Mini Marvels - Armadillo

Antonio Rodriguez moved to New York from his home in San Antonio with his wife Bonita in order to start a new life. Unfortunately Bonita grew ill with a rare disease that their doctors claimed to be untreatable. A desperate Antonio turned to crime to try and raise money to pay for a cure. Having heard rumours about a genius but illegal doctor, Antonio sought out this Dr. Malus and begged him to save him wife despite their lack of money. Malus agreed but only if Antonio would agree to become one of his latest test subjects. Malus was able to use his genetic engineering skills to cure Bonita, but in return he used his splicing technology to transform Antonio into a massive, heavily-armoured Armadillo-like form. Malus promised to change Antonio back after he had worked for him long enough to pay back his debts. Though his relationship with Bonita grew strained as a result of his monstrous appearance, Antonio continued to work as one of Malus' heavies until the doctor's operation was shut down by Captain America and his allies, who let Antonio go after learning of the sacrifice he had made for his wife. Antonio joined the local superhuman pro wrestling circuit, but struggled to balance his career with trying to mend his relationship with Bonita, still returning to his roots in crime whenever desperate enough for money.