Martin Blank began his career out as a friend of Spider-Man's...He even wanted to be his partner, but Spidey laughed at him...Sick of being seen as a freak, Martin couldn't take anymore ridicule and lashed out...He then caught the eye of Kraven the Hunter who enhanced the Gibbon's powers with a herb broth which also gave him a great animal rage...After being defeated by Spidey, Martin wasn't seen for awhile.

The Gibbon's next appearance had him seeking revenge on Spidey, trying to prove he was as good as him but got caught in the middle of a fight with Spidey & The Beetle and Martin eventually helped out Spidey by punching out the Beetle...The Gibbon later joined up with other "has-beens" in the Kangaroo, Grizzly, & The Spot to form the Legion Of Losers.