Solar (comics) - Gold Key Comics

Gold Key Comics

The original Doctor Solar was a physicist named Dr. Raymond Solar. He was exposed to a massive amount of radiation in an attempt to assist a fellow worker, Dr. Bently. Bently lost his life trying to avert an imminent meltdown due to sabotage of a nuclear power facility by Dr. Rasp, agent of an evil mastermind named Nuro. Solar survived and soon discovered that he had powers to convert his human form into any kind of energy. Use of these powers depleted his "store" of energy which would require him to re-expose himself to radiation sources for replenishment. Using his new powers, he began searching for Nuro, who would clash with Solar many times. Nuro often used a robot "double" of himself called Orun in his schemes, and later transferred his mind into Orun, and was known as King Cybernoid.

Doctor Solar did not have a superhero costume until the fifth issue of his comic. Furthermore, "Doctor Solar" was his 'real' or 'civilian' name. When he went into action, he was known as "The Man of the Atom". His costume was intended to shield others from his radiation. In addition, when he used his powers, his skin turned green.

His original run lasted 27 issues, from October 1962 to April 1969. In the early 1980s, the series was resumed with issue #28 and lasted four issues. Solar also appeared in an issue of another Gold Key title, Dr. Spektor #14.