Who Is Rock? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Rock is a Image comic book character, the alter ego of Joe Manning, with over 108 comic issue appearances. Joe Manning, exposed to hazardous chemicals while working as a janitor, transformed into the oft-reluctant hero called Rock. After his wife left him, he became homeless and destitute, until Officer Dragon recruited him and his team of freaks into the Special Operations Strikeforce.

Who is Rock?

Origin Joe Manning married Marika Washington, the girlfriend of his best friend, Tyrone Jefferson, after he died in a car accident. Their relationship was rocky from the start and they had financial difficulties that were only compounded with the arrival of a daughter who they named Gina. When Joe was exposed to hazardous material in his job as a part-time janitor for Rikko Chemicals, he went through a disturbing physical transformation. Unable to deal with their medical expenses and repulsed by his appearance, Marika left her husband, later filing for divorce. After his condition had stabilized, he was released from the hospital. Rikko Chemicals didn't give insurance to part time employees and he had been forced to sign a release to get the job so that the company wasn't held liable for any resulting job related injuries. Joe was destitute. He became a homeless freak and went to Chicago to live with a group of transient freaks that lived in an underground portion of the city.

Key facts

Rock is of radiation origin and first appeared in "Prism". The character is published by Image. With 108 recorded issue appearances, Rock ranks among the most featured characters in comics.