| Rattler |
| Real name: Gustav Krueger Aliases: None Identity: Known to authorities Occupation: Professional criminal Citizenship: Formerly East Germany, currently United States of America Place of Birth: Breslau, Unified Germany Known relatives: None Group Affiliation: Serpent Society, Thunderbolts Education: Unrevealed Height: 6'1" Weight: 245 lbs. (including artificial tail) Eyes: Brown Hair: Grey Powers: Rattler possesses a bionic tail attached to his spine which he can use for a variety of tasks, including grasping small objects, hanging by his tail, and as a bludgeon; ability to generate sonic vibrations by activating mechanisms in the "rattle" at the tip of the tail for various effects, including creating sonic shockwaves, deflecting projectiles, and inducing vertigo, disorientation, unconsciousness, internal hemorrhaging, and possible death in opponents. Abilities: Rattler is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, expert in combat use of his bionic tail. Weapons: None, aside from his bionic tail. History: One of the most mysterious members of the Serpent Society, it is unknown how Gustav Krueger became Rattler or was discovered by Sidewinder. He attended the initial meeting of the Society and has been a member ever since their first test. The initiation test had Rattler, Cobra, and Anaconda stealing an object from the defunct Brand corporation. However, Captain America ambushed the trio after being tipped off by Constrictor. Rattler used his tail to stop Captain America's shield from doing any damage, and he left with Cobra while Anaconda stayed to battle the hero. He later participated in the mission to murder MODOK, but was knocked out early on and his body was found by Captain America near the entrance to the store MODOK was in. He escaped, and later battled Captain America alongside Death Adder, Cottonmouth, and Diamondback. Unfortunately, Captain America was able to defeat Rattler using his own tail to fling him about. After being imprisoned, he was eventually saved by Sidewinder. When his teammate Death Adder was murdered, Rattler and Cottonmouth confronted Kingpin's henchmen, suspicious that Kingpin might've hired someone to kill him. When Viper took over the Society, Rattler quickly betrayed Sidewinder and aided her. However, he was defeated by Captain America and his allies, and regretted ever betraying Sidewinder. He also participated in the battle against the X-Men, using his tail to create a landslide which swallowed Longshot up. During Diamondback's trial, Rattler voted guilty. After Diamondback escaped, Rattler, Coachwhip, and Black Racer were sent to Sidewinder's apartment. When they returned, Captain America and Diamondback were attacking the Society. Rattler was quickly defeated and taken to prison. He later escaped, and with the Society, battled Jack Flag and Free Spirit, and later Captain America once again. Most recently, Rattler was apprehended by the Thunderbolts into joining their super-villain army, alongside teammates Cobra and Bushmaster. He is presumably part of the Initiative, or possibly returned to the Society. Suggested Reading: Captain America #310, Captain America #315, Captain America #343, Uncanny X-Men Annual #13, Captain America #381-382, Thunderbolts #104 |