Who the Clix? is a series of articles featuring information on comic book characters that have been made into figures for the popular tabletop game Heroclix. These articles are meant to help Heroclix players learn more about the characters behind their favorite pieces.
Today we look at Howard the Duck’s occasional villain: Doctor Bong
Appearances in Heroclix: Deadpool
First Appearance: Howard the Duck #15
Team Affiliations: None
Created by: Steve Gerber and Marie Severin
Lester Verde was severely bullied as a child and used creative insults to get back at his tormentors. When his mother brought this to his attention, it sparked in him an interest to become a writer. Lester went on to become a journalism student who engaged in such yellow journalism, that it actually got his professor fired. He would then go on to lose his hand in a guillotine accident when performing with the punk band Mildred Horowitz.
It was this event that finally tipped Lester over the edge. He then used his knowledge of chemistry and physics to design the equipment he would use as Doctor Bong as well as experimental creatures like Fifi the Duck.
Doctor Bong clashed with Howard the Duck many times, developing a crush on Beverly Switzler. Eventually Beverly and Bong would marry. Though Beverly is later seen single, it is unknown what occurred between the two to end their marriage.
Doctor Bong eventually battled She-Hulk, and was easily defeated. Bong abandoned supervillainy for a time and achieved his PhD in psychology, becoming Deadpool’s psychiatrist for a short time. He soon returned to supervillainy and battled heroes such as Colleen Wing, Misty Knight, and was even kidnapped by the Grandmaster.
Doctor Bong eventually is able to create clones of Steve Rogers, Moon Knight, and Black Widow in a bid to manipulate Deadpool. The plan backfires, however, when Deadpool and the real Steve Rogers, Moon Knight and Black Widow team up to defeat Doctor Bong and his clones.