Glob Herman

Glob Herman (Robert Herman) is a fictional mutant character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Grant Morrison and Ethan Van Sciver, and first appeared in New X-Men #117 (September 2001). Glob Herman's mutation made his flesh into a transluscent, pink paraffin, leaving his internal organs and skeleton visible while also giving him enhanced strength and durability.

Glob initially joined the Xavier Institute as a student, becoming a rebellious member after befriending Quentin Quire. He retained his mutation after M-Day and has continued to appear alongside the mutant population in places such as Utopia and Krakoa, as well as joining the X-Men and New Mutants.

Publication history

Glob Herman first appeared in New X-Men #117 (September 2001). He was created by Grant Morrison and Ethan Van Sciver. His backstory was further developed in New Mutants, vol. 3 #12 by Ed Brisson.

In 2020, Glob Herman was set to appear in the "X of Swords" storyline as teased in Free Comic Book Day 2020: X-Men #1, but was replaced by Rockslide. Regarding this, then X-Men line's editor Jordan White revealed that during Krakoan Age, Glob already had prominent role New Mutants while Rockslide received limited attention so due to Rockslide's character development, they were replaced.

Fictional character biography

Glob grew up with a violent anti-mutant father who forced him to attend hate rallies. After his powers manifested, Glob became a target of his father's abuse. His mutation transformed his skin into a translucent and pinkish bio-wax, leaving his skeleton and organs visible. He was eventually rescued by his mother, who left him at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. He struggled with his identity before redirecting his anger toward humanity and joined Quentin Quire’s Omega Gang, a radical group of young mutants at the . As a member, he participated in the violent retaliation against humans whom they believed had murdered Jumbo Carnation and an attack on U-Men. Omega Gang also rioted at Xavier’s that jeopardized the safety of students for which Glob was punished by doing humanitarian works in Africa.

Glob retained his mutant powers after "M-Day" and joined Jean Grey School for Higher Learning as student. He continued to struggle with anger and briefly left the school to join the Hellfire Academy, He eventually returned and after attending Spider-Man's Special class, he chose to use his powers for good.

When the Terrigen Cloud was proved lethal to mutants through M-Pox, Glob relocated to X-Haven. After he defended X-Haven from demons, he began training under Colossus. During this time, he formed a close friendship with the Old Man Logan and developed a romantic interest in the time displaced Jean Grey. When Colossus vanished after being transformed into a Horseman of Apocalypse, Glob tracked him down and defeated him. He also fought alongside the X-Men during "Inhumans vs. X-Men". When M-Pox crisis was solved he returned to Earth.

During a training mission led by Kitty Pryde, Glob Herman and his fellow teammates crash-landed in the X-Men’s Blackbird jet. The team encountered Mutant Liberation Front and fought them. During "Age of X-Man", Glob played a key role in helping students (like Armor, etc) to uncover the false nature of their reality.

Glob became resident of Krakoa when the nation established. During a celebration, Glob danced with Pixie and asked Armor if he had a chance her, but she was focused on finding Beak and Angel Salvadore. Glob joined her and tracked them to Nebraska, where Beak was caring for his sick father, whom they healed with Krakoan medicines. They were attacked by Túmulo and his men, who found them through the anti-mutant site DOX. After being freed by Boom-Boom, he joined the New Mutants during their visit to DOX. When its publisher Jospeh Canning attempted to intimidate the New Mutants, Glob warned him that he would take personal action against Canning if any innocent mutant deaths were linked to DOX's activities. Eventually DOX was taken down.

When X-Men relocated to Alaska, Glob joined their base team as chef and farmer.

Powers and abilities

Glob Herman's mutation transformed his skin into a translucent and pinkish bio-wax, leaving his skeleton and organs visible. This grants him enhanced strength and durability. Additionally, his body is highly flammable, an ability he has learned to exploit by using parts of his own flaming body as weapons during combat.

Reception

In August 2024, Ashley Fields from Screen Rant highlighted that it was Glob’s quirky humor and unique journey that had earned him a devoted fanbase, and also that despite his powers might seem “useless,” his story depicted some of mutantkind’s deepest struggles.

Accolades

• In 2022, CBR ranked Glob Herman 8th in "The Scariest Members Of The New Mutants" list.
• In 2024, CBR ranked Glob 10th in "12 Weakest X-Men Members" list.
• In 2025, CBR ranked Glob 9th in "The 10 X-Men With the Worst Powers" (strongest to weakest).

In other media

• Glob Herman had cameo appearance in X-Men: The Last Stand, portrayed by Clayton Watmough. He had join forces with the Brotherhood of Mutants to oppose a mutant cure.
• Glob makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the X-Men '97 episode "Remember It".