Madman (Philip Sterns) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Peter David and artist Jeff Purves, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #362 (November 1989). He is portrayed as one of the Hulk's enemies and as the brother of the Leader.

Publication history

Philip Sterns debuted in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #362 (November 1989), and as the Madman in The Incredible Hulk vol. 2 #364, created by Peter David and Jeff Purves.

Fictional character biography

Philip Sterns is a former classmate of Bruce Banner at the California Institute of Technology who became envious of the Hulk and transformed himself into a red Hulk-like monster using gamma rays to emulate him. In the process, he develops an evil alternate personality who begins manipulating him. In subsequent appearances, Madman comes into conflict with the Hulk before being killed by the Leader in a confrontation with the Thunderbolts and sent to Hell to be tortured.

Powers and abilities

Like the Hulk, the Madman has immense strength and durability. He is unable to grow in strength further, but possesses additional shapeshifting abilities. He is also a gifted genius, with knowledge in nuclear physics and robotics.

In other media

Television

Philip Sterns / Madman appears in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes episode "Hulk vs. the World" as an inmate of the Cube, a prison for gamma-powered villains.

Video games

Philip Sterns / Madman appears as a boss in Hulk, voiced by Paul Dobson.