Clayface

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Clayface is the name of several fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is commonly depicted as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the original Clayface, Basil Karlo, first appeared in Detective Comics #40 (June 1940).

Publication History

The character of Clayface has undergone several transformations and has been portrayed by different individuals in the DC Universe. The original Clayface, Basil Karlo, was a B-movie actor who began a life of crime using the identity of a villain he once portrayed in a film. Over the years, other characters have taken on the mantle of Clayface, each with unique abilities and backstories.

Fictional Character Biography

Basil Karlo

Basil Karlo was the first to assume the identity of Clayface. As a former actor, he became enraged when he learned that a classic horror film he starred in was being remade without him. Donning the mask of the film's villain, Clayface, Karlo embarked on a killing spree targeting the cast and crew of the remake.

Matt Hagen

The second Clayface, Matt Hagen, was a treasure hunter who stumbled upon a radioactive pool of protoplasm. Exposure to the substance gave him the ability to shapeshift at will, but he needed to periodically return to the pool to maintain his powers.

Preston Payne

Preston Payne, the third Clayface, was a scientist who suffered from hyperpituitarism. In an attempt to cure himself, he used a sample of Matt Hagen's blood, which transformed him into a clay-like creature. Unlike his predecessors, Payne's condition caused him immense pain, and he needed to pass his condition onto others to relieve it.

Sondra Fuller

Sondra Fuller, also known as Lady Clay, was the fourth individual to take on the Clayface identity. She was a member of the criminal organization Strike Force Kobra and gained shapeshifting abilities similar to Matt Hagen's through a deal with Kobra.

Cassius "Clay" Payne

Cassius "Clay" Payne is the son of Preston Payne and Sondra Fuller. He inherited the abilities of both his parents, making him one of the most powerful versions of Clayface.

Other Versions

There have been other minor characters who have taken on the Clayface identity, each contributing to the legacy of the character in various DC Comics storylines.

Powers and Abilities

The abilities of Clayface vary depending on the individual. Common powers include:

• Shapeshifting: The ability to alter their physical form and appearance.
• Superhuman Strength: Enhanced physical strength beyond that of a normal human.
• Regeneration: The ability to heal from injuries rapidly.
• Size Alteration: The ability to change their size and mass.

In Other Media

Clayface has appeared in various Batman-related media, including animated series, video games, and live-action television shows. Notable appearances include:

• Batman: The Animated Series
• The Batman
• Batman: Arkham video game series

See Also

• List of Batman Family adversaries
• Batman: The Animated Series
• DC Comics