# Congorilla

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{{Short description|Fictional gorilla which appear in DC Comics and Vertigo Comics}}
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| character_name = Congorilla
| image          = Congorilla.jpg
| converted      = y
| caption        = Congorilla as seen in the promotional art for ''[Justice League: Cry for Justice](/source/Justice_League%3A_Cry_for_Justice)'' by Mauro Cascioli.
| publisher      = [DC Comics](/source/DC_Comics)
| debut          = ''[More Fun Comics](/source/More_Fun_Comics)'' #56 (June 1940)
| creators       = [Whitney Ellsworth](/source/Whitney_Ellsworth) (writer)<br>[George Papp](/source/George_Papp) (artist)
| alter_ego      = William Glenmorgan
| species        = [Human](/source/Human) (formerly)<br/> [Enchanted](/source/Incantation) golden [gorilla](/source/gorilla) (currently)
| alliances      = [Forgotten Heroes](/source/Forgotten_Heroes)<br/>[Justice League](/source/Justice_League)
| aliases        = Congo Bill
| powers         = * [Superhuman strength](/source/Superhuman_strength), stamina, durability, agility, reflexes, and senses
* [Healing factor](/source/Healing)
* Size manipulation
* [Immortality](/source/Immortality) 
| cat            = super
| subcat         = DC Comics
| hero           = y
| sortkey        = Congorilla
}}
'''Congorilla''' (originally in human: '''William''' "'''Congo Bill'''" '''Glenmorgan''') is a [superhero](/source/superhero) appearing in [comic book](/source/comic_book)s published by [DC Comics](/source/DC_Comics) and [Vertigo Comics](/source/Vertigo_Comics). Originally co-created by writer [Whitney Ellsworth](/source/Whitney_Ellsworth) and artist [George Papp](/source/George_Papp). The character first appeared in ''[More Fun Comics](/source/More_Fun_Comics)'' #56 (June 1940).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=343}}</ref>

==Publication history==
''Congo Bill'' was a long-running DC Comics adventure [comic strip](/source/comic_strip), often reminiscent of [Alex Raymond](/source/Alex_Raymond)'s ''[Jungle Jim](/source/Jungle_Jim)'' [newspaper](/source/newspaper) strip. Originating in ''More Fun Comics'' #56, the strip was a moderate success and ran there until issue #67 (May 1941), after which it moved to ''[Action Comics](/source/Action_Comics)'' from issue #37 (June 1941).

''Action Comics'' #191 (April 1954) introduced [Janu the Jungle Boy](/source/Janu_the_Jungle_Boy), a young boy brought up in the jungle after his father had been killed by a tiger. In 1954, DC gave Congo Bill a solo series, published on a bi-monthly schedule, which lasted for seven issues (August/September 1954 – August/September 1955).

Congo Bill encountered the legendary golden gorilla in ''[Action Comics](/source/Action_Comics)'' #224 (January 1957).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rovin |first1=Jeff |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cartoon Animals |date=1991 |publisher=Prentice Hall Press |isbn=0-13-275561-0 |access-date=8 April 2020 |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc00rovi/page/54/mode/2up/ |page=54}}</ref> He also encountered the similarly named '''Congorilla''' in ''[Action Comics](/source/Action_Comics)'' #228 (May 1957). In issue #248 (January 1959), Bill was transformed into Congorilla and the title of the strip was likewise changed.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schelly |first1=William |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s |date=2013 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=9781605490540 |page=215}}</ref> The ''Congorilla'' series ran in ''Action Comics'' until issue #261 (February 1960), after which it was transferred to ''[Adventure Comics](/source/Adventure_Comics)'' from issues #270 (March 1960) to #283 (April 1961).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kurt |last2=Thomas |first2=Roy |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944 |date=2019 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490892 |page=26}}</ref>

Since the demise of his series, Congorilla has mainly been seen as a guest star in other titles, including as part of the [Forgotten Heroes](/source/Forgotten_Heroes). The character received a [mini-series](/source/Limited_series_(comics)) of his own in 1992, where Janu betrays Bill, usurps the Congorilla identity, and partially blinds him. In 1999, DC Comics once again brought Congo Bill back for another four-issue [limited series](/source/Limited_series_(comics)) under the company's mature readership Vertigo Comics imprint.

