Parasite (disambiguation)

Parasite is a name used by several supervillains in the DC Universe, but the most recurring one is the second; Rudy Jones, a metahuman enemy of Superman. He was a janitor in S.T.A.R. Labs before being exposed to a biological weapon designed to absorb energy from anything it touches, which transforms him into a energy vampire. However, this story was changed Post-Infinite Crisis to instead involve Jones accidentally eating a radioactive donut.

The first Parasite was Raymond Maxwell Jensen, a menial laborer employed at a research facility who incautiously opened a toxic waste disposal container and was saturated by the unknown radiation, transforming him into a disfigured purple-skinned creature who could not only drain powers, but also skills, memories and even qualities from other people.

Two teenagers named Alex and Alexandra Allston were also transformed in Parasites after being experimented by Professor Hamilton. They wanted to seek vengeance on the people who made their lives difficult, but were eventually defeated by Superman. The fifth person to become the supervillain Parasite was Joshua Michael Allen. Introduced in the New 52, Joshua was a bike courier from Metropolis until an alien flu granted him the power of energy absorption. He has been a member of the Suicide Squad, Superman Revenge Squad and Secret Society of Super-Villains.

Parasite was created by Jim Shooter and Al Plastino, first appearing in Action Comics #340 (1966).