Sabra
by Christopher Lawrence
Real name: Ruth Bat-Seraph
AKA: Sabra doesn't use any aliases and given her quick temper, you would be wise not to try to give her one (especially any derogatory ones).
First appearance:Sabra's first appearance in Incredible Hulk 250 was a cameo. Her first full appearance was Incredible Hulk 256
Favorite quote:"When I spoke out for you, I spoke on behalf of Israel! You humiliated my country. You humiliated ME! Eat THIS, you pig!" (Incredible Hulk 387, where Sabra vented her anger towards the Hulk because she publicly endorsed, many years ago, a Banner controlled Hulk that later became mindless and went on a billion dollar rampage)
Team Affiliation: Sabra is a member of the Israeli Super Soldiers.
Powers: Sabra is able to lift 50 tons. She also possesses super human speed (she can run 60 miles per hr), reflexes, endurance, durability and heals three times faster than an ordinary person.
Weapons: Sabra wears a cape that allows her to fly at speeds just over 300 mph. She also wears two wrist blasters that shoot energy quilts that can paralyze the nervous system of an average person for over an hour.
Favorite Storyline:Her fight with the Hulk in Incredible Hulk 386 - 387. Although the fight occurred because Sabra misunderstood the Hulk's intentions (what a novel concept), she used the fight to vent her anger at the Hulk. Much earlier, Bruce Banner regained the ability to retain control when he transformed into the Hulk. Later, after the Hulk received a Presidential pardon, Sabra stated at a ceremony honoring him that "as a monster, you taught me about humanity!". Well, you can imagine her reaction when her "teacher" became mindless beast that S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers attempted to put to sleep. Anyway, it was great to see that 108 issues later, Sabra still had a grudge against the Hulk and give the Hulk an earful and a fistful. After the Hulk had a chance to explain that he was trying to stop someone from killing a little boy who was prophesied to be the next Adolf Hitler, Sabra joined him. Anyway, the storyline, which was full of action, humor, and philosophical points, had a surprising conclusion.
Least Favorite Storyline: Her fight with the New Warriors in New Warriors 58-59. This storyline involved Sabra being placed under the mental control of some unseen villain and fighting the New Warriors. After Sabra was returned to her senses, the mysterious villain was never revealed.
Future For the Character: Virtually all of Sabra's appearances have involved her fighting against other heroes. It would be interesting to see her fight villains with highly political agendas like the Red Skull, Hydra, or AIM. Moreover, given Sabra's political views, it would also be very interesting to see her paired with other heroes with very sharp political views like Captain America.