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{{short description|Fictional superheroes}}
'''Gorilla-Man''' is an alias used by three different fictional [[superheroes]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]], beginning in 1954 with the character of Kenneth Hale, and continuing with Arthur Nagan, who also appeared in 1954 and Franz Radzik, who first appeared in 1962.
'''Gorilla-Man''' is an alias used by three different fictional [[superheroes]] appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]], beginning in 1954 with the character of '''Kenneth Hale''', and continuing with '''Arthur Nagan''', who also first appeared in 1954, and '''Franz Radzik''', who first appeared in 1962.


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Line 11: Line 12:
===Kenneth Hale===
===Kenneth Hale===
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
⚫
| character_name = Gorilla-Man
|image = [[image:Aoatlas002 cov c.jpg|200px]]
| image = [[image:Aoatlas002 cov c.jpg|200px]]
|imagesize =
|caption = Cover art for ''Agents of Atlas'' #2.<br>Art by [[Tomm Coker]].
| imagesize =
| caption = Cover art for ''Agents of Atlas'' #2.<br>Art by [[Tomm Coker]].
⚫
| full_name = Kenneth Hale
⚫
|character_name = Gorilla-Man
⚫
| species = [[Human]] (formerly)<br> [[Incantation|Enchanted]] [[Gorilla]] (currently)
⚫
|full_name = Kenneth Hale
⚫
| publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
⚫
|species = [[Human]] (formerly)<br> [[Incantation|Enchanted]] [[Gorilla]] (currently)
| debut = ''Men's Adventures'' #26 (March 1954)
⚫
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debut = ''Men's Adventures'' #26 (March 1954)
| creators = Robert Q. Sale (artist)
⚫
| alliances = [[Agents of Atlas]]<br>[[Nick Fury's Howling Commandos]]<br>[[Mercs for Money]]<br>[[Agents of Wakanda]]
|creators = Robert Q. Sale (artist)
⚫
| aliases =
⚫
|alliances = [[Agents of Atlas]]<br/>[[Nick Fury's Howling Commandos]]<br>[[Mercs for Money]]<br>Agents of Wakanda
⚫
| powers = * [[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, dexterity, and sense of smell
⚫
|aliases =
⚫
* [[Immortality]]
⚫
|powers = *[[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, dexterity, and sense of smell
⚫
* Weapon proficiency
⚫
*[[Immortality]]
⚫
* Unarmed combat skills
⚫
*Weapon proficiency
⚫
}}
⚫
*Unarmed combat skills
⚫
|}}
'''Kenneth Hale''' was a happy-go-lucky [[Mercenary|soldier of fortune]]. He is characterised as risking his life for thrills, but with a fear of death. He heard of a local tribal legend from [[Africa]] that stated, "If you kill the magical Gorilla-Man, you become immortal". The character traveled to Africa to find the Gorilla-Man. Hale abandoned his goal at the last minute, but his encounter with the Gorilla-Man forced him to shoot. The story follows that Hale then became immortal, but at the cost of becoming a Gorilla-Man himself. After operating his own team for a while, Hale retired, residing in a large treehouse near the [[DR Congo|Congo]].<ref>''Men's Adventures'' #26 (March 1954). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
'''Kenneth Hale''' was a happy-go-lucky [[Mercenary|soldier of fortune]]. He is characterised as risking his life for thrills, but with a fear of death. He heard of a local tribal legend from [[Africa]] that stated, "If you kill the magical Gorilla-Man, you become immortal". The character traveled to Africa to find the Gorilla-Man. Hale abandoned his goal at the last minute, but his encounter with the Gorilla-Man forced him to shoot. The story follows that Hale then became immortal, but at the cost of becoming a Gorilla-Man himself. After operating his own team for a while, Hale retired, residing in a large treehouse near the [[DR Congo|Congo]].<ref>''Men's Adventures'' #26 (March 1954). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


