Little is known about Skorch's origin. According to Atrocitus' explanation, Skorch was maimed and rejected by a male before joining the Red Lantern Corps. King Cord, a local warlord in Planet Arhtky, captured and slaved the young Taya and her sister. He used both girls for his pleasure and took the life of Taya's older sister just as a display of power. This act of pure violence and evil, ignited Taya's heart, acting as a rage beacon for the Red Lanterns. Atrocitus, Bleez, Rankorr and Skorch went to Arhtky in order to investigate the source of this great rage, just in time to witness how Cord mortally wounded Taya.