Mach 1

2017

Marvel

Mach-I, also known as Abel Stackhouse, is a fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics. He is notable for being one of the many iterations of the armored hero Beetle, primarily known as a villain but in Stackhouse's case, as a reformed hero.

Stackhouse’s origin story begins as a technician for Cord Conglomerate. While working there, he was involved in the development and piloting of an armored suit. He was initially presented as a threat, known as Beetle, during his initial confrontations with the superhero Iron Man.

After serving time and undergoing rehabilitation, Stackhouse sought redemption. He designed a new, upgraded version of his Beetle armor, rebranded as Mach-I. This suit allowed for supersonic flight and other advanced capabilities. He joined the Thunderbolts, a team initially composed of villains posing as heroes, however Stackhouse sought true redemption with the team.

As Mach-I (and later iterations Mach-II, Mach-III, etc., each representing an upgrade to his armor), Stackhouse worked alongside other members of the Thunderbolts, attempting to atone for his past actions and using his technological expertise for good. Though his time with the Thunderbolts was complex, he played a significant role in the team’s history and demonstrated a genuine desire for heroism.