Chapter 1- Finding the Light
It was a beautiful day in 1959. At the time, I was working for a scientist involved with involved with learning the origins of life. A number of variables including solar energy were used in this experiment. Along the way, an unavoidable accident turned me into a human lightning rod. I cannot divulge the details of this error as it may help one of my enemies uncover personal details of my life.
At the time, I did not think much of my accidental encounter. However, in a few short days, it would soon become clear; this was no run of the mill scientific accident. My body started to heat up with temperatures as great as 112 Fahrenheit; yet I did not feel ill. The doctors did not know what to make of it either. Subsequently, I continued to conduct my regular daily task.
Several weeks passed, and things only became stranger. My hear beat seemed to beating at a much faster pace and my temperature was now peaking at 120 Fahrenheit. Additionally, I lost close to 15 pounds in a period of 4 weeks. This seemed very bizarre as I was making no attempt to lose weight yet low and behold I was dropping pounds weekly. Fortunately, I previously weighed 330 pounds and did not feel ill at all. In fact, I had never felt better before. Therefore, the weight loss seemed harmless.
Several more weeks passed and my temperature change and weight loss continued to be progressing. Then, something really strange happened. I was talking on the phone with a friend while holding a slab of uncooked beef in my hand. I know what you’re thinking. Why was I holding a slab of beef in my hand? For the moment let’s not go there. In any case, I was talking on the phone for probably about 10 minutes and noticed that my hand cooked the meat. This did not sit well with me. I knew it was time to find out just what happened to me when “the accident” occurred 2 months ago. Over the next few days, I tried to inquire specific details about the nature of our electrical experiments. My boss did not seem willing to disclose this information. I suppose that should not come as a big surprise.
This left me with no recourse and led me to doing a little undercover work. After work, I discretely snooped around and uncovered several classified files. It seems that the so called electrical experiments were only one part of their design. In fact, the experiments were primarily focusing on creating super humans through DNA manipulation. Simply put, the accident was no accident; we were guinea pigs. A further review of their files revealed that their earlier experiments resulted in the death of several former employees. Additionally, it appeared that two of their “volunteers” achieved a limited measure of success but also suffered dangerous side effects.
I continued to peruse the files, when suddenly I heard several foot steps. Naturally, I quickly put the files away and hid in one of the closets. The foot steps continued and became increasingly louder. A moment later, two gentlemen and my boss were having a conversation about their plans. During this conversation, they discussed the need to obtain certain rare chemicals and their plans to rob a bank as a means to raise the capital needed for the acquisition of the rare chemicals. Several moments later, they left the room. I waited approximately 15 minutes and then proceeded to check if they left the building. Afterwards, I continued to review their files and discovered they were involved in the smuggling of illegal weapons as well as other businesses.
Needless to say, I was angry and concerned about the information I uncovered. I wanted to alert the police of their upcoming heist but wasn’t sure how to approach this problem. It was clear to me, that it would be unwise to report this information under my name. It was also clear that my boss and his group of thugs were pretty well organized. At the same time, they were performing inhumane activities and posed a threat to our fair city. It then occurred to me that perhaps I should establish an alter ego who would try to stop their wrong doings. With this, I figured it was time to find out what new abilities I acquired. I started to focus on emanating heat from my hands.
After practicing for several hours, I managed to shoot a bolt of lightning. OK, so it wasn’t quite a bolt of lightning. It was more like a quick flash of lightning. Still, it was pretty cool. I did not really have much control of this ability. I knew if I focused my aggression through my hands, they would become heated and even emit lightning. However, the intensity of heat was kind of unpredictable. A little later that day, I attempted to fly. I started this process by starting to run and attempting to jump. Unfortunately, this effort proved to be fruitless. After several attempts it became clear that I could not fly. On the lighter side, I was able to run at the top speed of 30 miles an hour.
In the meantime, I continued my snooping adventures at work. It seemed that my boss was in the middle of putting together some kind of deal involving illegal arms. At this point, I gathered enough evidence to expose him to the authorities. With this in mind, I used an anonymous identity to speak to the FBI and sent them reams of incriminating evidence. Soon enough, the FBI planned a raid and put a stop to their actions. Obviously, there is more to this story. However, for the usual reasons I cannot divulge state secrets. However, this experience changed me as a person. I could never go back to my daily routines. It was also clear the world was becoming a more dangerous place. Although, I did not don the costume yet, Lightning Man would soon emerge.
Editor’s Note: Chapter 1 is reconstructed from several print and audio interviews taken over period of 30 years with Lightning Man.
Editor’s Note 2: Lightning Man discovers his power of flight and other powers several years later.