Congorilla returned in the 2009 series ''[Cry for Justice](/source/Cry_for_Justice)'', joining a proactive splinter faction of the [Justice League](/source/Justice_League). Following that series, Congorilla became a main character in ''Justice League of America'' as a full-time member of the Justice League.<ref name=regrettable>{{cite book |last1=Morris |first1=Jon |title=The League of Regrettable Superheroes: Half Baked Heroes from Comic Book History |date=2015 |publisher=Quirk Books |location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |isbn=978-1-59474-763-2 |pages=142–143}}</ref> He also starred in the ''Starman/Congorilla'' one-shot (March 2011) alongside close friend and teammate [Starman (Mikaal Tomas)](/source/Starman_(Mikaal_Tomas)).

Congo Bill appears in the ''Rebirth'' continuity as the warden of Monster Rock, where he trains the hero [Damage](/source/Damage_(DC_Comics)) in controlling his abilities.

==Fictional character biography==
William "Congo Bill" Glenmorgan<ref>''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #47 (September 2010). DC Comics.</ref> was born in 1898, the son of a Scottish gamekeeper. At one point he was a member of the [IRA](/source/Irish_Republican_Army),<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25567 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407072741/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25567 | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 7, 2010 | title=WC10: Spotlight on James Robinson | last=Evans | first=Chris | work=[Comic Book Resources](/source/Comic_Book_Resources) | date=April 5, 2010 | access-date=June 17, 2010}}</ref> and during [World War I](/source/World_War_I) he served as soldier in the [Battle of the Somme](/source/Battle_of_the_Somme) in France 1916 and also Battle of Flanders Field in Passendale, Belgium. He worked his way up as a spy in [Austria](/source/Austria).<ref>''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #44 (June 2010). DC Comics.</ref> He later became a globe-trotting adventurer, and for a time worked for the Worldwide Insurance Company, protecting policies they had written and saving the company from fraudulent payouts.

Bill grew content to live in his adopted [Africa](/source/Africa)n home, swearing to protect it from harm. There he befriended a [witch doctor](/source/witch_doctor) known as Chief Kawolo. When Kawolo was mortally injured in a fall, he summoned Bill to his bedside and offered him a magic ring. Kawolo told the skeptical Congo Bill that, by rubbing the ring, he could transfer his consciousness into the body of the legendary golden [gorilla](/source/gorilla). He accepted the ring to humor his friend's dying wish. Several weeks later, an earthquake trapped Bill in a deep cave. With no possible escape, Congo Bill hopelessly rubbed the magic ring. Instantly, his mind was transported into the body of the Golden Gorilla.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Markstein |first1=Don |title=Congorilla |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/congoril.htm |website=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120917144634/http://www.toonopedia.com/congoril.htm |archive-date=17 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Racing to the cave-in, he used his massive strength to clear the blocked entrance and wondering what had become of his body without him being "home". He realized that when his consciousness entered the body of the golden gorilla, the creature's consciousness entered his own body. Bill decides to use his new powers to fight crime in the jungle. He is later assisted by [Janu](/source/Janu_the_Jungle_Boy), a young boy raised in the jungle.<ref name="dc-ency">{{Cite book | last=Greenberger | first=Robert | author-link=Robert Greenberger | contribution=Congorilla | editor-last=Dougall | editor-first=Alastair | title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia | page=87 | publisher=[Dorling Kindersley](/source/Dorling_Kindersley) | location=[New York](/source/New_York_City) | year=2008 | isbn=978-0-7566-4119-1 | oclc=213309017}}</ref>

