[2] Doctor Phosphorus first appeared in Detective Comics #469 (May 1977), and was created by writer Steve Englehart and artist Walt Simonson.

[3] Alexander Sartorius was a member of the Tobacconists' Club who wanted to build a nuclear power plant in Gotham City with help from chairman Rupert Thorne.

[4] However, he was forced to build elsewhere following public opposition and was transformed into a metahuman during a meltdown at the plant, gaining transparent, burning skin and the ability to generate harmful radiation.

[6][7] During the Underworld Unleashed storyline, Phosphorus sells his soul to the demon Neron to gain increased control over his powers.

[3] During Batman's absence after his presumed death, Phosphorus escapes custody and kidnaps Kirk Langstrom and his wife Francine for information about their research.