He served as a guide for the original [[X-Men]] and proved himself to be a formidable one. He was given a special yearbook and was acknowledged as an ally, or "X-Ape".<ref>''[[X-Men First Class]]'' #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
He served as a guide for the original [[X-Men]] and proved himself to be a formidable one. He was given a special yearbook and was acknowledged as an ally, or "X-Ape".<ref>''[[X-Men First Class]]'' #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


The character of Hale later worked with the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]],{{Volume needed|c=y|date=January 2010}} [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'s [[Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|Howling Commandos unit]],{{Volume needed|c=y|date=January 2010}} and the [[Agents of Atlas]].{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} During the "[[Secret Invasion]]" storyline, Gorilla-Man and Human Robot rescue [[Namora]] from the [[Skrull]]s.<ref>''Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust'' #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> After Norman Osborn gains a position of power in the American government, Gorilla-Man and the Agents of Atlas begin working against Norman's interests. In order to stop the acquisition of powerful weaponry, the Agents steal the gold straight out of [[Fort Knox]].<ref>''Dark Reign: New Nation'' (Feb. 2009). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
The character of Hale later worked with the [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]],{{Volume needed|c=y|date=January 2010}} [[S.H.I.E.L.D.]]'s [[Nick Fury's Howling Commandos|Howling Commandos unit]],{{Volume needed|c=y|date=January 2010}} and the [[Agents of Atlas]].{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} During the "[[Secret Invasion]]" storyline, Gorilla-Man and Human Robot rescue [[Namora]] from the [[Skrull]]s.<ref>''Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust'' #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> After Norman Osborn gains a position of power in the American government, Gorilla-Man and the Agents of Atlas begin working against Norman's interests. To stop the acquisition of powerful weaponry, the Agents steal gold from [[Fort Knox]].<ref>''Dark Reign: New Nation'' (Feb. 2009). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


Operating on his own, Gorilla-Man tracked [[heroin]] dealers to an underground facility in [[Chinatown, San Francisco]]. There he teams up with [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], Master Po, and Fat Cobra, who are part of a larger group seeking to stop the heroin shipments. They discover a vast underground empire, looking to control all crime above ground. Working together, the heroes manage to obliterate the criminal group.<ref>''Wolverine: Goodbye Chinatown'' (March 2012). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
Operating on his own, Gorilla-Man tracked [[heroin]] dealers to an underground facility in [[Chinatown, San Francisco]]. There he teams up with [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], Master Po, and Fat Cobra, who are part of a larger group seeking to stop the heroin shipments. They discover a vast underground empire, looking to control all crime above ground. Working together, the heroes manage to obliterate the criminal group.<ref>''Wolverine: Goodbye Chinatown'' (March 2012). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


As part of the 2016 [[Marvel NOW!]] branding, Gorilla-Man appears as a member of [[Domino (comics)|Domino]]'s incarnation of the [[Mercs for Money]].<ref>''Deadpool & the Mercs for Money'' vol. 2 #4 (Dec. 2016). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
As part of the 2016 [[Marvel NOW!]] branding, Gorilla-Man appears as a member of [[Domino (character)|Domino]]'s incarnation of the [[Mercs for Money]].<ref>''Deadpool & the Mercs for Money'' vol. 2 #4 (Dec. 2016). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


[[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]] later visits Gorilla-Man and persuades him to join the Agents of Wakanda.<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 8 #12. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
[[Black Panther (comics)|Black Panther]] later visits Gorilla-Man and persuades him to join the [[Agents of Wakanda]].<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 8 #12. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


