the name of three different fictional DC Comics superheroes, the first of whom was created by Ken Fitch and Bernard Baily in Adventure Comics #48 , during the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Rex Tyler:Scientist Rex Tyler, raised in upstate...
although it does not have the same 60 minute limitation as Miraclo. The drug, usually injected in a constant supply into the base of the neck would instantly transform someone into a hulking mass of unbridled physical strength. Bane's apparatus included a special "boost" button to give him a jolt of Venom when needed. However, as the drug wore off or when the user was cut off from its constant supply, their body would rapidly return to its original state or sometimes even weaker, at which point the user would suffer from massive, debilitating withdrawal, usually accompanied by terrible, frightening hallucinations. The first appearance of the drug was a five-part story arc, Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
: Venom, in Legends of the Dark Knight
Legends of the Dark Knight
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, commonly referred to as simply Legends of the Dark Knight is a DC comic book featuring Batman. It was launched in 1989 with the popularity of the Batman movie, following on from Frank Miller's Batman: Year One...
issues 16-20. Batman became addicted to the drug while searching for a way to cope for his physical limitations and imperfections, forcing him to eventually lock himself in the Batcave
Batcave
The Batcave is the secret headquarters of fictional DC Comics superhero Batman, the alternate identity of playboy Bruce Wayne, consisting of a series of subterranean caves beneath his residence, Wayne Manor.-Publication history:...
to "detox" himself when he realized how dependent on it he had become. Later, it resurfaced as the power source for Bane
Bane (comics)
Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
, who used it to overpower and cripple Batman by breaking his back over his knee in the Knightfall story arc. A version of it, spiked with a metabolizing form of kryptonite
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is a fictional material from the Superman mythos —the ore form of a radioactive element from Superman's home planet of Krypton. It is famous for being the ultimate physical weakness of Superman, and the word kryptonite has since become synonymous with an Achilles' heel —the one weakness...
, was used by President Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
in the first "Superman/Batman
Superman/Batman
Superman/Batman was a monthly comic book series published by DC Comics that features the publisher's two most popular characters: Batman and Superman...
" story arc, prompting Batman to speculate that Luthor's use of Venom may be responsible for his recent, more "outlandish" schemes, such as attempting to accuse Superman of being responsible for a kryptonite meteorite the size of Texas heading for Earth.
In the Batman Beyond
Batman Beyond
Batman Beyond is an American animated television series created by Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration with DC Comics as a continuation of the Batman legacy...
universe, steroid patches known as "Slappers" contained small doses of impact-release Venom. They were mainly used as performance enhancers in competitive sports, although the use of multiple patches could produce Bane-like combat abilities. However, if extensively used, the Slappers would eventually cripple the user as a side effect.
In the Burton/Schumacher film series, Venom is engineered by Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy) to be injected into plants for the power to defend themselves like animals. Her coworker Dr. Woodrue
Floronic Man
The Floronic Man , also known as the Plant Master and Floro, is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe...
steals samples of base Venom and reengineers it with steroids and toxins to create a super soldier army of which Bane is the prototype. Venom appears to have the same physical reaction after injection, but leaves the user mindless and insensate. Venom is also part of Isley's transformation into Poison Ivy. Woodrue calls Venom his "super soldier serum," invoking the name of the formula used to create Captain America in a similar fashion in the Marvel universe.
In the video game, Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman: Arkham Asylum is a 2009 action-adventure stealth video game based on DC Comics' Batman developed for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. It was developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment...
