Origin
Born in Vienna, he was a professional psychiatrist before becoming a criminal mastermind. His plots typically emotionally torture opponents, leaving them vulnerable or desperate. His signature move is having them effectively kill themselves when in this state of mind. In combats of witts he is usually a victor. However he suffered a humiliating defeat when trying to mentally influence Mr. Fantastic. Having his own mental breakdown upon his failure.
Some of Faustus’ notable events include: creating the villain know as Grand Director, involvement with the villain (at the time) Moonstone, and death of S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Sharon Carter (which was later addressed that she, in fact, did not die).
Faustus was presumed dead for a number of years, but reappeared, now living undercover as a S.H.I.E.L.D. psychologist, working as a double agent for the Red Skull. Faustus was given the task of manipulating Sharon Carter’s mind into falling deeply in love with Captain America. Something which he proudly claims is his doing. During his time working for the Skull he treats him with almost no respect and frequently talks down to him. This behavior infuriates the Skull because usually speaking to him like this would mean certain death for anyone but he can’t have Faustus killed because of his importance to his plans.
It was also revealed that Faustus was responsible for manipulating Sharon Carter into assassinating Captain America.
Faustus also attempted to brainwash Winter Soldier to serve the Red Skull’s purposes. When his methods of mental programming failed, he had planned to kill the Winter Soldier, only to have him escape due to an almost subconcious act of Sharon Carter, who was under Faustus’ control. Faustus also brainwashed the Grand Director into believing that he was Steve Rogers so that the Skull could use him to help swing public opinion in favor of his candidate Senator Wright. After Sharon was stabbed by Sin and she lost the baby, Faustus betrayed the Skull and activated her S.H.I.E.L.D. transmitter before leaving the hidden base because he didn’t want any of his creations to “fall into the hands of those monsters”.
Marvel’s Agent Carter
Dr. Johann Fennhoff goes under the alias of Dr. Ivchenko. Fennhoff is a Leviathan operative who is responsible for the Black Widow program and Dottie Underwood is his first test subject.
Creation
Doctor Faustus’ first appearance came in Captain America #107, where he attempted to drive Captain America insane. Faustus has a history of teaming with the notorious villain known as the Red Skull in plotting against Captain America.
Abilities
Faustus has a genius level intellect, a doctorate in psychiatry and a highly persuasive voice. He is charismatic enough to win the trust of patients and allies, before inadvertently using them in his plans. While a skilled hypnotist, his more elaborate plans have employed “hologram projectors, hallucinogenic gas dispensers, androids, and elaborate props’. Even pawns impersonating various people important to his victims (friends, enemies, etc).
During a confrontation with Captain America and Daredevil, Faustus was injured by falling gas canisters. He lost the mobility of his legs. He was afterwards mostly seen wheelchair-bound, sort of a villainous counterpart to Professor X. More recent appearances have him walking around while using a cane.
In Other Media
Television
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends
Doctor Faustus appears in the Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends episode “Pawns of the Kingpin,” voiced by Dennis Marks. This version of the character is employed by the Kingpin to brainwash Captain America and Iceman.
Agent Carter
Doctor Faustus appears as the main antagonist of the first season of Agent Carter, portrayed by Ralph Brown. In the show, he is introduced while posing as a Russian scientist named Dr. Ivchenko, who is rescued by Peggy Carter and the Howling Commandos. Eventually, it is revealed that he is actually a former German soldier named Johann Fennhoff, who holds a grudge against Howard Stark over Stark’s use of “Midnight Oil,” an experimental nerve gas, during the war. He plans to destroy Stark’s reputation by brainwashing him and forcing him to release the gas in Time’s Square, but is stopped by Peggy and Daniel Sousa. He is last seen imprisoned alongside the Red Skull‘s former scientist, Arnim Zola, who suggests that the two work together.