| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [Source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bugman was a scientist named Brick Bradley who survived an accident that combined his DNA with that of various insects. This caused him to turn into a half-insect/half-man creature whenever he got angry.
Appearance
In Bugman form, Brick Bradley has bug eyes, antennae, the wings and extra arms of a fly, and the tail of a scorpion.
History
He first appeared in the 1987 TV series episode "Michelangelo Meets Bugman". Michelangelo meets Bugman and learns of his origins. He and the other Turtles later help Bugman take down the villain Electrozapper.
In his second appearance "Michelangelo Meets Bugman Again," it is revealed that he was sent to a haven where he has learned to control his anger, and thereby doesn't have to turn into Bugman again. Also, a comic book based on Bugman was made, but it was cancelled after it was discovered a real Bugman existed. Michelangelo enlisted the help of Brick Bradley to defeat a villain the Swatter. Bradley was still serene, but became Bugman after April mocked the way he dressed. Bugman then helped the Turtles defeat The Swatter, who was revealed to be the writer of the Bugman comic who planned to make a comic book about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as he never thought about coming up with an original idea instead of making comics about real-life heroes.
Powers
Bugman can fly, has super-strength, a termite-like super-eating ability and can telepathically communicate to bugs. He is vulnerable to bug spray and a substance called Leestanite.
Similarities to Comic Book Heroes
Bugman's weakness to Leestanite is an allusion to Kryptonite, the substance that makes DC Comics hero Superman vulnerable. Also, its name is a reference to Marvel Comics writer Stan Lee. He also has similarities to Aquaman (also owned by DC) because both have blond hair and Aquaman is an aquatic-themed hero that communicates to fish, much like how Bugman is a bug-themed hero who communicates to insects (also the Golden Age Aquaman gained his powers by scientific means).
He is also similar to the Marvel Comics character Hulk because both have similar real names (Brick Bradley and Bruce Banner) and both change into their alter-egos when they get angry.
Also, his bug-themed persona may be a reference to Spider-Man, another Marvel Comics superhero. Finally, his voice actor, Dan Gilvezan, voiced Spider-Man in the 1981 animated series "Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends".
