ARMADILLO

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ARMADILLO

Real Name: Antonio Rodriguez
Aliases: None
Identity: Secret
Occupation: Criminal; former professional wrestler
Citizenship: American Citizen, with a criminal record.
Place of Birth: San Antonio, Texas
Known Relatives: Maria Bonita Rodriguez (Ex-Wife)
Group Affiliation: Hood’s criminal army; formerly Army of Evil, Hydra, Sinister Sixteen, MODOK’s 11 , Rangers (Texas Initiative), Vil-Anon, Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation and the Ultimate Fighting League, former minion of Dr. Karl Malus
First Appearance: Captain America (1985) #308
History: When his wife grew ill with a disease that no one seemed to be able to cure, Antonio turned to Doctor Karl Malus, whom he had heard about during his time in prison; being able to bestow powers to people through genetic mutation. Having tried several doctors, before turning to Doctor Karl Malus, Antonio had no money to pay for the operation and fees. Karl Malus said that Antonio could work for him to pay off the debt and he agreed. Karl Malus wanted Antonio to retrieve the body of Goliath (Erik Joston from the Masters of Evil, later the Thunderbolts). As Armadillo, Antonio came into conflict with Captain America, who let Armadillo go when hearing about his situation and followed him back to Doctor Karl Malus. Armadillo pleaded with Captain America to not arrest Karl Malus since he was the only one who could cure his wife; which he did.

He would then join the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation, where he was quickly becoming a fan favorite, until he discovered his wife appeared to be having an affair, which resulting in him becoming so angry, he lashed out and attacked anyone and everyone in his way – including Captain America. He was eventually defeated and captured.

During the Armor Wars, he managed to escape, but encountered Vagabond who convinced him to return to prison and forget his plan to extract revenge on his now ex-wife. He would eventually escape again and he and Tigershark took shelter in a home, where they were discovered – and defeated – by the New Warriors who had been filming a reality television show in hopes of boosting their popularity.

Armadillo later joined the 50 State Initiative and joined the Texas Rangers. Armadillo fell back into criminal activities eventually, and life would come full circle as he sought Doctor Karl Malus to cure his own state; but that was broken up by Captain America (Sam Wilson).

Height: 7’6″
Weight: 540 lbs
Eyes: Brown
Hair: None (formerly black)

Powers: Antonio’s altered DNA grants him the following:

  1. Super Strength – Armadillo is able to lift 25 tons.
  2. Super Human Stamina -Armadillo’s body does not emit the toxins that cause exhaustion, and can surpass that of a human easily, allowing him to push his limits for 24 hours before he will begin to feel it’s effects.
  3. Super Human Durability – Armadillo’s thickly scaled body possesses a high degree of resistance to injury. His body is capable of resisting high caliber machine gun shells, light anti-tank weaponry, temperature extremes, falls from great heights, and powerful energy blasts without sustaining injury.
  4. Claws – Armadillo’s four fingers end with extremely durable, non-retractable, claws. Coupled with his strength, his claws are capable of rending most known materials. They are also highly effective digging tools that he uses to dig tunnels, even though concrete.