During ''[[The War of the Realms]]'' storyline, Gorilla-Man is seen talking to [[Ursa Major (comics)|Ursa Major]] in the Wundagore Zoo in [[Transia]], discussing about an undercover operation he's running for Black Panther, until [[Ka-Zar (Kevin Plunder)|Ka-Zar]] picks him up and takes him to Avengers Mountain. He helps Black Panther destroy the enemy forces that were attacking the mountain by activating a weapon inside the Celestial's body, but gets wounded after a few Dark Elves infiltrated the mountain. While recovering, he talks to [[Odin (comics)|Odin]] and it's later revealed that he betrayed the Avengers for [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|Dracula]]'s Legion of the Unliving. He's later seen helping Ka-Zar and [[Blade (comics)|Blade]] in fighting Roxxon's Berserkers when infiltrating their secret base in [[Antarctica]].<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 8 #19–20. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
During ''[[The War of the Realms]]'' storyline, Gorilla-Man is seen talking to [[Ursa Major (comics)|Ursa Major]] in the Wundagore Zoo in [[Transia]], discussing about an undercover operation he's running for Black Panther, until [[Ka-Zar (Kevin Plunder)|Ka-Zar]] picks him up and takes him to Avengers Mountain. He helps Black Panther destroy the enemy forces that were attacking the mountain by activating a weapon inside the Celestial's body, but gets wounded after a few Dark Elves infiltrate the mountain. While recovering, he talks to [[Odin (comics)|Odin]] and it's later revealed that he betrayed the Avengers for [[Dracula (Marvel Comics)|Dracula]]'s Legion of the Unliving. He's later seen helping Ka-Zar and [[Blade (comics)|Blade]] in fighting Roxxon's Berserkers when infiltrating their secret base in [[Antarctica]].<ref>''Avengers'' vol. 8 #19–20. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


===Arthur Nagan===
===Arthur Nagan===
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
⚫
|character_name = Gorilla-Man
|image =
|image =
|imagesize =
|noimage = 1
|caption =
|caption =
⚫
|character_name = Gorilla-Man
|full_name = Arthur Nagan
|full_name = Arthur Nagan
|species = Human mutate
|species = Human mutate
Line 57: Line 56:
|powers = *[[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, and dexterity
|powers = *[[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, and dexterity
*Surgery mastery
*Surgery mastery
|}}
}}
'''Dr. Arthur Nagan''' is a former [[surgeon]] who took the organs from [[gorilla]]s to use in people. However, his scheme was thwarted by the gorillas who somehow transplanted his head onto a gorilla's body.<ref>''Mystery Tales'' #21. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> He is a member of the [[Headmen]] and fought with [[Defenders (comics)|The Defenders]] on several occasions.<ref>''The Defenders'' #21</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' #31–33. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Upon his release from prison, he attacked [[Luke Cage|Power Man]], who was temporarily de-powered.<ref>''[[Power Man and Iron Fist]]'' #68 (April 1981). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> He is a former member of the [[Lethal Legion]].<ref>''Marvel Age'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
'''Dr. Arthur Nagan''' is a former [[surgeon]] who took the organs from [[gorilla]]s to use in people. However, his scheme was thwarted by the gorillas who somehow transplanted his head onto a gorilla's body.<ref>''Mystery Tales'' #21. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> He is a member of the [[Headmen]] and fought with [[Defenders (comics)|The Defenders]] on several occasions.<ref>''The Defenders'' #21</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' #31–33. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Upon his release from prison, he attacked [[Luke Cage|Power Man]], who was temporarily de-powered.<ref>''[[Power Man and Iron Fist]]'' #68 (April 1981). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> He is a former member of the [[Lethal Legion]].<ref>''Marvel Age'' Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


He later rejoined by the [[Headmen]] and participates in the plan to give his ally, [[Chondu the Mystic|Chondu]], a new body — specifically, the body of a clone of [[She-Hulk]]. The Headmen hire the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, then later [[Mysterio]] to test She-Hulk for compatibility. She is subdued and cloned, but escapes with the aid of [[Spider-Man]].<ref>''The Sensational She-Hulk'' vol. 2 #1–3 (May–July 1989). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Nagan is arrested by the New York city police. Nagan is seen without the Headmen during a [[Vault (Marvel Comics)|Vault]] outbreak. He and the female [[Joanna Cargill|Frenzy]], being held in neighboring cells, are freed by [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]].<ref>''Avengers: Death Trap: The Vault'' #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
He later rejoined by the [[Headmen]] and participates in the plan to give his ally, [[Chondu the Mystic|Chondu]], a new body — specifically, the body of a clone of [[She-Hulk]]. The Headmen hire the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, then later [[Mysterio]] to test She-Hulk for compatibility. She is subdued and cloned, but escapes with the aid of [[Spider-Man]].<ref>''The Sensational She-Hulk'' vol. 2 #1–3 (May–July 1989). Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Nagan is arrested by the New York city police. Nagan is seen without the Headmen during a [[Vault (Marvel Comics)|Vault]] outbreak. He and the female [[Joanna Cargill|Frenzy]], being held in neighboring cells, are freed by [[Electro (Marvel Comics)|Electro]].<ref>''Avengers: Death Trap: The Vault'' #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


