Thulsa Doom is a fictional character created by American author Robert E. Howard , as an antagonist for the character Kull of Atlantis . Thulsa Doom debuted in the story "Delcardes' Cat". He has since appeared in comic books and film as the nemesis of Kull and, later, one of Howard's other creations, Conan the Barbarian .
120-561: Savage Avengers was an ongoing Marvel Comics series where Conan the Barbarian teams-up with Wolverine , the Punisher , Venom , Elektra , and Doctor Voodoo . There was a preview of the series in the May 2019 Marvel's "Avengers" Free Comic Book Day issue. The premise of their team-up is that these heroes must work together when the evil wizards of Conan's world start trading spells with
240-653: A Once Upon a Time graphic novel was announced for publication in September. With Disney, Marvel announced in October 2013 that in January 2014 it would release its first title under their joint "Disney Kingdoms" imprint "Seekers of the Weird", a five-issue miniseries. On January 3, 2014, fellow Disney subsidiary Lucasfilm announced that as of 2015, Star Wars comics would once again be published by Marvel. Following
360-414: A Cold War culture that led their creators to revise the superhero conventions of previous eras to better reflect the psychological spirit of their age. Eschewing such comic book tropes as secret identities and even costumes at first, having a monster as one of the heroes, and having its characters bicker and complain in what was later called a "superheroes in the real world" approach, the series represented
480-617: A Marvelcon '76. At the 1975 event, Stan Lee used a Fantastic Four panel discussion to announce that Jack Kirby , the artist co-creator of most of Marvel's signature characters, was returning to Marvel after having left in 1970 to work for rival DC Comics . In October 1976, Marvel, which already licensed reprints in different countries, including the UK, created a superhero specifically for the British market. Captain Britain debuted exclusively in
600-524: A brief fight, both men escape where Clayton changes his gamma frequency to assume another Weapon H form that evokes the traits of Red Hulk and Betty Ross 's Red Harpy form as he flies Black Knight away. Conan, Agent Anti-Venom, and Dagger find themselves locked up in the dungeon. As Cloak and Elektra are thrown in the same cell, Deathlok arrives to attack Conan and those with him. In the nick of time, Black Knight and Weapon H (who returns to his normal Weapon H form) show up to help fight Deathlok as Cloak summons
720-586: A brief time. During his time as president, he appointed his associate editor, prolific writer Roy Thomas , as editor-in-chief. Thomas added "Stan Lee Presents" to the opening page of each comic book. A series of new editors-in-chief oversaw the company during another slow time for the industry. Once again, Marvel attempted to diversify, and with the updating of the Comics Code published titles themed to horror ( The Tomb of Dracula ), martial arts ( Shang-Chi: Master of Kung Fu ), sword-and-sorcery ( Conan
840-541: A cash and stock deal worth approximately $ 4 billion, which if necessary would be adjusted at closing, giving Marvel shareholders $ 30 and 0.745 Disney shares for each share of Marvel they owned. As of 2008, Marvel and its major competitor DC Comics shared over 80% of the American comic-book market. As of September 2010, Marvel switched its bookstore distribution company from Diamond Book Distributors to Hachette Distribution Services . Marvel moved its office to
960-502: A change that proved to be a great success. Marvel often presented flawed superheroes, freaks, and misfits—unlike the perfect, handsome, athletic heroes found in previous traditional comic books. Some Marvel heroes looked like villains and monsters such as the Hulk and the Thing . This naturalistic approach even extended into topical politics. Comics historian Mike Benton also noted: In
1080-518: A chord with the older readers, including college-aged adults. In 1965, Spider-Man and the Hulk were both featured in Esquire magazine's list of 28 college campus heroes, alongside John F. Kennedy and Bob Dylan . In 2009, writer Geoff Boucher reflected that, Superman and DC Comics instantly seemed like boring old Pat Boone ; Marvel felt like The Beatles and the British Invasion . It
1200-492: A conduit for Dagger's incandescent fury. Tapping into an Alchemax Tactical Satellite, Ultron attacks Dagger. Black Knight then goes on the attack with Bloodwraith only for Ultron to slay him. As Jake Gallows and Ultron get to their feet and flee, Ultron retreats to his factory where he has it experimenting on the fallen Savage Avengers members where he turns them into Deathloks to further the Machine Empire's goals. After
1320-505: A controversial personality, Shooter cured many of the procedural ills at Marvel, including repeatedly missed deadlines. During Shooter's nine-year tenure as editor-in-chief, Chris Claremont and John Byrne 's run on the Uncanny X-Men and Frank Miller 's run on Daredevil became critical and commercial successes. Shooter brought Marvel into the rapidly evolving direct market , institutionalized creator royalties, starting with
SECTION 10
#17327732996841440-518: A crossover that allowed Marvel to relaunch some of its flagship characters such as the Avengers and the Fantastic Four , and outsource them to the studios of two of the former Marvel artists turned Image Comics founders, Jim Lee and Rob Liefeld. The relaunched titles, which saw the characters transported to a parallel universe with a history distinct from the mainstream Marvel Universe, were
1560-524: A deal brokered by Malibu Comics ' owner Scott Mitchell Rosenberg . Three years later, on November 3, 1994, Rosenberg sold Malibu to Marvel. In purchasing Malibu, Marvel now owned computer coloring technology that had been developed by Rosenberg, and also integrated the Ultraverse line of comics and the Genesis Universe into Marvel's multiverse . Earlier that year, the company secured
1680-535: A deal with Harvey Comics , whereas Marvel took on the publishing and distribution of Harvey's titles. In late 1994, Marvel acquired the comic book distributor Heroes World Distribution to use as its own exclusive distributor. As the industry's other major publishers made exclusive distribution deals with other companies, the ripple effect resulted in the survival of only one other major distributor in North America, Diamond Comic Distributors Inc. Then, by
1800-568: A flashback to Jake Gallows' past, he and Deathlok arrive at a location where they are attacked by Deathlok versions of the Savage Avengers. Ultron orders the Deathlok Savage Avengers to dismember them. Deathlok and Jake Gallows struggle against them until Doom 2099 arrives. He tells Deathlok and Jake Gallows to retrieve his time gauntlet while he deals with the Deathlok Savage Avengers. Doom 2099 proceeded to tear through
