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| Rockslide | |
|---|---|
 Rockslide Art byChris Bachalo | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | New Mutants vol. 2, #3 (September2003) |
| Created by | Nunzio DeFilippis Christina Weir Carlo Barberi |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Santo Vaccarro |
| Species | Human Mutant |
| Team affiliations | Hellions training squad New X-Men Xavier Institute X-Men-In-Training Young X-Men Jean Grey School Students |
| Abilities | Superhuman strength, durability and endurance Ability to transform into a "golem" form by assimilating surrounding rock and earth into a gestalt shell and explosively detonate the shell and reform at will |
Rockslide (Santo Vaccarro) is a fictionalmutantsuperhero appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a member of theX-Men, a student in theXavier Institute, and a member of the formerHellions squad therein. AfterM-Day, he was one of only 28 students to retain his powers. He is best friends with Julian Keller (Hellion) and is extremely close to and protective of Cessily Kincaid (Mercury). Despite his earlier appearances as a stereotypicalschool bully, he has evolved into a good-natured (though extremely boastful) and fiercely protective friend to most of the school's students.
Rockslide first appeared inNew Mutants vol. 2 #3, and was created byNunzio DeFilippis,Christina Weir, and Carlo Barberi.[1]
Rockslide was killed during the 2020 eventX of Swords and returned in 2024, near the end of theKrakoan Age.[2][3] In a 2024 interview withAIPT,X-Men editor Jordan D. White stated that he originally intended forGlob Herman to be killed. However, writerEd Brisson objected to Herman's death, so White chose for Rockslide to die instead.[4]
AnItalian-American mutant from Boston, Santo Vaccarro attends theXavier Institute, where he befriends roommateJulian Keller. He is originally advised byIceman before being selected byEmma Frost to be part of her Hellions squad.[5]
During Rockslide's summer vacation, he and the Hellions encounter theKingmaker, who temporarily grants each of them a wish. When the Hellions refuse to permanently accept Kingmaker's deal, Kingmaker shatters Rockslide's body with a laser blast before Julian reassembles him using histelekinesis.[6]
Rockslide is one of 198 mutants who retain their powers followingM-Day, when theScarlet Witch depowers most of Earth's mutants. The depowered students and staff are intended to be sent home, butWilliam Stryker bombs their bus, killing Rockslide's friend Brian (Tag), among others. In the aftermath,Emma Frost has Rockslide and the other students compete to join the X-Men.[7]
During the "World War Hulk" event, Rockslide is one of the students who battle theHulk when he attacks the institute. His limbs are ripped off and thrown far away, but are eventually recovered and returned to him.[8]
During theKrakoan Age, Rockslide becomes a citizen ofKrakoa, a living island that was established as a mutant nation.[9]
During the "X of Swords" storyline, Rockslide befriends theSummoner, a mutant fromArakko. However, Summoner betrays and kills Rockslide when he attempts to rescueUnus the Untouchable.[2][10]The Five attempt to resurrect Rockslide, but are unable to do so properly because he died inOtherworld.[11] Instead, the Five end up creating an amalgamation of Rockslide's alternate universe counterparts that is dubbedWrongslide.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Rockslide is later successfully resurrected, but is trapped in theWhite Hot Room before being freed.[3][19][4]
Rockslide can assimilate nearby earth to transform into a rock-like form that gives him superhuman physical abilities. He can also reform himself if destroyed and release explosive blasts of energy.[20][21] Rockslide's appearance in his rock form depends on the material absorbed; for instance, he assumed a molten form after absorbing rock from Limbo.[22]
Santo is typically depicted as superficially brash, oblivious, and inconsiderate. Originally, he was introduced as a stereotypical bully. However, he cares deeply for his friends, recalling the deaths of the depowered students, especially Tag, which usually motivates him to perform feats of incredible strength or bravery. He also has a strong sensitivity for his teammates, such as when Dust continued to "beat herself up" over the death ofIcarus as well as recognizing that he is not supposed to see her without herabaya. He is very protective of his teammateMercury. Santo also has a strong sense of honor, tellingAnole andPixie that he would quit the team if they were not included on the roster.
An alternate universe version of Rockslide from Earth-58163 who successfully became a wrestler appears in "House of M".[23]
Rockslide makes a non-speaking cameo appearance inWolverine and the X-Men as a captive of theMutant Response Division.[24]
