Rock Python

For other uses, see Rock python.

Rock Python (M'Gula) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as a member of the Serpent Society. He first appeared in Captain America #341 (May 1988), and was created by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Kieron Dwyer. He has durable bones, skin and muscles, and uses specially designed grenades that entangle his opponents in steel ribbons.

Rock Python
Rock Python as depicted in Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #6 (August 1989). Art by Kieron Dwyer (penciler), Josef Rubinstein (inker), and Andy Yanchus (colorist).
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Captain America #341 (May 1988)
Created by	Mark Gruenwald and Kieron Dwyer
In-story information
Alter ego	M'Gula
Species	Human Mutant or Mutate
Team affiliations	Serpent Society
Notable aliases	Michael Gula, Curtis Harris [1]
Abilities	Rock-hard bones, skin and muscles Use of egg-shaped bombs which ensnare his enemies with steel ribbons or poisons them

He was first introduced as a henchman of Viper as she took control of the Serpent Society, deposing Sidewinder as the leader of the Society. Viper's ploy to take control of the United States was foiled by Captain America and members of the Society still loyal to Sidewinder. Rock Python was allowed to remain with the Society after Viper was defeated. He became a member of Serpent Solutions when the Society was reorganized.

Publication history

Rock Python first appeared in Captain America #341 (May 1988), and was created by writer Mark Gruenwald and artist Kieron Dwyer. He appeared in many other Captain America issues, including #342, #343, #355, #365, #367, #380, #381, #382, #385, #386, #387, #411, #413, #434, #435, and #437. He later appeared in Captain America Vol. 4 in issues #30 and #31, Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2 in issues #562 and #563, and Avengers Assemble Vol. 3 in issues #1, #3, #4, and #5.

He additionally appeared briefly in other comic issues, including X-Men Annual #13, Captain America Annual #10, Thunderbolts: From the Marvel Vault #1, Captain America: Sam Wilson #4, Captain America: Steve Rogers #13, Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 5 #16, M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games #2, Avengers Vol. 8 #55, and Avengers Unlimited Infinity Comic #54.

Fictional character biography

M'Gula was born in Viceroy, Rudyarda. As Rock Python, he first joined the Serpent Society when the villainous Viper invaded, and battled Nomad.^[2] After she abandoned them, he took a test to prove his worthiness of being in the Society; he tried to steal Falcon's uniform, but wound up battling Falcon and Battlestar instead.^[3] He also later battled the X-Men's Rogue, Havok, and Colossus with the rest of the Serpent Society, but quickly surrendered when he realized his opponents were much more powerful than him.^[4] He battled Captain America later.^[5] His greatest accomplishment was nearly killing Captain America after he, Anaconda, and Puff Adder were attacked. He dropped him from a rooftop, but was ordered by King Cobra to flee so as to not have their base revealed.^[6] He, along with Anaconda and Puff Adder, attacked BAD Girls, Inc. and was successful in capturing them, only to be attacked and thrown from their craft by MODAM. He and Puff Adder survive, but are injured.^{[volume & issue needed]}

Subsequently, M'Gula has also appeared with the Serpent Society as they battled Jack Flag, but was defeated by Force Works.^[7] He is next seen with the organization as they capture Diamondback and Captain America, intending to hold them for ransom. The pair soon escape and, in the ensuing battle, Rock Python is defeated.^[8]

In "All-New, All-Different Marvel", Rock Python appears as a member of Viper's Serpent Society under its new name of Serpent Solutions.^[9]

In the "Hunted" storyline, Rock Python and several other members of the Serpent Society are captured by Kraven the Hunter, Taskmaster, and Black Ant, and forced to participate in a murderous hunt set up by Arcade.^[10]

Powers and abilities

Rock Python has durable skin, muscle, and bones, similar to his namesake. He is impervious to high-caliber arms fire, powerful explosions, intense heat and deadly impacts. He carries small "snake eggs" which, upon impact, release various substances such as smoke bombs, acid, and plastic explosives; and "snake wrap", long metallic ribbons designed to ensnare and immobilize opponents.