The Headmen tracked Spider-Man to a party Alicia Masters was hosting in order to procure Spider-Man's body for Chondu. Human Torch and Spider-Man defeated the enemies and the Headmen were soon arrested.<ref>'' Web of Spider-Man'' #73. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Later allied with the A.I.M., they plotted to control an ancient space-god in order to rule the world. They resurrected the alien space god [[Orrgo]] and conquered the world with him, but the Defenders quickly defeated Orrgo and the Headmen.<ref>''The Defenders'' vol. 2 #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' vol. 2 #9–10. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
The Headmen tracked Spider-Man to a party [[Alicia Masters]] was hosting to procure Spider-Man's body for Chondu. Human Torch and Spider-Man defeated the enemies and the Headmen were soon arrested.<ref>'' Web of Spider-Man'' #73. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref> Later allied with the A.I.M., they plotted to control an ancient space-god to rule the world. They resurrected the alien space god [[Orrgo]] and conquered the world with him, but the Defenders quickly defeated Orrgo and the Headmen.<ref>''The Defenders'' vol. 2 #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref><ref>''The Defenders'' vol. 2 #9–10. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


Nagan and the Headmen then fought the [[Heroes for Hire]] while attempting to transplant [[Chondu the Mystic|Chondu]]'s head onto [[Humbug (comics)|Humbug]]'s body.<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' vol. 2 #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
Nagan and the Headmen then fought the [[Heroes for Hire]] while attempting to transplant [[Chondu the Mystic|Chondu]]'s head onto [[Humbug (character)|Humbug]]'s body.<ref>''Heroes for Hire'' vol. 2 #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


It is revealed in the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]] series that Nagan is one of the inmates left behind in the [[Negative Zone]]'s Prison 42. There, he is involved in a fight with [[Star-Lord]], who is trying to stop [[Blastaar]] and his horde from invading Earth via the closed portal in the prison.<ref>''Guardians of the Galaxy'' #9. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
It is revealed in the [[Guardians of the Galaxy (2008 team)|Guardians of the Galaxy]] series that Nagan is one of the inmates left behind in the [[Negative Zone]]'s Prison 42. There, he is involved in a fight with [[Star-Lord]], who is trying to stop [[Blastaar]] and his horde from invading Earth via the closed portal in the prison.<ref>''Guardians of the Galaxy'' #9. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
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Gorilla-Man was later behind a hostage crisis until he was defeated by [[Captain Ultra]].<ref>''X-Men: Legacy'' vol. 2 #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
Gorilla-Man was later behind a hostage crisis until he was defeated by [[Captain Ultra]].<ref>''X-Men: Legacy'' vol. 2 #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


During the "Opening Salvo" part of the "[[Secret Empire (comics)|Secret Empire]]" storyline, Gorilla-Man appears in an underground lair where he was building his army of Gorilla-Men while operating under the alias of King of the Gorilla-Men. These Gorilla-Men are the results of gorilla heads being surgically-attached to human bodies. He then finds [[Robert Maverick]] who just turned back from his [[Red Hulk]] form. While attempting to pull Robert's head out of his body in order to strengthen his Gorilla-Men army, Gorilla-Man and his Gorilla-Men are attacked and defeated by [[Squirrel Girl]], who unleashes her flying squirrels on his army.<ref>''U.S.Avengers'' #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>
During the "Opening Salvo" part of the "[[Secret Empire (2017 comic)|Secret Empire]]" storyline, Gorilla-Man appears in an underground lair where he was building his army of Gorilla-Men while operating under the alias of King of the Gorilla-Men. These Gorilla-Men are the results of gorilla heads being surgically-attached to human bodies. He then finds [[Robert Maverick]] who just turned back from his [[Red Hulk]] form. While attempting to pull Robert's head out of his body to strengthen his Gorilla-Men army, Gorilla-Man and his Gorilla-Men are attacked and defeated by [[Squirrel Girl]], who unleashes her flying squirrels on his army.<ref>''U.S.Avengers'' #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).</ref>


