D'Spayre tends to prey on victims who are in despair, using their fear and despair to strengthen himself. He terrorizes Scott Summers and Lee Forrester after Lee's father committed suicide, but is defeated by Summers who resists D'Spayre's illusions and finds resolve in the memory of Jean Grey. This resolve fuels the creature known as Man-Thing who attacks D'Spayre and D'Spayre flees.
D'Spayre usually preys on those who are consumed by sorrow, exploiting their anguish and desperation to increase his own might. He harasses Scott Summers and Lee Forrester after Lee's father commits suicide, but is thwarted by Summers who resists D'Spayre's manipulations and finds fortitude in the memory of Jean Grey. This resolve sparks the creature known as Man-Thing who attacks D'Spayre and D'Spayre retreats.