VIRUS X	BIOGRAPHY
Created by Edmond Hamilton and Curt Swan

TECHNICAL DATA

Name: Virus X
Also known as: Kryptonian Leprosy
DCU Creator(s): (recreated strain): Lex Luthor
First Appearance: Superman Vol. 1 #156 (October 1962): "The Last Days of Superman!"
Creators: Edmond Hamilton and Curt Swan

HISTORY

Virus X was a virulent infectious disease brought from the "Plague Planet" Uger to Krypton at least five centuries ago by an alien pilot. In a matter of hours, the Krypton airport of Stuvar was overrun and families of those airport workers were infected. To avoid a pandemic, Kryptonians rounded up any victims and placed them in a remote area known as Pestilence Valley to await death.

The threat of Virus X remained to the end of Krypton's days. The scientist Tharb-El attempted to find a cure circa 9998-10,000, but was unsuccessful. The container holding Virus X samples would survive Krypton's destruction, ultimately being found on Earth.

In modern times, as part of his ongoing attempts on the life of Superman, the villainous genius Lex Luthor recreated Virus X on Earth. Partnering with a criminal known as Ventor, Superman was ultimately exposed to Virus X

SPECIFICATIONS

The disease has three stages; the first is an initial "panic syndrome," in which the victim would be marked with bouts of extreme paranoia and high fever. This is followed by the second stage; a severe disfiguring mummification of the skin as it turns green and the destruction of the victim's nervous system. It was from this second stage where Virus X got the name "Kryptonian Leprosy," as the disease was similar to the leprosy seen on Earth. The third stage is death which occurs in hours.

CHRONOLOGY

For a definitive list of appearances of Virus X in chronological order click here