View source for Absorbing Man

{{Short description|Marvel Comics fictional character}}
{{Infobox comics character
|character_name = Absorbing Man
|image          = Thor-376.jpg
|converted      = y
|caption        = Absorbing Man as depicted in ''[[Thor (comic book)|Thor]]'' #376 (February 1987).<br>Art by [[Walt Simonson]].
|alter_ego      = Carl "Crusher" Creel
|species        = Human mutate{{efn|In Marvel comics, the term "mutate" is used as a noun to designate characters that received superpowers from an external source, as opposed to Marvel's [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]].}}
|publisher      = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut          = ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #114<br>(March 1965)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Misiroglu |first1=Gina Renée |last2=Eury |first2=Michael |title=The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood |date=2006 |publisher=Visible Ink Press |isbn=9780780809772 |url=https://archive.org/details/supervillainbook0000gina/page/2/mode/2up |language=en}}</ref>
|creators       = [[Stan Lee]]<br>[[Jack Kirby]]
|alliances      = [[Masters of Evil]]<br/>They Who Wield Power<br/>[[List of Avengers members#Astonishing Avengers (2014)|Astonishing Avengers]]<br/>[[Legion Accursed]]<br/>[[Lethal Legion]]<br/>[[Fear Itself (comics)|Worthy]]<br>[[Gamma Flight]]<ref>Immortal Hulk #8. Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name="Gamma Flight #1–5">''Gamma Flight'' #1–5. Marvel Comics.</ref>
|partners       = [[Titania (Marvel Comics)|Titania]]
|aliases        = Lightningbolt<br>Greithoth<br>Rocky Davis<br>Red Dog<br>Harold
|powers         = * Matter absorption and replication
* [[Ball and chain]] proficiency
| cat           = super
| subcat        = Marvel Comics
| hero          =
| villain       = y
| sortkey       = Absorbing Man
}}
The '''Absorbing Man''' ('''Carl''' "'''Crusher'''" '''Creel''') is a character appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. Created by writer [[Stan Lee]] and writer-artist [[Jack Kirby]], the character first appeared in ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #114 (cover dated March 1965), in the [[Silver Age of Comic Books]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodge |first=John |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Thor Finds a New Way to Defeat a One of His Oldest Marvel Villains |url=https://www.cbr.com/thor-defeat-oldest-marvel-villains-carl-creel-absorbing-man/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Corley |first=Shaun |date=July 25, 2021 |title=A Small-Time MCU Villain Just Got a Major Upgrade in The Comics |url=https://screenrant.com/absorbing-man-gamma-flight-mcu-upgrade-marvel-comics/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> Carl Creel has the power to absorb and become any material he touched.<ref>{{cite book |last=Rovin |first=Jeff |title=[[The Encyclopedia of Super-Villains]] |date=1987 |publisher=Facts on File |isbn=0-8160-1356-X |location=New York |pages=1–2 |authorlink=Jeff Rovin}}[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofsu0000rovi_h5r9/page/n15/mode/2up]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Leah Marilla |date=September 30, 2014 |title=Who Is "Absorbing Man" Carl Creel? 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New Villain Has a Comic History with Thor |url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/41880-who-is-absorbing-man-carl-creel-agents-of-shields-new-villain-has-a-comic-history-with |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Bustle (website)|Bustle]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullicane |first=Evan |date=August 17, 2020 |title=Hulk's Greatest Threat is a Leveled-Up MCU Villain |url=https://screenrant.com/hulk-greatest-threat-absorbing-man-mcu/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> Originally a [[supervillain]], in later years, he has reformed into more of an [[antihero]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donohoo |first=Timothy |date=December 8, 2021 |title=How Marvel's Worst Movie Villain (and Forgotten TV Thug) Became a Hulk-Level Hero |url=https://www.cbr.com/hulk-movie-villain-absorbing-man-marvel-redemption/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>

Since his original introduction in comics, the character has been featured in various other Marvel-licensed products, including [[video games]], [[animated]] [[television series]], and merchandise such as [[trading cards]]. He appears in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] TV series ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'', portrayed by [[Brian Patrick Wade]].

