History of Clayface in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 22, 2026

Clayface is a name shared by multiple characters in DC Comics, all of whom are Batman villains. The common thread among them is their clay-like physiology and shapeshifting abilities. These powers make them formidable and dangerous adversaries for Batman. Clayface has been recognized as a significant comic book villain, ranking 73rd on IGN's list of greatest comic book villains.

1925: Inspiration from The Phantom of the Opera

In 1925, Lon Chaney's version of Erik from The Phantom of the Opera partially inspired the creation of Clayface.

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June 1940: Basil Karlo's Debut as Clayface

In June 1940, Basil Karlo, the original Clayface, appeared in Detective Comics #40. He began his criminal career by donning the Clayface costume from a movie and murdering actors to mirror deaths in that film, but was stopped by Batman and Robin.

June 1940: Original Clayface Appearance in Detective Comics #40

In June 1940, the original Clayface, Basil Karlo, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, first appeared in Detective Comics #40 as a B-list actor turning to crime, inspired by a horror film villain he had played.

1998: Dr. Peter Malley Becomes Clay-Thing

In 1998, Dr. Peter Malley uses a sample of Cassius Payne's skin to become Clay-Thing.

January 2002: Seventh Clayface Debut in Catwoman (vol. 3) #1

In January 2002, the seventh version of Clayface debuted in Catwoman (vol. 3) #1, although he is not shown until March 2002. This character, resembling actor Todd Russell, suffers from memory loss and preys on prostitutes.

March 2002: Appearance of Todd Russell Clayface in Catwoman (vol. 3) #3

In March 2002, the seventh version of Clayface is shown in Catwoman (vol. 3) #3. This character, resembling actor Todd Russell, suffers from memory loss and preys on prostitutes.

May 2002: Introduction of Todd Russell Clayface in Catwoman (vol. 3) #4

In May 2002, the Todd Russell version of Clayface was introduced in Catwoman (vol. 3) #4.

February 2005: Johnny Williams' Debut as Clayface

In February 2005, Johnny Williams debuted as the eighth version of Clayface in Batman: Gotham Knights #60. A former firefighter, Williams transformed after a chemical plant explosion and, stricken with guilt after accidentally killing a prostitute, contemplated suicide.

February 2005: Introduction of Johnny Williams Clayface in Batman: Gotham Knights #60

In February 2005, the Johnny Williams version of Clayface was introduced in Batman: Gotham Knights #60.

2009: Clayface Ranked as IGN's 73rd-Greatest Comic Book Villain

In 2009, Clayface was ranked as IGN's 73rd-greatest comic book villain of all time.

June 2011: Clayface of Japan Debuts in Batman Incorporated #6

In June 2011, as part of "The New 52," the Clayface of Japan debuted in Batman Incorporated #6. Batman tasks Batman Japan (Jiro Osamu) with fighting this new Clayface, who possesses similar powers to previous versions and operates in or around Hokkaido.

2011: "The New 52" Reboot and Karlo's Origin

In 2011, as part of "The New 52" reboot, Basil Karlo's origin was explored in the Batman: The Dark Knight storyline "Clay," detailing his transformation into Clayface and descent into criminality.

2016: Clayface Joins Batman's Team in "Night of the Monster Men"

During the 2016 Batman story arc "Night of the Monster Men", Batman enlists Clayface to help defeat Professor Hugo Strange's monsters. Following the incident, Clayface patrols the sewers of "Monstertown", retrieving monsters affected by Strange's serum.

2016: DC Rebirth and Basil Karlo's Re-imaging

In 2016, DC Comics launched "DC Rebirth," re-imaging Basil Karlo as a disfigured actor abusing the chemical "Re-Nu" to restore his appearance, leading to his transformation into a clay-like metahuman and a rampage on a film set, disfiguring his ex-girlfriend Glory Griffin.