Congorilla
Congorilla is a male comic superhero who features in DC Comics.
Contents |
Biography
Pre-Crisis
William Glenmorgan
Congo Bill and Janu the Jungle Boy were on the trail of jungle raiders when bill caught jungle sickness, and was confined to his cot to recover. A doctor treated him and Jungle Joe arrived, claiming the jungle police sent him to stop the raiders, and asking for Janu's help while Bill recovered. Bill was up and around again, but jealous of how Janu looked up to Joe, and insulted when Joie said he was staying lead on the case. Joe told Janu that the jungle sickness left Bill with a weak heart, and they needed to get him out of the jungle and away from their case. Using apples to attract baboons they placed bill in peril, and Jungle Joe had to save him. Bill was worried he was washed up, and walked off, but a rhino attack clued him into the fact that his bullets had been replaced by blanks, and Joe was trying to make him look the fool. In truth Joe was leader of the raiders, and wanted Bill gone so he could lead Janu into the raider's camp and shoot him. Bill came to the rescue and made short work of Joe. (Action Comics v1 #226) Bill and Janu were assigned to help Mr. Hadley complete a census of a big game reserve, but their helicopter had not yet arrived and Bill suggested they go on foot, knowing the helicopter would spook some of the animals. Hadley's men were in a pool to see who could come closest to the total census number, but brash Weems got 100-to-1 odds claiming he knew the exact number, 987. Unknown to his co-workers Weems used a helicopter and a telephoto camera to survey the reserve himself. Bill Janu and Hadley began their survey, but Weems, out of sight, shot a lion and a rhino that had wandered onto the reserve, unwilling to lose the bet. They caught onto what he was up to when he shot a black leopard coming out of a cave Bill was exploring that he hadn't noticed. Bill could not stand to see him win the bet after slaughtering animals, so he took two ostrich eggs and put them in the sun, hatching them and bringing the animal total to 989. (Action Comics v1 #227)
Years ago, Congo Bill and animal trainer Sam Westly took an intelligent gorilla from the jungle and brough him to America, where he became the Hollywood star Kongorilla. With public interest in Kongorilla waning Bill, Janu and Sam returned him to Africa. Soon after they released him a lion attacked Bill and Janu, but was shot as he was charging, and they spotted Kongorilla fleeing with a rifle. Janu though Kongorilla had human intelligence, but bill thought it impossible. Chief Wabanga, a trusted ally, assured Bill he'd seen Konorilla make a sign proclaiming himself lord of the jungle, and Sam revealed that he'd heard a witch doctor made the ape so smart. Bill followed Kongorilla and he appeared to carve a statue, but the villagers, who'd proclaimed Kongorilla their ruler, said they were spying, and would be put to death if Kongorilla so chose. Bill exposed Kongorilla as a sham perpetrated by Sam to garner interest in Kongorilla's unreleased movies. He'd shot the lion and put the gun in Kongorilla's hands, the sight Wabanga saw was a projection from one of Kongorilla's movies, and he did not carve a statue, he just pawed off sugar that was covering the sculpture Sam had created. (Action Comics v1 #228) Congo Bill lost a spear-throwing contest to native Kawanga, and he told Janu the game was rigged, so he'd play tricks on Kawanga's tribe to get back at him. He went to chief Hakola and bet him an ivory tusk he could get a fierce lion to eat from his hand, and won the bet. He took the tusk and told Hakola he'd fooled him by laying a honey trail to draw the lion in and jamming his mouth full of molasses so he couldn't bite. He then bet two of Hakola's tusks he could dive to the bottom of a pit of quicksand, and after winning revealed he'd dug a pit 5 feet deep and filled it with quicksand, covering the nearby 20 foot deep pool with sticks so Hakola wouldn't see the switch. He won three more trunks by laying down in front of cape buffalo and surviving. He'd put cages of herons around him, and knew the buffalo wouldn't risk hurting their natural allies. Janu chided Bill for being so mean-spirited, but when Hakola prepared for war with the Maldaya tribe Bill bet he would loose. Hakola thought it was another trick and called off the attack, so Bill revealed to Janu that he'd arranged for Kawanga to 'trick' him and fixed the bets with the chief for the sole purpose of avoiding a tribal skirmish, but he said he was keeping the tusks he'd won. (Action Comics v1 #229)
