General Avery Sunderland was the President and CEO of the Sunderland Corporation - a scientific research firm that worked closely with the government agency known as the D.D.I.
History
Sunderland became involved with Doctor Alec Holland's research into a top-secret Bio-Restorative formula. When an accident claimed the lives of Alec and his wife Linda, Sunderland set about learning as much as he could about them. He disinterred Linda Holland's remains and discovered that trace elements of the Bio-Restorative formula had bonded themselves to her skin, but the elements produced no discernible mutations or side-effects.
Some time later, he learned that Alec Holland had been transformed into a creature known as the Swamp Thing. When it appeared that the Swamp Thing had died, Sunderland had the body relocated to his Washington laboratories for examination. Sunderland contacted a former scientist named Jason Woodrue. Woodrue, who had also operated under the name the Floronic Man, had been languishing in prison for past crimes. Sunderland arranged for Woodrue's release and brought him to Washington. There, he put the criminal to work analyzing the Swamp Thing's remains. Woodrue discovered that the Swamp Thing was not actually a mutated version of Alec Holland at all. He was in fact, a wholly unique creature that had absorbed Holland's memories and personality.
The Swamp Thing soon awakened from his comatose state and broke free of the laboratory. Now aware that he could never become a normal human, the Swamp Thing flew into a frenzy and attacked Sunderland, crushing him in his arms. Upon his death, Sunderland's soul was consigned to Hell.
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
General Sunderland was a shrewd businessman with high-level government connections.
Notes
- Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-One era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and should be considered apocryphal.
Recommended Reading
Related
- 29 Appearances of Avery Sunderland (New Earth)
- 2 Images featuring Avery Sunderland (New Earth)
- Quotations by or about Avery Sunderland (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Avery Sunderland (New Earth)
Footnotes
  This character specifically relates to the Swamp Thing and is predominantly seen in the Swamp Thing family of titles. This character may be part of the Swamp Thing's supporting cast, a minor acquaintance, or one of his adversaries. This template will automatically categorize articles that include it into the Swamp Thing Characters category. |