A mercenary, Erik Josten smuggled stolen technology to South America for the Nazi scientist Baron Heinrich Zemo. With the equipment Josten smuggled, Zemo created a form of mutagenic radiation known as ionic rays capable of bestowing super-human physical powers. Zemo's first test subject was Simon Williams, in a ploy to infiltrate and destroy the Avengers.
After Zemo was defeated he abandoned his South American hideout, which Josten retreated to after being wounded by South American law enforcement. Mystically observed by Zemo's former Masters of Evil ally, the Asgardian Enchantress, she offered Josten great power via the Ionic Ray machine. Emerging healed of his wounds and gaining super-human strength his benefactor dubbed him Power Man. Power Man partnered with the Swordsman and the duo worked for a number of criminals including a brainwashed Black Widow, Red Skull, Mandarin and the Grim Reaper. It was with the Grim Reaper's Lethal Legion that Josten would land in prison for an extended period of time.
After his incarceration, Josten learned that a hero named Luke Cage had assumed his moniker. Challenging Cage, Josten was soundly defeated. His strength began to wane and disheartened by his defeat, he resumed his former career of trafficking in illegal goods as the Smuggler. Count Nefaria offered Josten a position in his criminal organization and renewal of his former powers. In fact, Nefaria plotted to steal Josten and his other henchmen's powers for himself. Escaping, Josten returned to his smuggling on the docks until being defeated and incarcerated by Spider-Man.
While in prison Josten learned of a criminal scientist on the West Coast that specialized in superhuman powers. After his release, Josten traveled to Los Angeles and made a bargain to regain his lost strength. Subjected to an extract of the growth formula created by Dr. Henry Pym, the Pym Particles reacted with the remaining Ionic energy granting the ability to increase not only in strength but size and mass. Satisfied to steal a superheroes name as his former name had been taken, Josten dubbed himself Goliath.
Goliath joined Baron Helmut Zemo's Masters of Evil in the notorious attack upon Avenger's Mansion. Years later after the events when Earth's heroes battled Onslaught, Zemo would once again organize the Masters of Evil disguised as a group of superheroes called the Thunderbolts, with Josten taking the codename Atlas.
Current Version:
Atlas
Former Versions:
Power Man
Goliath
Atlas (Ionic Form)
