Werner Vertigo was in line to become the king of the eastern European country, Vlatava. The royal family, however, was forced to flee to England when the U.S.S.R. began to expand and annex nearby countries. Vertigo also suffered from a hereditary inner ear defect. He received an electrical implant in his right temple that helped him overcome the defect. He also discovered the device allowed him to affect the balance of people, distort perception, affect guidance systems, and induce vertigo. Vertigo called it the Vertigo Effect and also armed himself with magnetic boots that allowed him to walk on ceilings and walls.
Count Vertigo resurfaced in Star City in the United States of America, intent on stealing back jewels his parents sold while in England. He was defeated by Green Arrow and became a constant villain of the archer. An opportunity to ascend the throne of Vlatava presented itself when the King died and his 10 year old Princess Perdita was overseas in Star City. Vertigo, as the uncle and last living relative of Perdita, hired Merlyn to assassinate her. Thus, Vertigo would finally become king. However, the assassins failed and forced him to step in. He easily rendered Green Arrow immobile but was knocked unconscious by Black Canary and her Canary Cry.