Mutant Growth Hormone
From Marvel Database
Mutant Growth Hormone, or sometimes MGH, is a drug used to provide consumers with super-human powers, or to increase the super-human powers of those consumers that had some powers to begin with. Possession, trade and consumption is completely illegal in the United States and probably other countries.
The drug is extracted from genetic material taken from mutants or other superpowered individuals (Although they must be superpowered individuals whose genetic make-up had been altered from the original: Spider-Man, not being a mutant, fills this requirement; but Doctor Strange, who is genetically human, does not).
When consumed (usually presented as a pill), the MGH provides a "temporary genetic shift", meaning temporary super-powers. Sometimes the powers are supposed to duplicate those belonging to the "donor", although apparently some powers have been more difficult to replicate. Commonly, the donor is unknown and the effects only include increased strength and aggression. Again, if the consumer is a genetically-altered superpowered person, the consumer's own powers will increase instead of the consumer receiving new powers.
The MGH is addictive, specially for normal humans.
History
The first known appearance of Mutant Growth Hormone (MGH) showed it as a development by biochemist Dr. Henry McCoy (who was a mutant known as the Beast). McCoy was working for Brand Corporation developing a serum that would acta as a catalyst for activating latent mutations. However, McCoy was forced to consume an experimental version of his serum to protect his discovery from industrial spies. This drug made McCoy grow fur all over his body and change his ears, canine teeth and nails to more sharpened forms of the originals. It also provided him with enhanced senses and a greater healing factor. This first version of the serum was not addictive, although McCoy discovered that the effects could not be easily reverted.
Years later, an unknown party provided a crowd with an experimental drug that gave them powers similar to some popular super-humans such as Thor, Cyclops or Daredevil. The drug also made them aggressive. Iron Man managed to control the situation. It is, however, unclear if this was exactly a release of the MGH, or a similar drug.
Again, the MGH appeared as a product offered by the Vanisher.
The MGH only reached prominence when the mutant crimelord known as the Owl began refining his own genetic material to obtain drug he could sell, trying to build a new criminal empire with the profits. Owl's nemesis Darevil stopped him and made him arrested.
Later, the third Spider-Woman was manipulated to be used as a source of MGH material, although former super heroine Jessica Jones rescued her.
Young superheroe Patriot of the Young Avengers was a regular consumer of MGH. Having no superpowers, he misled his friends into believing he had inherited his grandfather Isaiah Bradley's powers because of a blood transfusion. When his secret was revealed, he renounced to the team and quitted the drug. Later, Patriot obtained powers in a more natural way.
The Runaways and the New Avengers found some evidence of superheroe Cloak beating his partner Dagger and landing her to the hospital. However, after chasing Cloak, they discovered that the attack had been performed by orderly Reginald Mantz, who could mimick Cloak's power with the MGH.
Super villain Nitro was also a consumer of MGH to increase his power level, which allowed him to annihilate Stamford. Wolverine (Logan / James Howlett) discovered this fact.
Other appearances
Notice that MGH is a particular drug. Other drugs providing super powers, such as the Super Soldier serum, are not to be confused with this drug.
Recommended Readings
First Appearance: Amazing Adventures (Vol 2) 11 (1972)
Other Appearances:
- Iron Man (Vol 3) 33 - 34 (1998)
- Uncanny X-Men Annual 2003 (2003)
- Daredevil Volume 2 41 - 45 ("The Lowlife saga")
- Alias 3 ("Underneath")
