The Living Nightmare
HistoryPlace of Creation: Unknown Known Relatives: Possibly Dr. Prochnow (creator) Origin Revealed: Volume 1 Issue 1 ("In Dreams") Very little is known about the history of the Living Nightmare, save for the fact that it was inadvertently created by a psychologist during an ill-conceived attempt to eliminate fear altogether. It is also known that during two periods, the monster was mentally controlled by a courageous Marine pilot. Under the pilot’s influence, the Living Nightmare became a hero and even joined Honor Guard. By 1995, however, the Living Nightmare had become a nearly mindless, primal monster inexplicably drawn to the super-powered beings who had contained it countless times in the past. During this period, it confronted Samaritan and was soundly defeated again. The Living Nightmare’s appearance likely changes with each incarnation, but as of 1995 it had several tentacles on its head, at least two sets of glowing red eyes, and a giant fang-filled mouth in its chest. PowersAs the physical manifestation of fear, the Living Nightmare has a host of powers, many of which are still poorly understood. Documented abilities include: Superhuman Strength: The Living Nightmare is incredibly strong. Although the upper limits of its strength are unknown, it has been observed trading blows with the extremely powerful Samaritan and shrugging off Samaritan's Empyrean Web, which is capable of containing a tidal wave. Energy Drain: The Living Nightmare can leech energy from its opponents, causing them to grow weaker as they fight the monster. Any and all physical contact with the creature causes drainage. Invulnerability and Superhuman Durability: The Living Nightmare’s energy draining powers seem to protect it from many forms of attack, making it nigh-invulnerable. It can also survive in the vacuum of space. Uncanny Senses: As of 1995, the Living Nightmare was inexplicably drawn to its super-powered enemies. Teleportation: The Living Nightmare appears out of nowhere, and it “blinks out of existence” when too far away from his power source, fear. Weaknesses The Living Nightmare is powered by raw fear and can be defeated if isolated from these emotions (by sending it into space, for example). In addition, the tentacles on its head are said to be fear-receptors, and the creature has occasionally been defeated by blocking or modifying its access to the fear around it. [edit] Psychological Profile In its current incarnation, the Living Nightmare is a mindless creature who relentlessly attacks its enemies until on the verge of defeat or separated from a source of fear. It seems consumed by rage, blindly lashing out at its enemies. The Living Nightmare is also an incredibly stupid and predictable creature that can be maneuvered into a tactically disadvantageous position during combat. It has shown no ability to communicate beyond growls, roars, and other incoherent noises.
Speculations, TheoriesSamaritan observes that the Living Nightmare always seems to attack him when he is tired and theorizes this might "be a function of its current incarnation..." Whether the creature actually has the uncanny ability to sense when one of his enemies is tired or weak has not been confirmed. Samaritan goes on to narrate: "I’ll have to take that up with Dr. Prochnow..." Dr. Prochnow has not appeared yet, but this could be a reference to the Living Nightmare’s creator. Alternately, he could merely be a leading psychologist and/or the world's foremost expert on the Nightmare. In the one clear image we've seen of the Nightmare in one of its heroic phases, its appearance was different in minor but noticeable ways. In fact, the creatures somewhat resembled a suit of armor built in the likeness of the Living Nightmare.
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