Morpheus first appeared in Moon Knight #12 (Aug. 1981), and was created by Doug Moench and Bill Sienkiewicz.

2 #3 (Sept. 1985), Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #18 (June 1990), and Moon Knight: Resurrection War #2-4 (Feb.–April 1998).

He had an unprecedented viral infection that caused competitive inhibition of certain segments in his DNA in the process of replication.

The drug reacts with Markham's DNA, causing a freakish appearance and the inability to sleep.

Crazed, Morpheus seeks to punish Dr. Alraune, which brought him to the attention of Moon Knight, a wealthy vigilante.

The lack of sleep results in the accumulation of a destructive psionic ability which he calls 'Ebon energy'.