==Publication history==
The Absorbing Man debuted in ''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #114 (March 1965), and was created by [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]].<ref name="Steele2008">{{cite book|author=Jim Steele|title=HCA Comics and Original Comic Art Auction Catalog #829|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EKSE4_IM5xoC&pg=PA159|date=1 June 2008|publisher=Heritage Capital Corporation|isbn=978-1-59967-276-2|pages=159–}}</ref> He appeared in the 2017 ''[[Black Bolt]]'' series, by [[Saladin Ahmed]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magnett |first=Chase |date=April 4, 2018 |title=8 Reasons Why We Loved 'Black Bolt' |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/why-we-loved-black-bolt/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Justin |date=January 4, 2018 |title=Marvel's Black Bolt Actually Made the Absorbing Man Matter |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-black-bolt-absorbing-man-death/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Fictional character biography==
Carl "Crusher" Creel was a boxer and jailed criminal who becomes the Absorbing Man when he drinks a liquid which the Asgardian god [[Loki (Marvel Comics)|Loki]] laced with a mystical potion.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Brevoort |first1=Tom |last2=DeFalco |first2=Tom |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=Sanderson |first4=Peter |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |title=Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History |date=2017 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1465455505 |page=107}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Avina |first=Anthony |date=2019-11-28 |title=Marvel: The Hulk's 10 Most Powerful Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-hulk-most-powerful-villains-ranked/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Discovering that he could absorb the properties of anything he touched, Creel escapes prison by absorbing metal from the guards' bullets and goes on to battle [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Comtois |first1=Pierre |title=Marvel Comics in the 1960s: An Issue by Issue Field Guide to a Pop Culture Phenomenon |date=2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1-60549-016-8 |page=87}}</ref> When he escapes, he takes with him the ball and chain to which he was shackled, and uses the ball and chain as a weapon. Although he is only mortal, Creel's fantastic abilities make him a worthy opponent for Thor, who is later forced to end the battle due to Loki's kidnapping of [[Jane Foster]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wells |first1=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1965-1969 |date=2014 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490557 |page=46}}</ref> Creel then breaks into a house and attacks the occupants. Thor comes to the rescue and tricks Creel into changing his atomic structure into pure helium. Thor accomplishes this by using his hammer's powers to transform the ground's molecular makeup. As Creel is acquiring additional mass from direct contact with the Earth when this happens, he drifts harmlessly into the atmosphere.<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #114–115 (March–April 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=DeFalco |first1=Tom |last2=Sanderson |first2=Peter |last3=Brevoort |first3=Tom |last4=Teitelbaum |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |last6=Darling |first6=Andrew |last7=Forbeck |first7=Matt |last8=Cowsill |first8=Alan |last9=Bray |first9=Adam |title=The Marvel Encyclopedia |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-7890-0 |page=10}}</ref>

A short time later, Loki retrieves Creel from space using Asgardian technology after he has knocked out an Asgardian warlock and sends Creel back to battle Thor. After Creel is nearly beaten due to Thor's fighting skill, Loki transports him to Asgard and reveals the true source of his "absorbing" powers. After being humbled by Loki, Creel agrees to act as his agent, and he is directed to take over the city. The Absorbing Man defeats the Asgardian legions without too much trouble and eventually confronts Odin himself. Creel absorbs Odin's attacks and then the properties of Asgard itself, hoping to rule the universe, and he towers over Odin as Loki arrives to gloat. Thor is ordered by Odin not to keep attacking. Loki and Creel are then beaten by trickery; once given Odin's Rod of Rulership the two quarrel over it, with the Absorbing Man trying to absorb the rod, and the two find that they cannot let go. Odin then advises them that his power lies not in a mere object, but deep within himself. The pair are then banished into outer space.<ref>''Journey into Mystery'' #121–123 (Oct.–Dec. 1965). Marvel Comics.</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Morelli |first=Trevor |date=2019-01-17 |title=The Definitive Ranking Of The Hulk's 20 Most Powerful Enemies |url=https://www.cbr.com/hulk-powerful-villains-ranked/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Absorbing Man eventually returns on a comet and battles the [[Hulk]]. Bruce Banner had been sent to divert the comet, as it was feared it was radioactive, but the Absorbing Man leaped aboard and began absorbing the Hulk's strength. He tries to bury the Hulk under a mountain, but when the Hulk turns back to human form, the Absorbing Man is unable to support the great weight and was buried.<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #125. Marvel Comics.</ref>