1920-517: A hard time until Conan strikes Deathlok's arm the same time the madbomb was activated. The injured Deathlok then opens a time portal as everyone is sucked in. Being dropped in a snowy location, Conan tells Agent Anti-Venom and Dagger that they are in the Hyborian Age. Conan, Agent Anti-Venom, and Dagger find themselves in the middle of the Rabirian and Zingaran conflict. He finds out that there
2040-649: A laser sword. Weapon H then siphons Deathlok's gamma battery to briefly assume a Red Hulk form. Conan's group manages to subdue Deathlok as Elektra uses her Hand tricks on Deathlok. This is crashed by Thulsa Doom and his minions who saw Elektra's "necromancy" at work. As Conan fights Thulsa Doom, the others fight Thulsa Doom's minions as Elektra is confronted by the Beast of the Hand. Deathlok suddenly emits energy as he tells something to get out of his head. Conan's group finds that Thulsa Doom's group managed to make off with Conan. At
2160-442: A line of digital comics , Marvel AR, a software application that provides an augmented reality experience to readers and Marvel NOW! , a relaunch of most of the company's major titles with different creative teams. Marvel NOW! also saw the debut of new flagship titles including Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men . In April 2013, Marvel and other Disney conglomerate components began announcing joint projects. With ABC ,
2280-591: A month, maybe more, and ... suddenly we went ... to either eight or 12 books a month, which was all Independent News Distributors would accept from us." The company was briefly renamed to Goodman Comics in 1957 under the distribution deal with Independent News . The first modern comic books under the Marvel Comics brand were the science-fiction anthology Journey into Mystery #69 and the teen-humor title Patsy Walker #95 (both cover dated June 1961), which each displayed an "MC" box on its cover. Then, in
2400-598: A monthly or annual subscription fee. At the December 2007 the New York Anime Fest, the company announcement that Del Rey Manga would published two original English language Marvel manga books featuring the X-Men and Wolverine to hit the stands in spring 2009. In 2009 Marvel Comics closed its Open Submissions Policy, in which the company had accepted unsolicited samples from aspiring comic book artists, saying
2520-469: A new Atlas Comics line, but this lasted only a year and a half. In the mid-1970s a decline of the newsstand distribution network affected Marvel. Cult hits such as Howard the Duck fell victim to the distribution problems, with some titles reporting low sales when in fact the first specialty comic book stores resold them at a later date. But by the end of the decade, Marvel's fortunes were reviving, thanks to
SECTION 20
#17327732996842640-525: A number of different titles. Goodman's business strategy involved having his various magazines and comic books published by a number of corporations all operating out of the same office and with the same staff. One of these shell companies through which Timely Comics was published was named Marvel Comics by at least Marvel Mystery Comics #55 (May 1944). As well, some comics' covers, such as All Surprise Comics #12 (Winter 1946–47), were labeled "A Marvel Magazine" many years before Goodman would formally adopt
2760-543: A reputation for focusing on characterization and adult issues to a greater extent than most superhero comics before them, a quality which the new generation of older readers appreciated. This applied to The Amazing Spider-Man title in particular, which turned out to be Marvel's most successful book. Its young hero suffered from self-doubt and mundane problems like any other teenager, something with which many readers could identify. Stan Lee and freelance artist and eventual co-plotter Jack Kirby 's Fantastic Four originated in
2880-415: A resuscitated Atlantean necromancer appearing in the present-day world and seeking to take it over. This villain is very similar to Thulsa Doom, but is named "Kathulos of Atlantis". A character of the same name is the main antagonist in the 1982 movie Conan the Barbarian . Played by James Earl Jones , the cinematic Thulsa Doom is considerably different from the literary one, who is described as having
3000-447: A room where an artifact was found. In 2099, the Savage Avengers are fleeing from Jake Gallows as Deathlok states to Elektra that his temporal circuits are depleted. As the Savage Avengers are teleported away by Cloak, Jake Gallows suspects that they might have something to do with a Deathlok. A mysterious figure is told about the Savage Avengers as it knows them. As Weapon H holds Deathlok accountable and asks him if he knows what year it is,
3120-547: A safe location, Jake Gallows charges towards the Deathloks with two active grenades in his hands as he sacrifices his life to take them down. As Deathlok gets through to the Deathlok Savage Avengers, he gets disconnected when Ultron arrives. In the nick of time, the Deathlok Savage Avengers fight their programming and arrive where they connect to the Vats of Formula-D as they control the nanobots inside to restore their bodies back to
3240-404: A series of junk bonds that he used to acquire other entertainment companies, secured by MEG stock. Marvel earned a great deal of money with their 1980s children's comics imprint Star Comics and they earned a great deal more money and worldwide success during the comic book boom of the early 1990s, launching the successful 2099 line of comics set in the future ( Spider-Man 2099 , etc.) and
3360-469: A skull-like face. Pre-production drawings showed this version of Thulsa Doom with the skull-like face, but as filmed, he is essentially the classic Conan villain Thoth-Amon , servant of the serpent-god Set. As such, he appears as an ordinary human in the film, though one said to have lived for a thousand years and with the power to transform into an enormous snake. The film earned mixed reviews, but Jones
3480-533: A solid success amidst a generally struggling industry. In 1997, Toy Biz bought Marvel Entertainment Group to end the bankruptcy, forming a new corporation, Marvel Enterprises . With his business partner Avi Arad , publisher Bill Jemas , and editor-in-chief Bob Harras , Toy Biz co-owner Isaac Perlmutter helped stabilize the comics line. In 1998, the company launched the imprint Marvel Knights , taking place “with reduced [Marvel] continuity,” according to one history, with better production quality. The imprint
3600-576: A time, drive-in film monsters another time—and even other comic books, particularly the EC horror line. Atlas also published a plethora of children's and teen humor titles, including Dan DeCarlo 's Homer the Happy Ghost (similar to Casper the Friendly Ghost ) and Homer Hooper (à la Archie Andrews ). Atlas unsuccessfully attempted to revive superheroes from late 1953 to mid-1954, with
