Rick Jones was a student at Culver University at the same time Bruce Banner worked there on the Bio-Tech Force Enhancement Project. Though a rebellious youth, Rick was bright for his age, and fascinated by Banner's gamma project. Working with Bruce as an assistant, the two formed a mentor and protégé friendship. After the incident that turned Banner into the Hulk, Rick remained in contact with him as he became a fugitive. As the United States Armed Forces monitored Jones, Bruce limited their interactions over the years to protect him from General Ross, eventually breaking off contact completely.
Rick later went to research the Abomination's transformation in the new prison Vault where super powered individuals who were considered threats were detained and researched. Rick was trying to figure out a way to eradicate the Abominations abilities and return him to human form. One day the prison was attacked and in the chaos Rick was exposed to both Gamma radiation and the Abomination's blood samples. He then mutated into a gamma powered being called A-Bomb.
Powers and Abilities []
Physical Transformation: After being exposed to gamma radiation, Jones was mutated by the radiation. As a result, Jones can transform into a superhuman form that resembles the Abomination. Jones has demonstrated the ability to transform at will and, when doing so, gains an additional 11 inches in height and 800 pounds of muscle, bone and connective tissue to his frame. Jones' skin takes on a scaly sort of appearance, his eyes change color and his hair disappears.
- Superhuman Strength: While transformed into A-Bomb, Jones' musculature, connective tissues and skeletal structure are augmented to levels far beyond those of ordinary humans. As a result, his strength is augmented to great superhuman levels. At his peak, he possesses sufficient superhuman strength to be listed at exactly class 90.
- Suspended Aging: For all intents and purposes A-Bomb does not age. Due to his great healing factor that regenerates his cells, and with the gamma energy and Destiny force that empowers him, A-Bomb does not age at all.
- Superhuman Stamina: Jones' musculature as A-Bomb is more efficient than that of an ordinary human. As a result, his muscles produce less fatigue toxins during physical activity than those of normal humans. Though the exact limit of his stamina isn't known, he can at least exert himself for several hours without fatigue impairing his overall capabilities.
- Superhuman Durability: As A-Bomb, Jones' superhuman body is much tougher and more resistant to injury than that of an ordinary human. Since Jones' ability to transform into his superhuman form is a recent development, the full limits of his resistance to injury isn't known.