However, Creel goes on to battle many other heroes, such as the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]],<ref>''The Avengers'' #183–184 (May–June 1979). Marvel Comics.</ref> [[Daredevil (Marvel Comics character)|Daredevil]],<ref>''Daredevil'' #360 (Jan. 1997). Marvel Comics.</ref> the [[Dazzler (Marvel Comics)|Dazzler]],<ref name="Dazzler #18 August 1982">''Dazzler'' #18 (Aug. 1982). Marvel Comics.</ref> the Hulk,<ref>''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 #208–209 (Feb.–March 1977), #347–348 (Sept.–Oct. 1988) and #457 (October 1997), and ''The Incredible Hulk'' vol. 2 Annual #18 (1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> and [[Spider-Man]].<ref>''Marvel Knights: Spider-Man'' #13–18 (June–Nov. 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref> He is one of the villains who participates in the Secret Wars, and also develops a romantic relationship with the super-strong villainess [[Titania (Marvel Comics)|Titania]].<ref>''Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars'' #1–12 (May 1984–April 1985). Marvel Comics.</ref> The pair also join the reformed fourth version of the [[Masters of Evil]].<ref>''The Avengers'' #270, 273, 275 (Aug., Nov. 1986, Jan. 1987). Marvel Comics.</ref> Creel has several more battles with Thor<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #375–376 (Jan.–Feb. 1987); ''The Mighty Thor'' vol. 2 #14 (Aug. 1999). Marvel Comics.</ref> (and the [[Thunderstrike (Eric Masterson)|Eric Masterson Thor]])<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' #446 (April 1992). Marvel Comics.</ref> and a skirmish with the cosmic hero [[Quasar (Wendell Vaughn)|Quasar]].<ref>''Quasar'' #5 (December 1989). Marvel Comics.</ref> Although he assisted [[Crossbones (character)|Crossbones]] in a plan to attack [[Captain America]], when Absorbing Man learned that Crossbones intended to detonate a bomb in New York, he absorbed the properties of [[Captain America's shield]] to contain the blast, declaring that he was not a murderer.<ref>''Captain America'' vol. 3 #24. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Creel is later incarcerated in an experimental prison called the [[Big House (comics)|Big House]], where all prisoners are shrunken via [[Hank Pym]]'s "Pym Particles". An escape attempt is thwarted by [[She-Hulk]].<ref>''She-Hulk'' #10 (Feb. 2005). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Absorbing Man escapes prison and allies with the [[Owl (Marvel Comics)|Owl]] as an enforcer,<ref>''Marvel Knights: Spider-Man'' #13. Marvel Comics.</ref> but finds himself opposed by Spider-Man and new hero [[Ethan Edwards]] (later revealed to be a disguised [[Skrull]]). He is briefly trapped and converted into a new form of cocaine by one of the Owl's operatives when they become frustrated with his unprofessional approach,<ref>''Marvel Knights: Spider-Man'' #16. Marvel Comics.</ref> with the new drug briefly giving those who snort him a degree of his powers, but he reassembles himself and goes after the Owl for revenge.<ref>''Marvel Knights: Spider-Man'' #17. Marvel Comics.</ref> Spider-Man defeats Creel by tricking him into running a gauntlet where he absorbs multiple objects thrown at him, culminating in Creel absorbing two different chemicals that cause him to explode.<ref>''Marvel Knights: Spider-Man'' #18. Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Absorbing Man later battles and is apparently killed by the hero [[Sentry (Robert Reynolds)|Sentry]] during the events of ''[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]''.<ref name="Civil War 2007">''Civil War: The Return'' #1 (Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref> However, he later appears at the funeral of [[Stilt-Man]].<ref>''Punisher War Journal'' vol. 2 #4 (April 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Creel and Titania later come into conflict with the heroine She-Hulk and her Skrull partner [[Jazinda]] after they attempt to arrest Creel's cousin Rockwell Davis.<ref>''She-Hulk'' vol. 2 #22–23 (Nov.–Dec. 2007). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the ''[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]'' storyline, Creel joins a new version of the [[Lethal Legion]] led by the [[Grim Reaper (Marvel Comics)|Grim Reaper]].<ref>''Lethal Legion'' #1–3 (Aug.–Oct. 2009). Marvel Comics.</ref> After a defeat, Creel escapes prison and absorbs a shard of the [[Cosmic Cube]].<ref>''The Mighty Avengers'' #32 (Dec. 2009). Marvel Comics.</ref>

The Absorbing Man suffers a setback when villain [[Norman Osborn]] uses an enchanted sword—provided by Loki—to remove his absorbing powers completely.<ref>''The Mighty Avengers'' #33 (Jan. 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Creel is also revealed to be the father of the hero [[Stonewall (comics)#Jerry Sledge|Stonewall]].<ref>''Secret Warriors'' #12 (Jan. 2010). Marvel Comics.</ref>

