Tommy was a close childhood friend of Bruce Wayne (Batman). Both were born into wealthy families. Bruce's father, Thomas, was happy to see the children become friends, something he thought Bruce needed so much. The boys loved to play strategy games, but Tommy was always able to outmaneuver Bruce. Elliot hated his parents as a boy. Driven by his want for independence and wealth, he cut the brakes on his parents' car and convinced their chauffeur to stay home that night, which led to the death of his father. However, Bruce promised Tommy that his dad would save Tommy's parents and even though he failed to save Tommy's father he was able to save his mother. However, this enraged young Elliot. He took his anger out on Bruce, who had promised Elliot that his parents would be saved, and attacked his childhood friend. To Bruce's shock, Dr. Wayne scolded him when he fought back and comforted Elliot like a father would a son, something Bruce never fully forgave his father for. Meanwhile, Elliot's rage was fueled by the murder of the Waynes, which put Bruce Wayne in just the situation Elliot wanted himself. His hopes for wealth ruined, he decided to wait for a lucky day.