It is unclear whether Magnum had superhuman abilities since birth, gained them via mutation somehow, or whether he was just initially very tough, though not superhumanly so. Moses Magnum was born in Ethiopia, fifteen years before its invasion by Italy. At the time of the invasion, Magnum became fascinated with weapons and joined Italy's leader against his own people. Magnum became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America. Amongst those slain by Magnum's toxic gas testing were the family of Thomas Sheridan. Magnum purchased several Mandroids. The hero Triathalon learned of this plot.