ROCKROCK
Real Name: Samuel John LaRoquette
Identity/Class: Human technology user;
citizen of the USA
Occupation: Mercenary;
former explorer, college professor, contractor for
Argo Industries, henchman of the Leader (Samuel Sterns), civilian
advisor to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Group Membership: Orgone Army (Dr. Arick Schnallageister, others);
formerly Riot Squad (Hotshot/Louis Lembert, Jailbait/Jess Harrison, Omnibus/Burt Horowitz, Ogress/Diane Davids, Redeemer/Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, Soul Man/Jason McCall), Rock and Redeemer;
former partner of Redeemer (Craig Saunders, Jr.) and Redeemer (Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross)
formerly the Assembly of Evil (Fenris/Andrea & Andreas Strucker, Hulk robot, Hydro-Man/Morrie Bench, Jester/Jody Putt), Hulkbusters (Bruce Banner, Armand Martel, Carolyn Parmenter, Craig Saunders, Jr., Hideko Takata)
Affiliations: Absorbing Man (Carl Creel), Cybernauts, Walter Declun, Doc Samson (Leonard Samson), Doctor Doom (Victor von Doom), Doombots, Porcupine (Roger Gocking), Hydro-Man (Morrie Bench), Killer Shrike (Simon Maddicks), Lady Octopus (Dr. Carolyn Trainer), the Leader
(Samuel Sterns), a Mandroid, Porcupine (Roger Gocking), Agent Trump, the U-Foes (Ironclad/Mike Steel, Vapor/Ann Darnell, Vector/Simon Utrecht, X-Ray/Jimmy Darnell), Weed;
formerly S.H.I.E.L.D.
Enemies: Armageddon,
the Avengers (Captain America/Steve Rogers, Iron Man/Tony Stark,
She-Hulk/Jen Walters, Thor Odinson, Wasp/Janet Van Dyne), Black Panther (Shuri), Cloak
(Tyrone Johnson), Dagger (Tandy Bowen), Fantastic Four (Human Torch/Johnny Storm, Invisible Woman/Susan Richards, Thing/Ben Grimm), the Hulk (Bruce Banner),
Hydra, Nevermind, Nick Fury, Rick Jones, the Pantheon (Atalanta, Hector, Ulysses, Paris), Clay Quartermain, Doc
Samson (Leonard Samson), Sub-Mariner (Namor McKenzie), X-Factor (Beast/Hank McCoy, Cyclops/Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Iceman/Bobby Drake);
inadvertently Redeemer (Craig Saunders, Jr.)
Known Relatives: None
Aliases: Rocky
Base of Operations: Mobile;
formerly New Orgonon, Maine;
formerly Gamma Base;
formerly theFreehold, New England, beneath the Columbia Ice Fields of Alberta, Canada;
formerly Gamma Base, New Mexican desert
Education: Unspecified undergraduate (Bachelors) degree
First Appearance: (Samuel LaRoquette) Incredible Hulk II#317 (March, 1986);
(Rock) Incredible Hulk II#343 (May, 1988)
Powers/Abilities: As Rock, Samuel J. LaRoquette was permanently bonded to a powerful rock-life exo-skeleton that he could shape into any form he desired. The exo-skeleton also gave him superhuman strength (Class 25, lifting somewhere up to and including 25 tons) and the capability to fly at superhuman speed, and was extremely durable. Rock used the exo-skeleton to protrude sharp spikes, or to form a giant body to attack his foes. The exo-skeleton had the ability to regenerate, and would re-form around LaRoquette's body even if it were completely shattered. Rock was mentally bonded to the exo-skeleton, feeling it and controlling it as if it were his own body; however, he also felt damage to the exoskeleton as if it were his own body being harmed.
As a Hulkbuster, LaRoquette had
access to advanced technology such as battlesuits, planes, and large
land vehicles outfitted with weapons powerful enough to threaten the
Hulk.
Prior to becoming Rock, LaRoquette was an experienced
outdoorsman and adventurer, who had thrived in a variety of outdoor
environments. LaRoquette was physically fit, with above average
strength and endurance. LaRoquette had difficulty controlling his
temper, and was easily provoked to violence.
