Bruiser

Paul Alan Petrus was a junior biochemist at ASTRO Labs after graduating at the top of his class at the Hanover Institute of Technology. A college friend of his, Doug Romens, approached him with a theory on human-machine interface, and the two of them prepared experiments to test it. Unfortunately, their work drew the attention of a Labyrinth spy working at ASTRO Labs and hired mercenaries interrupted the experiment at a delicate phase. Doug was apparently killed, while Paul was kidnapped. After determining he was of no real use to them, the Labyrinth turned Petrus over to the tender mercies of Grant Conglomerates and The DNAscent Process.
He became an early subject of their strength-augmenting process, which transformed him into a hulking mass of enhanced muscle with rock-hard skin. He would have ended up the brainwashed puppet of the Labyrinth if it hadn’t been for the intervention of his friend Doug, who wasn’t killed, but transformed by the accident. Using his new powers, he was able to locate and free Paul, who wrecked the underground lab in his escape. The incident got the attention of Archer, who confronted the hulking monster and the humanoid figure composed of electricity before learning who they were and what happened to them.
Paul and Doug joined FORCE Ops as Bruiser and Network, both hoping to find ways to ultimately reverse what had happened to them. They allowed their families to think they were dead, although Paul is severely torn about getting back into contact with his girlfriend, Jeanie March. He wants to spare her pain and fears she will either reject him in his current state or, perhaps worse, choose to stay with him, when she deserves better than a life on the run with a monster.
Given his appearance, many people underestimate Bruiser, not realizing that he’s actually the smartest member of FORCE Ops. His size, strength, and somewhat clumsy hands limit the amount of experimentation Paul can do, but he usually gets lab assistance from Network, and he has turned his biochemical knowledge into some skill with forensics and investigation.

Year of Death

1993

Circumstances of Death

The Terminus Invasion