Origin
Nothing is known about Mr Zzz’s origin. Probably born and raised in Gotham, from an early age he suffered from narcolepsy, causing excessive sleepiness and making him appear constantly half asleep. Despite this he was perfectly functional, and proved successful in his chosen profession as a career criminal alongside his partner in crime, Tony “Little Italy” Marchetti.
Creation
Mr Zzz was created by Paul Dini and Don Kramer. He made his first appearance in Detective Comics #824.
Major Story Arcs
Detective
Mr Zzz and Little Italy attempt to rob Penguin during the opening of the Iceberg Lounge by counting cards, but are caught and stopped by Batman. Later, they attend Scarface’s comeback party.
House of Hush
Mr Zzz accompanies Little Italy to pick up the recently released Judson Pierce. He and Little Italy ferry Pierce around the city, and listen as he describes his plan and motivations to kill Bruce Wayne. He helps Pierce kidnap Wayne, who is actually Hush in disguise, and is defeated in a fight with the villain. He, Little Italy, and Pierce join forces with Hush. He helps to recruit Dr Death and kidnap Jeffrey Carter. Later, he is attacked and brutally rendered unconscious by Carter, who is actually Jane Doe in disguise. He survives and is imprisoned along with Little Italy and Pierce.
Powers and Abilities
Mr Zzz has no known superhuman powers or abilities. He has the strength and reflexes of a normal human of his size and build, and is a strong hand-to-hand combatant. He is narcoleptic, but nonetheless engages in his criminal pursuits efficiently, and often uses his apparent sleepiness to surprise or ambush those who are unfamiliar with him.