3720-562: Is a bounty on him. Elektra and Cloak find themselves in an area fighting opponents and the Hyborian version of Devil Dinosaur. Cloak was able to teleport it away as more opponents descend on them. Deathlok makes his way out of the ocean and gets directed to a blacksmith where he fixes his gun. At a fortress, a group of mercenaries and swashbucklers are honoring Kal-Urr the Cutthroat when it gets crashed by Black Knight and Clayton Cortez. After
Savage Avengers - Misplaced Pages Continue
3840-404: Is a cyborg monstrosity. Dagger leaves D.E.A.T.H.D.O.K. for Agent Anti-Venom and Weapon H to deal with. Jigsaw 2099 proves to be a match for Deathlok and Black Knight. Cloak summons Jake Gallows' vehicles to deal with the attacking Deathloks. D.E.A.T.H.D.O.K. catches up to them while having entangled Agent Anti-Venom and Weapon H in his tentacles. Deathlok takes down D.E.A.T.H.D.O.K. since part of him
3960-740: Is a primary foe of Kull. His first appearance was in Monsters on the Prowl #16. He was often a featured foe in the Marvel Kull comics (for instance, Kull the Conqueror #3 and #7). Thulsa Doom returns in Kull the Conqueror #11, "By This Axe I Rule", based on an original story by Robert E. Howard. Posing as the nobleman Ardyon, he forms an alliance with four rebels within Valusia: the dwarfish Ducalon,
4080-472: Is alive and human again as Uatu narrates that Jacob Gallows ensured that Ultron's future never came to pass by burying Ultron's head in a graveyard to make sure that Alchemax or Stark-Fujikawa doesn't bring him back online. In the present, the Savage Avengers prepare themselves when Fin Fang Foom goes on the attack. When Elektra asks Weapon H as they should be together one last time, Weapon H quotes "Ah, what
4200-528: Is crashed by a member of the Deathlok army who plans to erase Conan for crimes against the timestream. A man tries to mug Clayton Cortez only to find out the hard way that is Weapon H . Black Knight was in a nearby bar until he head to leave to break up the fight. After beating up some villains, Cloak and Dagger soon find themselves drawn to the fight between Conan and Deathlok alongside Agent Anti-Venom, Black Knight, Elektra, and Weapon H. Deathlok gives them
4320-446: Is nobody's weapon. Deathlok provides the distraction that Conan needed to slay Thulsa Doom. With Thulsa Doom dead, all that was left was to deal with Set. Conan states that only the blood of twice-returned men can open the portal to send Set back where he belongs. Conan does that while Deathlok brings Anti-Venom, Black Knight, Cloak and Dagger, and Elektra back to their own time. No matter what legacy Conan left behind, he would know that he
4440-559: Is ruled by a Deathlok version of MODOK called D.E.A.T.H.D.O.K. (short for Digitally Enhanced Autonomous Telepathic Host Designed Only for Killing). Cloak, Elektra, and Jake Gallows infiltrate Hellrock Prison with help from Deathlok and a stolen authentication code while the others provide a diversion. Deathlok's anger gives them away as D.E.A.T.H.D.O.K. is alerted of the situation as he is attacked by an invisible Dagger, Agent Anti-Venom, and Weapon H's Abomination form. Cloak, Deathlok, Elektra, and Jake Gallows are then attacked by Jigsaw 2099 who
4560-641: Is searching for missing people. After they part ways, Doctor Voodoo is captured by the Hand ninjas and they bring him to the Cult Leader in the City of Sickles on the Savage Land, while simultaneously Conan finds Kulan Gath wearing the Eye along with a caged symbiote . The cult leader tells Dr. Voodoo that they are collecting the blood of Warriors in order to summon an Elder God named Jhoatun Lau, who will purge
4680-496: Is subdued, Doom 2099 takes them to the abandoned fortress of Tiger Wylde as he states that he left the Time-Array Gauntlet here for safekeeping. As Doom 2099 interfaces with the fortress' network, too much neural feedback knocks him down. This is because Ultron had arrived first after underestimating Doom 2099 once and he now has possession of the Time-Array Gauntlet. Elektra tells Jake to protect Deathlok as she goes on
4800-462: Is synthetic. Cloak reaches the area where the 2099 version of Doctor Doom is imprisoned and makes a deal with him to become an Avenger. Doom 2099 accepts if it will mean that he'll take his revenge on Ultron. Doom 2099 recalls the day when Ultron and the Deathloks raided his castle in 2091 and took him prisoner. In the present, Doom 2099 is with the Savage Avengers and Jake Gallows as they flee in their Quinjet. Doom 2099 states that they have to obtain
4920-490: Is vastly different. Thulsa Doom first appeared (as Thulses Doom) at the end of the short story "Delcardes' Cat" by Robert E. Howard , which featured the character Kull as the protagonist . Howard later edited the text to include foreshadowing/references to Thulsa Doom (as he had been renamed) throughout the story and changed the title to The Cat and the Skull to reflect this. Editor Patrice Louinet speculated that this change
Savage Avengers - Misplaced Pages Continue
5040-576: The X-Men: The Animated Series which was aired on Fox Kids , they later released Spider-Man: The Animated Series on the network as well. In 1993, Marvel teamed up with Thomas Nelson to create Christian media genre comics, including a Christian superhero named The Illuminator, they made adaptions of Christian novels too, including In His Steps , The Screwtape Letters , and The Pilgrim's Progress . In 1996, Marvel had some of its titles participate in " Heroes Reborn ",
5160-507: The American News Company —which shortly afterward lost a Justice Department lawsuit and discontinued its business. Atlas was left without distribution and was forced to turn to Independent News , the distribution arm of its biggest rival, National (DC) Comics , which imposed draconian restrictions on Goodman's company. As then-Atlas editor Stan Lee recalled in a 1988 interview, "[We had been] turning out 40, 50, 60 books
5280-922: The Avengers , X-Men , Fantastic Four , and Guardians of the Galaxy . Its stable of well-known supervillains includes Doctor Doom , Magneto , Green Goblin , Kingpin , Red Skull , Loki , Ultron , Thanos , Kang the Conqueror , Venom , and Galactus . Most of Marvel's fictional characters operate in a single reality known as the Marvel Universe , with most locations mirroring real-life places; many major characters are based in New York City. Additionally, Marvel has published several licensed properties from other companies. This includes Star Wars comics , twice from 1977 to 1987 , and again since 2015 . Pulp-magazine publisher Martin Goodman created