, a Dr. Penny Young, an Arkham
Arkham Asylum
The Elizabeth Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane, commonly referred to simply as Arkham Asylum, is a fictional psychiatric hospital in the DC Comics Universe, usually appearing in stories featuring Batman...
doctor, manufactures a more powerful form of Venom codenamed "Titan," under the orders of Jack White, AKA the Joker
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
, believing that Titan's strength-enhancing properties could be used to help patients better cope with the physical treatment they would have to endure during their therapy. Bane is later unwillingly reinjected with Venom (Since, at this point he had beaten his addiction to the drug and considered it to be a crutch and a handicap and only used by the weak) by Joker to kill Batman. The Joker later reveals that he plans to use the upgraded "Titan" drug to make his army to conquer Gotham City. After Batman defeats Joker's thugs and his Titan-fueled lackeys, Joker tries to shoot Commissioner Gordon with a Titan dart, but Batman takes the dart, using a Titan antidote he had developed earlier on himself even after Joker injects himself with Titan, preferring to fight his own way rather than allowing the Joker to provoke him into using his methods. Titan-Joker nearly kills Batman in his advanced form, but is later electric shocked and returns to normal. The final cutscene shows Bane
Bane (comics)
Bane is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 , and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's more physically and intellectually powerful foes...
, Killer Croc
Killer Croc
Killer Croc is a comic book supervillain in the DC Universe, an enemy of Batman. Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan, while there was a shadowy cameo in Detective Comics #523 , his actual first appearance is credited to Batman #357 , which is also the first appearance of Jason...
, or Scarecrow
Scarecrow (comics)
The Scarecrow is a fictional character, a supervillain, that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in World's Finest Comics #3 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
gaining possession of a crate full of Titan (depending on the player's completion rate).
In the series Young Justice
Young Justice (TV series)
Young Justice is an American animated television series created by Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti for Cartoon Network. Despite its title, it is not an adaptation of Todd Dezago and Todd Nauck's Young Justice comic series, but rather an adaptation of the entire DC Universe with a focus on young...
, Santa Prisca, the birth place of Venom, is depicted as the single largest manufacturer of the drug, but suddenly it began hoarding it, Batman sent the Young Justice team in to find out why. Eventually it's revealed that the Cult of Kobra has begun hoarding the Venom in order to develop a Venom/Blockbuster-hybrid drug, the resulting combination creating a permanent transformation combining the strength of both transformations. By the end of the episode Santa Prisca is destroyed along with the Venom manufacturing plant and the hybrid formula. Sportsmaster
Sportsmaster
The Sportsmaster is the name used by two DC Comics villains who used their sports skills for criminal purposes. The original Sportsmaster first appeared in All-American Comics #85 , and was created by writer John Broome and artist Irwin Hasen....
however is able to deliver a single vial of the formula to the Light, a shadow organization, from which they will be able to reverse engineer more.
Vitamin 2X
Created by pharmacist Dr. Franz, this experimental vitamin is what gave the original Blue BeetleBlue Beetle
Blue Beetle is the name of three fictional superheroes that appear in American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939.-Publication history:...
his powers.
X-24
Roy Lincoln swallowed an experimental explosive capsule rather than let it fall into the hands of enemy agents. This caused a transformation that led to him becoming the Human BombHuman Bomb
The Human Bomb is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Police Comics #1 , and was created by writer and artist Paul Gustavson.-Publication history:...
.
Xium
A mutagenic rare earth element discovered by the Golden Age Lex LuthorLex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
which can transform any normal animal or person into a superhuman. First seen in Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
v.1 #257, Nov 1959.
Z Formula
Used by the villain Mr. Who to increase in size and gain "the strength of ten gorillas" in order to fight Doctor FateDoctor Fate
Doctor Fate is the name of a succession of fictional sorcerers who appear in books published by DC Comics. The original version was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Howard Sherman, and first appeared in More Fun Comics #55...
. From More Fun Comics
More Fun Comics
More Fun Comics, originally titled New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine a.k.a. New Fun Comics, was a 1935-1947 American comic book anthology that introduced several major superhero characters and was the first American comic-book series to feature solely original material rather than reprints of...
#73.
Acetovaxidol (AVX)
The drug that gave the Anti-Captain his enhanced abilities. From Captain America and the FalconCaptain America and the Falcon
Captain America and the Falcon was a comic book series published for fifteen issues in 2004 and 2005 by Marvel Comics. The series' title is a reuse of the cover title of Captain America's solo series during a period in which the Falcon was given second billing on the front cover...
