Created by writer Peter David and artist Jeff Purves, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk vol.

[3] 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.

[4] In the process, Sterns 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.

[6] He is unable to grow in strength further, but possesses additional shapeshifting abilities.