Real name: Maxwell Dillon
Occupation: Professional criminal
Group affiliation: Sinister Six
Base of operations: Mobile
First appearance: Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #8

History: High-wire lineman Maxwell Dillon was struck by lightning while in contact with power lines still connected to their spool. The unusually configured magnetic field generated by the wound spool of cable and live, high-tension wires induced a body-wide mutagenic change to his nervous system. Dillon found himself transformed into a living electrical capacitor, powered by the micro-fine rhythmic muscle contractions that normally regulate body temperature.

Adopting the gaudy garb of a so-called super-villain, the deranged Dillon sought to use his newfound power for personal gain. Electro's first and most frequent nemesis has been the wisecracking, web-slinging super hero known as Spider-Man. He also has battled the blind adventurer Daredevil, the star-spangled Super-Soldier Captain America and the fabled Fantastic Four. Generally, Dillon's criminal actions are governed by a desire for money or revenge.

Hoping to energize his campaign to smear Spider-Man's reputation, Daily Bugle publisher J. Jonah Jameson surreptitiously secured Electro's supercharged services to battle the web-slinger on national television. Before an audience of millions, Spider-Man stood triumphant once more. Electro's extended string of ignominious defeats nearly came to an end when the world-weary villain, hungry for respect, attempted to deprive the entire city of power by drawing it into his body. Dillon almost killing himself as a result, again meeting defeat at the hands of Spider-Man.

Unable to best the wall-crawler on his own, Electro often has sought strength in numbers. Early in his career, he and five other members of Spider-Man's rogues gallery united under the leadership of Dr. Octopus -- brilliant, respected scientist turned tentacled terror. The inaugural incarnation of the Sinister Six also included the shifty Sandman; the illusion-casting Mysterio; the high-flying, lowdown Vulture; and Kraven the Hunter. The villains' master plan: Pummel the wall-crawler relentlessly until one of them managed to defeat him. The outcome: Spidey 6, bad guys 0.

Stinging from their initial failure, the Six stepped up their efforts. With the half-demon Hobgoblin standing in for Kraven, they planned to hold the world for ransom under a cloud of poison gas. Spider-Man was no match for the villains' collective might, but Dr. Octopus deserted Electro and the rest of team when he discovered he could sell the gas as a cure for cocaine addiction. Without Doc Ock's guidance, the Six easily were dispatched by Spider-Man. A subsequent scheme to destroy their treacherous leader ended when the rudderless rogues went their separate ways after failing to achieve their objective.

Height: 5 ft. 11 in.
Weight: 165 lbs.
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Red-brown

Powers: Maxwell Dillon possesses the ability to generate electrostatic energy at a rate of about 1,000 volts per minute and store up to 1,000,000 volts. At 10 feet, his maximum charge is more than enough to kill a normal man. Electro is able to emit lightning arcs from his fingertips at speeds of up to 1,100 feet per second, achieving a maximum distance of about 100 feet. In addition, he can override electrically powered devices and manipulate them mentally. Apparently, Electro's powers also can disrupt Spider-Man's ability to cling to walls.

Weapons: None