Artemis Zogg

"You're no president. You're a dictator, every bit as cruel as Tachyon and even more misguided than Dr. Nefarious."

- President Phyronix

Artemis Zogg was the Galactic President of the Polaris Galaxy, bureaucrat in Meridian City, and later became a Markazian planet thief at the hands of Cyrus and Captain Qwark. He was responsible for the disappearance of planets in the universe.

Early life and history
"Nice fellow, that Max Apogee. One of those Markazians who could do anything he set his mind toand once he set his mind to something...there was no stopping him."

- Artemis Zogg's thoughts of Max Apogee

Artemis Zogg spent most of his childhood in a summer camp he went to. Artemis Zogg spent alot with one of his colleagues, Max Apogee, who Artemis Zogg claimed to be "One of those Markazians who could do anything he set his mind to" and when he did there was no stopping him and often having a biting sense of humor. It was his research on the Lombax Secret that led Artemis Zogg to the discovery of the Surinox Comet, the main dimensional power source the Lombaxes used to power their Dimensionators during to Great War to escape to another dimension in flee of Emperor Tachyon's rampage on them. Max Apogee eventually discovered Angela Cross, one of the few remaining Lombaxes of his dimension who didn't escape in the Lombax dimension, and fled across to galaxy from Tachyon's empire to reach the Dimensionator and escape into another dimension in order to be safe from Tachyon's rule. They were successful, but their current position is unknown. Years later, Artemis Zogg became the Galactic President of the Polaris Galaxy and bureaucrat in Meridian City on Planet Igliak, having his own company and office. Around the time, Artemis Zogg was a peaceful, level-headed public servant, being in office for many years since the time of the Lombaxes. Artemis Zogg was also later a huge fan of intergalactic superhero Captain Qwark. Artemis Zogg was often called "Artie" among close friends, including President Phyronix, Galactic President of the Solana Galaxy, and Zogg's secretary.

Helios Program
"I present to you...Helios!"

- Artemis Zogg presenting Captain Qwark the Helios Program in it's current development

A couple of years later, Artemis Zogg thought up of a protection plant that could be powerful enough to end natural disasters and intergalactic crime sistuations for good. At last, with the help of Max Apogee, one of Artemis Zogg's old colleague, Artemis Zogg realized that with the Surinox Shard, a transdimensional Comet Shard that was discovered by Max Apogee during Lombax research before he vanished from the universe, he would be able to grasp it's power and use it to create Helios. Thus, Artemis Zogg started the Helios Program, however, was able to get to work on it due to his presidential jobs and eventually left the idea alone at the current moment.

Re-election
"They've assigned me bodyguards, can you believe it? Two old warbots follow me everywhere I go. They say it's standard procedure, but I'd rather fly myself around, thank you very much."

- Artemis Zogg chating with Captain Qwark about him being assigned with bodyguards

During the time of election years, Artemis Zogg was being put up for re-election as Galactic President of the Polaris Galaxy once more. Artemis Zogg was sure that with all of his love and care towards the universe, he would most certainly be re-elected as Galactic president by the public for all of his dedication. As a likely candidate, Artemis Zogg was assigned with bodyguards, Cronk and Zephyr, two old warbots issued to follow Artemis Zogg where ever he goes. It was unknown to how Artemis Zogg got Cronk and Zephyr and got them to work for him, it could be presumed that they were issued to him by their owner, Talwyn, herself temporaily. As part of his public service plans and re-election, Artemis Zogg thought it was finally time to start developing the Helios Program.

With the help of his loyal friends and assisstants, Vorn Garblak and Mr. Klink, Artemis Zogg's next attempt at helping the universe, the Helios Project, also known as the Helios Program, was designed to protect the universe in the event of a galactic disaster, invasion, temporal rift, black hole, or supernova.

Meeting with Captain Qwark
"Qwark: What's this? Artemis Zogg: Oh, just something I've been working on for a few years to keep us safe. I call it the Helios Program."

