EMPEROR
of TEXAS
EMPEROR
of TEXAS
Real Name: Tony Rome
Identity/Class: Human technology user
Occupation: Auto designer
Group Membership: Commanded
Affiliations: Worshipped Jupiter (Zeus); presumably used a number of servants to maintain his base, though none were seen
Enemies: Dixon Bowie, Senator and Paula Jean "P.J." Clover, Marauder, Team America (Cowboy, Honcho, R.U. Reddy, Wolf, Wrench), U.S. Air Force
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: None
Base of Operations: A mountain base west of Austin, Texas
First Appearance: Team America#7 (December, 1982)
Powers/Abilities: While Rome had no powers, he had a mountain base equipped with tractor beams, force fields, prison cells, flying cars, motorized "Death Chariots" with flame throwers. His base was designed in the style of ancient Rome, including an immense statue of Jupiter. The statue was hollow and contained a missile armed with a nuclear warhead; much of his equipment was controlled by a band he wore about his wrist. A fanatic, he had some skill in combat as he was able to hold his own against the multi-talented Marauder.
History:
(Team America#7 (fb) - BTS) - Presumably inspired by his own name, Rome became
obsessed with ancient Rome, the Roman Empire, and the Roman gods. He became
quite wealthy as an auto designer, though he never knew love for another person.
Eventually he decided that he would recreate the Roman Empire, using Texas as
the heart of the Empire. He established a base within a mountain, and designed
several cars which he could take control of and fly to his base. He arranged for
these cars to be sold to the wives and daughters of men who might be inclined to
stop him. He then began kidnapping these women, holding them hostage to insure
the compliance of their loved ones. He also obtained a nuclear missile,
intending to use it to force the government to surrender control of the state of
Texas to him.
(Team America#7) - Rome used one of his special cars to abduct PJ Clover, leading Texas Ranger Dixon Bowie and PJ's former boyfriend Luke Merriweather (Cowboy) to investigate. They followed a trail left by the mysterious Marauder (a person granted the collective abilities of Team America and controlled by their subconscious directions) to Rome's mountain base, at which point Rome used a tractor beam to transport both men inside. Rome then showed them his fortress, after which he imprisoned Merriweather and sent Bowie to carry his ultimate to the state senate: "Give me Texas--or I will annihilate it!" While PJ's father, Senator Clover was inclined to capitulate, Bowie refused, joining the rest of Team America in air-dropping atop Rome's base.
Meanwhile, Rome used Cowboy to provide entertainment, challenging his Death Chariots against Cowboy's motorcycle. Cowboy took out most of the chariots, then drove one headlong into the force field holding Rome's prisoners, freeing them, though he was knocked out in the process. As the cavalry arrived, a wind blew the rest of Team America to the other side of the hills. As Bowie arrived, attempting to arrest Rome, Air Force jets approached, and Rome commanded his Death Chariots to punish Bowie. Marauder then arrived, destroying the Chariots. Furious, Rome used his control band to open the Jupiter satellite containing a Jupiter missile, intended to bring death to Austin. However, Marauder then tackled Rome, tore off his wristband, and closed the silo above the missile. While the warhead was not yet activated, the missile crashed into the closed portal, causing the roof to collapse on top of Rome, killing him.
Comments: Created by Bill Mantlo, Luke McDonell, and Vinnie Colletta.
Profile by Snood.
CLARIFICATIONS:
No known connection to:
images:
Team America#7, p7, panel 4 (Rome body)
p8, panel panel 5 (Rome face)
p10, panel 6 (Jupiter statue)
p11, panel 2 (Chariots)
Appearances:
Team America#7 (December, 1982) - Bill Mantlo (writer), Luke McDonnell (pencils), Vince Colletta (inks), Tom DeFalco (editor)
Last updated: 01/19/05
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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