#4.
Compound X07
A mysterious chemical created by the scientists of Advanced Idea MechanicsAdvanced Idea Mechanics
A.I.M. is a fictional terrorist organization in the . The organization first appeared in Strange Tales #146 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
. When a tanker carrying Compound X07 was involved in an accident with a church bus, the lone survivor, who had been thoroughly drenched in the compound, gained lightning-fast healing and became insensitive to pain. He eventually became the costumed individual known as Madcap
Madcap (comics)
Madcap is a fictional character in the Marvel Universe. He first appeared in Captain America #307 . He has clashed with Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Hawkeye, Nomad, the Power Pack, Quasar and She-Hulk.-Fictional character biography:...
. The chemical may or may not have contributed to his mental instability. First appears in Captain America #307.
Growth Pills
The Pym Particle delivery system that allowed Giant ManBill Foster (comics)
Dr. Bill Foster, also known as Black Goliath, the second Giant-Man, and the fourth Goliath, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:...
, Ant-Man
Henry Pym
Dr. Henry "Hank" Pym is a fictional character that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. Created by editor and plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber and penciler Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #27...
, and the Wasp
Wasp (comics)
The Wasp is a fictional character, a superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe and founding member of The Avengers. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Tales to Astonish #44 ....
to grow or return to their normal size. Also referred to as shrinking capsules.
Hook
A narcotic described as "ultra-addictive" that originated in AtlantisAtlantis (Marvel Comics)
Atlantis is a fictional location in the Marvel Universe. It is based on the mythical island of Atlantis first mentioned in Plato's initial dialogue the Timaeus, written circa 360 BC. In the Marvel Universe, Atlantis was a small continent with many human settlements...
and made its way to the surface. Treated as a narcotic by Atlanteans, when used on humans it makes them aggressive. Hook-addicted humans secrete an enzyme that, if harvested, can be turned into a separate narcotic.
Infinity Formula
The powerful serum that keeps Nick FuryNick Fury
Colonel Nicholas Joseph "Nick" Fury is a fictional World War II army hero and present-day super-spy in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by artist Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee, Fury first appeared in Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos #1 , a World War II combat series that portrayed the...
youthful (a.k.a. an immortality drug). He needs to receive an annual injection of the formula or he will rapidly age 60 years. Developed by a French scientist, Dr. Berthold Sternberg and initially given to Fury in an attempt to save his life near the end of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when he was injured by a land mine
Land mine
A land mine is usually a weight-triggered explosive device which is intended to damage a target—either human or inanimate—by means of a blast and/or fragment impact....
. Introduced in Marvel Spotlight
Marvel Spotlight
Marvel Spotlight is the name of several comic book series published by Marvel Comics as a try-out book for new characters. The first series ran for 33 issues from November 1971 to April 1977...
#31.
Kick
A highly addictive drug dispensed via inhalant, that enhances special abilities in mutants. Later discovered to be an aerosol compound for distributing a primordial microorganism known only as Sublime. Used by Xorn, Jumbo Carnation, Quentin QuireQuentin Quire
Quentin Quire, also known as Kid Omega, is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. He first appeared in New X-Men #122 , although he went unnamed until New X-Men #134...
, and Sophie of the Stepford Cuckoos
Stepford Cuckoos
The Stepford Cuckoos are a set of fictional mutant psychically linked quintuplets . They are students at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning and appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
. The active ingredient is Hypercortisone-D.
Mutant Growth Hormone
Also known as MGH, is a drug extracted from the genetic material of superpowered individuals, that grants temporary powers to whoever takes it. Sometimes used as a party drug, MGH often results in increased strength and aggression. Also, when given to an already super-powered individual, it enhances their abilities further. The name is a reference to the actual drug human growth hormone (HGH), which has been controversially used by athletes in sports since the 1970s and is banned under numerous international competitions.Oz
A drug developed by Osborn Industries in the Ultimate MarvelUltimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel is an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring reimagined and updated versions of the company's superhero characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four. The imprint was launched in 2000 with the publication of the series...
universe that indirectly granted that universe's Peter Parker
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man was a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint...
his powers when he was bitten by an Oz-injected spider. Also gave the Green Goblin
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
and Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin (comics)
The Hobgoblin is the alias of several fictional characters that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The first and best-known Hobgoblin is Roderick Kingsley. He first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #238, and was created by Roger Stern and John Romita, Sr...
their powers.
