| Rattler | |
|---|---|
Rattler, art by unknown. |
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| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Captain America vol. 1 #310 (October 1985) |
| Created by | Mark Gruenwald and Paul Neary |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Gustav Krueger |
| Species | Bionically-enhanced Human |
| Team affiliations | Thunderbolts Serpent Society |
| Abilities | Has a bionic tail that generates sonic vibrations used to create shockwaves, deflect projectiles, or disorient. |
The Rattler (Gustav Krueger) is a fictional character from the Marvel Comics Universe, and is a member of the Serpent Society.
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Hailing from Germany,[1] Rattler was given a bionic tail which he uses to create shockwaves and vibrations. This proved very useful in his first confrontation with Captain America, during the Rattler's initiation into the Serpent Society. He and his fellow Serpents Cobra and Anaconda were ambushed by the hero, but Rattler was able to use his tail to stop Captain America's shield from doing any damage.[2] With the other Serpent Society members, he was hired by AIM to hunt down MODOK.[3] He later battled Captain America again after being tricked by the Porcupine, along with Diamondback, Death Adder, and Cottonmouth. During the ensuing fight with Captain America, Rattler used his bionic tail to send vibrations coursing through the hero's body, disorienting him. However, he was eventually thrown into a pillar by his tail, knocking him out for the battle. Rattler, Cottonmouth, and Death Adder were sent to jail, but freed from jail by Sidewinder.[4] Alongside Cottonmouth, Rattler confronted Kingpin's men over the Death Adder's murder.[5]
The Rattler joined Viper during her invasion of the Serpent Society, and battled the Falcon.[6] He subsequently followed Cobra's instructions when he became leader. He participated in the Serpent Society mission to recover mystic objects for Ghaur and Llyra. During the battle with the X-Men after Longshot had found the missing artifact they were searching for, Rattler created an avalanche by rattling his tail, though this took both Longshot and Rattler out in the process.[7] Rattler voted against Diamondback during the Serpent Society's trial of her; alongside the Serpent Society, he then battled Captain America, Paladin, and Diamondback.[8] The Rattler also participated in the battle against Force Works, where he initiated use of his "Rattling Gun", a gun that could supposedly create enough seismic waves to rattle someone's ribcage apart. He was eventually defeated by Hank Pym.[9]
He has been seen as member of the Serpent Society under Cobra's leadership. After the group had captured and chained Captain America and Diamondback (really an L.M.D.) in this underground New York headquarters the pair escaped. S.H.I.E.L.D. subsequently took Rattler and the rest of the Society into custody.[10]
Very little is known about Rattler's past. He was very popular with the ladies of the Serpent Society, as Black Mamba recommended him to Diamondback for a "good time."
Rattler joined the group of criminals aiding the Thunderbolts during The Civil War, alongside fellow Serpent Society members Cobra and Bushmaster.[11]
He appeared in Brand New Day as one of the villains in the bar.[12]
Rattler possesses a 7-foot (2.1 m) long artificial bionic tail attached through surgery to his spine and lower back, which he can use for a variety of tasks, including grasping small objects, hanging by his tail, and as a bludgeon. He also has the ability to generate sonic vibrations by activating mechanisms in the "rattle" at the tip of the tail for various effects, including creating shockwaves, deflecting projectiles, and inducing vertigo, disorientation, unconsciousness, internal hemorrhaging, and possible death in opponents.
Rattler is 85% deaf in both ears and wears electronic hearing aids in his cowl. He possesses fang-like teeth.