Basilisk

Small-time crook Basil Elks stole a powerful alien gem called the Alpha Stone, which fused to his body and gave him deadly optic blasts capable of petrifying targets — transforming him into a genuine living threat who took his villainous name from the stone-gazing monster of myth.

Born in the Bronze Age pages of Marvel Team-Up #17 (1974) — courtesy of the legendary duo Len Wein and Gil Kane — Basilisk is one of Marvel's classic villainous creations, the kind of dangerous figure who keeps turning up wherever the action is most intense. With appearances spanning nearly four decades and a roster of co-stars that includes Wolverine, the Punisher, and Mister Fantastic, this character has crossed paths with some of Marvel's heaviest hitters across titles like New X-Men, Marvel Team-Up, and Punisher. That debut issue carries collector-significant key status, making it a worthy addition to any Bronze Age enthusiast's longbox. Small in total catalog count but rich in pedigree, Basilisk is exactly the kind of deep-cut Marvel villain that rewards the curious fan who digs past the household names.