5400-653: The Celtic hero Cormac Mac Art , another Howard character further expanded by Andrew J. Offutt . Set in the time of King Arthur (though Arthur himself doesn't appear onstage) Thulsa Doom comes back to life after 18,000 years on a sinister deserted island. Recognizing Cormac Mac Art – an Irish adventurer who joined a band of Danish Vikings – as a reincarnation of his old enemy King Kull , Thulsa Doom immediately resumes his ancient vendetta and relentlessly seeks to kill Mac Art. As depicted by Offutt, Thulsa Doom possess remarkable shape-changing powers, being able to take not only
5520-682: The Comics Code Authority (CCA) approval seal, due to the violence depicted in the issue. The CCA, which governed the content of American comic books, rejected the issue, requiring that changes be made. Instead, Marvel simply stopped submitting comics to the CCA. It then established its own Marvel Rating System for comics. Marvel also created new imprints , such as MAX (an explicit-content line) and Marvel Adventures (developed for child audiences). The company also created an alternate universe imprint, Ultimate Marvel , that allowed
5640-515: The Epic Comics imprint for creator-owned material in 1982; introduced company-wide crossover story arcs with Contest of Champions and Secret Wars ; and in 1986 launched the ultimately unsuccessful New Universe line to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Marvel Comics imprint. Star Comics , a children-oriented line differing from the regular Marvel titles, was briefly successful during this period, although hampered by legal action by
5760-644: The Savage Land upon being transported from the Hyborian Age , he started slaying the Hand ninjas, but eventually is approached by Wolverine . After a misunderstanding, they fight, but eventually settled down and explained to each other their motives for being in the Savage Land. Conan has been transported from the Hyborian Age to the Savage Land, and plans to find the Third Eye of Agamotto , while Wolverine
5880-583: The Silver Surfer , and such memorable antagonists as Doctor Doom , Magneto , Galactus , Loki , the Green Goblin , and Doctor Octopus , all existing in a shared reality known as the Marvel Universe , with locations that mirror real-life cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Marvel even lampooned itself and other comics companies in a parody comic, Not Brand Echh (a play on Marvel's dubbing of other companies as "Brand Echh", à la
6000-489: The United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare approached Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Stan Lee to do a comic book story about drug abuse. Lee agreed and wrote a three-part Spider-Man story portraying drug use as dangerous and unglamorous. However, the industry's self-censorship board, the Comics Code Authority , refused to approve the story because of the presence of narcotics, deeming
6120-455: The Watcher (who was narrating this story) as he identifies Deathlok as Miles Morales of Earth-807128. While Uatu congratulates Deathlok for his heroic actions and states that there are others who need him more than Uatu, Deathlok finds himself regressing back to his human form and is returned to his homeworld to enjoy his reward. Miles is reunited with his loved ones. Back in 2099, Jacob Gallows
SECTION 50
#17327732996846240-522: The A.I. Lyla activates and states that they are 2099 and even brings up Jake Gallows while mentioning that he is the Punisher of this period. Agent Anti-Venom states that this Punisher is much crazier than the Punisher they know. The Savage Avengers make their way to the ruins of Avengers Mansion where they are attacked by Deathloks who work for the Prime Deathlok. Deathlok claims that they broke
6360-586: The Annihilation Wave as the Deathlok protocols are restored. Thulsa Doom makes the final preparations to summon Set. In the nick of time, Conan's group shows up with an army of zombified Cimmerians. They fight against Thulsa Doom's cult as Weapon H assumes a Leader -like appearance. Back in Deathlok's flashback, it was shown that Miles was brought before Annihilus as he breaks free and makes off with Annihilus' Cosmic Control Rod. This flashback disrupts
6480-526: The Atlas years, allowing him now to release as many titles as demand warranted. Late that year, he sold Marvel Comics and its parent company, Magazine Management , to the Perfect Film & Chemical Corporation (later known as Cadence Industries) , though he remained as publisher. In 1969, Goodman finally ended his distribution deal with Independent by signing with Curtis Circulation Company . In 1971,
6600-513: The Barbarian in 1970, Red Sonja ), satire ( Howard the Duck ) and science fiction ( 2001: A Space Odyssey , " Killraven " in Amazing Adventures , Battlestar Galactica , Star Trek , and, late in the decade, the long-running Star Wars series). Some of these were published in larger-format black and white magazines, under its Curtis Magazines imprint. Marvel was able to capitalize on its successful superhero comics of
6720-577: The Barbarian title was canceled in 1993 after 275 issues, while the Savage Sword of Conan magazine had lasted 235 issues. Marvel published additional titles including miniseries until 2000 for a total of 650 issues. Conan was picked up by Dark Horse Comics three years later. In a cross-promotion, the November 1, 2006, episode of the CBS soap opera Guiding Light , titled "She's a Marvel", featured
6840-448: The Deathlok Savage Avengers like a knife until Deathlok Black Knight used a device to tap into the vibrational frequency of Doom 2099's armor. Order Jake Gallows to keep his body safe, Deathlok enters cyber-space to reason with the Deathlok Savage Avengers as each one claims that they deserved this fate. Jake Gallows slays different Deathloks while recalling more of his earlier fights with them 10 years earlier. As he places Deathlok's body in
6960-414: The Deathlok re-installation protocols. Thulsa Doom starts heading towards Conan and slits his throat with his sword in order to gain his blood which he uses to summon Set. Deathlok tells his computer that it's "time to put my game face on". As Set starts to go on a rampage, Conan's group confronts Thulsa Doom for what he did to Conan. Deathlok shows up to help them fight Set and Thulsa Doom in order to save
7080-505: The Deathloks while Jake Gallows hacked into Fever's program using a program that can be classified as digital napalm. The Savage Avengers make their way to the central node. Deathlok Prime orders the Deathloks to bring the Savage Avengers to him as he also quotes "There's no room for Avengers in 2099". At Valhalla, Black Knight works on decrypting Ultron's files in order to find some software that can send them back to their own time. He finds that time-travel technology doesn't exist in 2099 due to
