There are different stories about his past, but some say The Mad Hatter was a scientist who researched mind control, and developed a way to control humans by planting microchips in their hats. These chips allow him to use his victims as his henchmen and muscle men. They also triple their strength. Some versions have him obsessed with collecting hats, even to the point of killing to add to his collection. He first appeared in 1948 as a one-shot villain. A few other villains used the same name over the years, including the version played by David Wayne in the 1960s Batman television series. Later he was returned to his original design, albeit with a darker cast. Some versions suggest that he is a pedophile.