CHAMELEON WORMS

Classification: Magical Spell

Creator: unknown, presumably Chthon or one of his followers

User/Possessors: Donald J. Walsh, the Dwarf; any who possess the Darkhold

First Appearance: Darkhold#1 (October, 1992)

Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Chameleon Worm spell grants immortality to its user--but as a swarm of worms. In the worm-form, the host/user is immune to many forms of injury, as objects and impacts will be dispersed or pass through his or her amorphous composition. He or she can also reshape his or her body, squeezing through small pipes, under door cracks, digging through soil--basically going or doing whatever a worm can do. Together the worms are invulnerable; separately, each one must be killed or any remaining worms can regenerate the rest.
The worms can also be used in offensive form. They can entangle, suffocate, and even devour others. The host/user feels the pain of decay except when tasting the living warmth of others.

History: The origin of the Chameleon Worms spell is unknown. It is listed on one of the pages of the Darkhold, the Book of Sins.

(Darkhold#1) - The Dwarf convinced Donald Walsh to read a page of the Darkhold in order to gain immortality. It was the Chameleon Worms spell, which was not quite what he had in mind. Walsh, now somewhat maddened (and demon-tainted), began to attack and kill his rivals. The use of the Darkhold page drew the attention of the Darkhold Redeemers. Walsh attacked them and was overpowering them until their allies, John Blaze and Ghost Rider/Dan Ketch, showed up. Together, they captured and contained Walsh, but he soon broke free. They led him out to a nearby park, where a flock of birds arrived, carrying away and consuming Walsh's component worms. One of the worms escaped becoming a meal and plotted revenge, until it was squished by Modred the Mystic, who was trailing Victoria Montesi.

Comments: Created by Christian Cooper and Richard Case.

Clarifications:
No known connections to:

Donald Walsh

 

 

Walsh was a jet-setter and presumably a movie producer. He was married to a woman named Zephyr, but enjoyed life in the fast lane. He worked hard and played hard, but eventually saw his looks and appeal fading with the ravages of time. He anxiously accepted the Dwarf's spell of immortality, unaware of its true nature and consequences. He was transformed into the Chameleon Worms, and was slain when they were destroyed.
--Darkhold#1 (1(fb), 1

 

 

 

 

 

images: (without ads)
Darkhold#1, p23, p1 (Chameleon Worms)
Darkhold#1, p2, pan3 (Donald J. Walsh)

Appearances:
Darkhold#1 (October, 1992) - Chris Cooper (writer), Richard Case (pencils), Mark McKenna (inks), Bobbie Chase (editor)

Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.

Last Updated: 08/02/02

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