7200-418: The Deathloks, Elektra heads to the southwest holding cells where she frees the prisoners there who make up the Savage Avengers 2099. Black Knight brings Ultron into cyberspace where his programming can be rewritten as he strikes Ultron. As Deathlok Jake Gallows tries to eliminate Doom 2099, he starts to suffer from the memories of ten years ago upon Deathlok getting through to him. As Deathlok Jake Gallows attacks
7320-480: The Hand in Japan. A second volume was later released that features Conan, Agent Anti-Venom , Black Knight , Cloak and Dagger , Elektra in her Daredevil appearance, and Weapon H in the Hyborian Age where they combat different opponents there and a Deathlok . Issues four, six, and nine were respectively dedicated in memory of George Pérez , Mike Pasciullo, and Carlos Pacheco . After Conan found himself in
SECTION 60
#17327732996847440-579: The Human Torch (art by Syd Shores and Dick Ayers , variously), the Sub-Mariner (drawn and most stories written by Bill Everett ), and Captain America (writer Stan Lee , artist John Romita Sr. ). Atlas did not achieve any breakout hits and, according to Stan Lee, survived chiefly because it produced work quickly, cheaply, and at a passable quality. In 1957, Goodman switched distributors to
7560-587: The Hyborian Devil Dinosaur. Conan's group gets away as a plan to get back to the present is made known. Word on Conan's return is made known as some cultists use their magic to summon Thulsa Doom so that they can use Conan's blood to issue in a new age of Set . As Conan's group arrives at the Temple of the Beast, Deathlok catches up to them as Elektra has planned. Conan's group fights Deathlok until Black Knight uses Deathlok's technology to summon
7680-553: The Skull" as having a face "like a bare white skull, in whose eye sockets flamed livid fire". He is seemingly invulnerable, boasting after being trampled by one of Kull's comrades that he feels "only a slight coldness" when being injured and will only "pass to some other sphere when [his] time comes". As Thulsa Doom's original story was not published in Howard's lifetime he reused the character as "Kathulos of Atlantis" in his 1929 story Skull-Face . A powerful necromancer , Thulsa Doom
7800-793: The Spider-Mobile, Dagger wields Doctor Spectrum 's Power Prism, and Weapon H wields Absorbing Man's wrecking ball. The attacking Deathloks fell to Jake Gallows and the Savage Avengers. Prime Deathlok is shown to be a form of Ultron . When the Corporate Wars began in 2067, Alchemax successfully reverse-engineered the Deathlok technology. Tyler Stone revealed to the press Formula-D, a nanotech solution that would convert human corpses into Deathloks. He dispatched these Deathloks against his financial competition. Alchemax's rivals at Stark-Fujikara desperately pursued alternative lines of research which would prove to be their fatal mistake when Ultron
7920-760: The Sports Illustrated Building in October 2010. Marvel relaunched the CrossGen imprint, owned by Disney Publishing Worldwide , in March 2011. Marvel and Disney Publishing began jointly publishing Disney/Pixar Presents magazine that May. Marvel discontinued its Marvel Adventures imprint in March 2012, and replaced them with a line of two titles connected to the Marvel Universe TV block . Also in March, Marvel announced its Marvel ReEvolution initiative that included Infinite Comics,
8040-561: The Sunrise", itself the completion by writer Lin Carter of an untitled fragment written by R. E. Howard. Thulsa Doom appears to finally perish at the climax of this story, but he would eventually return as a Conan villain in the pages of Conan and a few issues of Conan's black-and-white magazine, Savage Sword of Conan (issues #190–193). He's apparently immortal and is visualized as a skull-headed sorcerer, or as an albino when taking on
8160-603: The Time-Array Gauntlet that brought him to 2099 if they are ever going to defeat Ultron while Deathlok takes out his old web shooters. A Deathlok attacks the Quinjet as Doom Supreme teleports off the Quinjet. The crash knocks out Cloak as the Savage Avengers are attacked by the Deathloks. Doom 2099 returns and attacks some of the Deathloks as Deathlok pulls Jake Gallows out of the rubble. Then they are attacked by an Ultimo who states that they are trespassing in Latveria. When Ultimo
8280-449: The UK, and later appeared in American comics. During this time, Marvel and the Iowa-based Register and Tribune Syndicate launched a number of syndicated comic strips — The Amazing Spider-Man , Howard the Duck , Conan the Barbarian , and The Incredible Hulk . None of the strips lasted past 1982, except for The Amazing Spider-Man , which is still being published. In 1978, Jim Shooter became Marvel's editor-in-chief. Although
8400-405: The army of Torranna to help him retake the crown of Valusia from Thulsa Doom. In Kull the Destroyer #28, Kull successfully completed the last of the trials, but before he could don the crown, Norra warned him of the curse of Torranna. Thulsa Doom allowed Norra's age to catch up with her, turning her into a shriveled corpse, and then revealed himself to Kull, challenging him to one final battle. In
8520-456: The character Harley Davidson Cooper (played by Beth Ehlers ) as a superheroine named the Guiding Light. The character's story continued in an eight-page backup feature, "A New Light", that appeared in several Marvel titles published November 1 and 8. Also that year, Marvel created a wiki on its Web site. In late 2007 the company launched Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited , a digital archive of over 2,500 back issues available for viewing, for
8640-584: The company later known as Marvel Comics under the name Timely Publications in 1939. Goodman, who had started with a Western pulp in 1933, was expanding into the emerging—and by then already highly popular—new medium of comic books. Launching his new line from his existing company's offices at 330 West 42nd Street, New York City, he officially held the titles of editor , managing editor , and business manager , with Abraham Goodman (Martin's brother) officially listed as publisher. Timely's first publication, Marvel Comics #1 ( cover dated Oct. 1939), included
8760-668: The company to reboot its major titles by revising and updating its characters to introduce to a new generation. Some of the company's properties were adapted into successful film franchises, such as the Men in Black film series (which was based on a Malibu book), starting in 1997, the Blade film series, starting in 1998, the X-Men film series, starting in 2000, and the highest grossing series, Spider-Man , beginning in 2002. Marvel's Conan
