Real Name: Unknown
Occupation: Explorer, Trapper, Naturalist, Ex-Corporate President
Marital Status: Single
Known Relatives: Janu, adopted son (unofficial)
Group Affiliations: Forgotten Heroes
Base of Operation: Kenya, Africa
Ht: 6'1" (6'8" as Congorilla)
Wt: 186 lbs. (706 lbs. as Congorilla)
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black (w/gray)
HISTORY
Something of a local legend on the Africa continent, Congo Bill is a
noted
naturalist and trapper whose integrity and philanthropic nature has
made him
a well respected figure in that part of the world. Although considered
perhaps one of the greatest hunters ever known, Congo Bill is equally
noted
for his great love and appreciation for the African landscape and
wildlife.
During his varied career Congo Bill befriended a tribal witch doctor by
the
name of Chief Kawola. Due to an unfortunate accident Kawola was
mortally
wounded and, despite Congo Bill's best effort, realized he was soon to
die.
Feeling his old friend was the only he could trust with it, Kawola left
Congo Bill something known as a Spirit Ring. By rubbing this ring, the
dying chief claimed, its wearer could switch places with their tribal
god,
the golden Congorilla. Congo Bill took the ring to humor the old chief
although he thought the story nothing but superstitious myth. It was
not
until some time later, when a chance avalanche trapped him inside a
cave,
that Bill attempted to use it, figuring he had nothing to lose. The
'myth'
was true and he was immediately transported into the body of the
Congorilla,
a legendary and powerful golden gorilla. Freeing his body from the
cave,
Congo Bill would then go on to use the ring and thus Congorilla in his
various exploits across the continent, writing a new legend as he went.
Earlier in his life Congo Bill had come into contact with a child named
Janu, a wild orphan living in the jungles. Taking Janu "the Jungle
Boy"
under wing, Congo Bill became a sort of mentor to him, eventually
sending
him to America to complete his education. Although they are not
related,
Janu is the closest thing to a son Congo Bill has. Years later, Janu
would
return and convince Bill to give up his adventuresome heroics as
Congorilla
and institute the sort of change that would really help Africa:
industrialization. Congo Bill agreed and the company he and Janu
formed
proved immensely successful and was quite lucrative for all involved.
Under the guidance of Bill, it would also be something of a rarity
among
such industries, proving both non-exploitative of the native population
and
one of the most environmentally aware industries on the planet.
Eventually Bill tired of this life however and left the company to
Janu, a
far more enthusiastic businessman anyhow. Briefly Congo Bill and the
Congorilla would return to the superhero scene when he aided the
Forgotten
Heroes in preventing a world threatening disaster. He did not stay
with the
team for long after though and soon returned to the brush country of
Africa,
his one true love. Something of a recluse these days, Bill none the
less
continues to work for what he sees as good causes, occasionally through
the
Congorilla.
POWERS & WEAPONS
Congo Bill is perhaps one of the most talented trackers alive today,
despite
his advancing years. Although he disdains the killing of any animal,
he is
also an expert hunter and superb marksman. He is a capable hand to
hand
fighter as well.
By rubbing the Spirit Ring he wears, Congo Bill is able to switch
places
with the Congorilla for an indefinite period of time. The Congorilla
is
both extraordinarily strong and agile, far beyond the ability of any
normal
simian. The Congorilla also wears a Spirit Ring that allows Congo Bill
to
switch back. If the ring is removed, the switch can not be made.
Theoretically the rings should allow the owner(s) to switch between any
peoples or creatures as long as each is wearing one, though this has
not
been extensively tested.