===Franz Radzik===
===Franz Radzik===
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
⚫
|character_name = Gorilla-Man
|image = [[File:Franz-Gorilla.jpg|200px]]
|image = [[File:Franz-Gorilla.jpg|200px]]
|imagesize =
|noimage =
|caption = The Franz Radzik version of Gorilla Man. From ''Tales to Astonish'' #28.
|caption = The Franz Radzik version of Gorilla Man. From ''Tales to Astonish'' #28.
⚫
|character_name = Gorilla-Man
|full_name = Franz Radzik
|full_name = Franz Radzik
|species = [[Human]] (formerly)<br> [[Gorilla]] (currently)
|species = [[Human]] (formerly)<br> [[Gorilla]] (currently)
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|aliases =
|aliases =
|powers = *[[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, and dexterity
|powers = *[[Superhuman strength]], stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, and dexterity
|}}
}}
'''Franz Radzik''', a scientist who created an electromagnetic ray machine to transfer his mind into a gorilla's body was known as Gorilla-Man. He was sent into deep space on an experimental rocket ship and first appeared in ''Tales to Astonish'' #28 and 30. The former story was reprinted in ''[[Adventure into Fear]]'' #5, the latter in ''Gorilla Man #3''.
'''Franz Radzik''', a scientist who created an electromagnetic ray machine to transfer his mind into a gorilla's body was known as Gorilla-Man. He was sent into deep space on an experimental rocket ship and first appeared in ''Tales to Astonish'' #28 and 30. The former story was reprinted in ''[[Adventure into Fear]]'' #5, the latter in ''Gorilla Man #3''.


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In an alternate Earth that appears in ''Avengers Forever'' #4–5, a similar version of Hale as Gorilla-Man appeared in the Avengers of the 1950s.<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref> Their timeline was destroyed by [[Immortus]].<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>
In an alternate Earth that appears in ''Avengers Forever'' #4–5, a similar version of Hale as Gorilla-Man appeared in the Avengers of the 1950s.<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #4. Marvel Comics.</ref> Their timeline was destroyed by [[Immortus]].<ref>''Avengers Forever'' #5. Marvel Comics.</ref>


On Earth-O-Men, Ken Hale appears as the Gorilla-Man on an Earth dominated by the aliens the [[Skrull]]s.<ref>''Paradise X: Heralds'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>
On Earth-O-Men, Ken Hale appears as the Gorilla-Man on an Earth dominated by the [[Skrull]]s.<ref>''Paradise X: Heralds'' #3. Marvel Comics.</ref>


==In other media==
==In other media==
⚫
The Ken Hale incarnation of Gorilla-Man appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2]]'' via the "[[Agents of Atlas]]" DLC pack.
===Video games===
⚫
* The Ken Hale version of Gorilla-Man appears as a playable character as part of the Agents of Atlas DLC pack in ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2]]''.


== Collected Editions ==
==Collected Editions==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
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{{She-Hulk}}
{{She-Hulk}}


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[[Category:Animal superheroes]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1954]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1954]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with immortality]]
[[Category:Fictional gorillas]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Fictional human–animal hybrids]]
[[Category:Fictional inventors]]
[[Category:Fictional inventors in comics]]
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[[Category:Fictional mercenaries in comics]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Fictional surgeons]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Gorilla characters in comics]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman senses]]
[[Category:Howling Commandos]]
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[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics animals]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics animals]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics hybrids]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics hybrids]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics mutates]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics immortals]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman senses]]
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[[Category:Marvel Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics superheroes]]
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[[Category:Fictional mercenaries in comics]]
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[[Category:Gorilla characters in comics]]
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[[Category:Howling Commandos]]

Latest revision as of 19:44, 6 December 2024

Gorilla-Man is an alias used by three different fictional superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, beginning in 1954 with the character of Kenneth Hale, and continuing with Arthur Nagan, who also first appeared in 1954, and Franz Radzik, who first appeared in 1962.

