Millions of years ago, an insane Guardian introduced a flaw into the programming of the Manhunters, robotic peace keepers created by the Guardians of the Universe. This flaw led to the Manhunters slaughtering an entire sector of space before they were shutdown. Of trillions of inhabitants, only Atrocitus and four other creatures survived this massacre. These survivors formed a terrorist cabal called the 'Five Inversions'. The Inversions went on to wage war against the Guardians, but were ultimately defeated and imprisoned. Imprisonment, though, did not quench Atrocitus' rage. Eventually gaining his freedom, he butchered his fellow Inversions and used their blood and his rage to fashion the first Red Power Ring. So armed, his war on the Guardians began anew.

Unlike other Power Rings, those who wear a Red Power Ring are typically unable to create constructs. Instead, they are able to summon forth and expel from their mouth a red-colored plasma that adheres to its target. In addition to the abilities granted him by his Power Ring, Atrocitus is a brutal, unforgiving fighter who rarely shows mercy in combat.