Years later, Bill (now known as ''Congorilla'') is trapped in his golden gorilla form due to the death of his human body. He becomes the protector of a band of gorillas as well as befriending the [South Africa](/source/South_Africa)n hero [Freedom Beast](/source/Freedom_Beast). When the gorillas and Freedom Beast are slaughtered by hunters, Congorilla decides to seek justice.<ref>''Justice League: Cry for Justice'' #1. DC Comics.</ref> After the trail leads to the villain [Prometheus](/source/Prometheus_(DC_Comics)), Congorilla works with [Starman](/source/Mikaal_Tomas) and a splinter faction of the Justice League. After Prometheus's death, Congorilla and his new best friend Starman become full-time members of the Justice League.

During his time with the League, Bill faces off against such foes as the rogue [Starheart](/source/Alan_Scott)<ref>''Justice Society of America'' (vol. 3) #41 (September 2010). DC Comics.</ref> and [Eclipso](/source/Eclipso). He is also part of a much larger makeshift Justice League squad when the return of Batman from a seeming death threatens to destroy time and space.<ref>''Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne'' #1-6 (May–November 2010). DC Comics.</ref> After [Batman Inc.](/source/Batman_Inc.) appoints the vigilante [Batwing](/source/Batwing_(DC_Comics)) as the official Batman of Africa, Congorilla realizes that the continent is too big for one hero to handle. He ultimately chooses to resign from the JLA to organize the superheroes of Africa into a more efficient team and find a worthy successor for Freedom Beast.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #60. DC Comics.</ref>

In 2011, ''[The New 52](/source/The_New_52)'' rebooted the DC universe. Congorilla appears as a potential member of [Justice League International](/source/Justice_League_International).<ref>''Justice League International'' (vol. 3) #1. DC Comics.</ref>

In 2016, DC Comics implemented another relaunch of its books called "[DC Rebirth](/source/DC_Rebirth)" which restored its continuity to a form much as it was prior to "The New 52". In contrast to the original continuity, the relaunch restored both Congo Bill's human version and the original Golden Gorilla. This change restores Congo Bill's need for the magic ring. Congo Bill is named the warden of Monster Rock and is [Damage](/source/Damage_(DC_Comics))'s mentor.<ref>''Damage'' (vol. 2) #14-16. DC Comics.</ref>

==Powers and abilities==
Before becoming Congorilla, Bill is a skilled hunter, explorer, and marksman. As Congorilla, Bill's [simian](/source/simian) body granted him supernatural strength, stamina, durability, agility, reflexes, and senses, self-healing capabilities, the ability to grow in size, and virtual immortality. In order to become Congorilla, he originally rubs a magic ring, which would swap his consciousness with that of the golden gorilla.<ref>''Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe'' #5 (July 1985). DC Comics.</ref>

==Other versions==
* An alternate universe variant of Congorilla makes a cameo appearance in ''[JLA: The Nail](/source/JLA%3A_The_Nail)'' as a prisoner of [Cadmus Labs](/source/Cadmus_Labs).<ref>[Davis, Alan](/source/Davis%2C_Alan) (w, p), Farmer, Mark (i). ''[JLA: The Nail](/source/JLA%3A_The_Nail)'' #3. DC Comics.</ref>
* An alternate universe variant of Congorilla appears in ''[Flashpoint](/source/Flashpoint_(comics))''.<ref>''Flashpoint: Grodd of War'' one-shot (June 2011). DC Comics.</ref>
* An alternate timeline variant of Congorilla appears in ''[Twilight of the Superheroes](/source/Twilight_of_the_Superheroes)''. This version is a crime boss who remained in his gorilla body for decades after his human body became too fragile. Due to the gorilla's spirit proving immortal despite being in his body, Congorilla keeps him hidden in his apartment.