Height: 6'3"; variable, up to at least 30' tall (with exo-skeleton)
Weight: 245 lbs. (without Rock exo-skeleton); variable (with exo-skeleton)
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
History:
(Incredible Hulk II#343 (fb)) - When LaRoquette was a
young child, he used to play in an old junked refrigerator with the
door removed, pretending it was a rocketship or submarine.
As LaRoquette grew up, he remained fascinated by exploration, and took joy in experiencing and conquering new environments, Scuba diving, mountain climbing, and hiking through jungles.
LaRoquette became a college professor, and he impressed his students with his tales of exploration. Eventually he began a romance with one of his students, Carolyn Parmenter. The Dean of Students learned of LaRoquette's relationship with a student, and called him into a meeting to discuss the breach of protocol. During the meeting, LaRoquette lost his temper and punched the Dean, losing his tenure and his academic career as a result. Before long, his relationship with Parmenter fell apart as well, and the two went their separate ways.
LaRoquette moved into the private sector, becoming a
contractor for Argo Industries. During an expedition, two members of
LaRoquette's party died in an earthquake, and LaRoquette's superiors
blamed him for the expedition's failure. LaRoquette lost his temper
once again, punching his superior in the face and losing his job.
LaRoquette found himself without a job, and without any prospects.
(Incredible Hulk II#315-316) - Doc Samson and his associates at Gamma Base succeeded in separating Bruce Banner from the Hulk, splitting them into two separate entities. However, in the aftermath of the separation, the Hulk was left a mindless, rampaging monster.
(Incredible Hulk II#317) - Bruce Banner decided to assemble a task force of specialists with skills to capture and neutralize the Hulk. Among those he called to be part of his task force was Samuel J. LaRoquette. LaRoquette answered Banner's summons, traveling to Gamma Base, New Mexico to meet with him. Once there, LaRoquette met the others whom Banner had also called: demolition expert Craig Saunders Jr., xenobiologist Armand Martel, and geophysicist Hideko Takata. LaRoquette was also glad to see that his ex-girlfriend Carolyn Parmenter was among those Banner had assembled. Once assembled at Gamma Base, Bruce Banner asked them to to act as his primary assault team, the Hulkbusters. The group was very reluctant, but Banner reminded them that, due to setbacks they had all suffered in their respective careers, there was little market for their talents, and they had few options other than working on his project.
The group took some time to think it over, going to separate parts of Gamma Base to consider the pros and cons. LaRoquette and Parmenter became reacquainted, and discussed Banner's potential motivations for assembling the group. Eventually, the group decided to accept Banner's offer, embracing the opportunity to pursue their respective disciplines in Gamma Base's state of the art facilities.
(Incredible Hulk II#318) - Over the next two weeks, LaRoquette familiarized himself with the new technology and weapons at the Hulkbusters' disposal. Included in the Hulkbusters' armament was a large armored vehicle, armed with advanced weaponry, including hypersonics and lasers, and capable of splitting into separate modules each piloted by a different group member. LaRoquette Saunders, Parmenter, and Martel took the vehicle on a training exercise to locate and battle a Hulk robot. However, the group found that Doc Samson had mistaken the robot for the real Hulk and already destroyed it. Reasoning that Samson was nearly as strong as the Hulk, the group attacked Samson for training instead, much to his consternation. During the battle, the group split their vehicle into its separate modules and continued their attack. During the melee, Saunders let out a laser blast that inadvertently struck Parmenter's module, which went down in flames. Parmenter was killed in the ensuing explosion. LaRoquette, devastated, rushed towards Parmenter's vehicle, but was stopped by Doc Samson from throwing himself into the fiery wreck. LaRoquette attacked Samson in a rage, blaming him for the entire incident, but Samson easily tossed him aside. As Saunders remarked on Samson's obsession with catching the Hulk, LaRoquette swore Samson would pay for Parmenter's death.
