The first instance of Hank using a physical mask is in Amazing Adventures #12 (1972). This is right after his second mutation. He also creates an entire body brace for himself because his new furry form is in an “animal crouch”. We can see, from issue 12 below, that it’s not an easy system to get into. Anyone who has worn a latex Halloween mask and/or gloves for any length of time will know that it wouldn’t be comfortable to wear them for an entire work shift, day after d

Born This Way Hank McCoy was a mutant from birth, instead of it manifesting when he reached puberty. I covered this a little in Early Years. When he joined the X-Men, as one of the original five, he was 5'-11" and 402 lbs. His mutation ended up with him being overly muscular with extra large feet and hands, dexterity of feet, highly agile, highly intelligent, very durable, can jump up to 32 feet, can run on all fours up to 40 mph for short sprints. Uncanny X-Men. Issue #5