Microbe (comics)

Microbe
Microbe (center) from New Warriors vol. 3 #1.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	New Warriors vol 3 #1 (August, 2005)
Created by	Skottie Young Zeb Wells
In-story information
Alter ego	Zachary Smith Jr.
Species	Human Mutant
Team affiliations	New Warriors
Abilities	Nosokinesis (Germ/Virus/Bacteria Manipulation) Sick Sense (Perception of the presence of germs/bacteria/microbes)

Microbe (Zachary Smith Jr.) is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He debuted in New Warriors Vol. 3 #1. He is a mutant with the ability to communicate with germs and other microscopic organisms. He was a member of the New Warriors.

Smith has a rather tragic past. His biological father, a prominent medical researcher, thought he had discovered a way to cure previously incurable diseases. Instead, it turned out that Microbe had unknowingly used his mutant power and "talked" the diseases into acting out the results his father wanted. Disgraced, his father disowned Microbe, leaving the teen heartbroken and alone. Out of compassion, Night Thrasher adopted him and began training him to be a superhero, making him a member of the New Warriors.

While tracking some escaped supervillains with the New Warriors, Microbe, alongside his foster father Night Thrasher, is killed in Stamford, Connecticut as part of the New Warriors reality show. This event sparks the need for the Superhuman Registration Act and the ensuing Civil War, as well as making the surviving and former New Warriors members the most hated people in the US.

Zach Smith / Microbe will appear in the Marvel Television live-action New Warriors TV series on Freeform.