In the late 1930s, Ian Karkull is a scientist and archaeologist working in the Sahara Desert with partner Everett Dahlen to find Ragnor, a mystic city rumored to possess great wealth and a knowledge of dark powers.

However, Dahlen betrays Karkull and leaves him for dead, during which he learns magic before being rescued by nomadic Arabs.

The two relocate to a hidden city in the Arctic, getting Fate's attention when they kill U.S. Navy scientists who come too close to their lair.

[4] Ian Karkull wields magic derived from Shadowlands energy, which enables him to manipulate darkness.

Karkull appears in the Superman: The Animated Series episode "The Hand of Fate", voiced by Ted Levine.