Clayface is the identity used by a number of shapeshifting supervillains who have battled the Batman. He is notable for being a classic villain who is metahuman rather than a deranged 'normal' human being like most in the Batman's rogues gallery. The original Clayface, Basil Karlo, appeared in Detective Comics #40. He was an actor who was driven mad when he heard of a remake of the classic horror film he had starred in. Donning the mask of the film's villain, the Clayface, he embarked on a murder spree among the cast and crew of the remake. He was foiled by Batman and Robin, and incarcerated in Arkham Asylum. Much later, during the final stages of the Mud Pack Event (see below), he was imbued with abilities similar to those of Clayfaces III and IV, and was dubbed the "Ultimate Clayface". During the "No Man's Land" event, Basil Karlo battled and was defeated by Poison Ivy in Robinson Park. It appears the Ultimate Clayface was destroyed in this battle, but has resurfaced as a member of the Secret Society of Super Villains. The name Basil Karlo, and his career as a horror film star, suggest a reference to Boris Karloff. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayface