Monkey Business: Who's the Boss?

 

This time around, a couple of gorilla-human hybrids...

Name: Gorilla Boss

First Appearance: Batman #75 (1953)

History: Following his execution in the gas chamber, the brain of mobster George Dyke was transplanted by renegade scientist Doc Willard into the body of "the world's largest gorilla". Not wasting any time, Gorilla Boss and his henchmen embarked on a million dollar crime spree, culminating in the defeat and capture of Batman. Gorilla Boss then commanded Doc Willard to transplant his brain into Batman's body, a plan that foiled when Batman regained consciousness in the nick of time (of course). An enraged Gorilla Boss then escaped with Doc Willard in tow, but soon died in a fall.

Some years later, the Gorilla Boss' brain was expanded to the size of a planet and used as a power source by Sinestro, only to be destroyed by Superman.

Powers and Abilities: In addition to his sneaky mobster brain, George Dyke's gorilla form possessed incredible strength, dexterity, and (most likely) odor.

Not to be confused with:

Name: Mod Gorilla Boss

First Appearance: Strange Adventures #201 (1967)

History: While foiling a jewelry store robbery, Animal Man (then called "A-Man" for some reason) was grabbed from behind by a talking gorilla wearing a zoot suit. Mysteriously unable to absorb the beast's power (as he could with any other animal), Animal Man is captured by the groovy gorilla and his gang. While in captivity, Animal Man observed his laboratory surroundings and deduced the Mod Gorilla Boss wasn't actually a gorilla at all, but a human transformed by regular injections of a special serum. With this in mind, Animal Man escaped and began a marathon battle with Mod Gorilla Boss, causing the serum to wear off and return him to human form.

 

Powers and Abilities: A groovy fashion sense.

Comments

[michaelrbn]

I think that Batman issue is from 1956, not 1966. And I can't think of anything else to say because I'm still recovering from reading that Animal Man story in the recent DC TPB on gorillas.

[Mark Engblom]

Yeah, I noticed the date was wrong, but it's correct now. Thanks for the heads up.

[Dan Childers (ex-SGT 82d Abn Div)]

Mark - I am writing here as I couldn't find another feedback location. Your brief blurb on the realistic M-16 included an interesting note. The "urban legend" you mention is in fact, true. The Mattel company did make the plastic and spring steel handguards and stocks of the early M-16 under license. I had one. The winking crowned emblem and "Mattel" were clearly stamped into it. The legend is that they made the WEAPON, which initially used underpowered ammunition, and often jammed.

[Mark Engblom]

Hey, thanks for the clarification, Dan! I've already added your update to the original post. Great to have readers like you with such great insights!

[Kyle]

Mark - Great timing on this article! I just picked up about a half dozen Slott/Templeton issues of Batman Adventures that I found in the bargain bin. Several of which featured none other than Gorilla Boss (with normal human sized brain). I had no idea he was a pre-existing character...

[Mark Engblom]

Well, I'd heard that you picked up those Batman Adventures issues, and knew I had to do something to celebrate. ;)

Yeah, those writers usually know their stuff, so you can almost bet any character you see in those animated Batman comics have SOME connection to the Batman comic book mythos (no matter how obscure). It's great to hear they had some more fun with the ol' Gorilla Boss.

[googum]

The World's Finest issue with the Gorilla Boss's brain and Sinestro, is like double insane. Not in a great way, but an enjoyable trainwreck.

[Mark Engblom]

I'd love to read it, since it sounds like something that needs to be seen to be believed (and maybe not even then).

[PAUL SAETHER]

YOU SHOULD LOOK UP "MICKEY THE MONKEY"...HE WAS THE FIRST TALKING 'APE' IN MY READING EXPERIENCE.

[Mark Engblom]

OKAY, I'LL DO THAT, PAUL! THANKS!