(Incredible Hulk II#319) - Saunders donned a mechanized suit of armor while LaRoquette piloted a ship, and the two of them went hunting for the Hulk again. Before long, the pair located the Hulk and attacked. Doc Samson arrived on the scene soon afterward to aid the pair in capturing the Hulk. LaRoquette, however, still resented Samson for the role he played in Parmenter's death, and turned his ships weapons against Samson instead of the Hulk.
The Hulk, meanwhile, took advantage of LaRoquette's divided attention. First he damaged Saunders's mechanized suit and then leapt onto LaRoquette's ship, tearing it apart in midair. Samson watched LaRoquette's predicament with satisfaction, but after pleading from Saunders, reluctantly went to LaRoquette's aid, permitting LaRoquette to land safely. The Hulk then swatted Samson aside and escaped. Samson, frustrated, knocked LaRoquette to the ground, and told the pair not to get in his way again.
(Incredible Hulk II#320) - LaRoquette, Saunders, and the other Hulkbusters searched the desert for the Hulk in an armored buggy. After a while of fruitless searching, the group was willing to call it quits, but LaRoquette remained more driven than ever after Parmenter's death and insisted they make another sweep of the area. Shortly afterward, the Hulkbusters spotted a trail of fire and destruction, and followed it to the town of Jericho, New Mexico, where they found the Hulk and Samson fighting, with a media crew capturing the battle on film. The Hulkbusters came to Samson's aid and launched an attack on the Hulk. The Hulk, however, ripped the Hulkbusters' buggy to shreds, and then knocked Samson unconscious for good measure. LaRoquette donned a weaponized suit of armor and renewed the attack on the Hulk, but the Hulk tore the suit apart in mere moments and escaped yet again.
(Incredible Hulk II#321) - LaRoquette, Saunders, and the other Hulkbusters regrouped following the destruction of their buggy, and found themselves injured and disarmed as the Hulk continued to rampage through Jericho, New Mexico. LaRoquette in particular, suffered several broken bones. LaRoquette witnessed the Hulk continue to assault Doc Samson and was eager to help, but was too injured to stand. LaRoquette and Saunders watched as Takata bravely marched out to meet the Hulk alone. They were amazed as Takana used an akido technique to use the Hulk's momentum against him, tripping him and sending him to the ground. The Hulk, enraged, prepared to charge again. However, the group was saved, as the Avengers arrived on the scene in the nick of time, intent on saving the town and capturing the Hulk. Takata then turned to an injured LaRoquette, tending to his wounds. Hawkeye approached the Hulkbusters and asked for the situation. LaRoquette urged the Avengers to kill the Hulk if they could.
(Incredible Hulk II#322) - LaRoquette watched as both the Avengers and the
West Coast Avengers battled the Hulk across the town of Jericho. The Hulk became progressively
weakened by his separation from Bruce Banner, and began to lose his
strength. LaRoquette and the other Hulkbusters watched as the Avengers gained the upper
hand, cheering for them to finish the Hulk off for good.
(Incredible Hulk II#325) - LaRoquette and the other Hulkbusters attended Carolyn Parmenter's funeral. After the preacher's sermon, LaRoquette lashed out at Bruce Banner and Doc Samson, telling them they were to blame for Parmenter's death. LaRoquette became enraged when Samson cast the blame back in his direction, and the other Hulkbusters had to hold him back as they calmed him down.
(Incredible Hulk II#327) - Although the Hulkbusters had planned on disbanding following Parmenter's funeral, SHIELD Agent Clay Quartermain asked LaRoquette to stay on board under SHIELD's management. LaRoquette agreed, but resolved that after the Hulk was dealt with, Doc Samson would pay for his role in Parmenter's death.
(Incredible Hulk II#329) - Quartermain called together the Hulkbusters at Gamma Base to ask them if they would help him go after the new Hulk (Rick Jones). LaRoquette was angry that Samson was there because he partially blamed him for Parmenter's death. After some thinking he agreed to join the hunt for the new Hulk, but only because he wanted to settle the score with Samson.
