Neutron (Nathaniel Tryon) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, primarily as an enemy of Superman.

Publication history

Neutron first appeared in Action Comics #525 (November 1981), and was created by Marv Wolfman and Joe Staton. Wolfman commented about the character's creation, stating: "...With Neutron it was a matter of coming up with someone potentially more powerful and deadly than Superman had ever faced."

Fictional character biography

Nathaniel Tryon is a petty thug who gains nuclear powers during a meltdown at a nuclear plant he is attacking. He battles Superman before being presumed dead in an attempt to kill his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. However, Neutron later appears alive and joins the Secret Society of Super Villains in Infinite Crisis.

"One Year Later"

Following the Infinite Crisis event, Neutron becomes a villain for hire and a member of the Nuclear Legion. In The New 52 reboot, Neutron is a mercenary sent to kill Lex Luthor. However, he accidentally releases Luthor's Amazo virus on Metropolis and is infected, disabling his abilities and afflicting him with cancer.

Powers and abilities

Neutron's body is composed of nuclear energy that grants him superhuman physical abilities and the ability to manipulate nuclear energy. However, he is forced to wear a special suit to maintain a physical form and prevent his radiation from harming others.

In other media

Television

Video games

Neutron appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure.

Miscellaneous

Neutron appears in the audio drama Superman & The Neutron Nightmare.