Creel regains his powers and storms [[Avengers Tower]] to recover his ball and chain. He is defeated by Avengers' coordinators [[Maria Hill]], [[Sharon Carter]], and [[Victoria Hand]] after absorbing the latter's cold.<ref>''Age of Heroes'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Fear Itself (comics)|Fear Itself]]" storyline, Creel and Titania encounter two of the divine hammers that contain the essences of the Worthy, generals to Odin's brother and adversary, [[Serpent (character)|Cul Borson]]. Coming into contact with the hammers, Titania and Creel were transformed into Skirn: Breaker of Men<ref name="FearItself#2">{{Cite comic|writer=Matt Fraction|penciller=Stuart Immonen|inker=Wade von Grawbadger|story=The Worthy|title=Fear Itself|volume=|issue=#2|date=July 2011|publisher=Marvel Comics|page=|panel=}}</ref> and Greithoth: Breaker of Wills,<ref>{{Cite comic|writer=Christos Gage|penciller=[[Tom Raney]]|inker=Scott Hanna and Andrew Hennessy|story=No Unwounded Soldiers|title=[[Avengers Academy]]|volume=|issue=#15|date=Aug. 2011|publisher=Marvel Comics|page=|panel=}}</ref> respectively. They later went on a rampage depicted in a number of ''Fear Itself'' tie-in issues, most prominently ''Avengers Academy'' #15–19 and ''[[Iron Man 2.0]]'' #5–6, as well as that storyline's core miniseries.

During the "[[AXIS (comics)|AXIS]]" storyline, Absorbing Man appears as a member of Magneto's unnamed supervillain group during the fight against [[Red Skull]]'s [[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Red Onslaught]] form.<ref>''Avengers & X-Men: AXIS'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> He is briefly converted to heroism when everyone on the island experiences a moral inversion as [[Doctor Doom]] and [[Scarlet Witch]] attempt to bring out the [[Charles Xavier]] in Red Skull, joining the new Astonishing Avengers assembled by Steve Rogers and Spider-Man to oppose the inverted heroes.<ref>''Avengers & X-Men: AXIS'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> Absorbing Man later reverts to villainy when the inversion is undone.<ref>''Avengers & X-Men: AXIS'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref>

When Absorbing Man and Titania were robbing an armored car, the [[Jane Foster|female Thor]] appeared to thwart their plans. Upon meeting the female Thor, Creel mocked her for being a woman and for having taken Thor's name for herself, which she answered by breaking his jaw. Titania then appeared to confront her but, in respect for what she was doing, she knocked out her husband with his own weapon and surrendered.<ref>''The Mighty Thor'' vol. 4 #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" storyline of 2015, Absorbing Man is among the villains attending [[Kingpin (character)|Kingpin]]'s viewing party of the incursion between [[Earth-616]] and [[Earth-1610]].<ref>''Secret Wars'' #1 (2015). Marvel Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Avengers: Standoff!]]" storyline, Absorbing Man was an inmate of Pleasant Hill, a gated community established by S.H.I.E.L.D. Using [[Kobik]], S.H.I.E.L.D. transformed Absorbing Man into a man named Harold.<ref>''Avengers Standoff: Assault on Pleasant Hill Alpha'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> During his time as Harold, Absorbing Man ran an ice cream parlor and was in love with Sheriff Eva. When [[Helmut Zemo]] and [[Fixer (Marvel Comics)|Fixer]] restored the memories of the inmates, Absorbing Man joined in on their uprising with [[Whirlwind (comics)|Whirlwind]]. [[Illuminati (comics)|Illuminati]] members [[Hood (Marvel Comics)|Hood]] and [[Titania (Marvel Comics)|Titania]] arrived at Pleasant Hill to retrieve Absorbing Man. Although he was shaken from having a S.H.I.E.L.D.-induced normal life, Absorbing Man sides with the Illuminati as they work to assemble the other inmates to get revenge on S.H.I.E.L.D.<ref>''Illuminati'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the "[[Secret Empire (2017 comic)|Secret Empire]]" storyline, Absorbing Man is recruited by Baron Helmut Zemo to join the Army of Evil.<ref>''Captain America: Steve Rogers'' #16. Marvel Comics.</ref>

At some point, Absorbing Man was imprisoned in a deep space torture prison. He was defeated by [[Black Bolt]] in combat.<ref>''Black Bolt'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref> Absorbing Man later made an acquaintance with Black Bolt and fellow inmates Blinky, [[Metal Master (comics)|Metal Master]], and Raava.<ref>''Black Bolt'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> Upon taking in Black Bolt's sonic scream, Absorbing Man seemingly sacrifices himself to help destroy the torture prison's Jailer, enabling Black Bolt and the other inmates to escape.<ref>''Black Bolt'' #6. Marvel Comics.</ref> Later, Titania visits Parkwood Cemetery, where Absorbing Man suddenly emerges from his grave.<ref>''Black Bolt'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref> Absorbing Man and Titania helped Black Bolt fight a Jailer-possessed Blinky until they managed to drive Jailer out of him.<ref name=":0">''Black Bolt'' #12. Marvel Comics.</ref>

