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The Living Laser ( Arthur Parks) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Don Heck, the character made his first appearance in The Avengers #34 (November 1966). (2025). 9781465478900, DK Publishing. ISBN 9781465478900 He would become a recurring enemy of Iron Man and plays a key role in the "Iron Man: The Inevitable" miniseries.
Arthur Parks started out as a scientist that invented small, wrist-mounted lasers and used them for criminal pursuits. At one point he was a member of the Lethal Legion and at another point he was poised to take over the world due to his possession of the Serpent Crown, but is foiled by the Avengers. Finally it appeared that the Living Laser had exploded in space, but in reality his body was transformed into photon form, making him an actual living laser.
Following his appearance in the following issue, the Living Laser resurfaced in Avengers King-Size Special #1 (Sept. 1967). After an appearance in Captain America #105 (Sept. 1968), the character was part of the first version of the Lethal Legion in The Avengers #78–79 (July–Aug. 1970). The Kree hero Mar-Vell encountered an android version of the Living Laser in Captain Marvel #35 (Nov. 1974). The real Laser reappeared in an extended storyline in The Avengers #151 (Sept. 1976); #153 (Nov. 1976) & The Avengers Annual #6 (1976).
After appearing as part of a pseudo Lethal Legion in The Avengers #164–166 (Nov. 1977–Jan. 1978), the character returned in Iron Man #152–153 (Nov.–Dec. 1981) and Iron Man #211 (Oct. 1986). The Laser featured in the Acts of Vengeance storyline in Quasar #6 (Jan. 1990) and reappeared in a new photon form in Iron Man #259–263 (Aug.-Dec. 1990) before returning in Quasar #30 (Jan. 1992) and Iron Man #289 (Feb. 1993).
Further appearances included the limited series Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11 #1–5 (Sept. 2007–Jan. 2008) and The New Avengers #35 (Oct. 2007). The character returned during the limited series Secret Invasion #1–8 (June 2008–Jan. 2009), and made sporadic appearances in The New Avengers.
The Laser, after breaking out of prison by creating a laser using parts teleported to him, reappears as part of a team formed by master villain the Mandarin after being teleported to his base, in an unsuccessful attempt to destroy the Avengers and conquer the world, he attacked Africa to try stealing diamonds, but was defeated by Thor and Hawkeye despite the robot Ultimo being transported there from a volcano. Avengers King-Size Special #1 (Sept. 1967). Marvel Comics. As part of "Batroc's Brigade" (consisting of the Laser; the Swordsman and Batroc the Leaper) he participated in a battle against Captain America. Captain America #105 (Sept. 1968). Marvel Comics.Jeff Rovin (1987). 081601356X, Facts on File. 081601356X[1] The Laser reappears as part of the first version of the Lethal Legion gathered by the Grim Reaper in a failed revenge plot against the Avengers. The Avengers #78–79 (July–Aug. 1970). Marvel Comics. There is an encounter between Kree hero Mar-Vell and an android version of the Laser. Captain Marvel #35 (Nov. 1974). Marvel Comics.
The Laser eventually acquires the Magic item the Serpent Crown, and while controlling the living weapon Nuklo and a battalion of the US Army attempts to conquer the world, but is defeated by the Avengers. Avengers #151 (Sept. 1976); #153 (Nov. 1976) & The Avengers Annual #6 (1976). Marvel Comics. He is then employed, along with fellow villains Erik Josten and Whirlwind, by Count Nefaria, who temporarily amplifies their abilities and sends them against the Avengers as the second Lethal Legion. The effect, however, is temporary and their combined abilities are drained by Nefaria (who in "powered" mode battles the Avengers until defeated by the Vision). The Avengers #164–166 (Nov. 1977–Jan. 1978). Marvel Comics.
Discovering that the amplification caused a build-up of energy in his body that is reaching a critical, and potentially fatal, level, the Laser seeks the aid of East German scientists, who offer to help by draining off the excess energy and using it to power a network of weapons . The plan, however, is stopped by Iron Man and in battle with the hero, the Laser's energy levels build to critical mass. Although the Laser begs for help, Iron Man has no choice but to hurl the character into the atmosphere where he and apparently dies. Iron Man #152–153 (Nov.–Dec. 1981). Marvel Comics. Eventually revived, the Laser battles Iron Man once again; Iron Man #211 (Oct. 1986). Marvel Comics. and during the "Acts of Vengeance" storyline battles the hero Quasar. Quasar #6 (Jan. 1990). Marvel Comics.
The Laser reappears in a new photon form, posing as the deceased Titanium Man while taunting Iron Man. The villain is eventually defeated and banished to an alternate universe. Iron Man #259–263 (Aug.–Dec. 1990). Marvel Comics. He eventually escapes, Quasar #30 (Jan. 1992). Marvel Comics. and mounts a new attack on Stark Industries. War Machine—Stark's friend and employee, currently acting as CEO and the new 'Iron Man' while Tony is apparently dead—tricks the Laser by offering him a position at the company before trapping him in a wide-beam communication chamber which disperses him across the Andromeda Galaxy, although Rhodes wonders if he did the right thing and even the Laser privately wondered if he would legitimately accept Rhodes' offer to return to a research role or just take it to destroy the company from within. Iron Man #289 (Feb. 1993). Marvel Comics.
The Laser returns as an employee of MODOK, Super-Villain Team-Up: MODOK's 11 #1–5 (Sept. 2007–Jan. 2008). Marvel Comics. and later as a member of the criminal army formed by the villain the Hood. The New Avengers #35 (Oct. 2007). Marvel Comics. The villain sides with the heroes during "Secret Invasion" in a pitched battle with the , Secret Invasion #1–8 (June 2008–Jan. 2009). Marvel Comics. and has a number of encounters with the Avengers. The New Avengers #46 (Dec. 2008); #50 (April 2009); Avengers: The Initiative #25 & 27 (Aug. & Oct.); #61 (March 2010) & #63 (May 2010). Marvel Comics.
Mandarin and Zeke Stane recruit Living Laser, among other villains, in a plot to defeat Iron Man. Upon receiving upgrades, Living Laser breaks Tony Stark's repulsor arc, causing him to go into cardiac arrest. The Invincible Iron Man #513. Marvel Comics.
In "Secret Empire", Living Laser is recruited by Helmut Zemo to join the Army of Evil. Captain America: Steve Rogers #16. Marvel Comics. Living Laser, Batroc the Leaper, and Whirlwind attack a haggard, bearded man in torn World War II army uniform who identifies himself as Steve Rogers. He is assisted by people that appear to be Sam Wilson and a Bucky Barnes with both his arms. Secret Empire #4. Marvel Comics.
During the "Search for Tony Stark" arc, Living Laser rejoined Hood's gang and assisted in the attack on Castle Doom. The Invincible Iron Man #597. Marvel Comics.
In the "Sins Rising" arc, the Living Laser joins Count Nefaria's incarnation of the Lethal Legion. The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 5 #41. Marvel Comics. The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 5 #46. Marvel Comics. The Amazing Spider-Man vol. 5 #56. Marvel Comics. In "Sinister War", he joins the Sinful Six after being possessed by a demonic centipede that emerged from the Sin-Eater's corpse. Sinister War #3. Marvel Comics.
Parks's material body is eventually replaced by photons due to an overloading of the diode implants. By increasing the density of the photons comprising his form, Parks can achieve "solidity", project photons as energy beams, and create three-dimensional holographic images. The character also possesses limited telepathic abilities and can travel at light speed.
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