Not even a behemoth like the...

By Tim Stevens

Emil Blonsky, the super criminal known as Abomination, is a reptilian humanoid who is tall and muscled far beyond recognizable human standards. Given his abilities and violent history, the client is under restraint at all time and escorted by two "Hulkbuster" guards. Until such time as trust and commitment is established, the writer will not be advocating for removal of the escorts or the manacles.

Prior to becoming the creature he is today, the client was a KGB agent. As such, he retains a slight Russian accent that becomes stronger the more agitated and bellicose his speech becomes. Unlike his gamma powered behemoth counterpart the Hulk, Blonsky has almost always retained his full cognitive functioning in his mutated form. His strength also does not vary dependent on his emotional state, something the client derives considerable pride from. Also unlike the Hulk, Blonsky does not switch between the Abomination and a human alter ego. He is always in his Abomination form. This, along with a disfiguring episode involving toxic waste and his inability to defeat the Hulk appears to be at the root of the client's unhealthy fixation with his rival.

When not venting about the Hulk, the client is, by turns, egotistical and condescending, responsibility avoidant, quick to perceive offense, threatening, and remorseless. It is the belief of the client that everything good that has ever happened to him is deserved and he is owed still more. Additionally, he insists that the bad things that have happened to him have nothing to do with his actions. While there is a notation in his file that he abandoned these beliefs after contributing to the death of Betty (Ross) Banner and being forgiven for it by the Hulk, he appears to have regressed severely since then. He also continues to display reckless behaviors, like the ones that led to transformation in the first place, often attempting to escape capture without adequate planning or thought to the consequences if he is unsuccessful.

Given the above mentioned symptoms, it is the opinion of the writer that the client suffers from both Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorder. He fits eight of the criteria for Narcissistic (grandiose self-importance, arrogant, belief in own "specialness", obsessed with power fantasies, sense of entitlement, interpersonally exploitative, envious, and lacking in empathy) and six of the criteria for Antisocial (failure to conform to societal norms, deceitfulness, impulsive, aggressive, recklessness, and lack of remorse). The writer has also ruled out Borderline Personality Disorder as Blonsky only shows two of the criteria (impulsivity leading to strong possibility of self-harm and inappropriate anger) and five are required to make a positive diagnosis for the disorder.

To better understand where the client is coming from, it has been recommended to all staff to read Dr. Mike Gelles' paper "Exploring the Mind of a Spy" which explores both personality disorders that Blonsky suffers from through the prism of his previous job.

There has also been some trauma in the client's recent history, unrelated to his metamorphosis. Although he is often evasive on the topic it has become apparent that while in custody at some point, Blonsky was forced to watch a loop of himself in happier times with his wife Nadia. He denies any lasting effects of this, often making jokes about having married two Nadias in an attempt to indicate how little his wife or wives meant to him. However, given his size, it is difficult for him to cover up his body language, which indicates a lasting negative reaction to this torture. At this time, because the client continues to refuse an assessment, it is difficult to discern how painful or lasting his trauma reactivity is.

Staff is currently exploring the use of an integrated approach to treating Blonsky's personality disorder. Known as Schema Therapy, it incorporates aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy, and object relations. Use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy has also been considered and ultimately rejected due to a lack of Borderline Personality traits.

As Blonsky remains uncommitted to treatment, his only goal at this time is to continue to move toward commitment. It should be noted at this time that while this report was being prepared, Blonsky apparently suffered a fatal gunshot wound. However, given the nature of our clients and the prevalence of "Abomination sightings" already being reported, this file will remain open for the next six months. If, after six months, Blonsky remains a confirmed fatality, the file will be closed.

A presentation on the Blonsky, the Leader, and General Ross cases will occur on June 13 in theatres everywhere. The presentation is entitled "The Incredible Hulk".

Tim Stevens is a Mental Health Supervisor currently pursuing his Psy D who has experience in dealing with individuals with PTSD and personality disorders.
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Read classic Hulk stories in Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited! Take pictures with a life-size Hulk statue at select theaters nationwide! Visit the official "The Incredible Hulk" movie site! Remember, "The Incredible Hulk" comes to a theater near you on June 13!