Mr. Freeze

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Mr. Freeze (New 52)

Mr. Freeze is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Batman. Created by writer Dave Wood and artist Sheldon Moldoff, the character first appeared in Batman #121 (February 1959) as the ice-based criminal Dr. Art Schivel, but was later renamed Mr. Freeze. Over the years, Mr. Freeze has become one of Batman's most enduring enemies and is known for his tragic backstory and unique cryogenic technology that both sustains his life and serves as his primary weapon.

Character Overview

Mr. Freeze was originally portrayed as a typical mad scientist with a gimmick, but his character was profoundly deepened by the acclaimed 1992 Batman: The Animated Series episode "Heart of Ice", written by Paul Dini. This adaptation introduced his tragic backstory where he is Dr. Victor Fries, a cryogenics expert who turns to crime after an accident in his laboratory causes his body to only survive at sub-zero temperatures and forces him to wear a cryogenic suit to stay alive. His criminal activities are motivated by his desire to save his terminally ill wife, Nora, whom he has cryogenically frozen until he can find a cure for her illness.

Powers and Abilities

Mr. Freeze possesses a genius-level intellect, with extensive knowledge in cryogenics and engineering. His most notable invention is the freeze gun, a weapon that creates ice and freezes targets on contact. Due to the accident that transformed him, Mr. Freeze must wear a specially designed suit that keeps his body temperature below freezing. The suit also enhances his strength and protects him from physical harm.

In Other Media

Mr. Freeze has appeared in various media adaptations, including television series, films, and video games. Notably, he was portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1997 film Batman & Robin. The character has also been featured in the Arkham video game series, where he is voiced by Maurice LaMarche.

Cultural Impact

Mr. Freeze is considered one of the most sympathetic villains in the Batman rogues' gallery, with many stories emphasizing his humanity and tragic quest to revive his wife. His portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series has been particularly praised and has significantly influenced the character's depiction in comics and other media.