Bulldog
U.S. Citizen
Michael's desire to fight for justice and help others around him convinced former super-hero José Hortega to pass his mantle to a new generation.
EARLY DAYS
Michael Ortiz, otherwise known as ‘Junior’ by everyone from his neighborhood, was born and raised in Downtown Millennium City. His mother, Yolanda, left Junior and his father Michael Ortiz Sr. when he was a child, and ever since then it has just been Junior and his Father. ‘Junior’s father was employed as a cornerman at the Old Mutt Hortega’s Gym, and due to little wiggle room in their budget, ‘Junior’ often spent his evenings watching the boxers train. Inspired by the athletic prowess of his father’s friends, Michael ‘Junior’ Ortiz began training alongside them.
With routine hard work and dedication, Michael transformed his body into a temple of physical prowess, well above the average physique of his peers at school. With a strong sense of righteousness, Michael used his newfound athleticism to defend his friends from school bullies, often leading him to trouble. Despite his father’s constant lectures about avoiding trouble and risking his place at his school, Michael would not lay idle when he had the capability of helping others.
TURNING POINT
After graduating High School, Michael decided to stay and work alongside his old man at the gym instead of attending university, despite receiving a sizable scholarship. One night, after an exhausting day at work, Michael decided on a whim to take a longer route back home by passing through the docks, hoping to enjoy the cool sea-breeze. When he arrived at the docks, Michael witnessed a robbery taking place and immediately springs into action, attempting to distract the robbers while the dock personnel call law enforcement. One of the assailants pulls out a gun and opens fire, inadvertently hitting one of the shipping crates and causing a massive explosion. The crate contained radioactive material called Radium-X; an extremely volatile substance. With luck on his side, Michael was able to dodge the immediate radius of the blast and his exposure to the chemical was minimal, or so he thought.
A few weeks later, Michael began noticing strange changes. His hair turned snow white and his body became noticeably stronger than before; Michael could barely feel the blows his fellow boxers would throw at him during sparring sessions. When using the bench press, he discovered he was able to lift nearly 1500Ibs in one sitting, shocking everyone at the gym. Michael explains to everyone what had happened to him that fateful night at the dock, and his arousing suspicion behind the chemical exposure. Listening quietly in the background was none other than José Hortega, owner of the gym.
THE UNVEILING OF A LEGACY
The following evening José ushered Michael to his office before closing. José led Michael to a storage room in the back of the building, filled with rusting old equipment and a dusty case hidden in the shadows. The elderly man opened the case, revealing an old but preserved hero suit. José reveals that he used to be the Golden Age hero known as the Bulldog.
He explains to Michael that he wanted to find a successor to preserve his legacy, but gave up decades ago because he never found the right person, that is, until he heard about Michael’s heroic antics on the dock. Michael’s resolve to defend others, regardless of the consequences he may face, rekindled José’s hopes.
Under José’s tutelage, Michael ‘Junior’ Ortiz accepted the offer to don the mantle, and fight crime as The Unshakable Mutt of Justice, Bulldog!
Enhanced Durability: Due to the exposure from Radium-X, Michael’s body has increased durability. That does not mean he is completely invulnerable, however, and will still need a recovery period from heavy attacks.
Enhanced Strength: Michael’s strength has also been amplified from Radium-X, but to a lesser degree. To date, he has been able to lift upwards to 1500lbs.
Enhanced Metabolism: The changes on Michael's physiology also made him recover from injuries slightly faster than an average person.
Bulldog Suit: An old but resilient suit, interwoven with kevlar to increase the wearer’s fortitude. The suit has several pockets, each containing miscellaneous equipment such as a miniature first-aid kit, a rope, and a portable radio.
