GESTALT

Real Name: Unrevealed

Identity/Class: Human, nature unrevealed

Occupation: Rabble Rouser

Group Membership: None

Affiliations: None

Enemies: Hulk, Pantheon

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Manhattan, New York City

First Appearance: Incredible Hulk II#385 (September, 1991)

Powers: Gestalt drew strength and power from the hate and fear of others. He could grow in size and strength to Class 100 level. While feeding on the emotions of others, he was virtually invulnerable and could heal almost instantly. He used a large, spiked club as a weapon. When the emotions of those around him changed, he would rapidly lose power, weakening to the level of a normal human.

In addition, he could manipulate those consumed with fear, hatred, and/or reckless abandon. He could turn a group of rioters into a murderous pack, killing or destroying anything with which they came into contact. These groups would act as a collective entity, even capable of moving as a wave. The power of these groups would fade when they would lose their momentum and/or be overpowered by others.

History: Gestalt's origin is unrevealed. He may be a mutant, a mutate, or a magic-user. He speaks as if he is actually the representation of the violent force and behavior (mob mentality, the spirit of wilding) he generates.

He was first observed during the events of the Infinity Gauntlet. After Thanos used the power of the Gauntlet to wipe out half of the population of the universe, worldwide panics and riots resulted. Gestalt appeared during the midst of these riots in Manhattan, inflaming and controlling those around him to slay other individuals, and even to break into a church and attempt to burn the priest at the stake.

The Hulk returned to Earth in time to see what was going on and save the priest. Gestalt suddenly grew in power and attacked him. The two seemed evenly matched, with Gestalt seeming to enjoy any brief injury he received at the Hulk's hands. However, at one point when he was on the receiving end of a savage attack by the Hulk, the sun began to rise. At the same time, Nebula reversed Thanos' actions, causing the missing people to return. Suddenly, no longer feeling that the end of the world was upon them, the people began to return to their senses. Gestalt's power rapidly faded, and he was apparently pulped by the Hulk's blows.

Comments: Created by Peter David and Dale Keown.

Gestalt seems like the sort of guy that Mephisto, D'Spayre, or some other demon might revive to serve their purposes.

Gestalt: a structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a functional unit with properties not derivable by summation of its parts.

Appearances:
Incredible Hulk II#385 (September, 1991) - Peter David (writer), Dale Keown (pencils), Mark Farmer (inks), Bobbie Chase (editor)

Last updated: 05/01/05

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