The diversity and extent of the effects of his alchemy at times seem magical in nature. The basis of the ancient science of alchemy was the transmutation of elements (lead into gold being the most sought after effect) by means unknown to modern science. Since all matter is made up of elements, a mastery of alchemy gives one a wide range of materials to work with. Diablo’s alchemy enables him to control or influence his own body, the bodies of others, or the environment itself.

Among the effects of his alchemy upon himself are the Remarkable capacity to alter his appearance by making the flesh of his face and body pliable, and the Incredible capacity to change his human form into a blob of “nerveless protoplasm,” thus protecting him from certain forms of harm.

Among the many alchemical mixtures giving him control over others are a nerve gas pellet which causes Excellent paralysis in one or two areas, an Incredible sleeping potion, a Remarkable potion permitting a dying person to resist death for a short time via cellular regeneration (perhaps a variant of his own life-prolonging elixir), a Remarkable potion that renders a person inert by lowering his or her body temperature rapidly, and a pellet that makes a person susceptible to Diablo’s Remarkable hypnotic commands. In addition, he has demonstrated the Excellent ability to manipulate the emotions of others or to enhance their willpower to Incredible levels.

Among the alchemical feats he can perform on non-organic matter are temporary Amazing molecular transmutations such as stones into feathers, the Incredible molding of surface features to Suit his whims, the generation of Incredible explosions equivalent to 50 pounds of TNT, the Unearthly animation of inanimate matter, Incredible conversions of water into ice, and the creation and control of Remarkable objects or beings composed of the ancient elements of fire, water, earth, and air. The latter feat is accomplished by numerous alchemical substances working jointly.

Although the scope of Diablo’s alchemical wizardry is wide, all (actually most) of the feats are temporary in nature, lasting no more than several hours without repeat ed administrations. The only exceptions are the potion he used on Dragon Man, and his longevity elixir, whose length of effectiveness is as yet unknown. It seems probable that he had a supply of it with him during his century of imprisonment.

Journeying to Transylvania to investigate, Diablo decided to settle there and set up permanent laboratory facilities. Under suspicious circumstances, Diablo acquired a spacious castle and began work. Although most of his potions had very transitory effects, Diablo discovered an elixir that could retard aging. Drinking it, he began a reign of terror over the surrounding Transylvanians, until one day a mob of villagers caught him unaware and imprisoned him in a massive crypt.

Diablo was trapped in the crypt until the Twentieth Century, when he mesmerized the Thing (of the Fantastic Four) and forced him to free him. Not having aged appreciably in his century of confinement, Diablo began to plot his alchemical conquests anew. He has plagued humanity on numerous occasions, and is most frequently opposed by the Fantastic Four.

Although he has been trying to retire form his life of crime and serve out his remaining prison terms, the recent interference of Gilded Lily has caused him to renew his campaign against the Fantastic Four.