8880-442: The company's entire publishing line. This branding pattern, being typically either a full-body picture of the characters' solo titles or a collection of the main characters' faces in ensemble titles, would become standard for Marvel for decades. In 1968, while selling 50 million comic books a year, company founder Goodman revised the constraining distribution arrangement with Independent News he had reached under duress during
9000-579: The context of the story irrelevant. Lee, with Goodman's approval, published the story regardless in The Amazing Spider-Man #96–98 (May–July 1971), without the Comics Code seal. The market reacted well to the storyline, and the CCA subsequently revised the Code the same year. Goodman retired as publisher in 1972 and installed his son, Chip, as publisher. Shortly thereafter, Lee succeeded him as publisher and also became Marvel's president for
9120-541: The creatively daring though commercially unsuccessful Razorline imprint of superhero comics created by novelist and filmmaker Clive Barker . In 1990, Marvel began selling Marvel Universe Cards with trading card maker SkyBox International . These were collectible trading cards that featured the characters and events of the Marvel Universe. The 1990s saw the rise of variant covers , cover enhancements, swimsuit issues , and company-wide crossovers that affected
9240-503: The duo Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal . Goodman hired his wife's 16-year-old cousin, Stanley Lieber, as a general office assistant in 1939. When editor Simon left the company in late 1941, Goodman made Lieber—by then writing pseudonymously as " Stan Lee "—interim editor of the comics line, a position Lee kept for decades except for three years during his military service in World War II . Lee wrote extensively for Timely, contributing to
9360-423: The edge of a river, Deathlok looks at his reflection in the water as it is revealed that he is an aged version of Miles Morales . The aged version of Miles Morales recalls some of his past life before he was turned into a Deathlok by a mysterious person who wants him to hunt Conan. Then his Deathlok protocols start reinstalling. Conan is shown strapped to an X as Thulsa Doom plans to use Conan's blood to bring about
9480-739: The events of the company-wide crossover " Secret Wars " in 2015, a relaunched Marvel universe began in September 2015, called the All-New, All-Different Marvel . Thulsa Doom Thulsa Doom is the prototype for many of the future undead evil wizards in Howard's stories, such as Tsotha-Lanti (in the Conan saga) and Kathulos (in the Skull Face novelette); other living or revenant Howardian practitioners of magic such as Thoth Amon , Thugra Khotan , Kathulos , and Xaltotun bear some psychological similarities to Thulsa Doom even if their actual appearance
9600-640: The fact that the Baxter Building , Stark Unlimited , and the Sanctum Sanctorum are gone while also finding that Alchemax unearthed the Deathlok technology in 2022. Deathlok notes that this was because of when he lost his arm fighting the Savage Avengers back in 2022. Elektra breaks up the fight between Deathlok and Jake Gallows as she finds some names in the archives. At the heavily guarded Hellrock Prison for dissidents of Ultron's rule and has electrostatic generators that negates teleportation, it
9720-521: The fight. Thulsa observed the battle through a magic crystal. Kull and Brule's ship was later attacked by a sea serpent, with which Thulsa may or may not have had anything to do. Kull and the Barbarians lasted for three issues until it was cancelled. In the return of Kull the Destroyer , Thulsa Doom/Ardyon learned of the curse of Torranna (essentially, if a scarred man wore the crown and sat on
9840-526: The first appearance of Carl Burgos ' android superhero the Human Torch , and the first appearances of Bill Everett 's anti-hero Namor the Sub-Mariner , among other features. The issue was a great success; it and a second printing the following month sold a combined nearly 900,000 copies. While its contents came from an outside packager, Funnies, Inc. , Timely had its own staff in place by
9960-402: The following month dropped its comics to 20 cents for 36 pages, offering a lower-priced product with a higher distributor discount. In 1973, Perfect Film & Chemical renamed itself as Cadence Industries and renamed Magazine Management as Marvel Comics Group. Goodman, now disconnected from Marvel, set up a new company called Seaboard Periodicals in 1974, reviving Marvel's old Atlas name for
10080-516: The following year. The company's first true editor, writer-artist Joe Simon , teamed with artist Jack Kirby to create one of the first patriotically themed superheroes, Captain America , in Captain America Comics #1 (March 1941). It, too, proved a hit, with sales of nearly one million. Goodman formed Timely Comics, Inc., beginning with comics cover-dated April 1941 or Spring 1941. While no other Timely character would achieve
10200-417: The form but also the precise mannerisms of Cormac mac Art's close friends. This includes also a perfect sex change ability. On one occasion, Thulsa Doom is able to perfectly imitate Cormac mac Art's girlfriend, speak convincing words of love to a man who knows her well and is in love with her, and engage in full-fledged sex – with the intention of taking Mac Art by surprise and suddenly drawing steel. However, at
10320-505: The hell. We're Avengers now, right? Then lets prove it"! Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City -based comic book publisher , a property of The Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman as Timely Comics , and by 1951 had generally become known as Atlas Comics . The Marvel era began in August 1961 with
10440-487: The illusory appearance of a living man. A similar concept of an undead sorcerer can also be found in the lich from Dungeons & Dragons and other works of fantasy fiction, such as The Sword and the Sorcerer . American company Dynamite Entertainment published a Thulsa Doom mini-series written by Arvid Nelson , with art by Lui Antonio, for a total of four issues in 2009. Thulsa Doom later becomes an enemy of
10560-591: The launch of The Fantastic Four and other superhero titles created by Stan Lee , Jack Kirby , Steve Ditko , and numerous others. The Marvel brand, which had been used over the years and decades, was solidified as the company's primary brand. Marvel counts among its characters such well-known superheroes as Spider-Man , Iron Man , Wolverine , Captain America , Black Widow , Thor , Hulk , Daredevil , Doctor Strange , Black Panther , Captain Marvel , and Deadpool , as well as popular superhero teams such as
10680-495: The middle of the decade, the industry had slumped, and in December 1996 MEG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. In early 1997, when Marvel's Heroes World endeavor failed, Diamond also forged an exclusive deal with Marvel —giving the company its own section of its comics catalog Previews . Marvel in the early to mid-1990s expanded their entries in other media, including Saturday-morning cartoons and various comics collaborations to explore new genres. In 1992, they released
