TheStrongman is the name of three characters appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics.
The Bruce Olafson incarnation of Strongman first appeared inThe Incredible Hulk #3 (September 1962) as a member of theCircus of Crime, and was created byStan Lee andSteve Ditko.[1] The character subsequently appears inThe Amazing Spider-Man #16 (September 1964),The Avengers #22 (November 1965),Thor #145 (October 1967),Ghost Rider #72-73 (September–October 1982),The Sensational She-Hulk #1 (May 1989), andX-Men and Power Pack #3 (February 2006). The Strongman appeared as part of the "Circus of Crime" entry in theOfficial Handbook of the Marvel Universe Deluxe Edition #2.
| Strongman | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Incredible Hulk #3 (September 1962) |
| Created by | Stan Lee Steve Ditko |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Bruce Olafsen |
| Team affiliations | Circus of Crime |
| Notable aliases | Bruto |
| Abilities | Skilled wrestler |
Bruce Olafsen was born inStockholm, Sweden, but later came to theUnited States and became a naturalized American citizen. As a longtime member of the criminal organizationCircus of Crime, Olafsen works as a circus strongman and weight-lifter. He has particularly strong biceps and teeth.
Bruto first assists the Circus of Crime in hypnotizing and robbing the people who attended the circus, withRick Jones being among their victims. WhenHulk comes bursting through the tent, Strongman and the rest of the Circus of Crime attack Hulk, who is hypnotized by theRingmaster. The next day, Hulk escapes Ringmaster's control and defeats the Circus of Crime before leaving with Rick.[2]
Strongman is later seen with Ringmaster when he hypnotizesDaredevil into serving him.Spider-Man manages to break Daredevil free of the hypnosis as they both defeat the Circus of Crime.[3]
Strongman is seen at the Circus of Crime whenHawkeye,Quicksilver, andScarlet Witch intend to join the circus, unaware that it is afront. Strongman and the Circus flee, claiming that the three superheroes were trying to rob them.[4]
After Strongman strains himself trying to lift an elephant, Ringmaster holds auditions for a temporary strongman to cover for him.[5]
Strongman is present when Ringmaster forcesBlack Goliath to join the Circus of Crime and hypnotizesPower Man as well. After the hypnosis is undone, Power Man battles the rest of the Circus of Crime and frees Black Goliath from their control. The two then turn the hypnosis effect on the Circus of Crime and leave them for the police.[6]
InSecret Empire, Strongman and the Circus of Crime joinHelmut Zemo's Army of Evil.[7]
Percy Van Norton took a serum which made him into a "perfect human" with a range of superhuman abilities. Although he started out fighting crime, something went wrong and he turned bad, resulting in him becoming aNazi and joining the Battle-Axis. Van Norton joins the Battle-Axis in their fight against theInvaders. At the end of the battle, Van Norton and the other Battle-Axis members are defeated and captured.[8]
Strongman is based on theGolden Age character of the same name, who first appeared inCrash Comics #2 (May 1940) and had since fallen into thepublic domain.[citation needed]
The third Strongman appears as a member of the Spider-Squad, who Anton DeLionatus used in a failed attempt to gain money before being defeated by Spider-Man.[9]
The Bruce Olafsen incarnation of Strongman has no superhuman powers, but is strong and a skilled wrestler.
The Percy Van Norton incarnation of Strongman possesses superhuman physical abilities derived from drugs.
