Hippo

Hippo began life as an ordinary male hippopotamus in a zoo despite being given the name Mrs. Fluffy Lumpkins. His existence changed when the High Evolutionary subjected him to accelerated evolution and transformed him into a massive humanoid creature with human intelligence. Unable to find a place for himself after his transformation he eventually turned to crime and became known simply as Hippo.

During one of his early criminal outings Hippo encountered Mac Gargan while Gargan was operating publicly as Spider-Man. Gargan brutally attacked him and tore away part of his leg. Hippo later joined the Redeemers alongside other criminals who had suffered at Gargan’s hands. He survived his involvement with the group and eventually returned with his missing limb restored. He later fought Spider-Man and Ronin and proved difficult for them to overpower before Luke Cage brought him down.

Hippo continued operating around New York and eventually attended Super Villains Anonymous meetings alongside criminals such as Grizzly and Boomerang. White Rabbit later recruited him into the Menagerie with Skein and Panda-Mania. Hippo served as the group’s primary physical powerhouse during robberies involving valuable eggs and diamonds. Their activities repeatedly brought him back into conflict with Spider-Man and other heroes.

Appearance: Hippo is a large, humanoid hippopotamus with a bulky, muscular build. His skin is a dark grayish-blue. His head retains the broad, rounded features of a typical hippo, including small, rounded ears, prominent nostrils, and wide-set red eyes. His open mouth reveals large, flat teeth and distinct lower tusks, along with a pink tongue and inner mouth.

He wears a simple outfit consisting of a white sleeveless tank top and green pants, which are stretched tight over his massive form. His large hands and feet are fully animalistic, with wide fingers and toes ending in blunt nails.

Personality: Hippo is straightforward and easily frustrated with little interest in elaborate criminal planning. Much of his resentment stems from being transformed into something unable to return to his former existence yet struggling to function within human society. He readily resorts to physical force when angry and has participated in numerous robberies. His attendance at Super Villains Anonymous suggests that he is capable of recognizing the problems created by his criminal life even if he repeatedly falls back into it.

The High Evolutionary is responsible for Hippo’s transformation though Hippo has not maintained a meaningful relationship with him afterward. White Rabbit became one of his more consistent criminal associates through the Menagerie and regularly relies upon his strength during the group’s schemes. Spider-Man is one of Hippo’s recurring enemies while his especially brutal encounter with Mac Gargan left him with a personal reason to hate the man who was wearing Spider-Man’s identity at the time.

Hippo possesses tremendous superhuman strength derived from his enormous evolved body. He can overpower ordinary humans with ease and has enough physical power to give experienced superhuman opponents considerable difficulty. His exceptionally thick hide provides substantial resistance to physical punishment and allows him to endure impacts that would incapacitate a normal person.

His original hippopotamus physiology also leaves him exceptionally capable in aquatic environments. Hippo can maneuver effectively through water despite his immense weight and retains the natural physical advantages of the animal from which he was evolved. He generally relies upon brute strength and durability in combat rather than specialized weapons or sophisticated fighting techniques.