.gif)
Gibbon (comics)
Encyclopedia
Gibbon is a fictional character
, a Marvel Comics
mutant
, associated with Spider-Man
.
and John Romita Sr., the Gibbon first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man
#110 (July 1972).
The character subsequently appears in Amazing Spider-Man #111, The Spectacular Spider-Man #59-#60 (October–November 1981), #245-246 (April–May 1997), #252-253 (December 1997-January 1998), #256 (June 1998), She-Hulk #6 (May 2006), Punisher War Journal #4 (April 2007), #16 (April 2008), and Marvel Apes #1-4 (September–October 2008).
The Gibbon received an entry in the All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z #4 (2006)
with an apelike build and agility, the Gibbon later joins a circus where he does well as an acrobat
. His powers are later enhanced by a potion given to him by Kraven the Hunter
to "Unleash the Beast within". Martin Blank begins his career as a friend of Spider-Man's. He even wants to be his partner, but Spider-Man laughs at him. Sick of being seen as a freak Martin cannot take further ridicule and lashes out. He then catches the eye of Kraven the Hunter who enhances the Gibbon's powers with a herb broth, also giving him a great animal rage. After Spider-Man defeats him, Martin isn't seen for a while.
Later, Gibbon seeks revenge on Spider-Man, trying to prove himself as good as his foe. He is caught in the middle of a fight with Spider-Man and the Beetle. Eventually Gibbon helps Spider-Man by punching out the Beetle. Gibbon later joins up with other has-beens: the Kangaroo
, Grizzly
, and the Spot
to form the Legion of Losers.
This team falls apart when Spider-Man carted the Spot and the Kangaroo to jail for bank robbery
. He and the Grizzly would later attempt to go hero, helping Spider-Man thwart a bank robbery by the White Rabbit
and eventually getting an action figure
deal.
The Gibbon has been shown as retaining his physical mutation, but showed no sign of his former mutant abilities.
Gibbon is seen as a client for the law offices that employ She-Hulk. He steals her tuna melt lunch out of the fridge.
of Stilt-Man
. Almost all of the supervillains at the wake are the victims of murder/attempted murder. The Punisher
, disguised as a barman, poisons drinks and then blows up the bar. It is later mentioned that "they all had to get their stomachs pumped
and be treated for third-degree burns
."
Martin is being considered as a "potential recruit" for the Initiative
program.
Martin, nearly hairless, has spent his time since the bar attack plotting vengeance on the Punisher, against the wishes of Martin's wife, Princess Python
, who was apparently blinded in the explosion. When Martin finds the Punisher, however, he decides his revenge is not worth throwing away his life, and hands his gun over to the Punisher, returning home.
storyline, as the perfect choice for a protagonist in an ape universe.
Gibbon, apparently restored to his simian appearance with the related abilities, is left with his personal life in shambles. His attempts to side with the heroes are frustrated by his ineptitude, and even Princess Python, previously a caring and loving wife, has now become fed up with the meek loser Gibbon is reverting to. Out of boredom and depression, he replies to an ad posted on the Daily Bugle by Fiona Fitzhug, a spunky and cheery young scientist hoping to study the nature of superpowered individuals. Her experiments fling both of them into a reality populated by simian version of the Marvel Heroes, and destroy the machines that could have been used to bring Gibbon back. Fiona supposes, due to Gibbon having his powers since birth, instead of gaining them in puberty as the majority of the mutants (thus making Gibbon more similar to mutants like Multiple Man
and Nightcrawler
), and being "drawn" to that particular reality, that Gibbon may be connected somehow to the Simian World.
While Fiona asks for help from the simian version of the Fantastic Four, Gibbon is inducted by Spider-Monkey into the Ape-Vengers. Despite their friendly facade, the Ape-Vengers are far more ruthless and bestial than their human counterparts. The Gibbon sets out to discover the truth, with the help of a cadre of dissident simian heroes: the Ape-Vengers are under the thrall of Baron Blood, who in this reality stole the appearance and the powers of Captain America, using his influence to prey over villains' and dissidents' blood at his leisure.
Along with Speedball
and Wolverine
, despite being now pursued by Baron Blood and his followers, Gibbon manages to free Captain America from the iceberg in which he was entombed since the 1940s, gaining his help in battling the impersonator. Eventually he and Fiona make their way back home.
Later, he travels with Gorilla Girl
, Fiona again and several other allies as Norman Osborn
seeks to exploit the potential of the now somewhat-accessible 'ape' universe. Fiona works to provide the Gibbon was various means of disguise to hide his simian nature.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
, a Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
mutant
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
, associated with Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
.
