While removing a bullet from a witness to a crime, Dr. Charles McNider was blinded by a grenade meant to silence his patient. During recovery from his injuries, McNider was startled when an owl crashed through his window. Removing his bandages to investigate, he found he could see in perfect darkness. He later found that he could not see in daylight and developed special goggles and "black-out" bombs" to help him see in light and fight crime. He adopted the owl, "Hooty" and joined The Justice Society of America to continue his fight against evil