10800-525: The moment of his attack, Thulsa Doom shows his true skull face, enabling Mac Art to realize the deception and save himself at the last moment. Thulsa Doom is also seen as controlling the elements and being able to call up a storm out of a calm sea. While Thulsa Doom cannot be killed – even when pierced by a sword or thrown from a great height – he's vulnerable to steel being driven through his body, such steel acting to imprison him and prevent Doom from getting away. Howard's 1929 novella Skull-Face features
10920-469: The most part and expanded into a wider variety of genres than even Timely had published, featuring horror , Westerns , humor, talking animal , men's adventure -drama, giant monster, crime , and war comics , and later adding jungle books, romance titles, espionage , and even medieval adventure, Bible stories and sports. Goodman began using the globe logo of the Atlas News Company,
11040-416: The name in 1961. The company begin identifying the group of its comic division as Marvel Comic Group , on some comics cover-dated November 1948, when the company set up an in-house editorial board to compete with the likes of DC and Fawcett , even though the legal name is still Timely. The post-war American comic market saw superheroes falling out of fashion. Goodman's comic book line dropped them for
11160-501: The newsstand-distribution company he owned, on comics cover-dated November 1951 even though another company, Kable News , continued to distribute his comics through the August 1952 issues. This globe branding united a line put out by the same publisher, staff and freelancers through 59 shell companies, from Animirth Comics to Zenith Publications. Atlas, rather than innovate, took a proven route of following popular trends in television and films— Westerns and war dramas prevailing for
11280-437: The next issue (also the final issue of the Kull the Destroyer title), Thulsa Doom pulled Kull into a pocket dimension for their final battle. Kull managed to slash Thulsa Doom's face with his sword, but was ultimately overpowered by the necromancer. Thulsa Doom returned them both to Torranna, but Kull rallied long enough to push Thulsa Doom onto the throne and place the crown on his head. His face scarred by Kull, Thulsa fulfilled
11400-532: The offensive against Ultron as he impales her. Jake Gallows and Deathlok go on the attack and knocks them down. Weapon H and Agent Anti-Venom go on the attack as Ultron reduces Agent Anti-Venom to a skeleton and Weapon H to a gray puddle which leaves Dagger devastated. As Ultron throws something at Dagger, Cloak takes the hit. With the Darkforce unleashed, Dagger merges with the Anti-Venom symbiote as it becomes
11520-410: The overall continuity of the Marvel Universe . In early 1992, seven of Marvel’s prized artists — Todd McFarlane (known for his work on Spider-Man ), Jim Lee ( X-Men ), Rob Liefeld ( X-Force ), Marc Silvestri ( Wolverine ), Erik Larsen ( The Amazing Spider-Man ), Jim Valentino ( Guardians of the Galaxy ), and Whilce Portacio ( Uncanny X-Men ) — left to form Image Comics in
11640-403: The owners of the recently defunct Harvey Comics for purposefully plagiarizing their house style. In 1986, Marvel's parent, Marvel Entertainment Group , was sold to New World Entertainment , which within three years sold it to MacAndrews and Forbes , owned by Revlon executive Ronald Perelman in 1989. In 1991 Perelman took MEG public. Following the rapid rise of this stock, Perelman issued
11760-500: The predominantly child audiences of the medium, thus ushering what Marvel later called the Marvel Age of Comics . Modern Marvel's first superhero team, the titular stars of The Fantastic Four #1 (Nov. 1961), broke convention with other comic book archetypes of the time by squabbling, holding grudges both deep and petty, and eschewing anonymity or secret identities in favor of celebrity status. Subsequently, Marvel comics developed
11880-406: The previous decade by acquiring a new newsstand distributor and greatly expanding its comics line. Marvel pulled ahead of rival DC Comics in 1972, during a time when the price and format of the standard newsstand comic were in flux. Goodman increased the price and size of Marvel's November 1971 cover-dated comics from 15 cents for 36 pages total to 25 cents for 52 pages. DC followed suit, but Marvel
12000-418: The prophecy and fell victim to the curse himself. Thulsa's power were drained by his curse as the city of Torranna collapsed, seemingly crushing him. Kull, luckily, escaped, and then returned to Valusia to retake his own throne. Kull would face Thulsa Doom at least one more time, in the pages of Marvel Preview #19 (summer 1979 issue). The script for that issue was an adaptation of the prose tale "Riders beyond
12120-450: The rebirth of Set. Agent Anti-Venom, Black Knight, Cloak and Dagger, Elektra, and Weapon H are trying to find where Thulsa Doom took Conan. As Elektra advises Weapon H to save his strength for when they find Thulsa Doom, Dagger keeps Anti-Venom and Cloak from fighting over her. Deathlok recaps to when he opened a prototype portal that the late Doctor Octopus had created and entered it where he fought some insect-like creatures that are part of
12240-438: The rise of direct market distribution—selling through those same comics-specialty stores instead of newsstands. Marvel ventured into audio in 1975 with a radio series and a record, both had Stan Lee as narrator. The radio series was Fantastic Four . The record was Spider-Man: Rock Reflections of a Superhero concept album for music fans. Marvel held its own comic book convention , Marvelcon '75, in spring 1975, and promised
12360-510: The soldier Enaros, Baron Kanuub, and the minstrel Ridondo, who actually dethroned the hero, and set him on a quest to regain his lost kingdom, in the pages of his own comic, until it was cancelled. Kull resumes his quest in the pages of Kull and the Barbarians , a black-and-white Marvel magazine format (published under the Curtis Magazines imprint). Thulsa Doom sent members of his Black Legion to ambush Kull and Brule, though they won
12480-611: The success of these three characters, some notable heroes—many of which continue to appear in modern-day retcon appearances and flashbacks—include the Whizzer , Miss America , the Destroyer , the original Vision , and the Angel . Timely also published one of humor cartoonist Basil Wolverton 's best-known features, " Powerhouse Pepper ", as well as a line of children's talking animal comics featuring characters like Super Rabbit and