==In other media==
===Television===
* William Glenmorgan appears in the ''[Arrow](/source/Arrow_(TV_series))'' episode "My Name Is Emiko Queen", portrayed by Edward Foy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pulpfictioncine.com/noticia/3479/arrow-se-llena-de-referencias-posible-villano-de-batwoman|title=Arrow se llena de referencias: ¿Posible villano de Batwoman?|last=Martinez|first=Alejandro|website=Pulp Fiction Cine|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082917/https://pulpfictioncine.com/noticia/3479/arrow-se-llena-de-referencias-posible-villano-de-batwoman|archive-date=January 28, 2019|url-status=usurped}}</ref> This version is a human mercenary.
* Congorilla appears in the ''[Creature Commandos](/source/Creature_Commandos_(TV_series))'' episode "Chasing Squirrels", voiced by Jason Konopisos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Erdmann |first=Kevin |date=December 19, 2024 |title=Creature Commandos Episode 4 Easter Eggs And DC References Explained |url=https://screenrant.com/creature-commandos-episode-4-easter-eggs-dc-references-explained/ |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=[Screen Rant](/source/Screen_Rant)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mysogland |first=Gregory |date=December 20, 2024 |title=Here Are the Biggest Easter Eggs in Creature Commandos Episode 4 |url=https://collider.com/creature-commandos-episode-4-easter-eggs/ |access-date=December 20, 2024 |website=[Collider](/source/Collider_(website))}}</ref> This version is an inmate of [Belle Reve](/source/Belle_Reve_(DC_Comics)) Penitentiary's Non-Human Interment Division who is later killed by the [Bride](/source/Bride_(DC_Universe)).

===Film===
Congo Bill appears in a [self-titled film serial](/source/Congo_Bill_(serial)), portrayed by [Don McGuire](/source/Don_McGuire_(actor)).

===Video games===
Congorilla appears as a character summon in ''[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure](/source/Scribblenauts_Unmasked%3A_A_DC_Comics_Adventure)''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 2, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=July 21, 2024 |website=[IGN](/source/IGN) |language=en}}</ref>

===Miscellaneous===
* ''Adventure Comics'' #283 appears in ''[The Andy Griffith Show](/source/The_Andy_Griffith_Show)'' episode "The Great Filling Station Robbery".
* Congorilla appears in issue #19 of the ''[Young Justice](/source/Young_Justice_(TV_series))'' tie-in comic book series. This version is a gorilla deity and member of [Solovar](/source/Solovar)'s troop who escaped being experimented on by the [Brain](/source/Brain_(DC_Comics)) and [Ultra-Humanite](/source/Ultra-Humanite) years prior.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* [https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/William_Glenmorgan_(New_Earth) Congo Bill] at DC Comics Wiki
** [https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Congorilla_(New_Earth) Congorilla] at DC Comics Wiki

{{Jungle Jim}}
{{GoldenAge}}
{{Justice League characters}}

Category:1994 comics debuts
Category:1999 comics debuts
Category:Adventure film characters
Category:American comics adapted into films
Category:Animal superheroes
Category:British superheroes
Category:Characters created by George Papp
Category:Characters created by Robert Bernstein
Category:Comics about talking animals
Category:Comics characters introduced in 1940
Category:DC Comics animals
Category:DC Comics characters who use magic
Category:DC Comics characters with accelerated healing
Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerability
Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman senses
Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength
Category:DC Comics fantasy characters
Category:DC Comics immortals
Category:DC Comics shapeshifters
Category:DC Comics superheroes
Category:Fictional British spies
Category:Fictional characters from the 19th century
Category:Fictional characters who can change size
Category:Fictional characters with body or mind control abilities
Category:Fictional explorers
Category:Fictional hunters in comics
Category:Fictional Scottish people
Category:Fictional World War I veterans
Category:Golden Age superheroes
Category:Gorilla characters in comics
Category:Jungle (genre) comics
Category:Jungle men
Category:Jungle superheroes
Category:Vertigo Comics titles
Category:Justice League characters

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Congorilla](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congorilla) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congorilla?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.