3. King Tut
The majority of Batman fans know King Tut from the 1960s TV series, for which he was created. But did you know that King Tut has also appeared in the comics, too? It only happened once, when Tut was the titular baddie in the 3-part 2009 series King Tuts Tomb. In his initial TV appearances, American actor and comic Victor Buono portrayed the delusional rogue. Buono brought a subtlety and pathos to his performance that set him apart from some of the more cartoonish villains of the series. As a wacky villain of the week King Tut caught on with fans of the series, which is odd when you consider how long it took DC to adapt the character to the comics. By comparison, other elements/characters from the 60s show were quite quickly adapted into comics continuity. Ice-themed villain Mr. Zero was renamed as Mr. Freeze following a 60s series appearance under that name. In addition, Barbara Gordon debuted as comics' new Batgirl following her TV exploits and Chief OHara was also a TV character first and foremost. It seems odd then, that King Tut was not immediately co-opted by DC. What is perhaps even more odd, is that after a chilling first appearance, a healthy fan reaction and enough sales to warrant King Tuts Tomb being reprinted in Trade Paperback, King Tut has yet to appear again. At the end of said tale, we find our villain banged up in prison, awaiting transfer to Arkham Asylum. After that? Who knows? The 2009-era King Tut was far more murderous and insane than his 60s counterpart. The original King Tut (AKA Professor William McElroy) committed Egyptian-themed crimes after receiving a blow to the head that resulted in a belief that he was the reincarnation of Tutankhamen, however, another blow to the head would always cure his psychosis. In the 2009 story, the character, now named Victor Goodman (a nice nod to Buono) becomes irretrievably insane following a blow to the head and then embarks on a murder spree that sees him bumping off his former colleagues one by one. The good news is that we will almost certainly see King Tut again (in his original incarnation no less), very, very soon. With the brilliant digital-first comic book Batman 66 hitting shelves this month, it is only a matter of time before the creators of this pitch-perfect homage to the 60s show incorporate a lovingly rendered Victor Buono-type take on the character. King Tut will be back, Im sure.