In 1939 scientist Darrel Dane developed a formula for shrinking living creatures. Having successfully tested the fluid on a rat with great results, Darrel considered testing it on a human being. The fluid however contained highly toxic ingredients so it was still undrinkable to humans, so Darrel asked Professor Roberts, the father of his fiance, if he thought it would be possible to adapt the formula so that it would be harmless to humans. The professor theorized that if he added one part of Aqua Regia to ten parts formula it should be harmless. Darrel then gave the new formula a shot and having finished it he tested it on himself to the professor strong objections. He was then shrunk to a size of six inches high, but he somehow retained the strength of a normal-sized man.

  Martha, his fiancee, who knew about the experiments, was thrilled to see that he had succeeded in his quest, but when she asked him to take the antidote and grow back Darrel told her that there was none and that they had to wait till the formula wore off if it ever did. Although a bit shocked Martha took the news quite well, and before long she had made Darrel a small outfit that he could wear in his current state.

  Later that evening, he helped Martha foil a blackmail plot against her. Finding that he could, through intense concentration, alter his height between the two extremes, he began crimefighting as The Doll Man late in the summer of 1939.

  Arriving late for a summons from Uncle Sam, both he and another "mystery-man", Midnight, were sent (instead of to the Pacific Ocean to battle the Japanese Navy) to occupied Paris, France, where the two aided underground freedom fighters in battling the Nazis. Learning of a plot to attack America's West Coast, the two made their way to the first full meeting of the All-Star Squadron, and rallied some of the heroes into defending the coast. Doll Man joined with this splinter group and spent the majority of the war aiding The Freedom Fighters.

  Some years after the war, while on a case, he deeply wished that Martha could also join him in his small size. Somehow, his wish was granted and Martha joined him for several years as his partner, Doll Girl.

  Doll Man and Doll Girl have not been seen since 1953, and their current whereabouts and conditions are unknown. Heroes with their names were seen at a recruitment drive for Titans L.A., but it is unknown if they are any relation.

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