(Incredible Hulk II#330) - LaRoquette approached Saunders, Hideko, and Martel, informing them of Quartermain's offer for the Hulkbusters to remain together under SHIELD management. Saunders gladly accepted, embracing the challenge of defeating and killing the Hulk. Martel, however, insisted the Hulk should be captured alive for research and study, prompting strong disagreement from LaRoquette. Ultimately, Martel agreed to remain on board as well, but made clear that his interest was in capturing the Hulk alive. A short time later, LaRoquette and the other Hulkbusters observed as Nevermind took control of Doc Samson. LaRoquette and Saunders were among those who attacked Samson in an effort to dislodge and neutralize Nevermind, but Nevermind used Samson's strength to cast them off with ease. At the battle's conclusion, LaRoquette witnessed General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross apparently give his life in defeating the Nevermind, and mourned his loss.
(Incredible Hulk II#331) - In the aftermath of the destruction caused by Nevermind, LaRoquette was eager to set off after a new Hulk (Rick Jones had recently become gamma irradiated and thus transformed into a version of the Hulk). Martel questioned the wisdom of doing so, remarking on whether the destruction they'd just witnessed might serve as a lesson, but joined the group when LaRoquette asked him point blank if he was in or out.
The Hulkbusters piloted ships out into the desert, searching for the Rick Jones Hulk. During their search, the Rick Jones Hulk attacked the Hulkbusters' ships, leaping toward LaRoquette's plane, puncturing its hull and injuring LaRoquette's leg. With several of the Hulkbusters injured and their vehicles damaged, the Hulkbusters broke off pursuit. However, during the scuffle, LaRoquette had heard Bruce Banner refer to the new Hulk as Rick Jones, and thus learned the new Hulk's true identity. LaRoquette resolved to hunt down Rick Jones in his human form when he was vulnerable.
(Incredible Hulk II#332) - Martel and Takata tried in
vain to dissuade LaRoquette, who was still in a leg cast from their
last battle, from his quest to hunt down and execute Rick Jones.
LaRoquette would have none of it, insisting it was the only way to wipe
the Hulk from the face of the Earth. LaRoquette manned an armored tank
and set out into the desert in search of Jones. LaRoquette located
Jones (in his human form) before long and attacked. LaRoquette, clearly
growing more and more unhinged with his obsession, spoke to the
deceased Carolyn Parmenter as he used the tank's weapons to assault
Jones. Doc Samson soon intervened, tearing the tank open and pulling
LaRoquette out, allowing Jones to escape.
(Incredible Hulk II#334) - Doc Samson stopped by Gamma Base's
infirmary to check in on Saunders and LaRoquette. Samson shared that
the other Hulkbusters were worried about LaRoquette's recent behavior.
LaRoquette bemoaned that the Hulkbusters had been a failure at every
turn, and stated that once they were recovered, he and Saunders would both be quitting the team and leaving Gamma Base.
(Incredible Hulk II#337) - The team X-Factor captured the Hulk in the town of Sparta, Illinois, after Iceman encased him in ice. LaRoquette and Saunders, now acting as civilian advisors to SHIELD, accompanied Clay Quartermain and several SHIELD airships as they moved toward the town of Sparta to collect the captive Hulk. LaRoquette anxiously awaited the group's arrival, impatient to end the Hulk once and for all. LaRoquette and Saunders, along with X-Factor and agents of SHIELD, transported the Hulk back to Gamma Base. LaRoquette later met with SHIELD Agent Trump to ask him when the Hulk would be executed.
While being held captive, the Hulk informed Takata and Martel, as well as Doc Samson, Rick Jones, and X-Factor, that the government had been testing gamma bombs and had only captured him to kill him, not to help or cure him. The group demanded to speak with a SHIELD agent in charge to learn the truth of the Hulk's claims. Agent Trump led LaRoquette, Saunders, and several armed SHIELD agents to confront Takata, Martel, Samson, and X-Factor, threatening them to stand down. Realizing SHIELD was not on their side, X-Factor freed the Hulk from his captivity, and a battle soon broke out between the two sides. During the melee, LaRoquette attacked Samson, and incapacitated him underneath a large piece of wreckage.
Meanwhile, SHIELD Agent Clay Quartermain decided he could not be party to the government's actions, and planted explosives throughout Gamma Base. LaRoquette, Saunders, and their SHIELD allies evacuated Gamma Base, moments before Quartermain triggered the explosives he had planted, leveling Gamma Base to the ground.
