Mrs. Gradenko
Context
Mrs. Gradenko is an odd and obscure DC Comics character – and, presumably, a reference to the The Police song. She only appeared in one 1991 Suicide Squad story – so, during the Ostrander/Yale run.
The more one thinks about her nature, the weirder things get…
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Red Shadows.
- Base Of Operations: Moscow.
- Height: 5’4” / 10’. Weight: 115 lbs. / 1300 lbs.
- Eyes: Grey Hair: Grey
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Powers and Abilities
Mrs. Gradenko only looks like a little old blue-collar next door everyday Mrs. from Russia. Until she turns into a ferocious bear, easily able to kill a number of armed men or engage superhumans in combat.
In human form, she seems simple and unable to speak. Still, she understands Russian – and could follow instructions such as “leave a messenger” (that is, kill everybody but one person).
History
Mrs. Gradenko was seen operating under the direct of Zastrow, the commanding officer of the Red Shadows. She thus seems to be a KGB agent.
Description
The size of the bear seems unclear from the panels. But this is likely because she doesn’t grow into her full-size ursine form instantly.
The bear is hunchbacked. Which I’m sure is a clue about… something ?
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Personality
Mrs. Gradenko doesn’t speak at all (although she can roar as a bear), and may not be fully sapient . Her perceptions are animalistic. Frex , she trusts her sense of smell more than her sense of sight.
Zastrow mostly used Mrs. Gradenko as a bodyguard and enforcer, keeping her close to him and telling her who to attack. He seemed to prefer directly supervising her, apparently not trusting her ability to operate on her own (or follow complex orders).
Quotes
Young Yakuza tough : “Ah ah ah… what are you gonna do, gaijin ? Sic the old woman at us ?”
Zastrow (very calmly) : “Yes.” (beat) “Mrs. Gradenko… assume the form, if you please.” (snaps fingers)
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Mrs. Gradenko (ursine form)
| Dex: 04 | Str: 08 | Bod: 07 | Motivation: Unrevealed |
| Int: 03 | Wil: 01 | Min: 03 | Occupation: Ursine |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 01 | Spi: 03 | Resources {or Wealth}: N.A. |
| Init: 013 | HP: 030 |
Powers:
Analytical smell/tracking scent: 07, Claws: 09, Cold immunity: 02, Density increase: 02, Growth: 01, Running: 05, Skin armour: 01, Swimming: 04, Ultra-vision: 02
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Both Density increase and Growth are Always On (except in Insta-change form) and already factored in.
- Skin Armour only vs. Bludgeoning and Unarmed damage.
- Ultra-vision only for low-light vision.
Skills:
Charisma (Intimidation): 05, Martial Artist (AV): 06, Military science (Camouflage, tracking): 04
Bonuses and Limitations:
Mrs. Gradenko can make a Charisma (Intimidation) roll as she assumes her ursine form. In such circumstances, the effect gets a 1 AP Area of Effect.
Advantages:
Familiarity (Forest survival), Insta-change, Language (Russian), Lightning Reflexes.
Connections:
KGB (Low), Zastrow (Low).
Drawbacks:
Alter-Ego, Strange Appearance, SPR (mute in human form), Misc. Mrs. Gradenko presumably doesn’t speak English, Misc.: Mrs Gradenko seems to be borderline pre-sapient.
Design notes
Stats are largely arbitrary due to the scant material.
Game Stats — DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Mrs. Gradenko — Averaged PL7
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX | FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 (08) | 02 (06) | 01 | -1 | 05 | -2 | 01 | -1 |
Powers
Wifberan ● 22 points (Noticeable, Innate) ● Descriptor: Good question
– Claws/claws/bite — Strength-based Damage 1, Improved Critical 1.
– Mass and fur — Protection 2 (Limited 1 to blunt, unarmed and cold descriptor), Immunity 1 (Enviro cold), Growth 4 (Permanent)
– Bear nose — Senses 3 (Acute tracking scent, Low light vision).
– Doesn’t just sit in the woods — Speed 3, Swimming 4.
Combat Advantages
Defensive Roll 2, Increased Initiative, Startle.
Other Advantages
None demonstrated.
Skills
Athletics 4 (+12), Close combat (Claws/claws/bite) 4 (+9), Expertise (Forest survival) 5 (+3), Intimidation 6 (+5), Perception 4 (+5)
Offense
| Initiative +5 |
| Claws/Claws/Bite +9, close, Damage 9, Crit 19-20 |
Defence
| Dodge | 05 | Fortitude | 10 |
| Parry | 06 | Toughness | 06*/08/10** |
| Will | 02 |
* Without Defensive Roll.
** Blunt/Unarmed/Cold only.
Complications
- метаморфоза Mrs. Gradenko’s human form *probably* has the abilities of a normal little old lady.
- Pre-sapient? Mrs. Gradenko seems pre-sapient, and likely only speaks Russian.
- More than you can bear Mrs. Gradenko’s animalistic form is huge, scary and presumably smelly.
Powers Levels
- Trade-off areas. Attack/Effect PL 9, Dodge/Toughness PL 7, Parry/Toughness PL 8, Fort/Will PL 6.
- Points total 66. Abilities 18, Defences 10, Skills 12, Powers 22, Devices 0, Advantages 4. Equiv. PL 5.
Notes
The stats have been synched with official GR bear stats. We know very little about her due to lack of material, so that seemed reasonable. Though once again M&M Earth, where the average bear can bench-press more than five tons (ten if their fur is white), seems to be a very dangerous place.
Source of Character: Suicide Squad #52-57 (DC Universe).
Helper(s): Darci.