Publication history

[edit]

The character of Kenneth Hale first appeared in Men's Adventures #26 (March 1954).[1]

Dr. Arthur Nagan first appeared in Mystery Tales #21 (Sept. 1954), and was created by Bob Powell. This story was reprinted in Weird Wonder Tales #7 (Dec. 1974). Steve Gerber created the Headmen after reading the reprint issue. The character subsequently appears in The Defenders #21 (March 1975), 31–33 (January–March 1976), 35 (May 1976), The Defenders Annual #1 (Oct. 1976), Power Man/Iron Fist #68 (April 1981), Marvel Age Annual #1 (1985), The Sensational She-Hulk vol. 2 #1–3 (May–July 1989), Avengers: Deathtrap: The Vault Graphic Novel (1991), Web of Spider-Man #73 (Feb. 1991), Marvel Comics Presents #97 (1992), The Defenders vol. 2 #5 (July 2001), 7–10 (Sept.–Dec. 2001), and Heroes for Hire #6–8 (March–May 2007). Gorilla-Man appeared as part of the "Headmen" entry in the original The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe #5, and in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe Update '89 #3.

Franz Radzik first appeared in Tales to Astonish #28 (Feb. 1962).

Fictional character biography

[edit]

Kenneth Hale

[edit]
Gorilla-Man
Cover art for Agents of Atlas #2.
Art by Tomm Coker.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceMen's Adventures #26 (March 1954)
Created byRobert Q. Sale (artist)
In-story information
Full nameKenneth Hale
SpeciesHuman (formerly)
Enchanted Gorilla (currently)
Team affiliationsAgents of Atlas
Nick Fury's Howling Commandos
Mercs for Money
Agents of Wakanda
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, dexterity, and sense of smell
  • Immortality
  • Weapon proficiency
  • Unarmed combat skills

Kenneth Hale was a happy-go-lucky soldier of fortune. He is characterised as risking his life for thrills, but with a fear of death. He heard of a local tribal legend from Africa that stated, "If you kill the magical Gorilla-Man, you become immortal". The character traveled to Africa to find the Gorilla-Man. Hale abandoned his goal at the last minute, but his encounter with the Gorilla-Man forced him to shoot. The story follows that Hale then became immortal, but at the cost of becoming a Gorilla-Man himself. After operating his own team for a while, Hale retired, residing in a large treehouse near the Congo.[2]

He served as a guide for the original X-Men and proved himself to be a formidable one. He was given a special yearbook and was acknowledged as an ally, or "X-Ape".[3]

The character of Hale later worked with the Avengers,[volume & issue needed] S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Howling Commandos unit,[volume & issue needed] and the Agents of Atlas.[citation needed] During the "Secret Invasion" storyline, Gorilla-Man and Human Robot rescue Namora from the Skrulls.[4] After Norman Osborn gains a position of power in the American government, Gorilla-Man and the Agents of Atlas begin working against Norman's interests. To stop the acquisition of powerful weaponry, the Agents steal gold from Fort Knox.[5]

Operating on his own, Gorilla-Man tracked heroin dealers to an underground facility in Chinatown, San Francisco. There he teams up with Wolverine, Master Po, and Fat Cobra, who are part of a larger group seeking to stop the heroin shipments. They discover a vast underground empire, looking to control all crime above ground. Working together, the heroes manage to obliterate the criminal group.[6]

As part of the 2016 Marvel NOW! branding, Gorilla-Man appears as a member of Domino's incarnation of the Mercs for Money.[7]

Black Panther later visits Gorilla-Man and persuades him to join the Agents of Wakanda.[8]