(Incredible Hulk II#338) - LaRoquette and Saunders accompanied Agent Trump to a SHIELD installation, where they attempted to track the fugitive Quartermain, Rick Jones, and Bruce Banner. Before long, they locked on to a signal from the tracking device on the SHIELD van Quartermain had commandeered, and set off in pursuit. However, when they followed the tracking signal to its source, they found Quartermain had planted the tracking device on a random truck, and realized they had lost the fugitives' trail.
(Incredible Hulk II#341) - LaRoquette and Saunders
accompanied Agent Trump to a press conference, where he was scheduled
to address the destruction of Gamma Base and SHIELD's role in recent
events. The Leader passed through the crowd and made physical contact
with both LaRoquette and Saunders, placing them under his control.
(Incredible Hulk II#342) - Following the press conference, Nick Fury
confronted Agent Trump, LaRoquette, and Saunders, asking for an
explanation as to recent events. LaRoquette urged Nick Fury to stay out
of the matter, prompting Fury to order that LaRoquette and Saunders be
dismissed immediately from their roles as civilian advisors to SHIELD.
(Incredible Hulk II#343 - BTS) - Shortly thereafter, the Leader abducted both LaRoquette and Saunders, placing them in suspended animation tubes.
(Incredible Hulk II#343) - The Leader used his powers and technology to brainwash LaRoquette, making him relive his past disgraces and failures. At the end of the brainwashing process, the Leader outfitted LaRoquette inside with an exoskeleton that resembled a giant rock, which LaRoquette could shape into any form he desired. The exo-skeleton was linked to Rock's mind, permitting him to feel and control the suit as if it were his own body. The Leader deemed him "Rock," and paired him with Saunders, who the Leader had also brainwashed and empowered as "Redeemer."
(Incredible Hulk II#344) - Rock and Redeemer stormed
a military base where the United States government had manufactured and
stored gamma bombs. They inflicted heavy casualties on the base's
personnel and stole a gamma bomb for the Leader.
(Incredible Hulk II#345) - The Leader planted a gamma bomb in Middletown, Arizona, and assigned Rock and Redeemer to guard it. Minutes before the bomb was set to detonate, the Hulk arrived to locate and dispose of it. Rock and Redeemer attacked the Hulk, but he drove them off. While the Hulk was dealing with Redeemer, Rock shifted his exo-skeleton to protrude sharp spikes and attempted to impale the Hulk from behind. Hulk, however, anticipated Rock's movement, and threw Redeemer into the spike's of Rock's exoskeleton, killing Redeemer in the process. The Hulk then tore a piece off Rock's exo-skeleton, causing him immense pain. The Leader projected his mental image into the room and distracted the Hulk, allowing Rock time to regroup. With the Hulk's attention focused on the Leader, Rock snuck up behind the Hulk and impaled him with a spike. Leader then teleported Rock away to safety before the gamma bomb exploded.
(Incredible Hulk II#366/#400 (fb) - BTS) - The few survivors of Middletown gained gamma-induced enhanced abilities, taking on the names Jailbait, Hotshot, Ogress, Omnibus, and Soulman. These Middletown survivors became the Leader's followers. Leader also used his revivification machine to partially restore the departed General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross to life, although Ross's mind remained vacant and nearly catatonic. Leader placed Ross in a rebuilt version of Saunders's armor, and made him the new Redeemer, after which the Leader paired the Middletown survivors with Rock and Redeemer to form his new group of enforcers, the Riot Squad.