After Absorbing Man was imprisoned for another crime, his lawyer convinced him to join the U.S. Hulk Operations as an alternative to getting incarcerated for life. He gets injected with a Bannerman Gene-Enhancement Package that turned him into a gamma mutate able to absorb gamma radiation, at the cost of turning his skin a bright red color. When Absorbing Man - under the alias of '''Red Dog''' - fought Hulk at Los Diablos Missile Base, an entity, the [[One Below All]] entered his body after he absorbed most of the Hulk's gamma energy. The One Below All taunted Red Dog's astral body before ripping his physical one in half.<ref name=":1">''The Immortal Hulk'' #9. Marvel Comics.</ref> Absorbing Man, still controlled by The One Below All, continues fighting Hulk. Absorbing Man ran off when Jackie McGee, [[Sasquatch (comics)|Walter Langkowski]], and [[Puck (Marvel Comics)|Puck]] showed up. When the One Below All successfully opened the door to the Below Place, the lowest point of Hell, the entirety of New Mexico gets transported there as Absorbing Man weeps.<ref>''The Immortal Hulk'' #10. Marvel Comics.</ref> With the help of Puck, Creel was able to transfer the gamma energy he had absorbed back into Hulk, who used his thunder clap to disperse the One Below All's cloud form and transport New Mexico back to Earth. Creel has since been freed of the One Below All's influence, having transferred the gamma radiation back to the Hulk, joining [[Gamma Flight]] in the process.<ref name="Gamma Flight #1–5"/>

==Powers and abilities==
Carl Creel has the ability to mimic the matter or strength of anything nearby or anyone he is near.<ref name="JM">''[[Journey into Mystery]]'' #114 (March 1965)</ref><ref name="DV">{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=February 28, 2021 |title=Thor: 10 Most Dangerous Villains He's Ever Fought |url=https://www.cbr.com/thor-most-dangerous-villains-fought/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Most commonly, the Absorbing Man uses his powers to duplicate the qualities of anything that he touches—solids, liquids, gases, or even energy sources. This transformation also extends to the items that Creel was wearing and carrying when Loki's [[magic potion]] took effect (for example, if Creel touches the metal [[titanium]], his body, clothes, and wrecking ball takes on its appearance and properties). He can absorb sufficient mass from a large object (e.g., a building) to attain the same height. While in different alternate forms, he still maintains his intellect, capacity for speech, and full physical movement (although his first attempt at absorbing water temporarily cost Creel's sanity when he tried to keep himself from drifting apart in the ocean).<ref name="Avengers #184 July 1979">''The Avengers'' #184 (July 1979)</ref> His body was able to reform itself after being broken or damaged,<ref>''[[The Incredible Hulk (comic book)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' #456-457 (September–October 1997)</ref> especially a severed arm which [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] cuts off during the ''[[Secret Wars]]''.<ref>''Secret Wars'' #7 (November 1984)</ref>

===Equipment===
Absorbing Man is also shown to wield a [[ball and chain]] when in battle.<ref name="JM"/>

