Blockbuster

Creation

Blockbuster is a DC character created by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino, Tom Lyle and Roger Stern and first appeared in DC Detective Comics #345 - The Blockbuster Invasion of Gotham City

Blockbuster I (Mark Desmond)

Mark was a chemist who experimented on himself, by doing this he became stronger and taller but also becoming a mindless behemoth. Desmond was cared for by his criminally-minded brother, Roland, who shielded Mark's monstrous appearance from their mother.

Roland used his brother to commit crimes but both were stopped by Batman and Robin. At one point during Mark's rampage he fell into a river and was saved by Bruce Wayne. Batman found out that he could calm the beast by showing him his true face, because Bruce was the only one to show the beast kindness. Blockbuster sought solitude when free, only to find himself opposing the Caped Crusader on various occasions. Mark became an original member of The Suicide Squad during Legends. He was killed by Brimstone, a creation of Darkseid.

New 52

Mark Desmond is a patient of Dr. Phayne's. He lives on the este and at night her undergoes procedures to enhance his intelligence. He is exposed to a small amounts of a green compound via intravenous. An accident is caused by a new patient believing he is in pain and the cascade of green liquid overdoses Desmond and creates an explosion. The overdose exposes a super strong man calling himself Blockbuster. He rampages from the building in pain and knocks an attacking Hawkman over into a well bringing unconsciousness.

Blockbuster is seen along Signal Man who have been sent to capture Catwoman. She had just escaped from Arkham. She is blinded by Signal Man and Blockbuster knocks her out.

Roland Desmond (Blockbuster ll)

Roland Desmond (Main Article)

Roland Desmond inherited his late brother Mark's super-villain alias "Blockbuster" after a debilitating malady forced Roland to be treated with experimental steroids. Like his sibling, Roland became a mindless musclebound behemoth. But a bargain struck with Neron elevated Roland's intellect to genius level, which he soon put to work establishing a criminal empire within Blüdhaven, a city bereft of heroes, as a beachhead for a planned domination of Gotham City's underworld. Despite a swift and vicious consolidation of power, Blockbuster's hold on Blüdhaven's organized crime was weakened by Nightwing's heroic efforts. Blockbuster's primary goal became eliminating the young vigilante in order to insure the longevity of his criminal cartel. This was all done under the knowledge that his enlarged heart threatened to cut short his own life. Eventually, he was shot and killed by Tarantula.

During the Blackest Night, Roland Desmond was raised by a black power ring and became a Black Lantern. He tried to kill the new Batman (unbeknownst to him, Dick Grayson, who had fought him as Nightwing years before) and Robin.

Blockbuster III

Later in 52 a third Blockbuster who resembles Blockbuster I is shown under the control of Lex Luthor and was set up to fight Luthor's Infinity Inc. Blockbuster III escaped his short capture and killed Trajectory.

The Martian Manhunter posed as Blockbuster to infiltrate the villain camps on planet Salvation.

Blockbuster IV

Yet another Meta-Human criminal has taken up the mantle of Blockbuster, with this one female. She is encountered in a Louisiana swamp by Mon-El on his journey across the globe.

Powers and Ablilties

All of the Blockbusters have the same basic powers, super human strength, durability and stamina. Most have had below average intellect once transformed, although Roland Desmond was a notable exception to this through a magical deal with Neron.

Physical Characteristics

Blockbuster I

• Real Name: Mark Desmond
• Occupation: mindless brute controlled by criminal brother
• Height: 7'4''
• Weight: 645 lbs.
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Brown

Blockbuster II

• Real Name: Roland Desmond
• Occupation: Criminal
• Height: 8'
• Weight: 527 lbs.
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Brown

Alternate Universes/Media

Justice League Unlimited

Blockbuster was first seen in the episode Kid's Stuff . He, Cheetah, Copperhead, and KGBeast were robbing a gold vault. Blockbuster was also a member of the Secret Society in the series. However, after siding against Lex Luthor during the mutiny in favor of Gorilla Grodd, he was frozen by Killer Frost and blown up by Darkseid, along with the other mutineers.

Batman: The Brave and The Bold

He appeared in the "Night of the Batmen" when trying to steal "Lady Liberty" with Bane, Solomon Grundy, and Killer Croc but they are all beaten by Captain Marvel dressed like Batman.

Young Justice

The Mark Desmond version of Blockbuster first appears in the two-part Young Justice episode "Independence Day", with Mark Desmond voiced by René Auberjonois and Blockbuster voiced be an uncredited Dee Bradley Baker. He uses the blockbuster serum to fight the Young Justice made up of just Robin, Superboy, Aqualad & Kid Flash at this time. He is defeated by the team when they take out the support column of the building causing it to fall and crush blockbuster. When the Justice League arrived he is escorted away by Hal Jordan.