Creation
The ape-cyborg character named Ape-X was created by Mark Gruenwald and Paul Ryan, and first appeared in Squadron Supreme #5. Along with many characters from Earth-712 in the Squadron Supreme home universe, she was part of a groundbreaking story in the analogues of Marvel Comics.
Major Story Arcs
After her trainer died, the mind-enhanced Ape X turned to a life of crime with the Institute Of Evil. She later received behavior-modification by the Squadron Supreme and joined the team, though the treatment eventually led to a psychotic reaction.
While a member of Squadron Supreme she formed a close relationship with Tom Thumb, assisting in developing and implementing technology essential in reaching the Squadron’s goals. After Tom died of cancer Ape X began to create a robotic version of him, presumably out of a longing for his company. She was unable to complete the project do to a psychotic reaction triggered by conflicting imperatives forced on her by the Squadron’s behavior modification process, triggered when she observed a new member of the Squadron Supreme breaking team policies.
Appearance
Height: 3’4″ (head to trunk)
Weight: 160 lbs
Hair: Brown (body is totally covered)
Eyes: Brown
Powers and Abilities
Ape-X possessed super-human intelligence and the powers of speech. She also had great mechanical aptitude, and scientific knowledge. She created the pacifier compound used in “gumdrops”, the popular term used for the pacifier pellets used by law enforcement officials to tranquilize lawbreakers.
Equipment and Paraphernalia
Ape-X used a life-supporting chair for locomotion as well as offensive and defensive capabilities, having various weapons and options incorporated into it. One version had tank like wheels while another had the capacity to fly via thrusters.
Complications
Having been Behavior Modified by the Squadron, the ex-Institute of Evil members are unable to break the law for any reason, betray any Squadron member for any reason. Their minds are no longer truly their own. Ape-X found herself in a complex issue- she followed the Institute loyally, but fell in love with Tom Thumb, and finds herself unable to reveal Moonglow’s actions of espionage to her fellow Squadron compatriots. This caused her to have a complete mental breakdown due to the two extremes, one of mental blocks by the behavior modification, and the other due to her authentic beliefs in the Squadrons goals.