Professor Andrew Zagarian is the creator of the Shaggy Man
History
Professor Zagarian was scientist, who was determined to find a medical substitute for lost human tissue. To accomplish this goal, he exiled himself to a small island near northern Chile, where he would labor tirelessly on his research. After countless hours, the fruit of the Zagarian's efforts came in the form of a strange new material he dubbed plastalloy. This substance was similar to plastic, which the doctor strengthened by adding salamander DNA. This resulted with his new concoction being far different than any medical silastic seen before, as the plastalloy was capable of completely regenerating itself. It seemed as if Zagarian's hard work was paying off, as he saw this as a way to finally help amputees and transplant patients. Believing he was on the verge of a scientific breakthrough, Zagarian eagerly began to experiment on the material. Unfortunately for medical science, Fate had other plans for the doctor and his creation.
To test the plastalloy, Zagarian created an entire body from the substance, but the experiment suddenly went wrong. An unexpected surge of power from the lab machinery resulted with the body to quickly grow into a hulking, hairy giant he dubbed the Shaggy Man. The artificial life-form was driven by mindless rage and attacked anything that moved. Before the doctor's terrified eyes, the Shaggy Man destroyed his lab equipment, turning all of his life's work into mere scrap metal. Zagarian attempted to stop his monster and shot off one of the beast's arms. Unfortunately, the plastalloy worked far too well, as the creature was capable of regenerate from any injury in seconds. Helpless to stop the beast himself, Dr. Zagarian quickly contacted the Justice League for help. But even the mighty members of the Justice League were powerless against the Shaggy Man's hideous strength and regeneration. Thankfully, the creature was finally defeated when the Flash instructs Dr. Zagarian to create a second Shaggy Man to fight the first. The heroes then seal the two immortal monsters in a deep pit, to battle each other for all eternity.[1]
Unfortunately, Zagarian's monsters would not remain trapped for long. The two brutes would eventually escape and go on to plague the world countless times. While Professor Zagarian had only intended for his plastalloy to help the world, he had unintentionally created one of its greatest threats. The doctor was subsequently imprisoned for his crimes against humanity. Thankfully, he soon found a chance at achieving redemption. The Shaggy Man was rampaging through Arizona, and the Justice League were struggling to stop the monster. On a hunch, the Flash decides to visit Zagarian in prison for any advice on how to defeat him. Zagarian informs the Scarlet Speedster that the Shaggy Man gains his power via photosynthesis, which is channeled through the beast's dense fur. Using this knowledge and some quick teamwork, the heroes give the Shaggy Man a shave, removing both his hair and his power. The Justice League quickly exile the defeated Shaggy Man on the dark side of the Moon, where he will no longer be a threat.[2]
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
- Genius Level Intellect: Andrew Zagarian possessed an extreme level of intelligence. This allowed him to create a new form of synthetic material, unlike anything seen before. He was also capable of owning and operating a large laboratory, installing and managing all the complex machinery himself. Additionally, Zagarian was highly knowledgeable in many other fields.
Weaknesses
- Obsession: While Dr. Zagarian's intentions were noble, his experiments created a destructive and all but unstoppable monster. Eerily similar to another scientist that wished to help mankind triumph over nature, Zagarian's obsession led to his downfall. He was so determined to see his goal made real, he never once stopped to consider the consequences of his actions. The unfortunate story of Doctor Andrew Zagarian serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of scientific obsession.
Related
- 4 Appearances of Andrew Zagarian (New Earth)
- 1 Images featuring Andrew Zagarian (New Earth)
- Quotations by or about Andrew Zagarian (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Andrew Zagarian (New Earth)
Footnotes