During The War of the Realms storyline, Gorilla-Man is seen talking to Ursa Major in the Wundagore Zoo in Transia, discussing about an undercover operation he's running for Black Panther, until Ka-Zar picks him up and takes him to Avengers Mountain. He helps Black Panther destroy the enemy forces that were attacking the mountain by activating a weapon inside the Celestial's body, but gets wounded after a few Dark Elves infiltrate the mountain. While recovering, he talks to Odin and it's later revealed that he betrayed the Avengers for Dracula's Legion of the Unliving. He's later seen helping Ka-Zar and Blade in fighting Roxxon's Berserkers when infiltrating their secret base in Antarctica.[9]

Arthur Nagan

[edit]
Gorilla-Man
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceMystery Tales #21 (Sept. 1954)
Created byBob Powell (artist)
In-story information
Full nameArthur Nagan
SpeciesHuman mutate
Team affiliationsHeadmen
A.I.M.
Circus of Crime
Lethal Legion
Notable aliasesDr. Ruhart Gnaan
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, stamina, durability, speed, agility, reflexes, and dexterity
  • Surgery mastery

Dr. Arthur Nagan is a former surgeon who took the organs from gorillas to use in people. However, his scheme was thwarted by the gorillas who somehow transplanted his head onto a gorilla's body.[10] He is a member of the Headmen and fought with The Defenders on several occasions.[11][12][13] Upon his release from prison, he attacked Power Man, who was temporarily de-powered.[14] He is a former member of the Lethal Legion.[15]

He later rejoined by the Headmen and participates in the plan to give his ally, Chondu, a new body — specifically, the body of a clone of She-Hulk. The Headmen hire the Ringmaster and his Circus of Crime, then later Mysterio to test She-Hulk for compatibility. She is subdued and cloned, but escapes with the aid of Spider-Man.[16] Nagan is arrested by the New York city police. Nagan is seen without the Headmen during a Vault outbreak. He and the female Frenzy, being held in neighboring cells, are freed by Electro.[17]

The Headmen tracked Spider-Man to a party Alicia Masters was hosting to procure Spider-Man's body for Chondu. Human Torch and Spider-Man defeated the enemies and the Headmen were soon arrested.[18] Later allied with the A.I.M., they plotted to control an ancient space-god to rule the world. They resurrected the alien space god Orrgo and conquered the world with him, but the Defenders quickly defeated Orrgo and the Headmen.[19][20]

Nagan and the Headmen then fought the Heroes for Hire while attempting to transplant Chondu's head onto Humbug's body.[21]

It is revealed in the Guardians of the Galaxy series that Nagan is one of the inmates left behind in the Negative Zone's Prison 42. There, he is involved in a fight with Star-Lord, who is trying to stop Blastaar and his horde from invading Earth via the closed portal in the prison.[22]

He sided with Blastaar's forces when the Shadow Initiative invaded to take the prison back. Despite inflicting heavy casualties on the Shadow Initiative's forces, Nagan and his allies were betrayed by fellow inmate Hardball. Hardball killed the Negative aliens but let Nagan live.[23]

During the "Fear Itself" storyline, Nagan is among the criminals who escaped from the Raft after Juggernaut, in the form of Kuurth: Breaker of Stone, leveled it. He was detained by Justice.[24]

Gorilla-Man was later behind a hostage crisis until he was defeated by Captain Ultra.[25]

During the "Opening Salvo" part of the "Secret Empire" storyline, Gorilla-Man appears in an underground lair where he was building his army of Gorilla-Men while operating under the alias of King of the Gorilla-Men. These Gorilla-Men are the results of gorilla heads being surgically-attached to human bodies. He then finds Robert Maverick who just turned back from his Red Hulk form. While attempting to pull Robert's head out of his body to strengthen his Gorilla-Men army, Gorilla-Man and his Gorilla-Men are attacked and defeated by Squirrel Girl, who unleashes her flying squirrels on his army.[26]

Franz Radzik

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Gorilla-Man
The Franz Radzik version of Gorilla Man. From Tales to Astonish #28.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceTales to Astonish #28 (Feb. 1962)
Created byStan Lee, Larry Lieber (writers)
Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
Full nameFranz Radzik
SpeciesHuman (formerly)
Gorilla (currently)
Abilities

Franz Radzik, a scientist who created an electromagnetic ray machine to transfer his mind into a gorilla's body was known as Gorilla-Man. He was sent into deep space on an experimental rocket ship and first appeared in Tales to Astonish #28 and 30. The former story was reprinted in Adventure into Fear #5, the latter in Gorilla Man #3.