==Reception==
===Critical response===
Drew Atchison of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' included Absorbing Man their "Hulk's Main Comic Book Villains, Ranked Lamest To Coolest" list, writing, "Teaming up with the Inhuman king, Black Bolt, to siding with Gamma Flight to take on the Immortal Hulk, Carl's been through a lot and deserves to return to the MCU."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atchison |first=Drew |date=May 1, 2021 |title=Hulk's Main Comic Book Villains, Ranked Lamest To Coolest |url=https://screenrant.com/hulk-main-comic-book-villains-ranked-lamest-to-coolest/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' ranked Absorbing Man 3rd in their "10 Strongest Marvel Henchmen" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=October 2, 2021 |title=10 Strongest Marvel Henchmen, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-marvel-henchmen/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 4th in their "10 Villains Fans Hope To See In Marvel’s She-Hulk Series" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Avina |first=Anthony |date=September 9, 2019 |title=10 Villains Fans Hope To See In Marvel's She-Hulk Series |url=https://www.cbr.com/she-hulk-marvel-comic-villains-disney-plus-series/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 4th in their "10 Best B-List Avengers Villains" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=August 4, 2022 |title=The 10 Best B-List Avengers Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-avengers-best-b-list-villains-ranked/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 5th in their "Top 10 She-Hulk Villains" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaudreau |first=Jared |date=February 23, 2022 |title=The Top 10 She-Hulk Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/top-she-hulk-villains-ranked/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 5th in their "10 Strongest Marvel Human Villains" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=July 4, 2021 |title=10 Strongest Marvel Human Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/strongest-marvel-human-villains/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 6th in their "Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lealos |first=Shawn S. |date=September 16, 2018 |title=Age Of Apocalypse: The 30 Strongest Characters In Marvel's Coolest Alternate World |url=https://www.cbr.com/age-of-apocalypse-characters-ranked/ |access-date=October 11, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 7th in their "Hulk’s 10 Most Powerful Villains" list,<ref name="MP">{{Cite web |last=Avina |first=Anthony |date=November 28, 2019 |title=Marvel: The Hulk's 10 Most Powerful Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-hulk-most-powerful-villains-ranked/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 8th in their "Marvel: 10 Villains Who Keep Getting Stronger" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harth |first=David |date=April 3, 2022 |title=Marvel: 10 Villains Who Keep Getting Stronger |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-villains-getting-stronger/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref> 9th in their "Thor: 10 Most Dangerous Villains He's Ever Fought" list,<ref name="DV" /> and 12th in their "Hulk's 20 Most Powerful Enemies" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morelli |first=Trevor |date=January 17, 2019 |title=The Definitive Ranking Of The Hulk's 20 Most Powerful Enemies |url=https://www.cbr.com/hulk-powerful-villains-ranked/ |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Other versions==
===Age of Apocalypse===
An alternate universe variant of Carl Creel from Earth-295 appears in ''[[Age of Apocalypse]]''. This version works as a prison camp warden in Mexico.<ref>''[[Tales from the Age of Apocalypse]]'' #1 (December 1996)</ref>

===Earth X===
An alternate universe variant of Carl Creel from Earth-9997 appears in ''[[Earth X]]''.<ref>''[[Universe X]]'' #3 (October 2000)</ref>

===House of M===
An alternate universe variant of Carl Creel from Earth-58163 appears in ''[[House of M]]''. This version is a member of the [[Hood (Marvel Comics)|Hood]]'s [[Masters of Evil]].<ref>''[[House of M: Masters of Evil]]'' #1 (December 2009)</ref>

===JLA/Avengers===
Absorbing Man appears in ''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' as a brainwashed minion of [[Krona (comics)|Krona]].<ref>''[[JLA/Avengers]]'' #4 (February 2004)</ref>

===Marvel Apes===
An alternate universe variant of Absorbing Man from Earth-95019 appears in ''[[Marvel Apes]]''. This version is a [[mandrill]] called '''Absorbing Mandrill''' and a member of the Master Brotherhood of Evil Apes.<ref>''[[Marvel Apes|Marvel Apes: Amazing Spider-Monkey Special]]'' (June 2009)</ref>