(Mutant Misadventures of Cloak and Dagger III#9) - The Jester, acting under orders from Dr. Doom, assembled a team of super-villains to attack the Avengers. With Dr. Doom's assistance, Jester contacted the Leader, who lent Jester the use of Rock's services for the endeavor. Jester branded his newly assembled team, which also included Fenris, Hydro-Man, and the cosmically powered Hulk robot, as the Assembly of Evil. Rock accompanied the team as they approached Cloak and Dagger and, under the mistaken impression that Cloak and Dagger were villains, asked them to join on their assault on the Avengers. Cloak and Dagger feigned agreement in order to minimize casualties, and accompanied the villains. The group then attended a press conference the Avengers were holding and attacked, with Rock squaring off against Thor. Thor repeatedly struck Rock's exo-skeleton with his hammer, shattering it into pieces. Rock momentarily rejoiced, believing himself to be free of the armor. He was then dismayed as the armor re-formed around him. Rock promptly fled the scene of the fight in disappointment.
(Incredible Hulk II#366) - The Leader learned that the Hulk had been poisoned by the villain Madman, and had mere hours to live. Deciding to use the Hulk as a weapon against the Madman, the Leader teleported Hulk to his lair in order to give him information as to Madman's whereabouts. The Hulk immediately attacked the Leader, who seized the opportunity to test his new followers, the Riot Squad, in action. Rock and the new Redeemer (unbeknownst to the Hulk, a brainwashed Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross) leapt into action, attacking the Hulk, and were soon aided by the newly empowered Middletown survivors, Jailbait, Hotshot, and Ogress. The Hulk fought against them all, but the poison in his system and the Riot Squad's superior numbers wore him down, and before long the Hulk was on the verge of defeat. The Leader, satisfied at having made his point, ordered the Riot Squad to stand down. The Leader made a deal with the Hulk: Leader would tell him Madman's location (and the location of the antidote to the poison), if the Hulk would kill Madman for him.
(Incredible Hulk II#397) - The Leader desired an
audience with Agamemnon, the founder of the Pantheon, and he sent the
U-Foes to invade the Pantheon's headquarters, the Mount.
After a struggle, Vector of the U-Foes succeeded in breaching
Agamemnon's stronghold deep within the Mount. The Leader then
teleported in with Rock, Redeemer, and the rest of the Riot Squad in
tow. The Leader sent his followers to attack the Hulk and his Pantheon
allies, seeking to keep them occupied during his meeting with
Agamemnon, and prevent them from interrupting their conversation.
(Incredible Hulk II#398) - Rock and Redeemer, the Riot Squad, and the U-Foes all attacked the Hulk and his Pantheon allies. During the chaos that ensued, Rock formed his exoskeleton into a spiked hand and impaled the Hulk. Ulysses of the Pantheon came to the Hulk's aid, cutting the arm off Rock's exoskeleton with his sword. The Hulk rallied and nearly defeated all the assembled villains single-handedly. The battle, however, ended prematurely when the Leader and Agamemnon announced that they had reached an accord, much to the Hulk's dismay.
(Incredible Hulk II#399 (fb)) - Agamemnon explained that he had agreed to provide resources to the Leader for use in the latter's struggle against Hydra. Before the Hulk could stop them, the Leader teleported Rock and Redeemer, as well as his other followers, back to their arctic base at Freehold.
(Incredible Hulk II#400) - When Hydra forces invaded the Freehold, Rock joined with the other members of the Riot Squad in attempting to drive them back. The Hulk soon arrived on the scene and, although he was temporarily manipulated into assisting the Leader's forces against Hydra, soon attacked the Leader himself. The Hulk ultimately threw the Leader into a chamber which Leader had been using to harness his follower Soulman's power, causing an immense explosion, and seemingly killing the Leader.
(Incredible Hulk II#401) - Rock and Ogress assisted
in cleaning up the wreckage caused by the recent battle. With the
Leader seemingly dead, Rock and the remaining Riot Squad continued on
under the leadership of Omnibus.
(Incredible Hulk II#464 (fb)) - The alien Troyjans and their emperor Armageddon located the Freehold and occupied it. Rock and the remaining members of the Riot Squad, who still lived at Freehold, briefly resisted the Troyjans, but were overwhelmed and quickly capitulated.
(Incredible Hulk II#464) - Armageddon and the Troyjans brought the Hulk and General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross to Freehold as a part of their scheme to use the Leader's revivification machine to return Aramageddon's son Trow-Mah to life. Rock saw Ross and remarked about their time together as Rock and Redeemer, prompting Ross to suddenly recall his experience as Redeemer for the first time.