- Artemis Zogg first telling Qwark about the Helios Project

In production of the Helios Program, he messaged Captain Qwark, whom he would be meeting for the first time, to come over to see his plan for the Helios Project as a follow up to Qwark's endorsement to the fellow Markazian. Qwark was interested in Artemis Zogg's investments and generous favors to the universe. Captain Qwark's vast popularity was increasing in Polaris due to the defeat of Dr. Nefarious. Feeling making an endorsement for such a competent public servant and former Galactic president at the moment, Qwark agreed to meet the fellow Markazain president. Here, Artemis Zogg's securtary greeted Qwark in and informed the captain Artemis Zogg was a shoe-in for the position. Artemis Zogg happily welcomed Captain Qwark and claimed they had so much to discuss. Here, Artemis Zogg informed Qwark about his new bodyquards, Cronk and Zephyr, and showed him his latest protection project, the Helios Project. Artemis Zogg then gave Captain Qwark a tour of his company, showing him the Surinox Shard and explaining it's functions, as well. At the end of the tour, Artemis Zogg presented the in development Helios Project to Qwark. Qwark was very impressed and greatly appreciated Artemis Zogg's work for the universe.

Galactic President and fallout
"Vorn Garblak: Sir! I just received a call from someone inside the presidential compound. Agents are coming to shut us down! Artemis Zogg: They're not shutting down anything. Pack up everything we've got and roll it out the back. I have a transport standing by."

- Artemis Zogg to Vorn Garblak

When election day finally arrived, Captain Qwark was getting prepared for his speech for his endorsement to Artemis Zogg, when Cyrus, Captain Qwark's director for Unicop, visited the captain in his trailer. Qwark was confused to why Cyrus his director was there due to the fact he had claimed to the captain he would never see him again after Unicop was cancelled. Cyrus had forgotten about that, claiming the past was "old and yucky" and he was all about what was going on now. Cyrus was completely against Artemis Zogg being re-elected and thus tryed to convince Captain Qwark that the Polaris Galaxy needed new blood and not some old Markazian. Allthough Qwark many times disagreed with the director, Cyrus ultimately managed to get to Qwark's "ego side" when he convinced the captain that he was a huge deal and also convinced him that he should be the one to become the new Galactic president of the Polaris galaxy. Qwark agreed and went out onto the presidential stand while Cyrus sinisterly smirked as he was moving up on the stage. Meanwhile, Artemis Zogg was up on the stage discussing matters on offering a small tax incentive to the Kerchu in exchange for Gel refineries to Sargasso and Jasindu. Just as Artemis Zogg finished, he introuduced Captain Qwark to the public. Qwark then started his speech on the stage. Qwark, as usual, exaggerated alot and then intelligently described what a hero should be like. As Artemis Zogg got prepared to recieve his endorsement, Qwark declared that he would like to offer his humble endorsement to himself, the galaxies next Galactic president. Artemis Zogg was left speechless as he quite sadly pointed to himself and put down his ears as everyone in the audience cheered for Qwark. Five months later, Artemis Zogg was on the brink of retiring and closing down his facilty in Meridian City. Artemis Zogg's loyal securtary attmpted to try to convince the sadened Markazian he didn't have to retire over some silly election. Even though Artemis Zogg was no longer Galactic President, he knew that what was important is that the Polaris galaxy stayed safe and had competence that he would finish the Helios Project and it would become a legacy he could be proud of. However, Artemis Zogg was soon furious when he discovered via his secutary Galactic President Qwark sent a cease and desist letter to the panel of interstellar know-it-alls. He felt that the technology used in the Helios Project is dangerous, citing the Tachyon incident a few years ago. As so, the project was terminated, to which Artemis Zogg angrily growled. Vorn informed the former president that he just received a call from someone inside the presidential compound. Agents were coming to shut the Helios Project down. Artemis Zogg furiously said they weren't shutting down anything and ordered him to pack up everything and bring it to his transport standing by. Artemis Zogg then woke up Cronk and Zephyr, his bodyguards, and Artemis Zogg informed him once again that they were relocating his facility to his personal ship and the Helios Project was given a green light for field testing, so they must leave straight away. As Artemis Zogg was prepairing his ship's transport vessel, Mr. Klink asked the former what was going on and if they were being shut down. Artemis Zogg claimed to the robot the people had failed them, but with his assistance, he was sure he would be able to show them to error of their ways. Artemis Zogg asked Klink if he could assist him to whom he said he would absolutely. Artemis Zogg then informed Klink of an old outpost just beyond the Corvus Sector called the Vartax outpost where they would discuss their plan. As so, Artemis Zogg asked Mr. Klink to start the machines before he left.

