Invented Marvel Characters: Polymer

Growing up my dream job was to be a comic book artist/writer. But with very little artistic talent that dream died pretty quickly. Now I do my best to bring my characters to life using apps like swordmaker, armormaker, you doodle and photo cutout. They don't always turn out looking very good but I get more excited about the concepts and stories behind the characters than how well I can make the character look good. Sometimes my characters are from cultures I am not a part of because I think it fits their story or other aspects about them. I am not a cultural expert but at the very least I hope no one is upset by me using aspects of cultures I'm not a part of and find interesting. That said below is my Marvel inspired character Polymer.

Upon making name for himself as a chemical researcher at the University of Cape Town, Vic Vermeulen was recruited to work for Vumbua International based out of Kenya. Vic was tasked with trying to create synthetic vibranium but the closest he came was creating materials that emulated some of vibranium's traits. Noticing what seemed like excessive security at his facility he asked about it next time he crossed paths with his CEO J.P. Morel. He was assured it was simply to guard Vumbua's facility and proprietary research and was scolded when suggesting resources could be better spent.

Taken aback by this Vic dug into company files in secret and discovered Vumbua's security branch was involved in secret mercenary work as well as plots to steal from and undermine Wakanda. In response Vic donned a costume and the moniker Polymer in order to sabotage Vumbua until they were weak enough to expose for their it's crimes.

To do so he used his experimental polymers that were failed attempts to replicate vibranium. Though his suit is somewhat modular it typically includes grey plates which act as lightweight armour and neon red lined boots and gloves which muffle sound. His primary weapon is nicknamed the "Stingshot", a slingshot that's front far extends past the handle to allow for a longer draw. Its neon orange band is extremely elastic and allows it to shoot at incredible velocities. The most common projectile are ultra bouncy neon pink pellets that can ricochet multiple times and still hit enemies with enough force to incapacitate them. The neon coloring of some of Vic's gear is not ideal for his covert plans but he has not yet been able to create more subtle colored versions that have the same effect so he must think carefully about how he outfits himself for each mission. As a tough, fit man who grew up playing rugby Vic is physically imposing but no match for fighting groups or super humans at close range and typically relies on stealth and tactically aiming his "Stingshot" to survive combat.

Over time J.P. Morel caught on to what Vic was doing and Polymer fled to Wakanda with enough evidence to convince Black Panther of Morel's treachery. Morel was chased away by Black Panther and Polymer became Vumbua's new CEO. Under Vic, Vumbua ceased mercenary work and its campaign against Wakanda and became a boon to the Kenya through commerce and medical advancements. Yet Vic still has his hands full managing attempts at corporate takeover from Morel and more violent attacks from Morel's costumed identity known as Chokepoint. Vic's ultimate goal is to make Vumbua sustainable without his leadership and protection so it can be turned over to a responsible Kenyan leader to better serve the people of Kenya.