Rapture
A deadly, highly addictive drug produced by Alchemax that bonds to the user's DNA. Used to keep Miguel O'Hara, the Spider-Man of 2099Spider-Man 2099
Spider-Man 2099 is a fictional comic book superhero, created by Peter David and Rick Leonardi in 1992 for Marvel Comics' Marvel 2099 line. His secret alter ego is Miguel O'Hara, a brilliant geneticist living in New York in the year 2099 A.D...
working for the mega-corporation.
Red, White & Blue
A trio of placeboPlacebo
A placebo is a simulated or otherwise medically ineffectual treatment for a disease or other medical condition intended to deceive the recipient...
s used to control and manipulate the alpha conditioned
Classical conditioning
Classical conditioning is a form of conditioning that was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov...
moods of Nuke, a deranged super soldier
Supersoldier
Supersoldier is a term often used to describe a soldier that operates beyond normal human limits or abilities. Supersoldiers are common in science fiction literature, films, TV programs, computer, conspiracy theories, and video games, but have also made appearances in other related genres, such as...
.
Serum SO-2
Serum SO-2 was a mutagen developed as part of Project Sulfur to provide immunity for soldiers against biological warfare; the experiment was abandoned when it was noted that the serum had the unfortunate side effect of horribly mutating its recipients into monstrous freaks. Later Ted Sallis injects the serum into his own body in an attempt to keep it out of the hands of A.I.M.Advanced Idea Mechanics
A.I.M. is a fictional terrorist organization in the . The organization first appeared in Strange Tales #146 and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.-Publication history:...
agents, the serum transforms Sallis into Man-Thing
Man-Thing
The Man-Thing is a fictional character, a monster in publications from Marvel Comics. Created by writers Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and Gerry Conway and artist Gray Morrow, the character first appeared in Savage Tales #1 , and went on to be featured in various titles and in his own series, including...
. First appears in Savage Tales #1.
SSS-2
A gaseous form of the Super Soldier Serum that grants increased speed, strength, and endurance. From the Underworld mini-series.Super Soldier Serum
The drug from which Captain AmericaCaptain America
Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby...
, Isaiah Bradley
Isaiah Bradley
Isaiah Bradley is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe, an early product of the United States' Super-Soldier program during World War II.-Publication history:...
, Patriot
Patriot (comics)
Patriot is the name of two fictional, comic book superheroes in the Marvel Comics universe: the Golden Age hero Jeffrey Mace and the modern-day character Eli Bradley.-Patriot :...
, Protocide
Protocide
Protocide is a fictional super-soldier from the Marvel Comic's universe. He originally appears in stories written and illustrated by Dan Jurgens.-Fictional character biography:...
and Josiah X
Josiah X
Josiah X is a fictional character who exists in Marvel Comics' shared universe, the Marvel Universe. He is the son of Isaiah Bradley, the black Captain America and the father of Elijah Bradley, the Patriot...
get their enhanced abilities. Developed by Dr. Abraham Erskine to enhance all the physical and mental abilities to the pinnacle of human ability.http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix4/erskine_abraham.htm In Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, when scientists have planned to recreate the serum, they ended up creating the giants that are seen in the Omega Base.
In Spider-Man: The Animated Series
Spider-Man (1994 TV series)
Spider-Man, also known as Spider-Man: The Animated Series, is an American animated series starring the Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man. The show ran on Fox Kids from November 19, 1994, to January 31, 1998. The producer/story editor was John Semper, Jr. and production company was Marvel Films...
