TheStrongman is the name of three different fictional characters appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics.
The Bruce Olafson incarnation of Strongman first appeared inIncredible 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, Bruto the Strongman works as a circus strongman and weight-lifter. He has particularly strong biceps and teeth. Bruto first assisted the Circus of Crime to rob the people that attended the circus and were hypnotized byRingmaster with one of the attendees beingRick Jones. WhenHulk came bursting through the tent, Strongman and the rest of the Circus of Crime attacked Hulk where Ringmaster manages to hypnotize Hulk to be part of his next circus act. The next day, Hulk escapes Ringmaster's control and defeat the Circus of Crime before leaving with Rick upon the arrival ofThunderbolt Ross' army.[2]
Strongman was 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 was seen at the Circus of Crime whenHawkeye,Quicksilver, andScarlet Witch wanted to join a normal circus, unaware that it was afront. Strongman joins the Circus of Crime into fleeing when they claimed that the three superheroes were trying to rob their circus.[4]
When Strongman is laid out upon straining himself upon trying to lift an elephant, Ringmaster had to hold auditions for a temporary strongman to cover for Strongman.[5]
Strongman was present when Ringmaster forcedBlack Goliath into joining the Circus of Crime and fightingPower Man leading the two of them to be hypnotized. After the hypnosis was undone, Power Man fought the rest of the Circus of Crime and freed Black Goliath from their control while turning the hypnosis against them enough to leave them for the police.[6]
Strongman was with the Ringmaster when the Circus of Crime attacked Hulk and the ex-Circus of Crime members on a deserted island. After freeing the ex-Circus of Crime members, Hulk defeats them.[7]
Strongman was with the Circus of Crime when Ringmaster hypnotizedDragon Man into serving him. The Circus of Crime is defeated by Hulk again where they managed to escape.[8]
Strongman was with the Circus of Crime when they were seen inBagalia.[9]
InSecret Empire, Strongman and the Circus of Crime joinHelmut Zemo's Army of Evil.[10]
The second Strongman, Percy Van Norton, is aNazi and a member of the Battle-Axis who possesses drug-induced super-strength. He is loosely based on the character of the same name fromCrash Comic Adventures.[11]
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.[12]
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.
