Mutant Growth Hormone
Mutant Growth Hormone is a drug that features in Marvel Comics.
Contents |
History
Mutant Growth Hormone (M.G.H.) was a drug that was harvested from Mutants and was able to provide a person with superhuman abilities.
Whilst working for the Brand Corporation, Hank McCoy began working under the Genetic Research Lab under Professor Carl Maddicks where he managed to dilute the precipitate creating a hormonal extract that was the chemical cause of mutation. He became suspicious of the activities of Professor Maddicks but was concerned about revealing his true nature as a Mutant. This resulted in Hank taking the chemical further mutating himself under the belief he could take the antidote to turn himself back to normal but lost track of time with his mutation being permanent. (Amazing Adventure v2 #11) Many years ago, it was available in the criminal world as a yard drug but had not been perfectly synthesized at that point leading to some fatalities when used though it was believed that it could be used to make a fortune. (Spider-Men II v1 #3) Many years ago, scientists in HYDRA had experimented in creating synthetic M.G.H. with the formula being sold on the black market. A crime boss named Frankie Fear who was dying of cancer sought to use it to stave off death and began abducting Ph.D. students from Empire State University to perfecting the formula. (Daredevil Annual v5 #1)
The Young Avenger, Patriot was a regular user of MGH. Having no superpowers, he lied to his friends and teammates, claiming to have inherited his grandfather's powers via a blood transfusion. When his secret was revealed, Patriot was ashamed and quit the team. (Young Avengers v1 #8)
Following the Dark Reign, Superia began to experiment with variations strains of M.G.H. and had H.A.M.M.E.R. agents injected with it as they began to work for her. Her goal was to create a variation of the Super-Soldier Serum mixed with the Infinity Formula but her operations was stopped by Luke Cage's team of Avengers. (New Avengers v2 #13)
After M-Day, the stockpiles of MGH went inert with no trace of Mutant DNA present in those samples taken from Mutants that had lost their powers. As a result, the drug trade in the substance dropped after the stockpiles became useless thus breaking the monopoly of the dealers. However, those Mutants that retained their abilities had their MGH samples still active and were able to be used. Charlie Hustle in Mutant Town had a large stockpile of the hormone that became useless to him though the samples from Whirlwind remained active as he retained his powers. Bishop took Beast to the dealer in the hope that the MGH could be used to restore Mutant powers but was disheartened to learn that they had been wiped clean of Mutant DNA by the Decimation. Hustle tried to get Beast and Bishop to give him samples of their blood to sell as new MGH to his clients. (Uncanny X-Men v1 #490)
To convince Weapon Omega to join the Dark X-Men, Norman Osborn affected a building site and a school with MGH gas, making all humans in those areas become temporary mutants, and possible targets for Omega's powers. According to a conversation between Dark Beast and Norman, they had many active MGH samples left, and the resources to make it again. (Dark X-Men: The Beginning v1 #2)
During Fear Itself, a few drug dealers used MGH on themselves to mimic the strength, size, and aura of Natives Americans devils to create a clash between the natives and their white neighbors but they were defeated by the American Eagle. (Fear Itself: The Home Front v1 #5)
Psylocke tracked criminals dealing in Mutant Growth Hormone operating in the San Francisco Chinatown area that was being managed by the Nasty Boys. (Uncanny X-Men v4 #15)
Briar Raleigh managed to convince Magneto to keep some M.G.H. with him which he was forced to use during a battle with Havok, Emma Frost, Miss Sinister and Bastion. This allowed his weakened form to create a powerful distraction in order to escape his opponents. (X-Men: Blue v1 #25)
In an effort to re-create the Super-Soldier Serum, the U.S. military looked to use a variety of transformative substances to achieve the same resultant effect. This saw volunteer U.S. Corporal Todd Ziller being subjected to Gamma enhancements, Mutant Growth Hormone, Pym Particles and the Lizard Formula. The outcome of this experiment saw Ziller being given the ability to transform into a gigantic reptilian beast where he was given the code name American Kaiju who was deployed on particular assignments for the U.S. Army. (New Avengers v4 #9)
Overview
With this solution, one was able to extend the natural chromosomal imbalances that in effect allowed it to turn a normal human into a Mutant for a carefully controlled period of time. (Amazing Adventure v2 #11 After exposure to a dose, an individual gained power for a short while ranging from fly, breathe fire or any other ability with the experience being deemed a rush. (Uncanny X-Men v1 #490)
Thus, it gave powers to non-Mutants whilst to Mutants it amplified their abilities giving them power boosts. It was harvested from Mutant cells that could be taken from dead or living Mutants. (Uncanny X-Men v4 #15) Mutants that took the chemical could experience further mutations in their physiology. (Amazing Adventure v2 #11) It was noted for being a yard drug that was highly dangerous. (Spider-Men II v1 #3)
Users
- Small Hands : a blonde haired male criminal who many years ago acquired some MGH during its early development and used it whilst in Rykers Prison in an attempt to kill Wilson Fisk but he died in the attempt to kill his foe. (Spider-Men II v1 #3)
- Frankie Fear : a male aging crime lord who was dying from cancer and obtained the formula for synthetic M.G.H. but his men could not understand it leading to them abducting Ph.D. students from E.S.U. to perfect it to save himself from the disease. The formula, however, had been altered making him a explosive leading to a conflict with the police where Detective Mercedes Knight and Daredevil managed to apprehend him with him placed in a special S.H.I.E.L.D. containment unit. (Daredevil Annual v5 #1)
Notes
- Mutant Growth Hormone was created Gerry Conway and Tom Sutton where it made its first appearance in Amazing Adventures v2 #11 (March, 1972).
- In its first appearance, the hormonal chemical extract did not receive a name with it simply referred to as a solution or chemical.
In other media
Video games
- In Marvel Heroes, Mutant Growth Hormone was present in the game where various antagonists used it to gift themselves superhuman powers.
Appearances
- Amazing Adventures v2:
- Daredevil:
- New Avengers v2:
- Uncanny X-Men:
- Spider-Men II v1:
- Daredevil Annual v5:
External Link
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