, the serum was used on Felicia Hardy which eventually turned her into the Black Cat
Black Cat (comics)
The Black Cat is a fictional character, a superheroine in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Keith Pollard, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 ....
. In the film Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
, it was also responsible for turning Johann Schmidt into the Red Skull
Red Skull
The Red Skull is a name shared by several fictional characters, all supervillains from the Marvel Comics universe. All incarnations of the character are enemies of Captain America, other superheroes, and the United States in general....
due to a combination of it not being perfected during that time as well as Schmidt's dark inner nature, and it is also implied in the 2008 Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (film)
The Incredible Hulk is a 2008 superhero action film based on the Marvel Comics character the Hulk. It is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner. It is the second film to be released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
film that a version of the Super Soldier Serum is used on Bruce Banner
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
and Emil Blonsky
Abomination (comics)
The Abomination is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
.
Terrigen Mists
A dangerous mutagen used by the InhumansInhumans
The Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This race appears in various comic book series published by Marvel Comics and exists in that company's shared universe, known as the Marvel Universe....
to induce random mutations in their youth during a rite of passage ceremony. Humans exposed to the mist temporarily gain super-powers, but eventually suffer from degenerative mutations followed by death. Depowered Mutants experience a temporary return of their powers but with uncontrollable and unpredictable side-effects. The mists themselves are a by product of Terrigen crystals. First used on mutants in the Son of M
Son of M
Son of M is an American comic book limited series, a follow up to Marvel Comics' "House of M" event, starring the depowered Quicksilver. Quicksilver was one of the many mutants to lose his powers as part of the Decimation, which he was, in part, responsible for.-Background:Following his sister's...
mini-series.
Thunderbolt
A purified form of Zap. It grants the user an incredible euphoria, heightened strength, increased endurance and an inability to feel pain. It also causes death in one hour. Thunderbolt was developed by a Dr. Malheur and marketed by the YakuzaYakuza
, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
. The act of taking the drug was known as "riding the thunderbolt". As shown in Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
#31.
Toad Juice
A hallucinogenPsychedelics, dissociatives and deliriants
This general group of pharmacological agents can be divided into three broad categories: psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants. These classes of psychoactive drugs have in common that they can cause subjective changes in perception, thought, emotion and consciousness...
produced by a mutant called Toad Boy. Causes fatal mutations in humans.
Zap
Zap was a highly addictive drug made from the "hypothalmic fluid" of the extinct MadripoorMadripoor
The Principality of Madripoor is a fictional island located in Southeast Asia in the Marvel Comics universe. Based on illustrations, it is in the southern portion of the Strait of Malacca, southwest of Singapore.-Publication history:...
ian Spider monkey
Spider monkey
Spider monkeys of the genus Ateles are New World monkeys in the subfamily Atelinae, family Atelidae. Like other atelines, they are found in tropical forests of Central and South America, from southern Mexico to Brazil...
. The systematic IUPAC
IUPAC nomenclature
A chemical nomenclature is a set of rules to generate systematic names for chemical compounds. The nomenclature used most frequently worldwide is the one created and developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry ....
name for Zap was Zootoxic Acid Psychogalvanide.
Alosun
A distillate made from the “atoms of the sun” that granted Doc StrangeDoc Strange
Doc Strange is a fictional character, a comic book superhero who originally appeared in Thrilling Comics #1...
his super-strength, invulnerability and flight.
Formic Ether
Inhaling this gas granted pharmacistPharmacist
Pharmacists are allied health professionals who practice in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use...
Bob Benton enhanced strength and invulnerability. He used it to become a Golden Age hero named the Black Terror
Black Terror
The Black Terror is a fictional comic book superhero who originally appeared in Exciting Comics #9, published by Nedor Comics in January 1941. Some Black Terror stories were written by Patricia Highsmith before she became an acclaimed novelist...
. From Exciting Comics #9.
Lamesis Formula
Lamesis was a supposedly long lost formula from Ancient EgyptEgypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
that granted its drinker superstrength. It was used by Nelson Drew to become a Golden Age hero known as the Liberator. From Exciting Comics #15.
