The Origin of Angkor and the Crazy 8
Father Thommanom just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Wonder Man was looking for information about a street gang when his power apparently went nuts. Father Thom absorbed the ionic powers and transformed into a giant gray monster that strengthens through anger.
After Angkor destroyed Wonder Man in a fight, Wonder Man's friends came to help him out. Wonder Man again lost control of his powers and eight of his friends absorbed powers. Each were affected in their own way.