(Doc Samson II#2 (fb) - BTS) - Rock returned to Gamma Base and somehow regained his human form.
While at Gamma Base he contacted Doc Samson to schedule a talk later that week.
Sam left Gamma Base for no apparent reason, only leaving behind a message that he went to New Orgonon to live there for the rest of his life in service of the universeal life energy Orgone. He hoped to convince others at Gamma Base to join him as well.
(Doc Samson II#2 - BTS) - Doc Samson tried to contact Sam at Gamma Base, but was told that he was gone. People at Gamma Base were worried about Sam.
(Doc Samson II#2) - Jack Holyoak used magic to show Doc Samson and Tina Punnett what Sam was doing that moment. They saw Sam peacefully working on a field, but still decided to go to New Orgonon and kick some cultist butt.
Doc Samson, Jack, Tina and the Living Totem (Whistle Pig) traveled to New Orgonon in Maine where they soon found Sam controlling a so-called Cloud-Buster Cannon invented by cult leader Dr. Arick Schnellageister. Because the Living Totem had already tried to break into a shack he was drawn to (the Weed was inside), Schnellageister banned him from New Orgonon. The others were allowed to stay. Sam had a talk with Doc Samson and hoped Samson would give Schnellageister's theories an honest appreciation. Sam got angry at Samson, who tried to ascertain Sam's mental integrity. They reconciled and both joined the people of New Orgonon at dinner. Doc Samson fell under the influence of the Weed, the communes' secret telepathic leader, and attacked Tina and Jack while Sam and everyone else calmly continued their meal (except for Schnellageister, who was working with the Weed). Living Totem came to their aid and they fled. Doc Samson stayed behind with Sam and the other mentally controlled New Orgonon residents. Jack and Tina soon returned with tanks full of herbicide, but it was not enough to destroy the Weed. Sam, Doc Samson and the others watched the Weed attempting to feed on Jack and Tina. The Living Totem destroyed the Weed with the Cloud-Buster Cannon, ending the Weed's mental control over Sam and the others.
BTS - Rock somehow was mutated again or he was still able to transform into a monstrous form.
(Black Panther V#11) - Criminal businessman Walter Declun hired a small army of supervillains (Lady Octopus, Absorbing Man, Hydro-Man, Killer Shrike, a Mandroid, Porcupine, and Rock) and technologically-enhanced their gear to defend him from the Black Panther (Shuri) and the Fantastic Four, after they uncovered his plan to destabilize Wakanda on Dr. Doom's behalf.
(Black Panther V#12) - As the Wakandan ship containing the Black Panther (Shuri), the Fantastic Four (Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, Thing), and the Sub-Mariner attacked the island, the Mandroid blew the ship up. During the ensuing battle, Rock went one on one with the Sub-Mariner, but was apparently knocked out.
(Doomwar#5) - Still working for Declun Porcupine, Rock and Absorbing Man guarded the Palenque Ruins in Mexico against Fantastic Four members Human Torch, Invisible Woman and Thing, who had come there in search for the Vibranium stolen by Doctor Doom and to find Doctor Doom himself.
(Doomwar#6) - Despite the support of Doombots the three Fantastic Four members did not have much trouble fighting Porcupine, Absorbing Man and Rock.
(Doomwar#6 - BTS) - Porcupine, Absorbing Man and Rock were easily defeated and the three Fantastic Four members rejoined Mister Fantastic and Black Panther in their ongoing battle against Doctor Doom and his forces in Wakanda.
Comments: Samuel J. LaRoquette created by John Byrne and Keith Williams;
Redeemer created by Peter David and Todd McFarlane.
LaRoquette was misspelled LaRouquette in Doc Samson II#2.
A profile of Rock and Redeemer appeared in the World War Hulk: Gamma Files (2007) and the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Hardcover #9 (2009).
This profile was completed 12/16/2020, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 20th anniversary 's celebratory event.
Profile by Stunner. Updated by Markus Raymond (adding Incredible Hulk II#329, Doc Samson II#2, Black Panther & Doomwar).