Publication history
Created by Stan LeeStan Lee
Stan Lee is an American comic book writer, editor, actor, producer, publisher, television personality, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics....
and John Romita Sr., the Gibbon first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics, featuring the adventures of the fictional superhero Spider-Man. Being the mainstream continuity of the franchise, it began publication in 1963 as a monthly periodical and was published continuously until it was...
#110 (July 1972).
The character subsequently appears in Amazing Spider-Man #111, The Spectacular Spider-Man #59-#60 (October–November 1981), #245-246 (April–May 1997), #252-253 (December 1997-January 1998), #256 (June 1998), She-Hulk #6 (May 2006), Punisher War Journal #4 (April 2007), #16 (April 2008), and Marvel Apes #1-4 (September–October 2008).
The Gibbon received an entry in the All-New Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A-Z #4 (2006)
Fictional character biography
Seemingly born a mutantMutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
with an apelike build and agility, the Gibbon later joins a circus where he does well as an acrobat
Acrobatics
Acrobatics is the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in many of the performing arts, as well as many sports...
. His powers are later enhanced by a potion given to him by Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter
Kraven the Hunter is a fictional character, a supervillain and enemy of Spider-Man appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Kraven's name is Sergei Kravinoff. He also appears as Xraven, with white-grey skin and red eyes, possessing the powers of X-Men. He is the half-brother of Dmitri...
to "Unleash the Beast within". Martin Blank begins his career as a friend of Spider-Man's. He even wants to be his partner, but Spider-Man laughs at him. Sick of being seen as a freak Martin cannot take further ridicule and lashes out. He then catches the eye of Kraven the Hunter who enhances the Gibbon's powers with a herb broth, also giving him a great animal rage. After Spider-Man defeats him, Martin isn't seen for a while.
Later, Gibbon seeks revenge on Spider-Man, trying to prove himself as good as his foe. He is caught in the middle of a fight with Spider-Man and the Beetle. Eventually Gibbon helps Spider-Man by punching out the Beetle. Gibbon later joins up with other has-beens: the Kangaroo
Kangaroo (comics)
The Kangaroo is the alias of two fictional Spider-Man villains in the Marvel Universe. The first was introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man #81 in 1970; the second was first seen in Cage #13 in 1993 and made his debut in The Spectacular Spider-Man #242 in 1997...
, Grizzly
Grizzly (comics)
Grizzly is the name of four unrelated fictional characters from the Marvel Comics universe. One is a wild west villain, one is an A.I.M. Agent, one is a foe of Spider-Man, and the fourth is a mutant who was a member of Six Pack.-Grizzly :...
, and the Spot
Spot (comics)
The Spot is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain in the Marvel Comics universe and appearing as an enemy of Spider-Man. He was created by Al Milgrom and Herb Trimpe. Ohnn first appeared unnamed in Spectacular Spider-Man #97 and became The Spot in the following issue #98.-Fictional...
to form the Legion of Losers.
This team falls apart when Spider-Man carted the Spot and the Kangaroo to jail for bank robbery
Bank robbery
Bank robbery is the crime of stealing from a bank during opening hours. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, robbery is "the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of...
. He and the Grizzly would later attempt to go hero, helping Spider-Man thwart a bank robbery by the White Rabbit
White Rabbit (comics)
The White Rabbit is a supervillainess in the Marvel Universe and is an enemy of Spider-Man . She first appeared in Marvel Team-Up #131 in July 1983, and was created by J.M...
and eventually getting an action figure
Action figure
An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and male collectors...
deal.
The Gibbon has been shown as retaining his physical mutation, but showed no sign of his former mutant abilities.
Gibbon is seen as a client for the law offices that employ She-Hulk. He steals her tuna melt lunch out of the fridge.
Civil War/The Initiative
The Gibbon is a self-confessed loser at the wakeWake (ceremony)
A wake is a ceremony associated with death. Traditionally, a wake takes place in the house of the deceased, with the body present; however, modern wakes are often performed at a funeral home. In the United States and Canada it is synonymous with a viewing...
of Stilt-Man
Stilt-Man
Stilt-Man is the name of two supervillains in Marvel Comics.-Publication history:Stilt-Man first appeared in Daredevil vol. 1 #8 and was one of his earliest enemies. He is a criminal wearing a suit of armor with powerful telescopic legs .The character did not age well, as his powers were more a...