Devil Fruit
The Devil Fruits are a class of fruits that permanently grant supernatural powers in the manga One PieceOne Piece
is a Japanese shōnen manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since August 4, 1997; the individual chapters are being published in tankōbon volumes by Shueisha, with the first released on December 24, 1997, and the 64th volume released as...
. Main character Monkey D. Luffy's body gained the properties of rubber after he ate one; numerous other characters have been given unique powers of their own from other Devil Fruits. While each Devil Fruit grants a different power, they share a common weakness: the user can no longer swim, and in fact loses all strength when immersed in sea water.
Hyorogan
These are a form of nutritional supplement pellets sometimes used in the manga NarutoNaruto
is an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The plot tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and aspires to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of...
. By taking a single pellet a ninja's chakra can be replenished or boosted drastically. They are said to allow a ninja 'to fight for three days and three nights without rest'.
Nuclear Cigarettes
The mangaManga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
hero 8 Man
8 Man
or is a fictional manga and anime superhero created in 1963 by science fiction writer Kazumasa Hirai and manga artist Jiro Kuwata. He is considered Japan's earliest cyborg superhero, predating even Kamen Rider , and was supposedly the inspiration for RoboCop.The manga was published in Weekly...
smoked radium
Radium
Radium is a chemical element with atomic number 88, represented by the symbol Ra. Radium is an almost pure-white alkaline earth metal, but it readily oxidizes on exposure to air, becoming black in color. All isotopes of radium are highly radioactive, with the most stable isotope being radium-226,...
enriched cigarettes in order to recharge his powers.
Phenixamin
The villain Mr. Calder in the manga series Zombie Powder took the drug Phenixamin to sustain his young appearance. However, because he used the drug so often he had to take higher doses which is what lead him to seek the Zombie Powder.Senzu Beans
In various episodes/chapters of the manga and anime Dragon BallDragon Ball
is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It was originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995; later the 519 individual chapters were published into 42 tankōbon volumes by Shueisha. Dragon Ball was inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the...
, many of the fighters took Senzu Beans to restore their health. They have the added effect of keeping the user full and energetic for ten days. They also allowed the user to overcome certain illnesses.
Rumble Ball
A medicine developed by the character Tony Tony Chopper in One Piece, the Rumble Ball interacts with his Devil Fruit powers to allow him to transform into several additional forms. However, overdoses may cause him to lose control of his transformations, or even turn him into a giant, mindless monster.Red Eye
A powerful and addictive narcoticNarcotic
The term narcotic originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. In the United States of America it has since become associated with opioids, commonly morphine and heroin and their derivatives, such as hydrocodone. The term is, today, imprecisely...
from the manga series Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop
is a critically acclaimed and award-winning 1998 Japanese anime series directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, written by Keiko Nobumoto, and produced by Sunrise. Its 26 episodes comprise a complete storyline: set in 2071, the series follows the adventures, misadventures and tragedies of five bounty...
. The drug is administered via an aerosol
Aerosol spray
Aerosol spray is a type of dispensing system which creates an aerosol mist of liquid particles. This is used with a can or bottle that contains a liquid under pressure. When the container's valve is opened, the liquid is forced out of a small hole and emerges as an aerosol or mist...
solution sprayed directly into the user's eyes. It grants the user periodic surges of superhuman
Superhuman
Superhuman can mean an improved human, for example, by genetic modification, cybernetic implants, or as what humans might evolve into, in the near or distant future...
strength, and limited super speed and reflexes sufficient to dodge bullets. Popular belief is that parts of the drug functioned like a cholinergic
Cholinergic
The word choline generally refers to the various quaternary ammonium salts containing the N,N,N-trimethylethanolammonium cation. Found in most animal tissues, choline is a primary component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and functions with inositol as a basic constituent of lecithin...
nootropic
Nootropic
Nootropics , also referred to as smart drugs, brain steroids, memory enhancers, cognitive enhancers, and intelligence enhancers, are drugs, supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods that improve mental functions such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration...
in that they temporarily increased the brain's supply of neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse. Neurotransmitters are packaged into synaptic vesicles clustered beneath the membrane on the presynaptic side of a synapse, and are released into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to...
s, allowing users to process environmental and spatial information so quickly that all normal human movement and action appears to be in slow motion.
