Grasshopper (character)
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The Grasshopper is the name of multiple humorous fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, all created by Dan Slott. No Grasshopper to date has survived past the issue in which they first appeared. The Grasshoppers are a simultaneous homage to and satire of stereotypical superheroes and Marvel's tendency towards animal-themed characters. They are also a lampoon of the tendency of superhero team books to introduce new, hastily developed characters only to dramatically kill them off within a few issues. The complicated romantic troubles of the first Grasshopper recall many characters with similar subplots (Spider-Man, for instance), as does the unlikely family background of the second.
Doug Taggert
Grasshopper | |
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Publication information | |
Roxxon Corporation | |
Notable aliases | The Ever-Gregarious Grasshopper |
Abilities | Armored suit grants: Superhuman leaping via robotic grasshopper legs Insectroid Sensors Zoom Lenses Minimal protection from attacks |
Grasshopper is a
Fictional character biography
Although first appearing when he joined in a fourth wall breaking out-of-continuity prequel presented by Squirrel Girl,[1] he did not appear in continuity until the next issue.[2]
It is revealed that Grasshopper is in fact Doug Taggert, an employee of
Later, Doug Taggert briefly appears in a limbo-like afterlife, playing cards with the other deceased GLA members. Though not particularly cheery in demeanor, he did not seem too upset about his unfortunate fate either.[3]
Powers and abilities
The first Grasshopper's powers are derived entirely from a powered suit, metallic green in color and with an appearance reminiscent of his namesake. The suit's primary ability is that of a fantastic vertical leap, powered by long robotic grasshopper legs. These legs can also deliver devastating kicks. Its secondary abilities include "Insectroid Sensors", which work as an early warning system, and Zoom Lenses, which provide long range sight. Voice activated commands can be used to initiate some of the suit's powers. A notable fault of the suit seems to be that, despite its stiff and sturdy appearance, it offers little to no armor protection to the wearer (thus allowing a simple hand-thrown weapon to pierce the head, normally one of the most heavily defended areas on a suit of armor). It is unknown whether Taggart's suit had the "Maximum Jump" ability his successor Neil Shelton had while using the suit.
Significant Issues
- GLA #2
- GLA #4
Neil Shelton
Grasshopper | |
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Publication information | |
Roxxon Corporation | |
Notable aliases | The Ever-Gregarious Grasshopper |
Abilities | Armored suit grants: Superhuman leaping via robotic grasshopper legs Insectroid Sensors Zoom Lenses Maximum Jump Minimal protection from attacks |
The second Grasshopper is a
It was not made clear if he was a member of the Great Lakes X-Men (as the GLA were called at the time) before he, like Doug Taggart, was killed in action.
Publication history
This Grasshopper is a combined homage to Iron Man and Spider-Man, borrowing many aspects of each's histories. Like Taggart before him, Shelton did not live more than one issue.
Fictional character biography
Neil Shelton was a security guard for Roxxon who gained use of the Grasshopper suit some time after Doug Taggert's death. As the second Grasshopper, he used a powered armor similar to that of Iron Man. The suit's primary ability is that of a fantastic vertical leap, which is powered by robotic grasshopper legs. Its secondary abilities include Insectroid Sensors, which work as an early warning system, and Zoom Lenses, which provide long range sight. Voice activated commands can be used to initiate some of the suit's powers.
While patrolling outside of Roxxon Labs on Christmas Day, Shelton defeated
Significant Issues
GLX-Mas Special #1
"The All-New Grasshopper"
Grasshopper | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular #1 (September 2007) |
Created by | Dan Slott Kieron Dwyer |
In-story information | |
Species | Human |
Notable aliases | The All-New Grasshopper |
Abilities | Armored suit grants: Superhuman leaping via robotic grasshopper legs Insectroid Sensors Zoom Lenses Maximum Jump Minimal protection from attacks |
The third Grasshopper is a
Virtually no information was revealed about him other than his status as "The All-New Grasshopper" before a disgruntled Deadpool killed him by snapping his neck after being kicked out of the Great Lakes Initiative.[6] Grasshopper is later shown in Hell when Deadpool and Thanos venture there in search of the missing Death.[7]
Significant issues
Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular #1
Skrull imposter
Grasshopper | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Avengers: The Initiative #19 (December 2008) |
Created by | Dan Slott Christos Gage |
In-story information | |
Species | Skrull |
Team affiliations | Great Lakes Initiative |
Abilities | Shapeshifting Armored suit grants: Superhuman leaping via robotic grasshopper legs Insectroid Sensors Zoom Lenses Maximum Jump Minimal protection from attacks |
The fourth Grasshopper is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe who first appeared in the pages of Avengers: The Initiative #19 in 2008. He was created by writers Dan Slott and Christos Gage.
This Grasshopper turned out to be a Skrull impostor as part of the Secret Invasion. While Mr. Immortal was shocked to find that he was an imposter, Big Bertha thought it was ridiculously obvious.[8] After the invasion is over, the real Grasshopper is not shown in a support group meeting with the others that had been replaced by Skrulls.[9]
Significant issues
Avengers: The Initiative #19
Fifth Grasshopper
Grasshopper | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #43 |
Created by | Dan Slott Rachael Stott Andrea Di Vito |
In-story information | |
Species | Human |
Team affiliations | Great Lakes Avengers |
Abilities | Armored suit grants: Superhuman leaping via robotic grasshopper legs Insectroid Sensors Zoom Lenses Maximum Jump Minimal protection from attacks |
The fifth Grasshopper is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe who first appeared in the pages of Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #43 in 2022. He was created by Dan Slott, Rachael Stott and Andrea Di Vito.
Somehow, this Grasshopper ended up joining the Great Lakes Avengers, alongside a returning Squirrel Girl who had initially left after being relied on too much,[10][11] and was defeated alongside the rest of his teammates against Cormorant. Oddly enough, unlike the previous Grasshoppers, this one actually survives his battle against the sinister alien forces, though he is still badly beaten.[12]
Significant issues
Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #43
References
- ^ G.L.A. #1
- ^ a b G.L.A. #2
- ^ G.L.A. #4
- ^ GLX-Mas Special #1
- ^ Dan Slott post on his messageboard regarding writing on GLI/Deadpool
- ^ Deadpool/GLI Summer Fun Spectacular (2007)
- ^ Tim Seeley (w), Elmo Bondoc (p), Elmo Bondoc (i), Ruth Redmond (col), VC's Joe Sabino (let), Jordan D. White (ed). "Part Three" Deadpool vs. Thanos, vol. 1, no. 3 (14 October 2015). United States: Marvel Comics.
- ^ Avengers: The Initiative #19
- ^ Avengers: The Initiative #20
- ^ I Am An Avenger #1
- ^ Age of Heroes #3
- ^ Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #43
External links
- Great Lakes Avengers
- MDP: Grasshopper (Doug Taggert) (Marvel Database Project)
- Grasshopper at The Appendix to the Handbook of the Marvel Universe