Who Is Griffin? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Griffin is a Marvel comic book character, the alter ego of Johnny Horton, with over 198 comic issue appearances. John Horton was a petty crook who was changed by a scientist working for the Secret Empire organization.

Who is Griffin?

Origin Johnny Horton Johnny Horton was a street thug who was known for his big fist, bad temper and small brain. Johnny tried to make a name for himself when he joined a gang in New Orleans but wasn't going anywhere. A guy from Chicago hired Johnny for some local muscle and they were impressed so they introduced him to the Secret Empire . Johnny told them he wanted to be more than a cheap hood and the Empire promised to make him a super villain. Johnny agreed and underwent a dramatic operation where the Secret Empire permanently grafted onto him a mane, wings and replaced his hands with lion's paws. His face turned dead white after the procedure and the Griffin was born. His first assignment for the Secret Empire was to kill the Beast . The mutant known as Angel witnessed the battle and intervened when the Beast kicked the Griffin in the face and Horton plummets from a great height.

Key facts

Griffin is of human origin and first appeared in "Murder in Mid-Air!". The character is published by Marvel. With 198 recorded issue appearances, Griffin ranks among the most featured characters in comics.