The Artemis Galaxy
"Galactic President Qwark: But I'm the one you want! Why not just take me? Artemis Zogg: Because, you insignificant gnat, I want you to watch as your kindom is ripped from your damn control, planet by planet!"

- Artemis Zogg to Qwark

At their meeting at the Vartax outpost, Artemis Zogg was furious. The angry Markazian felt no one else had cared about all the generous things he had done for the galaxy as a Galactic President and loyal public servant for many years anymore. As a last minute idea, Artemis Zogg hatched a plan to get revenge on Galactic President Qwark and the universe itself using the Helios Program. Artemis Zogg would steal every planet from the universe and create a whole new galaxy, whom he named the '"Artemis Galaxy" with the use of Helios. Vorn Garblak and Mr. Klink, his two friends, thought that it had been a risky idea, but Artemis Zogg disagreed claiming it was for the good of the galaxy and no longer could the people be trusted with handeling constitutions. Artemis Zogg started to become more of an angry, sarcastic, and uncaring Markazian, caring of no one except the Helios Project and himself. His treatment to his best friends casued them to turn very "spineless", to the point where they were over fanatically loyal to the mad Markazian. After five months, Artemis Zogg's planet theift operation was a success and the planets Artemis Zogg managed to steal were Aranos, Sargasso, Cobalia, and Terachnos. Vorn became chief warmonger and Mr. Klink became head warden at the Vartax Detention Facility, which was originally the Vartax outpost. Galactic Presdient Qwark discovered the planet disappearances, although had no idea how they were disappearing. Soon, Terachnoids from Terachnos were calling for Qwark's impeachment even. Artemis Zogg was pleased of this, wanting to watch as Qwark's kingdom is ripped from his control, planet by planet.

Veldin abduction
"Oh, ye of little faith, Vorn. Where you see inconsequence, I see...opportunity."

- Artemis Zogg to Vorn Garblak

While Ratchet & Clank are on vacation on Veldin for some well earned rest and relaxation, Artemis Zogg traveled to the Solana Galaxy and arrived in orbit above Veldin, targeting it as his next planet to steal. Vorn Garblak, Artemis Zogg's assistant, informed him that Veldin was devoid of any real value, claiming it to be a frivolous dreadful rock. However, Artemis Zogg told Vorn he saw opportunity in the planet and ordered him to start the machine and take it with them. Before starting the machine, Vorn Garblak sent a transmission to Veldin explaining to the citizens about the moving the planet. Warbots were then dropped onto the surface of Veldin to help ensure a smooth transition. The Warbots happen crash land right near Ratchet's garage and automatically began shooting the heroes, forcing the duo to fight them off. Ratchet and Clank tried to escape to the Planetary Defense Center to get assistance from Galatic authorities.

"Please, do come in. It isn't every day we get to welcome the galaxy's most famous duo. Welcome...to my galaxy."

- Artemis Zogg to Ratchet and Clank

Ratchet used his Blaster to destroy the troops on his Hoverboots while Clank drove the hoverbike to the Planetary Defense Center. However, Ratchet eventually ran out of ammo and was about to be killed by a Warbot, but Clank drove the hoverbike right into the Warbot, destroying it and the hoverbike. More Warbots soon surrounded the duo, however, but Artemis Zogg ordered his troops to hold their fire and bring the duo to him along with the planet. While in a launch pod with Ratchet being brought to Artemis Zogg's ship, Clank looked out the window the launch pod and noticed that the star clusters are not any he had ever saw. When the heroes were brought to Artemis Zogg's ship, Artemis Zogg revealed his master plan was to steal planets from across the universe to build his own galaxy, whom the former called the "Artemis Galaxy".

Vartax Detention Facility
"Nothings impossible! Triumph is merely a matter of time and will"

- Artemis Zogg to Ratchet

Artemis Zogg chained Ratchet and Clank up in his ship's security lock and revealed to them that he was a fan of them and respected the sacrifices they had made for the universe. Rather than kill them, Artemis Zogg decided to imprison them in the Vartax Detention Facility, but not before giving Ratchet his OmniWrench Millennium 12 back which, being a fan, he knew Ratchet and Clank needed if they were going to survive in the Vartax Detention Facility. Before leaving and dumping Ratchet and Clank in the Vartax Detention Facility, Artemis Zogg also revealed his grudge he had against Galactic President Qwark to Ratchet and Clank, and made mention of the Helios Project before they left.