Jim Wilson was to inherit the Jungle Journel from his deceased uncle, but if he couldn't have an issue of the newspaper out in a tight time frame it would go to his cousin Dirk. Congo Bill offered to write for him, and have his chimpanzee friends deliver the Journal, while Janu went out to take news photos for the issue. Janu was being stalked by Dirk, who wanted to ruin his cousin's chances of keeping the paper. Janu took pictures of a fire ceremony, but Dirk electrified a fence that stood between him and the chimp that was to deliver the photos to Congo Bill. Janu enlisted a giraffe to grab the photos in his mouth and reach over the fence to give them to the chimp. Dirk chased Janu when he finished his last set of photos, and although Janu was briefly caught he kept the photos safe in a crocodile's mouth. With the issue ready to deliver Dirk tried to block Bill, Jim and Janu with fire, but Bill had elephants launch the papers to one village, while wildebeests delivered to the other. Dirk and his men confronted Bill with guns, but backed down when they realized local villagers had Bill's back. (Action Comics v1 #230) Congo Bill and Janu came upon raiders robbing a caravan of jewels, but when Janu leapt into action a raider blinded him by throwing sand in his face. Bill recovered the jewels by tripping up the raiders with a jungle vine, but they managed to escape, and one of the caravan merchants berated Janu for being useless, telling Bill he should find a grown-up to partner with instead of a child. Bill saw Janu's feelings were hurt, and tried to convince him of his usefulness by purposely falling into quicksand and being treed by a big cat. Janu failed to save him both times, and felt even more dejected. The raiders caught Bill in an animal trap, and after Janu freed him he used his supersonic whistle to summon the elephant Bombo, who tracked down and disabled the raiders. Janu felt vindicated when Bill congratulated his quick thinking. (Action Comics v1 #231)
Congo Bill visited a Capetown was museum and posed for a sculptor, who added his figure to the museum’s hall of explorers. Bill slept oin his hotel room when a thief robbed him and discovered his ring. The thief, having heard of the legend of the ring, slipped it on and rubbed it, finding his mind transferred to Congorilla. The thief returned to the hotel room, took his human form, and stashed it in a nearby temple. Congo bill knew he was in a jam, he couldn’t kill Congorilla, and he couldn’t let people learn his secret identity, so he donned a witch doctor mask and pursued the thief. The thief robbed a gala and a shipment of gold bullion, each time managing to evade Congo bill. Congo bill showed up at the temple, threatening to throw the thief’s human body over a cliff if he did not rub the ring and return to it. The thief complied, but the body Congo bill was holding was a wax dummy from the museum; he’d already tied up the thief’s actual body so he could be picked up by the police. (Action Comics v1 #254) Sir John led an explorers’ party into Africa’s Bukari Mountains, and hired Congo Bill as a guide. John had heard rumors that an Abominable Snowman, which he believed to be a holdover from the last Ice Age, lived at the top of the mountain, and was determined to be the first man to see it in the flesh. They made camp for the night, and john showed off his prized possession, the Star of Siam emerald, to Bill. He noticed Bill’s magic ring, and having heard of the legend of Congorilla, asked Bill to rub it. Bill said Congorilla was a myth, but agreed to rub the ring, taking a sleeping pill first so that when Congorilla’s mind entered his body he’d be fast asleep and not reveal his secret. Congorilla used binoculars to make sure his human body was asleep, and saw bandits who were after john’s emerald attack the camp. Congorilla staid out of sight and caused a cave-in under the icy ridge the bandits were standing on. The bandits scattered, but still kept their guns trained on the camp. Congorilla ran into the Abominable Snowman, who was a timid creature more afraid of him than he was of the creature. The Snowman had taken a supply-barrel from camp and was playing with it like a toy. Congorilla hurled the barrel back at the camp and the Snowman charged after it, the mere sight of him causing the bandits to flee in fear. Congorilla descended the mountain and rubbed his ring, returning his mind to Congo Bill’s body. Sir John was amazed Bill had slept through the action and admitted he was puzzled as to why the Abominable Snowman saved them. (Action Comics v1 #255)
Post-Crisis
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, Congo Bill was a lean, rugged explorer in his mid-thirties, typically clad in jungle expedition gear—khaki shirt and pants, leather belt, and boots. He carries a revolver at his hip and wears a mystical ring when he ventures into forgotten jungles. (Action Comics v1 #248) Meanwhile, Congorilla, the golden gorilla incarnation of Bill’s consciousness, stands approximately 6′8″ tall with thick, golden fur, powerful muscular limbs, and hands suited for both combat and delicate tasks. His expressive eyes reflect Bill’s human intelligence, and he often carries tribal-themed accessories as mementos of his jungle home. (Adventure Comics v1 #270)
Congo Bill was brave, morally upstanding, and deeply respectful toward native cultures. He acts with compassion and integrity, going out of his way to assist villagers and wildlife. His resourcefulness is showcased by his ability to think quickly under pressure in harsh environments, yet he remains humble and empathetic, often prioritizing the well-being of others over personal glory. (Action Comics v1 #248)
Bill was a veteran explorer and naturalist, shaped by his years in the African jungle and his service in World War I. He is characterized by his courageous, self-reliant nature, frequently venturing into perilous terrain to aid others or protect wildlife. His moral integrity is unwavering—he refuses to take life unnecessarily and is known for his unwavering honesty and reliability, making him a trusted guardian among indigenous tribes. (Action Comics v1 #248).