12600-433: The then-common phrase "Brand X"). Originally, the company's publications were branded by a minuscule "Mc" on the upper right-hand corner of the covers. However, artist/writer Steve Ditko put a larger masthead picture of the title character of The Amazing Spider-Man on the upper left-hand corner on issue #2 that included the series' issue number and price. Lee appreciated the value of this visual motif and adapted it for
12720-440: The throne, he would be unable to ever leave the throne), which he determined to bestow upon Kull. To this end, he took on the aspect of the god of Torranna and advised its inhabitants how best to bring this about. Thulsa Doom manipulated Garn-Nak, Karr-Lo-Zann, and Norra of Torranna. They drew Kull into Torranna and had him undergo a series of trials to gain the crown of Torranna. Kull sought the crown because he believed he could use
12840-409: The time gauntlet, Ultron proceeds to attack Deathlok as the time portal starts to close. Deathlok uses his web shooters to obtain one of the Deathlok arms which he uses to erase Ultron as the timestream buckled and crashed into reality like a wave. The Savage Avengers return to their own time as they note that Deathlok was at the center of the temporal shockwave. Deathlok then arrives in the lair of Uatu
12960-439: The time-consuming review process had produced no suitably professional work. The same year, the company commemorated its 70th anniversary, dating to its inception as Timely Comics , by issuing the one-shot Marvel Mystery Comics 70th Anniversary Special #1 and a variety of other special issues. On August 31, 2009, The Walt Disney Company announced it would acquire Marvel Comics' parent corporation, Marvel Entertainment, for
13080-423: The timestream. He starts by using his gamma battery to have Weapon H assume a Leader/Red Hulk/Harpy-like appearance. After saving Dagger, Agent Anti-Venom assumes a Symbiote Dragon-like form. Black Knight obtains the ceremonial blade as he becomes Bloodwraith while Dagger uses her light abilities to heal and revive Conan. As Thulsa Doom outmatches Deathlok, Conan fights Thulsa Doom as Elektra tells Black Knight that he
13200-506: The timestream. Jake Gallows shows up and notes that the Deathlok with the Savage Avengers is not with the Prime Deathlok. As Jake Gallows and Deathlok fight the Deathloks, the Savage Avengers make their way into Avengers Mansion where they make use of its equipment. Elektra wields Archangel 's wings, Black Knight finds himself wielding the Ebony Blade while riding a hoverbike, Cloak wields Doctor Octopus ' tentacles, Agent Anti-Venom rides
13320-530: The wake of DC Comics ' success in reviving superheroes in the late 1950s and early 1960s, particularly with the Flash , Green Lantern , Batman , Superman , Wonder Woman , Green Arrow , and other members of the team the Justice League of America , Marvel followed suit. In 1961, writer-editor Stan Lee revolutionized superhero comics by introducing superheroes designed to appeal to older readers than
13440-434: The way they were before they were converted into Deathloks. Elektra's Daredevil form quotes "If you think you're going to rule the timestream, you'll have to go through us first". As Ultron strangles Deathlok, the Savage Avengers save him as they and Doom 2099 fight the Deathloks with Weapon H stating that he can finally regain his human form again. Ultron has Doom 2099 attacked by a Deathlok version of Jake Gallows. To combat
13560-451: The world from mortals and bring his worshipers with him in his palace. Wolverine arrives, but is unsuccessful in saving Doctor Voodoo. Then the Hand ninjas revealed that they have exhumed the coffins of Punisher 's family. Conan breaks into a Cult of Set while Agent Anti-Venom and Elektra 's Daredevil appearance find out about the madbomb that the Set cultists planned to unleash. The battle
13680-587: The world of [rival DC Comics '] Superman comic books, communism did not exist. Superman rarely crossed national borders or involved himself in political disputes. From 1962 to 1965, there were more communists [in Marvel Comics] than on the subscription list of Pravda . Communist agents attack Ant-Man in his laboratory, red henchmen jump the Fantastic Four on the moon, and Viet Cong guerrillas take potshots at Iron Man. All these elements struck
13800-623: Was Kirby's artwork with its tension and psychedelia that made it perfect for the times—or was it Lee's bravado and melodrama, which was somehow insecure and brash at the same time? In addition to Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, Marvel began publishing further superhero titles featuring such heroes and antiheroes as the Hulk , Thor , Ant-Man , Iron Man , the X-Men , Daredevil , the Inhumans , Black Panther , Doctor Strange , Captain Marvel and
13920-401: Was an Avenger and his legacy would live forever. Once everyone is back in the present, Weapon H states that he can't change back to his human form while Agent Anti-Venom, Black Knight, and Dagger find that there's something wrong with this place. They discover that they are actually in year 2099 and are confronted by Jake Gallows who wants to know who they are. In 2022, two scientist enter
14040-413: Was because Howard had originally intended Kuthulos (whom Doom impersonated in this story) to be the actual villain before coming up with Thulsa Doom near the story's completion. This version was submitted to Weird Tales in 1928, but it was not accepted. The story did not see print until 1967 in the paperback King Kull published by Lancer Books . Thulsa Doom is described by Howard in "The Cat and
14160-487: Was helmed by soon-to-become editor-in-chief Joe Quesada ; it featured tough, gritty stories showcasing such characters as the Daredevil , the Inhumans , and Black Panther . With the new millennium, Marvel Comics emerged from bankruptcy and again began diversifying its offerings. X-Force #116 X-Force #119 (October 2001) was the first Marvel Comics title since The Amazing Spider-Man #96–98 in 1971 to not have
14280-645: Was reactivated. By 2099, the Deathloks have assimilated over 75% of the human population into their ranks. The Deathloks carved the future into their own image. As Ultron became Deathlok Prime, he managed to subdue the Public Eye who were used as a diversion so that Jake Gallows and the Savage Avengers can make their move. The Scourge of the Digital World named Fever calculates the Fever Protocols to be 99/87%. The Savage Avengers fight their way passed
14400-436: Was singled out for praise by some critics who said his performance was reminiscent of Jim Jones , a cult leader whose hold on his followers was such that hundreds of them obeyed his orders to commit suicide. In July 2008, Dynamite Entertainment announced that Djimon Hounsou signed to co-produce and star as Thulsa Doom in a film version based on the comic books, rather than Robert E. Howard's original incarnation, although
#683316