Grasshopper
Doug Taggert
| Fighting |
Excellent |
| Agility |
Excellent |
| Strength |
Typical |
| Endurance |
Typical |
| Reason |
Excellent |
| Intuition |
Typical |
| Psyche |
Typical |
| Health |
90 |
| Karma |
36 |
| Resources |
Not Applicable |
| Popularity |
0 |
Powers
- The first Grasshopper's powers are derived entirely from a powered suit, metallic green in color and with an appearance reminiscent of his namesake. The suit's primary ability is that of a fantastic vertical leap, powered by long, robotic hindlegs. These legs can also deliver devastating kicks. Its secondary abilities include "Insectroid Sensors", which work as an early warning system, and the suit's Zoom Lenses, which provide long range sight. Voice activated commands can be used to initiate some of the suit's powers. A notable fault of the suit seems to be that, despite its stiff and sturdy appearance, it offers little to no armor protection to the wearer (thus allowing a simple hand-thrown weapon to pierce the head, normally one of the most heavily defended areas on a suit of armor). It is unknown whether Taggart's suit had the "Maximum Jump" ability his successor Neil Shelton (unfortunately) had while using the suit.
Talents
None
Contacts
None
History
Grasshopper's first appearance technically was in issue #1 of the GLA miniseries, in which he joined in a fourth wall breaking out-of-continuity prequel presented by Squirrel Girl. However, his first in-continuity appearance did not happen until issue #2.
Within his first panel, it is revealed that Grasshopper is in fact Doug Taggert, an employee of Roxxon Oil who pines after fellow Roxxon researcher Cindy Shelton, who in turn only has eyes for the "ever-gregarious Grasshopper" (thus setting up a classic comic-book style love triangle). Later it is clarified that Grasshopper is "part-time Roxxon security" who does "some super heroing on the side." Though it is never so stated, the implication is that Roxxon designed and built the gear which is the source of Grasshopper's powers. Soon Grasshopper meets up with the GLA as they both try to stop a robbery being committed by Batroc's Brigade. During the course of the battle, Grasshopper agrees to join up with the GLA ... and then almost immediately is killed by a sai thrown by supervillain Zaran after it passed through fellow teammate Doorman. As team sidekick Monkey Joe comments off-panel, "five point eight seconds. A new record for shortest membership on ANY team."
The Doug Taggert Grasshopper had one more brief appearance, showing up in a limbo-like afterlife hanging out with other deceased GLA'ers. Though not particularly cheery in demeanor, he didn't seem too upset about his unfortunate fate either.
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