Amalak
Amalak
A space pirate who tries to defeat Superman using the combined powers of the Greek elements of earth, air, water, and fire. Each element's power was transferred by Amalak to a resident of Metropolis but the combined forces of these "Element Enemies" do not prove strong enough and they are overcome by a weakened Superman (initially, an unsuspecting Clark Kent was selected by Amalak as the human to carry the power of fire -- the transfer of the energy sapped much of his strength and bounced instead to a young newsboy as the "host" for fire power). The "Element Enemies" do a good job in testing Superman, it is actually Amalak's own belated attempt to control their actions remotely from his spaceship that leads to their hesitation and ultimate defeat. This tale is chronicled in Superman No. 190/1,2 Oct 1966: "The Four Element Enemies!".
Perhaps because of this earlier encounter, Amalak develops a hatred for all living Kryptonian life forms as documented in "The Fury of the Kryptonian Killer!" (S No. 195/1 Apr 1967). Another notable later appearance is as one of nine dangerous adversaries employed by Mr. Xavier in his attempt to destroy Superman, a story related in the series "Who Took The Super Out of Superman?" (S No. 299 May 1976: "The Double-or-Nothing Life of Superman!").
Amalak is well-known for deadly technology and weapons, and does not hesitate to use them for his often-criminal ends.
