History: Maxie Zeus was a Gotham crimelord who believed he was the reincarnation of Greek god Zeus. He was once a history teacher who lost his mind under unexplained circumstances, possibly caused by the loss of his wife. Maxie amassed a sizeable following of criminals who admired his brilliant schemes and were willing to put up with his eccentricities.

(Batman I #327) - A series of crimes were committed in Gotham with the same M.O. as Arkham Asylum inmates. Commissioner Gordon called Arkham’s director, who assured him the patients were still safely locked away, but Batman suspected something was up. He went undercover as inmate Shank Taylor, and after escaping his cell investigated the asylum. He stopped by Maxie Zeus’ cell, but rules him out as the one to the keys to the asylum, knowing that if Maxie had a way out he would take it himself.

Maxie Zeus warred with Batman for a time, but eventually decided to end the feud by moving his operations to the west coast.