Pip Gofern (Earth-616)

Pip the Troll
Name	Pip Gofern
Aliases	Pipman, Dr. DeTroll
Affiliation and Relationships
Affiliation	formerly X-Factor Investigations, Infinity Watch; partner of Magus and Gamora; employee of Thanos
Marital Status	Single
Physical Characteristics
Gender	Male
Height	4′4″ (1.32 m)
Weight	144 lbs (65.32 kg)
Eyes	Irises: Green
Hair	Red
Unusual Features	Pointed ears and cloven hoofs instead of feet.
Origin and Living Status
Origin	Laxidazian Prince Gofern was transformed into his present troll-like appearance after imbibing a special brew of ale.
Living Status	Alive
Reality	Earth-616
Place of Birth	Laxidazia, Dolenz system, Milky Way galaxy
Personal Information
Identity	No Dual
Citizenship	Laxidazian
Occupation	Secretary and adventurer; former prince, painter, gadabout
Base of Operations	X-Factor Investigations Headquarters, New York City, New York Formerly Inferno Club, Las Vegas, Nevada; mobile throughout the Milky Way galaxy; Monster Isle, Pacific Ocean; Laxidazia, Dolenz system, Milky Way galaxy
Creators and Appearances
Creators	Jim Starlin,
First	Strange Tales #179 (January, 1975)
First	Strange Tales #179 (January, 1975)

 Major Problem Time, Pip me Lad. All the Watch's Top Brass have evaporated. Nature abhors a Power Vacuum! Fortunately this Situation's got a natural Cork prepared to fill the Gap. Past Year I've hung out with enough of these Super-Hero Types to figure out what it takes to be a Top Dog in their Kennel. Figured it'd only be a matter of time 'fore the Avengers or somebody enlisted me to lead 'em. Luckily, I've been preparin' for this Moment. World, get ready for a new and improved Pip the Troll! And now, on this Stage, for the first Time in the known Universe, Monster Island Revues is proud to present the amazing, utterly stupendous, fearless, cunning and totally dependable... Pip Man! 

—Pip the Troll

History

Origins

Pip was born on a planet named Laxidazia. He was born into royalty as the 260th in line for the throne. He had an interest in art and spent much of his time drawing portraits of the night sky.

On one such idea, he found a group of Laxidazian trolls, who were considered a subspecies and degenerates to be shunned by the others. After a long night of drinking with them, Pip awoke to find that he had gained the characteristics of a troll. Their liquor was in fact enchanted with some type of altering quality. Although he tried to hide it, his transformation as well as his trollish behavior caused him to be exiled.

Adam Warlock and Infinity Watch

He spent time in various bars and seedy places. When the Magus' forces came to Laxidazia, they ordered the destruction of all trolls. Pip was captured and placed on a ship designated for those to be executed. There he met Adam Warlock and the two staged a rebellion to escape. They became allies during Warlock's fight against the Magus. After the Magus was defeated, the two briefly parted ways.

Pip's mind was destroyed by Thanos, but Warlock placed him into his Soul Gem and along with Gamora he was eventually reformed in a new body. Pip was a loyal and valued member of the Infinity Watch.

Later, Pip searched for Warlock (who had been in hibernation) at the request of Thanos, who was searching for a way to deal with the Thanosi.

Pip also helped Thanos and Galactus against the entity known as Hunger. As thanks, Thanos had him thrown out with the trash. Pip returned to working with Gamora and Adam Warlock.

File:Pip Gofern (Earth-616) 004.jpg

Pip working for X-Factor Investigations

X-Factor Investigations

Pip somehow came into debt with the goddess Hela, but escaped from her Inferno Club with a magical pendant which allowed him to morph into a human form. With the pendent, Pip went to New York City to party in bars and clubs. Meanwhile, Hela, under the guise of Halja, hired X-Factor Investigations to find Pip. Madrox and Banshee found Pip at a local pub and inadvertently alert Hela to his location. Realizing that they just hand Pip over to the goddess of death, Madrox and the other felt extremely guilty and headed to Las Vegas to save him.

With help from Thor, X-Factor battled Hela's undead army from Niffleheim and rescued Pip. Since his rescue, Pip has insisted on repaying X-Factor by working as their secretary. However, it also appears Pip is serving an unseen master with plans for Wolfsbane's baby.

Attributes

Power Grid

Powers

Originally Pip had no superpowers, but through various magical interventions (such as Adam Warlock's magic and possessing the Space Gem), he has gained the powers:

Teleportation: After possessing the Space Gem and its cosmic powers, Pip became imbued the ability to teleport himself and others over vast distances.

• Globe Locationing: Pip can also locate any individual, anywhere.

Superhuman Strength: After his resurrection, Pip's new body had gained superhuman strength. It is estimated that he can lift around 10 Tons.

File:Pip Gofern (Earth-616) 001.jpg

Pip reverting to his troll form after removing the "Thor's Hammer" pendant

With the "Thor's Hammer" pendant:

• Metamorphosis: While wearing the pendant, Pip could morph into a human form.
• Undetectability: While wearing the pendant, Pip could not be located magically by Hela and possibly others.

Abilities

Hacking: Pip admitted to being capable of hacking into the Avenger's files to look into She-Hulk's file.

Paraphernalia

Equipment

Formerly:

• "Thor's Hammer" pendant
• Space Gem

Transportation

• Teleportation

Notes

• With referring to Pip's mysterious employer with plans for Wolfsbane's baby, writer Peter David "I'll simply tell you it's someone we've seen before, but not in this series."

Trivia

• Pip's smoking habit was inspired by Jack Kirby.

See Also

• 176 appearance(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 7 appearance(s) in handbook(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 14 minor appearance(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 5 mention(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 2 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 69 image(s) of Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 16 quotation(s) by or about Pip Gofern (Earth-616)
• 2 item(s) used/owned by Pip Gofern (Earth-616)