. Almost all of the supervillains at the wake are the victims of murder/attempted murder. The Punisher
Punisher
The Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
, disguised as a barman, poisons drinks and then blows up the bar. It is later mentioned that "they all had to get their stomachs pumped
Gastric lavage
Gastric lavage, also commonly called stomach pumping or Gastric irrigation, is the process of cleaning out the contents of the stomach. It has been used for over 200 years as a means of eliminating poisons from the stomach. Such devices are normally used on a person who has ingested a poison or...
and be treated for third-degree burns
Burn (injury)
A burn is a type of injury to flesh caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, light, radiation or friction. Most burns affect only the skin . Rarely, deeper tissues, such as muscle, bone, and blood vessels can also be injured...
."
Martin is being considered as a "potential recruit" for the Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative
Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series from Marvel Comics. Written by Dan Slott and Christos Gage with artwork initially by Stefano Caselli, Steve Uy and Harvey Tolibao, the series dealt with the aftermath of Marvel's Civil War crossover Avengers: The Initiative was a comic book series...
program.
Martin, nearly hairless, has spent his time since the bar attack plotting vengeance on the Punisher, against the wishes of Martin's wife, Princess Python
Princess Python
Princess Python is a fictional character, a supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe, most notably as a member of the Circus of Crime. She has no superhuman abilities, but rather relies on her snake charming skills and her pet rock python snake. She has fought several superheroes, ranging from...
, who was apparently blinded in the explosion. When Martin finds the Punisher, however, he decides his revenge is not worth throwing away his life, and hands his gun over to the Punisher, returning home.
Marvel Apes
Gibbon returns as the lead character in the Marvel ApesMarvel Apes
Marvel Apes is a four-issue limited series by comics publisher Marvel Comics which started publication in October 2008. The series is written by Karl Kesel with art by Ramon Bachs and covers by John Watson....
storyline, as the perfect choice for a protagonist in an ape universe.
Gibbon, apparently restored to his simian appearance with the related abilities, is left with his personal life in shambles. His attempts to side with the heroes are frustrated by his ineptitude, and even Princess Python, previously a caring and loving wife, has now become fed up with the meek loser Gibbon is reverting to. Out of boredom and depression, he replies to an ad posted on the Daily Bugle by Fiona Fitzhug, a spunky and cheery young scientist hoping to study the nature of superpowered individuals. Her experiments fling both of them into a reality populated by simian version of the Marvel Heroes, and destroy the machines that could have been used to bring Gibbon back. Fiona supposes, due to Gibbon having his powers since birth, instead of gaining them in puberty as the majority of the mutants (thus making Gibbon more similar to mutants like Multiple Man
Jamie Madrox
James Arthur "Jamie" Madrox, also called the Multiple Man, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero, associated with the X-Men...
and Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler (comics)
Nightcrawler is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Universe. He has been associated with both the X-Men and Excalibur, originally appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
), and being "drawn" to that particular reality, that Gibbon may be connected somehow to the Simian World.
While Fiona asks for help from the simian version of the Fantastic Four, Gibbon is inducted by Spider-Monkey into the Ape-Vengers. Despite their friendly facade, the Ape-Vengers are far more ruthless and bestial than their human counterparts. The Gibbon sets out to discover the truth, with the help of a cadre of dissident simian heroes: the Ape-Vengers are under the thrall of Baron Blood, who in this reality stole the appearance and the powers of Captain America, using his influence to prey over villains' and dissidents' blood at his leisure.
Along with Speedball
Speedball (comics)
Robert "Robbie" Baldwin is a comic book superhero character, appearing in books published by Marvel Comics.Originally known as Speedball, the character was created by artist Steve Ditko and writer Tom DeFalco, initially as a candidate for Marvel's separate New Universe imprint.Baldwin first...
and Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, despite being now pursued by Baron Blood and his followers, Gibbon manages to free Captain America from the iceberg in which he was entombed since the 1940s, gaining his help in battling the impersonator. Eventually he and Fiona make their way back home.
Later, he travels with Gorilla Girl
Gorilla Girl
Fahnbullah Eddy, also known as Gorilla Girl, is a fictional comic book character within Marvel Comics' shared universe the Marvel Universe...
, Fiona again and several other allies as Norman Osborn
Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
seeks to exploit the potential of the now somewhat-accessible 'ape' universe. Fiona works to provide the Gibbon was various means of disguise to hide his simian nature.
Powers and abilities
Blank had a gibbon-like appearance, with superhuman strength, speed, agility, dexterity, reflexes, coordination, balance, and endurance.External links
- Gibbon at Marvel Universe
- Martin Blank (Earth-616) at the Marvel Database Project