Hippo (comics)

Publication history

Hippo first appeared in Dark Reign: The Sinister Spider-Man #1 and was created by Brian Reed, Chris Bachalo, and Tim Townsend.

Fictional character biography

Hippo is an ordinary zoo hippopotamus named "Mrs. Fluffy Lumpkins" (this was the name given to the hippopotamus despite the fact that it was a male) who was turned into a humanoid version of himself by the High Evolutionary. While on a crime spree upon being unable to find work in this form, he had his left leg eaten by Venom (who was masquerading as Spider-Man during the time when he was a member of the Dark Avengers). After that experience, he joined up with the Redeemers alongside Dementoid, Doctor Everything, Eleven, and General Wolfram in a plan to redeem "Spider-Man". During the meeting of the Redeemers' allies, Hippo mentions his background as those who had their limbs eaten off by Venom are outfitted with cybernetic parts. When it came time for the Redeemers' gang to attack "Spider-Man", Hippo is rammed into General Wolfram when "Spider-Man" delivers a strong headbutt that did this.

Hippo is later seen fighting New Avengers members Spider-Man and Ronin. During this appearance, Hippo is shown to have his original left leg as if it was somehow restored. Both of them have a hard time taking down Hippo, who is ultimately defeated when Luke Cage falls on him.

During the Origin of the Species storyline, Hippo is among the supervillains gathered by Doctor Octopus to secure specific items for him in exchange for a reward.

Hippo next visits an underground casino in New York City that catered to the supervillain clientele where Hippo does badly at the tables. When Daredevil and Domino crash the casino, Tiger Shark asked Hippo for help. Hippo declined since he had enough losses for the night.

Hippo begins attending Super Villains Anonymous meetings that was held at a church and also attended by Boomerang, Doctor Bong, Grizzly, Looter, Mirage, Porcupine II, and others. Hippo listened to Mirage's tale of woes and even gave Mirage a hug. He even offers a hug to the disgusted Boomerang. Hippo attended another Supervillains Anonymous meeting. He listened to Grizzly and Looter where they tell about their run-ins with Spider-Man.

Hippo later appears as a member of the Menagerie which also consists of Skein, White Rabbit, and a new villain called Panda-Mania. They were on a rampage stealing expensive eggs from an auction until Spider-Man arrives. Hippo throws cars at Spider-Man while claiming that the eggs would "secure his future." He and the Menagerie are defeated by Spider-Man despite the fact that Skein used her powers to destroy Spider-Man's outfit. Hippo and the rest of the Menagerie later reunite to commit a diamond heist, but they are once again defeated by Spider-Man.

Later, Hippo appeared by himself attempting to rob a bank that was being guarded by Squirrel Girl. After a brief fight with Squirrel Girl, Chipmunk Hunk, and Koi Boi, he was convinced by Squirrel Girl to look into a job in demolition at which point he agrees and leaves without issue.

Powers and abilities

Hippo possesses superhuman strength and has a hard hide that is durable. He is also shown to be very adept in the water.

Trivia