The Ultra-Humanite is a fictional supervillain appearing in DC Comics, first introduced in Action Comics #13 (1939) as the company's first recurring supervillain. Over decades, the character has undergone multiple brain transplants, most famously into an albino gorilla, and has clashed with the Justice Society of America and Superman.
The Ultra-Humanite, a mad scientist named Gerard Shugrue, debuts in Action Comics #13, published by Detective Comics (later DC). He is considered the first recurring supervillain in comic book history. #DCComics #GoldenAge
The story introduces the Ultra-Humanite as a brilliant but evil scientist who kidnaps a millionaire and battles Superman. This issue is historic as the first appearance of a recurring supervillain. #Superman #FirstVillain
In Action Comics #21, the Ultra-Humanite transfers his brain into the body of a white albino gorilla, becoming a recurring physical form. This story marks one of the earliest brain transplant plots in comics. #DCComics #Villain
The Ultra-Humanite transfers his brain into a white gorilla's body, becoming one of the first villains to use brain transplantation. #BrainTransplant #Gorilla
The Ultra-Humanite battles the newly formed Justice Society of America in All Star Comics #3. He is defeated by the combined heroes. #JSA #GoldenAge
The Ultra-Humanite battles the Justice Society of America in All Star Comics #8, solidifying his status as a major villain. He continues to oppose the JSA throughout the Golden Age. #JSA #GoldenAge
The Ultra-Humanite, now a gorilla, infiltrates a zoo and plans to swap brains with Superman. The Man of Steel foils his plot. #Superman #Villain
The character returns in Comic Cavalcade #4, again using his gorilla form to terrorize Metropolis. #GoldenAge #Villain
The Ultra-Humanite appears in Action Comics #74, his last Golden Age appearance in Superman's title before being seemingly killed. #Superman #EndOfEra
The character appears in Comic Cavalcade #23, his final Golden Age story before a long hiatus. The Ultra-Humanite is defeated by the JSA and seemingly killed. #DCComics #GoldenAge
The Ultra-Humanite is revived in a Superman story in DC Comics Presents #17, reintroducing the character to modern readers. He is depicted as a giant-headed genius in a robot body. #Superman #Revival
The Ultra-Humanite appears in All-Star Squadron #5, part of DC's Earth-Two continuity. He is shown as a key villain during World War II. #AllStarSquadron #EarthTwo
The Ultra-Humanite appears in Crisis on Infinite Earths #4, as a villain from Earth-Two. The event merges multiple continuities, affecting his later appearances. #CrisisOnInfiniteEarths #DCComics
After the Crisis, the Ultra-Humanite is reintroduced in Superman (vol. 2) #8, now as a villain from the Golden Age but with a modified history. He is depicted as a genius in a cloned body. #Superman #PostCrisis
The character appears in Starman #9, where he battles the new Starman, Jack Knight. This story explores his Golden Age origins. #Starman #DCComics
The Ultra-Humanite becomes a recurring antagonist in the JSA series, starting with JSA #1. He is part of a new Injustice Society. #JSA #Villain
In JSA #23, it is revealed that the Ultra-Humanite was the first supervillain encountered by the JSA, retroactively establishing him as the first DC supervillain. #Retcon #JSA
The Ultra-Humanite appears in JLA/Avengers #1, a crossover between DC and Marvel. He is shown as a minor villain. #Crossover #JLA
The character appears in Infinite Crisis #4, part of the event that reshaped DC continuity. He is seen in a group of villains. #InfiniteCrisis #DCComics
The Ultra-Humanite is resurrected as a Black Lantern in Blackest Night #2, before being defeated. #BlackestNight #DCComics
In Brightest Day #1, the Ultra-Humanite is fully restored to life, returning as a villain. #BrightestDay #DCComics
As part of the New 52 reboot, the Ultra-Humanite appears in Earth 2 #1 as a villain from an alternate world. #New52 #Earth2
The Ultra-Humanite has a cameo in Batman Incorporated #8, part of a larger villain gathering. #Batman #DCComics
The character appears in Forever Evil #1, as part of the Crime Syndicate's takeover. #ForeverEvil #DCComics
In The Multiversity #1, a version of the Ultra-Humanite appears on Earth-40, a world of villains. #Multiversity #DCComics
With DC Rebirth, the Ultra-Humanite appears in The Flash #19, as part of a re-established pre-New 52 history. #DCRebirth #Flash
The Ultra-Humanite is seen in Doomsday Clock #1, a sequel to Watchmen. He appears as a villain in the new timeline. #DoomsdayClock #DCComics
The character appears in Dark Nights: Metal #1, as part of the Batman Who Laughs' army. #DarkNightsMetal #DCComics
The Ultra-Humanite appears in The Terrifics #1, a new team series. He is a primary antagonist. #Terrifics #DCComics
During the 'Year of the Villain' event, the Ultra-Humanite gains new abilities in Justice League #25. #YearOfTheVillain #DCComics
In Dark Nights: Death Metal #1, the Ultra-Humanite appears in his classic albino gorilla body. #DeathMetal #DCComics
The character is featured in Infinite Frontier #1, part of the new DC multiverse structure. #InfiniteFrontier #DCComics
In The New Golden Age #1, the Ultra-Humanite is re-established as a key Golden Age villain, merging his histories. #NewGoldenAge #DCComics
The Ultra-Humanite gains Lazarus Resin powers in Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1. #LazarusPlanet #DCComics
In Absolute Power #1, the Ultra-Humanite is a member of the new Injustice Society, challenging the Justice League. #AbsolutePower #DCComics