CLARIFICATIONS:
Rock has no known connections to:
images: (without ads)
Incredible Hulk II#343, page 22, panel 1 (main)
Incredible Hulk II#464, page 3, panel 5 (forming exo-skeleton into spiked ball)
Incredible Hulk II#317, page 2, panel 1 (without exo-skeleton)
Incredible Hulk II#398, page 9, panel 1 (extending spiked hand)
Incredible Hulk II#343, page 16, panel 1 (forming exo-skeleton into giant body)
Incredible Hulk II#345, page 27, panel 1 (grabbing the Hulk)
Doomwar#5, p10, pan2 (new look)
Appearances:
Incredible Hulk II#317 (March, 1986) - John Byrne (writer and penciler), Keith Williams (inker), Dennis O'Neil (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#318 (April 1986) - John Byrne (writer and penciler), Keith Williams (inker), Denny O'Neil (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#319 (May 1986) - John Byrne (writer and penciler), Keith Williams (inker), Denny O'Neil (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#320 (June 1986) - Al Milgrom (writer and penciler), Dell Barras (inker), and Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#321 (July 1986) - Al Milgrom (writer and penciler), Dell Barras (inker), and Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#322 (August 1986) - Al Milgrom (writer and penciler), Dell Barras (inker), and Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#325 (November 1986) - Al Milgrom (writer), Steve Geiger (penciler), Bob McLeod (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#327 (January 1987) - Al Milgrom (writer), Steve Geiger (penciler), Sam Delarosa (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#329 (March, 1987) - Al Milgrom (writer/penciler), Danny Bulanadi (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#330 (April 1987) - Al Milgrom (writer and inker), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#331 (May 1987) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Kim Demulder (inker), Bob Harras, (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#332 (June 1987) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Fred Fredericks (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#334 (August 1987) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Jim Sanders III (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#337 (November 1987) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Jim Sanders III (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#338 (December 1987) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Jim Sanders III (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#341 (March 1988) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler and inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#342 (April 1988) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler and inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#343 (May 1988) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler and inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#344 (June 1988) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Bob Wiacek (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#345 (July 1988) - Peter David (writer), Todd McFarlane (penciler), Jim Sanders III (inker), Bob Harras (editor)
Mutant Misadventures of Cloak and Dagger#9 (December, 1989) - Terry Austin (writer), Mike Vosburg (penciler), Don Cameron (inker), Danny Fingeroth (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#366 (February 1990) - Peter David (writer), Jeff Purves (penciler), Marie Severin (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#397 (September 1992) - Peter David (writer), Dale Keown (penciler), Mark Farmer (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#398 (October 1992) - Peter David (writer), Dale Keown (penciler), Mark Farmer (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#399 (November 1992) - Peter David (writer), Dan Juuresma (penciler and inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#400 (December 1992) - Peter David (writer), Dan Juuresma (penciler), Mark Farmer (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#401 (December 1992) - Peter David (writer), Dan Juuresma (penciler), Brad Vancata (inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Incredible Hulk II#464 (May 1998) - Peter David (writer), Adam Kubert (penciler), Joe Kubert (penciler and inker), Bobbie Chase (editor)
Doc Samson II#2 (April, 2006) - Paul Di Filippo (writer), Fabrizio Fiorentino (penciler), Jimmy Palmiotti (inker), Mark Paniccia (editor)
Black Panther V#11 (February, 2010) - Jonathan Maberry (writer), Ken Lashley (penciler), Paul Neary (inker), Axel Alonso (editor)
Black Panther V#12 (March, 2010) - Jonathan Maberry (writer), Will Conrad (penciler), Peter Pantazis (inker), Axel Alonso (editor)
Doomwar#5 (August, 2010) - Jonathan Maberry (writer), Scot Eaton (pencils), Andy Lanning & Robert Campanella (inks), Axel Alonso (editor)
Doomwar#6 (September, 2010) - Jonathan Maberry (writer), Scot Eaton (pencils), Robert Campanella, Jaime Mendoza & David Meikis (inks), Axel Alonso (editor)
First Posted: 09/22/2021
Last updated: 10/08/2021
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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