Nobel Prize winning physicist Dr. Martin Stein designed a fully automated nuclear power plant. Stein was accused of espionage by his former assistant Dr. Danton Black, and the government forbid the power plant's operation until the investigation was complete. Determined to begin operation of the power plant Stein circumvented the government injunction. Simultaneously an anti-nuclear rally, attended by high-school student Ronnie Raymond, was in progress. Raymond learned that friend and fellow protestor Edward Earhart planned to detonate a bomb in the plant, and attempted to stop him. Along with Dr. Stein, Raymond was rendered unconscious by his Earhart who left them to die in the ensuing explosion. Reviving mere moments before the explosion Raymond and the unconscious Stein were exposed to unprecedented amounts of radiation fusing them into the elemental being known as Firestorm the Nuclear Man.
After the apparent death of Ronnie Raymond at the hands of the Shadow Thief utilizing the sword of the Shining Knight, the essence and power of Firestorm sought a new host. Traveling on a remote road to deliver a package for a known criminal - financially struggling student Jason Rusch was bathed in a blinding light. Regaining consciousness, Rusch went on to deliver his package only to be caught up in a gambling related shootout. The stress activated a defense mechanism and Rusch merged with a dying man and was transformed into Firestorm.
Current Version:
Firestorm (Fire Elemental)
Former Versions:
Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond)
Firestorm (Jason Rusch)
Firestorm (Black Lantern)
Others in the Firestorm Matrix:
Martin Stein
Pohzar
Gehenna
Firehawk
