Parasite, in his original incarnation as Raymond Maxwell Jensen, first appeared in Action Comics #340 (August 1966), created by Jim Shooter and Al Plastino. A menial laborer at a research facility, Jensen was exposed to mysterious biohazards stored in waste containers he opened in hopes of finding valuables, resulting in his transformation into a purple-skinned entity capable of draining energy, physical abilities, memories, and even personality traits from others through physical contact. This version established Parasite as a recurring Superman antagonist, relying on absorbed powers for temporary enhancements while suffering from a constant hunger that drove his criminal pursuits.
The most prominent and enduring version, Rudolph "Rudy" Jones, debuted in Firestorm vol. 2 #58 (April 1987), created by John Ostrander and Joe Brozowski. A lazy janitor at a S.T.A.R. Labs subsidiary in Pittsburgh, Jones was manipulated by Darkseid into opening a container of exotic radiation, mutating him into a bald, purple-skinned Parasite with enhanced energy absorption capabilities that allowed him to siphon life force, superhuman powers, and knowledge, often leaving victims as desiccated husks. This incarnation supplanted the original in post-Crisis continuity, becoming Superman's primary energy-vampire foe through repeated confrontations that highlighted his addictive dependency on stolen vitality.
Across subsequent eras, including the New 52 introduction of variants like Joshua Allen and the persistence of Rudy Jones in Rebirth and Prime Earth stories, Parasite has evolved as a symbol of parasitic exploitation and uncontrollable hunger. Additional iterations, such as the teenage siblings Alex and Alexandra Allston created by Emil Hamilton, expanded the concept to multiple hosts. Rudy Jones remains the iconic figure, frequently depicted in media adaptations like the DC Animated Universe, where his tragic addiction and lethal touch cement his status as a persistent threat in Superman's rogues gallery.