Dontrell "Cockroach" Hamilton is the name of a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is most closely related to Luke Cage, one of the early black Marvel superheroes.
Growing up in Harlem, Dontrell was petrified by nocturnal noises. However, over time, he gradually becomes accustomed to them as well as to the cockroaches that infested his home. These early experiences lead to an affinity for cockroaches and "Cheese Snipz".[1]
Later in life, Hamilton turned to a life of crime, becoming a mob enforcer (alias "Cockroach") for Ray "Piranha" Jones.[2] During an investigation of Dontrell, Power Man is attacked by Dontrell and Ray's men at the Harlem River docks. Power Man is eventually knocked out and carried back to Ray's penthouse, but breaks free and attacks Ray. Power Man and Ray fall into a pool of piranhas allowing Dontrell to seal them in and escape.[3]
Dontrell and Ray escape conviction and move to Stamford, Connecticut. They demand protection money from the locals, who refuse, but are eventually accepted into the community. However, three women Vita Buchetta, Ann Repucci, and Annette Cortese shame the members of the community for accepting Dontrell and Ray, while secretly using them to start their criminal careers. When Terror Inc. is hired by an unknown party to kill Ray, Dontrell cannot defend him because his custom shotgun, "Josh", keeps jamming. Upon examining the information from the shotgun cartridges, Terror Inc. realizes that Ray hired them. Terror Inc. saved Ray from the mobsters and the arriving Punisher as Dontrell chased after Terror Inc. in their cars with Terror Inc. ultimately killing Ray.[4]
During the Shadowland storyline, Dontrell appears as a member of Nightshade's Flashmob and attacks Victor Alvarez. Dontrell fires on Victor until his gun is compressed by Luke Cage upon his arrival with Iron Fist. The Flashmob is later taken, arrested and taken to Ryker's Island, but Nightshade's solicitor Big Ben Donovan secures Dontrell's release.[5]
Hamilton later appears as a criminal, discussing the reward that Tombstone offered to anyone who could recover the Supersoul Stone from Luke Cage and Iron Fist.[6] When a group of "preemptive" vigilantes assault inactive villains, Hamilton joins the relatives of several of the victims in requesting help from the Heroes for Hire.[7] Cage has Hamilton assist with investigating the "Preemptive Strike" by having him consult with criminals like Piranha Jones.[8] After discovering that the Preemptive Strike work for Alex Wilder, Hamilton betrays the Heroes for Hire and joins Alex Wilder's New Pride alongside Black Mariah, Cottonmouth, and Gamecock.[9][10]
Powers and abilities
Dontrell Hamilton has no superpowers but is a skilled marksman who uses advanced pieces of artillery. His first weapon was a six-barreled shotgun built by himself named "Josh".
Other versions
Earth-X
In the Earth-X reality, Dontrell "Cockroach" Hamilton's history largely remains the same, though he has died in this reality.[11]
House of M
In the House of M reality, Dontrell "Cockroach" Hamilton is a mutant gangster with an appearance based on his namesake.[12]
Cockroach Hamilton appears in the second season of Luke Cage, portrayed by Dorian Missick. This version is a petty criminal who runs an off-the-books casino and was recently released from prison with help from corrupt NYPD Detective Rafael Scarfe.[13] Additionally, Hamilton is physically abusive towards his girlfriend, Andrea "Drea" Powell, and her son CJ. After running afoul of Luke Cage, Hamilton injures him with help from a neighbor named Josh. Cage, struggling with anger issues, seeks vengeance and severely beats Hamilton after he abuses his family once more.[14] Hamilton subsequently sues Cage for his injuries and hires Benjamin Donovan to represent him in court. Hamilton is later killed by Bushmaster.[15]
^David Walker (w), Sanford Greene (p), Sanford Greene (i), Lee Loughridge (col), VC's Clayton Cowles (let), Jake Thomas (ed). Power Man and Iron Fist, vol. 3, no. 2 (16 March 2016). United States: Marvel Comics.
^David Walker (w), Flaviano (p), Flaviano (i), John Rauch (col), VC's Clayton Cowles (let), Jake Thomas (ed). Power Man and Iron Fist, vol. 3, no. 6 (13 July 2016). United States: Marvel Comics.
^David Walker (w), Sanford Greene and Flaviano (p), Sanford Greene and Flaviano (i), John Rauch (col), VC's Clayton Cowles (let), Jake Thomas (ed). Power Man and Iron Fist, vol. 3, no. 7 (17 August 2016). United States: Marvel Comics.
^David F. Walker (w), Sanford Greene and Flaviano (p), Sanford Greene and Flaviano (i), John Rauch (col), VC's Clayton Cowles (let), Jake Thomas (ed). Power Man and Iron Fist, vol. 3, no. 9 (12 October 2016). United States: Marvel Comics.
^David Walker (w), Sanford Greene (p), Sanford Greene (i), Lee Loughridge (col), VC's Clayton Cowles (let), Jake Thomas (ed). Power Man and Iron Fist, vol. 3, no. 10 (9 November 2016). United States: Marvel Comics.
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