NOTE: This is not to be confused with a story from Strange Tales #1. In it, a man who admires evil things is injected with a formula by an evil scientist which turns him into an ape, as he hopes to become a creature of evil. A student is knocked out by the evil man. He is tied to a chair and gagged at the home of the scientist. The mind of the man is sent back through the ages as he becomes an ape. However, the other man is able to free himself. He breaks the scientist's neck, but is captured and caged at the local zoo.

Powers and abilities

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As Gorilla-Man, Kenneth Hale possesses the body of a mountain gorilla, while retaining his normal human intelligence. He has access to various weapons with a preference for firearms. Even as a human, he is skilled at fighting. Hale also has been cursed with virtual immortality and maintained the same level of physical prowess over decades.[27]

The Arthur Nagan version of Gorilla-Man is an experienced transplant surgeon and inventor. His large gorilla body possesses immense physical attributes.[28]

The Franz Radzik version of Gorilla-Man has similar powers as the other two, but it left him unable to speak.

Other versions

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In an alternate Earth that appears in Avengers Forever #4–5, a similar version of Hale as Gorilla-Man appeared in the Avengers of the 1950s.[29] Their timeline was destroyed by Immortus.[30]

On Earth-O-Men, Ken Hale appears as the Gorilla-Man on an Earth dominated by the Skrulls.[31]

In other media

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The Ken Hale incarnation of Gorilla-Man appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 via the "Agents of Atlas" DLC pack.

Collected Editions

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Title Material Collected Published Date ISBN
Gorilla Man Gorilla Man #1-3 and material from Weird Wonder Tales #7, Tales to Astonish #28 and 30, Avengers vs. Atlas #4, X-Men: First Class #8 and Men's Adventures #28. December 15, 2010 978-0785149118

References

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  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ Men's Adventures #26 (March 1954). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  3. ^ X-Men First Class #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  4. ^ Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  5. ^ Dark Reign: New Nation (Feb. 2009). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  6. ^ Wolverine: Goodbye Chinatown (March 2012). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  7. ^ Deadpool & the Mercs for Money vol. 2 #4 (Dec. 2016). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  8. ^ Avengers vol. 8 #12. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  9. ^ Avengers vol. 8 #19–20. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  10. ^ Mystery Tales #21. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  11. ^ The Defenders #21
  12. ^ The Defenders #31–33. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  13. ^ The Defenders Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  14. ^ Power Man and Iron Fist #68 (April 1981). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  15. ^ Marvel Age Annual #1. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  16. ^ The Sensational She-Hulk vol. 2 #1–3 (May–July 1989). Marvel Comics (New York City).
  17. ^ Avengers: Death Trap: The Vault #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  18. ^ Web of Spider-Man #73. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  19. ^ The Defenders vol. 2 #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  20. ^ The Defenders vol. 2 #9–10. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  21. ^ Heroes for Hire vol. 2 #6–8. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  22. ^ Guardians of the Galaxy #9. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  23. ^ Avengers: the Initiative #27. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  24. ^ Avengers Academy #15. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  25. ^ X-Men: Legacy vol. 2 #8. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  26. ^ U.S.Avengers #5. Marvel Comics (New York City).
  27. ^ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #4 (September 2008)
  28. ^ Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z Update Vol 1 #3 (October 2010)
  29. ^ Avengers Forever #4. Marvel Comics.
  30. ^ Avengers Forever #5. Marvel Comics.
  31. ^ Paradise X: Heralds #3. Marvel Comics.
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