Dr. Hastur AKA The Pionic Man

Dr. Hastur was a middle-aged physicist working on the large proton collider project for Lowrence University. During a recent experiment there, an accident caused the containment field to collapse, releasing immense energies into the lab. Firestorm arrived to contain the energy, but it was too late for Dr. Hastur.

Hastur's entire body tranformed into pions which are unstable, short-lived particles. Just as he was approaching the point where his body would no longer hold together, he was approached by a shadowy figure who offered the chance for a new life. This person, whose identity is unknown, managed to contain the particles making up Hastur's body.

Fairly or unfairly, Hastur blamed Firestorm for his situation. Presumably under the tutelage of the shadowy figure, he learned about his powers and how to confront Firestorm. Two weeks after the accident Hastur, now calling himself The Pionic Man, arrived at S.T.A.R. labs looking for information about Firestorm, only to find Firestorm himself. In the ensuing battle, Hastur dealt severe damage to Firestorm but had to retreat due to a leak in his containment suit.

As The Pionic Man, Hastur can fly and shoot energy bolts from his hands. His other abilities, if any, are unknown. We know little about Hastur's previous life as a scientist, but he is a confident and very talkative villain.

Character Milestones
First Appearance (as Dr. Hastur): Firestorm vol. 3 #14
Transformed in accident and recruited by shadowy villain: Firestorm vol. 3 #14
First Appearance (as The Pionic Man): Firestorm vol. 3 #15