Powers
The Absorbing Man can alter the molecular structure of his body, his clothes, and his wrecking ball to mimic the properties of any material he touches. This process also gives him enhanced strength, endurance, and in most cases, resistance to injury. If the object touched holds some form of energy, such as a battery or a blast furnace, Creel absorbs these properties as well. He also has limited shape-changing abilities when absorbing certain objects, such as forming hammer-like fists when touching a hammer or growing to enormous size when copying items of massive power or strength. More recently, Creel has developed the ability to control the mind of another, even over vast distances. He was been shown to be able to "re-grow" his arm when it fell off (in his rocky form) by re-attaching it, then changing back to human form.
Abilities
Creel is a prized street-fighter and experienced burglar.
Weapons
He uses a prison ball-and-chain as a weapon, and it can transform along with his body.
First Appearance
Journey into Mystery #114 (1965)
Origin
Journey into Mystery #114 (1965)
Significant Issues
Given powers by Loki, believed he drove off Thor, defeated by Thor (Journey into Mystery #114, 1965); used by Loki in Asgardian takeover, cast into space by Odin (Journey into Mystery #123, 1965); returned to Earth, first fought the Hulk (Incredible Hulk #125, 1970); confronted by Avengers before skipping the country, washed out to sea (Avengers #183-194, 1979); fought Hulk on Easter Island (Incredible Hulk #261, 1981); fought in the Secret Wars, met Titania (Secret Wars #1-12, 1984-1985); with Masters of Evil, thwarted by Ant-Man and Wasp (Avengers #273-275); married Titania (Avengers Unplugged 4, 1996); discovered his wife had cancer (Thor #25, 2000); became a follower of Thor (Thor #55, 2002); displayed new power, controlled Hulk to free himself but seemingly dying (Incredible Hulk #55-59, 2003); revealed to be alive, fought She-Hulk (She-Hulk #5-6, 2004)