===Marvel Zombies===
An alternate version of Carl Creel appears in the ''[[Marvel Zombies]]'' reality. Carl Creel is a zombie working for the zombie [[Kingpin (character)|Kingpin]]. He battles the interloper [[Machine Man]] while in stone form. He is tricked into absorbing the weak physicality of the zombie [[Karnak (comics)|Karnak]] and Machine Man swiftly destroys his head.<ref>''[[Marvel Zombies 3]]'' #3 (2009). Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Old Man Logan===
An alternate version of Carl Creel appears on Earth-807128 during the original ''[[Old Man Logan]]'' storyline. An elderly [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)#Old Man Logan|Hawkeye]] reveals to Logan that Absorbing Man and [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)#Old Man Logan|Magneto]] were responsible for killing [[Alternative versions of Thor (Marvel Comics)#Old Man Logan|Thor]].<ref>''Wolverine'' vol. 3 #67. Marvel Comics.</ref> A flashback also showed that [[Mysterio#Old Man Logan|Mysterio]] used an illusion of him amongst other villains to trick [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]] into killing his fellow X-Men.<ref>''Wolverine'' Vol. 3 #70. Marvel Comics.</ref> It is revealed on a map that a group modeled after Absorbing Man called the Creel Gang operates in Georgia.<ref>''Wolverine'' vol. 3 #66. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the pages of "Old Man Logan" during the "Dead Man Logan" storyline, some of Absorbing Man's history remains on Earth-21923. Old Man Logan was ambushed by the Creel Gang in Georgia upon his return to Earth-21923 in light of the power vacuum caused by the deaths of [[Red Skull#Old Man Logan|Red Skull]] and [[Hulk#Old Man Logan|Hulk]]. They are shown to be bald-headed, wear striped prison pants, and wield ball and chains. Logan was able to fight them off.<ref>''Dead Man Logan'' #7. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Absorbing Man was among the villains that laid a trap for the young heroes in Osborn City. They were killed by the insects that were summoned by Dwight Barrett's Ant-Man helmet.<ref>''Avengers of the Wastelands'' #3-4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==In other media==
===Television===
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[The Marvel Super Heroes]]'', voiced by Tom Harvey.<ref name="btva">{{Cite web |title=Absorbing Man Voices (Marvel Universe) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Marvel-Universe/Absorbing-Man/ |access-date=January 28, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref>
* Carl Creel / Absorbing Man appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1996 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (1996) episode "They Call Me Mr. Fixit", voiced by [[Jim Cummings]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2009 |title=Make Mine Marvel: The 1990s Hulk Cartoon |url=http://marvel.com/news/tv/6660/make_mine_marvel_the_1990s_hulk_cartoon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026020134/http://marvel.com/news/tv/6660/make_mine_marvel_the_1990s_hulk_cartoon |archive-date=October 26, 2015 |access-date=November 3, 2016 |publisher=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref> This version is an enforcer for crime boss Miss Allure.
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[The Avengers: United They Stand]]'' episode "Command Decision", voiced by Oliver Becker.<ref>"[http://marvel.toonzone.net/avengersunited/episode/command/ Marvel Animation Age Presents: The Avengers: United They Stand] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030003323/http://marvel.toonzone.net/avengersunited/episode/command/ |date=2017-10-30 }}," Marvel Toonzone. Retrieved November 3, 2016</ref> This version is a member of Baron [[Helmut Zemo]]'s [[Masters of Evil]].
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]'', voiced by [[Rick D. Wasserman]].<ref name="btva" /> This version's powers are derived from [[Gamma ray|gamma radiation]].
* Absorbing Man appears in the ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (TV series)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'' episode "Contest of Champions", voiced by [[Jonathan Adams (American actor)|Jonathan Adams]].<ref name="btva" />
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Avengers Assemble (TV series)|Avengers Assemble]]'', initially voiced again by Jonathan Adams and subsequently by [[Gregg Berger]].<ref name="btva" />
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'', voiced again by Jonathan Adams.<ref name="btva" />
* Carl Creel appears in television series set in the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]] (MCU).
** Creel primarily appears in ''[[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'', portrayed by [[Brian Patrick Wade]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=August 21, 2014 |title='Agents of SHIELD' Casts Villain Absorbing Man |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/agents-shield-casts-villain-absorbing-726832/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ching |first=Albert |date=August 21, 2014 |title="Agents of SHIELD" Season Premiere to Introduce the Absorbing Man |url=https://www.cbr.com/agents-of-shield-season-premiere-to-introduce-the-absorbing-man/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref> He first appears in the [[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2|second season]] episodes "[[Shadows (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)|Shadows]]" and "[[Heavy Is the Head (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)|Heavy is the Head]]" as a [[Hydra (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Hydra]] operative. As of the [[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 3|third season]] episode "[[The Inside Man (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)|The Inside Man]]", Creel defected to the U.S. government and became [[Glenn Talbot (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Glenn Talbot]]'s bodyguard. In the [[Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5|fifth season]], Creel reluctantly rejoins Hydra in their plot to save the world from [[Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Thanos]], only to be absorbed by Talbot via gravitonium.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raymond |first=Charles Nicholas |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Absorbing Man Returns In New Agents of SHIELD Episode |url=https://screenrant.com/agents-shield-absorbing-man-returns/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref>
** Creel is mentioned in a flashback in the ''[[Daredevil (TV series)|Daredevil]]'' episode "Cut Man", which is set in the 1990s while he was at the height of his boxing career. He is set to have a match with [[Jack Murdock (character)|Jack Murdock]], with the latter being expected to drop in the fifth round at [[Fixer (Marvel Comics)|Roscoe Sweeney]]'s "suggestion". Instead, Jack chooses to set a better example for his son [[Matt Murdock (Marvel Cinematic Universe)|Matt]] and wins the fight off-screen via knockout. Series producer [[Jeph Loeb]] confirmed that this is the same Creel that appears in ''Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' before gaining his abilities.<ref name="IGN8Apr2015">{{Cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Max |date=April 8, 2015 |title=Jeph Loeb Confirms Daredevil's Connection to an Agents of SHIELD Villain |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/08/jeph-loeb-confirms-daredevils-connection-to-an-agents-of-shield-villain |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412021914/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/08/jeph-loeb-confirms-daredevils-connection-to-an-agents-of-shield-villain |archive-date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=April 10, 2015 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Steinbeiser |first=Andrew |date=April 8, 2015 |title=Marvel Confirms Daredevil and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Connection |url=https://comicbook.com/news/marvel-confirms-daredevil-and-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-connection/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[ComicBook.com]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers]]'', voiced by [[Yasuhiko Kawazu]] in the Japanese version and by John Eric Bentley in the English dub.<ref name="btva" />
* Absorbing Man appears in the ''[[Spider-Man (2017 TV series)|Spider-Man]]'' episode "Screwball Live", voiced again by Gregg Berger.<ref name="btva" />
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Marvel Super Hero Adventures]]'', voiced by [[Michael Dobson (actor)|Michael Dobson]].<ref name="btva" />
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Iron Man and His Awesome Friends]]'', voiced by [[Talon Warburton]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=May 6, 2025 |title='Marvel's Iron Man and His Awesome Friends' Assembles Villainous Voice Stars |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/05/marvels-iron-man-and-his-awesome-friends-assembles-villainous-voice-stars/ |access-date=May 8, 2025 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> This version sports an arm device with a retractable ball and chain that also doubles as a claw.

