Charles Gray
Charles Gray was
a very bitter man when he gained his ionic powers. Charles was
the first being to become posessed by Lucifer in his search for a
host that could house his immense power. In his short tenure as a
supervillain Charles Gray managed to defeat Iron Man, and only
halted his evil ways because of the love of his wife and
children.
Iron Man #20-Charles Gray directs
people away as Iron Man absorbs the blast from an explosive
chemical. Charles gets upset when everyone admires Iron Man for
doing something dangerous while he helped too, but gets no
thanks. Charles remembers the days when everybody loved him as a
college football player before his grades ruined his career.
Charles drives home, but watches as Tony Stark drives by in his
expensive car while he is stuck in his junker. Charles says that
maybe if he was born into Stark’s family maybe he
would’ve been rich too. Charles wants to know when he gets
his break. Charles slams the door when he gets home. Charles
yells at his kids, as they’re playing too loud. Charles wife
tells him to calm down. Charles grabs his hat and coat. He
smashes the framed picture of him playing football as he walks
out the door. As Charles stomps his feet walking he suddenly
feels himself being drawn towards some ruined buildings. There
Charles sees Lucifer. Lucifer tells Charles that just like
Charles is trapped in his useless life he is trapped in another
dimension. He explains that he was banished by his masters for
failing to take over the world. Lucifer explains that has formed
a dimensional transmitter, and that he used it to form an
overlapping between their two dimensions. Lucifer is stuck within
the space they share. Lucifer says that he needs Charles’
help. Charles tries to run away, but he is frozen by
Lucifer’s mind control. Lucifer uses his ionic energy to
start taking control of Charles Gray’s body. Lucifer says
that ionic energy within him is like a living thing. Charles asks
why he was chosen. Lucifer explains that from Charles’ mind
he found bitterness, discontent, and a desire to be rid of his
boring life. Charles asks what he must do. Lucifer says that his
entrance into our dimension being so limited can be fixed by Tony
Stark. Gray will bring Stark to him. Gray says
he isn’t sure, but Lucifer informs him that he
must want it because he isn’t fighting the transformation.
Lucifer says that Gray could fight it off if he really wanted to.
Finally Lucifer possesses Charles, and Charles says that no
matter what he has to do to feel this good is worth it. Lucifer
tells Gray to hurry, as his field is temporary unless hooked up
to a receiver. Lucifer adds that if he disappears then his power
does too. Lucifer/Gray flips a car over as he walks. Charles aims
the power at some condemned buildings and brings them down. The
police arrive, but Gray is being told by Lucifer that his power
isn’t limitless, and to stop showing off. Lucifer/Gray comes
out of his mental discussion and hits the cops. The cops try to
shoot him, but the bullets don’t effect him. Gray blasts the
cops. Gray is reveling in the power, and Lucifer tells him to
celebrate when he rules the world. Charles wife is out driving
around looking for Charles when she hears Lucifer’s voice
and recognizes it. She tries to talk to Charles, but Lucifer
instructs Gray to blast his ions towards the ground to propel
himself into flight. She chases after them. Lucifer bursts
through the wall to find Iron Man. Lucifer flies into his chest.
Lucifer tells Gray that a fight won’t help him. He tells
Gray to come towards him so that he can probe Iron Man’s
mind to learn Stark’s location. Gray walks trance-like and
then blasts off. Iron grabs him, but Gray is fighting him off.
Lucifer tells Gray to stop fighting like is on a football field
and to cheat. Gray throws a car at Iron Man. Iron Man catches the
car, but as he sets it down Gray unleashes wave after wave of
ionic bursts. Iron Man passes out, and Gray picks him up.
Suddenly Gray’s wife is there again. She tells Charles that
he has always been important to her and their children. Gray
realizes his error. He fights off Lucifer and goes home with his
wife.
Iron Man vol. 3 #16- Charles Gray drives along in his Jeep. Charles left Stark Enterprises after a few changes in ownership. Charles moved his family out west, and now he has a good security job, a mostly paid off mortgage, and not a care in the world. Charles’ path is blocked by a limousine. Two guys pull Charles out of his Jeep. They bring him around to the limousine’s back door. The voice that comes from within apologizes for his very loyal men. There is an intense flash of light.
Iron Man annual ‘99- Charles Gray’s husk of a body is being picked up by SHIELD agents. Minimal traces of ionic energy are found at the scene.