Short Fuse
Context
Strikeback! was a minor comics miniseries by Jonathan Peterson and Kevin Maguire. It started publication in 1994 with Malibu, but the comics market cratering interrupted publication. In 1996, it could be fully and correctly published by Image.
For the full plot and context, readers should start with the character profile for Nikita, the main character.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Other Aliases: Shorty (although he doesn’t like it).
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Strikeback.
- Base Of Operations: New York.
- Height: 5’10” Weight: 150 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Short Fuse can emit and absorb electricity. He’s also a capable pilot.
History
His history unknown, Short Fuse is a member of Strikeback. This is a group of super-powered types in New York, who gathered together as a form of mutual defence pact.
When Nikita was kidnapped by mercenaries working for her father, Rascal contacted the rest of Strikeback. They hastened to support him in his hunt. They caught up to him at a local warehouse used as a staging ground by the mercenaries, where Rascal and Midnight Devil were battling a small army of thugs.
During the chaos of the fight, some of the mercenaries managed to flee with the captive Nikita. Taking one of the remaining craft at the warehouse, Strikeback followed the trail to Dragonryder Island.
When their attempt at stealth failed, they broke in, thanks in part to Sherman being familiar with the place as he’d worked for Dragonryder before his accident. Short Fuse used his powers to short circuit most of the power in the facility.
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Another world
After clashing with more of Dragonryder’s mercenaries, they learned that the Dragonryder family had come from another dimension. They had been forced from their home by Monster X, a gigantic tyrannosaur, which was itself prevented from reaching this dimension by technology on Dragonryder Island. Technology affected by Short Fuse fried the base’s power, releasing Monster X.
With Monster X on the rampage, and learning that Nikita was now there willingly, Strikeback reluctantly teamed up with Dragonryder’s forces to battle Monster X. The fight cost Sherman his life, but was eventually won.
The fighting done, Nikita announced that she’d be returning to her home dimension with her parents to find out where she’d come from, but promised to return.
Personality
While temperamental and acerbic, Short Fuse is a loyal member of the team. But he tries to keep himself from forming any real attachments to anyone, although he occasionally seems to be less than successful in this.
He has little compunction about using lethal force in combat.
Quotes
“When one of us gets in trouble, the rest rally around him. That’s what Strikeback’s all about. There’s no rule that says I have to be emotionally connected to anyone.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Short Fuse
| Dex: 05 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Thrill of Adventure |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Adventurer |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: 003 |
| Init: 014 | HP: 025 |
Powers:
Energy Absorption: 08, Lightning: 08
Bonuses and Limitations:
Energy Absorption only works on electricity (-1).
Skills:
Vehicles (Air): 05
Advantages:
None demonstrated.
Connections:
Strikeback (High).
Drawbacks:
None demonstrated.
Source of Character: Strikeback!(Published by Bravura and Image).