===Film===
The Absorbing Man was featured in several scrapped scripts for ''[[Hulk (film)|Hulk]]'', with one seeing him being reimagined as computer engineer '''Robert Creel'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hulk screenplay by John Turman |url=https://archive.org/details/vdocuments.mx_hulk-screenplay-by-john-turmans-hulk-screenplay-by-john-turman-based-on-the-marvel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UGO |url=http://screenwriting.ugo.com/film/incrediblehulkbyhayter.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015052834/http://screenwriting.ugo.com/film/incrediblehulkbyhayter.php |archive-date=2008-10-15}}</ref>

===Video games===
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[The Incredible Hulk (1994 video game)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' (1994).{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
* Absorbing Man appears as a boss in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', voiced by [[John DiMaggio]].{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=NYCC 2013: Marvel Adds More Characters To LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES Game |url=http://www.newsarama.com/19216-nycc-2013-marvel-adds-more-characters-to-lego-marvel-super-heroes-game.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014013913/http://www.newsarama.com/19216-nycc-2013-marvel-adds-more-characters-to-lego-marvel-super-heroes-game.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=13 October 2014 |website=[[Newsarama]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=October 12, 2013 |title=Lego Marvel Super Heroes demo coming next week |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/10/12/4832048/lego-marvel-super-heroes-demo-coming-next-week |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US}}</ref> voiced again by John DiMaggio.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Marvel Avengers Alliance]]''.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Marvel Contest of Champions]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Marika |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Marvel Contest of Champions v37.2 Release Notes Introduce the Masters of Evil |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-contest-of-champions-v37-2-release-notes-introduce-the-masters-of-evil |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Marvel.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gose |first=Lance |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Marvel Contest of Champions Announces Baron Zemo and Absorbing Man, Roadmap for 2023 |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-contest-of-champions-baron-zemo-absorbing-man-2023-roadmap/ |access-date=April 24, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref>
* Absorbing Man appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel: Future Fight]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Best iPhone Game Updates: 'Hearthstone', 'Marvel Future Fight', 'Dungeons of Chaos', 'Panmorphia', and More |url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/08/14/best-iphone-game-updates-hearthstone-marvel-future-fight-dungeons-of-chaos-panmorphia-and-more/ |website=[[TouchArcade]]}}</ref>
* Absorbing Man appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel's Avengers]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2016 |title=Characters |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/lego-marvel-avengers/Characters |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=IGN Database}}</ref>
* Absorbing Man appears as a playable character in ''[[Marvel Strike Force]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Weekly Blog: The Masters of Evil |url=https://marvelstrikeforce.com/en/updates/blog-update-1-20-23 |website=Marvel Strike Force}}</ref>
* Absorbing Man appears in ''[[Marvel Snap]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sandoval |first=Andrea |date=February 27, 2023 |title=10 Best Marvel Snap Cards In Pool 3 |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-snap-great-pool-3-cards/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaptan |first=Doruk |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Marvel Snap: Every Pool 4 Card, Ranked |url=https://www.thegamer.com/marvel-snap-best-pool-4-cards-ranked/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Marvelwiki|absorbing-man|Absorbing Man}}
{{Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)}}
{{Hulk}}
{{She-Hulk}}
{{Thor}}
{{Stan Lee}}
{{Jack Kirby}}

[[Category:Characters created by Jack Kirby]]
[[Category:Characters created by Stan Lee]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1965]]
[[Category:Fictional characters from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Fictional professional boxers]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male supervillains]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics martial artists]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics television characters]]
[[Category:Thor (Marvel Comics)]]