Dr. Anton Phibes was one of the great acoustical and musical geniuses. He attained PhD's in both theology and music, and later demonstrated a remarkable skill in prosthetics, cybernetics, and other areas. He was revered by music lovers at the turn of the century as one of the truly great living organists.

Sadly, however, his brilliant musical career was interrupted by a tragic auto accident in the early teens. His young wife, Victoria, died in the crash, and many believed Phibes to be dead as well, although he was really only terribly mangled and burned, and lost the use of his vocal cords. He was able to correct this disability through the invention of a phonographic speaking-device, and able to go about in public wearing a mask resembling his former visage. He also built himself a "clockwork orchestra" - simple androids that kept him company in his isolation from human society. It is unclear whether his beautiful mute assistant, Vulnavia, was also an android.

Phibes dedicated himself to revenge against the surgical team he blamed for his wife's death. Using the Ten Plagues of Egypt as a model, he slaughtered eight of the team using bizarre and brilliant methodology.