Von Hoffman

Real Name: Von Hoffman

Identity/Class: Normal human

Occupation: Mad scientist

Affiliations: His giant insects

Enemies: Britain; Barry Drake, Joey Drake

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: England

First Appearance: "Von Hoffman's Invasion", Jet #1 (I.P.C., 1st May 1971)

Powers/Abilities: His gas allows him to grow animals to huge size, and control them. The enlarged creatures could be returned to normal by a special insecticide.

History: In April 1945, the final days of World War II, the insane but genius Nazi scientist Doktor Von Hoffman developed a gigantic armoured "centipede" vehicle, able to traverse almost any terrain, and armed with a flame-thrower to take out opponents. Before it could be used to turn the tide in the war, an RAF squadron destroyed it. The war ended before it could be rebuilt, and a bitter and vengeful Von Hoffman was captured and sentenced to twenty-five years in prison. After serving his time, Hoffman returned to his experiments, developing a gas which could enlarge animals and insects, at the same time rendering them smart enough to understand him and submissive to his will. He travelled to Britain, where he began a campaign of terror, opposed by the armed forces and young Joey and Barry Drake.

Comments: Thanks to Paul Muir for sending me the image of Von Hoffman.

Von Hoffman appeared through Jet's entire short run (22 issues) before transferring to Buster, where he continued to appear until 21st October 1972.

Rebellion bought the rights to Von Hoffman, along with hundreds of other Fleetway characters, in 2016, and subsequently launched a series reprinting their adventures under the umbrella title The Treasury of British Comics. Von Hoffman got a reprint volume, hopefully the first of many, in 2018, and is also due to return again in August 2018's The Vigilant, as one of the villains of the story.

CLARIFICATIONS: None

Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.

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