Roderick Rose was mutated into the Hellgrammite, a giant insectoid.
History
Earth-One
Originally an entomologist named Roderick Rose, the Hellgrammite subjected himself to a mutagenic process that transformed him into a grasshopper-like humanoid insect possessing super-human strength and leaping abilities, the power to secrete adhesives and weave transformative or imprisoning cocoons with them, and a durable exoskeleton. A number of his schemes revolved around transforming others into weaker, subordinate versions of himself that he called Drones, leading to clashes with Batman and the Creeper,[1] and the Green Arrow and the Black Canary.[2]
New Earth
The Hellgrammite was hired by George Markham to kill the young Lex Luthor II; he got paid 5 million dollars upfront and then another 5 million dollars if he succeeded.[3] The Hellgrammite quickly got to work and he ambushed Luthor while on a cruise, but also on the same ship Clark Kent was present to formerly meet Luthor II for the first time; this allowed Clark to quickly change into Superman and stop his plot.[4]
The Hellgramite managed to escape his first encounter with the Man of Steel, but the second time he wasn't so lucky; as he tried to break into S.T.A.R. Labs to get some weapons, he stumbled upon another super-powered individual, Rampage who, alongside Superman, managed to put the Hellgrammite behind bars.[5]
During Underworld Unleashed, he made a deal with the demon-lord Neron, selling his soul in return for increased power and an improved ability to transform others into his Drones, which could now no longer be changed back to normal with X-rays.[6] After gaining his new powers and abilities, he fought the MSCU, but was defeated by them.[7]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
Abilities
Notes
- Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-One era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–1986 miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths remains intact. However, some elements of the character's Pre-Crisis history may have been altered or removed for Post-Crisis New Earth continuity, and should be considered apocryphal.
Related
- 31 Appearances of Roderick Rose (New Earth)
- 7 Images featuring Roderick Rose (New Earth)
- 1 Quotations by or about Roderick Rose (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Roderick Rose (New Earth)
Footnotes
  This character has been primarily an enemy of Superman in any of his various incarnations, or members of the Superman Family. This template will categorize articles that include it into the "Superman Villains category." |
 Batman Villain(s) |