Beyond his bravery, Congo Bill demonstrated compassion and mentorship, seen in his enduring relationship with his ward, Janu the Jungle Boy. He takes personal responsibility for Janu’s safety and education, guiding him from jungle survival skills toward broader horizons while remaining a patient and encouraging father figure—highlighting Bill’s empathy and nurturing side. (Action Comics v1 #191)
When Bill’s consciousness inhabits the gorilla body, he retains his human intellect and moral compass. Congorilla is fiercely protective of the innocent—he intervenes decisively against threats like poachers or hostile soldiers, using his immense strength responsibly. Although he can exhibit primal ferocity in combat, he shows restraint and empathy, often employing non-lethal methods to neutralize foes. His noble sense of justice and dedication to defending the vulnerable persist in every action he takes. (Adventure Comics v1 #270)
Powers and abilities
Professional safari organizer, trail guide, and explorer William "Congo Bill" Glenmorgan was bequeathed a magic ring by his old friend Chief Kawolo. According to Kawolo, the ring, when rubbed, would cause the ring's wearer to transfer his own mind into the living body of the legendary, immortal Golden Gorilla, who lived in that region. Bill was skeptical about all this, but he accepted the ring to honor his old friend's dying wish.
Notes
- Congorilla was created by Whitney Ellsworth and George Papp where he made his first appearance in More Fun Comics v1 #56 (June, 1940).
Alternate Versions
- In Flashpoint: Grodd of War v1 #1 (2011), an alternate version of Congorilla appeared in the setting of the altered reality of the Flashpoint that was set in a world within the Multiverse. Congorilla was just a normal human before his consciousness was transferred to that of a golden gorilla. When Gorilla Grodd began his conquest of all of Africa, Congorilla killed his former human body and dedicated his life to Grodd's army, becoming one of his best soldiers. Bored with his power, Grodd sought a challenge and ordered to fight Congorilla in a one-on-one match. Unaware it was to the death, Congorilla pulled his punches, only to anger Grodd more with his sympathy for fairness. Through his rage, Grodd decapitated Congorilla by ripping his head off with his bare hands.
In other media
Television
- In Arrow, William Glenmorgan appeared in the setting of the live-action television series set in the Arrowverse in the episode "My Name is Emiko Queen" where he was portrayed by actor Edward Foy. This version had no powers and a vastly different backstory with him operating as a villainous mercenary.
- In Stargirl, William Glenmorgan was referenced in the setting of the live-action television series. Congo Bill appeared on a leaflet that highlighted his adventures.
- In Creature Commandos, Congorilla appeared in the setting of the animated television series in the episode "Chasing Squirrels" where he was voiced by Jason Konopisos. This version was a human-sized golden ape who came to be an inmate of Belle Reve Penitentiary's Non-Human Interment Division. It was shown that he and a fellow in-mate would bully Nina Mazursky by stealing her food. This incident drew the ire of the Bride who attacked and ultimately killed him with this being a warning to the other prisoners against bullying Mazursky.
Films
- In Congo Bill, Congo Bill appeared in the setting of the 1948 live-action Columbia movie serial where he was portrayed by actor Don McGuire. He was a famed hunter and animal trainer when one day he was approached by the Culver family to rescue their daughter who had gone missing in Africa and was set to inherit the family's vast fortune. He would follow the legend concerning the mysterious White Queen named Queen Lureen who was actually Ruth Culver, the white ruler of a forbidden valley in Africa and the missing heiress to the Culver wealth. In this time, Bernie McGraw and his brother Tom McGraw were trustees of the Culver estate where they looked to claim the fortune for themselves.
Appearances
- More Fun Comics v1: (1940)
- Action Comics v1:
External Links
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