B'wana Beast | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | As B'wana Beast: Showcase #66 (January 1967) As Shining Man: Animal Man #47 (May 1992) |
Created by | |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Michael Payson Maxwell |
Team affiliations | Justice League |
Notable aliases |
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Abilities |
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B'wana Beast (Michael Payson "Mike" Maxwell) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics.
Created by Bob Haney and Mike Sekowsky, B'wana Beast made his first appearance in Showcase #66 (January 1967). [1] The character was an attempt to capitalize on Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan, borrowing the African jungle setting and "Tarzan yell" which was created in the Johnny Weissmuller incarnation of Tarzan. [2]
After graduating from college with highest honors, Michael Payson "Mike" Maxwell declined his millionaire father's offer to join the family business and instead decided to join his college roommate, Rupert Kenboya, in Africa and become a ranger in Zambezi's new animal preserves.
When the private aircraft carrying Maxwell and Kenboya to Zambezi was struck by lightning and crashed at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the two injured men took refuge in the cavern home of Djuba, a mutant red gorilla. After drinking from the cavern's mineral-rich water, Maxwell became stronger and was able easily subdue Djuba.
Acknowledging Maxwell as its master, the red gorilla retrieved an ancient Corinthian-styled helmet from the depths of the cave and placed it on Maxwell's head. Through the helmet, Maxwell was able to read the red gorilla's mind and discovered its name was Djuba. He also discovered that the helmet enabled him to control the actions of all other animals. Agreeing that these new powers must be used for the good of all Africa, Maxwell created the identity of "B'wana Beast" and became the Dark Continent's super troubleshooter. [3]
In the initial story arc of Animal Man , written by Grant Morrison, B'wana Beast journeys to America to rescue Djuba, who has been captured by S.T.A.R. Labs scientists led by Dr. Myers and infected with an experimental form of anthrax. He fails to save Djuba and is himself infected with the disease, [4] but he is cured by Animal Man, who mimics B'wana Beast's powers to merge his white blood cells into forms capable of fighting off the disease. [5] In Animal Man #13 (July 1989), also written by Morrison, Maxwell decides to retire and performs a ceremony to find a successor. He passes the helmet and elixir on to a South African activist named Dominic Mndawe, who assumes the name Freedom Beast. [6]
Mike Maxwell returns in Animal Man #47 (May 1992) written by Tom Veitch, after a long period of absence, in which after hearing the call of the destructive force called the Antagon, he is corrupted and possessed, and transformed into the evil Shining Man. With his new identity, Maxwell wreaked havoc on Earth until he was killed in a fight with Metaman. [7]
In 2011, "The New 52" rebooted the DC universe. B'wana Beast was considered as a possible new member for the Justice League International by United Nations head of intelligence Andre Briggs. They decide he is not right as a candidate for the team at that time, and he is not invited to join. [8]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2023) |
B'wana Beast drinks an elixir that gives him great strength, speed, hunting and tracking abilities. He also wears an ancient helmet that allows him to communicate with animals, [1] and to merge up to four animals together to form a Chimera. [9] For the most part, once these animals are merged, B'wana is able to acquire their aid in situations of need. It is unknown whether this is due to his ability to communicate with them or an instinct on their part. [10]
B'wana Beast makes a cameo appearance in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies .
B'wana Beast appears as a character summon in Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure . [15]
B'wana Beast appears in Justice League Unlimited #29. [16]
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