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| Hellcow | |
|---|---|
 Hellcow as seen inDeadpool Team-Up #885 (April 2011) | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | Giant-Size Man-Thing #5 (1975) |
| Created by | Steve Gerber (writer) Frank Brunner (artist) |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Bessie |
| Species | Vampirecattle |
| Place of origin | Earth |
| Partnerships | Deadpool |
| Notable aliases | Bovine, Blood-Beast, Cowled Cow, Farm Killer, Recreant Ruminant[1] |
| Abilities |
|
Bessie, better known asHellcow, is a fictional character appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics. The character, a vampire cow, was created by writerSteve Gerber and artistFrank Brunner. She made herfirst appearance inGiant-Size Man-Thing #5 (1975).
Bessie, or Hellcow, made her official debut inGiant-Size Man-Thing #5, published in August 1975. The creative team in charge of the issue comprised writer Steve Gerber, penciller Frank Brunner, and inker Tom Palmer.[1] The same story is reprinted in the bonus pages ofSilver Surfer vs. Dracula (February 1994).[2] The character reappeared in April 2011'sDeadpool Team-Up #885, written by Rick Spears, pencilled byPhilip Bond and inked by Daniel Brown.[3]
Circa 1675, Bessie, a domesticated cow living in a Swiss farm, becomes the prey ofCount Dracula, who is unable to find any available humans to feed on. Bessie seemingly dies and her upset owner Hans lays her to rest. Unbeknownst to Hans, Bessie has become an undead monster known as Hellcow, and rises from her grave seeking revenge on Dracula.[1][4][5]
In the present day,Howard the Duck is investigating the deaths of four farmers in Cleveland, Ohio. Howard initially concludes that the perpetrator must be a chicken. Later, early in the morning, he disguises himself as a human. Hellcow notices him and lunges for him. A scuffle commences and Howard prevails, driving a stake through her heart and apparently ending her reign of terror.[1][4][6]
However, Hellcow did not die, as her head remained intact. Her corpse is recovered by insane scientist Doctor Kilgore, who revives her and attempts to use her milk to cure histuberculosis and gain immortality. When this plan does not work, Kilgore abductsDeadpool and extracts hispituitary gland to gain his healing factor.[3][7]
However, the mixture of Hellcow's milk and Deadpool's gland goes awry, damaging Kilgore's mind. Deadpool and Hellcow subsequently join forces to stop him. Deadpool and Hellcow escape from Kilgore's abode, but the latter is instantly killed by the sunlight. Deadpool travels back to the previous comic book panel and rescues Hellcow.[3][8][9]
Hellcow later appears inSpider-Man/Deadpool, having assumed an anthropomorphic form and joined Deadpool Inc., a group assembled by Deadpool to steal and sell abandonedS.H.I.E.L.D. technology.[10]
Hellcow later appears during theBlood Hunt event.[11]
Before becoming a vampire, Bessie could produce more milk than the average cow and hence was well-favored by her owner. As Hellcow, she possesses characteristics tantamount to that of Dracula's, such as being able to suck blood from humans and being immortal. She could transform into a half-cow, half-bat form, and an intangible gas cloud.[1]