In the Vartax Detention Facility, Ratchet and Clank meet up with one of their enemies from their last adventure, General Glahm, an Agorian general who attack Lumos on Krell Canyon. Ratchet fought him in the cafeteria, but Mr. Klink, watching the battle from his announcement screen, stopped the fight and, pursuant to Zogg statute 35-77 regrading expected prisoner behavior, sentenced Ratchet and General Glahm to be executed out the airlock. Glahm revealed to Ratchet that the fight was a ruse in order to get to the airlock, which was the only way to escape the Vartax Detention Facility.

"I'm very disapointed in you, Mr. Klink. Very disapointed indeed."

- Artemis Zogg to Mr. Klink

The duo managed to escape from the Vartax Detention Facility with the help of their new friend, General Glahm, a Space Pirate, and Artemis Zogg's former bodyguards, Cronk and Zephyr and were headed to see Talwyn Apogee in the Apogee Space Station. Meanwhile, at Artemis Zogg's ship, Artemis Zogg, furious at the warden's disapointed and failure, uncaringly killed Mr. Klink due to failing to stop Ratchet and Clank and many more Vartax prisoners from escaping the Vartax Detention Facility, and threatened them while observing Veldin.

Trillium Mines
"For the good of the galaxy! Without control, there is chaos! With chaos comes war! This galaxymy galaxywill flourish because it has a president who understands that dammit!"

- Artemis Zogg to President Phyronix While the president of the Solana galaxy was on a goodwill trip to Polaris, President Phyronix, he was captured by Artemis Zogg and lost communication with his daughter and mayor of Metropolis, Sasha Phyronix. Artemis Zogg forced him to work on the Trillium Mines on Planet Zaurik. After geo-shifting Zaurik out of Polaris, Artemis Zogg traveled back to the planet Zaurik and informed President Phyronix why he was doing his scheme which he said was for the good of the galaxy. Claiming that without control, chaos comes and with chaos comes war and his galaxy would flourish because it had a president and ruler who understood that, President Phyronix angrily replied that Artemis Zogg wasn't a president and is a dictator, every bit as cruel as Emperor Tachyon and more misguided then Dr. Nefarious. Artemis Zogg ignoring this offered him a postion as his vice president of his galaxy to keep his constituents under control, but he refused and choice to continue to work in the Trillium mine.

Lost and Spaced Veldin
Back at the Apogee Space Station, Talwyn Apogee and Sasha Phyronix are target practicing using the Combuster in a Cragmite target practice area until Artemis Zogg reports a message over a speaker to everyone there. Artemis Zogg says that by now that should have realized that all attempts to invade his peaceful galaxy are futile and as their former minister of defense, he knows every offensive tactic in the playbook and assures them that any further invasions will be met with swift punishment. Artemis Zogg then informs them of his demands. The Terachnoids, who had begun a partnership with Ratchet and Clank, then identifyed an oblate spheroid somewhere in space, but can't lock onto it due to the all the star clusters being uncharted. Ratchet, however, sees that it is Veldin. Artemis Zogg revealed to the heroes then that he placed Veldin in a part of the universe no one will ever find it. Without sunlight from Helios, rivers will turn to ice, plants will wither and die, and all life will be extinguished within hours. Should Ratchet and Clank turn themselves in, Artemis Zogg would return Veldin to a place within his realm comparable to it's former home. Galactic President Qwark was confused to why Artemis Zogg didn't just take him, where Artemis Zogg replied angrily saying he wants Qwark to watch as his kingdom is ripped from his control, planet by planet. Talwyn asked Artemis Zogg how do they know he won't kill Ratchet & Clank then. Artemis Zogg informed them all that either Ratchet and Clank face justice at the hands of his Warbots, or Veldin will perish and two million lives would be destroyed. Artemis Zogg told Ratchet that he had only one hour to decide.

Capturing planets
Artemis Zogg used his ship to teleport planets to his galaxy.

Appearances

 * Ratchet & Clank: Issue 1: Ears of War
 * Ratchet & Clank: Issue 2: Friends with Benefits
 * Ratchet & Clank: Issue 3: Lost and Spaced
 * Ratchet & Clank: Issue 4: Thanks for the Amories
 * Ratchet & Clank: Issue 5: Multiple Organisms