Dream Sand
The sand from Morpheus's pouch. Originally stolen when Morpheus was captured by the Order of Ancient Mysteries, the sand eventually ended up in the hands of John ConstantineJohn Constantine
John Constantine is a fictional character, an occult detective anti-hero in comic books published by DC Comics, mostly under the Vertigo imprint. The character first appeared in Swamp Thing #37 , and was created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben and Rick Veitch...
. His ex-girlfriend stole the pouch and had spent the past several years using the sand to give herself constant dreams, to the detriment of her overall health. From the pages of Sandman #3.
Heavy Liquid
This is the strange material of uncertain, perhaps extraterrestrial, perhaps secret government origin that the former police-officer detective known as "S" steals to sell at a very high price to a mysterious art collector in Paul Pope's 5-issue mini-series Heavy Liquid. In its natural state, Heavy Liquid is something of a liquid metallic explosive, but when the volatile substance is heated it turns into a milky, black ooze that has a narcotic/psychedelic effect when 'ingested' through the ear.Amazo Pills
Illegal drug from Neopolis that granted a variety of superhuman abilities. A reference to AmazoAmazo
Amazo is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appears in The Brave and the Bold #30 and was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson. An android, Amazo's special ability is to replicate the special abilities of various superheroes and...
. As seen in the pages of Top Ten.
Compound V
An unknown blue mutagen which when introduced via syringe, transforms humans into superhumans. First appears in The BoysThe Boys (comic book)
The Boys is an American creator-owned comic book series, written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Darick Robertson. It was originally published by Wildstorm before moving to Dynamite Entertainment....
#4.
Darkshots
Extremely potent, illegal drug for robots. The drug, which is made from dark energyDark energy
In physical cosmology, astronomy and celestial mechanics, dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. Dark energy is the most accepted theory to explain recent observations that the universe appears to be expanding...
, allowed computers to become "one with the multiverse". Top 10: Beyond the Farthest Precinct #2.
Goloka Root
Bitter-tasting root from the mysterious island Attabar Teru. When taken, it magnifies the average human's life span and intellect. Used by Tom StrongTom Strong
Tom Strong is a comic book created by writer Alan Moore and artist Chris Sprouse initially published bi-monthly by America's Best Comics, an imprint of DC Comics' Wildstorm division.-Background:Tom Strong, the title character, is a "science hero"...
, his wife Dhalua Strong and his daughter Tesla Strong. See Tom Strong #1.
Goose Juice
The "street name" for Mongoose Blood, use of the drug grants temporary superspeed. Popular at raves. A reference to the Golden Age WhizzerWhizzer (Robert Frank)
The Whizzer is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared during the 1930s-1940s period that fans and historians call the Golden Age of Comic Books.-Publication history:...
. Used by recreational drug users in Top 10.
Hyperdrene
An illegal drug that apparently causes the users to experience hallucinations so vivid that they are visible to others as animated translucent hologramsHolography
Holography is a technique that allows the light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed so that when an imaging system is placed in the reconstructed beam, an image of the object will be seen even when the object is no longer present...
. As seen in Top 10.
External links
- Comic Book Drug Reference
- AMR:8-Man After
- International Hero: Demon
- CBR Oddball Comics: Action Comics #421
- International Hero: Lone Warrior
- Marvel Universe: Man Thing
- Antarctic Press previews: Meta Docs #0
- More Fun Comics #73
- Mighty Crusaders Handbook: The Wizard
- The Other Heroes of Golden Age Comics
- Animeinfo.org's Cowboy Bebop Library
- Superman Homepage entry for Captain Strong