"One night, he was called to remove a bullet from a witness who was to testify against the mob. However, a mobster threw a grenade into the room, killing the witness and blinding McNider.

McNider thought his days as a surgeon were over until one day, as he was recovering, an owl crashed through his window (reminiscent of the incident that inspired Batman to dress as a bat). Taking off the bandages that were covering his eyes, he found that he could see, but only in perfect darkness. Using his newfound ability, he developed a special visor that let him see in light and "blackout bombs" that block out all light, and used these to fight crime.