I underestimated you, hero. And I am not happy about that. You are the equal of your mentor. . . . But even you cannot save every life. You cannot right every wrong. 
- — Blockbuster src
Roland Desmond was a criminal mastermind who manipulated his brother, Mark, into performing numerous criminal actions while under the influence of a strength-enhancing steroid.
History
Mark, who was now dubbed "Blockbuster" for his brutish appearance, was eventually stopped by Batman and Robin, who also captured Roland and took him to prison.[1]
After his brother's death, Desmond too took this steroid and found his intelligence much reduced - until signing his soul away to the demon Neron. Using his combination of brute strength and great intelligence he took over most of the criminal operations in the city of Blüdhaven, opposed only by the vigilante Nightwing. After some time, Blockbuster's mother died, a death which Blockbuster blamed on Nightwing. He set out on a campaign to ruin the hero's life, taking away anything and anyone that mattered to him. When Nightwing was at his lowest, he stood by and allowed the new vigilante Tarantula to kill his enemy. The police investigation into Blockbuster's death has been perfunctory at best.
During the Blackest Night, Desmond was resurrected as a Black Lantern and was among some members of his respective corps wrecking havoc in Gotham City.[2]
Powers and Abilities
Powers
Abilities
Weaknesses
- Diminished Intellect (Formerly): Before his deal with Neron, Blockbuster was never considered a smart opponent. It was possible that the meta-gene had affected his mental capacity. He was very predictable, and his moves were easily countered. After his deal with Neron, Blockbuster's mental capacity was greatly improved, and he was now a master planner. He no longer considered brute force as his greatest strength, and if possible he preferred to refrain from using his powers. However, when provoked, he was known to revert to his old, brutal self.
Paraphernalia
Equipment
- Black Lantern Ring (Formerly)
Notes
- Although this character was originally introduced during DC's Earth-One era of publication, their existence following the events of the 1985–86 limited series 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
- 84 Appearances of Roland Desmond (New Earth)
- 10 Images featuring Roland Desmond (New Earth)
- 3 Quotations by or about Roland Desmond (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Roland Desmond (New Earth)
Footnotes
  This character is or was primarily an enemy of Nightwing. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Nightwing Villains." |
 Batman Villain(s) |
 Black Lantern Corps member |