Manfred Ellsworth Haller was once a promising hydraulic engineer and generous philanthropist. As the founder of Haller Hydraulics, he designed and developed a suit of exoskeleton armour to enable explorers to survive hostile environments and allow rescue personnel to traverse hazardous terrain. He used the suit to battle and nearly defeat the fugitive She-Hulk in hopes of gaining publicity and endorsements, but ended the fight when she was found innocent. Unfortunately, after the Superhuman Registration Act became law, Tony Stark discovered Ellsworth was clandestinely supplying unregistered, tech-based heroes with parts and services. Haller Hydraulics was closed and Haller's assets were frozen. Halleer fled to Timbuktu, Mali, in search of enlightenment, but instead found an elderly devotee of the Hindu god Ganesha who foresaw his arrival and bestowed upon him the vastly powerful Seetorak gem, which warped Haller's mind and transformed him into the pachyderm-like Behemoth. |