If I remember correctly one of the things about the invisible man that wasn't invisible were his retinas. While it has been a long time since I have read it I believe the trial cat subject had the same problem. It was one of the several drawbacks that he had not thought through, such as digestion.
And as far as Gladiator, I believe the is Kid Gladiator (Glad's son) and he pretty much looks like that already. Check out current issues of Wolverine and the X-Men.
As a man with heart problems from both sides of his family and is overweight I have to say this is one step closer to needing a permit to breed. And I like it.
I'm for it, as long as the muscle problem is solved. And as far as growing muscle in a dish, yes there is myoblast which could mean growing a full chicken breast or steak from nothing. But I worry about that for one reason. The marbling.
Unemployed doorman... Was he between doors? Does that mean he has dedicated himself to the career of doorman, despite being currently with no door to attend? I know I'm missing the point of the story, but yeesh.
They'll just tax the living. Be like Glory Road.