Roche (Wolverine foe)

ROCHE

Real Name: Roche (first or last name, other unknown)

Identity/Class: Human, criminal mastermind

Occupation: Crimelord

Affiliations: Employer of Inquisitor, Razor-Fist, the Reavers, Sapphire Styx, and a number of henchmen; Meridian Bank (former customer); Enemy of O'Donnell, Tyger Tiger, and Wolverine; presumably a competitor of General Nguyen Ngoc Coy

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: An Estate in Hightown, Madripoor

Appearances: Uncanny X-Men#229, Marvel Comics Presents#1(named)], 2 (September, 1988);

([UXM#229, MCP#6(fb), 1], 2-5, [6], 7, 8, [9], 10

Powers: None. Roche had access to a number of firearms, and was a reasonably talented marksman. He did not demonstrate any special skill in physical combat. He surrounded himself with a number of henchmen, and used a few superhuman agents. He was an experienced crimelord, and a skilled strategist (except for that not killing an enemy when you capture him mistake). Roche was very unforgiving, usually slaying those who failed him.

History: Roche was a powerful crimelord in Madripoor. He was hired by Meridian Bank to eliminate Hoan International Bank. To accomplish this, he hired the Reavers, who slew most members of the Hoan family. The Reavers kidnapped Jessan Hoan, and Pretty Boy performed psychic surgery on her so they could utilize her banking skills and eliminate her morality and scruples. The X-Men saved Hoan, rescuing her from the Reavers, forcing them to flee, and interrupt their attempts to mutate her.

Hoan was returned by Roma to the time and place immediately following the attack of the Reavers. She investigated and learned that Roche had been the one to send the Reavers after her family and business. Having been somewhat affected by Pretty Boy's assault, Hoan established the identity of Tyger Tiger, and started a war against Roche.

Wolverine traveled to Madripoor for some rest and relaxation, and encountered O'Donnell, owner of the Princess Bar as Roche's men were beating him for opposing his plans. Wolverine dispatched the criminals and ended up meeting Tyger and getting involved in her war against Roche. Roche had Razorfist slay the criminals that Wolverine had defeated, and then sent Sapphire Styx after him. Styx incapacitated and brought Wolverine back to Roche's palace, where Roche had his Inquisitor torture Logan in an effort to learn more about the Tyger. Logan was nearly killed in the process, but was recovered near death, floating in the sea by Tyger. Tyger nursed him back to health, and the two survived Roche's bombing of her ship.

Roche had O'Donnell abducted and had his Inquisitor torture him as well. Logan and Tyger returned, however, freed O'Donnell, and incapacitated or killed Roche's agents. Roche confronted them, wounding Logan, but was then beheaded by a battle-crazy Tyger. Tyger subsequently replaced Roche as a crimelord in Madripoor, taking over his territory and men.

Comments: Created by Chris Claremont and John Buscema.

Last Updated: 08/01/02