Hugh Goddard was left for dead in a radium mine by criminals. He survived the experience but was blinded by the radiation. Wanting revenge, he uncovered a pair of special glasses that gave him his sight back, but they only worked if he avoided light. He then created the identity of Nightro, which he would use to terrify and fight crime. Hugh Goddard was accompanied by his guide dog, Blackie, during the day, but at night, he donned his glasses to become Nightro. Sometimes Blackie accompanied him on missions as an attack dog.